A few days had passed since Shadow and his mysterious followers visited the Knights of the Blood headquarters. True to his word, Shadow sent the details for the duel—a battle to take place on the 75th floor, in the ancient arena of Collinia. The tension was palpable within the guild as the impending confrontation loomed large.
In preparation, Heathcliff summoned Asuna and Klein to his chambers. "I want you two to investigate Collinia's surroundings," Heathcliff instructed. "Ensure there are no traps set up by Shadow or his people."
Klein, always eager for action, turned to Shino. "Why don't you come with us? We could use your help."
But Shino, who had been distant for days, merely shook her head. "I need rest. I'll stay behind." Her tone was cold, and Klein sensed it was best not to push the matter further.
Asuna and Klein set off for Collinia, accompanied by several members of the Knights of the Blood. They explored the floor thoroughly, checking every corner of the arena and its surroundings for signs of danger. Everything appeared clear until they reached the arena itself, where they saw a lone figure sitting quietly on one of the stone benches. It was Kirito.
Approaching cautiously, Asuna called out, "Kirito, what are you doing here?"
Kirito looked up, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Just enjoying the view. How are you two?"
"We're fine," Asuna replied, her eyes narrowing. "Are you here to gather information about our investigation?"
Kirito didn't flinch. "Yes, I am. I wanted to see how you're preparing for the duel."
Klein, never one to hold back, asked bluntly, "And how do you plan on winning against someone who's immortal in this game?"
Kirito chuckled. "You'll have to wait and see. I'd hate to spoil the surprise."
Asuna crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "It won't be an easy fight."
"Thanks for the advice," Kirito said, his tone sincere but distant.
Just then, Asuna received a message from Heathcliff. He was asking for an update on the situation in Collinia. She quickly detailed their findings, including Kirito's presence. Heathcliff's reply was swift and direct: "Arrest Kirito. We need leverage against the Shadow Garden."
Asuna hesitated, then looked at Kirito apologetically. "I'm sorry, Kirito. We have orders. Guards, arrest him."
But to everyone's shock, the guards didn't move. Klein, clearly confused, barked at them, "What are you doing? Obey the order!"
Still, none of the guards moved an inch. Kirito smiled softly, standing up slowly. "They're not your puppets anymore."
Asuna and Klein exchanged confused glances. "What do you mean?" Asuna asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
Kirito's expression darkened slightly as he explained, "When Shadow Garden visited Heathcliff, they distributed the health reports to all your members. They now know the truth—about the game, about their real bodies, about everything." He gestured to the Knights of the Blood members surrounding them. "They no longer serve the guild."
The guild members raised their weapons, turning them toward Asuna and Klein. One of them spoke, his voice filled with defiance, "We won't be fooled any longer."
Asuna and Klein instinctively drew their own weapons, preparing to defend themselves. The atmosphere grew tense as the former allies faced off. But Kirito raised his hand, stopping the confrontation before it could begin. "Don't. Asuna and Klein are no different than you—puppets in a much larger game. Spare them."
The guild members hesitated, lowering their weapons reluctantly. Kirito turned to Asuna and Klein, his eyes filled with a strange mix of sadness and resolve. "You two should think carefully about your roles in all of this. The game is bigger than any of us." With that, Kirito activated his teleportation crystal, vanishing from the arena.
The Knights of the Blood members followed suit, one by one removing their guild emblems and leaving the guild. Soon, Asuna and Klein were left standing alone in the vast arena, the silence deafening.
Asuna's thoughts raced. How could things have unraveled so quickly? Klein, too, seemed lost in thought, his hand gripping his sword tightly. Together, they returned to the Knights of the Blood guild headquarters, only to find it eerily empty. The rest of the members had already left. Only Heathcliff remained in his quarters, waiting for their report.
Asuna entered his room and recounted everything that had transpired at Collinia. Heathcliff listened in silence, his face betraying little emotion, though his eyes gleamed with a cold intensity.
Meanwhile, Klein, his mind still troubled, made his way to Shino's room. He opened the door and froze, his heart sinking in an instant. Shino was on top of Daizen, the two of them entangled in the throes of passion. Klein's world shattered in that moment, betrayal hitting him like a sword to the chest.
"Shino… what the hell is this?" Klein's voice was low, trembling with rage and disbelief.
Daizen scrambled to move, but Klein was faster, grabbing him by the throat and slamming him against the wall. "I'll kill you!"
Shino screamed, "Stop, Klein! Please stop!"
But Klein's anger blinded him. He pressed harder, fury coursing through his veins, until suddenly a sharp pain pierced his back. He gasped, feeling the warm trickle of blood. He turned slowly to see Shino, her bow still raised, the cold look of determination on her face.
"Klein…" Shino's voice was void of any emotion as she nocked another arrow. Without hesitation, she released it, the second shot piercing Klein's chest. He collapsed to the ground, blood pooling beneath him as his life ebbed away.
As the world dimmed around him, Klein looked up at Shino, his voice a broken whisper. "Bitch…"
And with that final word, he dissolved into data fragments, leaving only silence behind. Daizen, now trembling in fear, looked to Shino. But she turned on him without a second thought, sending an arrow straight through his heart. His body, too, vanished into data.
With the gruesome deed done, Shino calmly walked to the bathroom and cleaned herself. After she finished bathing, she returned to her room, dressing as if nothing had happened. There was a knock on the door—Asuna.
"Have you seen Klein or Daizen?" Asuna asked, her voice concerned.
Shino, her expression unchanging, replied, "No, I haven't."
Asuna sighed. "Heathcliff wants to meet with you. He said there's something important to discuss."
Shino nodded, and without a second glance, followed Asuna out of the room, leaving the dark, terrible secret behind.