[One day while on the 2F...]

[Kirito and Argo are talking]

Argo: Ah ha! There you are, Kirito! I've got an anonymous message here for ya! It's pretty simple. Seems they want to grind a bit but are afraid of doing it alone so they're hoping you'll help.

Kirito: Who is it from?

Argo: If you want that sort of info, you're gonnna need to show me some Col. But don't worry. It's someone you should be familiar with, Kirito. Anyway, the requester herself awaits. She really should just ask herself but I guess she's secretly the shy type. Bahaha! Good luck!

[Asuna walks over]

Asuna: Hey! Doing pretty good I see? You probably talked to Argo. I think. But uhh...that message was from me. Truth is, the reason I want to grind EXP's cause...Well, I can't stand it! A certain someone is just always ahead of me! That's why I asked for your help through Argo. You know what it feels like to have your rival get the best of you? You do, right?

Kirito: Yeah. I hear you. I know who you're talking about.

Asuna: Right? Anyway, you're the only person I could ask...According to Argo, the best way to grind is to battle monsters out in Natural Cave. So...What do you say?

Kirito: Of course I'll help.

Asuna: Thanks. I thought you'd say so. It's pretty dark and hard to see out in Natural Cave. But if we work together we should be fine. We can get a lot of EXP if you and I take down 30 enemies. Let's get to it!

[Asuna and Kirito fight to see who could beat more enemies. Kirito won 16-14]

Asuna: *pant*...*gasp*...

Kirito: Are you alright?

Asuna: YES! I'm not going to let him beat me! Oh jeez. Sorry. I guess I let myself get really worked up by all of this. Maverick told me before, the difference between those of us who live and die here just depends on whether you can true to yourself or not. Great! There I go talking about Maverick! Gah! He really irks me!

Kirito: I thought you liked him?

Asuna: Uh...I just hate how he's so much better than me and never notices my talent!

Kirito: Glad to see you're back to normal.

Asuna: Oh just let it rest. I'll tell you though, sometimes, watching how he and how he goes about everything inspires me. I hope he can stay true to himself too. Even if he's an asshole. Myself on the other hand...Heh, well, I hope to catch up to him someday.