--- Akira---
"It's over, Kirito."
The words left my mouth not as a statement of conviction but as an unalterable verdict.
No matter what Kirito did, the outcome could not be changed.
"Don't fuck with me! I still have more to go!" Kirito roared, his voice echoing with rage and desperation.
In response, I sighed, almost feeling pity for him.
[You have understood a core concept of the Talent, Sword]
[Awakening: 17% ➔ 20%]
[Your Awakening Rate has surpassed the required threshold—]
.
.
.
[Your Talent, Sword, adds It is impossible to advance any further with this cheap imitation]
Cheap imitation....
You really don't mince on words, do you?
[Your Talent, Sword, adds it's only natural, as it will never accept this thing as being the same as itself]
Why am I arguing with a Talent in the first place?
Anyway,
I did not read all the prompts, but honestly, I don't feel the need to.
For the first time, I know what those prompts will tell me even if I don't read them.
With a single, fluid motion, I raised my sword and aimed at Kirito's weapons. My movements were precise and deliberate, the blade slicing through the air with an almost imperceptible whisper.
As the edge of my sword connected with his, there was no dramatic wave of energy, no explosion of power. Just a clean, swift strike.
For a moment, it seemed like nothing had happened.
My blade had already completed its arc, resting calmly by my side. But then, the sound of metal groaning under strain filled the air, followed by a series of sharp cracks.
Kirito's eyes widened in disbelief as before he could raise them again, his swords began to fracture, fine lines spreading across the blades. In the next instant, they shattered, pieces of steel scattering like glass.
"I-Impossible...!" he stammered, staring at the remnants, despair being the only emotion written on his face.
The reason this battle had dragged on so long was because I had been learning. Each clash, each parry, and each near miss had taught me something valuable.
From that, I reached one conclusion.
No matter how much the System might limit me in the future, there is one thing I will always be able to use unconditionally.
And that is my Sword.
What I just did was merely the tip of the iceberg. I can feel that wielding this technique properly will be incredibly difficult without rigorous training.
Still, it's time to wrap this whole thing up.
"Thank you, Kirito," I said calmly, genuine appreciation in my tone. "Your efforts won't be in vain."
Kirito's eyes widened, unwilling to accept the end. "No... this can't be it... I can't let it end like this!" His voice was filled with a mix of desperation and determination.
...Who will tell this dude now? That's awkward as fuck.
Around us, the other players watched in horror and despair, their hopes crumbling as they realized the futility of their resistance. Their voices rose in a cacophony of panic and sorrow, a distraction that grated on my nerves.
"Flies," I muttered, annoyed.
I'm trying to think here.
With a wave of my hand, I returned them all to reality except one girl, as I still had business with the two of them.
Awkwardly, I began to think of how to explain myself.
Now that I had gone on this rampage, there was actually no need to do anything more. The last two things I needed for my Trial tasks—reaching level 100 and obtaining an Unique Skill—were easily achievable since I was quite literally the administrator. But before I finished this Trial, there was one more thing I had to do.
...
Before I could speak, Kirito immediately ran to where Asuna was lying on the ground, unable to move. He stood over her, his expression fierce and protective.
"You Murderer! You'll have to kill me first if you want to do anything to Asuna!" he shouted.
Do you think I'd do anything to... bro, you're the one who's down bad. I didn't even think of that.
This series and rape have a strange relationship, for real.
Still, I couldn't help but think it was honorable of him to do this, especially since, in this timeline, the two were at best strangers.
Could you do this for a stranger when the person on the other side has the ability to easily kill you?
I don't think the me living an ordinary life could.
Sighing, I decided not to argue and waste time.
"Fine, I won't come closer,"
I replied, raising my hands in a gesture of peace. With a thought, I freed Asuna, intending to talk now.
However, I noticed that Asuna's eyes were apathetic, as if she had already died inside. Even when she was freed, she did not move a single centimeter from where she lay.
Frustration welled up inside me.
I also had my reasons for doing what I did, and honestly, I preferred Kirito still full of fighting spirit compared to Asuna, whose mind seemed to have completely collapsed.
...Fine, I'll have to do it this way.
It's a bit risky, but oh well.
Those two would believe a word coming out of my mouth right now either way.
--- Kirito ---
What do I do?
I had been silently searching for a way out, some method, anything that could help.
When I saw Haru silently exterminate everyone left except Asuna, my heart boiled with rage.
I had done all I could to save everyone, and yet it was not enough.
I was not enough.
'Damn it...'
But even so, I had to find a way to save what was left.
There's no use crying over spilled milk.
Although my swords were gone, and my confidence wavered, I noticed that Asuna still had her weapon.
No matter what, I refuse to simply go down without a fight, even when I know it's pointless.
My intention was to divert Haru's attention and hope for Asuna to do something, anything. But my hopes were shattered when I saw, from the corner of my eye, that Asuna was in no state to fight.
I gritted my teeth.
I was furious with myself for not having seen this through earlier, for trusting Haru so easily.
Compared to Kayaba, he was a professional.
His methods were flawless, and if he had been truly serious, I would've died without even knowing why or how.
This frustrated me the most, but if I didn't do anything, both of us survivors would die here.
As I wrestled with my thoughts, Haru's figure began to change. Slowly, wings of light materialized on his back, ethereal and luminous. Each feather emerged with intricate detail, radiating a soft, almost hypnotic glow. They unfurled gracefully, their brilliance intensifying with every moment.
The wings were stunning, like the wings of an angel, crafted with a meticulous attention to detail that made them almost surreal.
I couldn't help but cringe at the sight. It was so over-the-top that it felt ridiculous.
...Have you developed a God complex as well? What's up with those administrator dudes?
Haru noticed my reaction and sighed. "Yui...stop playing pranks," he said, a note of exasperation in his voice.
...???
Now, I'm confused.
---
Author's Note:
Well, look at it in a positive light, next chapter is the last one for Trial 3!
If someone's still here, hi! I'm glad you are, lmao.
Image of Akira's Angelic form in the comments <3. Consider it a treat for what's to come next.