Yuu 521-525

Title: To Rewrite Fate, Kasumigaoka Utaha Begins Her Struggle

Reality, in the Virtual Game Research Club room.

Utaha stood in the farthest corner of the clubroom. Ignoring the curious stares constantly thrown her way by the surrounding students, her left hand supported her right elbow, her right hand pressed against her chin, and she bit her thumbnail with a frustrated expression.

Though the gesture was rough and unhygienic, when performed by a long-legged beauty in black stockings, it still managed to look pleasing to the eye.

“How, how, how... I can’t escape, can’t escape, can’t escape...”

Fear and panic tangled into a knot in her mind.

At this moment, Utaha suddenly understood what Ikari Shinji felt before boarding the EVA—though, upon reflection, the difference was vast; it didn’t stop her from emphasizing how dire the current situation was.

—Compared to the crisis she faced now, what did the destruction of Neo Tokyo-3 even matter!

“Tch!”

Her nail was bitten nearly to the flesh, so Utaha reluctantly released her thumb and bit her lip instead.

She reopened the notebook, repeatedly scanning the white paper’s contents and the screen’s images, her brain working so fast she felt slightly dizzy.

The heated battle on stage, the pitch-black writing in the notebook: “Your future will fall into the abyss with him.”

Both seemed to form an invisible vortex, pulling her step by step toward a dark, lightless future.

Though she didn’t know what awaited her, that uncertainty made her heart pound uncontrollably, like walking blindfolded on a forest trail.

“Think fast, there must be a way before his heart is pierced...”

Her ample chest heaved violently. Utaha took a deep breath to suppress her chaotic, restless emotions. The calm beauty of her face began to fade, but her cold, sorrowful appearance only heightened her allure, like a female knight on a perilous battlefield, desperately refusing to surrender to the enemy general.

As electric sparks flashed in her mind, the light in her clear, captivating eyes slowly dimmed.

She lowered her head, as if sinking into a strange state, and muttered rapidly and unclearly:

“I can’t risk other possibilities, nor rely on luck. I must treat the moment Tenkuji Yuu’s heart is pierced in the game as equal to the end of my life...”

Only then could she squeeze every ounce of her brain’s potential and find the best choice among countless options.

“He’s in the game now. Though he seems dominant, Yuuki Asuna can’t breach his defenses at all, but this is the most dangerous situation...”

The moment he lets his guard down and Asuna finds a weakness, Yuu won’t have a chance or time to react and stop her. Utaha could only watch with her own eyes as her fate-rewriting effort failed, her future dragged down for no clear reason.

“I’m no expert with machines, and their battlefield can’t be entered by ordinary people, so interfering from inside isn’t ideal. Since this is the real world, I must do what can be done in the real world to stop them from continuing the fight.”

What could make two people dueling intensely in a virtual reality game end the match as quickly as possible, avoiding the possibility of someone’s heart being pierced?

(What to do...)

(Wait!)

Like a splinter igniting a flame, a spark of an idea flashed in her mind, burning away the tangled threads of other options, leaving only the clearest main path stretching endlessly before her!

“Just do this; isn’t that enough?! I was anxious for so long...”

Utaha smiled bitterly with a face full of self-mockery. She was shocked she hadn’t instantly thought of the simplest method. She was indeed rattled by excessive worry.

Without hesitation, she glanced left and right, and with her instincts and sharp eyes, located the bespectacled man standing before the stage area.

“You’re the Virtual Research Club president, right?”

“You...” Forced to shift his gaze from the spectacular duel—arguably the strongest battle in history—the bespectacled man adjusted his glasses. The dissatisfaction in his eyes instantly turned to shock and confusion upon seeing the girl behind him.

“Kasumigaoka-senpai? Why is someone like you here—”

“The reason doesn’t matter; I want to ask you something!” Utaha cut him off bluntly. Her anxious tone and resolute gaze were like a sharp knife pressed tightly against the Virtual Research Club president’s throat.

“Do those helmets have built-in safety measures? For example, if the power suddenly cuts out, will the people still fighting inside be in danger?”

“That...” The Virtual Research Club president opened his mouth, hesitating whether to answer, when the long-black-haired senior before him narrowed her eyes. That cold, murderous expression suggested the next second she’d twist his neck and ask the next person.

He unconsciously shuddered twice, suppressing an inexplicable surge of excitement, quickly adjusting his glasses, and rapidly answered expressionlessly:

“Report, Senpai, of course there’s no danger. The NERvGEAR produced by R Company has passed all safety inspections. We’ve personally tested the emergency battery and forced logout precautions with no issues. In any unexpected incident affecting the game, avatar activity stops first, then forced logout occurs...”

“Understood. So everything’s safe and controlled, right?” Hearing what she wanted, Utaha finally sighed in relief, showing a satisfied smile.

Dazzled for a few seconds by that captivating cheerful smile, the Virtual Research Club president quickly composed himself and calmly asked: “Why ask that? Are you worried about their safety?”

Recalling his cooperative attitude and quick, decisive answers, Utaha suppressed the urge to turn away immediately and reluctantly replied: “Yes, because inside there’s...”

Glancing at the stage area, she was about to point at Yuu and say, “Someone very important to me is there; I don’t want him hurt,” while giving him a little trouble as “repayment.”

In the distance, Yukino, watching the game screen, seemed to notice something odd here and suddenly turned.

Her large clear eyes showed slight confusion, and after seeing her figure... or rather, her body, the confusion instantly turned to wariness and suspicion, as if ready to approach and question.

(Tch, I forgot his little girlfriend is still guarding beside him...)

Sighing inwardly, Utaha quickly redirected her half-raised finger, pointing to the left stage curtain.

“There’s my friend there. Her name’s Yuuki Asuna; I don’t know if you know her.”

Confirming from the corner of her eye that Yukino’s expression slightly softened and her alertness seemed to drop, Utaha wiped the sweat from her palm with the notebook. She felt the tension of a spy mission.

After all, if what she was about to do was discovered by this cultural festival committee member... everything could basically be considered failed.

Forget prevention; even a one-second delay was a risk Utaha couldn’t bear now.

“Thank goodness it’s fine; thanks for your answer.”

“Happy to help Senpai. Then as thanks, may I invite you to dinner...”

Not clearly hearing what the bespectacled man said, after a perfunctory thank-you for politeness, Utaha suppressed her inner anxiety, casually walked to the door, and quickly left the Virtual Research Club room.

Of course, she wanted to rush in, cut Yuu’s internet cable, stomp his face, then loudly read the notebook’s contents, making him understand who saved him from the abyss.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t.

The latter was restricted by the notebook, while the former... Yukino still staring at her back was the barrier.

In terms of physical strength, Utaha could proudly say it was basically zero.

So, considering the useless flesh on her chest, she knew the success rate of unplugging the internet cable before Yukino and the Virtual Research Club was less than 10%; and whether successful or not, she’d be caught and interrogated afterward, placing her in the worst situation.

A writer, when starting a novel, should already consider the ending and plot.

Since she couldn’t stop the duel before them, and asking about it drew Yukino’s attention, Utaha could only temporarily leave the Virtual Research Club to find another way outside.

As for politely communicating, begging them to stop the stage duel because Yuu would be in danger?

Who would do something so inefficient and troublesome!

After all, Utaha had tried; even if the notebook lay on the table, her mother couldn’t see its contents and immediately forgot it after turning away—because memory manipulation and strict secrecy were two tricks best mastered by the Invisible Controller X.

Without making them see the most concrete evidence, the so-called danger warning was just nonsense from a mentally ill beautiful woman.

Even if she bypassed the otaku glasses club president, Yukino wouldn’t easily believe her words; and what Utaha lacked most now was time and trust.

“Only directly cutting the main power remains... But who knows where the club building’s power room is, and how to shut it off!”

Quickly passing the crowded area, she hurried down the much quieter corridor. She slightly bowed her head, letting her long hair hang, hiding her confused and anxious expression in shadow.

“Or, sneak back, exploit their distraction to grab the cable, then escape before they react...”

Escape where? Unless she had a rugby player’s physique, she’d surely be caught red-handed.

Praying someone’s heart wasn’t pierced too soon, Utaha opened her notebook, trying to find a glimmer of hope from this strange object; otherwise, she could only resign herself.

But unexpectedly, she found that glimmer.

【13:35, you asked Ikari Minami about equipment safety...】

【13:36, Tenkuji Yuu realizes Yuuki Asuna’s identity...】

【13:37, you leave the Virtual Research Club, preparing to head to the basement-1 electrical panel room. The door lock has long been broken, and the power cutoff method is on the wall...】

【Detected that the Compiler has found a way to rewrite fate, specially granting a one-time reward: No Anomaly (Status).】

【No Anomaly (Status) (One-Time Use): Distorts the basic cognition of all eyewitnesses. Every action by the host and its effects will become facts without the slightest anomaly...】

【Task nearly complete; please continue distorting the next chapter’s fate, Compiler.】

“Compiler? Such a chuunibyou term...”

Quickly scanning the contents, Utaha couldn’t help sneering, her lips curling in disgust.

Nevertheless, the frustration and panic on her face unconsciously turned to relief, and she honestly quickened her pace toward basement-1.

Now, Utaha could only unconditionally trust the notebook’s contents.

Since the equation to rewrite fate was provided by the great existence, she quickly shifted the disturbing questions in her mind from the abyss-falling future to focusing on the notebook before her.

“That 13:37 line is clearly different from other notes, explicitly telling me how to complete the task...”

“But the issue is, is Existence X that generous? Is he reminding me because he sees I’ll fail, or succeed? ...Damn, thinking from a conspiracy theory angle, it’s endless!”

Taking a deep breath to calm her annoyed emotions, Utaha descended the stairs as quickly as possible, against others’ curious stares.

“Next is that so-called Status... Like a game skill? If one-time... like a magic scroll?”

Before her debut, to gather material, she’d read various novels, so she naturally had some knowledge of this.

While walking, Utaha glanced at the notebook and tried saying in her mind:

(Use Status.)

【Already used.】

A pitch-black line answered, then immediately vanished.

Feeling no abnormality in her body, Utaha looked left and right, then suddenly kicked the wall hard, gritting her teeth fiercely:

“Go to hell, damn fate!”

Though her foot hurt slightly from the recoil, her mood was far lighter—like writing a 4,000-word draft in one hour without revisions, her mind instantly cleared.

Satisfied, Utaha wiped the sweat from her forehead with a relieved expression, then observed the reactions of those around her.

...Hmm, no reaction at all; they didn’t even look.

Like no one caring about dust blown by wind. This feeling was truly different from before activating the Status. The experience of being unnoticed wherever she went...

It had been so long since she felt it.

“As expected, this notebook doesn’t play around.”

After brief reflection, deep fear soon enveloped her heart.

Utaha couldn’t help biting her full lips, desperately suppressing the tremor from her core.

“This thing truly has power. Besides altering our perception, there must be even more terrifying things it can do...”

Many things’ horror can only be felt when experienced personally.

Like bungee jumping, like public speaking, like the day before a deadline or release date...

The tale of Lord Ye who loved dragons is everywhere. Humans won’t truly fear until hurt once.

Since getting the notebook, Utaha had experienced plenty, but the continuous unexpected events were like a bottomless cave.

The farther she walked, the deeper her fear.

“Then, the reason Tenkuji Yuu is so omnipotent is found. He must have also received rewards from Existence X... Forget national champion sword skills or glowing cooking; maybe even this near-invisibility Status, he uses for indecent bad things...”

Unconsciously clutching her collar, sinking into increasingly complex and dark fantasies, Utaha walked to basement-1 with a pale face. In the dim, gloomy corridor, the loosely closed iron-door electrical panel room appeared before her.

Recalling she was still in the “future falls into abyss” crisis, she paused briefly, then vigorously shook her head, banishing the chaotic thoughts, fully focusing on the task ahead.

Glancing at the notebook, confirming Yuu was still fiercely battling Asuna with no winner yet, Utaha looked up, made a silly face at the surveillance camera, then quickly stepped into the electrical panel room.

-

Title: Oh No, the Protagonist Is Beating Up a Woman!

Virtual World.

The once-lush green meadow, now ravaged as if stampeded by a herd of wild boars, lay in utter disarray.

The culprits behind this pitiful state were two swordsmen clashing from east to west, north to south.

The clang of metal rang out incessantly.

Gales whipped up by their blades raged on.

Sword-skill light effects bloomed everywhere like fireworks, yet beneath those dazzling, beautiful collisions lurked merciless lethal strikes aimed at vital points.

The rapier fell like endless rain.

The broadsword stood immovable as a mountain.

*CLANG—!*

With a firm wrist, Yuu parried yet another sudden thrust—countless by now—from the rapier-wielding man, then abruptly tilted his head, narrowly dodging the blade tip that nearly “tattooed” his cheek. A bead of cold sweat trickled down his forehead.

“Something’s off...”

(This situation is getting weirder!)

As his mind raced, the rapier user, having failed the strike, landed in a gymnast’s stance. Light footsteps swiftly crossed the grass; his massive frame floated like a wind fairy, shedding all reaction force mid-air before touching down solidly.

Then, tireless—like a yandere sworn to hunt a scumbag to the ends of the earth—he refused to rest, gripped his rapier, and charged Yuu again.

Yuu was forced to raise his single sword, frowning as he blocked the lightning-fast onslaught, sensing his opponent’s movements now several times more agile than at the start. He could no longer afford the earlier nonchalance.

“Something’s definitely off!”

As if finally acclimating to the unfamiliar body and gradually unleashing its full potential, the opponent’s unlimited stamina in this arena became an advantage—while Yuu served as the whetstone sharpening him back to peak condition.

Initially, Yuu could have ended the fight anytime, but after dragging on this long, he realized his win rate was slowly dropping. Even at 70% power, he still couldn’t breach that flashing blade barrier!

Why was this random bearded uncle who challenged him so strong—nearly matching his own cheated self?

Why were the bearded uncle’s movements growing more like a young girl’s? Like the inward-facing feet (uchimata) stance or the shy flinch when nearly bumping his own chest mid-fight.

Why did the bearded uncle’s attacks and running style feel so familiar? As if he’d seen that rapier swung countless times, once deeply moved and praised.

“So yeah, something’s seriously off!”

Yuu gritted his teeth and screamed inwardly.

The bearded uncle before him was repelled by a single slash, but since his in-game body wasn’t as strong as in reality, his feet left the ground; he tumbled backward uncontrollably.

In this position, no sword skill could cancel the stun. He could only recover via ukemi upon hitting the ground.

And the airborne bearded uncle didn’t miss this brief opening.

He narrowed his large eyes, suddenly released the rapier hilt at his waist, and hurled it at Yuu with furious force, as if venting frustration.

No skill light effect. Even without skills, Yuu could deflect it with a casual hand wave.

But as his arm crossed his vision, a crisis like an electric jolt surged up his spine, and one word flashed in his mind.

“Trap!”

Yuu’s eyes widened instinctively, black pupils shrinking to pinpricks, staring at the scene blocked by his arm.

Ears replaced eyes, capturing every detail into his brain.

Across the field.

Footsteps crushing grass.

Rustle of fluttering clothes in the wind.

The tear of air being pierced.

And the light yet steady breathing channeling full power into this strike.

Then, a long-suppressed battle cry finally erupted—as if aiming to shatter the entire virtual world with this attack, piercing even invisible barriers.

“Hrooooaaahhhhh—!!”

Full of gallant spirit, yet retaining a girl’s softness.

Splitting the sky, yet sounding so melodious.

“So it’s true...”

Falling to the grass but unable to adjust posture due to the thrown hilt, Yuu struggled to raise his skill-lightless single sword, desperately using it as a shield.

His swinging arm slowly lowered, finally revealing the blinding light charging him—brighter than the sun, like a falling star crashing to earth.

In his memory, only one person could wield a sword skill this beautiful and deadly.

In his memory, only one person’s speed left him no time to react.

She was the light-brown-haired rapier user, his former online partner, former online date...

And former girlfriend.

For him, that voice and light were unforgettable—always the same, never changing.

Narrowing his eyes slowly, Yuu smiled in resignation.

(You’ve gotten this strong since back then... Truly impressive.)

As his inner sigh ended.

The rapier carried a sharp cone of wind, slamming powerfully into his body.

High-level thrusting eight-strike sword skill, Star Splash!

*PU-CHI!* *PU-CHI!* *PU-CHI!*
*PU-CHI!* *PU-CHI!* *PU-CHI!*

In nearly an instant, Yuu’s avatar cracked with eight wounds. Dark-red light effects flashed across his body.

“Hmm?”

Though finally landing a hit, the rapier user had no time to relax.

Frowning, he realized Yuu had used the skill-lightless single-sword blade to deflect every thrust aimed at vital points.

(You’re amazing, Tenkuji-kun...)

Asuna couldn’t help curling her lips. An inexplicable hot surge erupted from her heart, boiling every cell in her body.

(But I’ll win!)

If not for the arena’s infinite-durability items, that single sword would have shattered, and the man before her would have exploded and died by her hand.

No matter. Though not a one-hit kill, she’d sent him airborne; his remaining HP was fragile as wind-blown candlelight!

The rapier user gripped the hilt again, pulled back his wrist, and another sword-skill light ignited without pause, blazing as he sharply inhaled.

“Final attack—”

If this hit, victory was hers—

“Thank goodness you sent me airborne.”

His baritone laugh rang softly before her.

Momentary shock cost Asuna her chance to react instantly.

“Great attack, but you won’t get another shot.”

Almost simultaneously with Yuu’s words.

Pale-blue light suddenly flared at the feet of the wounded, falling avatar.

The rapier user’s pupils shrank sharply, trying to force-cancel the skill to defend.

But Yuu was faster.

The next instant, Yuu’s toe traced a crescent arc, kicking hard into the rapier user’s lower abdomen, mercilessly driving in.

“Eat this!”

Physical skill, Crescent Moon!

“Ugh!”

In a choked groan, the rapier user flew backward, landing nearly simultaneously with Yuu—rolling several extra times, body covered in grass clippings.

“Hosh, hosh...”

The wind seemed to calm gradually.

On the ruined meadow, two figures lay supine, only a large countdown above their heads slowly ticking forward.

-

Title: Yuu Will Use Full Power to Crush Asuna

In the virtual world, there’s no such thing as stamina.

As long as the stamina bar and satiety bar haven’t hit rock bottom, no matter how they fight or move, the body won’t feel fatigue, and performance won’t drop at all—especially in this special arena built for combat, where they can truly let loose, fighting from dawn till dusk without pause.

But in exchange, the mental toll becomes far more pronounced.

For example, panting from an intense clash, or cold sweat from fear—as long as the subconscious believes they should react that way in the moment, it will faithfully manifest on the avatar.

“Haaah—almost died just now.”

Covering the messy wounds still flickering with red light effects, Yuu slowly sat up from the grass, pulling the corner of his mouth into a wry smile.

He seemed utterly unconcerned with his health bar now deep red, ignoring the countdown with only one minute left.

He looked completely resigned to this match, casually chatting with his distant opponent: “Tell me, Asu... Yuuki-san, should I first welcome you to Sobu High’s cultural festival?”

His voice echoed across the vast meadow.

Yuu knew outsiders couldn’t hear in-game conversations, so he didn’t hold back, speaking naturally to the rapier user whose name didn’t match at all.

Of course, this relaxed attitude was an act—truthfully, Yuu was extremely nervous, his stomach even slightly cramping.

Because he hadn’t known the bearded uncle was Asuna, he’d apparently said a lot of awful things...

He silently prayed the topic could just be dropped.

But contrary to expectations, the first thing Asuna did after rising from the ground wasn’t answering his question or immediately confronting his words.

Instead, she fearfully rubbed her avatar’s flat (possibly six-packed) stomach, then glared at him with teary, angry eyes.

“How dare you kick a girl’s stomach—and that hard! Tenkuji-kun, I never thought you were that kind of guy!”

“???”

Yuu’s mind filled with question marks, but before he could speak, he immediately looked away, unable to bear the horrifying sight of a burly man holding back tears.

Sorry as he felt for Asuna... her current appearance was truly unbearable.

“What do you mean I kicked a girl’s stomach? You’re not planning to negotiate?”

“Why wouldn’t I negotiate?!”

“Not to mention your current look is a whole dimension away from a girl, you didn’t hold back stabbing me either, did you? Besides, who cares about that in a game fight—if you want to pick a fight, just say it!”

Asuna panicked, slapping the grass with her massive fan-like palm.

“You kicked me after hearing my real voice, right? Meaning you knew I was Asuna, yet still kicked my stomach mercilessly! You’re the one picking a fight!”

Without waiting for a reply, Asuna sat weakly on the ground, clutching her stomach and sobbing sadly.

“Wah, so cruel... Do you know how important a stomach is to a girl? If something happens to the organs inside—”

“Please, don’t say that with that appearance...”

Too lazy to call out the insincere fake crying, Yuu helplessly tilted his head back, propping himself on his palms.

“Besides, stomachs are important for guys too, you know? I didn’t even complain that all your thrusts targeted my kidneys...”

“That was accidental! Who told you to guard your heart!”

“Do you know how important the heart is to a guy?!”

Lips pouting sideways like sulking, Asuna grumbled dissatisfied: “Hmph, stingy! Getting stabbed a few times in a game won’t kill you.”

Yuu glanced at her politely, then quickly looked away: “You’re so blatantly double-standard, aren’t you embarrassed...”

“Gulp...”

As if at a loss for words, she made a reluctant sound.

Yuu gazed at the white clouds above. During this natural conversation, his mouth unconsciously relaxed.

Just hearing Asuna’s voice felt melodic and nostalgic—no more urge to gouge his eyes out in disgust.

Yuu remembered when they were just teammates, bickering like this while exploring, leaving footprints on empty maps.

Missions completed together, monsters slain together, otherworldly views enjoyed side by side, even the no-holds-barred sword fight just now...

It all felt distant, like years ago—photos yellowed with age—yet in mere minutes, everything returned to past colors.

Though the situation wasn’t optimistic, Yuu couldn’t suppress the joy rising from his heart.

Even without romantic feelings, those seventeen days were vibrant, precious memories—treasures his, untouchable by the system.

This feeling, with five tasks, might appear five times in his life.

“Tenkiji-kun, aren’t you curious about something?”

His drifting thoughts were pulled back by the girl’s soft, melodic voice.

Asuna seemed to have set aside her kicked-stomach issue, suddenly asking in a normal tone.

*SWOOSH!*

Yuu heard her stand, but unwilling to see a bearded uncle making a beautiful girl’s voice, he kept staring skyward.

He lazily kept looking up, even setting his single sword aside, as if waiting for time to run out and lose the duel naturally.

“Things I’m curious about, of course there are. Like why you’re here, why you did that to the Virtual Research Club, and why pick a male avatar for the stage—what weird habit is that...”

Cut off shyly and angrily: “It’s not a weird habit! I just wanted to try playing as a male avatar; I didn’t know I’d be randomized into this uncle! I thought with Konno-chan’s helmet, I’d get a male avatar like her...”

“Hah, you really got unlucky.” Not meaning to mock, Yuu shrugged. “But I get it. I wanted to try a female avatar too, but someone I know is watching below, and I’m not that thick-skinned, so I gave up.”

“Don’t talk like I’m shameless, okay?” Asuna said annoyed, then explained, “As for not wanting you to find me... it was pure subconscious. The Virtual Research Club president wasn’t lying, right?”

“Relax, he made you an unforgivable villain to cover for you.” Yuu said amused. “That’s why your voice shocked me, delaying my reaction half a second... Yuuki-san, you didn’t really crush a bunch of challengers with zero experience like they said, did you?”

This time, he waited but got no answer.

Before looking down at her expression, a ghostly whisper rode the wind into his ear, carrying a chill.

“Calling me Yuuki-san, Yuuki-san is so unpleasant... I’ve waited so long; you really weren’t planning to explain voluntarily, Tenkiji-kun.”

“...”

Yuu’s whole body tensed, like a gun to his head, frozen in place.

Seeing him like that, Asuna couldn’t help a small laugh, light as hair falling on a blade and splitting in two.

“Violent double-standard? Super aggressive? Not girly at all? Exactly like a female Tyrannosaurus? Hmm? Tell me, who said that?”

“...”

Yuu exercised his right to silence, but Asuna clearly wasn’t letting go.

“Scary and troublesome? Better avoid when meeting? Did Nii-san tell you that, or is it your opinion of me? Tell me, I won’t get mad. Why not explain properly?”

Her questioning tone was soft, but that made the cold anger clearer—like the next second she’d snap and cruelly slash his chest.

“...”

Yuu stared at the clouds, eyes doubtful, still silent.

“Too late to play dumb now.”

Asuna’s voice suddenly calmed, flat.

Standing two meters before Yuu, she said softly: “Tenkiji-kun, can you answer a few questions?”

“Why, though I’ve never met you in-game, do you know me so well?”

“...Haaah.”

Like a convict at a dead end, Yuu lowered his head, sighed suddenly, picked up his sword, and stood.

Asuna’s gaze followed, never leaving his face.

“Why, though I’ve never dueled you, do you say I’ve never beaten you, and know my moves so well?”

This time, Yuu answered nonchalantly:

“No why, it just is.”

Truthfully, Yuu still didn’t know how to face Asuna.

Be honest about the past? Or try fooling her?

Asuna’s appearance was too sudden, in this two-person-only situation—even with Yuu’s smarts, he couldn’t instantly decide the path.

He didn’t know her goal, or if she remembered anything—how to react spontaneously?

Honesty meant dragging Asuna into trouble, but after stupidly saying those things to a stranger, it cornered him with little maneuver room...

Better continue the fight.

Fighting was most fun. No need for words—everything ends with combat, no emotional bonds needed.

Anyway, duel first; back in reality, Yuu would confess his relationship with Yukino to Asuna, then discuss with Yukino how to handle this third girlfriend.

Though by arrival order, Asuna was Masuzu’s senior, second in line.

But current girlfriend trumps ex—status order mustn’t mess up. Prioritize Yukino’s feelings; better not decide alone.

Decision made, Yuu suddenly raised his single sword, pointing at the upright bearded giant before him.

“Alright, countdown’s not over—let’s continue the duel!”

But the rapier user across didn’t appreciate it, eyes growing colder, like twin ice blades.

“You won’t answer my questions?”

Like calm before the storm, Yuu heard no emotion in her voice.

His heart stirred; unconsciously softening, his tone turned sincere:

“Not unwilling. But even if I answer, it’s not good for you.”

Eyes met, creating an invisible vortex in the air. Their hair fluttered; grass roots bent slowly.

Yuu didn’t back down, as if to soften her with sincerity, speaking slowly, word by word:

“Yuuki-san, whatever you suspect, I sincerely suggest stopping thinking about it.”

“...”

Her pupils shrank suddenly. Yuu, as if unaware, continued: “Pretend nothing happened, ignore feelings of forgetting something you must remember... That’s definitely the best choice for you.”

Though this contradicted the promise he made her during break time.

But now, Asuna could still be saved.

Unlike Haruno and Masuzu, who actively approached and were deeply in his life circle, Asuna not only attended school in the next town but had no daily interaction chances. She could truly start anew, leave him for lasting happiness.

Who hasn’t dated two or three times? Just first love—forget it.

—This is what Yuu wanted to tell Haruno and Masuzu now.

He was a pit; once escaped, don’t return—if time remains, Yuu truly didn’t want this netizen falling like them.

Including Yukino waiting outside—after this task, he surely didn’t want her remembering the past either, right?

Nothing to do with the system’s evil.

Because Yuu knew: the happier they are now, the more they’ll be tortured by memories and emotions in the end.

Though he couldn’t control that pain, he hoped fewer people experienced it—the better; one was enough.

So now, seeing Asuna ignoring his words, Yuu slowly sighed, cleared all expression, and raised his single sword calmly.

“Then let’s do this—coincidentally, some duel time remains.”

“You beat me, I’ll tell you everything I can. I beat you, pretend nothing happened earlier, forget the past, look forward, don’t make trouble for yourself.”

To prevent more victims.

From now on, he’d use full power to crush Asuna.

-

Title: I Will Absolutely Not Forgive You

“...”

The moment those words were spoken, it was as if the entire virtual world had hit the pause button.

The wind fell silent, the white clouds froze, and the air began to crystallize around Asuna.

Less than five seconds passed in that stillness.

“The best choice? Stop talking to yourself!”

The girl’s voice, thick with restrained fury, seemed ready to scorch the entire meadow as it echoed into the high sky where the dark clouds had already scattered.

“Do you think I’ll just obediently listen to you?”

“!?”

Yuu swallowed awkwardly, struggling to keep his expression steady.

...That line—she’d said it to him once before, right before their parting during Injury Time.

Could it just be a coincidence?

“Tenkiji-kun, I’ve never been this angry. I don’t even understand how you can say something like that so casually...”

Asuna lowered her head, each word forced out through clenched teeth, laced with sorrow and confusion.

“Do you know what feelings I carried when I came looking for you? Do you know how happy I was dueling you just now?”

The questions kept coming, and the rapier slowly rose.

But it no longer hovered steady in the air as before—it trembled more with each lowering tone.

“Like being trapped in a game for so long and finally finding the logout button. Do you know how long I’ve been haunted by this vague, unreal feeling?”

“Do you know that when I heard you call me a female Tyrannosaurus, even though I was furious and wanted to hit you right then, the greater feeling was relief—because I’d finally found the truth?”

Blue veins bulged clearly on the back of her hand, and Asuna’s voice grew louder and faster.

“You don’t know how scared I’ve been. You don’t know how restless I’ve felt over this inexplicable affection for you. And you don’t know how much effort and sacrifice I’ve made just to meet you and unravel all these mysteries...”

“You know nothing—and yet, for what you think is the ‘right choice,’ you want me to pretend none of this ever happened? To throw away all my efforts, our business, and whatever happened between us in the past—into the trash?!”

A storm seemed to blast across her face; the heavy, sharp pressure made Yuu’s ears ache.

“I don’t know, and I don’t think I need to.” Yuu shook his head, shaking off that sliver of doubt, and assumed a sword-skill ready stance. “Anyway, once I beat you, this ends—”

“Your talking ends here!” Asuna cut him off.

Then she drew a deep breath. A sigh fell to the ground, light as a feather.

“Our rings are still there.”

“Hah?! No way!”

His charge halted mid-motion. Yuu’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“I confirmed it—the ring was destroyed by that person...”

Seeing the slow, cynical smile spreading across Asuna’s face, Yuu froze, then realized—he’d been baited! The ring issue wasn’t real!

But if so, how did Asuna know about the ring...

“Who that person is, I’ll ask you later.”

The rapier steadied again. Asuna stared at him intently, eyes firm and filled with killing intent.

“If Sister Martha hadn’t reminded me, I wouldn’t have known that her quest required two people to complete together.”

“I wouldn’t have known there was a destroyed ring deep in my item bar, proving I was once married to a male player.”

“And I wouldn’t have spent days comparing every helmet login record... Finally finding you—who claimed we’d never met, yet logged in and out with me countless times at the exact same moments.”

“After going through all this, and doing so much investigation, you still want me to pretend it never happened?”

Asuna stepped forward: “Tenkiji-kun!”

Yuu instinctively stepped back, his cheek muscles twitching slightly.

“This level of perception and observation... it’s even scarier than Yukinoshita Haruno...”

(Wait, this is wrong!)

“The ring is destroyed, but not completely. The clear facts are gone, but the login records weren’t even altered—leaving a pile of clues like this...”

Yuu understood instantly.

(Damn system, I can’t believe you’re this stupid!)

(You did this on purpose, you bastard! I’ll destroy you, traitor!)

“No—even without these clues, with the strange, lingering feelings in my heart, sooner or later I would’ve suspected you and found you...”

(Then meeting you like this, and being half-killed by your attitude...)

Asuna bent forward expressionlessly, assuming the same charge-ready stance as before.

Her large, veiny hands seemed to conceal unmatched fury.

“We’ve come this far—do you still intend to hide it from me?”

“...”

Yuu was momentarily speechless.

And this brief pause seemed to be taken as silent refusal.

“So that’s how it is. I understand.”

With a disappointed tone, a slow sigh fell.

Asuna closed her eyes. All the anger and aura around her vanished instantly. The oppressive air suddenly returned to normal. The meadow grew calm and bright again.

The next second, something bizarre emerged.

“I will absolutely not forgive you.”

With that soft voice, white light began to glow.

From the rapier’s tip, the light spread to her arm—and didn’t stop there, gradually enveloping Asuna’s entire body.

“Even though I’ve forgotten so much, this one thought alone—I will never forget.”

The overwhelming, intense light was like the sun, completely swallowing the massive bearded male avatar. Only the girl’s words rang clear, like a sharp sword unsheathed.

As if invisible light bound his limbs, Yuu’s body felt heavy—he couldn’t even seize the chance for a surprise attack. He could only squint hard, shielding his eyes from the blinding glare.

He opened his mouth to speak, but the next second, he was shocked speechless.

“Tenkiji-kun... no, Yuu-kun.”

The light seemed to pierce through time, bringing past intent and memories into the present.

That’s why, when the light faded, the light-brown-haired rapier user appeared before him in utter absurdity.

Yuu slowly lowered his arm—this was the umpteenth time he stared at the girl before him in astonishment.

“Asu...na?”

—Asuna.

Soft, straight light-brown hair, an elegant and cute fishtail braid draped to the side.

A red-and-white female swordsman uniform, gallant and striking, with the absolute territory formed between long white stockings and a short skirt.

Holding a jade-gleaming sharp rapier, orange eyes stared forward with focus and seriousness.

And a beautiful diamond ring on the ring finger of her left hand, with a crystal flower blooming on her white fingerless glove.

(...How is this possible? Why is this happening?)

Yuu genuinely couldn’t comprehend what was unfolding.

“Since you won’t say anything, I’ll take it myself.”

(Take what? Do you have a system too? How can you do something this illogical?)

“Ugh!”

Just as countless questions flashed through his mind, a brief visual glitch appeared before him. Yuu instinctively clutched his slightly aching eyes and head, then struggled to look up at the rapier-wielding girl before him.

No change—Asuna still pointed her sword at him, holding back murderous rage, ready to strike.

Then, she suddenly vanished from sight.

“HROOOOAAAHHH—!”

-

Title: Yuu-kun, I’ve Come to See You

Pouring her entire heart into her sword, Asuna roared as if to blast away everything blocking her path.

The blade tip thrust forward.

Her awareness concentrated to an extreme, as if in this moment she had halted the flow of time itself.

(Yuu-kun...)

Asuna called his name in her mind.

Though the surrounding scenery blurred and stretched as her thigh powerfully kicked the ground, his frozen, shocked face remained crystal clear, etched deeply into her retinas.

She couldn’t help curling the corners of her lips, even though the muscles moved agonizingly slowly.

She didn’t know the principle. Right now, Asuna only felt her consciousness had detached from time’s flow, calmly observing Yuu in the virtual world from the sidelines—and herself, already charging toward him in an instant.

Perhaps he hadn’t noticed?

At some point, the light of her heart had stripped away all falsehoods, forcefully correcting the distorted reality.

The figure standing there was no longer a randomly chosen avatar, but a handsome young man nearly identical to his real-world self.

His attire was no longer a school uniform or starter gear, but a sleek black-and-white swordsman set, an all-black single sword, and a matching crystal diamond ring on the ring finger of his left hand.

That might be Yuu.

That was Yuu’s avatar in Sword Art Online—her former online companion who adventured with her, and... her in-game husband who once married her.

Though this was the first time she’d seen it, and she hadn’t recalled past experiences, Asuna was absolutely certain.

This was the endpoint of her journey, the answer to every puzzle, and what she sought to reclaim.

With this... it’s done!

After a brief reverie, her mind slammed back into her body.

The sensation of high-speed motion flooded her senses. All the world’s sounds pierced the calm water’s surface; chaotic information overwhelmed her brain.

The blurred surroundings—except herself, still sharp.

Elongated screams, wind piercing her ears.

So close to suffocating, her hair yanked painfully backward by sheer speed.

Yet with the white light’s aid, Asuna pierced the air’s resistance. The meteor-bright sword tip suddenly struck Yuu’s chest with force.

She saw Yuu instinctively raise his wrist, trying to block.

But even his fastest reaction couldn’t catch her, who had surpassed the system’s limits.

“I won’t be confused anymore.”

The nightmare in Kyoto, tears upon waking, fear gripping her when facing false memories and chaotic reality.

“I won’t miss it again.”

The strange pull toward him, odd concern for his affairs, the bizarrely broken ring in-game that sparked her chase for him and the truth.

“This time—”

Thus, she now stood before him.

Asuna slightly curled her lips, eyes sharpening as she powerfully pushed the air ahead. Her body merged with the rapier, shrinking their distance to zero.

“It’s my turn to come to you!”

(Because it was promised...)

(I didn’t forget.)

The white light gradually dimmed. The sharp, straight blade tip smoothly touched the front of Yuu’s chest.

If she pierced him, everything lost would return—without basis, Asuna was utterly convinced.

So, even if it meant stabbing the one she loved, she wouldn’t hesitate!

But at that exact moment—

A dark-red hexagonal warning box blocked her face.

【External power supply disconnected. Switching to backup battery. Avatar movement halted.】

“What?!”

Asuna’s eyes widened in shock.

Just one inch from piercing him—yet when the warning appeared, the train-faster speed, air-piercing thrust, and massive impact all froze mid-air like a joke.

The world seemed paused again.

(External power cut... But how?! I checked the helmet and socket—it shouldn’t disconnect easily!)

Though screaming inwardly, Asuna—body and mind completely severed—could do nothing but watch the next prompt appear.

【Forced logout initiating. Please prepare. 10, 9, 8...】

The heartbeat-like countdown ticked in the silent virtual world, nearing zero.

Asuna stared ahead blankly. The white light enveloping her dimmed as motion stopped; her sword-gripping hand unconsciously loosened... though she felt it, the avatar didn’t react.

(Is this how it ends?)

She looked at Yuu, so close, through the transparent warning box.

Though his mouth was open, she couldn’t speak a word to him.

The no, no longer fervent, sank to her feet, disappointment and anxiety rising again.

—After forced logout, what expression would Yuu face her with?

Would he keep playing dumb?

Or tell her everything, as promised—though no winner, at least her school transfer wish fulfilled.

And would Asuna still have a chance to reclaim the remaining memories?

(I don’t know.)

(I don’t know if I can be this close to him again.)

Even whether this light could appear again, Asuna didn’t know.

So...

The feeling sinking to the ground suddenly ignited limitless heat from her feet.

“—Don’t joke with me!”

Her dim orange eyes blazed again, brilliant as the brightest sunset.

Pure white light reignited, rising from her soles like fire consuming her.

The frozen avatar began to tremble.

“Just because I don’t know the future... this moment is more precious than ever!”

Gritting her teeth, uncaring if they shattered.

Clenching the hilt, uncaring if fingers broke.

Because she had a destination.

Asuna threw her head back, biting hard, staring sharply ahead.

“I won’t give up!”

Though her head burned near explosion, consciousness edges blackening, she had to break every shackle.

If the body couldn’t move, let the sword.

“I absolutely won’t give up!”

—Believing in yourself, facing it bravely, makes you the coolest in the world.

Yuu once said that.

—Boldly seize what you want; with persistence, you’ll see a different view.

Yuu said that too.

So...

“I have to meet Yuu-kun now!”

An unyielding roar echoed across the meadow.

In frozen air, the blade tip regained rule-breaking power—inch by inch, step by step... steadily piercing Yuu’s chest.

The gate of memory began to open. Seeing her beloved’s face, Asuna bit her lip bloody, pouring all strength, straightening her arm, channeling her entire soul into—

Mere game settings, mere virtuality, mere reality...

“Don’t block me—get out of my wayyyy—”

The elongating blade, with sun-strong light, slowly entered the avatar’s chest.

The prompt box vanished.

The countdown hit zero.

Immense pressure like thousands of meters underwater surrounded her. Breath and muscles stiffened like cement, immovable.

Though virtual, her brain nerves burned in pain.

Though a game, breaking free’s agony felt utterly real.

It hurt so much...

Yet she had to advance.

Because—

“Yuu-kun has been waiting for me so long. We promised long ago.”

She spoke softly, fierce expression softening, gazing at him with a gentle smile.

“Promised to remember...”

“Promised to meet...”

“I haven’t told him I kept that promise...”

Her whole body trembled.

In absolute silence, utterly still air.

The light extending from the blade fully entered his chest.

Her body cracked—she didn’t care.

The blade cracked—she didn’t care.

Even when the crystal diamond ring shattered, turning to white light merging with the tip, she only bit her lip bloody, tears streaming from her eyes, staring deeply into Yuu’s now-silent eyes.

Perhaps his consciousness had left the virtual world with the forced logout.

Perhaps he couldn’t hear her, unaware she fought for him.

Even so, Asuna had to say it for him to hear.

“Even if I forget you—no matter how many times—I’ll always remember you.”

“Even if I lose you—no matter how many times—I’ll always fall for you.”

“Though a bit late... Yuu-kun.”

“I’ve come.”

Soft words landed on the ground.

“This time, it’s my turn to wait for you in the future.”

The warm blade tip never stopped.

Till the end, only Yuu filled Asuna’s eyes—the one she loved most.

If hands couldn’t reach, use the blade; if the blade couldn’t, sacrifice everything.

Thus, boundless white light, as the tip shattered, suddenly illuminated their silhouettes—like sunrise splitting darkness, gradually covering the illusionary surroundings.

And when the light faded.

The peaceful, satisfied smile vanished in the now-empty world.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

A little earlier.

Real world, Virtual Research Club room.

The crowd trying VR didn’t grow—it shrank. But the club building’s far end was packed. Many queued in the experience area, eyes on the two screens above.

Initially, more watched the experience area—seeing fellow beginners flail and swing swords randomly, trying skills, was hilarious and taught early gameplay to avoid clownish embarrassment.

But gradually, with shocked gasps, more unconsciously shifted to the adjacent arena screen. Faces stunned, they watched a real, intense back-and-forth sword duel, eyes struggling to follow.

They should only see silhouettes moving and killing-intent clashes. Deeper sword-light and shadow details were special effects to those with poor dynamic vision.

Still, constant metal-clang explosions from speakers gave an action-movie thrill—satisfying and addictive.

“So strong... Is this really live, not pre-rendered animation...”

“Didn’t you see? Left side’s Tenkuji-kun, national high school kendo champion. No wonder he’s good...”

“The problem’s the bearded uncle opposite, right? So huge, yet that fast... Feels like Tenkiji-kun’s suppressed, no counter room...”

“But look, uncle attacks so hard yet hasn’t hurt Tenkiji-kun at all. Maybe Tenkiji-kun’s letting him win.”

“Letting a bearded uncle win? Don’t tell me Tenkiji-kun has weird tastes...”

“Shh! Quiet—Yukinoshita-san’s right there...”

“Speaking of, why does that uncle seem... effeminate? See, before charging, always uchimata stance...”

“Maybe a tiger’s heart, but rose-sensitive...”

Visitor chatter continued.

Meanwhile, the Virtual Research Club president and a member quietly picked up their shattered worldviews, updated, and reinstalled them.

Looking up, the member said experiencedly:

“President, you said there wouldn’t be a third monster like Yuuki-san?”

The president adjusted his glasses, deadpan: “There’s always someone better. I’m just a frog in a well—my insight has shallow moments.”

“I see...” The member pondered, deciding not to argue.

Though the president looked scrawny, hidden muscles were strong. Facing him was like catching a duck. No face given meant no face to his own ass...

So he changed questions: “President, can humans really be this strong without cheats? It’s full-dive. Even with slightly worse physique, this skill level—they’d thrive in another world, even as mercenaries, right?”

Most game otaku are novel otaku too.

As an Sword Art Online player, one reason the member trained hard was to someday cross worlds and live prosperously with game sword skills.

Survival was prerequisite. Main goal: at sword academy, everyone a beginner, only he unleashing Aincrad style, crushing arrogant noble seniors in duels, winning big-breasted beauties’ hearts.

Meaning, he’d need to be like Yuu first to cross. Otherwise, one-second arena defeat meant he’d be crushed...

Thinking this, he wiped tears, letting go past fantasies.

He was just normal, not a monster!

“Don’t underestimate humans. We can’t doesn’t mean others can’t.” Seeing his suddenly mature face, the president showed rare soft eyes behind lenses, consoling: “No physical limits in-game. Movement’s easier than reality. One-handed five-backflip? Trainable.”

“Though monsters in-game, outside they’re normal like us.”

“President...” The member trembled slightly, turning slowly, eyes full of sincerity.

The president gazed back silently, mouth corners faintly curling.

They stared affectionately, ignoring Yukino beside them.

Then the member whispered:

“But even so, you still can’t beat them in reality, right, President?”

“...”

The president stood frozen long, then suddenly adjusted glasses.

“You—don’t run after the festival. We need to talk.”

“Eh? Can I refuse?”

“Then let’s chat in the bathroom now.”

“...”

Honestly, Yukino didn’t want to get involved in their vibe.

But checking time, she asked: “Sorry, about when will they finish fighting?”

The president paused, realizing she spoke to him.

“At latest when duel time ends—about three minutes... If no HP zero first, lowest HP loses.”

“I see...” Yukino frowned slightly, gaze returning to the screen fight.

Though her boyfriend seemed passively beaten, Yukino knew Yuu wasn’t fully serious—likely testing the opponent.

His typical caution, but the issue was wasting time...

“Goodness, did he forget people are waiting outside?”

Arms crossed, Yukino sighed resignedly.

She had no way with her boyfriend’s playful nature. Always hoping he’d be serious, but verbal advice didn’t work... To obey, maybe a certain “price” was needed?

Unconsciously, various “price” scenes flashed—many censored.

Yukino struggled to keep calm, ignoring her heating face, banishing images to mind’s corner.

Such a future would come sooner or later...

Deep breath to calm her racing heart, Yukino refocused on the screen, frowning.

She wasn’t into fights and killing. Though her boyfriend’s sword swings were cool, first—it wasn’t his real look; second—the bearded uncle opposite was frankly unbearable. Though his rapier swings had artistic beauty, the rough-soft visual clash was hard to watch.

Though Yukino knew inwardly it was because the controller and appearance mismatched—she was actually a beautiful girl.

From the odd senior’s confession earlier, the bearded uncle’s controller fiercely dueling her boyfriend was Yuuki Asuna, from Kyoto-met Kurobara Academy, also a national champion apparently.

Why she came to Sobu High, why play here—Yukino was mildly curious, fine not knowing.

The only baffling part—if wanting equal fight, why choose such... rough appearance?

Did she really have weird hobbies...

“Look quick!”

Someone suddenly yelled in shock, snapping Yukino from near-drifting thoughts.

Looking closely, she saw Yuu stabbed multiple times by rapier, but next second kicking the opponent flying.

Instinctively, Yukino swapped avatars for real appearances—

<Yuuki-san stabbing Tenkiji-kun’s chest, Tenkiji-kun retaliating by hard-kicking her lower stomach—looks painfully...>

(Uh, how to put it...)

(Thank goodness it’s just a game.)

Yukino pursed lips complexly, while nosy spectators behind explained.

“Bad—Tenkiji-kun reacted in time, but his HP’s way lower... One minute left!”

“What are you scared of! He’s not serious yet. With Tenkiji-kun’s skill, ten-second kill!”

“But look, Tenkiji-kun doesn’t seem serious at all? Even set down his sword, sitting chatting...”

“True... What’s Tenkiji-kun doing? That guy’s walking toward him sword in hand...”

“I’m more curious what they’re talking about. Do they know each other? Shame character voices aren’t output...”

Like some spectators, Yukino was very curious what her boyfriend and Asuna discussed now.

She wasn’t great at lip-reading, so judged by looks and expressions—

The guy had likely recognized Asuna, mocking her avatar—that’s why the opposite expression worsened.

Realizing this, Yukino gently pinched her chin, mouth corners lifting in a frightening soft smile.

“Very good... Ignoring his girlfriend outside, happily chatting with a girl in-game?”

Indeed, this flirtatious guy needed “education” with Yuigahama post-festival.

“...”

Beside her, the president seeing her smile immediately dragged the member to a corner like fleeing. After safe distance from wrath, he wiped lens sweat nonchalantly.

(Tenkiji and Yukinoshita... Rumors say they deny couple status, but this looks more than simple...)

With a wife-like soft smile watching her husband flirt, the president knew the guy likely faced a bloodstorm upon return.

But thinking so, for him and the member’s safety, he firmly pretended ignorance, forcing forget of ten seconds prior under Yukino’s cold gaze, then looked expressionlessly at the screen fight.

Upon seeing, the Virtual Research Club president was stunned.