Scene 75

Kirito

What?

Oh, it's you guys!

Kirito

Huh?

Hey, Argo. I didn't realize you'd partied up with Kirito.

We're not in a party. We've just known each other since the beta. He was telling me what happened during that raid.

And why would you be interested in the raid?

Well, my strategy guide was wrong about Illfang the Kobold Lord. Someone died because of it...

Wait, you're the one who wrote the strategy guide?

Mm-hm! Surprised I'd give something out for free?

What about you? You got business with Kii-boy?

"Kii-boy?"

Kirito

It's just what she calls me.

Oh, right, Kii, as in Kirito!

Kirito

Yeah...

Kirito

Anyway, you need something from me?

Have you ever heard of a quest called "The Swordsman of Salvation"?

Kirito

Nope.

This item's called the Sacred Tree Brooch. You ever seen it before?

Kirito

Hmm...

Oh, seems you've piqued Kii-boy's interest!

This is Iori. She may not look it, but she's a real brute in battle, just like you!

You should hear her out. She's good people.

Kirito

Hmm... I'm afraid I've never seen it before.

Oh...

Sounds like the information's rare enough to be worth a pretty penny. But the lore sounds real heavy...

Kirito

SAO's difficulty curve is pretty well thought out. Even in the beta, the quests all seemed balanced.

Zash

Okay, what are your instincts telling you? Do you think clearing it could be the key to escaping? Do you think leaving it could be dangerous?

Kirito

Both of those things could be true. But if the quest was given to you, you should be the ones to clear it.

That's the plan.

I'm interested in finding out more, so I'll sniff around for clues.

Kirito

I'm trying to clear the 100th Floor. I won't be able to help you directly, but if I get any information, I'll make sure to tell Argo.

Kirito

See you around.