SAO, the other player's Perspective

The thirteenth floor of Aincrad was far more dangerous than Elena had expected. What was supposed to be a simple gathering quest had slowly led her deeper into the forest, where towering trees blocked out much of the afternoon sun. She had been so focused on collecting materials that she hadn't noticed the warning signs until it was too late. A low growl echoed through the woods. Then another. A pack of monsters emerged from the undergrowth, surrounding her from every direction. Elena tightened her grip on her short sword and raised her shield, her heart pounding against her chest. "I... I can do this..." She fought with everything she had. Each swing forced a monster back. Every successful block bought another precious second. But she was still inexperienced. Her stamina dwindled, her breathing became ragged, and her arms grew heavier with every strike. One careless step sent her stumbling backward until her back collided with the crumbling remains of an ancient stone wall. There was nowhere left to run. The monsters charged. A flash of steel tore through the battlefield. One after another, the creatures shattered into blue polygons before they could reach her. Someone had stepped between her and the pack. A young man wearing a long white overcoat trimmed in sapphire blue stood with a longsword in hand. His movements were calm, fluid, and impossibly precise. There was no panic or wasted motion—every strike flowed naturally into the next as though he'd performed them a thousand times before. Above him, a small azure drake darted through the air with remarkable speed, swooping low whenever a monster attempted to slip past him. Together, the pair moved in perfect harmony, never allowing a single creature to get close to Elena. She could only watch. Every monster that lunged toward her was intercepted. Every opening was covered. For the first time since the battle had begun... she felt safe. Within moments, the forest grew quiet once more as the last monster dissolved into shimmering fragments. The stranger calmly sheathed his sword before retrieving a recovery crystal from his pouch. He gently placed it into Elena's hand, allowing its warm light to wash over her injuries before offering his hand to help her back to her feet. Still trying to steady her breathing, Elena looked up at the man who had just saved her life. "...Thank you." She lowered her gaze for a moment before smiling softly. "I... I don't think 'thank you' is enough after what you just did." Her fingers nervously played with a loose strand of ginger hair. "So... if you aren't busy... would you let me buy you dinner? It's the least I can do."

Creator

Koniki Momochi@WoodyGulf7193

Release Date 2026.08.06 / Last Updated 2026.08.06