Chapter 21 Plot Twist (Bonus Chapter)

Arthur headed west, toward the second floor's danger zone, where the monsters were stronger—perfect for leveling up. Crossing the plains crowded with other players, Arthur reached the desolate area where monsters' levels were significantly higher, making it risky for most.

But Arthur was not most players.

In this desolate place, players were scarce. Arthur removed his cloak, instantly feeling relief from the oppressive heat. He cheered, stowing his ordinary sword and equipping his prized White Rose Star.

Following a path, Arthur surveyed the barren landscape. Based on his experience and intel from Argo, he moved deeper into the area.

While the second floor's monsters were only slightly tougher than the first, Arthur could still easily dispatch them with a single strike. Yet, he hadn't ventured this deep before and was eager to explore further.

Guided by Argo's map, Arthur found a canyon, an ideal grinding spot, but someone had beaten him to it.

A beta tester? Arthur wondered, frowning but undeterred, as he entered the canyon.

Strangely, the canyon was hotter than the outside, an impossibility in the real world. Arthur knew why, though: it was home to the volatile Rage Bulls, whose dropped materials caused the intense heat.

Prepared, Arthur donned a cooling outfit bought in town. The flimsy shirt and shorts provided little defense but brought welcome relief.

Advancing through the canyon, Arthur found no monsters. Deeper inside, he heard sounds of battle ahead.

There? He gripped the hilt of his White Rose Star and cautiously approached.

Wait! Arthur suddenly realized he was sneaking. Why am I skulking around like I'm doing something wrong?

Adjusting his attitude, Arthur walked forward. Sure enough, about a hundred feet ahead, a dark figure was battling a Rage Bull.

A woman? Arthur muttered, surprised that the player tackling such formidable monsters was female.

He didn't want to interrupt, remembering the trouble caused by a single comment back on the first floor.

This female player fought with impressive skill, deftly avoiding the Rage Bull's attacks and finishing it off with basic sword techniques. She either knew the creatures well or had prior knowledge of their patterns.

A beta tester? Arthur thought, shifting his stance slightly.

"Who's there?!" The player whipped around, having just slain the Rage Bull.

That face, possessing a strength and determination uncommon in most women, framed by long black hair casually flowing down her back—Arthur was certain. This was Kirito's character from GGO. But why? In this game, where Kayaba Akihiko had forcibly reverted everyone's appearances to their real-life forms, why had Kirito become Kiriko?

Arthur's mouth twitched involuntarily. The shock of this revelation left him at a loss for words. He needed a moment to process.

"Who's there? Come out!" Kiriko called, her single-handed sword raised cautiously as she approached the rock where Arthur was hiding.

"Hello there," Arthur said, stepping out from his hiding spot. Though he tried to smile, it came out awkward and strange—understandable, given his current state of mind.

"It's you," Kiriko said, recognizing Arthur with surprise.

"Why do you sound so shocked?" Arthur rolled his eyes. "I didn't think my appearance warranted such a reaction."

"Well, the Hope Swordsman is quite famous," Kiriko responded, coughing to cover her initial overreaction. "So, I remembered you."

Arthur frowned. If Kirito had turned into Kiriko, then during the earlier battles, the one paired with Asuna must have been her. No wonder he hadn't noticed.

"Of course, we've met," Arthur smiled. "You're part of the strategy group, right?"

"Uh, yeah, sort of," Kiriko replied, blinking. How did he recognize her when she always wore a cloak?

Arthur needed a moment to calm down. The transformation was too startling.

"If you're leveling up, I recommend moving ahead. This area takes a while to respawn monsters," Kiriko suggested helpfully.

"Thanks!" Arthur quickly left, needing some time to collect himself.

As she watched Arthur's retreating figure, Kiriko frowned thoughtfully. Why did he seem to know her?

Arthur sped through the canyon, seeking solitude. Finding a quiet spot, he leaned against a rock, a wry smile playing on his lips. "So, the Black Swordsman is now the Black Swordswoman. But why Kiriko?"

"This crazy world!" Arthur muttered, flipping off the sky. He had hoped to spar with Kirito, who wielded the Dual Blades, but now…

Still, the thought of Kirito being Kiriko was oddly thrilling.

Arthur took a few minutes to calm his agitated mind, then raised his White Rose Star and charged at a group of nearby monsters.

Meanwhile, Kiriko, having cleared the newly respawned monsters, found herself drawn to follow Arthur deeper into the canyon. Her curiosity was piqued—she had a gut feeling that Arthur hadn't shown his true strength that day.

Following her instinct, she soon found herself at Arthur's leveling spot. From a distance, she watched as he faced a much larger Bull Leader.

"A Bull Leader?" Kiriko noted the monster's name, frowning. A boss-level creature. Even beta testers found it difficult to defeat alone.

So, Hope Swordsman, will you show your hidden strength? Kiriko wondered, hiding behind a rock and watching intently.

Arthur hadn't expected to encounter a boss monster after slaying just a dozen enraged bulls. He chuckled, "Looks like my luck isn't bad. I wonder what loot you'll drop?"

Easily dodging the Bull Leader's attack, Arthur struck its belly with the White Rose Star, causing its health to drop significantly.

With no one around, Arthur decided to test a new move. He distanced himself from the Bull Leader, sheathed his sword, and took a deep breath, his hand resting on the ornate hilt.

"Is that… a sword skill?" Kiriko's eyes widened as she saw the White Rose Star emit a distinct glow. This move hadn't been used in previous battles or beta tests. Against a boss monster, it wouldn't be an ordinary sword skill.

Arthur was equally excited, readying to unleash the Nine-Headed Dragon Flash for the first time.

Single-handed sword technique!

Nine-Headed Dragon Flash!

Arthur's eyes fixed intently on the Bull Leader as he prepared to strike.

### Nine-Headed Dragon Flash

Arthur braced himself as the enraged Bull Leader charged at him, moving with an unearthly speed. Before the beast could react, Arthur had already sprung into action!

So fast! During the raid, I could at least follow his moves, but now he's completely blurred! Kiriko thought, her eyes wide with astonishment. This speed would overwhelm even Ilfang the Kobold Lord!

In the next instant, Arthur unleashed a barrage of sword lights around the Bull Leader, forming the shape of a mighty dragon. Kiriko could almost hear the faint roar of a dragon amidst the flurry of strikes.

.....

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