The silence following Kirito's revelation was so dense that it seemed to absorb the air in the room.
Vaelinne was the first to react. She had always been the most impulsive.
**Thmp!**
**Shff... Scrrk...**
She jumped up abruptly, her chair sliding violently backward as her hand slammed forcefully onto the table.
—"What the hell are you saying, Kirito?! Have you lost your mind?!"
Her voice echoed with fury, laden with a mix of disbelief and rage.
**Tck… Thmp… Shff…**
**Whoosh… Tck… Grab!**
Without giving him time to react, she circled the table with quick, tense steps. Before Kirito could move, she grabbed him by the collar of his shirt with both hands, her grip firm and determined.
Kirito didn't even blink when she cornered him against the table. He showed no resistance. His expression remained serene, as if he had already anticipated that reaction.
—"No... I won't allow it!"
The weight of her words carried the conviction of someone who would not accept an easy answer.
—"How can you say that? How can you even think it?! Give me a logical reason, Kirito! If you don't, I swear I won't let you commit this madness."
—"..."
**Scrrk…**
Lyrielle still did not intervene. Her fingers gripped the edge of her seat tightly, betraying the coldness of her gaze.
She remained still, her posture rigid, but inside the tension was palpable.
Her heart raced faster than normal, even as her mind worked at full speed to process what she had just heard.
Kirito… was not someone who made impulsive decisions without reason.
If he truly thought that his death was the only way to escape, then there must be a logical justification behind it.
—"Vaelinne…"
His tone was calmer than her friend's, but his gaze was sharp with a mix of concern and logic.
—"You know Kirito wouldn't do this without a valid reason. His real death wouldn't help him escape… If his consciousness vanished, then his plan would fail and he would never manage to get out of here."
**Grrnn… Tch…**
Vaelinne clenched her jaw, feeling the weight of his words.
**Tck… Grab...**
She still had her hands on his shirt, holding him tightly, but her fingers contracted upon hearing what Lyrielle had said.
—"Haaaah…"
Kirito, without breaking eye contact, sighed softly.
With the same serenity that characterized him, he began to rise slowly, showing no discomfort despite Vaelinne's grip.
His expression remained calm, but when his hands gently rested on Vaelinne's shoulders, an unexpected warmth coursed through the tension in her body.
His sapphire eyes, deep and tranquil, watched her with a silent understanding.
He knew this moment would come.
That's why he maintained the calm and confidence in his expression, even though his voice bore an indescribable weight.
—"Vaelinne… you will understand soon."
His tone was low, firm, but with a depth that pierced the girl's emotions.
His words were like a calm breeze after a storm.
Vaelinne felt a slight shudder, but she didn't immediately release her grip.
One more moment of internal struggle.
She could feel the heat of his hands on her shoulders, the contrast between her fury and Kirito's calm determination.
Her breath caught.
With his other hand, Kirito gently reached for hers, the one still holding him.
—"Sit down first. Listen to me."
There was no harshness in his words, only an impenetrable calm.
—"Then, if you're still upset, I'll understand. But first, let me explain."
—"..."
Vaelinne didn't respond immediately. Her grip on Kirito's shirt began to loosen little by little, her body trembling almost imperceptibly.
It wasn't fear that made her hesitate… but the internal struggle between her anger and the recognition of the sincerity in his voice.
Finally, with a slight nod, she relented.
Because in Kirito's eyes, she saw something that stopped her.
It wasn't resignation to death. It was the meticulous calculation of a well-thought-out plan…
**Shff… Scrrk… Clnk…**
Kirito, noticing her decision, moved the chair beside him, ensuring that the space next to him remained accessible.
And with careful gentleness, he placed both hands on her shoulders and guided her until she took a seat.
Lyrielle silently observed the scene with a mix of analysis and understanding.
—"Haaaah…"
Kirito exhaled calmly before sitting down beside her.
When he finally took a seat, he settled with a calculated posture, resting his elbows on the table and interlacing his fingers near his mouth, just like an analyst preparing to explain a complex truth.
His eyes reflected a mix of serenity and an indescribable weight.
—"But believe me when I say this is… the hardest decision I've ever made in my life."
**Gulp.**
Vaelinne swallowed hard, not responding immediately. She was next to him, still tense, but her contained anxiety had replaced her initial fury. Her expression reflected an evident internal conflict; although she wasn't convinced, she was willing to listen.
—"..."
Lyrielle remained silent, watching him intently. Sitting across from him, she maintained her analytical posture, arms crossed over the table, processing each word carefully.
Kirito closed his eyes for a moment, preparing to explain the truth he was about to reveal.
And then, with a firm yet meaningful voice, he finally said:
—"This is the reason I made this decision… Higa Takeru not only keeps me trapped here against my will, but he does it for an experiment."
The words were not rushed but calculated, ensuring they settled before continuing.
—"Yes… I remember you mentioned it in the cave."
Lyrielle leaned slightly forward as she said it, her gaze reflecting that she was connecting the details.
**Scrrk…Scrrk…**
Vaelinne nodded in agreement, but her expression hardened, her fingers gripping subtly against the edge of the table. It hadn't been long since that moment, but the weight of the truth remained just as crushing.
Kirito scanned between the two of them, letting the silence stretch for just a moment before directing his gaze straight at Vaelinne.
—"That's right… And do you also remember why?"
His eyes fixed on her with intent, ensuring that she was not just listening but actively participating in the reasoning.
—"Do you remember, Vaelinne?"
She remained silent for a few seconds before responding. Her jaw tightened, and her breathing became heavier, as if trying to hold something inside.
—"...Yes."
The words came out slower than usual, but not because she doubted her answer, but because the anger she felt made it difficult to say it aloud.
—"Because he wants to reduce your existence to an experiment… as if your life were just a data point he could manipulate."
Vaelinne said those words with a slight tone of anger, but not directed at Kirito, but at that vile man she didn't know but already hated.
—"Correct… He has accelerated the time in Underworld."
Kirito continued, directing his gaze at Lyrielle as well, without lowering the intensity of his tone.
—"He did it with a clear purpose: to ensure that my death is definitive and without escape…"
The weight of that statement created a new tension in the room.
—"..."
—"..."
Lyrielle narrowed her eyes, evaluating the logic behind his words.
Vaelinne pursed her lips and exhaled uncomfortably, her expression reflecting the internal conflict she struggled to contain.
Kirito paused briefly, ensuring both processed the information before continuing.
—"For seven days in the outside world, Higa has absolute control over Underworld…"
His tone became even graver, as if he were measuring the weight of each word.
—"And during that time… hundreds of years pass in here."
Vaelinne frowned slightly, her breathing becoming heavier before she spoke.
—"So, if you want to return to your world…"
Lyrielle narrowed her eyes, her expression reflecting that she was connecting the details and completed the thought in a measured tone.
—"...you have to die?"
The words hung in the air, the weight of the revelation falling on both of them at the same time.
Vaelinne clenched her fists, her expression hardening even more before murmuring in a lower tone, as if the thought settled in her mind.
—"Rather… what you mean is that you'll pretend to die, right?"
The tension in the room shifted slightly.
It was no longer just surprise at the idea, but the recognition that Kirito's strategy was not a surrender… but a calculated move.
Kirito nodded in response, conveying with his gaze that she was on the right path to understanding everything. Then he continued:
—"Well, Vaelinne and Lyrielle… Because if I wait too long, I will lose all chance of escaping. It's only a matter of time before my existence disappears."
**Grgrhh...!**
**Crrkk.**
Vaelinne hissed in disgust, while Lyrielle adjusted her posture, grasping the gravity of the problem but also understanding the strategy better.
—"Haaah…"
Kirito inhaled slowly, maintaining his calm.
—"Instead of waiting for death to come, it's better to act before it's too late…"
Kirito looked up and asserted confidently:
—"If I want to escape, I need to pretend to die."
The silence deepened again.
—"Is it risky?"
Lyrielle asked a question that worried both of them.
—"Yes, unfortunately, yes… I don't want to lie to you, girls, as I'm experimenting with my life in the process…"
**Fssh... Rrrsh...**
Kirito suddenly felt a slight tug on the sleeve of his shirt. He turned gently, finding Vaelinne holding it with some tension in her fingers.
With a hint of hope in her voice, she asked:
—"Isn't there... another way? Kirito… Tell me there's another way! Don't you have this great library at your disposal? I'm sure that…"
"No… There's no other option, Vaelinne. Believe me… if there were, I would take it."
Kirito said it firmly, dismissing that false hope.
Vaelinne lowered her head sadly after his refusal.
"Isn't there even a possibility...? Kirito…"
Her voice lowered slightly, reflecting the uncertainty of her own question.
—"Are you completely sure?"
Lyrielle felt pity for her friend, sharing the pain of uncertainty, but she needed that final confirmation.
Kirito sighed at the insistence but showed no anger. Why would he be upset with them when all they wanted was his well-being?
He shook his head and, with absolute clarity, replied:
—"Time is key to success. If I waste time looking for an uncertain alternative, I will expose my situation to Higa and risk being discovered… not to mention that I could end up in a dead end."
**Fssh... Rrrsh...**
Kirito placed a hand on Vaelinne's shoulder, then directed his gaze to Lyrielle, understanding her concern. In a serene tone, he added:
—"I truly appreciate that both of you care about me... but I can't risk myself on an uncertain and unsafe path."
**Tck.. Gnn...**
**Crk... Thmp**
Vaelinne bit her lips and clenched her fists.
—"Hfff..."
She tried to hold back but couldn't help but murmur with anger:
—"Unsafe?..."
Lyrielle and Kirito watched as Vaelinne trembled while trying to control her emotions. Still, she remained firm and, without looking away from Kirito, demanded an answer:
—"Are you telling us that putting your life on the edge of death to fake it is safer than seeking a real alternative?"
Lyrielle nodded with conviction, supporting her companion, sharing her distress.
—"I agree with Vaelinne... Looking for a safer alternative would be best."
She tried to reason with Kirito, as she saw him as too reckless.
Kirito exhaled softly before speaking calmly:
—"Vaelinne, Lyrielle... I've hardly told you about my world, have I?"
He didn't wait for their answers and continued with serenity.
—"In my world, there is something called a documentary."
—"..."
—"..."
Vaelinne and Lyrielle exchanged a fleeting look, not recognizing the term.
Kirito noticed their reaction and looked at the ceiling, as if recalling something distant from the time he had been in Underworld.
—"It's a form of recording where animals are studied in their habitat. We observe their movements, their habits... and how they survive."
**¡THUD!**
Vaelinne frowned, her expression still tense, and slammed her fist on the table before impatiently asking:
—"And what does that have to do with this important matter, Kirito?"
Lyrielle crossed her arms, complementing her reaction with a more measured tone:
—"You're not changing the subject, are you? This matter has nothing to do with documentaries."
Kirito shook his head and smiled subtly, undisturbed by the interruption.
—"No. It has a lot to do with this matter. I want to give you a clear picture of what my plan means."
—"..."
—"..."
Hearing the firmness of his response, Vaelinne and Lyrielle fell silent, waiting for his explanation.
Kirito continued with a calculated intensity in his voice:
—"In these documentaries, I've seen how certain prey manage to escape from stronger predators with absolute control... with an unexpected and intelligent strategy."
Vaelinne crossed her arms, waiting for the conclusion.
Lyrielle kept her gaze fixed on him, intrigued.
Kirito inhaled before giving them the full picture. He used his hands to help visualize it better:
**Crk... Tck**
He placed his right hand as if it were the mouth of a predator, with pointed fingers, and with his left simulated the prey trapped inside the jaw.
—"When a predator catches its prey, there are moments when, instead of resisting and fighting to the death, the animal does something unexpected."
**Scrkk... Rrrsh**
**Crk... Tck**
Kirito simulated with his left hand a struggle inside the right mouth. The girls followed the movement of his hands attentively.
—"It falls limp into the predator's sharp jaws that suffocate it. It becomes completely still... and pretends to be dead."
Kirito demonstrated the example with his hands.
The atmosphere in the room shifted slightly.
—"..."
—"..."
Vaelinne frowned, but not with rejection. She was now truly considering the comparison.
Lyrielle breathed slower, assimilating the logic behind the idea.
Kirito continued calmly, maintaining the measured tension in his tone, and opened his right hand, releasing the immobile left.
—"The predator, seeing that its prey no longer struggles, loses interest and stops using all its strength... It releases it, convinced that it has won... But when it least expects it..."
**Whff...**
Kirito moved his left hand, simulating the prey escaping.
—"...The prey flees."
Lyrielle lowered her gaze slightly, understanding the meaning behind his strategy.
Vaelinne exhaled forcefully, not fully convinced, but not immediately rejecting the idea either.
Kirito maintained his firm stance and added confidently:
—"This has happened on land, in water, and in the air. There are animals that have survived by doing this... because they knew how to deceive their predators."
Lyrielle absorbed the comparison, and after a moment of reflection, affirmed confidently:
—"I think we understand better now..."
She turned to Vaelinne, seeking her reaction. In her eyes, she offered the opportunity to accept Kirito's logic.
—"Right, Vaelinne?"
Vaelinne lifted her face and met the gaze of her friend and Kirito. With effort and a subdued voice, she slowly nodded:
—"Yes... I understand it too..."
Kirito noticed she said it with difficulty. Although Lyrielle understood the strategy better, he could see that, in her heart, she still rejected the plan.
(They need more information to calm them...)
Kirito thought to himself as he noticed the uncertainty in their eyes before continuing.
His gaze settled on the console on the column, an object that had been present from the beginning but had not been mentioned in the conversation until now.
—"To ensure the greatest chance of survival and achieve my goal, I'm going to use this..."
Vaelinne and Lyrielle followed his gaze and focused on the console.
—"Are you referring to that machine...? What's it called? Why do you trust it?"
Lyrielle kept her eyes fixed on Kirito and then on the console, wanting to understand more.
—"What does it do exactly? And how can it help you with your escape?"
Kirito exhaled calmly, intertwining his fingers on the table before starting his explanation, answering each of their questions patiently.
—"First of all, this console is called the System Administration Terminal..."
—"Administration...?"
Lyrielle caught the key word in its name and couldn't help but murmur it softly.
Kirito nodded serenely at her and explained in more detail.
—"Exactly... It's called that because it grants privileged access to critical functions of the Underworld. Additionally, it can communicate with the outside world... even synchronize the time of this world with that of the outside..."
—"¡...!"
—"¡...!"
The two girls couldn't help but be surprised by the hidden power in that seemingly innocuous console, and once again, their gazes were drawn to it with a mix of intrigue and caution...
Kirito waited only a brief moment before continuing, ensuring he captured even more of their attention.
—"I know that to you this object may seem strange, but it's not new in Underworld. In fact, there have been several administrative consoles like this."
Vaelinne leaned slightly forward, showing a more active interest.
—"Several...? Where?"
Kirito remained calm before continuing.
—"The most relevant and important one was on the 100th floor of the Central Cathedral, in the room of the ruler of that time: Quinella..."
The girls exchanged a fleeting glance, trying to connect the information.
Vaelinne frowned and asked cautiously.
—"Was it...? Is it not anymore?"
Kirito smiled slightly, noticing how the questions came one after another. However, that was a positive thing. If he could satisfy them with his answers, they could trust his risky plan a little more.
—"Yes, it was... because the one that is here now is the same one that was on the 100th floor. To move it, I had to research in the Library how Quinella managed to relocate it there. Then, after making all the necessary arrangements and executing certain commands, I managed to bring it here."
Kirito pointed precisely to the position of the administrative console, reinforcing his words with the gesture.
—"You said Quinella had it before... Did she use it to...?"
—"Control the world and its inhabitants, right?"
This time, it was not Kirito who answered, but the analytical Lyrielle. With all the information he had mentioned before, she reached that conclusion on her own, and Vaelinne couldn't help but show some disgust.
Kirito observed the expressions of both, reflecting the harsh truth of the past. He nodded, confirming her conclusion, before continuing.
—"That's correct... Quinella used it to manage and control Underworld according to her own interests. Through that terminal, she could modify rules, alter memories, and even intervene in the growth of the inhabitants of the world..."
Vaelinne frowned with discomfort and murmured.
—"That sounds dangerous..."
Lyrielle absorbed the information more carefully before asking.
—"So... if it's the same, does it work the same way?"
Kirito gently shook his head before answering.
—"No and yes..."
The girls showed a clear expression of confusion at his response.
—"What do you mean, Kirito? Please, be clearer."
Vaelinne nodded with the same thought in mind, wanting him to stop beating around the bush.
Kirito let out a faint smile at their reactions, especially at Vaelinne's, but he didn't keep them waiting any longer.
—"What I mean is, first, when I obtained this console, I had access to all those functions... but I never used it for that purpose. I only dedicated it to researching more about this world, its structure, and to extend my time here."
Kirito raised one finger when saying this, emphasizing his first explanation. Then, he raised a second finger and continued.
—"And secondly, I'm sure Higa has already taken care of restricting much of its capabilities, including the possibility of communicating with the outside world or synchronizing the time with it to ask for help."
Despite his words, Vaelinne and Lyrielle noticed that his expression did not reflect resignation, but an unyielding determination to find a way out.
Kirito confirmed this with his next statement.
—"However, I know I'll be able to use it in a way that Higa never anticipated..."
Vaelinne crossed her arms and asked with curiosity.
—"How?"
Kirito exhaled, his tone conveying absolute clarity.
—"Research. I will study more about the structure of Underworld, analyze its rules, and understand as much as I can about its limits... until I find a way to disappear without a trace..."
Lyrielle looked at the console with a mix of intrigue and concern, processing the new information... However, there was a question that still had no answer.
—"If you can understand the world better... and manage to fake your death as you say... how do you plan to escape from here?"
Vaelinne also understood the most important part of Kirito's plan: he hadn't explained that detail to them yet.
—"That's true, you told us there's no exit... If your plan goes through, the most you'll achieve is to shake off Higa's surveillance..."
Kirito maintained his firm gaze and nodded calmly.
—"Well thought out... I was just about to explain that part."
His expression became more serious, as what he was about to say implied something beyond his intelligence: it required resilience, patience, and faith in the unknown.
—"I will be in a state similar to the Integrity Knights…"
—"Are you referring to a cryogenic state? A state of waiting, like our ancestors?"
Lyrielle reasoned logically, as they were familiar with the concept from all they had learned.
Kirito nodded again.
—"That's right... Entering that state will prevent my soul from being destroyed. I will survive as long as necessary... until I can wait."
He paused. He knew this no longer depended solely on his analytical ability, but on a risky bet.
**Fssh... Rrrsh...**
Suddenly, he felt a slight tug on the sleeve of his shirt. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Vaelinne.
She not only held onto him but, with a hint of nervousness, asked in a tense voice:
—"Wait... for what?"
Lyrielle connected the key points in her mind and replied, although her tone carried a mix of skepticism and concern.
—"I suppose what he means is... that he is waiting for someone."
Even though the answer made sense, the idea still sounded crazy.
Kirito took a deep breath before reaffirming his stance.
—"That is exactly what I must do. By eliminating Higa's influence, the time in this world will return to a more normal state... and the research will be in the hands of others."
His gaze darkened for a moment, as if he were visualizing the scene in his mind.
—"I am sure that, sooner or later, someone will have to extract information... Whether with good or bad intentions. And when that happens... that's when I will find my opportunity to escape."
Vaelinne continued to cling to Kirito's sleeve, but now with more strength.
—"Don't you think, Kirito, that you're relying too much on luck? You never do anything without logic; you always have a plan…"
But suddenly, she stopped.
She felt something strange in the hand she was holding.
Kirito's grip was not as firm.
There was a slight tremor, a subtle but undeniable one. It was fear.
Vaelinne immediately fell silent.
Lyrielle, who was watching from the front, also noticed the detail.
Kirito couldn't help but let out a bitter smile, and in a low tone, admitted:
—"I have no choice, as I said... This is the safest of all. I have thought about it since I arrived in this world... If I want to return, I have to take a gamble. And I have nothing more valuable than my own life."
He looked at both of them at that moment, taking a few seconds to hold eye contact with each one.
They could see it. They could see the raw truth behind his eyes.
This decision was destroying him inside.
But he kept moving forward.
—"I know that waiting seems to rely only on luck... but there is logic in it."
Kirito placed a hand on the table, with determination measured in his voice.
—"No matter how much time passes... at some point, someone will intervene in this world. They will study it, want to analyze its advances, and for that, they will introduce something... a device, anything that allows them to connect."
His gaze hardened.
—"That is where I will have my opportunity."
—"..."
—"..."
Both fell silent. Kirito was still not giving up.
However, as a human, he was not invulnerable.
He had told them at the beginning of the conversation: "This is the hardest decision of my life."
Vaelinne shut her eyes tightly, while her lips trembled slightly.
—"I want to return to my world... and I really feel like I'm worrying you, girls. I don't want you to suffer, but I need to take the risk."
Her tone lowered slightly.
—"I promise you something... I won't do anything until I am completely sure that my life will be on the winning side."
Lyrielle adjusted her posture, her hands resting on the table.
**Fssh... Rrrsh...**
Vaelinne squeezed Kirito's sleeve even tighter.
Nobody spoke for a whole minute.
But both knew that, as much as they wanted to stop him, part of them also wanted to support him.
Finally, a low voice broke the silence.
—"... Alright. I will believe you, Kirito."
Vaelinne held on even tighter, while her red eyes shed a couple of silent tears.
—"But I swear to you that if you don't fulfill what you just said... I will never forgive you. Please... don't leave without telling us, okay?"
It was rare to see her vulnerable side, but at that moment, she could not hide it.
Kirito felt the intensity in her gaze.
**Fssh... Clnk!**
And at that very moment, he felt a second pressure.
Lyrielle had taken his other hand over the table.
Her touch was not gentle. She squeezed it firmly, as if she wanted to convey her own determination to him.
—"We understand that you had the courage to tell us all this... You could have kept it to yourself, but you didn't because you trust us, as your friends."
Kirito closed his eyes for a moment.
—"And the least we can do... is trust you and support you in this fight."
**Fssh... Clnk!**
Lyrielle squeezed his hand with both of her hands, with a hint of emotion in her voice.
—"We know that the most we can do is contribute with whatever you need... materials, supplies... You deserve it."
Kirito squeezed both hands at the same time, conveying the same determination that they did.
—"Thank you... Thank you very much. I promise I will do everything possible not to fail... and that when the time comes, I will not disappear without warning."
The three tried to smile.
For a moment, they allowed themselves to forget the negativity.
Only the way forward remained.
The path would not be easy.
But at least, now he would not walk it alone.
(*****)
After the intense conversation with Vaelinne and Lyrielle, the atmosphere became more serene, but the uncertainty still weighed heavily.
Kirito knew that words were not enough for them to fully understand his situation.
So he decided to show them the administrative console in operation.
The girls approached the device with curiosity, observing the system in action.
When the interface lit up, a series of advanced codes and formulas appeared on the screen.
For Kirito, it was a familiar sight.
For Vaelinne and Lyrielle, it was a completely foreign language.
Vaelinne frowned and rested her arms on Kirito and Lyrielle's shoulders while trying to follow what she saw on the screen.
—"This looks more like a secret language than something practical…"
Lyrielle did not take her eyes off the screen, but her expression reflected a more analytical interest.
She could imagine that with enough practice, she would understand how to handle it.
—"It's more advanced than I imagined... Although I can identify some fragments."
Kirito noticed that they were having trouble following along, so he opted to guide them to more comprehensible parts of the system.
Changing screens, he accessed an interface with more text and fewer cryptic codes.
—"Here is a section with more text and fewer numeric codes... perhaps it will help you understand the operation better."
What helped them better in their understanding.
To demonstrate what he had mentioned earlier, Kirito accessed the system's privilege logs.
The girls watched as several functions appeared blocked.
Kirito pointed to the most important option:
System Control Panel - Central Authority Terminal
========================================================
> External Communication: RESTRICTED
> Real-World Time Sync: DISABLED
========================================================
WARNING: ACCESS LIMITATIONS IMPOSED
SYSTEM AUTHORIZATION LEVEL: [REVOKED]
ROOT PERMISSIONS: [LOCKED]
```
Lyrielle squinted at the evidence.
Vaelinne crossed her arms with a stern expression.
—"So... he really locked you in here."
Kirito nodded, with a neutral expression.
—"Yes. Higa eliminated the privileges that allowed synchronization with the real world and the possibility of contacting the outside. I can no longer ask for help or find a direct way out."
Kirito continued exploring the console, looking for more relevant information.
Soon, he found something that, although limited, was still available.
System Control Panel - Central Authority Terminal
========================================================
> Equivalence System Data Access: PERMITTED
> System Structure Analysis: ACTIVE
========================================================
NOTICE: LIMITED ACCESS GRANTED
PRIVILEGE LEVEL: [RESTRICTED]
SECURITY OVERRIDE: [DENIED]
```
His gaze sharpened for a moment, and the dim blue reflection of the screen lit up his eyes.
Vaelinne raised an eyebrow at his reaction and said.
—"It seems you found something useful."
Kirito exhaled calmly and nodded.
—"Despite all the restrictions... I can still investigate the structure of the world."
Lyrielle grasped the importance of the finding.
—"So, you still have a way to move forward... as you explained to us before."
Kirito affirmed confidently.
—"Exactly. Despite the restrictions, I can still analyze Underworld in depth... and discover the gap I need."
The girls exchanged a glance.
It had been difficult to follow the explanation, but now they understood the extent of the situation better.
Vaelinne sighed and stretched.
—"Well, at least you gave us a glimpse..."
Lyrielle looked at the console with a more thoughtful expression.
—"If I manage to understand more about the codes and the principles of this system... do you think I could decipher it someday?"
Kirito tilted his head before responding.
—"With practice, yes... but it would require years of study."
Lyrielle smiled very slightly, showing confidence.
—"Then... maybe someday I'll come back for another look."
(*****)
After the intense exploration, Kirito offered them to choose something from the library to relieve the tension.
Lyrielle, fascinated by the idea of exploring something useful, chose a book about the study of plants and their resistance in extreme conditions.
—"This will help me understand the crops on planet Admina,"
she commented with a slight smile.
Vaelinne, on the other hand, was not a fan of books, but some titles caught her interest.
Kirito noticed that immediately and recommended a couple of volumes that she might like.
One about sword styles, their advantages and defects.
Another about the mecadragons and how to improve their piloting.
Vaelinne held the books, running her fingers over the covers with an almost distracted gesture.
—"Tch... I don't promise that I will read them right away."
Kirito smiled sideways.
—"It's not necessary. Just have them when you need something interesting."
For his part, Kirito also took a book.
One about memory manipulation.
The title did not go unnoticed by the girls.
Lyrielle looked at the text with a mix of curiosity and alarm.
—"Why choose something like that...?"
Vaelinne also frowned.
—"It's not a pleasant topic..."
Kirito calmly closed the book before responding.
—"I need it to deceive Higa when I disappear. I won't use it on anyone else, just on myself."
His words were cold but filled with unyielding determination.
The girls sensed that seriousness and preferred not to press further.
Vaelinne tried to feign disinterest, but Kirito noticed she didn't let go of the book about mecha-dragons so easily.
He decided not to say anything but smiled slightly at how she held it in her hands.
Soon, Vaelinne was the first to tire of reading.
—"Haaaah… I can't take it anymore."
She dropped the book on the table with a sigh.
Kirito and Lyrielle couldn't help but shake their heads.
She had learned the importance of knowledge thanks to Kirito…
But changing habits wasn't something that happened overnight.
Only the person themselves could decide when to take the next step.
Kirito closed his own book, and Lyrielle did the same, so as not to leave Vaelinne alone.
—"If you want, you can take the books with you. Just bring them back when you can."
Lyrielle nodded and immediately put hers away.
Vaelinne thought for a moment but then left it on the table.
—"I'll read it when I come back. That way, I have something interesting here."
Kirito didn't insist.
He already knew she had learned more than she was willing to admit.
To conclude, Kirito handed them a list of materials and provisions, along with their clothing sizes and preferred colors.
He also asked them to bring him some plants and flowers.
The girls agreed without batting an eye.
Time continued to move forward, marking the moment of goodbye.
Inside the Hidden Library, there was no dawn.
The only sources of light were the artificial lamps, strategically scattered to simulate a stable environment within that suspended space.
The Underworld clock marked 6 a.m.
One of several clocks installed there, each fulfilling a specific function.
One tracked the flow of time within the Library, calibrated to remain stable and not distort with the temporal slowdown of the surroundings.
Another followed the time of the Underworld world, precisely adjusted so that Kirito could know the difference between both temporal rhythms.
Although the space was trapped in its own temporal logic, the clocks ensured that the perception of time did not completely fade away.
It was time to leave.
Kirito surprised them one last time by opening a golden portal.
But this time, he didn't send them to their old room in the Central Cathedral.
He took them directly to the gardens, where no one was around at that hour.
Vaelinne smiled with satisfaction at the change in Kirito's strategy.
—"This is much better. This way, we avoid being seen."
Before leaving, Vaelinne made one last request.
—"For the next visit, I want a wooden sword duel. You'll teach me more techniques… but don't hit so hard."
Kirito tilted his head with a slight smile.
—"Where would the fun be if there's no danger?"
Vaelinne clicked her tongue playfully.
—"You're a bully."
Lyrielle chuckled softly before tugging at Vaelinne's arm.
—"Let's go."
Finally, Vaelinne and Lyrielle took one last look at Kirito.
Lyrielle held his gaze for a few seconds, as if wanting to ensure that he would really be okay.
Vaelinne made a slight grimace of doubt, but said nothing.
The golden glow flickered one last time, reflecting their silhouettes before completely consuming them in its brightness.
Then, it faded completely, leaving him alone in the vastness of the Hidden Library.
The radiant gold dissipated slowly.
And with it, Kirito was left alone in the Hidden Library.
When the last echo of their footsteps faded, the Library regained its eternal silence.
—"…"
Kirito remained still, his gaze lost among the vast expanse of shelves that rose like silent witnesses to his trapped existence.
The absence of Vaelinne and Lyrielle made the space feel colder, more motionless.
Fatigue was already weighing on his body, but his mind continued to operate at a frantic pace.
There were so many things he still needed to investigate...
But there was something else that troubled him, something he couldn't share with them.
Thoughts left unspoken.
(—"I couldn't tell them that the reason I understand this world is because of The Seed... Kayaba gave it to me in the past, and now I must decipher it as best as I can.")
Kirito inhaled deeply, closing his eyes for a moment while placing a hand on his chest.
That knowledge wouldn't benefit them in any way.
Telling them that their world existed thanks to a program freely scattered...
That Underworld, as they knew it, was a creation derived from a virtual ideal...
It was too complicated.
(—"It wouldn't make sense to burden them with this...")
But that wasn't all.
There was something else he kept to himself, a thought he could never tell them directly.
(—"Also the fact that my goal is to abandon this body… although that doesn't mean I can leave behind everything this world has given me.")
His lips parted slightly, but he said nothing.
Reality remained relentless.
Underworld was not just a virtual space; it was a world where the lives that grew and evolved were real.
Here were people who trusted him, who had shared their time with him...
But his mission remained steadfast, his destiny pushed him forward.
—"Haaah..."
**Tap... Tap... Tap...**
Kirito exhaled slowly and, with firm steps, headed towards his bedroom within the Library.
Now, his only destination was to rest, allowing his body and mind to recover before resuming his research.
He had spent too much time without allowing himself a real pause.
**Tap... Tap... Tap...**
The sound was barely a whisper in the vastness of the Library, reverberating between the shelves like a distant echo.
For now, the investigation would have to wait.
(*****)
**Creak... groooaaannn...**
Kirito slowly opened the door, letting the stillness of the room envelop him. It was a space designed for two, but now only he remained.
The walls of the bedroom were not mere decorations. Each picture was a capsule of a memory, a vivid representation of the moments that had given meaning to his life.
The first oil painting that caught his attention showed Asuna and him on a date. Asuna wore an elegant white dress, her smile illuminating the scene like a reflection of the warmth she always brought with her. Kirito, dressed in black with a leather jacket, leaned against his motorcycle, ready for the journey. The wind seemed captured in the image, making his hair move naturally, as if they were frozen in the moment before the adventure.
**Sssk... thhk...**
He slid his fingers along the edge of the frame. It was so real, so detailed... he could almost hear Asuna's voice urging him to hurry.
His gaze continued to scan the room until it stopped in front of another painting. It was a scene inside the bar of Alfheim Online, a space where the memories of his friends remained intact.
In the center of the image, Agil was laughing heartily while recounting some anecdote, probably exaggerating details to make the story more interesting. Lisbeth had her typical mischievous expression, arms crossed while throwing out a sarcastic comment. Silica listened attentively, with Pina curled up on her shoulder, her wings folded as she rested. Klein, relaxed, raised a glass with satisfaction. Suguha smiled softly, enjoying the atmosphere, while Sinon looked at everyone with a calm expression, more relaxed than usual.
But there was something more in the painting that made it special. Above Kirito's head, sitting comfortably, was Yui, their daughter in the digital world. Her small figure leaned on his hair, observing everyone with a curious and bright gaze, reflecting the happiness of those moments.
Kirito inhaled slowly.
(—"It had been so long since I saw everyone gathered like this...")
He continued on, and his eyes landed on the painting of Asuna's family. There were her father, Shouzou Yuuki, with a firm and imposing posture; her mother, Kyouko Yuuki, with a look that combined strength and tenderness; and Asuna, in the center, in an elegant dress, holding the memory of her family with a melancholic and affectionate expression.
Each stroke reflected Asuna's longing, her desire to see them again, even if it was in an image. This painting had been a special request of hers, just like the next one.
Kirito stopped in front of a special painting, one that not only represented a memory but an unbreakable bond between Asuna and someone who had left an indelible mark on her life.
The canvas captured a moment of pure joy, a moment suspended in time. Both were in their avatars from Alfheim Online, reflecting the energy of their friendship in the virtual world. Yuuki smiled brightly, full of life, raising two fingers in a playful gesture, as if to say "Hello" to the camera. Asuna enveloped her in a firm hug, with a warm but equally joyful expression, as if wishing that moment would last forever.
She had insisted that Kirito paint it because she didn't want to forget Yuuki. She needed to preserve something that kept her memory alive, beyond the pain of her departure.
Kirito felt a weight in his chest as he looked at the painting.
It was impossible to forget the helplessness he felt seeing Asuna cry over Yuuki's death. The illness of HIV/AIDS was something inevitable, something that even the virtual world could not stop...
(—"Yuuki represented for Asuna what Eugeo represented for me...")
It was a feeling he understood perfectly. But there was one thought he never shared with Asuna or anyone else.
(—"I let her win in every one of our battles...")
From the first fight, he could sense something in her gaze. There was determination, there was strength... but also something hidden, a weight he didn't fully understand. The sadness that burdened her eyes made him doubt, made him want to understand her, and that's how he decided to lose every duel.
He remembered that night when he was in the cabin. In front of Asuna and the others, he had said:
"Yuuki would have obtained the dual-wielding skill in SAO, not me..."
But that statement wasn't real. It was a carefully constructed lie.
Kirito looked at the painting with a slight pressure in his chest.
(—"I did it because I wanted Asuna to get closer to her, out of curiosity about what I said...")
Because if Yuuki truly carried something heavy, Asuna could be the one to fill that absence in her life.
The last duel... was also Yuuki's last day in this world.
Kirito knew what was about to come.
How could he take away someone's joy of winning when their time was running out? So, in that last fight, he completely yielded, although he made it seem real.
His fingers traced the edge of the frame while a thought clung to his mind.
(—"If I had another chance... I would try. Not just with Yuuki... but with all those I lost.")
He averted his gaze and saw the rest of the paintings. In them were those who were no longer alive. Eugeo, in his academy uniform, smiled calmly, while in another version of the image, he himself appeared with a cheeky smile, sharing that same uniform.
Looking around at all those paintings, he couldn't help but say.
—"I hope they don't forget me..."
His voice was barely a murmur, a wish he couldn't share with anyone else.
Finally, Kirito turned toward his bed. He lay down slowly, letting his body sink into the mattress. But his mind remained awake, resisting letting go of the memories.
**Skrkk... thff...**
He clutched the sheets tightly.
—"I just have to keep enduring this… whatever it takes."
Thoughts began to fade into a diffuse fog. The memories were still there, but exhaustion eventually dragged him into the world of dreams.
(*****)
It was strange.
**Tap... tap... shhh...**
Kirito walked in a space he didn't fully recognize but that felt disturbingly familiar.
The sky was clear, the air light... but there was an overwhelming silence, as if the world was suspended in time.
Suddenly, a figure appeared, walking with calm steps.
Long, brown hair moved with a hypnotic elegance. The image of undeniable beauty, but there was something about her that sent a shiver down his spine.
It was Asuna.
She wore civilian clothes, a beautiful white outfit with delicate red accents, as if preparing for a date.
**Thap-thap-thap... shhht!**
Without thinking, Kirito felt happiness explode in his chest and ran toward her.
When he was close enough, he shouted her name with genuine excitement.
—"Asuna!"
She stopped and turned slowly.
Her honey-colored eyes met Kirito's, but something was different.
Her expression didn't reflect recognition… and her eyes scanned his with subtle confusion.
Kirito had blue eyes, a shade that wasn't what she remembered.
It was as if she were looking at a stranger she happened to encounter on the street.
Her voice, cold and devoid of emotion, reminded him of the first time he interacted with her in SAO.
—"Who are you...?"
Kirito felt his breath catch. The smile that had illuminated his face just moments ago faded quickly.
He blinked, in disbelief.
—"What are you saying...? It's me, Kirigaya Kazuto. Kirito."
Asuna slightly furrowed her brow, as if she resented him identifying himself with that name.
Her next words froze his blood.
—"Kirito... how dare you call yourself that? Could you stop with those tasteless jokes? Besides, I don't know you..."
The world lost stability.
Kirito took a step back, trying to understand what he had just heard.
—"Asuna… what are you saying? It's me..."
But she was no longer looking at him, as if he didn't exist in her line of sight.
Instead, she looked away, searching for something… or someone else.
Then, a figure appeared beside her, taking her hand.
It was another Kirito, identical to him, dressed in his usual black outfit.
But there was something different.
His eyes were not blue like Kirito's.
They were the same dark eyes he had always had, the ones she recognized without a doubt.
Kirito felt an emptiness devour his chest.
**Fwmp... thff!**
Asuna clung to the other Kirito's arm with joy, completely changing the coldness with which she had treated him before.
Now she looked at him with tenderness.
With a smile that shattered Kirito's soul, she spoke.
—"Kirito-kun is here with me, as you can see. So stop claiming to be him..."
Kirito felt the emptiness devour his chest.
The other Kirito looked directly at him.
His expression was piercing... and contained a silent threat.
—"Don't you dare get close to her, because you're just a copy of me... I will take care of her as she deserves, and I will keep making her happy. Not like you, who is still trapped..."
The words pierced his consciousness, breaking something inside him.
Kirito wanted to move, wanted to scream, but his body did not respond.
His legs felt like stone. His voice disappeared.
He wanted to reach out, but his body would not obey.
**Tap... tap... shhh...**
**Tap... tap... shhh...**
As his existence remained trapped in paralysis, he saw them moving away, not looking back.
The distance kept growing, and with it, his despair.
And then, everything faded like a mirage.
**Crack... shhhrrkk... krrrrsssshh!**
The world fractured into a hellish silence. His existence began to collapse, his body dissolving into distorted fragments. As if the universe itself was erasing him from its history.
**¡Krrrrsssshh!**
**ffffttt... hmmm...**
No matter how hard he fought. His existence faded along with the world, as if he had never existed.
Only one thought, a muffled scream in the void, resonated in his mind before disappearing.
(—"Asuna...!")
(*****)
—"Asuna!"
**Thump... skrkk!**
Kirito jolted awake, his breath still quickened by the intensity of the dream.
But he was not in his bed in the dormitory.
The light illuminated the vast library, with piles of books, documents, and sketches scattered across the table where he had fallen asleep.
His head rested on a mound of papers, some with complex diagrams and annotations detailing his deep research over the days.
Amid the chaos, his gaze landed on a small sketch detailing each part of a tiny spider, similar to Charlotte, but made of different, non-organic materials. Every stroke was measured to the millimeter, and next to the image, there was a number: 501.
Near it, another blueprint showed a diamond-shaped fragment of crystal, its surface reflecting light in an unsettling way, almost as if it were made of a pure, unknown material. Beside it, a vague figure was sketched on the paper, like a concept still in development.
Among the scrolls, a table of inscriptions contained ancient chants, designed for the creation of a complex structure of autonomous actions, a mechanism that sustained itself but was, at first glance, impossible to comprehend.
Kirito blinked slowly, feeling the weight of his body numb from sleeping in a bad position.
—"I fell asleep again... on the table."
His voice barely a whisper in the silent vastness of the place.
(—"Another bad dream about Asuna...")
He brought a hand to his head, his expression darkening. It wasn't the first time he had dreamed of her.
—"It's just a dream..."
He shook his head, refusing to continue thinking about something he considered useless.
(—"Thank goodness Lyrielle and Vaelinne haven't arrived... Today is the day they come back.")
If the girls found him like this, they would surely scold him mercilessly for his carelessness.
**Skrkk... thmp!**
**Shuffle... thap-thap...**
With determination, he got up from his seat and began to gather his progress, organizing the materials scattered across the table.
—"Ten days... it has been since the last time I saw them."
He smiled knowing they would soon be back in the hidden Library. Time in this place did not follow the same rules as in the rest of the Underworld.
One single day in the outside world equaled ten days inside the Library.
Thanks to this manipulation of time, he had been able to delve deep into his research, develop strategies, and help Vaelinne and Lyrielle with their combat and learning skills, while also ensuring a credible excuse for when Higa checked the time he had been alive in the Underworld.
This margin of control granted him extra protection.
His gaze fell on the clock that showed the exact time outside the Library: 6:33 a.m.
Then, he glanced at the nearby calendar next to the clock.
Year 557.
Five years had passed since he arrived here.
But the reality was much crueler.
Each day outside the Library equated to ten days inside it.
Which meant that a year translated to ten years trapped within.
Kirito exhaled slowly, resting a hand on the table.
(—"Incredible... Fifty years have passed, huh?")
However, time was on his side.
His research was practically complete.
He had almost everything ready to initiate his escape plan.
But there were still pending matters, small loose ends he needed to tie up.
He had uncovered truths about this world by studying its structure, findings he could not simply leave behind before entering a state of inactivity.
Moreover, there was the promise he made to Lyrielle and Vaelinne.
He would not leave until he ensured that everything was set up with absolute precision.
—"Haaah..."
Kirito closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply.
When he opened them, his gaze was cold and determined.
—"Just a little longer... and I will finally be free."