The Survival Logs || Sword Art Online Fanfic

PK Pandemonia Arc: Chapter 77 - Needless Debate

22 February 2024

North Roofpost, Katalysis, 43rd Floor

We sneaked off into the barren area once more, this time from the northern part of the main city area. Without so much of a choice in the blinding darkness, we simply walked in a straight line, to the surrounding canyon walls ahead.

To prevent separation, I offered to hold onto Rakuno's shoulder to avoid losing each other. I figured hand-holding, or even holding her arm would seem like the kind of scenario that would earn me accusations of sexual harassment from her, so I'd rather not do any of those.

By the time we found the entrance to the stairs and climbed it, I started to wonder about Krieg's whereabouts.

For him to send me a message as if he was free from the Council, it would seem odd at first glance. Of course, if he were really free from the Council, he would have already reported to me in person.

Which means he was still stuck in whatever prison in Katalysis, though I couldn't find out the location of such a place. Perhaps it's a heavily kept secret within the Council, but even if I had tried hard to investigate the location, I would need to know the rest of the Council members themselves.

It was impossible to identify them in a sea of orange cursors. After all, I'd assume that they were also orange players. It can also be assumed that they patrol the streets of Katalysis regularly, but it's not as if I knew their patrol routes. For all I knew, their routes could totally be at random every day.

Knowing more Council members brings me a step ahead in the investigation. I might have to ask Kira about it when I see her later.

Rakuno was reading Krieg's message as we climbed up the dimly lit stairs. Actually, it was me who sent her the text as it was.

"Greetings, and rest assured that I am doing pretty well in this cell, despite the multiple inconveniences that I am currently facing for the time being.

I have come into proper contact with Kira, and through our discreet discussions I have generally understood the situation. My detainment concludes in a week's time, though if the situation allows I would try to escape from this dungeon earlier than expected. Of course, this carries immense risk, but if I succeed, I will let you know.

Kira has also asked me to inform you on your next meeting spot, the North Roofpost. An amusing name for such a place, it seems, but she refuses to elaborate on it further, claiming that you know where to find it."

"Are you sure it's really from him?" Rakuno's eyebrows twitched. "He could've been forced to write this."

"That's both his speech and writing style," I simply replied. "Or do you know anyone else who speaks like him?"

"Um.....Fair point....." Rakuno started to think of something. The way she was thinking suggested that she was trying to argue against my claim, which was pretty accurate, to be honest.

If anyone could speak in the most cringeworthy way possible, it would be Krieg. Not that I would tell that right in front of his face, of course.

The North Roofpost looked much like the South Roofpost in any way possible. The only difference was the bird's eye view of the city, which felt like it was rotated 180 degrees from the time I was at the South Roofpost. After all, it did make sense.

Kira was enjoying the view, her back facing us for a while, before turning at us, even though we never really gave any signs of arriving here.

For us to seemingly not make a sound from the stairs to the ledge metres apart, Kira's ears seem to be sharp enough to expect our arrival so accurately. That, or her timing to turn around was just a coincidence.