Then they both smiled.
“And you’re the one who landed the final thrust on Illfang’s neck.” Kirito sheathed his sword. “You didn’t need my help.”
He placed his hand over hers. “I wasn’t planning on it.”
“I had it under control.” She brushed a strand of hair from her face. “But… thanks.”
They ended up sharing a campfire that night, roasting virtual meat and watching the stars of Aincrad flicker. She asked why he never joined a guild. He asked why she wore a crimson cloak over her uniform. “To hide the guild emblem,” she admitted. “I don’t want people treating me differently.”
Kirito said nothing. He only tightened his grip.
Kirito watched a distant cloud drift past a castle turret. “Maybe not. But we’ll see every sunrise here. And we’ll make sure as many people as possible see them too.”