[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

No one's POV

- May 3, 2027 -

[ 5 months ago, on December 3, 2026, it was the day that Dekarusu Sumisu had gone through a very painful time; he was dealing with the Curse Mark affecting his body and mind. Seeing his family's lifeless bodies and blood splattered. Was defeated by his doppelgänger; Deku Black. Demand Kirito to duel with him, but almost killed him as Bercouli intervened. Then Quinella managed to convince Deku to abandon his friends. With Dekarusu goes rouge and being escorted to the Axiom Church, his friends and his teachers were on a rescue mission to save Dekarusu from reaching the church. But, as things were suddenly becoming more complicated, there's another Administrator; a good administrator named "Cardinal", who was behind the scenes and who was helping Kirito and the others to save Dekarusu. Then when the time comes for the main event, Kirito and the others have finally found their friend... but things didn't go to plan as they were almost killed, more brutalized by their friend. So they have no choice but to accept defeat - even the teachers as well, as they have no choice but to accept it and let Dekarusu go in order to focus on their new important task - The War. 5 months later now... The Human Empire was preparing its people for the war, The Axiom Church, preparing itself as well... but many more plots were yet to be revealed. Then the Dark Territory was also more than ready to take over the Human Empire. 3 units were ready for the war to begin... but before the war... with the Human Empire - ]

[ And also, with Cardinal revealed the truth about the "Underworld" and how she and Eugeo, Alice, Selka, Ronie, Tiese, Bercouli and many other people are actually AI's from the Underworld, run by Rath. Then as Cardinal explains the whole situation of the Real World and the Underworld is now combine. Thanks to one of the Rath's employees who helped Quinella to escape... and many things that made the real world a little bit different than usual. And many more mysterious events that are yet to be solved. Regardless, with Kirito and the others bonded well with the AIs, it really doesn't even matter to them at all if they're AI or not, they still treat them as human beings! And now, back with the Human Empire - ]

- The Human Empire -

[ Ever since the rescue mission was a complete failure, the others managed to recover their wounds from their last battle against Deku and the other followers of possessed the Curse Mark. They've been focusing on preparing for the war, making sure they've been prepared for their victory in this war... even Cardinal is helping them preparing for the war in order to keep the world safe from any evil... and now, in Rulid Village - ]

(A/N: I tried my best to find good images of the characters new outfits and these are the best ones that I can find... painfully 😑😔)

Kirito

"Sigh"
"We're almost done. We're almost ready for this war." Kirito said to himself. Then someone approached Kirito

???:
"Indeed." Kirito turns around and sees Alice.

Kirito:
"Oh, hey, Alice."

Alice:

"Hello, Kirito. Are you ready?" Alice asked

Kirito:
"Yeah. I'm ready." Kirito said as someone else approached them

???:
"Kirito. Alice. There you two are."

Alice:
"Eugeo."

Eugeo:

"You two ready?"

Kirito:
"Yeah, we're ready. Just making sure I've got everything."

Eugeo:
"Ok. Because Bercouli's waiting for us." Eugeo said as he noticed something from Kirito. "Um, Kirito, are you ok? You look a little said about something."

Kirito:
"Huh? Nah, I'm good. Just thinking about..."

Alice:
"About Deku. Right?" Alice said as Kirito nodded.

Kirito:
"I know after the battle... we have no choice but to focus on the war... but..."

Alice:
"I know. I feel the same way... but like Cardinal said -"

[ Flashback ]

Cardinal:
("I know it's hard to accept but like I said to Yuuki, this is a heart-wrenching reality, it's cruel enough as it is. We have to accept it and move forward as much as it really hurts us to the core. But there's always hope, maybe Deku will return to us in the future. Always remember to have hope for his return but don't always have too much hope for it.")

[ End of Flashback ]

Alice:
"Well, I want to believe that he'll make it out of there alive. But we can't let that get to us."

Eugeo:
"I agree. Maybe Deku... he'll probably have something else in mind. Who knows, maybe he'll surprise us or the whole war. Maybe he'll be helping us out with the war. Who knows."

Kirito:
"...Yeah. Well, guess we all have to see how this war goes down for us. Let's go." Kirito said as he leads the way, then Eugeo and Alice follows

[ As Kirito and the others were heading to Bercouli.. the others were in the Great Library with Cardinal... discussing something - ]

Cardinal:
"Well... how are you feeling, Yuuki Konno."

Yuuki:

"I'm feeling very good. Just ready for this war. I'm really excited... even though this is a war but... I know I'll give it my all with my sister and my friends by my side!" Yuuki smiled

Aiko:
"Hehe. That's my tomboyish little sister. So energetic." Aiko smiled as well

Cardinal:
"How about you, Aiko Konno?"

Aiko:
"Well, I'm feeling nervous, but I'll do my best for this."

Cardinal:
"I know you'll do well. The main goal is to survive. Try to have that in mind, and that goes for everyone."

Aiko:
"Yes, Miss Cardinal."

Cardinal:
"So, Yuuki, it has been 9 months now... and just 13 more days until the child is actually born. I believe it'll be a blessing for the child to be born like this. Yuuki, are you ready for your role as a mother?" Then Yuuki was somehow smiling

Yuuki:

(A/N: Try to see Yuuki smiling without her tears.)

*Sigh*
"I'll be honest... I did say that I would bear the risk of taking care of the child and I will do it... but I never thought I would be incredibly nervous about parenting at a young age... so I guess it's my fault for not thinking about what would happen if we took things too far that day. So I'll take responsibility for my actions... so, yes, I'm ready for the role of becoming a mother to my child." Yuuki said as she spoke what's in her heart, then the others smiled.

Aiko:
"I almost couldn't believe that I'm becoming an aunt at a young age as well. But if Yuuki is willing to take the role of being a mother and I'll take the role of the child's aunt."

Yuuki:
"Thanks sis."

Cardinal:
"I'm happy to hear that from you two. But... Yuuki, actually... something came up." Both Yuuki and Aiko was dumbfounded

Yuuki:
"Um, did something happen?"

Cardinal:
"Nothing terrible happened... well -
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[ With Cardinal telling Yuuki that something unexpected but a very surprising turn of events which it made both the Konno twins truly shocked of hearing Cardinal's words... then Yuuki spoke. ]

Yuuki:

"A-are you sure?! This... this is very true?!" Cardinal nodded her head. "B-But we... only did it once. Or twice...?! If I remember right..." Yuuki was flabbergasted

Cardinal:
"Yes. I'm full aware that you're definitely flabbergasted by this... but that's what happens when you're not being careful."

Aiko:
"My goodness..."

Cardinal:
"Well, regardless, you have all the support you need. From me, your older twin sister and your friends. When this is all over... I'll make it an inception for you. Once 13 days are gone, it'll be ready to be born. And of course, you'll can hold them in your arms, and I'll take care of them for you until you're old enough for them. At least at the age of 21."

Yuuki:
"Oh no, you don't have to do that! I want to take full responsibility and take care of them myself. You don't have to trouble yourself." Yuuki waves her hands.

Cardinal:
"I know... but I also always wanted to know what it's like to take care of a new life myself... so... I know I don't have to, but I can't help it. And don't worry, you can visit anytime you like, I promise." Cardinal smiled as the Konno twins were happy to hear her thoughtful words.

Yuuki:
"Thank you so much, Miss Cardinal. Y'know when you said that... it's like you're also one of us, one in the family, even though we're all not blood related. So, thank you so much for this. I really appreciate you and I hope that you can spend some time with us, when this is all over." Cardinal was also to hear her thoughtful words.

Cardinal:
"Thank you, I am happy to hear that. I hope so as well." Cardinal smiled. "Well. Now that's concluded, I hope you all are prepared for this. Everything is all set?"

Yuuki:
~"Yes, Miss Cardinal."
Aiko:
~"Oh, Miss Cardinal. You still got the Aguma with you?"

Cardinal:
"Yes. And I have to say, with this "Aguma" Portable Headgear is what we also needed, just in case for anything. Glad that we have spares, just to be on the safe side. Even though the "Real World" and the "Underworld" are now combine as one.. I believe this is exactly what we need just in case of anything. And has everyone else got one?"

Aiko:
"Yes, I've double checked before coming here to see you two."

Cardinal:
"Excellent. Now, time to go the Eastavarieth Empire, Great Mound Road. But first, I need to get Kirito and the others."

Yuuki & Aiko:
~"Yes."
~"Yes."

[ Then, in the Eastern Gate... as Bercouli and the others were waiting for the others... ]

Asuna:

~"Ah, Kirito!"
Sinon:

~"You guys are finally here."

Kirito:
"Yeah, sorry. Had to make sure that we got everything. Is everything alright now?"

Silica:

~"Yeah! We heard the Eastern Gate was under attack and we couldn't just stay put!"

Lisbeth:

~"Yeah, and you were kind of a mess about it, Silica. The attacks had died down by the time we got here, but that won't last long.

Leafa:

~"The Human Realm troops are rushing to solve it. It'd be nice if we could help!

Agil:

~"We should ask them directly."

Klein:

~"That's the only opinion."

Asuna:
"Good idea. Bercouli and the rest should be straight ahead!"

Kirito:
"Right, thanks. I'll be off, then." As Kirito and the others head towards Bercouli, Asuna spotted the Konno Twins.

Asuna:
"Hey, Yuuki, Aiko."

Yuuki:
"Hey Asuna, everyone."

Asuna:
"Did everything go well?"

Yuuki:
"Well... hehehe... um." Yuuki chuckled nervously. "Well... it turns out that in the next 13 days... the "child" will be born."

Sinon:
"In 13 days. The baby will be born in May 16th. That's 13 days away from you two's birthday. Haha, that's really funny."

Lisbeth:
(😊)
"Also, the baby's two days before mine! I can't wait to have another May Baby with us.

Leafa:
(😔)
"I can't believe that the baby will be born while we're gone in this war. Poor baby."

Asuna:
"I agree. But, did Cardinal planned anything for the baby?" Asuna asked

Yuuki:
(🙂...😅)
"Mm-hm! Yeah... and there's something that I should tell you guys..."

Asuna:
"What is it? Did something bad happen?!"

Yuuki:
"Nah... nothing bad... it's just... instead -"
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All girls:
*Gasps*

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Asuna:
"Say what?! That's why Cardinal said?! Are you sure?!" Asuna covers her mouth with her hands

Yuuki:
(😅)
"Hehehe! Yeah, Aiko and I was just as shocked as you guys are." Yuuki rubs her head

Lisbeth:
(😂)
"Oh man! ...To be honest, I can't... hold on my laugh because I'm imagining Demi's reaction when he hears about this-!

[ Lisbeth's Imagination ]

Deku:
"Say what-?!"

Yuuki:
"Well, Deku~Kun... it actually turns out that -"
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Deku:

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

(A/N: 0:36 - 0:40)

[ Lisbeth's Imagination Ends ]

Lisbeth:
(😂)
"I REALLY want to see his reaction!" Lisbeth couldn't help but to laugh her lungs out.

Sinon:
( 🤔... 😶)
"Well, not that I'm against Deku or anything but... I would like to see his reaction about this too, he'll be in a world of surprises when he hear this."

Leafa:
"Well, regardless, we can help you out if anything goes wrong."

Yuuki:
"Thanks so much you guys. But, Miss Cardinal said that she'll take care of things until I'm old enough for the role of a mother, at the age of 21. But, of course, we can visit anytime. So, I believe she has everything planned out for this so I wouldn't worry about it too much."

Asuna:
"That's so nice of Cardinal. Well, I can't wait for the day comes. And... I hope Deku~Kun... will come back for this."

Yuuki:
"Me too... but I... suddenly have a feeling. I know I'm not crazy but... I... believe that we'll somehow see him sooner than later in this war. I really don't know why myself."

Asuna:
"I think I know that feeling. I feel the same way when I was still stuck in the virtual world, in ALO. Even though I was separated from Kirito, but I knew I would see him sooner or later, I still had faith that I'll see him again and I was happy when he came all the way to reunite with me. So... I can't exactly say it because it's a different situation but... I still hope that he'll come back to us... or at least see him alive." Asuna said as all girls agree with her.

Aiko:
"Well, we can only hope and keeping our fingers crossed for his return and survival."

[ Meanwhile, Kirito, Eugeo and Alice met up with Bercouli and Fanatio... ]

Kirito:
"So this is what everyone was talking about..."

Alice:
"Yes. The attacks from the Dark Territory. It's not going to worsen the collapse of the Gate, but it's a bad situation... And lately, it's been getting worse. Since you agree to help us, I felt it would not obfuscate how bad it is here. That's why I wanted you to see it for yourself. If a real war starts, legions... no, horses will pour into the Human Realm and the whole world. The attacks suffered by the Gate will, in turn, fall on us. So many will die. You're absolutely certain you're ready to face that, if it comes to it?" Alice said to Kirito, as he imagine the war starts and many people were fighting.

Kirito:
"I'll do whatever I must. I'm always willing."

Alice:
"It doesn't feel right to sweep you and the others up in this."

Kirito:
"I'm glad to be swept up. If it's this or me not knowing you were hurt, sweep me. And the others will say the same thing as well. How else could I protect one of my best friends?"

Eugeo:
"Yeah! As an Integrity Knight, you'll be thick of it. We got your back!" Then Alice chuckled

Alice:
"You're both just complete, hopeless fools, do you know that?" Alice smiled. "Still... There's something to be said for having fools for friends. Thank you." Both Kirito and Eugeo nodded

Kirito:
"Anyway, let's get down to brass tacks. If a full fight starts, what are the odds?"

Bercouli:
"I'd like to say the Integrity Knights are ready for whatever comes, but well..."

Alice:
"Yes. Any Integrity Knight has strength enough to not fear some Dark soldiers. However, the Dark Territory possesses an advantage we lack: sheer numbers. And the same thing in the Axiom Church. No matter how well we perform, we may bend beneath the force of the Dark Territory, so..."

DRAGONS ROARING!!!

[ The loud roar came from the dragons from above the Eastern Gate! ]

Alice:
"What is going on?!" Alice questioned as it looks like the 4 dragons are from the Dark Territory, and they're fighting each other. "What?"

Kirito:
"The enemies are fighting... each other?"

Fanatio:
"The dark enemy of my enemy is still an enemy! Fire! Prepare to attack!" Fanatio orders to attack but Kirito notices something isn't right. He spots a child riding a dragon

Kirito:
"Wait a moment! There's a child!"

Bercouli:
"Don't attack that Flying Dragon rider! Fire on their pursuers!"

[ Before the Human Empire... ]

???:

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

(A/N: 0:00 - 3:15: Before the Human Empire)

[ After the Human Empire ]

(A/N: 3:16 - 4:32: After the Human Empire)

Kirito:
"Generate Aerial Element! Discharge!"

[ As Kirito quickly act as he use as System Command to save the Dark Knight and a child from falling into their deaths, the Dark Knight lands on the ground safely with the child! Both were surrounded by the Human Empire's soldiers and the three dragons approaching them as well. ]

???:
"Hang in there, please. My mother said... we have to keep trying just a bit longer." The Dark Knight said to her dragon

Bercouli:
"All troops! Prepare to engage the enemy!"

Kirito:
"Right. I'll go ahead first and get their attention. Can you two cover my flanks?

Eugeo:
~"Yeah!"
Alice:
~"Understood."

???:
"The God of Calamity smiles not, for the ever-victorious shall conquer. On the path before them lies glory: behind them are piled the fallen. The name of the ever-victorious is Dorothy Isaiah Elisheva." The Dark Knight: Dorothy, grabs her scythe, then one of the enemy was prepared to attack her but Kirito acts to save her

Kirito:
"Watch out!"

FLASHED - SHING!

Dorothy:
"Through this prayer -
DASHED... JUMPED!
"Shall they be granted protection -
SLASHED!
"And the God of Calamity... shall smile not. For their victory... IS CERTAIN!." Dorothy said as she finished off one of the enemies, then her and Kirito locked eye contact and she spoke to him. "I assume you to be a noted swordsman of the Human Realm? I request an audience!"

Kirito:
"Um." Then the another enemy approached them. "Okay... I'm not what's going on, but... You need to talk to someone of the Human Realm, and you don't seem hostile. In fact, you were willing to help us, and unless we can defeat THAT, we've no time to chat. Am I basically on the right track?" Kirito asked as Dorothy nodded. Then Eugeo and Alice came to back up Kirito.

Dorothy:
"Yes! You have my gratitude. Black-haired swordsman... May I have your name?" Dorothy asked

Kirito:
"I'm Kirito. I'd like to hear your name after this!"
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[ Then after they defeated the enemies, Dorothy was making an announcement of her words - ]

Dorothy:
"People of the Human Army! My apologies for my unannounced arrival! I also apologize for bringing war to your doorstep! However, I mean you no harm! I am Dorothy Isaiah Elisheva, a messenger of the Dark Army Knights! I request an audience with Bercouli Synthesis One, head Integrity Knight!

- To be continued -