-One Year Later.-

Time waits for nobody.

The clock will always move without stopping nor care for people's wish.

In this one year, Rein had done a lot to prepare for the upcoming story event.

For training, he already finishes mastering the kendo technique passed from Kazuki 8 months ago perfectly, even adapting own fighting style to it. Now, Kazuki couldn't even wish to beat him anymore in ten to ten matches even teaming up with Suguha.

Although he doesn't need to come again, from Suguha's fervent wish and droopy eyes, Rein can only wryly smile and nod his head to prevent her from crying.

Therefore, in the past one year, he still comes to the dojo doing the usual routine.

However, that's not the only training he did.

The most popular choices for players choosing their weapon is the one-handed swordlike 'Kirito'. But, the options are limitless if you look at it deeply.

Greatsword, lance, dagger, Great ax, two axes, and etc.

An interesting fact is, he is a multi-talented guy who can master anything as long as he put serious effort into it. Moreover, his fighting style is orthodox ones, which able to adapt freely according to Rein's opponent that counters them best.

Therefore, Rein absorbs all of the techniques he can from all masters referenced on the internet and become one with the weapons with all of the available choices listed.

As swift as the wind,

As gentle as the forest,

As fierce as fire,

As unshakable as the mountain.

Not limited to kendo, Rein also spars with both of them in barehanded sometimes In order to not get rusty.

The result?

He gives them an instant loss as a present every time.

....It was quite hilarious for Rein to see the old man sulking badly.

Now, he can confidently declare that no players nor monsters will be able to overcome him with just pure skills only.

A 'monster' is a word for a guy like him who doesn't only have unlimited talent, but rigorous hard work to support.

Next, is information regarding SAO.

Summarizing it all into one sentence,

"This is a game, but it is not for playing." (Kayaba Akihiko)

Kayaba Akihiko is a genius researcher, but he lacks 'moral' to be said as a normal human.

During the first day in the birth of SAO, he will reveal itself declaring the 'no log out' until the game has been cleared completely. Worst, game over in SAO is equivalent to real death with no chance of resurrection.

It is the birth of a new world for 10,000 people to live with a new identity.

or,

"....A prison." (Rein)

That's what he understood and concluded.

In that world, the physical ability of the users originated from the real world will be linked to the SAO, so at least it's less hassle for Rein to doesn't need to start from the beginning again.

In any case, there's only tens of hour of left before the server will be open.

For crafting the weapon itself, he can't be said as grandmaster but at least he could make a proper weapon that could be sold as high-quality ones with pride.

Lastly,

".....Fuuh. Looks like it is working perfectly. Merry, have you run the test for the real deal?" (Rein)

[There is no problem with it, master. I have already installed the software. You only need to log in when the server is open. ....However,] (Merry)

"I won't be able to log out anymore, right?"

[Are you sure I can't persuade you? It is my priority for your safety as number one.]

"It is something I must do."

[....Understood. I will manage the house for the period you leave.]

This is obvious but if a human doesn't take necessary nutrients for every day, then they will die like a mummy, which is not pleasant to look at.

Therefore, the players are automatically sent to the hospital by getting IV drips for years.

Actually, Rein himself can also take that way but there's a risk to it.

There's no guarantee that the hospital's treatment only could make him alive for years. Moreover, he's going to log in the game in the illegal procedure by stealing and copying the software so it's just simply saying,

'Please lock me into the cell after I finish the game.'

That's why he takes the trouble of making a full body capsule that will operate SAO like nerve gear and manage his body without problems.

For his daily needs after going into SAO, it will be managed fully by Merry so there won't be a glitch while 'playing' it.

Moreover, he hides all trace of him living here so there won't be record nor people trying to look at him. This house will only be reflected as empty with no owner.

Rein has already prepared everything all he could.

The only thing left to do is the hardest for him.

"..*sigh*... How can I explain it to her now?" (Rein)

It's to coax one little, adorable girl being sad for him leaving on her life.

*****

-Kirigaya's Residence, Dojo.-

"....Just what kind of hellish training did you do to make your body this ridiculously strong?" (Kazuki)

"Just like you said Kazuki, 'hellish' training. If you want more detail, then I can only say that you will enter a period of life and death cycles literally." (Rein)

"...Ahahaha. Rein-san, that's not funny at all." (Suguha)

Suguha can only bitterly smile hearing Rein's answer.

...If they really did know Rein's training schedule, even they have the opportunity to be superhuman, they'll definitely shake their head with no ounce of doubt.

The duo already feels hopeless and dead tired after countless spar for today.

This scene is an exact replay for the last seven days to happen. In fact, this case may still be the better one since there's one day when both of them get bedridden for a whole day.

The word 'You reap what you saw' fits the most.

Right now, they can't even stand up anymore since both of their muscle are crying of pain due to overwork. Even so, at least they will regain their energy back after one hour.

Seeing their state, Rein can only wryly smile.

(...I guess they are that frustrated.) (Rein)

Of course, there's a reason for them to overpush their limit.

...

...

...

Exactly one week ago, Rein drops an unfortunate and unexpected bomb to this family, including Kazuto.

"I won't be coming back here for a long period, possibly years." (Rein)

...After that, it was simply a disaster and chaotic, especially to Suguha.

She really cried heavily and clinging to Rein's hand tightly like a koala in order to prevent him from leaving.

Kazuto himself also felt sad and tries to ask the reason but Rein simply won't budge. After all, he can't just simply say that "I'm going to play a death game so don't play the SAO Kazuto."

They are friends, but that doesn't mean every word he said could be trusted.

It is a fortune if Kazuto didn't look him as a paranoid guy who read too many fictions.

So, he can only appease them by having something important to do.

As for Kazuki, he was simply silent. Most of his original friends already passed away from old age, so he is quite used to separation.

Nevertheless, instead of expecting a good farewell, this damned old man only makes it more troublesome by voicing out his last request before Rein is leaving with a 'nice' smile.

"I don't like things finished halfway. So, fight with us every day until I can beat the crap out of you." (Kazuki)

"...The hell." (Rein)

....For the receiver, Rein can only feel flabbergasted on him not acting on his age.

It looks like all the members of this family are too stubborn and hard-headed in some ways.

*****

-Back to the present-

"Still, I also feel a bit of waste. At least I want to get one good hit to you, Rein-san." (Suguha)

"...Why all the people here are so selfish and direct? Do you have the word 'restraint'?" (Rein)

"It's fine~~ I'm still a child so it's my exclusive right~~~"

"...Haahhh, what a convenient word."

Hearing her answer with a playful sound and sticking her tongue to him, he can only shake his head with a bitter smile.

Even so, he won't get mad just because of that. He is an adult with proper common sense so it's just unsightly to be frustrated by something small like this.

Most of all,

"...I guess you are still mad at me." (Rein)

Hearing him say that, Suguha retract her playful smile immediately.

Then, Her cheeks are becoming red while gripping both of her knuckles strongly due to pent-up frustration and anger gathered in this one week due to this man.

"Guuu~~~~Of course!! It was too sudden you know!!" (Suguha)

"That's why I tell you one week before right? At least I inform you beforehand." (Rein)

"That doesn't change you will still leave!! Rein-san, you are too selfish!! Suddenly coming then suddenly leave... you are much more of a kid than me!!"

She is simply screaming out her emotion without filtering it like a kid in a tantrum. It even makes Rein wonder how does a girl could make that loud voice in the same level of using a speaker.

Seeing her like this, Rein can only gently appease her before she will rampage.

However,

"Fuuuhhh... Please don't be like this. I'm also sad about leaving too you know." (Rein)

That only touch her nerves wrongly.

"Tch!! THEN JUST DON'T LEAVE!! REIN-SAN YOU IDIOT!! SELFISH!! WOMANIZER!!" (Suguha)

"Wh-whoa!?"

Now, nobody would argue if somebody said that she is just a kid with no self-restraint at all. She is just hammering Rein's chest with both of her gripped hands strongly countless times.

If a normal guy like Kazuto accepts it fully, it won't be strange for him to get a heart attack from it since each of her punches are quite strong due to training. Luckily, it doesn't affect Rein at all.

But, that doesn't mean he won't get flustered since it's the first time Suguha outburst her feeling this much to him.

*Buk* *Buk!* *BUK!* (Sound of hitting.)

"St-stop!! Stop it!! Wait, what the hell's wrong with the last part!? When did I become a womanizer!?"

"SHUT UP!! SHUT UP!! SHUT UP!!!"

When Kazuto avoids her for years, Suguha herself did felt sad but she didn't express it that much. She is a strong girl that won't give up with just that. Moreover, they were able to fix it so everything ends peacefully.

But now is different.

The reason?

(WHY!? Why you have to leave!?) (Suguha)

She just can't accept it.

This one year, she really was feeling over the top.

Train her until she becomes strong enough to get a championship.

Able to fix her broken relationship for years in just one day.

...Being cared for and encouraged constantly without making any complaint nor putting a frustrated face.

Will there be a person other then him that will support this much on her life?

The answer is a no.

All of these was able to get realized because of this man in front of him.

Because of him, her life has changed dramatically into a better side.

Because of him, she couldn't be happier than now to pass the day.

That's why it hurts her all the more so when the happiness she finally obtained will leave abruptly.

"...Uuu *Sob*...Rein-san you idiot...*sob* Don't leave me..." (Suguha)

After not knowing how long has passed, she begun to stop her barrage and quietly cries.

Rein does feel pained making her feel like this. If he wants to be honest, he just wants to throw all of his problem like an irresponsible man and stay in this kind of blissful life.

(Haahh..it really makes me down to the bottom if I will do this many times...) (Rein)

But he can't.

The price of him doing this travel is the scene in front of him. After he erases the curse, he may leave this world eternally with no chance of coming back.

...That's the main reason why he can't have a proper bond.

Because it is more painful to say farewell when the time will come.

Unconsciously, a bitter smile formed on his face.

(Haahhh....goodness, I really am the bad guy if anyone looks at this scene) (Rein)

Even so, he will still do it.

Because this is the fate he took when he was given the first choice.

"....Kirigaya, I'm really sorry. But, I won't say you need to understand it as a proper adult do. It's fine for you to just be selfish. That's what kids do in the first place." (Rein)

"....." (Suguha)

"But, my decision won't change. No, it CAN'T. Because this is the path that I choose."

"..Something like that. Of course, I also know. ...How long did you think I watched you?"

She herself knows the best that Rein won't change even if she begs or kneel in front of him.

Just like her, Rein also has something that he can't give with just one's selfishness.

Even so, that doesn't change her feelings either.

Understanding it between accepting it are completely different things.

That's why, at least he will try to finish this separation with a happy smile, not with tears only.

With a gentle smile and soothing voice, Rein ruffles her disheveled heir while saying the last parting words.

"....I'll promise you, Kirigaya. I don't know when will it be, but I will come back to this place again." (Rein)

"....Suguha." (Suguha)

"Hmm?"

"How long will you act like a stranger with me?... You already called my big brother his first name. ...What, discrimination against the woman? It makes me sad you know...."

"...Pft, I guess so. Ah, but I won't do it yet, 'Kirigaya'."

*Pring*

Just now, something breaks inside Suguha.

How could this man able to act shamelessly on this kind of event.....

"....Rein-san, let's do a spar again. I don't know why but I feel energized. ...If it's now, I feel like I can beat you now." (Rein)

Seeing her smiling that is not a smile at all, Rein immediately adds his words before getting killed.

"Wait, wait, please calm down. I mean I will call your name after I come back. After all, we both don't like to end things halfway right?"

"?? What do you--- ....That."

"It will be another reason for me to 'definitely' fulfill it. That's why,"

"It's a promise, okay?"

".....Haahhh...." (Suguha)

(This person...is really.)

Actually, he can just finish it by calling 'Suguha' so both sides will finish it cleanly.

But he doesn't.

Just like he said, it is a promise that both needs to fulfill because it'll make them feel bad if they don't.

In a sense, he does this because he cared Suguha's feeling too, albeit it's also a worse thing to do.

However, Instead of being mad, Suguha only gives a pinky of her right hand.

It may be quite an old thing to do.

But,

It is the best action for both of them.

"Then, promise it is." (Suguha)

Responding her, Rein also gives her a pinky too and intertwine with it.

"Promise." (Rein)

With this, all the things he needs to do are completely done.

*****

-2 minutes before SAO's launch.-

-Inside Rein's Villa-

[Final check.... accepted.] (Merry)

[Vital of the user...all green]

[Starting the sequence....all is functioning normally.]

[You are ready to go, master.]

*Fwiiiing* (Sound of capsule opening.)

"....Now, it's the real deal." (Rein)

*Fwooong* (Sound of capsule closing)

"...Merry, manage the house when I'm gone. I'll be in your care from this moment on." (Rein)

[Understood, please have a safe journey.]

The time has finally come.

"...Link start!" (Rein)

*Priiing!!* (Sound of mechanical voice.)

[Five senses connected....success] (Machine Voice)

[Connecting to the server....success.]

[Ping.]

[Welcome to Sword Art Online!]

Now, his life will be on the line at all times.

It's the beginning of his real mission.