Status Online: Before The Beginning Pt.2

Status Online: Before the Beginning Pt.2

Masterlist

Previously:

Reading his Username and his friends’, Red Valkyrie can be assured that this group will be safe too.

“Are you alright?” She worriedly asked, offering out her hand to Diavel.

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Teleport Gate Plaza, Town of Beginning

Floor 1

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Diavel observed his savior for who pulled him up to his feet. ‘Dear lord she’s smaller than him.’ The big blue eyes she has made her seem so innocent and humble.

“Monsieur?” Diavel almost broke his neck-snapping his head up to see her waiting patiently. It didn’t take too long to recognize her accent ‘ She’s FRENCH! ’

“Ugh… I’m-uh ” Diavel cleared his throat from catching him staring. “I'm fine, thanks for helping," he explains as he flicks away the dust on his clothes.

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Red Valkyrie replies, "Your welcome", and backs away from him and his friends. At least, those who remain his friends. There is a good chance that those involved in that attack will spend a couple of days in the Detention zone ignoring the authorities' blaring warnings within the Safe Zone. She hopes that will calm down the other players by the time then. Hopefully, the instructions don't get too monotonous for them to read as she instructed them.

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The players that are now tired and calmed down now most of them dragged themselves and their friends to the nearest inns. Others on the other hand don't mind carrying the sleepy little kids to safety.

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A tug at her shirt caused her to look down. A young girl that strayed from the other kids looked at her with tired eyes. “Are you okay, pretty lady?” The girl’s delicate voice is tinged with concern.

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As she pats the girl on the head for comfort, the red-clad lady lowers herself to the girl's height. “I’m fine sweetheart. Thank you” She gives her a little smile that gives the child a little hope. “Now go on, your friends are leaving, and be safe before it gets too dark now.”

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The child turns her back to leave but pauses and turns back at Valkyrie. Opening her inventory a bunch of colorful flowers materialized in her arms and she hands them off to the Red Valkyrie. Sporting flushed pink cheeks, the girl bowed to the heroine with a shy “Thank you.”

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She runs off from the surprised heroine, grabbing the hand of one of the adults that are waiting for the child.

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Marinette blinks from the near-empty courtyard and finds herself walking to the quest NPC.

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After the exchange, the terrified woman thanks Valkyrie for getting rid of the boars and gives the player her compensation. But before the NPC returned to her home station, “Here take these” Valkyrie gave the woman some of the flowers she received. “Oh no, dear!” she exclaimed. “There is no need for that!”

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“Miss, I insist. I hope this will help you. I’m sorry that you didn’t get to go out this morning because of the boars.”

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Valkyrie quickly bids the woman farewell before she interjects further and heads back to the nearest Main Gate. Storing the remaining gifted flowers in her inventory, locking them from being deleted.

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24:30 minutes remaining…

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Main Gate, Town of Beginning

Floor 1

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She planned to meet Midori outside the Gate instead of inside, since she is now in the southern area all she needs to do is to run at the-

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“VALKYRIE! Is that YOU?!” There is a loud shout heard through the area. A young woman runs up and crashes into Valkyrie in a hug before Valkyrie can turn around. She flinches, being off guard, and is surprised when the attacker begins to cry in their embrace.

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She froze and looked up the name to see “Pico?” she asked. She doesn't mind the gender-changing after all this is just a game. She rubs their back to calm down.

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Pico’s previous avatar is far from their new avatar. Their hair is longer, RV just reaches their height, facial features are completely different. But this person is Pico she met earlier, and Marinette knows it.

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“Pico, you'd better get back here!” Lavender notices her sibling run off while she DM Diavel and chases them then she notices the person they're hugging.

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“Valkyrie!” Lavender breathes in relief and feels so happy to see their friend is safe.

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“Lavender” Valkyrie gasps out from Pico's grip. As they cooled off, she stroked Pico's hair.

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"I'm glad you both are okay."

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Lavender sighs and places her hand on both Valkyrie and her sibling’s shoulders.

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“Me too… Me too”.

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Valkyrie lets go of Pico and push him off her gently.

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19:45 minutes remaining…

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“Guys listen, There’s something I need to tell you.” She looks at her first friends in the eyes. She hates it when the light in her eyes diminishes to confusion and fear. And she felt the same.

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She just met them and it felt amazing to find new friends. But at the same time, it terrifies her how easy it is to gain people’s trust and devotion. She is aware of how her friends latch upon her and put her on an altar to either love her or hate her. As their Everyday ladybug? As Paris’ Hero Ladybug?

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“There was someone I met. And as a result, he asked to take me to a different town and teach me.” Red Valkyrie is revealed as she is preparing to leave.

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“The idea doesn't sound good to me," Pico shakes his head frantically, Lavender agreed to that statement. Ignoring the incoming footsteps behind him.

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“ I know. That's why I have to ask. Lavender” Valkyrie then confronts the beta-tester with an interesting look. “Did you know someone named Midori no Akuma?” The temperature must have dropped cold. Lavender's face becomes pale and her spine shivers with the memory of the Boss Slayer.

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“Where have you heard of him?” Lavender’s face darkens and now gently puts her hand on Red Valkyrie’s shoulder. Val is beginning to fridget, worried that she might have said something wrong.

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Her friend is now looking straight into her eyes looking for the truth and beckons Valkyrie to answer. The new player only states the truth, she has not much to hide from Lavender

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“I met him,” She revealed. Wary at the Beta-tester’s now blank look.

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“Yes...” Lavender needs more details.

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“At the plaza, when Kayaba is giving his speech. He helped me when I was having a panic attack” Red Valkyrie now on the verge of rambling.

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“Then...” More .

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“When the barrier went down I followed him out the plaza and we talked.”

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“And…” MORE !

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“He invited me to be part of his party… ”

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“...”

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“So you're telling me. That you met Akuma-san earlier. And talked to him. Just after the Kabaya’s… Speech? ”

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Red Valkyrie nodded.

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“He invites you to be part of his party. And he’s- What? heading his way here?” This is Lavender testing her. People just sometimes can be assholes when taking advantage of others, especially powerful ones. So seeing a username that is just connected to her comrade. A new username her comrade that a powerful player uses in a game of death, she needs to take heavy precautions.

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Besides, the only thing she needed to do is ask Akuma to verify Valkyrie’s claim. Hopefully, he’s still online with Kirito.

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“Technically we are supposed to meet somewhere when we need to be separated. ” Valkyrie replied.

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“Where?” Lavender growls. Are you a friend or a foe?

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“Now, Why should I tell you that?” The new player teased. Meeting her steel eyes with her own.

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“...”

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During the silence, the two stare at each other with heated intensity. While at the corner of their eyes Pico is frightened by his friend and his sister’s actions.

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That silence was broken with Lavender's scoff. The corners of her lips tip to a polite smile and steps away from the new player.

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“Ha ha ha! Oh! I was just joking! There’s no need to be hostile about it,” she said. “I guess I need to check on something”

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And by that, she steps away from her sibling and Val to contact AKUMA at the [Beta Chat]. If she made a single mistake of blurting out his new identity, he’ll kill her ( an excruciating death ).

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“Please pardon my sister. She can get overboard sometimes in some things.” Pico started with a light bow hoping that he might put this (fight?) situation lighter.

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“No that’s alright I get that some people have their doubts” Is there something I said? Did I blurt out the wrong thing? Wait, what if Lavender is one of Midori’s enemies? Oh no! I could have cost more trouble!

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“Hey, can I have your UID?”

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“Sure go ahead”

=====================

[Friend Request from: Red Valkyrie ]

[X/O]

[Friend Request from: Red Valkyrie ]

[X/ O ]

=====================

Lavender ignores her sibling’s chatter and chats to Akuma and Argo.

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Akuma’s straightforward responses and Kirito’s presence in the chat reassures the other beta-testers about Red Valkyrie’s presence and Akuma’s invitation. Her hands hovered at the keyboard and relief settled her down as Red Valkyrie’s alibi is indeed the truth.

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“ You’ve got to be kidding me.” Lavender laughs out loud while her eyes are stuck at her screen. She laughs at how protective she has been for a man that could kill her.

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She also replied to Diavel’s DMs about her location. After closing the chatbox, she swipes the menu away. Feeling bewildered she only stared at the distance while her mind processed what happened.

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“Val, you're one lucky girl! Akuma-san did ask you out!” She teased. Suddenly she twists her body facing RV and Lavender suddenly grabs both her arms and begins to shake her. Violently.

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“You And Akuma! Ayeeee! Mido-Midori no AKUMA! Am I hearing this right?!” Lavender squealed to the new player. Excitement is now shining in her eyes. Marinette is glad that someone had the thought of asking him directly. Of Course, she coincidentally ran up to Akuma’s friends. How lucky.

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“Oh my god! You met him! No way! Are you Okay? Did he hurt you? Oh no, you're probably scared of him now. What are his stats like? Does he have good equipment now?! What does he look like? Answer Me!”

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Valkyrie is getting dizzy now. Now that her head is shaking like one of Manon’s baby rattles.

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Pico steps away from the duo at a safe distance from the now crazy sister. Feeling sorry for Valkyrie. Coward

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“Um, Sis you're making her dizzy.” He said from afar.

No beta-tester does not know of the menacing player, The Green Dragon. She for one is not blind to see how sharp the man he is. He, however, is one of the deadliest players on the platform.

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In the past closed Beta testing, In every PVP fight he participated he never lost. NEVER!

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His sword skills and equipment may lean towards the <<Ninjutsu>> skill set but she can recognize more different martial arts he implements such as Kali and Judo. And who the f*ck forgets about him doing stunts in town and at the forest areas.

Everyone admired him but no one was that brave to ask him anything. Most people felt naked and shaking under Green Dragon’s glare. But if it's not his glare they’re afraid off, his burning words do. Every word he uses hits as they scorch the very soul with all he damned before.

Kirito is the only one who got a hold of him.

His superior planning against boss battles and pseudo bosses made him stand out from most independent fighters. And he is known to beat floor bosses on his own, a boss slayer.

Didn’t take long for a guild of beta-players to accuse him of cheating and hacking and challenge him to a duel . Sure Green Dragon is OP, but it's unfair that they are ganging up on him and surely planned to plunder his inventory once he lost.

A fight not worth the trouble but the beta-testers watching from the sidelines are bewildered in his response.

“Fine, Since you cretins wish to die. I’ll gladly serve it to you on a silver platter.”

This surprised the leader of the guild to the Dragon’s arrogance. For sure the player will be dead before a minute in battle. The <<Total Loss Mode>> duel is held in the Starting City’s arena.

<<Total Loss Mode>> is a duel type that only stops when the enemy’s Hitpoints (Health bar) reaches zero, forcing the losing player to either log out of the game or start again from Level 1.

She doubts however that anyone will challenge this in the alpha release.

At the challenge, The whole arena is crowded with all the Beta-testers and the game developers supervising the beta-testings. Now, imagine ten men with their best equipment and skills challenge a single player. But in the end, he comes back victorious striking all of them to the death. At the end of his victory he only just collected all of their items and left them with their perspective bags on the resurrection gate.

Mocking the guild in their defeat. No one underestimated him ever again.

Even Heathcliff himself recognized Drag no Akuma as a Formidable fighter! The Biggest HP Shielder player on beta! No wait, The Battle of the Green-eyed Demon vs The Paladin is one of the greatest fights in history!

Dear lord almighty! That was a terrifying duel and she’s lucky to be one of the spectators! She never thought to see such a fight. Seeing two of the most spectacular players in the beta battle! It's incredibly breathtaking the way Akuma strikes with precision and creativity and Heathcliff’s total defense that is unspeakably impenetrable.

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Now that Red Valkyrie got his attention despite his denial of taking her as a student. That leaves Lavender spending her time preaching about her first-hand experiences as a beta tester. Lavender is giving her friend all the best advice she can give to Akuma’s potentially second student.

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“Well, I have to admit he is an intimidating character.” A convincing comment voiced the presence of another group. The three friends turned towards the voice. There stands Diavel and his group that numbered at least half a dozen. They must have been standing for so long listening to Lavender’s stories. It would be rude to interrupt a rant.

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“You know this Dragon too D?” Diavel’s friends now asked in a soft-spoken voice to Diavel. Because for one, Those stories are completely unbelievable and intimidating. But if Diavel didn’t even deny that the guy the woman described is death personified then…

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Diavel confirms it. “Oh, I too saw him battle firsthand. His combat prowess is… Indomitable.” He then falls into silence while he mentally headcounts all of his companions that he did not leave anyone behind.

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He had a shiver going down his spine when he remembered the behemoth. He looks up to the man. The man is truly frightening, but that does not mean he stops improving and leveling up. His resolve is now pushing him to get out of this game as quickly as possible, like him. Having Akuma in the game will give all the players an advantage.

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But that does not mean he is less jealous of Kirito who gets to be his apprentice.

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“It's Diavel! Diavel you're here!” Lavender jumped into his arms and exclaimed breathlessly. The unamused man catches her out of habit and wraps his arms on her, bringing Lavender close to him. “It's good to see you too, Lavender,” he murmured with a weak chuckle snapping out of his musing.

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Red Valkyrie observes the two beta-testers closely. It's clear that both Lavender and Diavel respected and feared the man. If Diavel confirms Lavender’s story is true then her hunch that Midori is more than a simple citizen is not misplaced.

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Being powerful against Bosses and drawing the best Shielder Player is no joke. She hopes that boss battles won’t be scaled by his level when they fight floor bosses.

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“I would suggest you take good care of yourself, Miss Valkyrie. Known to be silent, he has a deadly reputation back in closed beta." Davel speaks with his experience. No matter how many times he is in a party with Akuma, he never gets used to his disappearing acts. One point he’s there and the next time you look at him he’s gone.

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With Lavender’s feet on the ground. “Yeah! We heard that someone took his name now too, so he changed his username. So if you see someone playing as Green Dragon, congrats you get the copycat. ” Lavender is still salty about the name snatcher.

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“That’s right, he is now called Midori no Akuma, man his name now is more quite frightening” Diavel stated to himself while holding his head for future headaches to come.

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Lavender drives her elbow at Diavel’s ribs. “And for good reason Diavel! Oh! Make sure to stock up potions and medical supplies too. His training regime is so tough that his apprentice almost passes out sometimes.” She reminded Red Valkyrie.

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“Lavender, Why training?” Diavel asked Lavender with a raised brow. Crossing his arms in his chest he relaxed while leaning his body to his companion who didn’t mind the weight.

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“Because he invited her to his Party! And don't look at me like that, look at what happened the last time he did that! Boom! Kirito is his Apprentice” She stretched her arms wide when saying that.

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“Her?” Diavel blinks at Lavender with wide eyes as he points his finger now to Red Valkyrie who only raises a brow. I mean I get it from what happened earlier at the plaza. But wasn't it too soon to get another student? Uneasiness filled up his guts, but he does not show it.

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“Yes, got a problem with it?” Lavender narrows her eyes at her comrade. In which he raised his hands in surrender as he nervously responded, “Hehe Nope.” His sweatdrops at the intensity of the taller woman’s protective glare.

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“Just our luck that we can’t feel pain from hits and strikes. But tiredness and exhaustion are other stories. Being dropped in the middle of a fight is a real drag, cause some douche didn’t sleep.”

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“Thank you, Lavender. ” RV has been taking notes nonstop ever since Lavender started to ramble.

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“No Probs. But lemme ask you something.”

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The beta tester now thought of it “What did you do?” Lavender asked the red-clad woman.

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“What?”

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“You can't possibly say that he just asked you willy-nilly! There’s something you did to make him say that so spill!”

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Lavender knows about Red Valkyrie’s skill from their clearings earlier. She is a fast learner and a creative one too. But that is not how you get Akuma’s attention, so what is it?

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“... um” Is she flushing? That seems juicy.

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Lavender leans closer to Valkyrie as if she is listening to a secret that Akuma is hiding. The rest follows suit. Pico, Diavel, and the others inched closer to the red-clad player that is now flushing red.

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“You know…” Valkyrie starts, the other players are itching to know the Secret.

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“I’m not even sure either.” She said scratching the nape of her head. She hadn't thought about it earlier.

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Why did he want me to join him anyway?

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“WHAT?!” the group simultaneously shouted. The rest landed on their back on the grass and some backed away disappointed that maybe they can get the upper hand too. The two beta testers only sigh in defeat, They are hoping to get Akuma’s secret just as anyone would love to know. But alas, their dreams keep crashing down on them.

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“Well, After we leave the plaza. He grabs me to follow him-” Lavender noisily interrupts to tease “How exactly did you follow him?”

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“Um- we ran and jumped on rooftops” Silence envelopes that group and takes the opportunity to share again. That’s it. She just parkours while he just stunts his way out the plaza

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“Anyway, we landed somewhere, and…”

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“That was an interesting run. ~Mademoiselle~”

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“And… we talked, we just talked about Kayaba and what happens to us now.” Valkyrie controlled the red flush in her cheeks, (un)luckily the orange hue only shines in her direction.

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“But…” Marinette started to speak again but her eyes were clouded, into deep thoughts.

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“From what I see in him, he’s a straightforward man. He is either highly intelligent or well-informed. Those skills he has do not simply come along from an ordinary person. He has training before entering the game. I mean, I used to parkour and martial arts because Paris had trouble with terrorist attacks when I was at Collège”

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Silence thins out the area. As all ears are focused on her alone.

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“Midori is one of those people just shrouded with mystery. However, I can say that he is willing to help all of us in his way even if they seem to be questionable. He helped me come back from my panic attack earlier and assisted me out of the plaza to calm down. He could have stopped there and left me if he wanted to. Midori admitted to himself that leaving the village to get scout info for other players in hopes that they will be safer to venture beyond the Starting city” Red Valkyrie shares her opinion with compassion and respect.

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“He’s calculative and decisive. I don’t mind his commanding attitude. To be honest, I don’t know what he sees in me to give me a chance to scout with him. But from my point of view, I believe that he is a man that cares for everyone. I mean he is talking to you guys so that means you are friends. Right?”

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Friends with Akuma-san/sama?! She’ll be surprised at how he handles his ‘Friends’. Lavender and Diavel just chuckle nervously at her implication but do not dare to correct her.

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“Anyway, I would like to Thank you, guys. I now notice that beta-testers are gonna be targeted soon and I want you guys to be safe at these times. I mean that attack at the plaza is just going to be the first out of many.” Valkyrie looks at Diavel and his group, most of them stiffen and others flinched at their (friends?) guildmates’ actions. Diavel disheartens with what she is trying to say. Lavender is hesitant to ask why the gloom.

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“However, I don’t believe that Beta-testers are all bad. Sure there are going to be some withholding information soon that can make our advancement possible to get out of the game. All those looting and monopolizing drop items is going to suck.”

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“Humph! You make it sound like we’re savages” Lavender pouted which made Val chuckle sheepishly.

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“Mido- I mean Akuma also said that Player Killing is also highly possible to happen when all the resources run dry by greedy players, not just beta-testers. I do not doubt that they will hunt down the Beta-testers first when the time comes for information or their stuff.”

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“But It’s only just a game. We got nothing out of being trapped here but killing…” One of Diavel’s friends spoke up. Another one injects “Killing in the game is just normal, Revivals happened.”

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“Not anymore.” Diavel solemnly spoke up. “Dying in here by any means, whatever the circumstances will result in us dead. I don’t know about you, but there is no way I’m testing that theory out like a guinea pig.”

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“And remember what Kayaba said. This is not a game anymore, We are playing in his world now.” Red Valkyrie morbidly said, hoping for that denial passed on. “It is his to rule If he said that people can die because of monsters. What’s so different about being killed by other people?”

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“Hiding is not the solution though,” Lavender announces from her screen. She looks up and confidently states about the collaborations.

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“Us beta-testers are already contacting each other to unite forces and information that we can give to the new player base. Besides, there have been suspicions about Kayaba tweaking codes with the monsters. There is a big chance that he changes some of the battles and revamps monsters. This is more dangerous because even we Beta testers didn’t know what the changes were. Those kinds of info could kill us when these things aren’t solved. ”

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“Then I leave you to it guys!” Red Valkyrie announced to the crowd.

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Heads turned to the western part of the city. They were surprised that the Red Valkyrie is now running far away from them silently. The beta-testers and the new players both looked foolish at the retreating back of the red-clad savior.

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*Cricket noises*

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“Hey! Where do you think you're going!” Pico screeched. Pointing his finger at his retreating friend.

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The woman only waves her friends goodbye. “I’m late! Going with Midori no Akuma! Take care of yourselves. And look after each other! Bye!” Valkyrie shouted as hurriedly ran before her time ran out.

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“Bye Valkyrie!” Lavender shouted, “Tell me about your date soon!”

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“It's Not A Date!”

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“You can always join us when he rejects you! Call me!” wait a sec.

“Wow, Diavel you sound so devious”

“I don’t need to hear that from you!”

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“Take care of yourself, Valkyrie-san!”

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“You too. Gha! I’m going to be lateeeee!!!”

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5:05 minutes remaining…

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“Let's get back inside, it's getting dark now.” Diavel pats the back of Gabriel and heads back toward the town.

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“But what about her?” Pico asked Diavel. His soft-spoken voice was laced with worry.

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“Just hope that she’ll reach Akuma in time, she’ll be fine.” Diavel patted the young player’s shoulder.

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All of his unofficial guild with Pico enters the plaza to find vacant rooms. Leaving Diavel and Lavender alone with the night breeze.

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“What happens to us now?” Lavender stands tall while looking at the visible (fake) moon and takes a deep breath.

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“I don’t know. We’ll just figure that out tomorrow.” Diavel overlaps his arm to the girl’s shoulder and rubs her arm. “Come on, we’re not frozen in place after all”

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“Hum! Stop quoting him!” Lavender lightly backhands the man’s shaking shoulders. Laughing at this man’s timing to spoil the moment. They both calmed down from their high and…

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Just rest easy.

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“What are you doing anyway?”

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“I’m… praying.”

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“...really?”

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“Ok Look! I’m not a religious person but I hope that my family will be ok. I mean I don’t have much in my bank account but I hope that will sustain them until we get out.”

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“If we ever get out. OW! Hey!” And Lavender punches his arm.

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“Hush! No negativity, only positive thoughts.”

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“That seems fair. Do you mind if I pray with you?”

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“Go ahead, got any prayer requests? ”

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“Huh. Hope that someone takes care of my office plant.” The two laughed. Both of their eyes closed “And I guess for the three of them out there. Especially Kirito and Val”

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“Yeah, Akuma is definitely gonna beat their asses.”

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“Language” the man opens one of his eyes to peek at Lavender then closes back.

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“Sorry, not sorry”

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And soon, they pray for the poor souls of Kirito and Red Valkyrie. She heard about Akuma’s training regime that it was normal practice to start from half the hit points bar. She does pity for Valkyrie and Kirito’s future torture training.

Status Online: Before The Beginning Pt.2

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Status Online: Before The Beginning Pt.2

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