The fresh morning air still carried the last remnants of night breeze, an ephemeral vestige slowly fading under the growing sunlight. The sky maintained its deep blue hue, but golden light now spread forcefully, dispelling the shadows that had reigned hours before. Night had been left behind, and morning established itself securely over 'Centoria', bathing the city in golden glimmers that slid down its imposing buildings, rooftops, cobbled streets and the walls of the 'Central Cathedral'.
The city already breathed with its own energy. The streets vibrated with the first steps of the day: merchants preparing their stalls, messengers hastening their pace, and vehicles gliding smoothly along the roads. 'The squares weren't empty', but rather imbued with the growing murmur of a city awakening fully, expanding with each new dawn.
**"Fwoom... Fwoom..."**
**"Fwoom... Fwoom..."**
**"Fwoom... Fwoom..."**
From different points across the kingdom, 'enormous shadows crossed the sky', their outstretched wings cutting through the wind with each powerful flap. 'Dragons from various regions converged on the same trajectory', heading toward the imposing Cathedral, their home and resting center, while others **embarked on their routes toward the Empire's borders', their steady flight announcing the start of new patrols.
Their presence didn't disturb the morning calm; on the contrary, 'they were part of Centoria's everyday landscape**. To the citizens, these guardians represented no threat, but rather a symbol of security, silent witnesses to the natural adaptation between humans and beasts.
**"Fwoom... Fwoom..."**
**"Fwoom... Fwoom..."**
Among them, 'there were two dragons also returning from patrolling near the city and the Cathedral', flying parallel, their silhouettes contrasting in the sky due to their opposite scale colors. 'But what nobody knew, neither from below nor above, 'was that upon one of them, a human figure remained hidden', camouflaging with the creature's skin, 'merging with its rhythm, its presence nearly imperceptible to any casual glance'.
**"Fwoom... Fwoom..."**
(-"I never tire of seeing this sight... No matter how many years have passed since I first saw it.")
Kirito thought with a smile while maintaining his firm position atop Takiguri, the black dragon cutting through the skies with calculated precision. 'He felt the flight's stability', the constant pulse of wind against his cheeks as they descended cautiously.
**"Fwoom... Fwoom..."**
Beside him, 'Amayori accompanied the journey', her harmonious flight merging with the air current, every movement in sync with her companion.
**Ssshhh... fwwhhh...**
**Ssshhh... fwwhhh...**
The breeze swirled around them; yet their flights reflected the majesty of the skies over 'Centoria'.
**Whooosh... whffff...**
The wind roared around them, but Kirito remained steady in his grip on Takiguri's neck, ensuring his body temperature **fused with the dragon's**, camouflaging from the watchtowers' thermal sensors.
(-"It seems my theory is undoubtedly correct... Almost no time has passed here.")
From his position, Kirito reached an inevitable conclusion upon observing the imperial capital's expansion. Despite the years, the city still preserved its essence, its imposing structure and unaltered order. 'It had changed, yes, but not enough to feel unfamiliar'.
The 'surveillance watchtowers' still stood at strategic points, but now their technology was more refined, capable of 'detecting any presence in the sky with greater precision than before'. 'They not only protected Centoria from potential threats, but also regulated air traffic', identifying authorized units and ensuring controlled flight flow, maintaining security as an absolute priority.
(-"I must stay alert... I can't afford to get distracted now that I'm so close.")
Kirito knew he couldn't expose himself too much. 'The watchtowers' detection systems could track any irregularity', forcing him to maintain his cover, visually merging with Takiguri and Amayori. 'The dragons were recognized by the surveillance network', allowing him some freedom of movement without raising suspicion.
Moreover, 'the mechadragons were synchronized with these towers', ensuring their patrols were monitored in real time without interfering with air traffic.
-"Haaaah."
Kirito exhaled slowly. 'Everything followed a precise, regulated, monitored order. There was no margin for error'.
As dawn progressed, 'new buildings began to emerge', integrating technological advancement with the Human Empire's traditional aesthetics.
The streets reflected this transition. 'The first vehicles slid their wheels along the cobbled roads', advancing smoothly as people began filling the city with their morning activity. But in other sectors, 'the improved and reinforced carts were still horse-drawn', testimony to how technological evolution didn't reach everyone at the same pace.
(-"Some things change... others resist dying.")
The contrast was evident. 'Rulid, true to its traditions, clung to the familiar', rejecting accelerated modernization. 'Centoria, meanwhile, embraced progress', though not completely leaving its roots behind. It was a dance between new and old, a silent battle between advancement and nostalgia.
Dawn illuminated this contrast with subtlety. 'Past and future coexisted', shaping Underworld's world at its own pace.
Among the buildings, one in particular caught Kirito's eye: the 'Imperial Academy of Sword Masters and Strategies', a place that had once been exclusively for sword mastery but now 'had adapted to the new world'.
(-"They don't just teach swordsmanship anymore...")
The name change wasn't merely a formality, but a representation of the 'evolution of training within the Human Empire'. With technological advancement, combat was no longer purely hand-to-hand. 'The art of the sword remained alive, but now shared space with two new fundamental disciplines for modern warfare':
1. Sword Mastery.
The traditional foundation. Edge mastery was still taught with the same rigor as before, but 'students no longer dedicated all their time to perfecting technique as in past generations'.
2. Firearms Handling.
With the arrival of advanced weaponry, the Empire's soldiers could no longer rely solely on swords. 'The Academy trained students in rifles, pistols and energy weapons', preparing them for long-range engagements.
3. Mechadragon Piloting.
War was no longer fought only on land. 'Sky dominance had become crucial', and mechadragons were the pillar of the Empire's aerial defense. The Academy now trained pilots capable of commanding these mechanical beasts, coordinating patrols and combat in open space.
(-"The world changed... and they changed with it")
Kirito observed the vast grounds from his position. 'Before, students spent hours perfecting their stance, speed, combat endurance with swords. Now, training was different', divided into various specialties.
There were more students, more knowledge, but less exclusive dedication to swordsmanship.
The Sword Masters' tradition remained present, but their legacy wasn't the same.
The Academy had prospered, yes, but at what cost?
("If you were here now... what would you think?")
Kirito reflected silently, his gaze fixed on the city that now looked completely different from when he first walked it with **Eugeo**. 'The growth had been remarkable', reflecting the prosperity the Human Empire had achieved after years of peace.
His thought was barely a whisper in his mind, but the air seemed to carry it, expanding it beyond his own memories. Takiguri, as if sensing the weight of that reflection, moved his head slightly, turning it just toward his rider.
The gesture was slight, nearly imperceptible, but Kirito noticed.
**-"Hrrmm..."**
A deep sound, a contained snort, resonated in the dragon's throat, a low echo lost in the wind.
It was a subtle sound, but full of meaning. Takiguri didn't speak, but his presence spoke for him.
Kirito calmly raised a hand upon understanding what the dragon was trying to convey and placed it on his neck, a firm yet reassuring contact. Then, in a low voice, soft enough that only Takiguri could hear, he whispered:
-"It's alright. It's just a memory... an important one, but everything's fine.".
Takiguri remained still another moment, his breathing deep, his muscles relaxed under Kirito's palm.
**"Rrrhhmm..."**
Then, as if accepting his answer, 'he made a slight sound, tilted his head slightly in assent and resumed his posture', maintaining flight with the same precision as always.
**Ssshhh... fwwhhh...**
**Ssshhh... fwwhhh...**
The wind continued its dance around them.
**"Fwoom... Fwoom...**
**Fwoom... Fwoom...**
The dragons continued their normal route.
They descended toward 'Floor 95', their rest point after the morning patrol. 'The activation lights flickered on the structure', reflecting the energy flow.
The internal structure of the 'Central Cathedral' had also changed. 'Floor 95' of the Cathedral, where Amayori and Takiguri and all other dragons rested, was an open space, less guarded, but not out of neglect - because 'nobody would dare enter there without permission'. 'The dragons were the place's natural security', protecting it by instinct, making strict control by other people unnecessary.
On the other hand, 'Floor 96', where the mechadragons rested.
(-"Sensors, patrols, security barriers... Getting in there would cost me too much.")
Kirito reflected upon observing that place remained a 'fully guarded technological stronghold', with guards stationed at every access point and reinforced systems to protect its mechanical units.
'There lay the true core of the Empire's military and scientific development', making movement without detection impossible.
The world's reality was clear.
'It had changed. But not completely.'
In that balance, in that contrast between old and new, Kirito understood evolution was more complex than most imagined.
At that moment, Kirito turned his gaze toward 'Floor 96', the same floor he and the dragons were now approaching.
There, the 'mechadragons' aligned on the Cathedral's upper platform, their imposing bodies reflecting dawn's glow. 'Among them, one prepared for takeoff'.
Then...
**Bzzzzzt... fwhhhmm...**
**Fwooooshh... tkkrrrkk...**
'The engines ignited', generating an intense flare as the craft rose into the air.
**VWOOMMM... SHHRRRKKK!**
That sound. That vibration.
'Memories struck him, one after another from that day'.
(*****)
The sun of 'Solus' bathed the Cathedral square with its golden light. 'The air vibrated with expectation', a contained emotion growing among the spectators.
In the center of the square, 'the imposing figure of the Mechadragon - Prototype No.1 rested on the marble floor', its metallic structure reflecting the flashes of dawn.
Asuna spoke firmly, her voice resonating throughout the square.
-"Today we will witness the first flight of the mechadragon."
A murmur ran through the crowd. Now it was about to demonstrate whether it truly 'could soar through the skies'.
Sadore, with arms crossed and his thick beard, watched the vessel with a mix of pride and skepticism.
-"The problem isn't making it fly, boy... It's making sure it survives the flight."
Kirito, dressed in his gray jacket, 'rested a hand on the cold metal of the mechadragon', feeling the contained vibration of the structure beneath his fingers.
-"It will survive. Because if it doesn't, all this work will have been in vain."
Sadore let out a dry laugh, shaking his head.
-"Hmph. Easier said than done. You can't just launch twenty thermal elements and expect it not to explode in your face."
Kirito smiled calmly, but his voice was firm.
-"That's why we designed the cooling system with cryogenic elements. If we maintain constant flow, we can contain the energy without the cell deforming."
**Thmp-Thmp**
Sadore knocked on the metal with his knuckles.
-"If you miscalculate even for a second, this will become a fireball."
Ronye, his apprentice, 'followed the flow of the thermal elements', making sure the energy remained stable within the core.
Kirito didn't look away.
-"I know. But if we don't take risks, we'll never advance. This mechadragon isn't just an experiment... It's a first step toward something greater."
Sadore looked at him 'intently, evaluating every word'. Finally, 'he grunted and stepped back.'
'Hmph. You're stubborn, Sword Leader. But... maybe that's why this project is still standing.'
When he finished, 'Sadore began enthusiastically explaining the mechanism of Prototype No.1', while Kirito, still smiling, 'took his position in the cockpit and brushed his hands over the controls'.
-"Alright. Let's see what it's made of."
Asuna, with her imposing presence, announced the beginning of the mechadragon's first flight test.
The countdown echoed across the square, led by Asuna as the spectators followed along.
-"Three... two... one... Zero!"
The mechadragon's engines came to life.
**Bzzzzzt... fwhhhmm...**
The thermal system activated.
**Fwooooshh... tkkrrrkk...**
An intense flare ignited beneath the structure.
**¡VWOOMMM... SHHRRRKKK!**
The crowd held its breath.
**¡BOOOOMM... FWWWOOOOOHHHH!!**
With a deafening roar, 'the mechadragon shot into the sky'. Kirito felt the pressure on his body, the vibration of metal resonating in his bones. 'But something was wrong'.
Ronye's warnings came too late. 'The cooling system failed'. The vessel spun 'out of control', hurling it directly toward Floor 95 of the Cathedral.
'Asuna reacted at the last instant', shifting the structure with the power of the 'Stacia superaccount', averting disaster.
**KRRSSHHH... BZZZZTTT... BOOM!**
**CRAAACKKK... TKKRRHHH!!**
The mechadragon exploded. Kirito felt his body 'being violently thrown into the air'. 'The world became a whirlwind of fire and black smoke.'
But amid the chaos, 'he activated his incarnation'.
His clothes 'transformed into wings', slowing his fall. A new roar erupted from the crowd as he descended gracefully, landing with a smile.
(*****)
The 'Great Corridor of Spiritual Light', on Floor 50 of the Cathedral, was charged with tension. 'Kirito stood firm', surrounded by the leaders of the 'Union Council of the Human Empire'.
Deusolbert, the strongest swordsman, wasted no time.
**"THUMP!"**
'He slammed his fist on the table', his voice thundering.
-"Your recklessness is ruining the Cathedral's image, Sword Leader-dono!"
Kirito didn't lower his gaze. Not a single fiber of his body showed remorse.
'Deusolbert's look was critical', but Kirito held it without flinching.
(-"If you never make mistakes, it's because you're never trying anything new.")
Kirito thought as he listened to the reprimands.
The 'Integrity Council was quick to deliver their verdict'. 'The doubtful looks, the warnings, the reproaches'.
Kirito straightened in his seat and spoke calmly.
-"I made a mistake. But a mistake is just one step before success."
He accepted partial responsibility, but didn't feel the path he'd chosen for this kingdom was wrong.
The words weighed heavily in the room. It was simply an absolute truth.
Finally, 'Fanatio rested an elbow on the table', her expression sharp but without irritation.
-"Deusolbert, if Kirito feared failure, we wouldn't be sitting here. None of us."
The words hung in the air for seconds. An implicit defense. Not because she agreed with him, but because she understood the logic behind his vision.
The 'Council changed the subject', focusing on reconstruction and territorial strategy.
'Kirito relaxed in his seat, his determination intact.'
(-"The future doesn't spring from safety. It springs from what no one dares to do yet.")
His determination didn't waver in the slightest, no matter what those who didn't believe in him or opposed his goal of progress thought, because he wasn't doing it out of selfishness, but for the future of this kingdom and all involved.
Ronye watched him from a distance, ready to ask what really mattered.
(*****)
Hours later, on 'Floor 80 of the Cathedral', 'Ronye dared to ask what many were thinking'.
-"Why did you make that metal dragon, senpai?"
-"Why do all this? Why take such risks?"
The tone of 'Ronye', in the Garden Above the Clouds, had been serious. But behind her words, 'lay a deeper doubt'. Kirito remembered it well.
Kirito closed his eyes for a moment.
-"The war will return, Ronye."
The words fell like a stone in the conversation. 'Not because armies were marching at this moment, but because the world was designed for conflict.'
-"The Human Empire thrives. The Dark Territory dies."
Ronye 'furrowed her brow', not hiding her unease. 'She knew the balance between both realms had always been precarious.'
Kirito continued, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
-"The Dark Territory is barren, its sky bloody, its inhabitants without resources or future."
The demi-humans couldn't survive under those conditions. They didn't just need assigned territory. 'They needed a country.'
-"It's not just about flying higher. It's about connecting what's still divided."
-"Haaaaah."
Ronye exhaled slowly, processing those words.
-"So this mechadragon is for them?"
-"These machines will let us bring them the resources they need and thus maintain peace between these two realms."
From the beginning, the goal hadn't just been to fly, but to 'break barriers'. Expand the limits of 'Underworld'.
Kirito added something more to the conversation, his voice heavy with seriousness.
-"The wall at the world's end... isn't a real limit."
Ronye looked at him in surprise.
-"If there truly were an end, everything would stop. But there's no end. Only expansion."
The silence lingered. 'Kirito's words carried more weight than Ronye expected.'
-"Underworld is spherical, like Lunaria. If the system didn't impose artificial barriers, the world would keep growing... without limits."
And that thought, 'more than any war threat, was what could truly change everything'.
(*****)
The night wind 'blew gently' that same day through the Cathedral gardens. The dim light of the 'glass lanterns' illuminated Asuna's face as she silently watched the starry sky.
Kirito found her at the viewpoint on Floor 30, the place where they usually sought clarity in their conversations. Without waiting for an invitation, 'he approached and leaned beside her', letting silence envelop them for a moment.
Asuna, with doubt in her eyes, asked:
-"Kirito-kun... Do you really think we should do this?"
Her voice was soft, but not hesitant. 'She didn't doubt him. She doubted what it meant to advance so quickly'.
Kirito exhaled slowly, without taking his eyes off the sky, and replied:
-"If we don't do it, no one else will. And if we stop? What will happen to Underworld in twenty years?"
His tone wasn't challenging, just 'confident', like someone who's thought about the answer many times before speaking it.
Asuna expressed her concern:
-"But if we keep pushing what doesn't exist... what will happen when we can't control what we create?"
Kirito looked at her calmly, not rushing his response.
Without saying anything, he slid his hand over Asuna's, intertwining his fingers with hers as he said:
-"That's what makes us different, Asuna. We're not trying to control anything. We just want them to have the chance to grow on their own."
Asuna's expression relaxed. A slight smile crossed her lips.
-"Sometimes I don't fully understand what you do, Kirito-kun... but I trust you."
Kirito smiled sideways, 'squeezing her hand a little more in gratitude'.
-"I truly appreciate your trust more than you know, Asuna..."
The night wind 'continued blowing around them', as if the world itself were listening to their conversation.
(*****)
**Tkkrrrhhh... fwoooosh...**
The image of the mechadragon taking off 'slowly blurred', its silhouette becoming a specter in the morning sky. Kirito 'blinked', feeling his mind return to the present.
(-"So much time has passed... since that day.")
He turned his gaze toward the mechadragon, watching it disappear on the horizon. 'The air around felt lighter, but also emptier.
Many doubts, opposition, denial...
Lack of understanding.
Fear.
The rejection of those who 'didn't want to advance' with this technology still echoed in his memory. That day, the challenge hadn't been building the mechadragon, but convincing the world that 'change didn't mean destruction, but evolution'.
But Kirito 'was clear about it', and he didn't let anything or anyone stop him.
(-"If we had accepted those limits as definitive, we would never have built all this...")
The mechadragon with its pilot 'was fading into the sky', leaving only 'a silent void' between the Cathedral towers.
Kirito watched without moving, without expressing anything.
But in some inaccessible corner of himself, 'something kept expanding'.
**Doom.**
Without noticing, 'his inner star pulsed', an almost imperceptible flash. 'A sign that, even though he didn't understand it yet, he was already evolving'.
'He didn't feel it'.
'He didn't think it'.
'He didn't know it'.
But 'there it was', like a star that hadn't yet shone brightly enough to be seen. 'Like a seed that kept germinating in an invisible pot, accumulating every step, every decision, every doubt, every certainty'.
He had no purpose yet.
He had no defined meaning.
'But his existence was undeniable'.
Kirito 'turned slowly', stepping away from the view of the mechadragon, feeling how 'the wind blew gently around him'.
He didn't wonder why he'd felt that moment of silence within himself.
'It wasn't yet time to know'.
'It wasn't yet time to understand'.
But when it was, 'that star would have grown enough to illuminate his path'.
Without lingering further in contemplation, Kirito already had his destination in sight, Floor 95.
**Shhhrrrk... fwoooosh...**
**Shhhrrrk... fwoooosh...**
The wind changed subtly as 'Amayori and Takiguri descended with precision', their wings 'unfolding elegantly', letting the morning air flow through their scales.
Kirito 'remained motionless' for an instant, letting his vision 'adapt to the immensity of the sanctuary' where he'd landed.
(It's as beautiful as it is dangerous...)
Kirito thought as he saw such a place again.
'The platform of Floor 95 wasn't just a simple resting space.' It was a true 'paradise', designed to offer dragons 'comfort and harmony' within 'Underworld'.
'Colossal tree canopies' covered the floor's expanse, their leaves shimmering under the golden filter of 'Solus', whose light delicately penetrated the Cathedral.
'Crystal-clear streams' ran across the surface, their pure waters reflecting the bluish hues of the sky as they snaked between the deep roots anchoring the forest to the living stone.
'Updrafts' flowed naturally between the vegetation columns, making dragon flight effortless, as if the world itself had been designed to welcome them.
**Vwoooom... thrrkkk...**
**Vwoooom... thrrkkk...**
The sound on this floor 'was pure, almost hypnotic'.
**Thud... brrrk...**
**Thud... brrrk...**
The dragons' final gentle push resonated 'as their paws touched ground', the earth vibrating slightly 'under their imposing weight, yet without disturbing the peace of this place'.
**Shhhrrrk... vwoosh... thrrkk...**
Takiguri folded his wings with precision', sensing the moisture in the air.
**Frrrhhh... prhhmm...**
while 'Amayori released a deep exhale', her gaze calmly surveying the sanctuary.
**This wasn't a place of strict surveillance.**
**This wasn't a place of war.**
It was a kingdom within the Cathedral, reserved only for those majestic enough to call it home.
"Haaaah."
Kirito 'inhaled slowly', feeling how **the scent of fresh vegetation** filled his lungs - an intensely pleasant sensation.
(-"Infiltration successful.")
Kirito thought with a smile as Takiguri descended precisely.
**Thmp... swish...**
Feeling the light impact of his boots against the grassy earth.
**Swish... thmp...**
He exhaled slowly, letting tension leave his body.
**Fshhh... plup...**
The sanctuary 'was at peace'. 'Only the sound of streams and rustling leaves accompanied him'.
No humans were in sight.
Kirito sensed the danger had passed. The watchtower scanners no longer covered his sector.
Then he 'whispered the key words':
(Override Termination: Light Dispersal Cancel.)
A 'bluish flash' coursed through his body like static electricity, gradually revealing his figure.
'The effect reversed the initial camouflage':
First 'his hands' regained solidity, fingers becoming visible.
Then 'his torso and legs', as if someone were painting him back into reality.
Finally, 'his face', where azure eyes shone intensely upon meeting the direct dawn light.
The light particles that had concealed him dispersed like stardust, slowly dissolving in the morning breeze.
Kirito stretched his arms, enjoying the freedom of being visible again. He scanned his surroundings, confirming he was indeed the only human.
-"Good."
He murmured to himself while adjusting his clothes.
The Dragons' Paradise **was vast, with crystalline lakes and meadows stretching between natural rock formations', shaped by centuries of these creatures' existence.
**"Fshhh... hwshhh"**
The sanctuary's wind 'carried the freshness of vegetation' and the murmur of streams, wrapping the atmosphere in profound peace.
Kirito turned to his two colossal friends who had helped him greatly, observing them silently.
With a measured gesture, he extended both hands.
Understanding his intent, they lowered their heads.
Kirito placed his hands on their foreheads, feeling the warmth radiating from their bodies as.
**Frrrhhh... prhhmm...**
**Frrrhhh... prhhmm...**
'Deep purring vibrations filled the air, charged with connection and trust'.
-"I'm truly grateful for your tremendous help."
Kirito 'smiled affectionately', rubbing both Amayori and Takiguri's foreheads.
-"You've saved me considerable trouble."
But something in the atmosphere shifted.
From shadows between trees, 'other dragons raised their heads', their eyes reflecting the morning's golden glow.
They cautiously sniffed the air.
**Swish... hrrmmm... ffffhhh...**
Their gazes converged at the same point:
Where Amayori and Takiguri still bowed before Kirito as he gently stroked them.
'A profound connection enveloped them.'
'They all sensed something familiar about this small human figure.'
'They knew him.'
'They remembered him.'
And soon, they fully recognized him.
He was the king they'd served for two centuries.
A leader who 'cared for them not just for their utility to the kingdom', but because they were beings who 'breathed, felt, existed'.
But among them, one reacted first.
**"Kururu... Kururu..."**
Kirito 'turned at the sound', his gaze rising to meet an imposing silhouette of golden scales.
**"Kururu... Kururu..."**
It was Tsukigaki.
No longer the young dragon who once ran with Ronye through Cathedral halls.
Now 'he stood with majestic presence, his body covered in golden scales reflecting Solus' radiance'.
**Shhhrrrk... vwoooosh...**
His wings unfolded gently, releasing warm air with their movement.
(There you are, old friend...)
Kirito wasn't surprised to see him.
**"Snff... hrrmmm..."**
Tsukigaki slowly sniffed the air.
His pupils dilated with recognition.
Drawing near, he lowered his head, awaiting contact.
-"Alright, alright, I understand."
Kirito couldn't help but smile at behavior contrasting with the dragon's size and majesty.
Yet simultaneously, he felt glad.
**"Kurururrr... Kurururr..."**
The dragon's satisfied sound at feeling Kirito's hand.
Tsukigaki had discarded all doubts.
The sapphire-blue eyes Kirito possessed shone with warmth.
This bond couldn't be easily broken.
'While petting the dragon, Kirito couldn't help but consider his next steps for returning'.
(-"I need allies... I can't live forever in hiding.")
He knew his path back 'wouldn't be immediate'.
'Not days, nor weeks'.
'It would take years'.
He had a plan to return, but 'alone it would prove too difficult'.
(-"This world has its rules, and I must obey them to survive.")
Kirito understood he now had the same needs as any human in the real world: eating, drinking, sleeping.
How could he manage all this undetected in the Cathedral during years of preparation?
(-"I can only rely on them...")
Two people came to mind.
Two people he trusted absolutely.
With this thought, 'he turned his gaze back to Tsukigaki', who purred happily under his hands.
-"Tsukigaki..."
The dragon immediately opened his eyes, curious about his request.
-"Do they still care for and visit you as usual?"
Tsukigaki tilted his head slightly, processing the question.
**"Kururu... Kururu..."**
Understanding the reference, he nodded firmly with his characteristic sound.
His voice resonated with conviction, without doubt or hesitation.
-"Then I need you to do me a small favor..."
Kirito wasted no time initiating the next phase of his plan to return.