"Whoa, hell yeah!" Hachiman bellowed, soaring through the air.
"Woooo!" Kirito echoed, his voice brimming with exhilaration.
The two glided with infectious enthusiasm, clearly reveling in the thrill.
"You guys are naturals!" Leafa called out, her voice carrying over the wind.
"Feels like a rollercoaster!" Kirito shouted back.
"The rush is unreal!" Hachiman added.
Leafa laughed. "Good thing neither of you has a fear of heights! Oh, heads up—we're landing soon!"
"Got it!" Hachiman replied.
"Roger that!" Kirito said.
The trio gradually slowed their descent, touching down gracefully on the ground.
"Nice landing!" Leafa said, impressed. "Most people fumble that part."
"Flying and landing? No big deal," Kirito said with a shrug.
"Yeah, we could probably keep gliding forever," Hachiman added.
"You guys adapt fast," Leafa said, then her eyes lit up with realization. "Oh, right! You both used to play a ton back in the day, didn't you? I guess this is second nature."
"Uh, yeah… just muscle memory kicking in," Kirito said, exchanging a quick glance with Hachiman.
"Y-Yeah, exactly," Hachiman agreed, nodding a bit too eagerly.
Leafa tilted her head, sensing their vague responses but letting it slide.
The three sat in a circle to discuss the earlier events.
"Hey, Leafa," Hachiman began, his tone serious. "If you were in Sigurd's shoes and wanted to ambush Yukino's group, how would you do it?"
"Hmm…" Leafa thought for a moment. "The Sylphs alone wouldn't cut it. No one would join me."
"Because of what happened when Yukino got her title?" Kirito asked.
"Yeah. That story's pretty famous among the Sylphs and Cait Siths," Leafa said. "If anyone suggested attacking Yukino, both races would flat-out refuse."
"So, the most likely move would be leaking info to the Salamanders, right?" Hachiman said.
"If we're assuming an attack, yeah, that's probably the only option," Leafa said, her voice tinged with reluctance. "I don't want to think Sigurd would go that far, but…"
Her words trailed off, a flicker of pain crossing her face. Despite everything, she and Sigurd had shared some good times in their party.
"Still, the more likely target is us, right?" Kirito said, glancing at Hachiman.
"Yeah," Hachiman agreed. "He asked where we're meeting Yukino so he could hit us before we link up. Sounds like his style."
"That does feel more realistic," Leafa said, nodding. "If I were the target, some Sylphs might join in—maybe people I beat in the tournament. If they hide their faces, no one would know who did it."
"So, compared to Yukino's reputation, we're less intimidating?" Kirito asked.
"Pretty much," Leafa said. "That's the vibe."
"Could they hit both groups at once?" Hachiman mused. "Like, Salamanders take Yukino's crew, Sylphs take us. Or maybe Salamanders for both."
"That's possible," Leafa agreed. "It's not out of the question."
"Alright, let's plan with that in mind," Hachiman said, closing his eyes to think.
Leafa watched him curiously, while Kirito, used to Hachiman's strategizing, leaned back casually.
"Hey, Kirito-kun," Leafa said softly. "Is Hachiman-kun always the brains of the operation?"
"Yeah," Kirito replied with a grin. "Not that I'm lazy or anything. Hachiman's just too reliable, so I don't get much chance to overthink."
"Got it," Leafa said, smiling.
"By the way, he's no slouch in a fight either," Kirito added. "Not that I'm planning to lose to him."
"Oh, I know you're both strong," Leafa said. "I saw that in the last fight. Honestly, anyone attacking you two feels kind of… pitiful."
"And now you're with us," Kirito said. "Once we join up with Yukino-san's group, we'll be unstoppable."
"Yeah," Hachiman said, opening his eyes. "With an unknown number of enemies, that's our best bet."
"Done thinking already? That was fast," Kirito said, impressed.
"It's not that complicated this time," Hachiman replied. "Here's the plan: we leak fake info to Sigurd to throw him off, link up with Yukino's group, and then crush whoever comes at us."
"Simple and sweet," Kirito said, nodding.
"Sounds good," Leafa agreed. "Hachiman, where's a good spot to meet on this side of the corridor?"
"Probably Lugru," Leafa said after a moment. "It's the best spot."
"How long would it take Yukino's party to get from the other side of the corridor to Lugru?" Hachiman asked.
"With their group? About two hours, I'd say," Leafa replied.
"Got it. Leafa, can you message Yukino and ask her to rotate out?" Hachiman said. "I'll log out and call her directly to explain."
"That's faster, yeah," Leafa said. "Give me a sec."
"Thanks. I'll wait on the other side," Hachiman said.
"Alright," Kirito said.
Hachiman logged out, and Leafa sent a quick message to Yukino, who excused herself from her party and logged out to call Hachiman.
"Hey, sorry for the hassle," Hachiman said over the phone. "Things got complicated."
"No problem," Yukino replied. "What happened?"
Hachiman recounted the encounter with Sigurd in detail.
"So, that's the guy's game," Yukino said, her tone cool. "You know him?"
"We met once," Yukino said. "He tried to recruit me. I turned him down."
"Of course. You already had your own crew," Hachiman said. "Notice anything about him?"
"He was obviously chasing clout," Yukino said. "Wanted me in his party to boost his rep."
"Figures," Hachiman said. "That's his type."
"I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to take us all out in one go," Yukino said.
"Got any specifics?" Hachiman asked.
"When I rejected him, I did it in front of a crowd—and I wasn't gentle," Yukino admitted. "He came at me all cocky, so I shut him down hard."
"Poetic justice," Hachiman said with a chuckle.
"So, yeah, he probably hates my guts," Yukino said.
"Alright, let's talk logistics," Hachiman said. "With the enemy's numbers unclear, I say we meet in Lugru earlier than planned and wipe them out. Thoughts?"
"I'm in," Yukino said without hesitation.
"Our party's weak point is our frontline," she continued. "But you've got strong vanguards. Once we combine forces, we could take on twice our number and still win."
"Twice? So, like, fourteen people?" Hachiman asked.
"Actually, I might've lowballed it," Yukino said. "We could probably handle thirty."
"Thirty?" Hachiman said, stunned.
"Maybe more, depending on terrain and their setup," Yukino added. "But we'd need to factor that in."
"You're awfully confident," Hachiman said, half-laughing.
"If I say we can do it, we can," Yukino said firmly. "I don't make empty promises."
"Fair enough," Hachiman said, trusting her judgment. "So, Yui-Yui anchors the frontline with Kirito and Leafa on the wings. You and Iroha handle the backline, with Komachi and me as mobile guards. Hard to beat that setup."
"You're right," Yukino said. "And don't worry about my MP management. I've got it covered."
"Your confidence is unreal," Hachiman said, impressed.
"We'll push to Lugru tomorrow," Yukino said. "We're almost at Arun, so we'll rest there, then keep moving to close the distance. We'll hit a safe zone en route."
"Sorry to push you when you're already beat," Hachiman said.
"Don't sweat it," Yukino replied. "This is just shaking off some sparks for the sake of our goal."
"Thanks, Yukino. Pass my gratitude to the others," Hachiman said. "Talk soon."
"Will do," Yukino said.
Back in the game, Hachiman relayed the plan to Kirito and Leafa. Leafa messaged Recon, giving him the real schedule and instructing him to feed Sigurd a fake, much later arrival time. The trio then returned to Sylvein to log out safely.
"If we did all this and nothing happens, it'll be kinda hilarious," Hachiman said with a smirk.
"Wouldn't mind an easy day," Kirito replied.
"Alright, you two, see you tomorrow!" Leafa said cheerfully.
"Yeah, later," Hachiman said.
"Catch you tomorrow, Leafa," Kirito added.
With that, the three logged out. As their avatars faded, a hooded player sprinted toward them, calling out—but they were already gone. The player glanced around, shoulders slumping in disappointment.
"Missed them…" they muttered. "Oh well, I'll definitely see them tomorrow. Guess I'll save the excitement for then."
With a quiet sigh, the player slipped away into the distance.
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Chapter 107: The Day of Convergence - Reunion
The morning sun heralded a long day ahead. Having completed their daily training regimen, Hachiman and Kirito were steadily preparing to log into ALO.
"Hey, I wonder how Klein and the others are doing," Hachiman mused.
"According to Yosino, they've made contact," Kirito replied. "We should be seeing them soon."
"No way! Are they ready to log into ALO?" Hachiman's eyes lit up.
"Sounds like Yosino arranged the software for them, so they'll be online in no time," Kirito said with a grin.
"Hell yeah! Team Hachiman's making a comeback in ALO!" Hachiman pumped his fist.
"When did we become 'Team Hachiman'?" Kirito raised an eyebrow.
"It's just a placeholder, man," Hachiman chuckled. "Hey, Kirito, once everything's settled, what if we started a guild in ALO? Back in SAO, I know Asuna, Lisbeth, and probably even I wanted to join a guild you'd lead."
"So that's how it was, huh?" Kirito scratched his head, a sheepish smile forming. "Kinda feel bad about that."
"Nah, things were crazy back then. No helping it," Hachiman said, waving it off. "If you're cool with it, let's make it happen this time."
"Deal. I'll look into it," Kirito nodded.
"Honestly, coming up with a guild name's gonna be the hardest part," Hachiman admitted.
"Tell me about it. I'm the type to overthink that stuff," Kirito laughed.
"Anyway, it's almost time to meet Leafa," Hachiman said, glancing at the clock. "Today's probably gonna be packed with events, so let's bring our A-game. This is the first step to saving Asuna and Lisbeth."
"Right. Let's do this!" Kirito said, his voice brimming with resolve.
As the appointed time arrived, the two logged into ALO. Outside the inn, Leafa came running, waving enthusiastically.
"You two ready? Today's gonna be intense. Got your game faces on?" she asked, her tone lively but serious.
"Locked and loaded!" Kirito shot back.
"I'm good to go," Hachiman added calmly.
"Kirito, you're as hyped as ever," Leafa teased. "Hachiman, cool as a cucumber, huh?"
"Don't let the face fool you. I'm a bit on edge," Hachiman admitted.
"Really?" Leafa tilted her head.
"Yeah. We've got combat and alliance negotiations coming up," Hachiman explained.
"Oh, right! Recon sent a report," Leafa said. "After subtly passing along our timing, Sigurd was apparently sneaking off to contact someone. He's been in a suspiciously good mood since."
"Shady as hell," Hachiman muttered. "Looks like a fight's inevitable."
"Recon said he's sticking around to keep spying since something's still bugging him," Leafa added.
"We owe Recon big time," Kirito said. "Alright, you two, let's move out!"
"Got it," Hachiman and Leafa replied in unison.
The trio ascended the Tower of Wind, reaching its summit. The view from the top was nothing short of breathtaking—a sprawling vista that stretched endlessly before them.
"You two think you can keep up with me?" Leafa challenged, a playful glint in her eye.
"Question is, can you keep up with us?" Kirito shot back, smirking.
"Big talk! Here we go!" Leafa laughed.
"Let's show her what we've got!" Kirito called.
"Don't burn out too fast, Kirito," Hachiman warned.
"I got this. Let's fly!" Kirito replied.
With that, the three took flight toward the city of Lugru. Leafa was undeniably fast, her wings cutting through the air with precision. But Hachiman and Kirito kept pace effortlessly, flying side by side, which left Leafa a touch dejected mid-flight.
"I was pretty confident in my flying, you know," she muttered.
"Don't sweat it," Kirito said lightly. "We're barely keeping up as it is."
"Really?" Leafa glanced at them.
"Yeah," Hachiman chimed in. "Flying's one thing, but our extra movements probably tire our wings out faster than yours."
"Always the analyst, huh?" Leafa smiled.
"But when it comes to top speed, I'm not losing," Hachiman declared, accelerating with a burst of speed.
"Oh, it's on!" Kirito grinned, matching his pace.
Leafa scrambled to keep up but gradually fell behind. "Ugh, you guys are fast," she groaned, a mix of frustration and admiration in her voice. "Kinda stings to lose like this."
She pushed herself to chase them, but the race didn't last long. Hachiman and Kirito soon landed, their wings fatigued from the sprint. Leafa touched down beside them.
"Guess you were right, Hachiman," Kirito said, catching his breath.
"I could probably keep going a bit longer," Leafa admitted.
"We covered a lot of ground, but it definitely took a toll," Hachiman noted.
"Let's take a breather," Leafa suggested.
Just then, Yui's voice piped up, sharp with urgency. "Papa! Someone's following us!"
"Pursuers or just tailing us?" Kirito asked.
"Two people, Papa," Yui reported.
"Only two, huh? Probably just trackers," Hachiman said. "Yui, are they heading straight for us?"
"No, it looks like they landed a ways back," Yui replied.
"Definitely tailing us, then," Kirito said. "We need them to keep following until we reach Lugru to spring the trap on Sigurd."
"As long as they don't attack, they're no threat," Hachiman added.
"Let's not worry about them and take our break," Leafa said.
After resting until their wings recovered, the trio took off again. After several such cycles, the silhouette of a city came into view.
"That's Lugru," Leafa announced.
"Finally," Kirito said, exhaling.
"Got here faster than I expected," Hachiman remarked.
"No interruptions helped," Leafa pointed out.
"Yui, are our shadows still with us?" Kirito asked.
"Yes, Papa. They're keeping their distance," Yui confirmed.
"Perfect. Let's head into the city," Kirito said. "Leafa, get in touch with Yukino and the others."
The trio entered Lugru. Leafa slipped away to contact Yukino's group before their pursuers caught up.
"Papa, the two from earlier are here," Yui whispered. "One's behind the inn, the other's behind a tree to your rear."
"Yui, check if they're watching us without being obvious," Kirito instructed.
Yui peeked out from Hachiman's pocket, climbing to his shoulder for a subtle glance. "They're sneaking looks at us. Definitely surveillance," she reported.
"Waiting for us to log in, tailing us across a long distance, and now staking us out? Talk about dedication," Hachiman said dryly.
"Look, Leafa's back," Kirito said, waving her over.
Leafa jogged toward them, waving back. "Yukino's group is here as planned. I'll take you to them."
"Hang on," Hachiman said. "Those guys are still watching us."
"Where?" Leafa asked, craning her neck.
"Yui says one's behind the inn, the other's behind the tree back there," Kirito explained.
Leafa started to turn, but Hachiman stopped her. "Don't look. Act natural. Maybe slap your cheeks like you're psyching up and peek through your fingers. If you recognize them, stretch casually to signal me."
"Got it," Leafa said. "Alright, time to get pumped!" She slapped her cheeks, glancing through her fingers. Confirming their identities, she stretched dramatically.
Hachiman caught the signal and raised his voice for their eavesdroppers. "Alright, let's head to Lugru Corridor in an hour. Yukino's group should arrive on the other side by the time we break through."
Kirito and Leafa nodded, emphasizing the timeline. "One hour, got it," Kirito said.
"Yep, one hour!" Leafa echoed.
The two observers, hearing this, made a show of contacting someone before slipping away.
"Trap's set," Hachiman said with a smirk.
"Those two are Sigurd's lackeys," Leafa said. "Not in his party, but I've seen them around."
"You think Sigurd's really gonna make a move?" Kirito asked.
"Hard to say," Leafa replied. "But sending people just to confirm our plans? Seems like he's up to something."
"If you know him that well, he probably is," Hachiman said.
"We've only got an hour, so let's meet up with Yukino's group," Leafa urged.
"Lead the way, Leafa," Hachiman said.
Leafa guided them to an inn near the corridor's exit, where Yukino's group had secured a spacious room. Hachiman kept an eye out with Yui's help, but no suspicious figures appeared. They reached the inn without incident, reuniting with their allies as planned.
"Sorry for dragging you all into this," Hachiman said, bowing deeply.
"Really, we owe you an apology," Kirito added, following suit.
"Don't worry, big brother! Komachi's got plenty of fight left!" Komachi chirped.
"Senpai, Kirito, I'm totally fine!" Lisbeth declared.
"Hachiman, Kirito, the real challenge starts now. Let's do this!" Klein said, pumping his fist.
"Raise your heads, both of you," Yukino said firmly. "This is our fight too. We'll follow your lead, Hachiman, and give it everything we've got. But I'll speak up if I think something's off—I'm not here to just nod along."
Hachiman struggled for words, overwhelmed. "I… thanks, everyone."
Kirito clapped Hachiman's back with a grin. Leafa watched the scene, her eyes tinged with quiet envy.
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