Kazuto Kirigaya had finally found the tranquillity he'd longed for. With his beloved circle of dear friends, they relished a peaceful life in the real world. The days of virtual battles in Sword Art Online felt like distant memories, and he reveled...
Cid staggered to his feet, blood staining his clothes, his legs and hands trembling as he struggled to steady his sword in the relentless match against Rose Oriana. Wiping the blood from his face, he mustered the strength to declare he could continue.
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"I can go again," Cid uttered defiantly.
Observing his resilience, Rose remarked, "I've lost count of how many times you've risen, Cid Kageno. Your soul is unbreakable."
Rose's eyes blazed with determination as she channelled magic into her sword, the blade glowing with an ethereal light. Shifting into an offensive stance, she confronted Cid with newfound intensity.
"I apologize, Cid Kageno. I underestimated you," Rose admitted, her voice firm. "Now, prepare for a proper fight."
The referee, noticing the heightened tension, nervously wiped the sweat from their brow and glanced at Cid, who smirked confidently at Rose. Unfazed, the referee muttered, "That guy is more than stupid. He has no idea what's coming."
Interrupting the impending clash, the referee hurriedly rushed between them, announcing, "The match is finished! Rose Oriana is the winner."
The crowd erupted in cheers, an ocean of voices praising Rose Oriana's triumphant victory. Rose graciously acknowledged her supporters, waving at the elated spectators with a genuine smile.
Amidst the cheers, Cid stood disappointed, a mix of exhaustion and frustration etched across his face. Rose approached him, her sword now at ease.
"Your determination is unmatched, Cid Kageno," Rose commended sincerity in her voice. "I've never faced someone so courageous. You truly are a man of valour."
Later on... "You are way too stupid."
Kirito frowned at Cid, his tone stern. "Getting involved in some shady deal just for a bit of money to enrol more people in the Bushin Festival's preliminaries? You're not only embarrassing yourself, but you're dragging both of us down with your recklessness. We can't afford to compromise our integrity for a quick payout."
"Calm down, Kirito," Cid chuckled, adjusting his stance. "You've got your sword skills, and this isn't your first public brawl. Besides, you handle a blade like a pro."
Kirito raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Doesn't change the fact that your schemes are questionable at best."
Cid grinned mischievously. "Well, if you're so concerned about embarrassment, maybe you should check out my highlight reel with Rose Oriana. I've been the star of some epic embarrassment moments."
Kirito sighed, shaking his head. "That's not something to be proud of, Cid."
Undeterred, Cid continued, "And here I thought getting beat up in public was an art form."
Suddenly, Kirito approached Cid with a serious expression. In a swift motion, he undid all of Cid's bandages in an instant.
Cid winced, feigning pain. "Ouch! What are you doing, Kirito?"
