Why did Hikigaya save the anime girls in Sword Story?

"Excuse me, thank you."

"For Miss Asuna! Please leave it to us!"

"Why do you all use honorifics when addressing me? Just call me by my name."

"Well, we'll talk about this later!"

"Well, I feel like I should use honorifics. If you mind, we'll be careful."

"Um"

After asking the two to act as guards, Hachiman cleverly took advantage of this blind spot and calmly asked Argo:

"How's it going, Argo? Any information worth noting?"

"The security is tight, but I haven't found any unusual information."

"That's it"

"If I must say, I heard that Heathcliff's HP has never turned yellow."

"Is it true? I don't think I've ever seen it before."

"Maybe this is where the breakthrough lies, meow."

"Never let durability drop below half" stimulated Hachiman's memory.

(I seem to have encountered a similar situation during testing before... That's right!)

"This is it!"

"What is it, Hachi?"

"During testing, I saw that players with GM privileges never had their HP turn yellow. If they were attacked by an attack that would turn their HP yellow, the words 'Immortal Object' would appear, and the damage would be negated."

"I see. It seems this match is crucial, meow."

"Okay, I'll go to Kirito's place again."

"Understood. Let him try to drag the game to half health to decide the outcome, meow."

"That's right"

Hachiman returns to Kirito's side once again.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Hachiman? Did you forget something?"

"Listen up, Kirito, listen to me carefully."

Hachiman informed Kirito of the details of his previous conversation with Argo.

"I see..."

"If you can turn your HP yellow this time, it will prove that Heathcliff is not Kayaba Akihiko. Therefore, please make it your goal to decide the outcome at half health."

"I understand. I'll give it a try."

"Sorry to make it more difficult for you"

“There’s always a way”

As the match officially began, Kirito lowered his body and rushed towards Heathcliff. Just before contact, he twisted his body and swung his right sword. The strike was blocked by the cross shield, but Kirito immediately thrust his left sword from the inside of the shield. However, this strike was also blocked by Heathcliff's longsword with a clang.

"The defense is indeed tight."

"This is my only advantage."

Before he could finish his words, it was Heathcliff's turn to charge forward, shield raised. Kirito, intent on his right sword, suddenly noticed the shield glowing. The shield, accompanied by a glowing effect, approached with unstoppable force.

"Whoa!"

At the critical moment, Kirito crossed his swords and barely blocked it.

"Even with a shield, you can use sword skills? This is basically a dual-blade style."

"It's a return gift."

Heathcliff seized the moment when Kirito was off guard and stabbed him in the abdomen with all his strength, but Kirito had already jumped back to avoid it.

"Enough of the pleasantries, it's time to get serious."

“Just what I wanted”

Both sides unleashed numerous combos, but neither could land a decisive blow. Each other's attacks were blocked or dodged. However, Kirito discovered that if he landed a powerful attack during the stiffness period after his opponent's combo, even if he blocked it, he could still slightly reduce their HP.

"Excellent response speed"

"Your defense is truly impenetrable, beyond imagination."

During the conversation, Kirito had a new idea.

(It seems that suppressing with combos is the best strategy) Group 弍零 Er Er Yi Shan Ling ⑧ ②

Kirito switched to a multi-stage attack, gradually reducing his opponent's HP. However, since he also used moves with a slightly longer hit, he occasionally got hit, causing his HP to continue to decline. When both of them were about to enter the yellow zone, Heathcliff's face showed anxiety for the first time.

(As Hachiman said, HP turning yellow will be disadvantageous to him)

Kirito made up his mind and began to carefully look for flaws.

(As long as you seize the momentary flaw, you must attack with all your strength even through the shield. Now, if you can seize the initiative, you can push the opponent's HP into the yellow zone and end the game)

"Tsk!"

Kirito continued to probe with short, stiff attacks, and finally caught Heathcliff's delay in a moment after a certain defense. Seizing the opportunity, Kirito abandoned defense and attacked with all his strength.

"Starburst air current slash!"

Kirito's movements suddenly accelerated. Even Heathcliff was forced to focus on defense, unable to counterattack. Just as he was about to successfully push his HP into the yellow zone, just as the final sword strike was about to hit, space seemed to distort.

The slash that should have been sure to hit completely missed. Kirito was in disbelief, but his skill stiffness had already set in. Heathcliff took advantage of the situation and swung his sword skills, finally knocking Kirito's HP into the yellow zone.

"hateful!"

As the word "WINNER" lit up, Heathcliff's victory announcement sent the arena into a frenzy. Amidst the cheers, Hachiman, from his last-minute movements, confirmed that Heathcliff was none other than Kayaba himself.

"System Assist..."

The moment he blurted out this, Heathcliff looked over in panic. Hachiman immediately put his head in his hands, feigning shock at Kirito's defeat. From the corner of his eye, he saw Heathcliff had regained his composure and was conversing with Kirito, clearly having successfully managed to get away with it.

"Xiao Ba, what is system assistance?"

Argo asked quietly after looking around.

"It's using the system to forcibly control the character. Heathcliff is indeed Kayaba Akihiko."

SAO : Chapter 63 Proposal

That night, a celebratory banquet was held at the secret base. Ostensibly, it was a party to celebrate Hachiman's joining the Knights of the Blood Alliance, Kirito's regretful departure, and Asuna's new house.

Klein, who claimed to be a regular at the company, led the toast. The long table in the courtyard was filled with Asuna's homemade dishes. Although it was a simple feast for casual conversation and bonding, everyone was filled with joy.

In addition to Hachiman, Asuna, Kirito, Lisbeth, Silica, there were also Klein, Agil, and Argo, a total of eight people participating.

"Soy sauce..."

"We have miso too!"

"Asuna, you're finally done."

"I finally got the flavor right. How's it, Hachiman-kun?"

"Ohhh... perfect. Please make ramen next time."

Today's surprise was a dish made with the soy sauce and miso seasoning that Asuna had painstakingly developed. Everyone enjoyed the meal, tears welling up in their eyes at the nostalgic taste. Afterward, they split up into groups to chat. Silica and Lisbeth, who had obtained their weapons through Asuna's introduction but rarely interacted with each other, engaged in a lively conversation across Kirito's way. The other four seemed to be gathered around Asuna, discussing the seasoning. Argo paid a hefty fee for information to obtain permission to distribute the recipe, while Agil and Klein praised Asuna's cooking prowess. Hachiman, unearthed from nowhere, collapsed on a beach chair.

(It’s so peaceful…)

Hachiman, who had been overthinking Heathcliff's affairs recently, was relaxing with a tropical drink instead of alcohol. He was awakened by a call and realized he had fallen asleep.

"Ah, I think I woke up."

"Finally woke up Hachiman!"

"I didn't wake you up because you looked tired. Did you sleep well?"

"Don't always push yourself!"

The concerned expressions on everyone's faces made Hachiman think to himself, "These guys are so easily trespassing on other people's territory... but I've just acquiesced." As he looked around at his companions, the faces of those who remained in this world surfaced in his mind.

Yukinoshita, Yuigahama. I'm not sure if I can call them true companions, but I've definitely made some valuable friends here. How are you all doing now? Did Komachi get into Sobu High School? Isshiki's taking the college entrance exam this year, right? She's probably going to have a hard time with student council work without me, and she still has to go eat ramen with Hiratsuka-sensei.

Thinking of their faces, Hachiman reaffirmed his determination (I must go back, let them see me, who may have improved a little now, and introduce my friends here... Finally...).

Finally, he fixed his gaze on Asuna, who was looking at him—this special being who was no ordinary companion.

(Yukinoshita is hard to define. Yuigahama might have had feelings for me. I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't entered the game, but at least at that time, I trusted them more than anything else. But...)

"Hachiman-kun, everyone is ready to go back."

At Asuna's call, Hachiman decided to lay his cards on the table while everyone was present. He was surprised by the obedient way they all walked towards the living room. "Hey, why are you guys so obedient to me?" "It's Hachiman, after all," they jokingly replied, shrugging their shoulders as they followed.

"First, I would like to take this opportunity to hand the keys to Klein and Argo. Now, everyone present is allowed to enter this house."

“That’s a weird thing to say, but thanks.”

"Thank you, Hachiman!"

"When I say invasion, I'm actually saying... that everyone here is my trusted... important partner."

The room fell silent as the words fell; not even Asuna uttered a word. Hachiman, uneasy at the unexpected reaction, looked around anxiously. Asuna suddenly lunged at him, breaking the silence. Then everyone rushed forward, enveloping him in a hug.

"What are you doing?"

"Because Hachiman-kun, who never says such things, took the initiative to confess! Of course everyone is happy."

“I’m sorry I didn’t express myself well before…”

"It's okay." "We've known each other for a long time before we started dating!"

After everyone calmed down, Hachiman got to the point: "I'm going to confess everything to everyone now." After detailing the truth about Heathcliff, the shocked crowd gradually digested the information.

"Therefore, future actions must be based on this premise. While it may be dangerous, two years are short. We must wait for an opportunity to reveal his true identity and, if necessary, kill him on the spot."

"Will this end everything?" Kirito questioned.

"Two possibilities: transforming into the final boss right here, or hiding on the hundredth floor. I lean towards the former—he must want to witness the player's end firsthand, and demand a duel in the name of a 'reward,' and he must have set up a life-and-death mechanism."

"But if he succeeds... maybe he can avoid death."

"The resurrection item's instructions indicate that you won't die in real life for ten seconds after death. No matter what happens, please stay calm. If someone falls, you only need ten seconds to clear the level."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Hachiman continued to make arrangements: "Argo will be responsible for the behind-the-scenes support."

"Leave it to this intelligence agent!"

"Liz and Silica, please wait for good news" "Everyone must return!"

"Oh!!"

Finally, Hachiman took a deep breath and said, "There is one more thing that must be announced in public." Everyone who noticed something was wrong held their breath.

"Asuna, come here."

"As everyone knows, Asuna has already moved in here."

"I decided to stop using 'safety' as an excuse to deceive myself"

Asuna looked expectant, but Hachiman was so nervous he was speechless. His ears flushed as everyone cheered him on.

"A flawed loser like me...will you stay by my side forever? Asuna, I love you."

"Finally I heard it..." Asuna cried with joy: "I love you the most, too!"

Amidst the thunderous cheers, Argo suddenly suggested, "Shouldn't we have a wedding next?" "Get married!?"

"It's better to decide on the status early to save trouble."

"Marriage in this world means sharing a storage compartment, which is equivalent to entrusting your life." While Hachiman hesitated, Asuna suddenly attacked:

"Since Hachiman-kun has mustered up the courage to confess, it's my turn to take the initiative! I'll definitely accept your proposal!"

"That's too tough..." "Well done, Xiaoya!" "The teaching 'You have to rely on offense to defeat Hachiman' is really effective," Lisbeth laughed secretly.

"...I'm overthinking it. Asuna, let's do it again—I love you, marry me."

"As long as you want, I will always be with you"