Alice remembered Teiza and Ronie as the girls that chased after her when she came to take Eugeo and Kirito into the Cathedral for sentencing. No matter how pressed for personnel the army is they wouldn’t force minors to come along, so these two must have volunteered. Alice wondered why would these two come here to a warzone, even if they have some connection with Kirito. Alice addressed Ronie and Teiza by name, and they were shocked Alice remembered them. They thought Alice is very different compared to when they last met, and Alice thought about that. She didn’t realize she had changed, but her life in hiding over the last 6 months probably did change her. Alice though refuses to admit it was because as Berculi teased that she had gotten fatter – Selka’s food was good, but it shouldn’t have made her weight gain noticeable…
Ronie and Teiza heard about how when Alice had arrived she also had a black-haired teen with her, and wondered if it was someone they knew. Alice then realized who they came for, and commented they must have been close with Kirito. As she finished speaking both of them cheered up like blooming flowers, and Ronie had tears of happiness in her tea-coloured eyes that it was indeed Kirito with Alice. Teiza clasped Ronie’s hand and commented Eugeo might be alright too. Alice’s eyes widened and choked at Eugeo’s name, remembering these two doesn’t know what happened on the top of the Cathedral. Ronie and Teiza wondered what made Alice make that expression. Alice thought they came here for Kirito, so they deserve to know what happened to Kirito:
“While for you two this will be a overly harsh truth… but I believe, as kouhai to Kirito and Eugeo, you two will be accepted by him.”
Opposite to Alice’s expectations, Kirito did not miraculously return to normal after seeing Ronie and Teiza. While disappointed, she also felt slightly relieved inside her heart.
(Flere note: … I take whatever concession I had for Alice back. That possessive minx…)
Alice stayed in a corner of her tent and watched the events unfold. Ronie knelt down in front of Kirito who sat on the edge of the bed, clutching his hand and whispering something to him. Even more painful to watch was Teiza who collapsed onto a seat, staring at the broken Blue Rose sword. Teiza’s face went as pale as a sheet, and all expression was wiped away from her face.
Alice, as the person she is right now, didn’t know Eugeo well at all. All she knows about him was from the few minutes they fought each other at floor 80 of the Cathedral, then their battle together against the Administrator. Alice knew about Eugeo’s skill in being able to defeat Berculi in combat when he Released Recollection his Time-Piercing Blade and when he turned his own body into a sword to slice off one of Administrator’s arms; e had impressive willpower. As for his personality, most of what she knew is from Selka telling her what he did back in the village. Eugeo was a good partner to Kirito, and what they did must have moved Ronie and Teiza’s hearts deeply. Alice hoped Ronie and Teiza can understand and accept Kirito and Eugeo fought for important things, before being wounded and wilted. If they didn’t Alice feared the two girls’ minds will collapse, minds have been known to do so from experience overwhelming sadness or terror; there are several cases back in her home village after the invasion.
Alice can tell Teiza loved Eugeo. And it was by no means easy to handle the loss of your loved one at this young age. Alice saw Teiza slowly reach towards the blade of the sword, hoping something miraculous will happen. The Blue Rose Sword was still a high-level artefact, even if Teiza can’t use the sword she might be able to act as a catalyst for a Incarnation effect to happen. When Teiza’s hand came into contact, the red light from the sunset that lit up the room was banished by the weak blue glow from the Blue Rose sword. It vanished a instant later, and tears flowed from Teiza. Eugeo’s voice reached her, telling her he’ll always be here. Teiza broke down and cried like little kid, and Ronie also cried as she buried her face onto Kirito’s lap. Alice herself was also moved to tears, though she internally questioned if this was really possible. Can the willpower/Incarnation of the owner be left in the sword? Eugeo might be a exception however, he lost his life after becoming merged on a fundamental level with his sword. Even so, if Eugeo had called Teiza’s name then it wouldn’t be the same leftover willpower from the time of his death. Could it just be a illusion that spawned from the girl’s admiration? Or something more? Alice wished Kirito was aware at this moment, he would have understood what happened. From what she had heard he came from outside this world, from the realms where the mysterious gods resided. Alice thought back to a scrap of information in her confused thought: World End Altar. Apparently, from there is a way to the outside of this world. Maybe all will be answered there, maybe even regaining Kirito’s heart. But the Altar was outside the Eastern gate in the Dark Territory in the south, so they would have defeat the invading army first. Alice sighed, broke off that few seconds of wandering, and went to comfort the two crying girls.
The sun had set completely, though the skies over the Dark Territory remained blood-red. Alice found the knights and guards set up camp without regards to who the other party are, and was surprised. Bersuli came up to her and commented the force wasn’t bad for something hastily created. He was also thankful he broke down the etiquette between the two sides, and that there wasn’t a law that demanded the Synthesis Knights are to be given 10 minutes of praise whenever civilians are to speak with them. Alice wondered where were the rest of the Synthesis Knights, she had heard they’re out in full force but she could only find 20 of them. Berculi told her this twenty was it, the full force. The elder before he died had 10 of the knights frozen for Readjustment, and those 10 still haven’t woken up yet. You’d need the elder or the Administrator to be able to unfreeze them, and those two are dead. It’s next to impossible to revive those knights. Of the remaining 40, 15 are used for border patrol to ensure there are no attacks from elsewhere, and 5 are left in the Cathedral to ensure everything runs smoothly. The remaining twenty are here on the front lines. Alice knew out of the twenty here, only ten of them can perform Release Recollection or have a high-level artefact sword, further making this a bad position for them. Berculi changed the topic, asking what was Alice planning to do with Kirito. He offered to switch to the rearguard to keep a eye on him, and Alice told him not to worry, she found some friends of his from the academy and left him in their care.
Berculi asked if Kirito reacted in any way from their contact, and Alice shook her head. Berculi sighed, and admitted he had pinned his hopes on Kirito to be deciding factor of this war; Kirito’s willpower is far above that of his. Alice didn’t quite believe that, as while she believes Kirito is powerful Berculi had developed his skills for over 200 years, while Kirito is barely 20 years old. Sword skills and physical condition being superior to Berculi she can believe, but not on matters of willpower/Incarnation. Berculi explained from when they attacked that afternoon using Incarnation, he felt Kirito had
real fighting experience far beyond his own. By “real” experience, he meant battles to the death experiences. Alice thought those experiences must not have been this world then, the fights are just spars in the Human Kingdom and as a Synthesis Knight their skills are far above the Dark Territory troops their own lives are never threatened in these skirmishes. Alice could not wrap her head around how Kirito can have real combat experience there, what’s supposed to be where the creator gods lived. Alice decided to tell Berculi everything, about the outside world and the World End Altar connecting to it, but before she can explain Fanatio showed up in her full plate light purple armour.
Every time Alice saw Fanatio Synthesis Two she can’t help but go ‘Argh’. She’s the one she’s the least likely to get along with in the world. To hide her feelings Alice did a Knight’s salute, which Fanatio returned. Every bit of her actions spoke of feminine grace, and Alice could never get used to that. Even if Fanatio could hide behind her beautifully designed silver mask, full armour and speech pattern to pretend to not be a woman, her grace suggested otherwise. It was something as a young woman Alice never had a chance to develop. Alice was also a bit miffed that after Kirito fatally wounded Fanatio on floor 50 he did his best to save the one that took a herculean effort to defeat, somehow sending her away to save her life. Even if it was just like how Kirito would do things. Alice was also annoyed that Fanatio was in love with Berculi but never takes off her helmet to let people see her face.
Suddenly Fanatio took off her full helmet, letting her lustrous black hair flow out behind her. Alice had only seen Fanatio once by chance when she went to take a bath, and as far as she knows Fanatio had never took off her face coverings in public. With light makeup and red lipstick, Fanatio smiled at Alice and greeted her. Alice was surprised at how different Fanatio was acting. Fanatio asked if it was true Alice brought Kirito with her. Alice was alarmed at the question, Kirito defeated a fair number of Synthesis Knights and Fanatio was the most wounded by him. Fanatio would probably be the one that holds the deepest grudge against him. Fanatio asked if after the meeting can she go visit him, and Alice asked why. Fanatio gave a wry smile and told Alice she didn’t have to make that dangerous expression, she doesn’t plan to cut him up by this point. She just wanted to say thanks to him, it’s thanks to him she’s alive today. Alice remarked it was Cardinal who healed her, and she passed away by this point. Fanatio acknowledged that, remembering how Cardinal’s healing was the most powerful and warmest she had ever came across – but it was still Kirito that sent her to Cardinal, and she wanted to thank him for something else. Alice asked what it was, and Fanatio said it was for him fighting her and defeating her. Alice came to the conclusion Fanatio still wanted to kill Kirito after all, and took up a fighting stance. Fanatio said solemnly she really meant to thank him, he was the only one that kept fighting seriously after knowing she’s a woman. In her 200 year lifetime he was the only one to do so, everyone else held back because of her gender. Her pride could not accept beating more powerful swordsmen just because of her gender. Men in UW are hard-wired to protect and care about women, something that’s carved into their souls (Flere821 note: this is from Alice’s POV, which doesn’t cover exceptions like what Cardinal had said about the corrupted Fluctlights), and Fanatio’s beauty doesn’t make ignoring that any easier. Alice never cared about that, because she believed she needed to be more powerful than anyone, and if they gave a opening like that she’ll take it. Alice commented internally it’s because Fanatio cared about things like that it proved she’s a woman. Kirito had seen in one glance Fanatio’s obsession and impressed upon her the truth that just be powerful enough where your opponent can’t even care about things like that; Fanatio asked is it strange for her to want to thank him?
After saying those serious words, Fanatio said mischievously with a smile she’s also somewhat peeved Kirito doesn’t see her as a woman. Fanatio wondered if she can wake Kirito up with her feminine charms. Alice got stunned speechless while internally shouted “What?!”, thinking if Kirito does wake up from that then all her efforts up to that point was meaningless. And knowing Kirito, it’s not impossible he’ll wake up because of that.
(Flere821 note: Well Kirito, your womanizing skill is maxed and well known to everyone it seems And Alice, shame on you for putting your own pride/desires over Kirito’s health in the heat of the moment. Completely in-character as a teenage girl in love, I’ll admit, but if Asuna was in this situation instead she’d take the offer on the off chance it works for his sake, and then proceeds to make Kirito wish he’d stay catatonic after he woke up to a girl other than her…
In response to Fanatio’s words, Alice gave a glare and replied with a sharp voice thanks Fanatio for her words, but Kirito is asleep now and she’ll pass her sentiments on for her when he wakes up tomorrow. Fanatio removed the smirk she wore and with a eyebrow raised she asked does she need her permission to see Kirito? She had never stopped Alice from seeing Berculi for one matter or another despite her own emotions. Alice shot back it wasn’t like she needed her permission to see the Synthesis Knight leader. Besides, if Fanatio wanted a man to utterly defeat her she should have just asked Berculi to do so. Fanatio waved off that suggestion, saying Berculi always go easy on other people, as he’s the strongest swordsman in the world. Even the top General of the Dark Territory was given pity. Alice’s response:
--
“Ho, is that so? Whenever he practised with me he treated the spar seriously and worked up a sweat.”
“… Your Excellency! Was that true?!”
“It’s uncle’s fault for being too lenient towards her…”
Alice and Fanatio turned at the same time to their side.
There was nobody there.
Where Knight Captain Berculi was standing a few minutes ago, there was only the night wind gently blowing over the dried grass.
--
The war meeting started after being delayed for 10 minutes. The host for this meeting, Fanatio Synthesis Two, and newly arrived knight Alice Synthesis Fifty was still releasing a oppressive aura, and the meeting started in a tense atmosphere.
Alice thought there was indeed not much of the Synthesis Knights here. Those here with an Artefact-level sword were only 7 people: Time-Piercing Blade, Berculi; Heaven-Piercing Blade, Fanatio; Frost Whip; Flame Bow; two other knights Alice only knew by name, and Alice herself. The other 13 knights included the 9 that’s Fanatio’s personal strike force, and 4 other young (but still older than Alice) knights. 30 guard captains were also present, though any of the Synthesis Knights, even the lower levelled ones, can defeat all 30 without much trouble.
Fanatio began to speak, outlining their situation and plan of attack. They will hold the valley just beyond the Eastern gate, 1km long and a few hundred metres wide. If they get surrounded it’s all over, hence their defensive position. To prevent enemy spellcasters from destroying them with faraway spells, Fanatio proposed to use up all the mana within the valley beforehand. They won’t be able to heal themselves on the battlefield that way, but since the enemy will be using more spells compared to the hundred spellcasters they have it’s a gamble worth taking. Berculi spoke up to say they have rare healing artefacts and medicines taken out of the Church vault, it should be able to last them a few days. Throughout history treasures have only been brought inside the vault, this is the first time they’ve been taken out. Alice asked who will be using up all the mana in the valley beforehand, since as far as she knows only the Administrator had that kind of power. Fanatio replied, and instead of Berculi that Alice expected she said it was Alice herself that will be doing this. Alice might not have noticed this, but her level had went up to the point beyond the Synthesis Knights and can use spells beyond what others can do.
Scene change, Gabriel’s forces marched towards the battlefield. He himself is on a mobile platform/throne dragged by two rock dragons, along with D and his lieutenant. Gabriel asked D are the Synthesis Knights as fearsome as their reputation, and D confirmed it is; throughout history no Synthesis Knight has ever died by Dark Territory’s hands. Gabriel’s lieutenant asked then why doesn’t the Synthesis Knights just eradicate the Dark Territory, and D replied because while they are powerful they never ended up a situation where they have to fight a army of 10,000+ at once; even they have limited HP and can be taken down with enough grazed damage by massed forces. D warned they will take massive losses using this strategy to defeat the Synthesis Knights, but Gabriel didn’t mind; every last unit in Dark Territory is expendable in his eyes, even the powerful units like D. Gabriel planned as the new Ruler of Human Kingdom to give the first and last order for them to find Alice and bring her to him. Then he’ll be able to finish the mission. Gabriel had never considered Alice would be a knight in the defensive force brought against him, or her being anything else other than a civilian.
Scene change back to Alice. 4 days later, on the verge of the opening battle. Alice is leaving Kirito to Ronie and Teiza’s care. The wooden wheelchair he had was exchanged for one made by Alice’s spells, this time made of metal but lighter than his previous one. Over the last four days Alice talked to Kirito whenever she could, caressed his hand and hugged him, but he had never responded. Alice whispered to him this might be their final farewell. Berculi had said Kirito would be the deciding factor, and Alice believed him, for without his input this army would have not have came to be. If he hadn’t intervened Administrator would have used her spell to turn half of the humans in her realm into sword golems (Flere note: these sword golems were not shown in previous WEB 7 summaries, I didn’t write that one though. It skipped most of the fight scenes, which one of the bits was the Administrator morphing humans’ Fluctlights into swords, and used them as bones to create a monster that’s like a cross between The Skull Reaper and The Gleameyes. The end product was powerful enough to curbstomp Kirito, Alice and Eugeo at their strongest, and the three of them only lived because Cardinal showed up and defended them. This spell was stolen by Cardinal during the battle and used to turn Eugeo into a sword that managed to wound the Administrator.) and used them to defend her kingdom. Alice went on to say she’ll fight with her best to the last drop of her HP, and when she finally falls she expects Kirito to wake up when she calls his name with her final breath. As long as Kirito has woken up then no matter how many thousands or tens of thousands of enemies he has to face, he would defend the Human Kingdom without fail. He managed to defeat Administrator who was practically a living God, so Alice believed Kirito could not lose.
Alice hugged Kirito one final time, and when she finally released him after who knows how long that was, she saw Ronie with wide eyes and staring at her with all kinds of emotions in her eyes. Alice figured out Ronie is in love with Kirito as well. Ronie blushed and held her head low, saying she wouldn’t dare to love him, she was only his attendant. Alice said that doesn’t matter, Ronie was born a noble while Alice herself was only from a village, and Kirito doesn’t even have a known birthplace. Ronie rejected Alice’s attempt to help, saying the birth thing wasn’t it. Teiza then spoke up with a pained voice, even as she hugged Ronie who almost broke down in support, asking whether Alice knew what crimes did Kirito and Eugeo commit in the academy. Alice responded it was for killing other students. Teiza asked whether Alice knew why they killed the other students. Alice responded she didn’t know, then mid-sentence she remembered one of Kirito’s yells against her when they were climbing up the Cathedral; how two girls named Ronie and Teiza was raped by some noble upperclassmen, and it’s wrong for the laws of the world to allow that to happen. Alice’s eyes widened in comprehension, then Teiza confirmed her suspicions and told Alice what led to that event. Ronie and Teiza blamed themselves for what happened to Kirito and Eugeo, and after being raped they no longer deserve being loved by Kirito and Eugeo. After finishing the explanation Teiza broke down along with Ronie. Alice gritted her teeth, remembering how she once was as a Synthesis Knight and now she realized not breaking the Laws of the world to help others was the true crime.
Alice took a deep breath, and told them without doubt they weren’t violated. Ronie raised her head with blazing eyes exclaiming back Alice don’t understand, that their body was time and again been-
Alice cut her off, retorting the body is only a container, no, not even that for the soul. It’s just a blurred boundary where the soul has control over. The important thing is their heart, the only proof of their soul. She told Ronie and Teiza to watch what she is going to do now, and told them this isn’t a spell.
Alice closed her eyes. A week ago she brought her armour forth at the village to fight the invasion, now she sought to go deeper inside her. It’s not enough to change her clothing into armour, she needs to change her physical body itself. Kirito turned himself into the dual-wielding person that was at once him yet not him back then, so it’s not impossible. Alice sought to return to who she was 9 years ago. Return to the Alice before she froze her heart in defence against the unknown and loneliness. Alice wanted to tell Ronie and Teiza she’s just like them, if she hadn’t broke the laws then she would not have been taken away, and Kirito and Eugeo would not have went to the capital to look for her. Everything had started because of her.
Alice opened her eyes.
She was still standing upright, but now at face-level is Kirito’s face who is seated. Alice raised her head to look at Ronie and Teiza who’s stunned by this transformation. Alice told them the body is just an accessory to the soul. Her voice was childish and surprisingly high. She shook off some dust from the blue dress and white apron she now have on her as part of the transformation, spun around once with her hair flowing behind her movement and continued: the heart cannot be defiled by anyone. When she was at the age her body is currently showing, she had spells inserted into her very soul and turned into a Synthesis Knight. But the heart back then is still with her current self now, and she likes who she is right now.
With her small hands, Alice grasped Ronie’s and Teiza’s. The other two girls continued to have tears flowing down their faces, but now the reason for their tears are completely different from before.