(Y/n) POV

It is now April 8th, 2023, and I'm on floor 11, in a bar, with a guild whose lives I just saved,

"Here's to us! The Moonlit Black Cats! Cheers everyone!" One of the guild members say.

"Cheers!" All of them say

"I got another one! Here's to (Y/n)! The guy that just saved our lives!" The same guy from before said

"To (Y/n)!" The rest of them say

"Uh...cheers guys..." I say

The guild I'm with consists of four guys, and one girl.

"Thanks man!" One of the guild members thanks me.

"Yea man, thanks!" Another one says

"Thank you so much." The girl said

"Nah, it's cool, really." I say

"I can't tell you how scared I was. And it made me so happy when you came to save us I-" The girl started, then wiped her eye.

"Oh, well, I-" I start, then get interrupted.

"Uh, (Y/n), sir?" One of the guild members ask me, as I look over at him. "I hope I'm not out of line asking you this, but, what level are you at?"

"Oh, uh, level...20..." I say, looking at my health gauge, under it saying I'm level 40.

"Really? You're at our level, and still a solo player? You're an inspiration sir!" Keita told me

"Keita, I'm not your superior, drop the formalities, will ya?" I ask "And since I'm solo, I'm always hunting enemies in the Boonies. So, not very efficient."

"Oh, right. Well, in that case, and I really am sorry for springing this on you so sudden, but, we would love to have you in the guild." Keita invites me

"Huh?" I ask

"So far, our mace wielder, Tetsuo, is the only one on the front right now." Keita says, walking over to the girl. "Then, we got Sachi over here, and I was thinking about switching her to a sword and shield. The thing is, she doesn't think she can handle it, so maybe you can teach her a thing or two."

"Oh, come on. I'm not that useless." Sachi tells Keita

"Uhhhh..." Keita says

"The thing is, you can't just put me up front, and expect me to know what to do. I would be scared out of my mind!" Sachi tell Keita

"It's not a big deal, just hide behind your shield!" One of the guild members say.

"Yea! Ever since I've known you, you've always been a big scaredy-cat!" Keita tells her.

"Urrghh." Sachi stammers, as everyone else laughs.

"We always joke around like that! You see in real life, we all go to the same high school, and are part of the computer club." Keita explains "But if you're worried about fitting in with us, don't! As far as I'm concerned, you are already one of us, right?"

"Mhm!" They all answer, when I look over at Sachi, she smiles at me.

I clench my hands, and give them an answer. "Well, you see, I'm really flattered." I say 'Ah, what the hell? Why not?' I thought "I'll do it!"

Everyone smiles at me in pure joy, and welcomes me to the guild.

~Huge Time Skip~

It is now May 9th, 2023, and the guild and I are all training on floor 20, in Sunlit Forest, fighting a Killer Mantis. Sasumaru goes, and tries to stab it with his spear, then backs up. The Sachi gets ready to fight, then gets hissed at, and she backs away. Sasumaru then strikes again, and the Killer Mantis strikes down at Sachi, hitting her shield.

"Sachi! Back up, I got this!" I say, chopping one of its arms off, then I parry one of its attacks. "Come on Tetsuo! Switch out!"

"Got it!" Tetsuo yells, striking it in the neck with his mace, killing it, then smiles. Then a level up screen pops up in front of him, saying we leveled up from level 22 to level 23. "All right!"

Keita and Ducker walk up to him and congratulate him, as I just stay behind smiling.

~Time Skip~

Me and Keita are eating lunch, looking at the news paper, while everyone else is eating lunch above us.

"The assault team made it through floor 28! That's amazing!" Keita says, laying on the grass "Hey (Y/n)? What the heck does the assault team have that we don't?"

"If I had to choose, it would have to be access to information. They find the easiest ways to get XP, and they don't ever share that info." I respond, as Keita sighs.

"Yea, but I think it's more of willpower then anything." Keita says, sitting up.

"Hm? What do you mean by that?" I asked

"Well, I mean they stick up for each other." Keita answers, turning to look at me. "Truth is, I like to think we have that also, even though we need some protection."

'Willpower huh? I'm on the assault team, I'm surprised they haven't figured that out yet.' I think to myself

"That being said though, our first and main priority is to look out for each other. And who knows, maybe one day, we'll make it to the assault team also." Keita explains

"That's a good goal. You should stick with it." I say

"I don't know. Maybe it will, or maybe I'm just spewing out nonsense." Keita tells me, rubbing his head, as Ducker jumps down.

"Hey guys! Leader? Come on give me some love!" Ducker tells Keita, putting him in a head lock, as everyone else walks up to us.

"Hey! Come on! Let go!" Keita orders

"So, you really think we can become as strong as the Holy Dragon Alliance, or the Knights Of the Blood oath?" Tetsuo asks

"Yea, and so what if I do?" Keita asks "There isn't one thing wrong with setting our sights high. But we have to be level 30 first!"

"That's impossible!" Sachi complains

'I like how Keita thinks. If they can actually level up fast enough, then make it to the front lines? His ideals might even change the lead of the assault team." I think, with a smile on my face, then look down, frowning a bit, while looking at me level. 'Level 48...'

~Time Skip~

We are all back in our inn, and waiting for a meeting that Keita called to begin.

"I have an announcement to make!" Keita says

"Hm?" We all ask

"Uh...after our latest hunt in the fields, we now have 200,000 col!" Keita says happily

"Woah!" Everyone says

"Buying a house might actually become a reality now." Tetsuo says

"I know! We should upgrade Sachi's equipment!" Sasamaru suggests

"Uh-uh. I'm fine with what I have." Sachi tells us

"Oh come on! It isn't fair for (Y/n) to be out front forever!" Sasamaru tells her

"I'm sorry." Sachi apologizes

"Hey, it's no worries, I'm cool being out front whenever." I say

"Thanks (Y/n)." Keita thanks me "Sachi, I know switching jobs isn't easy, but you can do it! I know you can!"

"Mhm." Sachi says, holding her head down.

~Time Skip~

It's now May 16th, 2023, I'm on floor 28, and I'm out to do some late night training. Then I run into Klein and his guild, fighting off Blood Wolves.

"Klein..." I say to myself, as I watch him kill a Blood Wolf.

Klein looks up at me in surprise and happiness. "What's up (Y/n)?" Klein asks "The trash mobs all yours guys!"

"Sure!" One of his friends yell, and Klein runs up to me.

"Man, it's been a while, what two months? Doing late night leveling or something?" Klein asks "Wait, you joined a guild?"

"Yea, I guess so." I say

"It's all clear! We can move on!" One of his friends say

"Well, see ya around." I tell Klein, walking by him.

"Yea..." Klein says "Come on. Is it still bugging you?"

I walk off the teleporter, and instantly get a message.

"It's from Keita." I say, and read the message. "'Sachi has went off somewhere, and we can't find her anywhere. We are heading to the dungeon. Let me know if you find anything out.'"

"Sachi..." I say, pulling up my friends list, and scroll to her name. When I find it, I press track. Then everything went green, and I could see her footprints in an alley, so I follow them. When I get to her, she is sitting on the ground under a bridge. "Sachi?"

"Huh?" Sachi asks "(Y/n)..."

"Everyone is worried about you." I say, as Sachi sighs, and looks down. I walk over, and sit down.

"Hey (Y/n)?" Sachi asks me

"What's up?" I ask

"We should...run away..." Sachi tells me

"From what?" I ask

"From this town. From the monsters. From the Moonlit Black Cats. And from Sword Art Online." Sachi explains

"Are you talking abo-" I start but get cut off by her.

"No, I wouldn't have the guts. If I did have the guts to die though, I wouldn't be hiding here where it's safe." Sachi tells me, as I let out a sigh of relief. "But really. Why can't we just leave? Why do we have to die, when it is just a stupid game? Why do we need to go through this?"

"Huh? Is that supposed to be a rhetorical question?" I ask

"I don't know..." Sachi tells me

"Well, if it wasn't, then I would say there is no point." I say

"I-I'm so afraid. Of, you know, dying in here." Sachi tells me

"Wha-?" I ask "So it really is that bad for you, isn't it?"

"I haven't gotten any sleep lately, because I'm to terrified." Sachi explains, hugging her knees tightly.

"You aren't going to die." I say

"Huh?" Sachi asks

"I'll make sure you live through this game. And the Black Cats are a good guild, with a high margin of safety." I explain "Plus you have Tetsuo and I up front. So you don't need to be up there with us. And you know what? I'm making it my personal goal to make sure you live through this game."

"You don't think I'm gonna die? You think I'll make it to the real world?" She asks me

"That's what I said." I say "Soon, we all will clear this game. Then we can go home."

Sachi looks at me, then smiles, as a tear falls down her face.

~Time Skip~

I'm in my room, looking through the menu, when there is a knock at my door, so I quickly swipe away my menu.

"Come in." I say, as the door opens, and Sachi is there, holding a pillow to her chest.

"I'm sorry, I can't fall asleep." Sachi tells me

~Time Skip~

Sachi is laying in my bed with me, as I think to myself.

'If I stay in this guild, then she'll be safe, like I promised her. Then we can all make it back someday.' I think 'But, there has to be many players like her, afraid of dying. But they still laugh and cry, like they are in the real world. I've never thought about it that way before. I guess this guild changed my thoughts.'

"(Y/n)?" Sachi asked me, turning around.

I turn around and look at her. "You aren't gonna die, I promise." I say, which gets her to smile. 'And no matter what, even if I die doing it, I'll protect all of you.' I think to myself, putting my fist in the air.

~Time Skip~

It's now June 12th, 2023.

"Okay, I'm heading out!" Keita says, going to buy a house for the guild. "Teleport! Town of Beginning!"

"Can you believe it?" Sasamaru asks "I never thought buying a house could be exciting!"

"Dude, you sound like an old man!" Ducker says, pushing him gently, as everyone else laughs.

"Hey, what do you say that while Keita is out buying the house, we all go out and buy extra cash." Tetsuo suggests

"Then we can buy furniture!" Sachi says, smiling with joy.

"Come on! Let's go to a dungeon on a higher floor!" Ducker suggests

"Hm? We should stick to our usual hunting spots." I say

"But up there we can make a lot more, and faster!" Sasamaru says

"Yea, and with the levels we are at, we have absolutely nothing to worry about." Ducker says

~Time Skip~

They decided we should go to a floor 27 dungeon, walking down a corridor.

"See? I told you guys this is gonna be cake!" Ducker tells us

"We might reach the front lines sooner." Sasamaru says

"That's what I'm talking about! Look!" Ducker says, running up to a wall, and placing his hand on a marking, as a door opens.

'No way! A hidden door?' I thought, as we see a chest in the room.

"A treasure chest!" Ducker yells "Woohoo!"

All but Sachi and I run in, and Ducker goes to the chest.

"NO! STOP!" I yell, but it's to late, as Ducker has opened the chest. Then the room became red, and an alarm goes off, and the door closes behind us. Then trolls with pickaxes, and golems spawn in.

"It's a trap guys!" Tetsuo yells

"Hurry lets get out of here!" Ducker says, getting his teleportation crystal out. "Teleport, Taft! Huh? TELPEPORT TAFT!"

"We can't use our crystals!" Sachi yells

"They're probably being blocked by the walls!" I say, as Ducker gets knocked over, and gets stabbed by pickaxes until he dies. After I saw him die, I sliced at a golem, killing it instantly.

"AGHHHH!" Tetsuo yells, being killed.

"Tetsuo!" Sasamaru yells, running up to the golem that killed him, and stabbing him. "DAMN YOU!" Then the same golem strikes Sasamaru in the side, killing him instantly.

"AGHHHH! I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU!" I scream, killing two trolls, and two golems. Then I get hit in the back by a troll, and kill that troll. Then I kill another golem, revealing Sachi guarding herself with her sword. "SACHI!" Then another troll and golem block my path.

"(Y/n)!" Sachi screams, as I kill the troll and golem.

"SACHI!" I yell, holding out my hand, as Sachi hits a golem away, and holds out her hand. Then another golem strikes her from behind, as her health bar depletes to nothing. Then Sachi says something, that I can't quite make out, and dies. "SACHI! NO!" I scream, then I kill troll and golem one after the other, finally getting out of the dungeon.

~Time Skip~

It is Christmas Eve of 2023, and I'm on floor 49. I'm sitting on a bench in front of the huge Christmas tree.

"I here someone's been taking risks with the level raising." Argo, an Info Broker, tells me.

"Just give me any new info. You have some don't you?" I ask

"Of course, but it isn't worth charging you money for." Argo tells me

"You give Info Brokers a terrible name, you know that?" I ask

"Hey, you know this wasn't in the beta, so you know it's a first time event. So how am I supposed to know what happens?" Argo asks "All I know, is tonight, the event boss will appear. His name is Nicholas The Renegade. He is rumored to show up under a fir tree somewhere. All the big guilds are searching for it as we speak."

"All you got for me are rumors then? Whatever." I say getting up

"You wouldn't know where the tree is, would you?" Argo asks

"Maybe." I say, walking away

"You aren't thinking of going solo, are you?" Argo asks, as I ignore her, and keep walking.

I get to my inn, and sit on my bed, better equipping myself for the fight.

'In this world, once someone dies, they can't come back to life. But Nicolas The Renegade is said to drop a special reviving item. I'm going in alone, and I'll most likely die. But...it'll be alone.' I thought, summoning a better sword. 'No one will see me, no one will know. That is how I will die.'

~Flashback~

"You're a Beater. You had no right to be with us!" Keita tells me, holding the house keys in his hand, as I look down. Then Keita turns, and stands on the railing.

"Wha-?! NO!" I yell, as Keita lets himself fall, as I try to grab him.

~Flashback End~

'That's right. It's my fault.' I thought 'My arrogance killed you. All of you. If only I told you my true level a secret. Then maybe, I could've convinced them not to go in the dungeon.'

~Time Skip~

I go back down to floor to floor 35, and walk in the Forest Maze, looking at a map.

"I have to beat Nicolas, then I can revive Sachi, and find out what she said.' I thought, as I look up at a giant tree. 'And if she was cursing me, then I accept that.' I start running, and enter the area where the tree is. Then I stop, and turn to my right, and see Klein and his guild teleporting in.

"What's up?" Klein asks me

"Why did you follow me?" I ask

"You are after the revival item, aren't you?" Klein asks

"Yea, and?" I ask

"Don't risk your life for some reason that might not be true." Klein tells me

"Don't tell me what I should do. I need to try, even if does end up being a lie." I say "I promised someone something a long time ago."

"Man, you can't be messing around in this game. If you die in here, your brain gets fried. Then that's it your d-" Klein tells me, but I cut him off.

"Shut up." I say

"Wha-?! Hey man! I'm trying to get you to stop with this stupid soloing!" Klein says "Come on! Join up with us! Whoever gets it to drop the revival item, keeps it, no hard feelings! If that isn't fair, then I don't know what is."

"Did you not here what I just said? If I joined up with you guys, and I don't get it to drop the item, there would be no point to this." I say, grabbing my swords handle. "I have to do this, alone."

"Wha-?" Klein and his friends ask, taken back by what I said.

"Think about what you're doing (Y/n), it's suicide! And I can't let you die like that! Come on!" Klein tells me, as I slightly pull out my sword, and a bunch of other people from another guild teleport in.

"You were followed too, huh Klein?" I ask

"Sure looks that way." Klein says, drawing his sword.

"It's the Holy Dragon Alliance!" One of Klein's men say.

"They'll do whatever it takes to get a rare item! No matter how shady!" Another one of his men say.

"What do we do?" A third member asks

"You bastards." I say

"UGHHH! Screw these guys!" Klein says, gripping tightly to his katana. "Get out of here (Y/n)!"

"No way!" I refuse

"Just leave them to us, okay? We can handle them! Don't worry! NOW GET GOING!" Klein says, as I run to the blue glowing tree.

When I get in front of the tree, a bell goes off, and sleigh bells start ringing.

"Huh?" I ask, seeing streaks of blue in the sky, and a giant wannabe Santa jumps down, and lands in front of me, causing snow to blow everywhere, causing me to block my face with my arm. When the snow settles, I see a tall skinny, zombie like Santa in front of me. When I look in his eyes, I see that they are both lazy eyes. Then his health gauge popped up in front of his face, and the words "Nicholas The Renegade" appear above his head. "Let's do this." I say, drawing my sword, and Nicholas throws his hands up, and starts to strike down. "AGHHHHHH!"

~Time Skip~

After the fight, I walk back to Klein and his men, tired, and about to faint. Klein looks in my hand and sees the revival item.

"(Y/n)! Hey!" Klein greets me, as I throw the revival item to him. "Wha- wh-"

"There. That's the revival item. You keep it." I say, as Klein opens the items info.

"Let's see...must administer to affected player...WITHING TEN SECONDS?!" Klein asks

"Some day, if someone dies in front of you. Promise me you'll use it." I say, as I start walking away, and Klein grabs me by the coat.

"(Y/n). Listen. Stay alive you hear me? I don't care how you do it, just stay alive, all the way to the end." Klein says, now full on crying, and lets go of me, as I walk away.

"See ya." I say, then I hear Klein drop to his knees.

~Time Skip~

I'm back at my inn, sitting at my desk with my head in my arms. Then I get the notification of a message. I look up, and tap the icon, when it says I have a gift box from Sachi.

"Sachi?" I ask myself, as I tap the prism, and it plays a message.

"Merry Christmas, (Y/n)." Saji's voice says

"Huh?" I ask

"By the time you hear this, I'll most likely me dead. Now, how do I explain this?" Saji asks "To tell you the truth, I never wanted to leave the Town of Beginnings, and I knew if I thought that way, I would die. And I wanted to tell you that it isn't anyone's fault. Especially not yours. Ever Since that night you found me under that bridge, you said I would survive through the game, and I wouldn't die, because you would protect me. But I knew you would blame yourself if I did die in the end. That's why I'm recording this."

"What...?" I ask myself again

"By the way, I found out how powerful you actually are. I kinda, sorta peeked when you weren't looking. Then I wondered, 'Why isn't he telling us the truth about his strength?' I also wondered why you decided to stay and fight with us. I never figured it out though, and I think it's better that I don't know." Sachi tells me "Actually, to be completely honest, I was relieved when I saw your true level. I was happy for the first time in a while. So promise me you'll go on living. Please, see the end of this world, then find out why it was created. Find out why someone weak like me came here. And most importantly, find out why we met. Please. That is what I wish."

I start to feel water form in my eyes, when Sachi continues.

"Looks like I still have time so, seeing how it is Christmas, I'll sing you a song." Sachi told me, and started humming a Christmas song to me. While she was humming, tears fell onto my desk, one by one. Then the song ended. "Anyway. I'm really glad I met you. And that I could be with you, even if it was for a short time."

The next thing she said helped me figure out what she said when she died.

"Thank you. Goodbye." Sachi finishes the message, as the prism drops onto the desk.