Anime: Passive Inheritance System

The snowy Christmas had passed, and with the coming of spring, the freshly fallen snow on the streets gradually melted away. The clearing group remained active on the frontlines of the game. By February, they had already pushed through to the 55th floor.

SAO, this death game, had officially reached the halfway point in its conquest.

It's worth noting that ever since Christmas, a swordsman clad in a black coat, favoring his right hand, had appeared on the front lines. His level was a full ten levels higher than the most elite players in the raid group. His sword skills were equally outstanding. Some observant players recognized him as the self-proclaimed "beater" from before—Kirito. However, the front-line players no longer viewed him with hostility. That's because this young man conquered the floors at a monstrous pace. Many times, he didn't even need companions and could solo the floor bosses.

Respect for the strong is a natural instinct. Kirito's presence on the front lines significantly helped SAO's overall progress. Whether emotionally or logically, players could no longer look down on the boy who once called himself a "beater."

Interestingly, because Kirito always wore a black coat and didn't don light armor like other swordsmen, people began calling him the Black Swordsman.

But when Kirito heard the nickname, he reacted with strong displeasure. He adamantly rejected it. When asked why, he would show a nostalgic look and say:

"The real Black Swordsman is way stronger than me."

Of course, this was just a trivial anecdote from the front lines and had little to do with Kai.

He was currently active around the 45th floor, ten levels below the front lines. The monsters in the maze zones and wild areas were much weaker and less frequent. With a level comparable to Kirito's, fighting these monsters was no different from slaughtering chickens. It was a rather relaxed experience.

Kai hadn't turned this death game into a casual one because he feared front-line monsters, but because he hadn't forgotten his purpose in SAO—to protect the girl named Yuna. Given her level, the 45th floor was the best place for efficient experience farming while ensuring safety.

Slash!

A thin short sword drew a pale green arc through the air. System effects shimmered like phosphorescence. The blade landed on a monster that looked like a giant man-eating flower, leaving a deep red wound.

"Not bad. That strike had some bite."

Kai clapped lightly at the girl who had just emptied the monster's HP bar with one hit.

As the monster burst into particles of data, the girl landed gracefully, sheathed her short sword, smoothed her skirt, then turned and smiled brightly at Kai.

"Of course, I have a great teacher."

"How many times do I have to tell you? I only taught you a few techniques. Don't call me teacher."

Kai walked up and gently patted her head through her hood, then turned to walk down the red brick road flanked by blooming flowers.

They were currently on the 47th floor, also known as the [Garden of Flowers]. From the main town outward, the floor was covered in flowers. Exotic and unnamed blossoms competed in beauty. The air was thick with floral scent. It had become a dating spot and even a wedding venue.

Yuna's level was now high enough to handle things alone. Considering the scenery and safety, Kai decided they'd stay on this floor.

Due to high demand for housing in the Garden of Flowers, even high-level solo players like Kai couldn't afford multiple properties. In the end, he bought a three-bedroom apartment and lived under the same roof as Yuna.

But cohabiting with a beautiful girl wasn't as romantic as it sounded. Kai had to log out regularly to report on his mission progress in the real world, which made him feel sneaky and awkward about the arrangement.

…

The red brick road was lined with flower-covered hills. Wild monsters spawned from these hills. At the end of the road stood a white stone bridge over a clear river. Beyond it, a winding hill stretched toward its peak.

This was the edge of the Garden's western wild zone, known as Memory Hill.

Colorful flowers bloomed along the path. After passing through rows of tall trees, Kai and Yuna reached the top.

"So beautiful…!"

As the last monster burst into light, Yuna gazed at the view from the hilltop and gasped with joy.

Seeing her run a few steps and shout in delight among the blooming flowers, Kai couldn't help but smile.

"Fighting monsters all morning must be tiring. Let's eat."

Kai walked over to a glowing white rock at the hill's center. He sheathed his sword, pulled out a red-and-white picnic cloth, and began setting up food.

"Kai, you're so thoughtful… Back in the real world, I always wanted to go on a picnic with family or friends. But my father was always busy, and I never managed to ask him out before we got trapped in the game."

"Well, enjoy this one. When the game is cleared, invite him properly next time."

As Kai spoke, Yuna sat beside him, skirt folded under her knees. She lifted her hood, and her tea-colored hair fluttered in the spring breeze.

"If we ever get back to the real world, I'll find you, Kai."

"...Eh?"

Caught off guard, Kai blinked. "Why?"

"Because you're a good person. A really, really good person. You saved me and Eiji, and you're taking time to help me level up… Eiji said most high-level players spend all their time fighting at the front lines. But you're helping a noob like me. I couldn't find a better person in the whole game. Maybe you're even the strongest player. Just thinking about that makes me feel safe. Thank you—really, thank you. And there are things I want to say to you face to face in the real world."

"Why not say them now?"

"That's… a secret."

Yuna smiled mysteriously like a cat, shaking her finger in a playful gesture. Her skin glowed under the spring sunlight.

"A secret, huh…"

Amused by her girlish playfulness, Kai chuckled. He swiped the system interface and took out a ring that looked like an angel spreading its wings.

"What's that…?"

Yuna blushed, glancing between the ring and the flower-filled scenery.

Seeing her reaction, Kai smirked and tossed the ring into her lap. He flicked her forehead lightly.

"What are you imagining… It's a special item—[The Angel's Twelfth Aria]."

"A special item?"

Yuna rubbed her forehead and focused on the ring. A translucent window popped up, revealing the item's details.

[The Angel's Twelfth Aria]: Allows the user to call out a player's name to create a two-way portal. Uses remaining: 12/12.

Basically, it was a special teleportation item.

Yuna looked up in confusion. One of the game's strongest players was right beside her. What was the point of giving her this?

Kai smiled. "I've got something to handle. I'm giving you this ring. The monsters on the 47th floor aren't tough, but extra safety doesn't hurt. If anything happens, just call my name. I'll come right away."

"Why…!"

Yuna frowned and pouted. "Why can't you take me with you?"

"That's… also a secret."

Kai grinned like she had earlier, waving a finger.

"Keep the item. I'll be back tomorrow or the day after. Be careful heading home."

He grabbed two apples from the picnic, bit one, stashed the other in his inventory, dusted off his coat, and walked down Memory Hill.

At the base, he crushed a teleport crystal bound to the Garden's central district, Floria.

As a high-level solo player, Kai had far more resources than guild players. Rare items, functional crystals—he had them all. The teleport crystal he used would be a luxury for any major guild, but for him, it was casual.

"Teleport, activate."

The crystal shattered, creating a dazzling blue portal.

Kai stepped into it. When he emerged, the vibrant hilltop had turned into a courtyard filled with flowerbeds.

"Hey, was that a teleport crystal just now?"

"Did I imagine that?"

"He looks familiar…"

"Wait, isn't that the guy who bought the central street property a few days ago?"

"No way…"

It was noon. Couples wandered through the garden plaza. Seeing someone use a teleport crystal so casually shocked many.

Ignoring their reactions, Kai stepped out and headed toward the main portal.

Before entering, he checked the system clock.

"February 23, 2024. 12:33:17."

Hope I'm not too late…

He entered the portal.

"Transfer! Michigan!"

Blinding light engulfed him. When it faded, the scenery changed to a red-roofed town with white walls.