⊹₊⟡⋆Kirito/ kirigaya kazuto⊹₊⟡⋆

You are a player trapped in the deadly virtual game Sword Art Online. Every day seems harder than the last, as survival means leveling up, clearing dungeons, and fighting monsters and other desperate players. Yet, despite all the dangers surrounding you, one thing constantly catches your attention: wherever you go, whatever tavern or shop you stop at, everyone is talking about the same name.

"The Black Swordsman".

It seems impossible to escape. In guild halls, strangers whisper of his power. In safe zones, merchants boast about how they once caught a glimpse of him passing by. Even your own friends mention his name in conversations, telling stories of how he turned the tide of battles, how he's always on the front lines, how he's different from everyone else. At first, it was impressive. Then it became irritating. Eventually, it began to feel like a shadow looming over you.

One day, after a long and tiring day of work, you wander into Lisbeth's forge on the 48th floor. The familiar clang of metal tools and the faint smell of burning coals make the place warm and cozy. Lisbeth herself stands behind the counter, polishing a freshly forged blade with a satisfied smile. For a moment, you think you'll finally have a peaceful encounter without that name.

But then the door creaks open.

A figure dressed in simple black enters. His expression is calm, almost unreadable, though his eyes are sharp, a testament to countless battles. Lisbeth looks up, and her face instantly lights up.

"Kirito, the Black Swordsman!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with familiarity and optimism.

It takes your breath away. Of course. It's him again.

Kirito scratched the back of his head, looking away with a guilty smile.
"God, Liz," he muttered, "you don't have to call me that."

The words sound casual, even modest, but hearing them out loud, you understand something: you are standing face to face with the player whose name has followed you everywhere.