SAO x Dark Souls Volume 1: Cinders of Aincrad

Aincrad Pt. 13: Aldrich, Devourer of Gods

Kirito(out of breath): Wow...that was...insane.

"Sulyvahn was when the game got difficult for me back when I played it before. Everything after this, except for the third lord, is going to test our strength like never before" I said

Kirito: I believe it. I just hope we can clear Aincrad soon. I'm getting worn out and it's already been a year and a half.

"But in that time, we've cleared nearly 70 floors," I said

Kirito: The end is so close, yet so far.

Asuna: You can do it Kirito. I believe in you. We all do.

Kirito: Thanks Asuna.

Koharu and I watched the interactions between the two. Whenever Kirito slipped up or got lazy, Asuna was there to correct or scold him, depending on what he did. She often appeared to be a motherly figure, but that wasn't the case. Even a blind man could see that they each had a thing for the other.

Heathcliff: U/n, according to the information you provided us, the second lord is close by, correct?

"Yes. Aldrich, the Devourer of Gods, is atop a tower in the next area, Anor Londo. We could go defeat him now if you wanted to since Anor Londo is a relatively short area compared to the rest. Though, I imagine you and your men will want some rest after what we just endured" I said

Heathcliff: That would be correct. While I wish to press on, I must consider the state of my troops, and the majority were worn out in this last battle. We'll withdraw for now.

"Alright. When should we reconvene?" I asked

Heathcliff: Is 24 hours a suitable time frame?

"That works," I said

Heathcliff: Excellent. Men, we shall return to base effective immediately.

KotB troops: Yes sir!

Heathcliff, Asuna, and their troops touched the bonfire and teleported out. The other guilds followed suit as well. Eventually, Kirito, Koharu, and I were the only ones left.

Kirito: Well, I'm gonna head out. What will you do?

"I think I'll explore a little. What about you Koharu?" I asked

Koharu: I'll stick with you.

"Alright then. See you tomorrow Kirito" I said

Kirito: See ya.

He too touched the bonfire and warped out. I put my sword back in the sheath on my back and the parrying dagger on my belt. Since the Farron Greatsword didn't have a sheath, I had asked a smith to make one for me so I didn't have to carry it around everywhere. Koharu put her daggers away and stretched.

Koharu: So what'll we do now?

"There's a secret chamber below us but we have to go outside, kill some guys, up the stairs, and to the left. There'll be a secret wall there. Hit that to reveal a ladder going down" I said

Koharu: What's down there?

"The Aldrich Faithful covenant," I said

Koharu: I thought you were already in one.

"I am, but I just want to unlock this one if I ever want to change," I said

Koharu: Oh, okay. Which one were you in again?

"The Watchdogs of Farron," I said

Koharu: Sounds cool.

"Yeah. Had this been Dark Souls 3 instead of SAO, I would be summoned whenever trespassers or dangers to Farron entered the Keep for a fight to the death. But seeing as how we can't summon or invade players here, I'm not sure what the purpose of this covenant is" I said