" Thank you, traveler. It isn't much, but please accept this as your reward. "
" Thank you. "
Shortly after, we completed the wolf-hunting quest. We received the monetary reward and experience points from the village chief—an NPC—but more importantly, we claimed the grand prize: the "Anneal Spear".
In my heart, I bid farewell to the "Bronze Spear" that had served me faithfully until now, and I equipped my new partner. As I felt that reliable weight, the same weight I had grown accustomed to during the beta test, returning to my hand, I couldn't suppress a grin.
" Are you finished? What is the meaning of that suspicious grin on your face? It's creeping me out. "
" There's no harm in a little fun, is there? Let me enjoy the thrill of completing the quest for a moment. "
" That is of no concern to me. What comes next? "
Alice, who had been waiting for me outside the chief's house, looked somewhat disgruntled. I couldn't blame her. While we were supposed to return immediately after slaying the required number of wolves, we had to take several detours to avoid other packs we spotted on the way back. We encountered various monsters along the path, fighting while constantly fearing our weapons might break. This long detour had turned into a multi-day journey. Thanks to that, however, her level had risen quickly. We were now both Level 6, the point where the efficiency of gaining experience points in this area would begin to dwindle.
But at that moment, I was simply intoxicated by the fact that my old partner was back in my hands...
" Huh? "
I gave her a lukewarm, distracted reply. When the swordswoman " Lady Alice " heard that—even though it was technically impossible within the game's system—she shot me a look so sharp it felt as if she wanted to kill me.
" Do not tell me you deceived me regarding the information you promised. I will cut you down, do you understand? "
She said this while placing her hand on the hilt of the sword hanging at her waist. I rushed to stop her, desperate.
" Wait, wait! That kind of joke is never funny. "
" If you value your life, speak quickly. Tell me about this world. "
" I get it. I'll explain as we move to the next village. So, please, take your hand off your sword first... "
Alice eyed me with deep suspicion before reluctantly lowering her hand. Even so, I knew she might actually draw it if I soured her mood again. To prevent that, I began to briefly explain the world of SAO, choosing my words with extreme care and clarifying point after point. Alice listened with a serious expression, occasionally asking questions.
Through my explanation, several things became clear.
First, she completely lacked any knowledge of games. She would tilt her head in confusion even at basic terms that anyone who had ever played an RPG would understand instinctively.
The other thing was even more surprising: she seemed to have no memories of the real world. She claimed that all she could remember was her name and the art of swordplay. Since she knew nothing about the NerveGear—an impossibility for someone playing this game—it didn't seem like she was lying.
It was hard to believe, but FullDive technology via the NerveGear was still new and evolving. Since it interfaced directly with the human brain, perhaps an accident had occurred, leading to memory loss due to a software glitch. Such incidents might actually be possible.
" —Also, nothing happened earlier because we were alone, but in the future, it's best not to draw your sword against other players without a very good reason. "
" And why not? I see it as a necessity for self-defense. "
" That's true, of course, but... do you see that green mark floating above my head? This icon appears above every logged-in player. It's green under normal circumstances, but it turns orange if you meet certain conditions. "
" Conditions... like what? "
" There are many, but the most prominent example is committing a hostile act or inflicting damage on another player. "
Originally, SAO did not strictly prohibit Player Killing ( PK ). While cities protected by the "Anti-Crime Code" guaranteed absolute safety, the system's protection vanished the moment you stepped into the fields, allowing players to attack one another freely.
Anyone who committed a system-defined crime, such as killing players, would have their cursor turn orange and would be permanently denied the system's protection. This meant they would have to remain in a state of constant alertness against external enemies, even when exhausted after completing quests or grinding for experience.
" —And that's the issue. If you become a " Criminal Player, " you won't be able to enter cities. Consequently, you won't be able to buy supplies, and you'll find it difficult to find a place to sleep. There is a way to return to normal as a redemption measure, but it is long and unbearably tedious. "
During the beta test, one of my party members quarreled with an ally and attacked him. I accompanied him on the " Karma Redemption " quest to turn his cursor back to green. It was an incredibly long pilgrimage that granted no experience points, money, or items upon completion; it was nothing but a grueling, arduous journey.
" I see. I have grasped the situation of this world to some extent. —However, haven't you noticed that we haven't encountered any monsters or predators for a while? "
" Yes, because we're taking a safe route. In this region, very powerful monsters that we can't defeat right now appear once night falls. This path requires a much longer walk, but I believe we won't die on it. "
" I was surprised when you suddenly went off-road and entered the thicket. I never imagined such a passage existed... "
" We should reach the next town soon. Once we arrive, we'll head straight to the weapon and equipment shop. "
After a while, the trees covering the path cleared, revealing a town shimmering with warm lights.
The first floor has the largest surface area in the conical Aincrad, making its fields incredibly diverse. To the far south, where we first started, lies the grassland area around the "Town of Beginnings", inhabited by boars and insects. If you head northwest, you find the forest region where we conducted our quest. To the northeast, lakes and swamps stretch out. There are also ruins, mountains, and valleys; it is an incredibly vast space for a game's first stage.
On this first floor, there is one entity visible from anywhere: that massive tower standing at the far north of the region—the "First Floor Labyrinth". Once the Floor Boss residing at the top of that tower is defeated, the path to the next floor will open.
The medium-sized town of "Tolbana", adjacent to that labyrinth, was our current destination. Although smaller than the Town of Beginnings, the variety of goods in the shops and the skill of the blacksmiths here were superior. It was arguably the most prosperous place on the first floor.
" We're going to run as soon as we enter the city. Since the game only started a few days ago, I don't think there are many people, but speed is better in any case. "
I recalled the shortest route from the entrance to the nearest weapon shop from my beta-testing days. As soon as we crossed the town's northern gate, I sprinted at full speed without waiting for Alice's response. Alice was naturally confused, but she had no time to think as I nudged her along. we dashed across the stone pavements using every bit of our current " Agility " points.
The NPC-run weapon shop in Tolbana is located about a hundred meters from the north gate. When we arrived there, panting heavily from the sprint, I immediately began shopping.
" Huff... huff... What is the matter, really? Didn't you say earlier that it was safe inside these cities? "
" That's true... huff... but in some ways, there are people here more terrifying than monsters. I felt it was necessary to take precautions. "
Alice looked at me with suspicion as I navigated the trade windows, question marks appearing over her face for the thousandth time. After I finished shopping, I handed her a specific item.
" Try wearing this. "
" This is... "
What I handed to Alice was a dark blue hooded cloak that covered the body down to the waist. While it couldn't entirely hide her distinctive golden hair that reached her waist, pulling the hood down over her eyes was enough to obscure her facial features.
" Why are you giving me something like this? I checked the details when I received it, and it doesn't seem to have any special effects. "
" In this world, the number of female players is very small to begin with. I suspect most of them are hiding away in the Town of Beginnings, and we won't encounter them. Do you understand what I mean? "
Alice nodded.
" In other words, being a female player in this world will draw attention to you. Some people might see you as a weak player and try to hit on you or harass you. "
Suddenly, her expression changed, and she began to radiate an aura of silent pressure that gave me the illusion of cold sweat trickling down my back. It seemed she truly loathed being underestimated for being a " woman. "
" I-In other words, hiding your face will reduce the chances of unnecessary harassment. Isn't that a good deal for you? "
" ...Fine, if that's the case. "
She seemed convinced somehow and donned the hood of the cloak. Incidentally, the cloak I gave her had no magical effects, but because of its dark color, it provided a slight bonus to the Hiding skill if she hid in bushes or shadows. It was just a minor boost to make her slightly harder to find than usual—it would be exposed immediately if someone used a " Searching " skill—but it was a nice extra feature. If it ever proved useful, all the better.
Next, we went to the blacksmith to maintain Alice's sword, which was in a pitiable state. I marveled at how she had survived and fought alone using the "Small Sword", the starting weapon. Even Kirito, a professional swordsman and beta tester, had planned to replace his weapon with an "Anneal Blade" as soon as he left the Town of Beginnings.
" ...Listen. Don't you want a slightly stronger sword? "
I asked in a casual tone while she stared at her sword being repaired by the blacksmith.
" And does such a sword exist? "
" It does. A sword so reliable that someone I know rushed to get it immediately. But it's a quest reward just like my spear, so it's risky. "
" I am aware of the risks. "
" I see. Then let's rest today and set out tomorrow morning. Do you know where the inn is? "
" How would I know? I don't possess the amount of information you've hoarded. "
" Right. Follow my lead then. You still have some money left, right? "
I left the shop with Alice and headed toward the town's central plaza. I figured it would be easier to memorize the locations of the facilities this way.
" If you go that way from here, you'll find the tool shop that sells healing potions and such. The nearest inn is over there, but its rooms are very cramped for the price. If you walk a bit further down that alley, you'll find an inn with a fair price for its quality. Look for the sign that says " INN. " "
I felt I was speaking too quickly, but to my surprise, Alice seemed to have memorized everything. Given her serious personality and way of speaking, I imagined that in the real world, she might have been a top-tier student council president or something similar.
" I'll see you tomorrow then. "
I said that and continued walking straight down the path leading to the inn. I thought I should review the attack patterns of the plant monster "Little Nepent" tonight—the target of the "Forest Toxin" quest. In fact, after securing my place to sleep, I might even head to the village of "Horunka"—even though it was far—to scout the monsters there.
" Where do you intend to go on foot? "
" There's a place to sleep down this path with better conditions than the inn... Huh? "
I turned toward the source of the voice behind me and found Alice, who was supposed to have checked into the inn, standing there with a face full of suspicion.
" Wh-Why are you here? "
" You said there was an inn with better conditions than the one near the plaza, didn't you? Since you were the one heading there, I thought I'd follow you... So that's it, there is a place to stay other than the regular inn? And with good conditions, too. "
A slight smile played on Alice's lips, her expression saying: " You're still hiding something, aren't you? Speak up. " Since I hated the idea of upsetting her again by trying to dodge the question, I gave in and took her with me to the inn I had in mind.
After walking for a while, we reached a massive windmill situated in the meadows on the eastern side of Tolbana. If you paid a slightly higher fee than a standard inn to the NPC living here, they would rent out the second floor of the windmill for a full day. Furthermore, thanks to the generosity of the owner—who was a farmer—you could eat as much free cheese as you wanted, and there was a bath as well, though it was shared.
Such places, which could be called " rural guest houses, " were a hot topic during the beta test for a while. However, back then, everyone preferred conquering floors over luxury in-game living; more importantly, they could log out whenever they wanted, so there wasn't much demand for them.
" This will be our place for now, so it's best to pay for as many days as possible in advance. You can pay for up to ten days. How much money do you have left? "
" I am grateful for your many instructions, but must I also reveal my savings to you? "
" I'm not forcing you, but you need to keep some money to buy healing potions for tomorrow's quest. Whatever is lacking, we'll have to earn through hunting. "
" ...I have 2,100 " Col " and some change. There is no problem. "
The cost for this windmill was 80 Col per day. Thanks to the battles on the road, it seemed she had easily gathered enough to pay for ten days. Perhaps it was also because Alice had been fighting recklessly without any healing items, making her expenses almost non-existent.
After I confirmed she had completed the payment, I turned to leave and find another place for myself to sleep, but...
" What is this? How did this happen...?! "
I froze in my tracks at Alice's cry, which sounded like a shriek of terror.
" What's wrong? If you mean the room, it's up the stairs outside— "
" That is not what I mean! Why has my balance dropped to only 500 Col?! "
" What?! What are you saying... Oh! "
A single reason for the massive drop in Alice's balance flashed through my mind. I immediately focused my gaze on the top left of my vision and found Alice's HP bar appearing clearly next to mine.
" We forgot that we're still in a " Party "...! "
The second floor of this windmill contains a regular room, and above it is an attic. The attic is equipped with a simple bed, and if used together, a maximum of two people can stay at the same time.
Originally, I intended to use the place alone, and when I decided to yield it to Alice who had followed me, I completely forgot to dissolve the party. Technically, even without dissolving the party, the user can be specified during payment, but Alice, who knew nothing, had bypassed those settings. Now, the second floor of the windmill was automatically reserved for a party of two: Alice and me.
In other words, half of the cost for the twenty days deducted from Alice's pocket was actually for me.
When Alice realized this:
" ...That room, can its door be locked securely? "
" Ah, the second floor and the attic... are connected only by a simple wooden ladder. "
" ...In other words, one can enter and leave freely if they wish...? "
" Ooh, that... yes. "
In the next instant, her beautiful brows furrowed deeply. At the same time, she placed her hand on her sword, which was now gleaming after its maintenance.
" Go and find another inn right now. You are certainly capable of doing so. Otherwise, I will leave. "
" No, even if you say that, the payment has already been made... and besides, once paid, there are no cancellations here. "
" What...?! Then, let us dissolve the party right now and— "
" We could... but then we'd have to pay the same amount again to the NPC to cancel the reservation and then pay all over again. "
Naturally, neither I nor Alice had the surplus funds to do that. It was too late for everything...
" Listen well. If you try anything strange, I will cut you. Even if we are in a " Safe Zone, " the shock will be enough. Do not come down from the attic unless I call for you. If you swear to abide by this, I will allow you to stay in this room. "
" No, the matter of " allowing " isn't quite accurate since I paid my money too, and technically I'm the one who guided you here—fine, I'll gratefully use the attic. "
I tried to protest weakly, but I completely surrendered to that non-negotiable aura and quietly retreated to the attic room.
The unfurnished attic was more spacious than I expected. There were no windows, and if I stood up straight, my head would hit the ceiling, but this gave it an atmosphere like the secret bases I used to dream of in my childhood. It wasn't bad; in fact, it was quite good.
" What are you doing up there? Come out so we can buy today's dinner. Show me the way. "
" You're quite demanding... "
Without giving me time to indulge in nostalgia, I descended the ladder leading to the room. I remembered that Tolbana didn't sell very fancy food. I would rely on " Black Bread " here, which cost one piece per Col—the constant companion of a frugal life.
As for Alice, who didn't know what I was thinking, she put her hood back on and lightly descended the stairs. With all politeness, she told the NPC, " We are going shopping, " and then headed toward the town.
The sight of me walking behind that blonde beauty perfectly fit the context of a high-ranking knight ( Alice, obviously ) and her servant ( me, obviously ).
After starting as a lonely solo player, less than a month had passed before I became a guide for a young lady swordswoman. I continued walking, watching her golden hair peeking out from under the cloak, swaying from side to side.