Chapter 5: Shadow of the Red Guild
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Kirito and I were returning from clearing the dungeon on the 4th floor. The loot was modest, but the skills grew steadily. We were already moving as a unit — the attacks were in rhythm, as if according to the notes. We could sense where the other one would be without looking.
—Tomorrow is a quest with a mini—boss on the 5th,— Kirito said, checking the sword. "The reward is not bad: a rare armor blueprint.
"It's tempting," I nodded. — But first... I want to walk through the northern valley. There are rumors that something is amiss.
"What is it?"
— People disappear. The players. Not from mobs... from others.
Kirito frowned.
— PvP?
— Not officially. Ambushes, they say. Outside of urban areas. There are no traces. Only empty messages in friends' lists.
He paused, then said:
— Okay. Let's go take a look. Together, the chance is higher.
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The next morning we set off for the valley. It was quiet... too quiet. No mobs, no players. Only a cold wind blew between the rocks.
And suddenly — the sound of battle. Metallic clanging, stifled screams.
We took off.
Around the corner, they saw three cloaked players attacking a lone swordsman. He held up well, but his strength was unequal.
"Hey! I shouted. "Stop it!"
"You interfere, you die,— one of the attackers said. His eyes flashed.
There was a red marker above his nickname.
Kirito whispered. — This is a killer player.
"This is the first time I've seen it in person," I replied. "But I already hate it."
We rushed forward. First— the defense, the blow to yourself. The second one is from the rear. A blow is a response. Chain attack skill — two were shot down at the same time.
The third one retreated, but we didn't give him a chance. Seconds later, he also disappeared, leaving only gold and screams of anger.
One surviving player was breathing heavily, leaning against a rock.
—Thanks...I thought this was the end."… They're from some kind of... new gang. They call themselves the Bloody Rapiers.
I clenched my teeth.
— So, the hunt for the players has begun. For loot... for pleasure?
Kirito came closer.
"They... make the game a living hell."
I looked at his sword.
— What are we going to do?
"We'll find them. And we'll stop it.
We looked at each other and nodded.
From that day on, there was a new goal.:
The hunt for murderers. Without pity. Without mercy.