[ With the Eastern Gate ]

[ With the Human Empire at the Eastern Gate, the Empire was trying to get ready for the war but suddenly, an Dark Knight with a child came to their doorstep and accidentally brings a fight to them. As they got rid of their Dark Territory's enemies. The Dark Knight's name is "Dorothy Isaiah Elisheva" and she wants to talk to Bercouli... as of now - ]

Kirito:
*Monologue*
~"(The Dark Territory, sometimes called the realm of darkness. It's a land held by those who have long been the enemy of the Human Realm. If the Eastern Gate, the divider between the two, fell... the war would start. And then, in that moment, a pair of girls came from those hostile lands. Not only that, the elder one demanded an audience with Bercouli, our army leader.)" Kirito monologues himself as Eugeo walked to Kirito.

~"Eugeo, were you looking for me?"

Eugeo:
"Yeah. Lady Cardinal ask me to bring you to her. Sounds like there's going to be a meeting to determine what we'll do. They want you to there, if you can make it. On that note, how's that other girl?"

Kirito:
"Oh, Sarai? She's resting in the tent - with a guard watching her, naturally.

Eugeo:
"So her name's Sarai? Well... I'm glad she wasn't taken away. I remember Alice..."

Kirito:
"Yeah, it'll be okay. I wouldn't let something like that happen. She was really upset about not staying with Dorothy... the Dark Knight girl. She couldn't stop crying... she was so scared and worried. I feel bad for her..."

Eugeo:
"Yeah. She's a "prisoner of war," but... still. Anyway, let's get to HQ." Kirito nods as they both head to HQ. Then both of them sees Dorothy being in handcuffs. "Do we really need to imprison her? She's unarmed and she clearly wasn't resisting."

Cardinal:
"I agree, but many are terrified of her... She is the first Dark-lander they've met."

Kirito:
~("Not that the difference between us and her amount too much, looking at her.")
~"Cardinal, it's still just..." Then Bercouli appears

Bercouli:
"What in the Stacia's name is this? Absurd! You're all scared of a single unarmed girl? Frightened children would have more guts. I'm getting those off her!" Bercouli got the cuffs off of Dorothy.

Dorothy:
"Um... thank you very much." Dorothy gave Bercouli her gratitude

Bercouli:
"Hah, you don't need to thank anyone. We apologize for treating you like an animal."

Dorothy:
"..."

Bercouli:
"But let's get that straight to the point. What brings you to the Human Realm?" Bercouli politely ask Dorothy about her appearance on the Human Realm.

Dorothy:
"Yes, of course. I am here at the command of my lord, Vixur UI Shasta. Lord of the Dark Army Knights, and of the Ten. My name is Dorothy Isaiah Elisheva." Bercouli was surprised but back to his cool posture. "Most of the Ten Lords are eager for the final war with the Human Realm. They dream of this realm's fertile lands and peaceful weather."

Deusolbert:
"All of which brings you here, to us. Why, exactly? Just to tell us all this?"

Dorothy:
"Not all those in the Dark Territory think the coming war to be a wise course. Some have tried to go against the tides of war. I... am such one person."

Deusolbert:
"What nonsense. Surely you know how long our realms have been locked in conflict!"

Eldrie:
"Deusolbert's right! What are you getting at? Our realms share a history of blood! Do you know how many have died to your kind? Ask the soldiers here who've lost family to you! They'll gladly tell you! You yourself have brought death to our men! How dare you speak of..."

Dorothy:
"Yes. It's true. And in turn, my mother was slain by a mighty human warrior." Dorothy replied back as Eldrie couldn't come up with any more to say

Eldrie:
"Well... well, that's..."

Dorothy:
"All of us have suffered the same. Is it so strange to just want it to just... end? Should war come, the powerless will feel its brunt. So many more families will... I ask the Integrity Knights: is the future you want for the Human Realm? Please... I beg you to reconsider! I... No! My lord Shasta and all his Knights desire only peace with you!"

Eldrie:
"Peace?!"

Kirito:
~"..."
~"(Well, this is a shock. Does this girl of the Dark Knights really feel like we do?)"

Fanatio:
"Your Excellency... you're been incredibly calm. Forgive me, but were you..." Fanatio saw right through Bercouli

Bercouli:
"I suppose I'm not surprised you saw right through me, Fanatio. But yes: I expected this. Shasta and I have corresponded at length on this idea." The other Integrity Knights were surprised, then Cardinal spoke

Cardinal:
"Please, do not blame Bercouli for this. I asked him to keep it secret. We had no idea if our efforts would bear fruit. But it seems he is ready."

Bercouli:
"Just one thing: I would've expected the envoy Shasta sent to be Dark Knight Lipia."

Dorothy:
"......"

Bercouli:
"But, well, whatever, eh? The messenger matter less than the message! What matters is the simple fact that folk of the Dark Territory kept a promise. You understand, everyone? We weren't putting her on trial. We AWAITED her. Right then, Dorothy. You've got a message of peace, and we're all ears."

Kirito:
"(That word, peace, was a shock to every person present. This one ray of light, shining in a world on the edge of darkness... it brought me hope, even as Bercouli pointed out the road would be hard. It became clear just difficult it would be, as I made sense of everything.)"

[ Then as Dorothy explain the power structure of the Dark Territory - the Ten Lords.  Iskahn the Pugilist; Lilpilin the Orc; Assassin Fu Za; Dark Mage Dee Eye Ell. Furgr the Orge; Sigurosig the Giant; Hagashi and Kubiri of the goblins. Finally, Rengil Gila Scobo of the Commerce Guild and Shasta. Together, they were the Ten. Of their number, Rengil and Shasta sought peace. They asked the other leaders to consider negotiating with the Human Realm and many refused. ]

Dorothy:
"After my Lord Shasta worked and worked to change their minds... The remaining n leaders agreed to come to the table, if one condition was met."

Kirito:
"(That one condition being that talks be held in the Dark Territory.)"

Eldrie:
"This is the most painfully obvious trap I've ever heard."

Deusolbert:
"Tell me this, Dorothy Isaiah Elisheva. Can you prove, in any way, that this is not a plot to slay our leaders?"

Dorothy:
"I... cannot."

Deusolbert:
"Do not misunderstand. I respect your courage, facing us as you have. However..."

Eldrie:
"Yes, this one girl's head would hardly make up for what this trap could take. Sending ambassadors into the heart of darkness would be insanity."

Dorothy:
"However... However, we have to find the strength to put aside suspicion! Please trust us! It was only because I trusted your sense of good that I took this risk! Can the people of the Human Realm not do the same?"

Eldrie:
"You dare..."

Dorothy:
"All I am asking is if you are unable to do something this 'one girl' can! If your titles as knights are... are mere decoration, then so be it. But if not... Please, do what is necessary to bring about a peaceful future! Take the risk! It is up to you, now! It... will not be easy. I know. It will be a path to follow... But I know for a fact that there are those with noble hearts here. Please, walk the path towards peace."

Kirito:
~"(Her bravery, her challenge, really, resonated with a lot of us. And so... We would send ambassadors as part of a peace mission to the Dark Territory. But... there's one thing that I want to say about something.")

~"Hey Dorothy. I got one question."

Dorothy:
"Yes? What's your question?"

Kirito:
"Have you tried to make peace with the Pontifex in the Axiom Church? With her and with the rest of the church?" Eugeo, Alice, Bercouli and the others were surprised by Kirito's question.

Dorothy:
"With the Axiom Chruch? And the Pontifex?! There's no need to."

All:
"?!" All were giving a questionable expression.

Kirito:
"Um, what you mean by that?!"

Dorothy:
"Oh... I believe with all of your faces tells me that you all haven't heard the rumors about the Pontifex. The rumors spread through the Dark Territory. The rumors didn't spread to the Human Realm, I take it."

Bercouli:
"What rumors are you talking about?"

Dorothy:
"The rumors - Of the pontifex who took over the Axiom Chruch - She's dead." As Dorothy revealed the rumor about the Axiom Church's leader: Quinella - Quinella's death was confirmed and it truly shocked everyone

Kirito:
"Wait?! So... Quinella's... DEAD!"

Bercouli:
"Impossible. The woman who created the "Curse Mark" is slayed?! Dorothy, if I may asked you this question, but do you know who killed the pontifex?"

Dorothy:
"Well... I don't exactly know the actual name... but I heard that he wields two swords. One Sword: A Long Blade, it's a Metallic Blackened Blade... but I don't remember the name... And the another blade: It's a Short Blade... I believe someone else has the same weapon... but it's different from the original blade but has the same quality, life, style and power and it's called - Kuroi Ryu no Yaiba (Black Dragon's Blade). And this swordsman's nickname is the "Throne Slayer." I heard that he alone who took down the pontifex and... something else happened but I don't know what happened next... but the people in the Dark Territory said that the "Throne Slayer" swordsman is alive. Along with the other followers but... I believe that they all were separated from each other... maybe disbanded."

[ As Dorothy revealed another rumor... there's an unknown swordsman who goes by the name of "Throne Slayer" who slayed The Pontifex; The Administrator: Quinella. And who wields two powerful weapons which it took down the pontifex. The Human Realm couldn't believe it... especially to a few people - ]

Kirito:
"So... does... that means... he actually... did it?!" Kirito questioned as Eugeo and Alice were both surprised as well

Bercouli:
"The pontifex is gone... I never thought I would hear this. When did the pontifex got slayed?"

Dorothy:
"Well... I believe the rumors spread through the Dark Territory about the pontifex's death was around... 10 days ago."

Kirito:
"Ten days ago?!"

Bercouli:
"Well I'll be damned!" The other Integrity Knights also couldn't believe it either.

Cardinal:
"(Did... Deku actually killed Quinella?! Just ten days ago? Before the war?! Something must've happened!)"
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[ After that, Kirito and the others deliver the shocking news to Asuna and the others - As they couldn't believe it when they heard Quinella was slayed by a Swordsman called "Throne Slayer." ]

Asuna:
"So... The administrator Quinella is dead!"

Lisbeth:
"And that was ten days ago?!"

Silica:
"And he wield two blades?! The first one... is like Deku's blade. But the "Black Dragon's Blade?" That's completely new."

Sinon:
"True.. but it's... not right. That's the same sword Deku uses. And with the nickname of "Throne Slayer," it's got to be someone else."

Leafa:
"We never heard any one of that nickname. And.. that nickname sounds pretty good... and scary actually. Since this person did slayed the administrator who taken the throne of the church. So that actually makes sense to me." The girls agreed with Leafa. Then Yuuki spoken up

Yuuki:
"Guys. Think about it. The "Metallic Blackened Blade?" It's obviously Deku~Kun! It's definitely him! The reason why he left us in the first place was to get revenge! He must've taken Quinella down!" Then the girls see what Yuuki was talking about but Alice spoke next

Alice:
"Well, Yuuki, it's not that I don't agree with you... but, what about the other weapon and the nickname? It could be possible that it could be someone else."

Yuuki:
"With the nickname and the new weapon... I really don't know about that... but I definitely know THIS - Deku must have taken her down and got his revenge. I somehow knew something happened when I kept having this "feeling" about Deku."

Kirito:
"Well, regardless, I want to believe that Deku is still alive and who knows what he's doing right now. We all just have to see it through ourselves." The others agreed with Kirito.
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[ Then 3 days later, May 6, 2027, after Dorothy's arrival, a formal Human Peace Mission was planned. The location for the peace negotiations were far from Human Realms' borders. They'll be following a path that goes as follows: First, they enter the Dark Territory from the vicinity of the Eastern Gate. They then make for the main destination of this trip, Obsidia Castle. Naturally, their guide will be Dorothy, the Dark Territory's messenger. And then now... they're taking the "Forbidden Path" to the "Underworld" -]

Dorothy:
"Once we pass through here, we'll be able to slip into the Dark Territory."

Kirito:
"I had no idea about a spot like this. Gotta be careful, it's dark and the footing's bad."

Dorothy:
"And please be mindful that they are Beast lurking around. Be aware of your surroundings."

Alice:
"Ah, of course. That's a warning I shan't ignore."

Kirito:
"Understood."

[ Then halfway - ]

Cardinal:
-rito? Kirito? Can you hear me?"

Kirito:
"Cardinal? Is that you?" Kirito can hear Cardinal through the Aguma

Dorothy:
"?" Dorothy was looking at Kirito

Cardinal:
"Yes. Good, I can reach you, it seems. Are you still on the road?"

Kirito:
"Yeah, Dorothy's showing us the way. Do you think you'll be able to stay in touch in the Dark Territory, Cardinal?"

Cardinal:
"Communications may be unstable, but I believe they should be possible. I shall contact you again later. The hope of all the Cathedral goes with you. And you and others mission to find Deku... if possible. Good luck."

Kirito:
"Thanks. If we need help, we'll call for it. Anyway, we need to get going."

Cardinal:
"Understood."

[ And then... a little later - ]

???:
"Aieee! Someone help me!" Someone screamed for help.

Kirito:
"Hm? Did somebody scream for help?!"

Dorothy:
"That voice! It must be Sir Kainan from the Commerce Guild!"

Kirito:
"He might be under attack from magical beasts. Let's hurry toward the voice!
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[ With Kirito and the others were following Sir Kainan's voice, the others had fight magical beasts along the way, but as things went smoothly, they were able to meet a man who's completely safe from harm - ]

Kainan:

"Thank you so much for rescuing me, good ambassadors! I am Kainan! A pleasure."

Sarai:
"You didn't say hi to me!"

Dorothy:
"Shh, Sarai. You promised you wouldn't speak when the grown-ups are talking."

Sarai:
"Oh, oops! I'll shush..."

Dorothy:
"Good, now shh... oops. P-pardon me, I shall keep quiet as well- er, I shall be silent, as fits a knight." Dorothy blushes from embarrassment

Kirito:
"So you're Kainan? Glad to meet you, I'm Kirito. So, I'm sorry to be blunt, but... I was wondering: why is the Commerce Guild so eager to seek peace?"

Kainan:
"An excellent question, my good Kirito! You see, no few people of the Dark wonder, like you, why? Why seek peace?"

Kirito:
"Okay."

Kainan:
"Everyone, think for a moment about this war we seek to stop. Who will benefit?"

Eugeo:
"Who benefits? I don't quite get what you mean. I kind of just think of the war as coming because neither side can back down, so..."

Kainan:
"Exactly! Both sides struggle to back down at this point. Now, let us say the war was fought. Many perish. Tragic! Someone wins. What then? For the sake of argument, let us say the Dark Army emerges victorious. The Dark Territory has little in the way of resources. Your lands would be welcome. But! Even if conquered, if those lands go uncared for, we simply create wasteland. Thus, trade with the Human Realm offers a much more realistic path to a real future!"

Alice:
"Trade with the Dark Territory... it's hard to even imagine."

Kainan:
"Conversely, I do not wish to imagine that war, I am no master of the bow or sword."

Alice:
"Still..."

Kainan:
"Ah, do not misunderstand! I denigrate not your knighthood, madam, or Dorothy's. It is the knights who defend us when the situation calls for it. And yet... I truly do not wish to fight. As simply a humble inhabitant of these lands... I do not wish for there to be a war. I hope you will accept this as the word of our leader, Rengil, spoken through me. The Commerce Guild would much rather help bring profit than war to us all. And perhaps, if peace should come, we would secure exclusive trading rights."

Kirito:
"(Riiight... Not even the peaceful faction is really that unified, in its way. The Dark Knights seem more worried about the realm, but this is personal gain. We need to figure out what each of the Ten Lords will want to make this work."

Alice:
"Hm. This Kainan man seems wise enough. He's... unique, but why would we complain?"

Dorothy:
"You... shall come to see Kainan's full range of habits. Sooner... or later."

Alice:
"Hm?"

Kainan:
"Okay, I'll lead you in place of Dorothy past here, then."

Kirito:
"Please do, Kainan."

[ As the Human Realm's group and Dorothy's group continued on their journey, facing beasts, other fierce creatures that were in their way. Then later, they made it to the Resting Cornerstone - ]

Kainan:
"Kirito, once we pass this valley, we'll be in the Dark Territory."

Dorothy:
"Our world and danger go hand-in-hand. Do be careful."

[ Then they all reached the Eastern Gate Area: Resting Cornerstone - Windfolk's Ruins. Then just a little further away - They reached to the Dark Territory at last. ]

Dorothy:
"Welcome, everyone. This is the Dark Territory."

Alice:
"I'd been told what to expect, but words don't do justice to the desolation.

Dorothy:
"I fear that compared to the Human Realm, the scenery will feel... well, ominous. Nonetheless, this is where we live. Our home, now and in the future."

Kainan:
"Now, everyone, this way. Our next destination, the Trade City, is close."

Eugeo:
"Hey, will we be able to get back home, you think?" Eugeo talked to Kirito

Kirito:
"I'm here, you're here, and Alice is here. And the others are no slouches."

Eugeo:
"Kirito..."

Alice:
"Yes. If we come together, there is nothing we cannot do."

Eugeo:
"Yeah, you're right. We'll get back home. All of us." Kirito and Alice nodded in agreement

Sarai:
"Dorothy?"

Dorothy:
"What is it, Sarai?"

Sarai:
"I bet you can be friends with Kirito and everyone."

Dorothy:
"Oh? Why do you think so?"

Sarai:
"You looked like you were having fun talking. I never saw you like that before. I hope you can be friends!"

Dorothy:
"No. I cannot... I must not."

Sarai:
"Dorothy..."

Dorothy:
"I must not... I... I seemed to be having... fun?"

Sarai:
"Um! Maybe I was wrong! Maybe you weren't!"

Dorothy:
"I must not grow close to anyone, and yet... Iet myself slip, somehow. I must now grow close... with residents of the Human Realm, most of all. Yet..."

Sarai:
"Dorothy... Why? That's not true."

Dorothy:
"I think I was aware on some level. I was so happy they spoke so normally to me. I allow myself to be distracted. But I mustn't be. I must remember. I... I am the Child of Sin. Someday, they will despise me. They must.

Sarai:
"...Um, but Dorothy, you have me. I'm your friend."

Dorothy:
"Yes. I have you, Sarai. I have you, so I can always give my best. Now, let's hurry to the Trade City."

[ And so they set forth into the Dark Territory itself. At this time they still knew nothing about the girl who's traveling with them: Dorothy. Not a single thing... continuing to traveling,  they still have to take care of other beasts, etc. Solving Rituals and getting rid of tornadoes. Even going to Resting Cornerstone Underground - Then make it to the Neutral Territory: Tradzechs Fortress - ]

Kirito:
"This footing is bad."

Kainan:
"We could've have been there in a moment by Flying Dragon, but, well..."

Dorothy:
"Indeed. We would've been... challenged, like my own journey was."

Kirito:
"Yeah. This is the only we have."

Kainan:
"Quite! And the Trade City is not far at all!"

Kirito:
"Okay, let's go."

Dorothy:
"Yes!"
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[ Then after a while... they all made it to the Neutral Territory: Trade City at last. ]

Kainan:
"Well done, oh, well done indeed! Behold! The Dark Territory's proud Trade City! Give how close we are to the Gate, it also  serves as a military supply station."

Kirito:
"So it's functions like what we called Frontline Base. Pretty lively, for that."

Kainan:
"This city is special; each Lord has land here. Their people tend... not to mix. But as it right by the front line, its value for trade between folk is enormous."

Silica:
"So it's rare even for the Dark Territory. A special city where people interact."

Leafa:
"Having all these people around reminds me of ALO! It's kinda nostalgic."

Dorothy:
"Everyone, my apologies, but... I must ask for time before we move on."

Kainan:
"A message to Obsidia Castle, yes? The Guild can provide you a swift horse."

Alice:
"Wait, why? We are expected, are we not? Why not proceed directly there?"

Dorothy:
"Yes... well, as it happens, a different messenger was to travel to your realm. Kainan's help was recruited ahead of time. Mine was... rather, ahem. Less so."

Silica:
"Uh... and so, your superiors are gonna be really annoyed about this, right?"

Dorothy:
"Yes, ah. Well. And so. That this..."

Eugeo:
"Well, Dorothy, I'm sure you had a good reason, right? Want to tell us about it?"

Dorothy:
"We are still technically at war, and... the chosen messenger, well..."

Kirito:
("She must be talking about that Lipia person Bercouli mentioned.")

Kainan:
"Come now, Dorothy, you did beautifully! Look at what you accomplished! You would make a good merchant! If you are fired, the Guild would take you in!"

Dorothy:
"Fired... Fired?!"

Kainan:
"Ah, oh dear. I believe I made her more depressed. Well! Everyone, we will let you know when we are ready to depart again! Think of this as a chance to get to know the people you will be negotiating with!"

Alice:
"I... have a great deal to say, but for now, that seems wise, yes."

Eugeo:
"Absolutely. This is a good chance to learn Dark Territory customs and whatnot.

Kirito:
"Yeah. Plus, we need to think about what comes next if these talks are successful. Knowing more about the Dark Territory and the culture here will help."

Eugeo:
"True. Peace would mean we'll be neighbors with these folks. And I'd end up... knowing all about them. Kinda a lot of responsibility."

Kainan:
"Well! I've arranged lodging for you all. If you follow me!"

Dorothy:
"..."

Kirito:
"Dorothy, don't worry about it. If your superiors get mad, I'll back you up."

Dorothy:
"Kirito... thank you, but they would be right to punish me, and I'll accept it." Dorothy walks away as Kainan walks away as well

Kirito:
"..."

Sinon:
"Got shot down, huh, Kirito?"

Kirito:
"Hey, Sinon? Could you not put it like that?"

Sinon:
"...You noticed too, right? She's been on edge this entire time."

Kirito:
"Well, from Dorothy's perspective, she got to travel surrounded by enemies. Though you're right, she doesn't seem scared of people, exactly. More like..."

Sinon:
"...She's deliberately putting distance between us. Yeah. It worries me. Kirito... the further we go on this trip, the more we'll learn about Dorothy. About the people here. About everything. And the more we learn... the more I'm not sure whether I could still fight them... if war comes."

Kirito:
"..."

Sinon:
"Oh, and also... Asuna, Aiko, Yuuki and I have been worried about something. Didn't you notice?"

Kirito:
"Uh... no. Noticed what?"

Sinon:
"Well... it feels like that we've been followed by someone. But, as we checked to see if anyone or anything followed us, we didn't spot it. And I feel like now it still follows us to here in the Dark Territory."

Kirito:
"Hm? Well, I haven't been noticing anything since from the start of this trip. Well, whoever is following us, I'm pretty sure that they won't do anything to reckless."

Sinon:
"Yeah. True. But just keep an eye on it, just to be in a safe side, okay?"

Kirito:
"Yeah. Gotcha."

[ Then... in an unknown distance away from the Human Realm's group... and unknown person with a trench coat with a hood cover its face who was secretly following Kirito and the others, now end up in the same location as them but the others are now not aware of its presence - ]

???:

(A/N: No, this character is not Sasuke Uchiha. This character has the same coat as him in a different color, and has a hood to cover its face

"It's been a while. 5 months has passed since then... and it looks like you all are still looking real lively. Wish I could explain things to you and Bercouli about something... but guess I got beaten to the punch. Now that Quinella's out of the picture for now - I'll just have to see where this plays out. I really wonder if we're going to have a full-scale war with the Dark Territory or have a peaceful ceasefire them? Guess I'll leave it to you, Kirito..." The unknown person who was watching Kirito and the others in the shadows..." "Now that we're in the Dark Territory... I really need to get more info on that bastard "Subtillizer" and his other gang of bastards."

- To be continued -