[orpheus2]

Originally Posted by Flere821

Now, WEB 8 Part 31 (1st half) summary, the one you all have been waiting for:

Spoiler for WEB 8 Part 31 (1st half):

The merchant’s guild leader asked Vector if the army could rest for the night, assuming they’re not going to move out right now. Vector granted the request for rest. Gabriel thought about what happened today, and figured Rath’s side sent in someone as well with a Super account. While things are now more complicated, Gabriel doesn’t mind that things have now become more interesting.

Asuna, Ronie and Teiza talked. Asuna said the ‘Real World’ isn’t as they imagined what the worlds of the gods are like. She asked them does Kirito look like a god or angel to them? Ronie and Teiza exchanged a glance and then stifled their chuckles, commenting there probably isn’t a god that sneaks outside the academy every night to buy snacks to eat. Asuna was speechless that Kirito was still like that even while in UW, but she was happy that Kirito apparently haven’t changed that much. Ronie asked what’s the world outside like, and Asuna said she’ll explain it to the ones in charge as well. The other girls agreed.

The instant Asuna’s feet reached the ground outside the wagon a sword came striking at her. Asuna parried the blow on reflex, and thought the strike was powerful. Sparks flew and it took Asuna three chained hits to negate the attack completely with her rapier. A blonde beauty glared at Asuna, with anger flashed like lightning in her eyes. Ronie and Teiza hastily asked Alice to stop fighting, Asuna wasn’t a enemy. Asuna was confused for a moment there why was the AI both sides IRL are after holds such enmity for her, but that was dispelled as soon as Alice spoke. Alice asked who Asuna is, and why did she approach Kirito? Asuna threw away all other emotions, reflexively raging anger swelled up inside her. In response, Asuna replied:

“’Why’? Because he’s mine.”

Alice was furious at the response, and the two of them started fighting each other with their blades. From Asuna’s POV, Alice seemed stronger and she was only able to match her because her own rapier was a GM weapon with higher priority. Berculi ended up intervening, holding back both swords with one hand each. Neither Alice or Asuna can move their swords away due to Berculi’s strength. Berculi explained to Alice that Asuna was the one that protected them, though chances are she’s not a god as she showed mercy. Asuna also wanted to shot back words like who does she think she is, what is she to Kirito, but since she would still need to convince Alice to come with her to leave UW so it’s better to not argue right now.
Asuna confirmed she’s from the outside world, and Alice exclaimed is she the same as Kirito? Asuna thought about how Kirito have been in here for 3 years, how much of that was with Alice? Alice wanted to ask similar things, like how long was Asuna with Kirito, before Berculi said they can discuss things with the others together, it wasn’t like the army would be able to move further tonight. Alice agreed to Berculi’s words. Berculi invited Ronie and Teiza to attend as well, asking them to prepare some tea for the group and a flask of wine for him.
Asuna wants to see Kirito one more time before they go, but Alice told her without her permission Asuna is not allowed into the wagon; protecting Kirito is her responsibility. Asuna held back her anger, and shot back Alice should stop calling her (Asuna’s) Kirito by name. Both of them ‘hmph!’d and then headed off following Berculi. Teiza commented guess things isn’t going to be peaceful from now on, and said they better go prepare the tea, boil water and such. Since Teiza headed off 1st she didn’t hear Ronie’s muttering that Kirito was supposed to be her’s.

Asuna stared at the campfire, noting how realistic it was. People have already introduced themselves, Berculi sat on one side of her and next to her was Alice. Asuna noted even by the light of the campfire her golden hair is stunningly beautiful, even when seen by a member of the same sex. Others present includes Synthesis twelve and forty-nine, ten guard captains, and Ronie and Teiza. Asuna can’t deny everyone here are all humans with how lifelike they are, and it’s hard to imagine Alice was the only one that can break the rules. Asuna thought she can relate to why Kirito wanted to protect them all, and began her explanation.

Alice had once thought, during her 6 months’ time in hiding, how the sheep fenced up in the village nearby are living peacefully and didn’t have to worry about things as they are protected by humans. She had no idea UW was in a similar situation. Others with her are probably going through the same shock as well.

Asuna explained how the RW, the world outside UW, is also populated by humans, mortals with emotions and desires. Two factions there are fighting over UW, one side wants to protect them all while the other seeks to remove one among them and then let UW be destroyed and returned into the void. The various people here are shaken, but Berculi brought the meeting to calm again, saying everyone here have already knew DT surrounded the Human Kingdom and was always looking for a chance to invade, yet none of them had ever considered this deeply; so what was one more world outside of that? He then asked who the enemy side is after among them, and Alice was shocked to find out it was her.

Alice involuntarily exclaimed, standing up to say that she would not run away and abandon this world; she was a Synthesis Knight tasked with protecting this world, it was her duty to stay and fight. Asuna also stood up and shot back if she’s caught them this world would be over, can she really risk that? The enemy could be here at any moment. Berculi commented her info is a bit out of date, the enemy is already here. Dark God Vector is already here, and chances are he’s one of the enemies in RW. Asuna muttered how they (Rath) hadn’t locked up the Super accounts in DT.
Synthesis Forty-nine asked why does the enemy want Alice so much, and Synthesis Twelve replied it was due to the Seal of the Right Eye. Alice was shocked that she knew about this, and asked why. Synthesis Twelve replied she felt a pain there every time she considered how great it would feel if she can cut down the Cathedral, the most solid thing in this world. After a moment of silence Berculi coughed, and continued the discussion like that confession didn’t happen. He mentioned how their right eye’s seal would give them pain, and force them to not think about rule breaking. Alice took the explanation from there, saying if they persist their right eye will explode. She confirmed their suspicion that in order to fight the elder and Administrator she gave up her right eye to do so. Teiza commented that Eugeo did the same thing, killing others and his right eye burst. Berculi asked Asuna if the people in RW had this seal, and she replied no they don’t; that’s the only difference between the ones in RW and UW. Berculi asked then why does RW want Alice so badly, if there’s so many others like Alice there already. Asuna hesitated and didn’t reply. Alice then remembered when they fought Administrator this seal was called ‘Code 871’, and asked what does this mean in RW language. Asuna then realized the leak from Ocean Turtle isn’t from the JSDF side, but instead from Rath’s researchers that isn’t separated from Fujioka and others right now. The seal was probably to buy time for the US to attack before the project is completed, and this researcher could go to where Asuna had dived into UW and unplug her STL if given the opportunity. Asuna thought about logging out to warn them of this danger, but decided UW’s situation to defeat Vector has higher priority because of the accelerated time difference.

However, neither Asuna or Rath realized 2 hours ago Gabriel ordered his hacker to remove the acceleration, so they only have 20 hours left before JSDF intervention. Only Yui figured out Gabriel’s motive behind this and had left Ocean Turtle and out into the internet in response. (Flere821 note: The motive isn’t explained here)

Alice interrupted Asuna’s thoughts, and repeated her question on Code 871. Alice also stopped the ‘polite speech’ keigo she used on Asuna. Asuna thought she has always got on well with her friends, with the last person she fought with on a regular basis being Kirito. She doubted however she’d ever get along well with Alice like she had gotten over being unfriendly towards Kirito. Asuna replied yes, Code 781 was put on UW people by their enemies.

Alice however was considering other things, like how she made a terrible first impression on Asuna. She thought if Asuna chased after Kirito and came into this world, they must have some kind of bond and Asuna deserved to see Kirito. Why then does she (Alice) feel anxious about this?
Because she was responsible for Kirito over the last 6 months and now suddenly there’s a new person involved? Or because of her own hostility towards Asuna’s sword skills? Judging by speed alone, Asuna is faster than even Fanatio or anyone else she has ever seen. It looked like she launched multiple attacks at once, Alice had never felt so stunned by someone around her age.
Or, maybe, this was because Asuna was shockingly beautiful? *snip long purple prose on Asuna’s beauty* Asuna’s beauty was of such that even if she declared herself to be the goddess there would be very few people not believing that claim.
Alice wants to know, not about the RW or their enemies, but about Asuna, Kirito, and her sword skills.

Asuna said very little on why RW wanted Alice, saying she’d prefer for Alice to see for herself without preconceptions. Asuna said if she explained everything then they’d be disillusioned about RW, that place is not the realm of the gods or a paradise. The RW is uglier than UW, and Alice would probably not forgive the residents of UW. Even so Asuna said there are those that would wish to get along with people of UW, people like Kirito for example. Alice decided to drop this topic, first thing to do right now is defeat Vector. Asuna said she’ll help to fight as well, raising morale of the guard captains – no matter what Asuna says, she’s seen as a goddess and probably beat back their enemies no problem. Asuna dashed their hopes that she could sunder the earth repeatedly, saying that brings great burden onto her mind and while she can just bear the pain safety measures might just remove her from UW without her say in this. Alice spoke up amidst the disappointment, saying it should be up to the people of UW to protect themselves and not rely on outside help. Synthesis Forty-nine agreed, saying Asuna is still only human and so as humans themselves they can still fight. Synthesis Twelve chipped in with her quiet voice, saying she wants a rematch against her previous opponent as well. Morale was restored.

In her own tent, Asuna asked herself if this was alright. From Rath’s POV, Asuna should just bring Alice to the system console and log them both out. From there remodelled AIs can be created as weapons, and UW can be deleted to save power and space. However, ending UW now means losing contact with Kirito and any possibility of him healing, and Asuna would not risk that. Asuna decided to go to where Kirito is right now, spending this last night with him in hopes of curing him. She snuck out of her tent, snuck past her ceremonial guard, and went to where Kirito is. She could sense where Kirito is and went straight for him (Flere821 & TL note: Yeah, apparently everyone in UW can sense where others are…).

Alice was waiting for Asuna and knew she’d come by. However Alice couldn’t speak the words to tell Asuna to leave, as she could see in Asuna’s eyes Asuna love Kirito, and from this love Asuna has determination and worry about something. Alice sighed and told herself it’s not that she’s giving up, she has a responsibility to restore Kirito and this is part of that effort. Alice said she’ll make a deal with Asuna; Asuna can see Kirito now, but they’ll both share everything they know about him to each other. Asuna was surprised for less than a second, before smiling confidently: “Alright, but there’s a lot to say, and probably can’t be told completely in just one night.”
Alice was displeased at this, and asked what does Asuna have on him. Asuna replied they had known each other for one year, became a couple for one year, and have lived together for two weeks. Alice stiffened, that was longer than she expected. Alice didn’t want to back down, and said she had fought by Kirito’s side for an entire night, and then in the 6 months after that looked after him without leaving his side. Asuna was the one that face-faulted this time. Both of them let out a oppressive aura, the night air crackled and any leaves that entered the space between them exploded.

A small voice interrupted them; neither Alice or Asuna noticed Ronie coming towards them in their standoff. Ronie said she have been with Kirito for a month, tidying his room and being taught sword skills. Not as much time as Asuna or Alice had spent with Kirito, but she’d like to join this exchange of info as well. Asuna and Alice both blinked, and sighed. They recognized Ronie as ‘one of them’ and let her in into this discussion, with Alice silently praising Ronie’s courage.
The three of them went inside the wagon, with two beds and one of them was taken up by Kirito sleeping. Asuna saw Kirito slept with two swords and gave a sorrowful smile in remembrance. Alice caught that smile and asked what happened. Asuna replied without her previous enmity that Kirito was known as the ‘Dual-wielding’ swordsman once upon a time. Alice remembered how Kirito was wielding two swords when he fought against Administrator. Asuna say she might as well start talking from here.

The plains at night gradually became colder, with only the purple moonlight lighting up the world. At this night before the final battle, the only calm patch of the world was from a tent where a candle seemed like it’ll never go out and smothered laughs came out from the tent now and then. The only one that could hear that was a owl that happened to be perched in a nearby tree.

Berculi woke up from a dream. The time is 4:10am, and he knows this because his sword used to be part of the Clocktower so it grants him a innate skill of always knowing what time it was. In the dream, he remembered Administrator asking him has he ever foreseen his own death. He couldn’t remember when exactly this conversation happened, it could have been 100 or 150 years ago. Administrator commented that was how she felt every day as she woke, that as she does not have command over everything there’s always the chance of a new enemy rising. Berculi now understands the words ‘foreseeing death’ as seeking to know how to die fittingly. Berculi thought he would not live past this day.

At the same time, to the north of the human army’s position DT troops began to set up ten large climbing ropes for them to cross a ravine to attack. Both the Gladiator and dark knight leaders are angered that Vector ordered their combined 10,000 troops to commit to a assault that will lead to massive deaths, and they’re forbidden to help anyone that falls off the ropes. However, with Vector’s strength they could not disobey these orders. They hoped to cross before the human kingdom troops find them, but their hopes are dashed as one of the scouts saw them.

Thanks for the summary.

Now, I am really curious on how the author will edit this part and the previous part.

I have to ask. Will the next volume will cover web novel 8?