Sword Art Online: Aincrad's Hollow Fragment

November 7, 2024

Floor 61: Selmburg

This was it. Today was the day that Heathcliff would lead the Assault Team into the boss room on Floor 75. His plans for an entire squad including some of my closest friends to be executed by the boss would not come to pass. Checking my gear, I noticed that my armor's durability was running low.

I need to stop by her shop anyway... might as well get this back in shape.

Ashtry walked past me while putting her rapier away, checking her gear as well as Kiyo, who was looking at her dagger's stats. I smiled at them both as I walked over and hugged the both of them. No words were spoken as they hugged me back, smiles on their faces.

Ashtry- Ready to set us all free my prince?

"It's not a guarantee my princess. But I made a promise to the both of you that I would see you both in the real world. I don't plan on breaking that promise."

Kiyo- Papa... in case you... I just...

Her smile was slowly replaced with tears as she jumped into my arms, embracing me into a tight hug, crying on my shoulder.

Kiyo- You have given me so much Papa... words can't even describe how much I love you... whether in this world, the real world or the afterlife... I will always love you Papa.

Tears started falling down my face as I hugged my daughter tighter, picking her up and pulling Ashtry in to join us. The three of us stood there for a moment, embracing each other one last time as a family.

"I love you both... that feeling will never change no matter where we end up."

Ashtry- And I love you both... no matter what happens, we will always be a family.

Kiyo- Mama... Papa...

After a few more seconds of warm embrace, I let them both go and started to head towards the door. Ashtry and Kiyo both nodded at each other and followed behind me.

Ashtry- Alright, run us through the plan one more time my prince.

"Kayaba will assume that the poison is still taking over my body and will kill me before they enter the boss room. So, we'll use that to our advantage. He planned on telling you and Kiyo that I ran away from the battle like a coward and was killed by mob monsters."

Kiyo- Unbelievable...

Ashtry- He's the true coward...

"You two are going to use that to your advantage. You two will join the boss raid on Floor 75 without me while I stay behind and wait for the right time to strike. If Kayaba asks you what you two were doing there, you just tell him that you were looking for me."

Ashtry- Sounds easy enough.

Kiyo- But how do we distract your Papa long enough for you to strike him.

"No need to worry about that. There's only one thing I need to appear as I try to hit my father. If that pops up, that will expose his secret."

Ashtry- Smart move.

Kiyo- Then is that all we need?

"It should be. Do not let anybody in on your plan, not even Kirito and Asuna. This stays between us."

Ashtry- Got it!

Kiyo- You can count on us Papa!

"Good... now get going... I need to visit a few people."

Kiyo- See you on the other side Papa!

Kiyo ran towards the teleport gate and left to the 75th floor. Ashtry held my hand and pulled me in for a kiss. The kiss was short, but I understood the meaning behind it. It wasn't a goodbye; it was a see you soon.

Ashtry- Don't take too long. I'll be waiting for you... my love...

"You won't be waiting for much longer, I promise."

Ashtry slowly released my hand and made her way to the 75th floor. I took a deep breath and looked up to the sky.

"Today... we will be set free..."

I walked towards the teleport gate and took a deep breath.

This ends today.

"Teleport: Lindas!"

My body vanished from the 61st floor, prepared to do what was necessary.

November 7, 2024

Floor 75: Dungeon

The entrance to the boss room was quickly crowded by the Assault Team, who made their way inside to do a final check on their gear. Kirito and Asuna stepped inside and took a look around.

Asuna- Do you feel that Kirito? It's like there's a bad vibe in here.

Kirito- I agree.

Klein- Well hey there you two!

Kirito and Asuna turned around to see Klien and Agil, weapons at the ready and smiling at them.

Kirito- No way... You guys are coming too?

Agil- That's the best you got? "No way"? Hey man I shut my shop down to come out here and get this done. Brother, you're looking at a player whose about as philanthropic as they come.

Kirito- Then seeing as how you're so "philanthropic", you're not going to mind if we take you out of the drop list.

Agil- Hey now, let's not be too hasty man!

Asuna and Klein let out a small chuckle at their banter. Klein took a minute to look around the Assault Team, looking at them all confused.

Klein- Hey... where's Kazzu? Shouldn't he be here?

The rest of the group looked around and were just as confused as Klein.

Agil- You're right. He's not here.

Asuna- Neither are Ashtry and Kiyo...

Klein- Maybe they forgot or are just taking it easy. Didn't you tell me his leave of absence got extended?

Kirito- Yes but Kazzu would never miss the chance to take down a floor boss, even if he was taking a break. Something is up.

Asuna- Should I send a message to them?

Kirito waited to respond as he pulled down his friends list. His sigh of relief easing some of the tension in the group.

Kirito- No, Ashtry and Kiyo are on their way here and Kazzu is on Floor 48. He's probably doing some last-minute upgrades again.

Klein- Well he better hurry! As soon as Heathcliff shows up, we...

As if right on cue, Heathcliff entered the dungeon behind them, making his way towards the door. He stopped short of the door handle and turned to face the crowd.

Heathcliff- Everyone ready? The Knights of the Blood Oath will be out in front, distracting the boss and blocking its attacks. In the meantime, the rest of you have to stay sharp and try to figure out its attack patterns. I won't lie; this battle will be hard. But I have faith that we can, and will, prevail. For our day of liberation!

The crowd cheered on the commander as he readied himself to open the door.

Kirito- Wait!

Heathcliff stopped and turned around to face the Black Swordsman, his face confused at the sudden outburst.

Heathcliff- Yes Kirito?

Kirito- Shouldn't we wait for Kazzu, Ashtry and Kiyo? They are three of our best players. They could help us beat the boss.

Heathcliff- Unfortunately those three will not be joining us on this raid. They have earned an extended leave of absence for helping us take down the murder guild Laughing Coffin.

The crowd started to cheer and silently chant my name. Klein and Agil joined in while Kirito and Asuna stayed silent. Kirito looking at Heathcliff with a glare of doubt.

Heathcliff- Now if there are no more interruptions, lets defeat this boss.

Heathcliff started to open the door, the echoes of its creaks spreading through the room and filling everyone's eardrums. Kirito clenched his fists and gave off a shaky breath. Before he could do anything, Asuna gently grabbed his hand and whispered to him.

Asuna- Everything's going to be fine. I won't let anything happen to you, promise. Make sure you protect me too, ok?

Kirito smiled at her as they both shared a soft kiss, pulling back for Kirito to respond.

Kirito- Yea... you know I will.

Klien- Get a room you two, we have a boss to defeat.

Kirito and Asuna pulled back fast as the door fully opened, equipping their weapons and drawing them out.

Kirito- Don't die guys...

Klien- Heh, same to you buddy!

Agil- I'm going to make a fortune off of today's drops! No way am I missing out on that!

The door stopped, fully opened, leading into a dark room.

Heathcliff- Forward! To battle!

November 7, 2024

Floor 48: Lindas

I quickly made my way towards Lisbeth's Smith Shop, which had a "Closed for Boss Raid" sign on it.

"Thank you Liz."

Wasting no more time, I barged into the shop where Lisbeth looked up at me a little startled. She jumped to her feet and ran towards her workshop, me following shortly afterward.

"Are they done?"

Lisbeth- Yes. I stayed up all night giving them everything I've got. With the materials I had on hand, they should have the stats that are on par with your sword.

"You're amazing Liz. Just need you to fix up my armor quick."

Lisbeth- Alright, set it on the counter and I'll work as fast as I can."

Doing what she said, I switched out of my armor and into my normal clothes while setting my gear on a counter next to Liz. She quickly started grabbing my gear and went to work. Thinking this was my last chance to speak to her before the game was over, I knelt down next to her.

"So... Rika Shinozaki huh?"

A small blush came onto her face as she continued to work.

Lisbeth- It was the heat of the moment ok...? I just thought you should know who I was so we can see each other again in the real world.

"Understandable."

Lisbeth- Which, by the way, you never told me your name mister.

"That is correct."

Lisbeth- Well? Are you going to tell me or leave me in suspense?

Giving her a smile, I patted her head and moved away from her so she could focus on work. This earned a little pout from Liz.

Lisbeth- No fair...

"Well, you already know my last name so that's half the work done."

Lisbeth- Jerk...

A small stretch of silence made its way to the conversation as Lisbeth finished the last piece of my gear and handed it back to me. Before I could take it, Lisbeth held my hands tight.

Lisbeth- Be honest with me Kazzu... will you be ok?

"Hm?"

Lisbeth- Even if you do beat this game, if you do beat your dad... what will happen to you? You'll be an orphan, left to fix your fathers sins and be seen as a criminal. What will you do if no one is there by your side?

I held Lisbeth's hands tighter and pulled her into a hug, which she reciprocated.

"Even if the world hates me, even if people demine me, even if I'm left to sort thing out... I will never be alone."

Lisbeth- You won't?

"No... I have Silica, Kirito, Asuna, Ashtry, Klien, Kiyo, Agil and more importantly, I'll have you Liz."

Lisbeth- M-me? I'm no one special...

"You're more special than you think you are."

I left the conversation with a small kiss on her forehead as I grabbed my gear and put it back on, making my way towards the door.

Lisbeth- Wait!

I looked back at the pink haired blacksmith one more time, her hand clenched to her chest and a few tears falling down.

Lisbeth- See you on the other side Kazzu...

I opened the door, took a step forward, looked her in the eyes and smiled.

"Kazuhito Akihiko. See you around Rika."

I closed the door behind me and set my sights on the final destination.

"Here I come... father..."

November 7, 2024

Floor 75: Boss Room

The entire Assault Team sprinted inside of the room, spreading out to cover more ground. Their battle cry echoing into silence as they entered the empty room, senses sharp and on the lookout for the boss. Three groups of players were ready to give their lives to beat the boss. The Knights of the Blood Oath, the Holy Dragon Alliance and the small group consisting of Kirito, Asuna, Klien and Agil stood together as the door to the room vanished, the silence still present in the empty room.

Assault Team Member #1- Nothing's happening... where...?

Asuna- Up there!

Everyone looked up to see a big mass on bones fall down from the ceiling, the bones constructing themselves into a giant centipede looking monster.

Klein- It's...

Kirito- The Skull Reaper!

Heathcliff- Stay away from it!

Kirito looked on ahead and spotted two members of the Assault Team, shaking in their boots standing right underneath the Skull Reaper.

Kirito- You two! This way! Hurry run!

The two players regained their senses and sprinted towards where Kirito was, avoiding the centipede as it finally crashed down to the ground. Before they could reach them, the Skull Reaper took one slash at the players with its blades, sending them flying through the air and shattering them both with one hit.

Klein- It killed them in one hit!

Agil- Man we are so dead!

Kirito- Damn it Kazzu... Where are you?

The Skull Reaper set its sights on a new target. Before it could swipe at him, Heathcliff blocked its attack in the blink of an eye. His efforts were in vain as the centipede moved its other blade to the side of Heathcliff and swiped at the player he was defending, shattering him in a single blow.

Agil- We can't even get in close enough to hit the damn thing!

The Reaper jumped in the air and landed next to another player, ready to strike again.

Kirito- Watch out!

Kirito bolted forward, pushing the player out of the way and blocking the monster's blade with his swords. Even though both swords were up, the strength of the monster sent Kirito to his knees, causing its blade to dig itself into his shoulder.

Kirito- It's too strong!

As the monster was preparing to strike again, multiple strikes started to attack it for behind, moving its way up quickly to its back. The monster cried out in pain as it started to shake whatever assailant was on top of it. Before its blade could strike its own back, two figures jumped off and landed next to Kirito, offering two hands to him.

Ashtry- Got here just in time!

Kiyo- Need some help Mister Kirito?

Kirito- Ashtry... Kiyo...

Asuna- Oh thank goodness you two are here...! But... where's Kazzu?

Ashtry- He isn't with you?

Heathcliff appeared next to the group as the Skull Reaper swiped at them again, blocking its attack while pushing it back.

Heathcliff- Fight now! Talk later!

Asuna- Agreed! If we block the monster together, we stand a chance. Come on, we can do this.

Ashtry- Let's do it!

Kiyo- Bring it on!

Kirito- Yea!

Heathcliff- Everyone! Listen up!

Kirito- Me, Asuna, Ashtry and Kiyo will deal with the sides. Everyone else, flank it and attack!

Agil- You heard the man!

Assault Team Member #2- Ok!

They started the attack with Kirito and Asuna, blocking the attacks while Ashtry and Kiyo focused on quick and effective strikes. Members of the assault team started to fall in and strike the monster from its flank.

Agil- Hold still baby!

The Skull Reaper noticed the attackers and used its tail to knock Agil and two other members back. Agil stood tall while the other members shattered behind him.

Agil- Damn you!

Klein joined Agil on the offense as Klein slid underneath the monster and activated a skill, sending his katana upward and piercing through the monster's spine while Agil leapt into the air and slammed down on the spine with a sword skill of his own. Kirito and Asuna blocked a swipe from its blades, lunging forwards and staggering the monster with their own skills. Its health was in the red, down to the one sliver of health. Ashtry took noticed and looked back at her group.

Ashtry- Everyone! Together!

The small group charged at the Skull Reaper, who was struggling to keep itself standing as the entire Assault Team rained down on it like wildfire.

Agil- Double Cleave!

Asuna- Star Splash!

Kiyo- Rapid Bite!

Klein- Tsujikaze!

Kirito- Starburst Stream!

Ashtry- Flashing Penetrator!

With all of their skills combined, the monster reeled back in pain and let out one last petrifying screech before shattering, indicating it's death. The room lit up and a huge congratulations tab appeared in front of the Assault Team. The entire team fell backwards in exhaustion. Klein was the one who broke the silence.

Klein- How many did we lose?

Kirito slowly opened up his menu and checked the boss raid group. His eyes widened as his hand fell back down to the ground.

Kirito- Fourteen of us died...

Agil- Oh my god...

Klein- And we still have 25 floors to go...

Agil- 25 more floors... how the hell are we going make it that far!?

Kirito shook his head as he looked over at Heathcliff. He was just standing there, looking at the door leading to the next floor. He showed no emotion to the players that died, no care that fourteen people were lost. The one thing that caught Kirito's attention, was the fact that his health was still in the green. Kirito's eyes widened as he started to piece it all together.

Kirito- Of course! The impossible movements, the highest stats, the strongest skills and a defense so high that he doesn't have to worry about death... It all makes sense now. Kayaba...

Kirito slowly went for his sword but before he could get a good grip on it, a message appeared in front of him: "You and Asuna need to move your heads. Slightly to the left."

Kirito- What...?

Asuna- What's wrong?

Kirito- I... got a message...

Asuna- Who from?

Kirito didn't respond as he slowly moved his head to the left, slanting his body as he was sitting down.

Asuna- What are you?

Kirito- Trust me. Just move your head, slightly to your left.

Asuna stayed quiet as she followed his orders, her body slanted just like his. Before anyone could ask about their weird position, a small object zipped in between Kirito and Asuna's head, hitting Heathcliff's shield with a small clink. Everyone heard the noise and looked around the room, confused as to where it came from. A second message appeared in front of Klein: "Lean slightly backwards."

Klein- The hell?

He did as instructed as two more small objects zipped past him and hit Heathcliff in the back, causing him to turn around fast and scan the area, noticing nothing. The Assault Team started to get worried as Ashtry and Kiyo both received a message: "Tell everyone to get down quickly. I love you both."

Ashtry- I love you too...

Kiyo- Love you Papa...

Ashtry- Everyone!

Kiyo- Get down!

Ashtry, Kiyo, Asuna and Kirito, along with every other player besides Heathcliff grounded themselves as low as they could go as small objects started to zip past everyone, hitting Heathcliff in every direction. They were blocked by Heathcliff's shield as he quickly determined where the objects were coming from. What he wasn't expecting...

Was me.

I let out a small battle cry as I lunged at Heathcliff from the shadows when he wasn't looking. My sword tip almost hitting his throat until I was stopped by a small purple hexagon, which displayed itself to the rest of the Assault Team as: Immortal Object.

Heathcliff- Kazzu...

"I got you, you son of a bitch!"

I jumped back away from the now exposed Knight of the Blood Oath member and let the others put the pieces together.

Asuna- An immortal object? Commander Heathcliff, what's going on?

Kirito- I think I have the answer to that, but I'll leave that to the Dark Prince. He deserves to speak the truth more than anybody here.

"The reason why the commanders HP never hits the yellow is because he's protected by the game's system."

Asuna- What!?

Klein- No way...

Agil- It couldn't be...

"Allow me to explain. Since day one, I've always had the same question boiling in my brain. I always wondered where was my father hiding while he watches and controls everything in this world? Well, the answer is pretty simple. It's basic psychology. So simple in fact that every kid knows it. There is nothing else more boring than watching someone else play an RPG. That's why you put me in a dungeon as soon as I saw your dirty little secret, isn't that right... father?"

The entire Assault Team gasped at my accusation. Kirito stepped forward and stood by me as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

Kirito- It took me a little while longer to figure it out. Hell, I only discovered the truth a couple of moments ago when you identified that Kazzu and his crew wouldn't be joining us. Yet here they all are. Aside from what Kazzu said, most everybody on this team knows that Kazzu would never miss an opportunity to fight a boss monster. Your story didn't add up. Before the boss raid, I noticed that Ashtry and Kiyo were on this floor trailing us to the boss while Kazzu was getting his gear checked out on Floor 48. Which could only mean two things. One, that they forgot about the boss raid, which is impossible since everyone on the Assault Team is notified the day before the raid. Or two, that Kazzu's story adds up. You kept him locked away for discovering your secret.

Heathcliff said nothing as the Assault Team started to step away from him, terrified of the truth. Heathcliff looked at both of us and chuckled.

Heathcliff- I was aware that Kazzu had caught onto my little ruse, but just for curiosities sake how did you figure me out Kirito?

Kirito- The first time me and Kazzu knew something was up was during our duel. Kazzu had pulled me aside the day before and told me to not focus on winning the dual, but to focus on your movements. He wanted to know your style so he could adjust to it during boss fights and the possibility of a duel with you. Remember when you turned the tables on me? That move was way too fast. The other person I know that has a maxed-out shield level is Kazzu and I've never seen him react that fast.

Heathcliff- Yes... I thought so... It was a mistake to think that would go unnoticed by the two of you. But you were so strong and so fast that I had no choice but to engage the systems assist mode. Congratulations Kirito, Kazzu. I am indeed Kayaba Akihiko. Now that my identity has been revealed, it should be of no surprise that I am the final boss location on the top floor.

Another shocked gasp came from the Assault Team. Asuna worryingly grabbed onto Kirito's arm, afraid of what was to come.

Kirito- So the strongest player in the game ends up being the final boss. Kinda clique, isn't it?

Heathcliff- Actually, I kind of like that angle. One thing is for sure, I always assumed it would be Kazzu and only Kazzu standing before me at the very end. You know, dual wielding is a rare skill, the kind that is only given to the player with the fastest reaction time. I was surprised to see that Kirito beat my own son in that regard. The one with the skill was the "hero" of the story, the one that would rise up and challenge the demon king along with his right-hand man: The Red Hunter.

Ashtry's eyes widened as her skill name was mentioned. She stood up and walked towards Heathcliff.

Ashtry- So what you're saying is that my unique skill was meant to be your last line of defense against the players!? What would've happened if we made it to the top floor?

Heathcliff- The system would recognize the player with that skill and force them to face against the "hero". A "one shall stand, one shall fall" scenario.

Ashtry- So you mean... either the player dies... or I die...?

Heathcliff- Unfortunately yes.

Ashtry stepped back and fell to her knees in a panic, Kiyo running up to comfort her.

"You bastard! That's sick!"

Heathcliff- Back to the topic of the dual wielding skill. I was expecting Kazzu to take the skill but you Kirito... The power you displayed during our fight exceeded my expectations. I guess these unexpected twists and turns are what make MMORPGs so thrilling to play.

Kirito- Please, if Kazzu really wanted to, he could have this rare skill and then some. The only reason he has the reaction time that he has is because he has a secret of his own.

Heathcliff- Oh...?

Before we could continue the conversation further, a Blood Oath member spoke up.

Blood Oath Member #1- Our loyalty... Our hope... How dare you... How dare you! How dare you!

He leapt up into the air with his sword, but in seconds, was grounded and paralyzed by Kayaba opening his menu and inflicting the effect towards him. A few more seconds later, he inflicted the same status effect on every player except for me and Kirito. I looked back and saw Ashtry and Kiyo unable to move their muscles as they looked at me with fear.

Kirito- You damn coward!

"So, you going to go through with your original plan? Kill everyone on Floor 75 and then blame me for their deaths?

Heathcliff- I was never going to kill everyone on this floor, that wouldn't be sporting of me. No, instead, since my identity is revealed, I'm going to head to the top floor and wait for you all there. I'll be waiting inside the Ruby Palace. I'm sad that I'll be leaving you all so soon. I spent quite some time building up the Knights of the Blood Oath and the other elite players. But you're all strong, I'm sure you'll be able to reach me eventually. But before I go...

He planted his sword and shield down on the ground and looked at me and Kirito. His smile very offsetting.

Heathcliff- Since you both discovered my identity I feel as though you two deserve a reward. I shall give you a chance so to speak.

"A chance?"

Kirito- A chance for what?

Heathcliff- A one on one fight with me, right here, right now. My immortality will be deactivated. Defeat me in a duel and one of you will clear the game. Every other player will be able to log out of this world with no strings attached. What do you say?

Kirito took a step back at his offer. I looked at my father with deadpan eyes, trying to read him and see his poker face.

Kirito- He's got to be lying right? No way he would ever...

"My father is many things... but a liar... is not one of them."

Heathcliff- Think about all you've seen, all you've suffered. Yui's deletion... Godfree's death... the extinction of the Moonlit Black Cats...

I gave him an angry glare upon hearing my ex-guild's name. I gritted my teeth and thought back to everything that has happened since the release of this game. Not only did if affect me personally but it affected everyone around me. They were sent here to die no matter how strong they were.

Ashtry- Kazzu...

I looked back at my lover as she tried to move herself closer to me. I helped her out by holding both her and Kiyo in my arms. The two people who I loved, who I cherished, both powerless to move.

"You know what my answer is going to be... don't you?"

Ashtry- Of course I know, you goof. I just... wanted to see you before you go.

Kiyo- I believe in you Papa... go and kick his butt.

I nodded and slowly laid them back on the ground. I walked up to Kirito and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You got your chance with him and lost. Leave this to me. This is my mistake to fix."

Kirito- Alright... but if he kills you, I swear I'll...

"I won't die. I promise you."

I pulled him in for a hug, which he reciprocated. As we pulled back, Kirito's body went limp as he fell next to Asuna, paralyzed. I walked closer to my father, placing both my sword and shield into my inventory.

Agil- Kazzu, don't!

Klein- Kazzu!

"Agil... Thanks for supporting all of the players in the game since day one."

Agil- How did you...?

"You act like you're all about the money, but I know you spent every penny of it helping the intermediate players level up. And Klein, sorry I never had the guts to join your guild. It would've been nice to have your support."

Klein- Damn it Kazzu. Don't apologize! Don't you dare apologize now! I won't accept it! Not unless you're buying me dinner god damn it!

"It's a deal. I'll see you on the other side."

I took one last look at Ashtry and Kiyo as they both looked at me with a worried smile. A thought came to my head as I faced my father once more.

"Grant me a personal request father?"

Heathcliff- What is it?

"I sure as hell don't plan to go down easy so if I die today, I want your word. I want you to fix the system to where Ashtry and Kiyo can't kill themselves."

Heathcliff- As you wish.

Ashtry- Kazzu...

Kiyo- Papa, no! You promised I would be with you no matter what world we were on! You promised!

Her cries filled my ears as Heathcliff pulled out his weapon and switched his immortality off.

This is no longer just some in game duel... this was a fight to the death.

Heathcliff- Now before we begin, tell me. What is this secret of yours? I'm curious to see how it will compare to my blade.

I said nothing as I sent him my stats screen, his eyes widened as he looked at me, not sure whether or not to believe me.

Heathcliff- That's... impossible...

"Impossible huh? Then allow me to break it down for everyone."

I then displayed my stats to everyone, showing them what I was capable of.

Kazzu

Level 100

HP: 32,760/32,760

Dagger: 1000/1000

One Handed Sword: 1000/1000

Scimitar: 1000/1000

Rapier: 1000/1000

Mace: 1000/1000

Two Handed Axe: 1000/1000

Two Handed Spear: 1000/1000

Katana: 1000/1000

Two Handed Sword: 1000/1000

Gauntlets: 0/1000

Klein- Gauntlets?

Agil- The hell?

Asuna- So that's...?

Kiyo- Papa...

I said nothing else as my hands started to glow a bright blue as black metal started engulfing my hands. The metal growing twice the size of my hands and wrapping my fingertips with a sharp point. The back of my hand being ingulfed by an orange-crimson crystalized eye. Once the metal was done melding itself onto my hands, I presented my weapon for Heathcliff to see.

"These are the "Eyes of Aincrad". This is my unique skill!"

Heathcliff- I see that skill has made its way into the game despite the fact that I had it deleted multiple times.

"I figured that if I couldn't stop you in the real world, this would be the best solution to stand up to you in this game."

Heathcliff- What makes you so certain that your worthless skill will beat me?

I readied myself for battle, staring my father down one last time before we settle this once and for all.

"Because it's a skill that I designed."

I zipped towards my father at blinding speed, slamming my fist against his face. The force sending him flying backwards, skidding into a recovery as I rushed him again. Being prepared for my assault, he started to block my attacks with his shield. His defense matching my offense blow for blow.

Heathcliff- Your lucky shot is all you're going to get on me! I swear to you; you will not live to see the top floor!

"What a great thing to say to your only son! Did you even care about this project!? Did you even care about my aid in creating this!? What was I to you!? A tool!?

Heathcliff- You might be my flesh and blood, but in this world, you are nothing to me but an unavoidable irritation! A mistake!

His words cut me like a knife, but it only fueled my resolve. My fists kept pushing him back while he still had the upper hand in defense. I needed to break his guard somehow.

"Well, I trusted you! I believed in you! I believed that you and I could change the world into something better with our technology, our creation! We were in it together as father and son! Now I see nothing more but a man with a god complex! I made a promise to people trapped in this game that I would be the one who sets them free and set them free I shall!"

Swinging upwards, my fists managed to knock his shield back. As I went to punch him, however, he swung his sword upwards. I managed to block him with my gauntlets, but the force knocked me into the air. Flipping my body backwards to recover quickly, my eyes widened as I saw his blade raised, ready to stab me in between the eyes. A wicked smirk crawled onto his face.

Heathcliff- I've got you now...

As he went to thrust his sword, his arm was caught by an invisible force. A force that made itself known as a glitch in the system. Heathcliff was too distracted on that to notice another solid hit to his stomach by my gauntlets, causing him to catch his breath, giving me a chance to clock him in the jaw again. Using this to my advantage, I unleashed a flurry of blows. Each punch landing on some form of his body, causing more glitches to appear. I paid them no mind as I knocked him back hard with a solid uppercut, causing him to fly through the air and hit the ground hard. My hand started to glow golden as I rushed in to finish him off. He struggled to stand up but raised his shield high, ready to block whatever skill I had ready for him. I gave him my deadliest battle cry as I rushed into melee distance and swung my fist, activating my first sword skill with the gauntlets.

"Smashing Knuckles!"

My body lurched itself forward as my fist connected with Heathcliff's shield, his arms weak from the beating he took. His strength failed him as he was forced to the ground on one knee. Looking down at his shield, I noticed something that even surprised me.

It's cracking!

His shield was breaking, and the more he kept defending, the more the crack on his shield grew bigger and bigger. Not wanting to spare him the mercy, I pushed forward, breaking through his shield and shocking even Heathcliff himself.

"It's over!"

Uppercutting him in the jaw once again to get him on his feet, I finished him off with one last attack as my fist pierced through his armor and exited out of his back. His silent pained groans filling my ears as his health hit empty. Instead of shattering, a glowing static yellow light engulfed us both. As the light turned from yellow to white, I noticed my father's avatar disappear without a trace of a shattering noise to be left behind. As the light faded, I looked at where my fist had connected with my father's body, only to find his body gone and the battle over.

I did it...?

I... won?