Striving For A Clear Conscience

"Exactly. Although I can't open a world gate yet, as long as you know the relevant information about the destination within the same universe, it's quite simple to go there. So, do you want me to send you there right now? I should clarify that if you expect me to send all of you back, that's out of the question," Eriri said. She had a favorable impression of Shizuku Yaegashi, so she didn't mind lending her a hand, but only to her.

Hearing Eriri's words, Shizuku calmed down. From what had happened earlier, she had some understanding of Eriri's personality. Eriri was someone who did things according to her preferences. If she didn't want to do something, no amount of persuasion would change her mind.

Shizuku shook her head slowly and declined, "I'd rather not. I can't abandon my companions and escape back alone."

"Well, that's your choice. I won't interfere," Eriri replied. Shizuku's decision was not unexpected for Eriri, who understood her personality.

"Even though I can't go back, thank you," Shizuku sighed and slowly let go of Eriri's arm, a hint of regret in her eyes.

"I need to go back to my classmates. I have to tell the teacher about Kaori. Eriri... will we have a chance to meet again?"

"Maybe we will, maybe we won't. Who knows what the future holds?"

"I see..."

"Shizuku, a word of advice: be wary of Eri Nakamura, or you'll suffer greatly in the future," Eriri suddenly cautioned Shizuku.

"Got it." Shizuku nodded thoughtfully.

...

High above the desert, tens of kilometers from the city of Horaud, Eriri and Arifureta flew at incredible speed. An invisible energy shield isolated them from the violent airflow, leaving only a gentle breeze brushing past them.

Below stretched a vast desert, devoid of trees, with undulating hills in the distance made entirely of reddish-brown sand. The wind created wave-like patterns on the dunes, making it seem as though the desert itself was alive.

Occasionally, caravans would traverse this desert, and solitary travelers relied on their strength to cross the sands.

At this moment, Eriri and Arifureta were chatting with their friends in the chat group.

"Arifureta (Group Leader): We are flying over a red desert right now. The scenery is breathtaking. Sand Sea.jpg"

"Asuna: The weather looks terrible. The sky is red, like an oven... Surprised.jpg"

"Flower Hashira: So, this is a desert? It's my first time seeing one."

"Kashiwagi Eri: Kanae, you need to get out more! Staying indoors all the time isn't good. Go out and see the world's beauty! Serious Face.jpg"

"Flower Hashira: Uh, I do go out often..."

"Eriri Spencer: Only when you're on missions, right?"

"Flower Hashira: ..."

"Kashiwagi Eri: Those uniforms for your Demon Slayer Corps look so thick. Aren't they hot in the summer?"

"Flower Hashira: They're not thick; they just look that way. It's only one layer of fabric. We wear other clothes underneath, and there's a skirt version of the uniform."

"Arifureta (Group Leader): Yeah, Kanae wore a skirt in the anime!"

"Kashiwagi Eri: Oh, right... I forgot."

"Arifureta (Group Leader): Asuna, no classes today?"

"Asuna: It's a day off. Oh, right, the SAO game has started pre-sales..."

"Asuna: I spread the word online about the dangers of the headset, but it's no use; people think it's just a rumor. The police said there's no evidence, and my parents think I'm just making a fuss..."

"Kashiwagi Eri: It's unavoidable. People don't listen to middle schoolers. How could they believe you?"

"Asuna: What should I do then? So many people will die..."

"Flower Hashira: That's terrible. Is there another way to handle it?"

"Arifureta (Group Leader): Asuna, how strong are you now?"

"Asuna: I'm not sure, but I'm much stronger. My stats show I'm First Level, Fourth Stage."

"Kashiwagi Eri: That's just slightly stronger than an average adult male, not enough to make a difference. If you were stronger, you could punch Kayaba Akihiko and make him wake up."

"Asuna: I used up my sign-in points and only increased by two stages..."

"Kashiwagi Eri: Then there's nothing else to do. With your current strength, acting rashly is dangerous. As for those entering the game, it's just fate."

"Kashiwagi Eri: You did all you could. If they don't believe you, it's on them. I wouldn't have bothered in the first place."

"Iron-Blooded Hot-Blooded Cold-Blooded Vampire: I agree with Eriri. Life is not perfect, but strive to be true to yourself."

"Arche Eeb Rile Furt: Exactly, just take care of yourself. The world is harsh."

"Ashen Witch: Isn't that common sense? If you try to meddle in everything, you'll end up with lots of trouble."

"Arifureta (Group Leader): I dislike overly saintly people."

"Flower Hashira: ..."

"Arifureta (Group Leader): Don't worry, Kanae; I wasn't talking about you."

"Kashiwagi Eri: Ah..."

"Flower Hashira: ..."

"Asuna: How come all of you think like that..."

"Kashiwagi Eri: Asuna, you haven't seen much yet. You haven't experienced the harshness of reality."

"Asuna: I see... But I still can't fully accept it... Sad.jpg"

"Archangel Gabriel: Is that game fun? I want to play too!"

"Kashiwagi Eri: ???"

"Arifureta (Group Leader): ???"

"Asuna: ???"

"Archangel Gabriel: Huh? Did I say something weird?"

"Kashiwagi Eri: No, what you said is normal; please keep it up."

"Archangel Gabriel: Oh, Asuna, is there a way for me to play it too?"

"Asuna: Uh... this game is deadly."

"Archangel Gabriel: No problem, I'm an angel!"

"Asuna: ...Well, you'd have to come to our world."

"Archangel Gabriel: Oh no... I don't have enough points..."

In a simple apartment, Gabriel sat casually on the floor, wearing only a red jacket and panties, holding the Trumpet of Doom in her hand. Despite her disheveled appearance, her beautiful face was full of conflict.

"Should I exchange some points to use...?"