...

Dorothy:
"If you'd three like, you three could learn to use it for yourselves. But you must believe in it."

Yuuki:
"That makes sense. Using something to psych yourself up. The mono-myth..."

Kirito:
("- Wait. Wait, what the HELL? Hold on. How does she know that...)

"Hey, Dorothy? Can you explain what a "mono-myth" is?"

Deku:
"?!"

Dorothy:
"What? What is a... Um, I know it's a Sacred Tongue... It's the idea that elements of myth are shared."

Yuuki
"And you used words like these? On a daily basis?"

Dorothy:
"Yes?"

Kirito:
"Hey, so... Did you learn any more Sacred Tongue from this father of yours?"

Deku:
("What's Kirito trying to solve here?!")

Dorothy:
"Um - I remember a song about the heavens... "Twinkle, twinkle, little star..."

Kirito/Deku:
"..." (Kirito)
"!" (Deku)

Dorothy:
"Oh, a-another one? A song about something far, far away... It mentioned, um... "somewhere over the rainbow"?" Then Kirito and Deku looked shocked.

"Kirito, Deku... Please stop looking at me like that. I'm not making it up, it's real."

Deku:
"Sorry, I apologize... I was just... surprised by that, that's all."

Kirito:
"...And when you need to pump yourself up, it's "Eye of the Tiger" time, right?"

Dorothy:
"Wha! How did you -"

Kirito:
"Did he have a song for your birthday?"

Yuuki:
"Birthday song?"

Dorothy:
"Well, um."

Kirito/Dorothy/Deku/Yuuki:
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday de-ar Do-ro-thyyyy!" (Kirito)
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday de-ar Do-ro-thyyyy!" (Dorothy)
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday de-ar Do-ro-thyyyy!" (Deku)
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday de-ar Do-ro-thyyyy!" (Yuuki!)

...

Dorothy:
"Y-Yes, you're right! How on earth did you know?"

Deku:
(😅/😳)
("Okay - I really feel cringe of a sudden!") As Deku walked away, he struggled to contain a shy smile, his embarrassment clear on his face. Then Yuuki followed him as she noticed him embarrassed

Yuuki:
(😆)
"Aw, what's wrong, darling?! Why the cutesy face?"

Deku:
(😅)
"Man... it's nothing."

Kirito:
("Oh, hell. This is a disaster. I didn't even think of this possibility.")

"I think... I think I come from the same world as your father."

Dorothy:
"The Real World? My father was from your Real World? So Father is from..."

Kirito:
("Exactly. If I assume Dorothy's father from the Real World... He's probably a Rath Employee. That explains how he dodge the Administrator. After all, he's in control here. He could zip around trivially if he wanted. He could be whateve, and fall in love with whatever. If that's what happened...")

Dorothy:
"I... don't remember much about father. It's odd. I remember his lessons clearly."

Kirito:
("If that's what happened...")

Dorothy:
"I love both my parents so dearly, but somehow I can't recall Father's face. I think father said I shouldn't remember him too much and cursed me somehow..."

Kirito:
("If that's what happened, this is just too damned cruel.")

Dorothy:
"I've been told he was a Sacred Arts user that my mother fell in love with. I wondered if my father was what you call a celestial emissary. Vain, I know... He was always a bit odd. He taught me more than just words to bless myself. To tell the truth, I am a Dark Knight but I also know Sacred Arts and Spellwords. ...Oh, goodness, I am sorry. It just all came out when I realized you're from... Still, I'm very happy. Kirito, tell me, what kind of place is the Real World?"

Kirito:
"...It's... very beautiful."

("It's a world where all of you are just part of a plan to create a military AI.")

"I wish I could say I know your father, but I'm... afraid I can't say for sure."

("Is it someone I met for test monitoring? Have they maybe left the company?")

"I'm sure he had... a reason for leaving. It's very far away, and hard to reach."

("Was he using this world just to play around? Or was he actually in love?")

"Dorothy, keep this a secret for now. Honestly, this is shocking even me a lot."

("Either way, he's garbage. Look what you abandoned and left hurting, you piece of-")

Dorothy:
"Of course, Kirito. But... can we talk again sometime? I'm just so glad."

Kirito:
("This girl dearly loves her father.")

"Yeah... Sure. Any time."

Dorothy:
(🙂)
"Oh thank you. Thank you so much! Oh, and also with Deku too!"

Kirito:
("Dorothy, the man you hold so close to your heart... Whatever his circumstances, he brought a child into this world and abandoned her.")

[ Then a few minutes later - ]

Cardinal:
"-rito? Kirito? Can you hear me? Let me hear your report."

Kirito:
"Cardinal! Oh thank god, I needed someone to talk to. We have a capital problem."
.
.
.
.
.

Cardinal:
"...So it's likely Dorothy's father was from the Real World. I see. It's hardly impossible. And as you say, it would answer some questions. Kirito, all Underworlders have a fluctlight, which is essentially a soul. These fluctlights exist in Lightcubes. A collection of around 200,000 Lightcubes is called a Lightcube Cluster, and within the Main Visualizer, the core memory device, but that's beside the point. Typically, there are always open cubes for Underworld to use. When a couple goes to a Friar and weds, an open cube is assigned as a child. Creating a child is easy. I believe I said before that even you could do it."

Kirito:
"I won't. Sorry, it's not a joke anymore. Not after seeing what Dorothy's... Someone used their AI sim to have a child and then abandoned her. It's DISGUSTING!"

Cardinal:
"..."

"I can pass no judgment, I think. Real Worlders are like divine creators to us. I would say your judgment may be hasty. Think of how you've described to her. Dorothy does not hate her father at all. He taught her how to stay safe, sane, and even Sacred Arts. Why go so far? Could it not be because he dearly hoped his daughter would survive?"

Kirito:
"..."

Cardinal:
"The holes in her memory are clearly from system command manipulation. His wife and child would surely go searching for him after he left. The memory that he had been there, but is now gone, would temper their sadness. One could say that he should have erased all memory of himself. Kirito, you understand why he would not, yes? Why he could not? When you leave... will you wipe all trace of yourself from your precious friends?"

Kirito:
"..."

"I..."

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

( At 10:36 - 10:45 )

"I don't want them to forget me. I want them to remember. I mean, even if it's not "real," it's real to me. I'm alive, here and now. I met Eugeo and the others, getting to know them along with everyone else. Then now, we're protecting the Underworld. This whole world, it's a part of my life now. Even if I leave one day... I want to have been here. I don't want it to be like I was never here."

Cardinal:
"Indeed. But the day must come when you are gone. When you log out. When the time comes, if you try to erase my memories of your life here... I'm not sure what I would do."

Kirito:
"..."

[ After a while, they finally made it to the Giant Territory - Tecturn Mountains. ]

Kainan:
"This, the Giant Territory, is a land of earthquakes and deep valleys."

Kirito:
"If the geography changes that often, I think I'd get lost easily..."

Kainan:
"Yes, you are correct. It forms quite the neutral labyrinth. The Giants pay little heed as they live, but fore we shorter folk, a plan helps."

Kirito:
"Very true. Wouldn't it be a pain to live in valleys like these, though?"

Kainan:
"The settlement lies outside the valleys. It's nice, aside from the earthquake."

Kirito:
"Hmm? Sounds like you kind of wish you lived here, Kainan."

Kainan:
"Goodness, no! I am a merchant who walks the land. It is pleasant, but... no. At a stretch, it would be a good place to retire... and I shall never! Now then, enough about the Giant Territory."

Kirito:
"Right, on to the base?"

Kainan:
"Of course, of course. Allow me."

[ Then 7 - 12 minutes later - They met the Giant Leader - Sigurosig - ]

Shasta:
"Sigurosig, my apologies you had to leave your office to meet us."

Sigurosig:
"...I've already lost to you. The loser is enslaved to the victor."

Deku:
("That's a bit extreme, but yeah, they should've thought twice before throwing the first punch.")

Kirito:
"I don't want that. I talked about this back at the conference. We're equals. I thought you understood that when we talked this out."

Sigurosig:
"I lost to Bercouli, the Strongest Swordsman. As time has passed..."

Kirito:
"Ah, you got depressed about it, huh. Yeah, I get to. Even I can't beat him."

Sigurosig:
"You too, then."

Kirito:
"Heck yeah, me too. He's beaten me tons of times. Don't let it get to you, ok?"

Sigurosig:
"I see. So you have lost many time, too. Bercouli is simply unique."

Deku:
(😶)
("I heard that Deku Black gave Bercouli a run for his money - talk about a 'black' mark on Bercouli's record.")

Sigurosig:
"The Seed of Wisdom you seek is a rare red fruit found in our land. However, it merely has great Life itself, and is useful in dye-making. That's all."

Shasta:
"I see. Well, we still need to collect it, whatever it is. Where can we find it?"

Sigurosig:
"A place we call the "Outer Lands". A place of danger even we dare not approach. I shall show you the way there. Come with me." Sigurosig leads the way

[ The Giant Territory - Illunacrys Caverns - ]

Sigurosig:
"Deep in this cave lies the Seed of Wisdom you desire. You desire meet with monsters, but with my aid, you will not be troubled."

Kirito:
"Absolutely. We'll be counting on you. Come on everyone, let's get going!"

[ Everyone begins to look for the "Seed of Wisdom" as they go through the cave like a maze, fighting through mobsters, go through tough and scary obstacles. Then the time has come - ]

Sigurosig:
"I hear the monster bellowing. It is near. Are you ready?"

Kirito:
"Yeah, we need to get this thing back to D.E.E. You guys are ready, Deku, Yuuki?"

Yuuki:
"Yep, ready as ever!"

Deku:
*Nods*
"Hmph."

Kirito:
"All right! Let's go!"

[ Then they approached the "Nine-Horned Rhino" - ]

Shasta:
"Well then! Let us serve as an example to the others. Dorothy! Lipia!"

Lipia:
"Yes, Your Excellency! I shall guard you with my life!"

Dorothy:
"Allow me to serve as your shield, milord!"

Shasta:
"No. Stay close. Today, we all defend each other." Shasta unsheathed his sword

Lipia:
"Excellency... Yes!" Lipia also sheathed her sword along with Dorothy with her Scythe

Kirito:
"I see why his people love him. Even as a guy, I think he's dashing."

Shasta:
"Hm? Did you say something?"

Kirito:
"Nope, nothing important! Let's go, everyone!"

Shasta:
"Indeed! Do not let them cow you, you three!

Yuuki:
"Yessir!"

Deku:
"Yeah, yeah."
.
.
.
.
.

[ After they finally defeated the "Nine-Horned Rhino - They were able to obtain the "Seed of Wisdom." ]

Kirito:
"So this is the Seed of Wisdom... I just hope she believes it."

Deku:
"Well, she better believe it. We been through so much just to get this seed."

Shasta:
"You will have to make her believe it. I do not wish to speak to her at all."

Deku:
(😑)
"Shasta, my mans, you're not the only one."

(😒)
("I actually want to slash her head off!")

Yuuki:
"C'mon, be nice, Deku-Kun."

Kirito:
"Got it. I'll let you know how it turns out."

Shasta:
"Of course. Keep Dorothy safe too, Kirito, Deku."

Deku:
"Definitely."

Shasta:
"Dorothy, you must ensure Dee Eye Ell does not ensure you. You're one of my people."

Dorothy:
"...Yes. Lord Shasta. I will offer my life for the Dark Army. None will take it!

Sigurosig:
"Kirito. Throne Slayer. The Giants are strong. There will be a time we come to prove it."

Kirito:
"Sure, I'll face off with you as often as you'd like. Thanks for your help!"

Deku:
"Look forward to it."

Dorothy:
"We actually did it. Let's go shove success in Dee Eye Ell's face."

Deku:
"You can say that again!"

[ Then as the others were heading back... Dorothy seems to be injured in the previous battle... Kirito treats her wounds as Dorothy seems to remember the moment when her mother and father was in the same position as Kirito and Dorothy in now - How they met and fall in love. Even though Kirito and Dorothy are friends - Anyway, Dorothy shares of how it was harder for her and her mother without her father there with them. But Dorothy has had the benefit of Shasta and Lipia's care for her, so she's grateful for their support and hope that her father will be proud of her if he sees her now even if he disappears from her. Then Kirito spoke to her - ]

Kirito:
"I'll say it for him then. I'm proud of the woman you grew up to be, Dorothy. You're a good person." Then Kirito pats her head as she was smiling and blushing

Dorothy:
"Don't tell me you're secretly my father?"

Kirito:
"No, absolutely not."

Dorothy:
"Hehe, I bet. And thank you for saying that, Kirito." Dorothy stood up and return the same favor to Kirito.

"I think you're a good person, too. You're far from home and journeying alone."

Kirito:
"That's actually a bit more touching than I thought it'd be..."

Dorothy:
"Hmm, maybe I should do the same with Deku. I wonder if he likes head pats?"

Kirito:
(😅)
"...Um... I think he don't mind."

Dorothy:
"Okay, I'll have to go and ask him himself. Oh and maybe you can tell me about your family, next time. Since I already know about Deku's family."

Kirito:
"Sure, next time."

[ Then they were able meet up with D.E.E at the Dark Mages' Guild encampment - ]

D.E.E:
"This... is the Seed of Wisdom? So it actually exists."

Deku:

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

Silica:
"I heard that! Even you didn't it was real!"

Asuna:
"I heard it too! So you were just messing with us!"

Deku:
"If it wasn't for this peace mission, I'd slayed you in a heartbeat right now-!" Then Yuuki quickly acted

Yuuki:
"Deku-kun! Don't do it, it's not worth it!"

D.E.E:
"Relax, Throne Slayer. I had an actual goal to my requests. For the first request, I thought sending you after that beast would cull you. The second one was meant to exhaust you, but... you have a lot of energy."

Deku:
"Yeah no duh!"

Lisbeth:
"Yeah, well, I'm pretty worn out after putting up with your nonsense!"

D.E.E:
"Oh? Good to know my requests weren't wholly wasted." Then two female mages came to her aid.

"Either way, your final trial will be combat, as befits the Dark Territory. If I win, I'm taking your little sinful girl. Even her hair alone has uses... Become a sacrifice for my power!"

Deku:
(!) - (💢)
*Silent growl, popping veins*

("Okay - THAT'S IT!")

Dorothy:
"..."

"You really never give up. I am the disciple of Vixir UI Shasta. I have been ordered by Lord Shasta to ensure no one takes me! I have not a drop of blood nor a strand of hair to sacrifice for your sake!"

Kirito:
"You said it! Come on, Dorothy-!"

Deku:
"Kirito! Dorothy! Wait!"

Kirito/Dorothy:
"Huh?!" (Kirito)
"Hm?!" (Dorothy)

Yuuki:
"Deku-Kun?"

Deku:
"Dorothy - I know you want to prove to this vixen witch that you're NOT a sacrifice to her or anyone else! But if she wants you -
UNSHEATHED DRAGON BLADE -

SPINNING DRAGON BLADE -

PERFECT GRAB -

"She'll have to get through me first!"

D.E.E:
"Oh? I'm actually going to face the actual "Throne Slayer" in a fight. It'll be my pleasure-!"
SLIRPS LIPS!

Asuna:
"Deku-Kun, you're not seriously thinking of taking them on by yourself, are you?!"

Silica:
"There's more of them than you, Deku-San!"

Kirito:
"Deku, let's work together to finish this last trial!"

Yuuki:
"Yeah! It'll be better that way, Deku-Kun!"

Deku:
"I'm doing this on my own - Everyone get back, I got this on my own! I'll end this in a flash!"

Alice:
"Deku, don't do any foolishness! Come on!"

Deku:
"I said - GET BACK!"

[ As Deku wanted to face D.E.E and her crew alone, to complete the final trial for peace... everyone else sheathed their weapons and gave Deku some room - ]

Deku:
"I apologize you guys for raising my voice like that... but I got this. And Dorothy -"

Dorothy:
"Yes, Deku?"

Deku:
"I'll keep Shasta's word to keep you safe from Dee Eye Ell and everyone else - As your friend! So leave this to me!"

Dorothy:
*Gasp*

"O-O-Of course! Thank you, Deku!"

Asuna:
"Just be careful, Deku-Kun!"

Yuuki:
"We got your back, just in case you're in a bad pinch, okay?"

Deku:
"I hear you loud and clear."

D.E.E:
"Hehehe! This is going to be interesting. So, if I win, I get to have the sinful girl all to myself. Deal?"

Deku:
"...You can take that deal and shove it in your ass! I'm not letting you or anyone else harm, kidnap or sacrifice Dorothy! I CAN'T STAND drabs like you - You're just like Quinella!"

Yuuki:
("Hm?? Just like Quinella?!")

D.E.E:
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that..."
GENERATE UMBRAL ELEMENT - BOOM!!!

"Now - Show me what you can do, Throne Slayer. I hope you like a good challenge..."

Deku:
"Trust me - I do love a good challenge but - This is not a challenge for me, I'll finish this in less than 30 seconds."

D.E.E:
"Hehehe. All right - My Mages, get ready!"

"Yes ma'am!"
"Yes ma'am!"
"Yes ma'am!"
"Yes ma'am!"

Deku:
"Hmph -
CHINK -

"Knock knock, you all about to get shell-shocked!

- To be continued -