"So this is Swilvane…" Hachiman said, his eyes wide.
"It's huge…" Kirito added, equally awestruck.
"Yup, this is our Sylph capital, Swilvane—also known as the Emerald Capital!" Leafa said proudly.
Hachiman and Kirito glanced around, taking in the vibrant city with fascination. Normally, visiting another race's capital could invite hostility, but Leafa's reputation as a renowned player seemed to keep trouble at bay. No one bothered them.
Hachiman and Kirito exchanged hushed words, careful to keep their voices low so Leafa wouldn't hear.
"This place is nothing like the towns in SAO," Hachiman whispered.
"Pure fantasy vibes," Kirito replied, grinning.
"Hm? Did you say something?" Leafa asked, turning toward them.
Hachiman scrambled to cover. "Uh, just saying how gorgeous this city is."
"That central tower looks like the tallest thing around," Kirito added, pointing.
"That's the Tower of Wind," Leafa explained. "It's where we launch from for long-distance flights to cover more ground."
"There are smaller towers too," Hachiman noted. "Are those connected passages walkable?"
"Yup, they're open pathways you can cross freely," Leafa said.
"Man, this place is overwhelming…" Hachiman said, almost to himself.
"Isn't the Spriggan capital themed like an ancient city?" Leafa asked. "Is it that different?"
The question caught them off guard—they'd never actually been there. Hachiman opted for a safe response.
"Scale's about the same, but it's a bit… plainer compared to this," he said.
"Got it," Leafa said. "I'd love to check it out someday. If you get the chance, will you show me around?"
"Uh, sure, if we get the chance," Hachiman said, hedging.
"Count on it!" Leafa said with a smile.
Hachiman and Kirito felt a twinge of guilt for the vague answer, but Yui, tucked discreetly in Hachiman's pocket, whispered to them.
"Papa, Big Bro Kirito, if we ever get close to the Spriggan capital, I can guide you, so no worries!"
"Nice one, Yui," Kirito murmured.
"No idea if we'll ever go, but that's a huge help," Hachiman added quietly.
"Leave it to me!" Yui chirped.
They doubted they'd visit anytime soon—probably not until their mission was over—but Yui's offer eased their minds. They wouldn't have to let Leafa down.
"Alright, let's gear up," Leafa said. "I'll take you to a shop. What's your budget?"
"Uh, no limit, basically," Hachiman said.
Leafa blinked, stunned. "You two are loaded. You must've grinded hard before your break…"
"Something like that," Kirito said with a shrug.
"Then I'll take you to the shop with the best high-end gear," Leafa said.
"Thanks, Leafa," Kirito said.
"You're Yukino's friends, right? That makes us friends too," Leafa said. "No need for thanks—it's what friends do."
"Let us say thanks anyway," Hachiman insisted.
"Fine, you're welcome!" Leafa said, laughing.
The trio headed to a shop selling equipment. Hachiman and Kirito, like typical guys, got visibly excited, picking up various items and debating their merits with enthusiasm. Leafa, clearly a gear enthusiast herself, joined in with equal excitement.
"Decided on anything?" Leafa asked. "You can test-swing weapons in that area over there if you want."
"They've got a test area? Nice," Hachiman said. "What do you think, Kirito? Wanna give it a swing?"
"Might as well," Kirito said. "Gotta make sure the feel's right, or it'll throw us off later."
"Let's do it," Leafa said, leading them to an open plaza attached to the shop.
"Go nuts, you two," Leafa said. "I'll be checking out the armor section."
"Thanks, Leafa," Hachiman said. "We'll keep it quick so you're not waiting long."
"No rush," Leafa said, smiling. "Take your time to find weapons that suit you perfectly."
With that, Leafa headed back into the shop.
"Alright, let's try these out," Kirito said, gripping a sword.
"I picked ones with a balance like Elucidator and Dark Repulser," Kirito said, "but you never know until you swing. Let's try Starburst Stream, no system assist."
"Good call," Hachiman said. "No one's around, so now's the time. If someone saw that move, we'd stick out like sore thumbs."
"Here goes…" Kirito said, focusing.
Back in SAO, Kirito had trained relentlessly to master sword skills without system assistance, swinging his blade thousands of times to burn the movements into his body. That muscle memory held strong. He executed Starburst Stream flawlessly, the blade tracing its familiar arcs.
"Damn, Kirito," Hachiman said, impressed. "Looked perfect. No issues?"
"Since ALO doesn't have sword skills, it's all about linking attacks smoothly and adapting to the enemy's moves," Kirito said. "The lack of attack buffs stings, but the balance feels good. Really nostalgic."
"I barely noticed any difference from back then," Hachiman said. "How's yours?"
"Weight doesn't matter much for my style, so I'm good," Hachiman said. "Just went with a heavier dagger in my left hand to parry stronger attacks."
"You sticking with that dagger?" Kirito asked.
"Yup," Hachiman said. "Your sword's kinda huge, though, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I picked it for weight, but it ended up a bit bigger," Kirito admitted. "As long as I keep the extra reach in mind, it'll be fine."
"Fair, but you can only carry one on your back now," Hachiman pointed out.
"No big deal," Kirito said. "I'll keep the second one out during fights."
Kirito paid for his swords, stowing one in his storage and slinging the other across his back.
"Picking perfect weapons on the first try, huh?" Hachiman said. "Guess our instincts haven't rusted."
"Good thing our bodies remember," Kirito said. "Let's go find Leafa."
"Got it."
They rejoined Leafa and moved on to armor. Prioritizing mobility and color over design, they quickly settled on their choices—both, unsurprisingly, in black.
"You both went with black armor, huh?" Leafa noted, amused.
"Kirito's just indulging his aesthetic," Hachiman said. "For me, it's practical. Dark colors suit my stealthy, assassin-type style."
"Assassin-type, huh…" Leafa said, tilting her head.
"You saw how I fought, right?" Hachiman said.
"I didn't get a clear look, but yeah, you blended into the shadows and struck," Leafa said. "That's your vibe."
"Kirito's a straight-up brawler, so black's just his taste," Hachiman teased.
"Yup," Leafa said, giggling.
"Hey, I can't deny it…" Kirito said, scratching his head.
"Well, gear's sorted," Leafa said. "How about we head to the Tower of Wind?"
"Hell yeah," Kirito said. "I wanna try flying from it."
"You're both guys, so don't get spooked by the height, okay?" Leafa teased.
"Look who's talking, Kirito," Hachiman said. "Don't chicken out."
"You don't chicken out," Kirito shot back.
"Haha, this way!" Leafa said, leading them onward.
They followed Leafa up the Tower of Wind. At the top, a breathtaking view unfolded before them.
"Wow, this is unreal," Hachiman said, taking in the panorama.
"The Emerald Capital lives up to its name," Kirito said. "Gorgeous."
"It's our pride and joy!" Leafa said, beaming.
"Damn right it's worth bragging about…" Hachiman trailed off, his senses sharpening. "Hold up."
"What's wrong, Hachiman-kun?" Leafa asked.
"Someone's coming this way," he said.
Kirito and Leafa turned toward the staircase they'd just climbed. No one was visible at first, but soon, a group of men appeared, ascending the steps.
"That's some range you've got, Hachiman-kun," Leafa said, impressed.
"It's my one trick," Hachiman said with a shrug.
"Leafa-chaaan!" a voice called out.
"Recon?" Leafa said. "And Sigurd's group too?"
The approaching players were clearly Leafa's acquaintances. Hachiman and Kirito gave polite nods and stepped back.
"Leafa-chan, there you are!" Recon said.
"You guys heading out to hunt?" Leafa asked.
"Yeah, something like that," Recon replied.
"Hey, Leafa," Sigurd cut in, his tone sharp. "You ditched our invite to hang out with some Spriggans? What's the deal?"
Leafa bristled at his tone but tried to explain. "This is for Yukino's—"
Sigurd interrupted, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're in my party. Stop doing whatever you want."
"What…" Leafa's eyes narrowed.
Sensing the tension escalating, Recon jumped in. "H-hey, Leafa-chan, you're free to hunt with us tomorrow, right?"
"Sorry, I'm guiding these two tomorrow too," Leafa said.
Sigurd's irritation flared. "Don't mess around. Just shut up and do what I say."
That pushed Leafa over the edge. She stepped forward, ready to snap back, but someone cut in between her and Sigurd—Kirito.
"Kirito-kun, stay back, it's dangerous," Leafa warned.
"I'm fine," Kirito said calmly, turning to Sigurd. "You're the one messing around. Leafa's not your tool."
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