41 chapter 41

A small screen popped into view, but try as he might, he couldn't seem to focus on the words long enough to read them. Dropping to his knees, Toyo leaned on Silverthorne as he panted. From behind him, he heard Naomi do the same. There was complete silence for a moment as both players simply sat there, overcome by exhaustion. Looking up at his health, Toyo was surprised to see it still in the yellow. After taking one more breath, he forced himself to speak.

\"You ok?\"

\"Yeah I'm...I'm good.\" Came her tired voice. \"Just exhausted.\"

Slowly getting to his feet, Toyo turned to help her up. Instead he saw her already standing and scanning the forest around them. Impressed, Toyo left her to her own devices as he sheathed Silverthorne. Opening and closing his left hand to try and ease the soreness, Toyo sighed against the pain.

\"Congrats.\"

Turning, Toyo glanced at her in confusion.

\"On the level up.\" She explained. \"I'd say you earned it.\"

Remembering the screen in front of him, Toyo finally got his eyes to focus on the words.

Congratulations!

You have reached Level 10

Naomi walked over to him as he swiped away the screen.

\"Level 10 huh?\" She smiled at him. \"You get your third skill slot unlocked at 10. Any thoughts on what it's going to be?\"

Toyo sighed. \"Not a clue. I haven't even decided on my second skill yet.\"

The woman in front of him smirked. \"The guy that's all confident and always knows what to say is actually indecisive? I'm surprised.\"

Toyo crossed his arms defensively. \"Hey now, real life and video games are two very different things. Honestly though,\" He added as he smiled, \"It does drive people crazy how much I think before making simple choices in RPG's. And SAO is even worse. As far as my skill slots go, I didn't really want a support skill. Not just yet anyway. I wanted something that could be combat oriented, or something I can implement to improve my fighting style. Mostly I wasn't sure if new skills would unlock later on down the road that would negate whatever was good early game.\"

Naomi brushed her wavy brown hair away from her eyes as her face took on a serious edge.

\"Well, after seeing you fight,\" She offered, \"I can think of a few skills that I think you'd really like. That is, if you're interested. And don't worry about new skills down the line. The options your have now are the only ones you get for the whole game. Not like we need more.\"

Toyo nodded gratefully. \"Absolutely, I'd really appreciate your help with this.\"

Before she could answer, they heard shouts coming from Trevica. Facing the source of the noise, they saw two men running to meet them, the one in front leading the way while the man behind him continued shouting angrily. Toyo could tell immediately that the voice belonged to Jae.

\"Looks like your brother isn't too happy this morning.\" Naomi said jokingly.

Toyo sighed as he nodded. \"Trust me, that's an understatement. He's going to be furious we went and fought a battle without him. The only thing I'm not sure of,\" he added mischievously, \"Is whether he'll be more angry about that, or when he finds out that we went on a date.\"

Naomi frowned. \"A date? I don't think I'd call it that.\"

Toyo furrowed his brow at her. \"Oh, so you're saying the sizzling chemistry back there was just my imagination?\"

\"Are you talking about the breakfast or the fight?\"

Toyo hesitated. \"Both?\"

Naomi laughed pleasantly as she shrugged. \"Date or not, I'm pretty sure Jae will be significantly more upset when he finds out you've been putting all your attributes into Strength.\"

Caught off guard, Toyo found himself at a loss for words.

\"How did…\" His eyes met hers. \"How do you know about that?\"

Instead of answering, Naomi opened her menu casually. As Jae and the other player, who Toyo now recognized as the young man he and Naomi had just saved, drew closer, a screen suddenly appeared in front of him.

Naomi has sent you a Friend Request!

Accept?

Yes No

Puzzled, Toyo looked up at her. Returning the stare boldly, Naomi gestured at his screen.

\"You gonna answer that?\"

shaking his head in exasperation, Toyo accepted the request. A small notification popped up by his health bar, containing a quick reminder about private messages and map information that was now available between him and Naomi. As Jae entered the forest and began striding towards them, Toyo held Naomi's gaze a moment longer as he spoke just loud enough for her to hear.

\"Don't tell him. Please.\"

Naomi simply stared at him.

\"What the hell happened?\" Jae exclaimed irritably. Beside him, the player they had rescued looked around in awe as he walked up.

\"You...you killed them all?\" He asked in disbelief

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