Scene 18

Kibaou

Why'd you do it, huh? Why did you let Diavel die?!

Young Swordsman

What are you talking about?

Kibaou

Don't play dumb! Admit it! You knew the technique the boss was going to use! You could've told us! Then Diavel would have stood a chance! He wouldn't have had to die!

Hooded Swordsman

He's a beta tester! That's how he knew the boss' attack patterns! He knew, and he hid them from us!

Young Swordsman

...

Hooded Swordsman

There's no other explanation. Get the hell out of here, beta tester!

......

......

Zash

......

Young Swordsman

Ahahaha, come on! A beta tester? Don't confuse me with those amateurs.

Kibaou

What'd you say!?

Young Swordsman

Of the 1,000 SAO beta testers, most were noobs who didn't know the first thing about leveling. You guys already have a leg up on 'em.

Kibaou

Huh?

Young Swordsman

But I'm not like them.

Young Swordsman

During the beta, I got to higher floors than anyone else. I fought monsters on those floors with the same skills as that boss.

Wait, could that be Kirito...?

Young Swordsman

And that's not all I know. I could put the information dealers here out of business.

Kibaou

Wh-What the hell...? If that's true, then you're worse than a beta tester... You're a goddamn cheater, that's what you are!

Young Swordsman

That's right—he's cheating!

Young Swordsman

A beta cheater! A Beater!

Young Swordsman

A Beater, huh... It's got a nice ring to it.

Kibaou

Eh...?

Young Swordsman

Alright... You can call me a Beater! But you know what? You better not group me in with those other testers!