It was a tense night in the Knights of the Blood headquarters. The air was thick with anticipation as Heathcliff sat at the head of the table, surrounded by his trusted allies: Asuna, Shino, and Klein. The topic of discussion: the challenge issued by Shadow—a duel to the death.
Heathcliff, his eyes focused and calculating, broke the silence. "What do you think of this challenge?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with a hidden edge.
Asuna, ever the tactician, leaned forward. "You should accept the challenge, Heathcliff. Refusing would only hurt your reputation as a front-line warrior. People trust you to lead; denying a challenge like this would make them question your strength."
Shino interjected, her voice steady but concerned. "But they might be trying to expose your immortality in the game. If they succeed, your secret will be out in the open, and that could lead to chaos."
Klein, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, added, "Shadow is dangerous. He's capable of defeating Kirito, and if that's the case, he might have a real shot at taking you down."
Heathcliff remained silent, lost in thought, pondering their advice. But before he could respond, the door burst open. A guard, out of breath, stood at the entrance. "Apologies for the intrusion, but there are… people outside, dressed in black. They've surrounded the guild building."
The group hurried to the balcony, their eyes widening as they saw the crowd below. Dozens of figures, all clad in identical black outfits, stood in front of the gate. And at the head of the group stood Shadow, dressed in a peculiar black robe with golden linings, exuding an aura of command. His eyes met Heathcliff's, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stop.
Heathcliff's voice cut through the silence. "Open the gates. Let them in."
The guards hesitated but obeyed, allowing Shadow and his followers to flood into the Knights of the Blood's stronghold. Heathcliff, Asuna, Shino, and Klein descended to meet them at the entrance. Heathcliff's eyes never left Shadow as they approached.
Heathcliff spoke first. "State your purpose."
Shadow's voice was cool, but commanding. "I am Shadow, and these are my followers. I've come for one reason: your answer to my challenge."
There was a brief silence, tension hanging in the air. Heathcliff gestured toward the guild hall. "Let's discuss this inside."
Shadow and his subordinates followed them into the meeting room. As they walked, Asuna, Shino, and Klein exchanged glances, shocked to see familiar faces. The Moonlight Black Cats, long believed to be gone, were part of the Shadow Garden. But what surprised them more was the absence of Kirito among the group.
Once seated in the meeting room, Heathcliff faced Shadow. "What is your true objective?"
Shadow's expression remained unchanged. "To end this game, once and for all."
Heathcliff raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know I'm the final boss?"
A small smile crossed Shadow's face. "I have my ways. Let's just say... the hackers have been useful."
Heathcliff's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "So, you're the one commanding the hackers, trying to shut this game down."
Shadow shrugged. "In a way, yes. But it's not just about shutting down the game. I want to expose you, Heathcliff, for who you really are. The pressure will force you to end this."
Silence fell over the room as Heathcliff considered the implications. Finally, he spoke. "And what if my answer is no?"
Shadow leaned back, unbothered. "Then I have no problem fighting you and your entire guild right here, right now."
The two locked eyes, a silent battle of wills unfolding between them. Asuna, noticing the rising tension, broke in. "Where is Kirito? I don't see him among your people."
From the corner of the room, a voice replied. Suguha Kirigaya, Kirito's sister, stood calmly beside Shadow. "He's not with us. He has his own business to attend to."
Shino scoffed. "Too afraid to face us, huh?"
Suguha's eyes flashed with anger, but before she could respond, Shadow chuckled. "Heathcliff, it seems your dog barks quite loudly."
Shino's face flushed with fury. Without thinking, she pulled out her bow and arrow and aimed directly at Shadow. "Say that again, I dare you."
Klein and Asuna moved to calm her down, but Shadow remained perfectly calm, even amused. "I'll say it again: your dog barks too loudly."
Shino, consumed by anger, fired her arrow straight at Shadow. But before anyone could blink, the arrow was split into three pieces mid-air. No one but Heathcliff saw how it happened. Shadow had unsheathed his sword and cut the arrow with such speed that it appeared as though he hadn't moved at all.
The room fell into stunned silence as the broken pieces of the arrow clattered to the ground, dissolving into data. Shino took an involuntary step back, fear creeping into her heart. She had underestimated Shadow—everyone had.
Heathcliff's eyes narrowed. In that moment, he knew he had found a true adversary. Shadow broke the silence. "So, Heathcliff, what's your answer?"
Heathcliff closed his eyes, contemplating for a moment. Then, with a deep breath, he opened them and spoke. "I accept your challenge."
A smile spread across Shadow's face as he stood. "Wise decision." He extended his hand, and Heathcliff shook it, sealing the agreement.
"I'll send you the location and time for our duel soon," Shadow said, turning to leave.
"That works for me," Heathcliff replied.
With the deal made, Shadow and his followers left the guild building. As the door closed behind them, Heathcliff, Asuna, Shino, and Klein stood in silence, their thoughts racing, unsure of what this duel would bring.
The night had only just begun.