There is a concept called "The Law of Jungle."

Only the strong could rule over the weak.

A very simple but cruel ideology.

Although, in a complicated society of humanity, this ideology could be blurry due to moral.

However, it definitely exists.

The easiest example would be ranking based on talent, wealth, or authority.

The only shackle that would prevent people to overcome certain line is due to their laws and rules they themselves made.

Then what would happen if these people move over to a completely new world?

There will be no more limit to restrain them.

******

"Hah...Hahhh...Hahh!!"

*Shruk* *Shruk* *Shruk* *Shruk*

On the night, A lone girl is running while panting heavily in the middle of the forest.

In her mind, she only thought one thing.

(I need to run away!)

Faster, faster and faster than ever.

She prays that her legs could be quicker even if she needs to break it.

If not,

"GROWLLLLL!!"

Her life will be good as dead.

In SAO, the level system takes priority over everything. Even if you wear a good equipment, you are nothing in front of the high leveled monster.

As for this girl, she is not that weak compared to average mid-level players.

*Druk* *Druk* *Druk!*

However, the story will be different if the enemy numbers are a whole lot.

Worse, the monsters chasing her called Drunk Ape are the vicious ones who rely on strength and numbers to defeat the players.

Originally, she won't be suffering this predicament if she moved with a party with a good role balance.

(Oh no....)

But, an accident happens during the usual hunt.

One of the party members put a complaint during the distribution of healing item to the whole party. She didn't receive one during the discussion.

If there is a reason, it's because of her rare job as a beast tamer.

"Kyuii..."

"Pina, please hold on a bit more!!"

Feather Dragon.

It's a rare monster which has the appearance of a little dragon cub with blue skin covering its body. The reason for this monster put into the category of rare is because of the peculiar trait of healing its master during critical times.

Even so, it is not omnipotent to survive in every danger.

(What should I do!! What should I do to overcome this situation!)

The power attribute of drunk ape could end her and her pet's life in just a few strikes. If she is unlucky, one critical strike will do the deed.

What makes it ridiculous is that the one who complains about the distribution of the item know this fact, but still put a damn finger into it.

If she could be a bit more selfish, maybe she could win over the argument.

(What should I....)

Alas, regret means nothing.

Just because of her selfish pride, she decided to move alone rather than partying with the selfish members.

"GROWLLLL!!!!"

and the result is this crisis.

"!! Kuh, it's already this close!?"

There are several reasons why the monsters could catch up with her.

One, she didn't know this area well nor didn't research it beforehand.

Two, a rough lane in the forest slow her pace tremendously.

Last but not least,

*THUD!*

"Kya!?"

The lack of vision and experience becomes her shackles, unabling her to run properly.

"Grrrrr...."

"!!Don't-- Don't come near me!!"

*Shwing*

A rabbit will fight even if it's cornered by the lion. Readying her dagger while keeping a proper stance, she will try to repel the monsters with everything she has.

But could a rabbit win over the lion?

"GRARRRRR!!!!"

What a stupid question to ask.

*Fwiiishh!*

*Buk!*

"KYuii!!"

"Pina!?"

In order to save her beloved master, it stops the momentum of the monster' attack by using its own body. Due to that, its body flew over and hit hard to the ground.

"PINAAA!!"

Running to her beloved partner, she tried to carry this frail and strong pet. Even if it is programmed to save the master, the commendable action itself didn't change.

"Kyui.."

"No...No! Don't leave me, Pina! If you die, then I !!--"

A weak rabbit will always be a prey in front of the predator. No matter how smart it is, there is always a limit for its low potential.

That is the absolute law of jungle that will never change.

Eternally.

She miscounts her capability and the price is this scene.

Due to the pet's life points have reached zero, the body is slowly glowing.

Then,

*Pring!*

It dissolves over her master' small hands.

Maybe, the only happiness during its death would be being cared until its last breath.

But will it change anything?

"Grrrrr...."

"Hik !?"

None.

Her ending will also be the same. Being beaten to death by the apes who are programmed to kill the players.

"No...."

(I don't want to die...)

Step by step,

Second by second,

The apes slowly raised its club to end this frail life.

Unable to face this tragedy anymore, she closes her eyes while covering her head with her hands.

"No...!"

With full of fear and despair in her heart, she wails with the loudest voice she could muster to reject this reality.

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!"

"GROWLLLLLLL!!"

An event that is nothing usual. Accident due to petty pride.

Her HP will reach zero at any moment without any resistance.

'Should be.'

*Fwushhh!*

"Grarr!?"

*Pring!* *Pring!* *Pring!*

Because the king of jungle saves her.

*******

(...Is God playing a trick on me or something?)

During the progression of his quest, Rein can only make a bitter smile in this situation.

After finishing it by subjugating the area boss and going back to the city, he could hear a commotion due to his superior hearing sense.

Wondering if there is a beginning of a new quest, he headed toward the location with the fastest speed he could muster.

Then, when he reaches the place...

"U-umm...Thank you very much for saving my life!!" (???)

He only found a lone female player in the middle of danger. Since he already sees it, he could only help her. He hasn't fallen so far to ignore the scene just like an asshole.

(Still, just why would I be the one to save 'her' !?)

A young lovely girl with small ponytails tied on both of her head and a petite body that could make men ignite their desires to protect her.

"U-Uhm! My name is called Silica! Could I know your name, sir!"

Even without her introducing herself, he knows the name of this girl. Rather, Kirito 'should' know it too originally.

Because the protagonist is the one supposed to save her on this situation, not the supreme.

"...It's Rein. Nice to meet you too, Silica-san."

"N-no! Please, you don't need to be that formal! Just call me Silica, Rein-san!"

Seeing her flustered while waving her hands on the side, Rein snap out of his muddled thought and focus toward her.

If he wants to be honest, he really feels bad to steal one of the lovely moments of Kirito to get close with this cute girl. Moreover, Rein wants to see him being flustered on her goodwill on the sideline rather than taking part of it.

Then, he will comment "Thank you for giving a delicious romantic comedy scene!", while smiling like an idiot.

(...Well, what happen, already happens. Sorry Kirito.)

But time couldn't reverse itself and Kirito isn't here either.

So, he will be the replacement of the original actor to fill the gap.

"Rein-san, this might not be enough but..."

*shakes head*

"...No, it's okay. I didn't save you so I could receive a reward. Just your feeling is enough already."

While giving a faint smile on his perfect face, he acts like what any proper gentleman will do on this situation.

*Badum!*

"(Blush)~~B-but I will still feel bad about it!"

...For God's sake, does this idiot ever realizes his action at all?

A young girl like her, who have never dated a man even once will definitely feel embarrassed in his cheesy lines with his sparkling appearance.

It is worse because he didn't say it out of politeness, but from his inner feeling, which makes her heart skip a beat.

What a sinful man.

Well, jokes aside.

It's also true he doesn't need payment from Silica either. If he compares the wallet size between Silica and Rein, it's like comparing a sardine between a whale.

In other words, it won't affect much.

Still, he will also feel awkward if he just flatly rejects her and say sayonara. He can easily imagine Silica who wouldn't be able to pay grace for her savior.

He doesn't have a hobby to bully a little girl too.

So, he changes the approach.

"...Then, could you treat me for a dinner? I don't know a good restaurant around here."

Just like a flower which has bloomed recently, Silica begins to brighten her face after hearing that.

"Please leave it to me! I know a good restaurant that sells a tasty cheesecake!"

"Haha. I look forward to it."

With that, a very first proper date has been set for Silica.

In this world, she never has the chance to breathe properly. Surviving this death game put a toll on her body greatly.

Even so, even after going to back to the real world, she can confidently say this.

"I'm glad I play SAO."

Because it leads her meeting the most attractive man she ever knows in her entire life.