SAO part 12: Quest completed.

With the sound of rocks stomping the ground, mobs rushed towards Akashi(DIO) and Golden cat.

All the mobs were stone knights holding different weapons from swords to maces and had stone shields.

In the middle of each 5 mobs, there was an elite knight holding a great sword while charging towards Akashi(DIO) and Golden cat.

Akashi(DIO) and Golden Cat stare at each other for a moment before they blasted towards the mobs while drinking a health potion.

Avoiding a sword to his head, Akashi(DIO) slashed the first knight in the gap of the eyes before doing a quick turn to avoid a mace to his back while slashing the knight's neck and turning HP to zero.

The knight that struck Akashi(DIO) with the mace lost his balance because Akashi(DIO) evade before he met with two glowing knives to his eyes, breaking him into fragments.

Rotating the knife in his hand, Akashi(DIO) activated his <<Emperor eyes>> and calculate all the knight's movements before slashing.

With three red flashes, three knights lost their heads by Akashi(DIO) attacks before he jumped and avoided a great sword from the back.

Activating the skill in the air, Akashi(DIO) body twisted with the skill before stabbing the elite knight in the eye.

Landing on the ground, Akashi(DIO) twisted the knife before kicking the knight's leg, breaking his balance and stabbing his neck, turning him into fragments.

Without looking at the fragments, Akashi(DIO) rushed towards the front while avoiding some knights along the way.

Golden cat at the side thrust his lance at a knight's eye before twisting it and cutting his head with two next to him.

Rotating the spear in his hand while lowering his body, Golden cat hit the elite knight and other two more knight legs bringing them to the ground before killing them by quick hits at the head.

After killing the knights, Golden Cat raised his spear that started glowing before using it as a pole to jump above most of the knights in the corridor.

Akashi(DIO) that killed another knight took a quick glance at Golden Cat before rushing forward.

Golden cat that was in the air used the knight heads as a platform to run before raising his spear and pierced an elite knight head while landing.

Two kept rushing while killing the knight, but the more they rushed in the corridor it kept getting smaller before they almost arrived next to each other.

With three red flashes and one yellow, Akashi(DIO) and Golden cat killed two knights before blocking each other attack.

Rotating his knife, Akashi(DIO) switched to stabbing attack, but he was forced to retreat because of Golden cat spear was aiming at his head.

"So... What happened to the green light?" Akashi(DIO) said while killing a knight from behind him and taking two throwing knives.

"That's my line..." Golden Cat grinned while killing two knights from behind before rushing towards Akashi(DIO).

With a spear thrust, Golden cat reached Akashi(DIO) instantly and aimed at his head, but Akashi(DIO) stepped to the side while blocking the spear tip with his knife.

<Long spear... Beneficial for keeping a distance from the enemy> Akashi(DIO) twisted his knife and pushed the spear.

<So... Never give him the distance advantage> Akashi(DIO) took a step before slashing at Golden Cat neck.

Golden Cat twisted the spear, but he wasn't able to turn it because Akashi(DIO) put his other hand on the spear while attacking Golden cat.

At the moment the knife almost scratched Golden cat neck, he did a turn at insane speed before letting go from the spear which made Akashi(DIO) lost his balance, but Golden Cat didn't finish as he took a rapier and aimed at Akashi(DIO) eye.

<This's!> Akashi(DIO) widens his eyes before tilting his head before slashing 3 times to block the other hits.

Using <<Dash>> Akashi(DIO) made a space between him and Golden cat, but Golden cat threw the rapier before using the same skill to rush towards Akashi(DIO).

Throwing the two knives in his hand, Akashi(DIO) blocked the rapier, but Golden cat caught his spear and thrust at Akashi(DIO).

However, the spear turned into two flashes before Akashi(DIO) had to use 3 strikes to block them.

<He's...> Akashi(DIO) rotated the knife breaking Golden cat stance before throwing tree knives at him while he dodged two and blocked one, but that made him retreat.

Suddenly, Golden Cat ducked down and avoided two knives coming from behind him. The knives that were thrown by Akashi(DIO) hit two knights' helmets from behind before ricocheting towards Golden Cat.

<Instinct of that beard guy... This guy> Akashi(DIO) used his knife to kill a knight before rushing towards Golden cat.

<Copying me... > Akashi(DIO) reached Golden cat and slashed three times, but Golden cat stood up instantly and counter it with three thrusts.

<System guiding... This need to stop> Akashi(DIO) frowned while looking at his attacks getting blocked before Golden cat sends a hit towards his head.

Tilting his head and using the knife to deflect the attack, Akashi(DIO) caught Golden cat spear and put a stabbing stance.

Golden cat saw this and let go from the spear while taking his rapier and stabbing three times towards Akashi(DIO) head.

At this moment Akashi(DIO) that was using three slashed to deflect the attacks forced his body to the side while his neck got scratched from an attack. Akashi(DIO) face was revealed after his hood got blown by the attack.

<That's... Dammit!> Akashi(DIO) activated the <<Zone>> and stepped towards Golden cat while slashing his head.

Golden cat was surprised by the increase in Akashi(DIO) speed and wanted to retreat, but he got hit by something from the side... The spear that Akashi(DIO) still holding.

Golden cat that almost lost his balance from the hit forced his body and raised his reaper to strike Akashi(DIO) that took a step forward.

Akashi(DIO) at that moment took a step back which forced Golden cat to switch the target before almost attacking but Akashi(DIO) took a step forward now.

Golden cat wanted to change to target, but his balance was completely broken now, and started to fall backward, but he still launched the attack.

*Clang*

"Did you know..." Golden cat widens his eyes when he saw Akashi(DIO) blocking his attack by his gauntlet before catching his hand.

"From ancient times..." Akashi(DIO) dragged Golden cat towards him while catching his other hand before he took back his spear.

"Lancer was always lucky E!" Akashi(DIO) gave a headbutt to Golden cat which made him retreat backward before releasing his arms and putting an attacking stance.

"And... Your head is held too high!" Akashi(DIO) said before launching ten punches towards Golden cat, but he was able to recover instantly while blocking four punches and six hit him in the head and stomach.

Doing a roll, Golden cat stood up while keep distance from Akashi(DIO) while taking a rapier before looking at his opponents with a mad smile.

<... Masochism?> Akashi(DIO) looked at Golden cat that was smiling while touching his head where he got hit.

Golden cat was trembling and smiling while looking at Akashi(DIO) while his rapier was glowing.

<Suddenly... I want to quit> Akashi(DIO) shivered while looking at Golden cat rushing with a smile while stabbing towards his head.

Akashi(DIO) raised his glowing fist and wanted to block the attack, but suddenly he felt this attack was different.

Unlike all the other attacks that contained blood lust in them. This attack didn't have that much killing in it while Akashi(DIO) <<Emperor eye>> calculated the attack target wasn't him.

Looking forwards, Akashi(DIO) saw Golden cat eyes and understood his message instantly.

*Clang*

<Behind...> Akashi(DIO) ducked instantly as the rapier passed above his head and hit an ax. The ax almost hit Akashi(DIO) head from behind if the rapier didn't hit it.

"Tch..." the bearded man appeared from behind because the effect of <<Hiding>> was canceled after he attacked Akashi(DIO). But the bearded man's condition wasn't good. The left hand was missing, and what left was only red polygons and a giant hole above his shoulder.

The bearded man rushed to the front after he saw his attack was unsuccessful and Golden cat helped Akashi(DIO) but he stopped after looking at Akashi(DIO).

Akashi(DIO) that escaped the attack frowned, but he had a more confused look in his eyes before turning towards Golden cat that smiled while putting an attack stance.

<Battle maniac...> Akashi(DIO) thought before looking at the bearded that was frozen in his place with a pale face.

"D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D...." the bearded man started mumbling non stop without even caring about the surrounding knights.

Akashi(DIO) tilted his head at this scene while Golden cat noticed something's wrong and looked at the bearded man.

"D-D-D-D-D-DIO!!!!" the bearded man screamed while Akashi(DIO) and Golden cat felt surprised.

"I-Impossible... How can you be here?!" the bearded man said while Akashi(DIO) eyes flashed with realization.

<His body is trembling while putting a defense stance instinctively... Especially his chest> Akashi(DIO) observed the bearded man before walking forwards. Akashi(DIO) took a step forward while the bearded man took two to the back.

<Abusing? No... It's torture> Akashi(DIO) grinned while looking at the shaking man.

"Oh? Did you survive after THE WORLD crushed your internal organs?" Akashi(DIO) grinned while walking towards the bearded man.

"S-Stay back!" the bearded man stepped back while Akashi(DIO) kept advancing while killing a knight in front of him just by his fist.

Golden cat struck two knights behind him while looking at this scene in confusion.

"Well... I think that obvious after the current situation" Akashi(DIO) said while raising his hand.

"Stay away!" the bearded man almost got hit by a knight but his instinct saved him by evading in the last second.

"This was the quite of a secret you hidden from me back there, but it doesn't matter now..." Akashi(DIO) grinned with a mad look.

"Now I, DIO, here and you're going to know again why THE WORLD is the strongest!. WRYYYYYYY!!!!" Akashi(DIO) screamed before rushing towards the bearded man.

"STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!!!" the bearded man screamed while running away from Akashi(DIO) towards the golden light at the distance.

"Come back here, and let me turn you into a donut!" Akashi(DIO) ran after the bearded man while throwing knives at him, but he dodged them.

"Hey! What about our fight!" Golden cat followed the two while dodging the knights around.

Then the three began a chase in the corridor while few players appeared in the corridor before fighting the mobs.

But the moment the trio almost reached the light, the floor split up from the middle while the players that didn't make it kept fighting the mobs.

"AHHHHHHH!!!" the bearded man kept avoiding the knights while running from Akashi(DIO) that was chased by Golden cat.

The three kept the chase while Akashi(DIO) lowered his speed at one point and allowed the bearded man to reach the light first.

"H-Here... I won... He can't reach me" the bearded man smiled while running towards the orb in the middle of the light.

Akashi(DIO) stopped after the bearded man reached the light before turning around and attacking Golden cat.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HE'LL WIN!!??" Golden cat screamed while blocking a fist from Akashi(DIO).

"Let him win..." Akashi(DIO) said quietly while dodging a hit from Golden cat and attacking with 5 fists.

The bearded man caught the orb while the ground in the corridor started to break apart showing a dark deep abyss.

Golden cat blocked Akashi(DIO) attack before looking at the ground behind him.

"YOU MADMAN!!!" Golden cat screamed before launching a barrage of attacks against Akashi(DIO).

Using the rapier, Golden cat aimed at all Akashi(DIO) vital points, but he was always getting blocked by him because of the <<Zone>>.

"I won... I won... HAHAHAHAHA!!!" the bearded man raised the golden orb while looking at Akashi(DIO) and Golden cat battle.

"Did you see DIO... You are nothing without your weird ability... HAHAHAHAHA!!!" the bearded man after calming down realized that Akashi(DIO) didn't have THE WORLD now and started laughing while looking at the ground that was turning into dust.

"If you want to die, then let me go, dammit!!" Golden cat screamed at Akashi(DIO) that didn't let him advance from this place.

The ground kept disappearing while Golden cat was getting more nervous because of Akashi(DIO) that didn't let him leave.

When the cracks almost reached the light place, the bearded man's laughter stopped and turned into screams of agony.

"WHAT IS THIS!!!???" the bearded man said because the orb in his hands turned into flames before engulfing him as his HP kept decreasing at a very fast speed.

Golden cat saw the bearded man's condition and felt surprised, but at that moment. Akashi(DIO) that was waiting for this, tackled him before they both fallen to the abyss.

The moment Akashi(DIO) and Golden cat jumped, the breaded man and orb in his hands exploded into light and filled the whole corridor while killing the rest of the players.

"WHAT THE HEEEEELLLLLLL... Eh?" the golden cat kept screaming during fall before a blue light appeared on him and Akashi(DIO).

After a second, Akashi(DIO) and Golden cat disappeared from the darkness.

In the cave entrance where the statue was closing the entrance. A blue light flashed before two guys appeared and fall to the ground.

"Ugh..." Golden cat said from pain after Akashi(DIO) used him as a cushion for landing before stepping on his stomach.

"What was that for..." Golden cat said while holding his stomach.

"I don't like to own people... You saved me once, so I saved you" Akashi(DIO) said calmly while operating SAO system to bring his weapons back.

"Why did you step on me?!" Golden cat raised his head while looking at Akashi(DIO) with anger.

"..." Akashi(DIO) ignored Golden cat while checking his weapons and loot from the trail before nodding.

"...*Sigh*... thanks, I guess" Golden cat stood up from the ground before thanking Akashi(DIO).

"No need to say that... If we were still in that PK zone, I'd attack you now" Akashi(DIO) said while looking at Golden cat.

"Me too... But even if that true... Thanks" Golden cat said with a smile while Akashi(DIO) stared at him deeply for a while.

"So... How did you know about the trap?" Golden cat said after he felt uncomfortable from Akashi(DIO) stare.

"... Didn't you read the hero story? How did you pass your test then?" Akashi(DIO) raised his eyebrow and said.

"Well... I just ran through it... Hahahah" Akashi(DIO) looked at Golden cat that was laughing wryly.

<The flames that burn everything except the worthy... I guess bravery count as a condition> Akashi(DIO) thought before looking around.

"Hey... You still won't consider teaming with me?" Golden cat said, but Akashi(DIO) didn't look at him.

"... Why me?" Akashi(DIO) started to observe the surrounding before saying.

"I don't really want to join those guilds especially when those two are leading them while there's no strong player going solo now" Golden cat said while taking a spear from his inventory.

"..." Akashi(DIO) didn't speak for a while before looking at Golden cat in the eyes.

"Teams based on mutual trust, when teammates can leave their backs to their friends without worry. And in our situation, that's impossible" Akashi(DIO) said while Golden cat sighed.

"But..." Akashi(DIO) turned to look at Golden cat.

"Cooperation is still available, especially in the information... It seems you know the two leaders of the guilds here... Even though there is still no guild option in the game now" Akashi(DIO) said while Golden cat nodded.

"Well yeah, I know them, but... What'll I get?" Golden cat said while rotating his spear.

<Not exposing anything about the information source, huh... It seems he isn't dumb> Akashi(DIO) thought before nodding.

"I'll tell you how to finish this quest while keeping some information contact between us" Akashi(DIO) said while Golden cat finally noticed that the quest is still going.

Hesitating for a while, Golden cat nodded.

"Fine... The first leader with the scar on his face has a Sharingan if you know what that is" Golden cat said while Akash(DIO) got surprised.

<How this's possible... Is he a fourth rank?> Akashi(DIO) started thinking while Golden cat saw through him.

"No, he's a third rank... Just it may be his talent or something that allows him to use it without chakra" Golden cat said while Akashi(DIO) nodded.

"Now, before I tell you the other one. Tell me how to finish this quest" Golden cat said while Akashi(DIO) nodded.

"I guess that fair..." Akashi(DIO) said before walking to the statues and kicking him with a skill.

*Crash*

Under the watch of Golden cat, the statue that was an immortal object got destroyed instantly by Akashi(DIO) kick while two glowing orbs fall from it.

"We shouldn't follow the false oracle and now... we need to atone for our sins" Akashi(DIO) said while picking up the orbs.

[Quest completed]

Akashi(DIO) looked at the message before throwing an orb to Golden cat.

"Was it this simple...*Sigh*..." Golden cat said while catching the orb and looking at the system message.

"A deal is a deal... The second leader with the long hair... Honestly, I don't know exactly what that thing is... It's something called Brain Burst" Golden cat started to remember before Akashi(DIO) that was looking at the game menu flinched.

"Repeat that..." Akashi(DIO) felt his ears are tricking him before looking at Golden cat seriously.

"A deal is a deal?" Golden cat said.

"No, the last one" Akashi(DIO) said.

"Brain Burst" Golden cat said while Akashi(DIO) covered his face.

<Dammit... This just went to hell difficulty> Akashi(DIO) felt a headache while hearing that name.

<I need to change all my plans...> Akashi(DIO) removed his hand before looking at Golden cat seriously.

"You know... There's another condition for teams and allies. And that's when benefits surpass everything or the conditions are very bad" Akashi(DIO) said while Golden cat frowned.

"Is it that bad?" Golden cat said while Akashi(DIO) nodded.

"He's cheating... And unlike us, the system is allowing it" Akashi(DIO) said while Golden cat covered his face.

"F**k..." Golden cat said.

"Indeed... I think we need to team up... Temporarily" Akashi(DIO) said while Golden cat nodded.

Suddenly, a screen appeared in front of both of them.

----

Team request:

participants 1: Player 4567893.

participants 2: Player 4567756.

Rules and conditions:

No leader.

Task progress is shared between players.

Coins are giving to the first player to finish the task while the other teammates are giving coins by contribution.

Evaluations are given by contribution.

Do you accept?

---

Akashi(DIO) and Golden cat stared at the screen before accepting.

"Now we are a team... What's the plan?" Golden cat said with a smile.

"... You know that there's no leader... Really?" Akashi(DIO) wanted to say, but Golden cat accepted to give him the leader position.

"You seem to be smarter... And I think the leader position suit you" Golden cat smiled while Akashi(DIO) eyebrows twitched.

"...*Sigh*... We are at a very big disadvantage, especially with your information, so we need to speed up" Akashi(DIO) said while moving forward.

"Can you explain..." Golden cat followed Akashi(DIO) while saying.

"... In your thinking. What gives the protagonist the identity of the protagonist" Akashi(DIO) said without looking back.

"English please" Golden cat said while Akashi(DIO) eyebrows twitched.

"It's his acts and action... If the two guilds didn't allow us to interfere with the protagonist then..." Akashi(DIO) grinned.

"We'll just play the game regularly and be the first to reach there" Akashi(DIO) said while pointing at the tower in the distance.

"Oh! But... We still didn't even enter the labyrinth. How do you expect to know the Boss location?" Golden cat said like the boss isn't a problem for him.

"I have my ways... There still one step and this floor is done" Akashi(DIO) said while taking the book from his inventory.

The book now is much more fixed with most of the pages in their places, and in one of these pages there is a map that leads somewhere.

"...*Sigh*... What up with this mysterious acts? Fine, but I need to know one thing" Golden cat said while Akashi(DIO) looked at him.

"Where did you get that fashion?" Golden cat said while looking at Akashi(DIO) assassin outfit.

"... What?" Akashi(DIO) said in confusion.

"Look at me then look at you... We just start playing the game and you already got fashion..." Golden cat started speaking non stop while Akashi(DIO) felt a headache.

"...*Sigh*..." Akashi(DIO) ignored Golden cat and walked towards Tolbana.

"Hey, wait for me!" Golden cat followed Akashi(DIO).

<... I don't know if what I'm doing is right> Akashi(DIO) had complicated feelings while touching his neck where Golden cat hit him.

<I guess the future will reveal it> Akashi(DIO) looked at the dark tower at the distance before rushing toward the city and Golden cat followed him.