Maverick, Asuna, Koharu, and Leafa head over to where Kizmel is waiting.

Kizmel: You're here at last. We can't risk alerting them, so we're going to take a shortcut straight to their camp. Stick close and do not leave my side.

Kizmel leads to the group to where the Forest Elves camp was.

Kizmel: Here we are. Their camp is right up this way.

Leafa: Kizmel and I will draw them out. You three, wait out here and stop any Forest Elves that try to get away.

Maverick: I'm still not comfortable with this.

Leafa: I'll be back, Maverick. I promise.

Maverick: I'll hold you to that. You two be careful.

Kizmel: Fret not, we have the advantage. Plus...

The Dark Elf Commander appears.

Commander: I'm impressed by man's brashness. To think that we would deceive those who used magic disguises to deceive us.

Kizmel: Our Commander offered to help, saying "the people of Lyusula cannot sit by idly by as menfolk show such bravery."

Commander: I have a few tricks myself. It won't last long but I can leave the Forest Elves momentarily blinded.

Leafa: You mean like, illusionary magic?

Kizmel: No. After the earth separated from itself, we people of Luyusula lost the gift of magic. The Sorcery used by the Forest Elves us but remnant traces of old magicks.

Koharu: Are elves the only ones who lost the ability to use magic?

Commander: We all fell subject to the same fate. I have heard that man has no command over magic now either. If the lands return to their original form, those long lost magicks may yet return.

Leafa: Huh...So that would explain why there is no magic in SAO.

Koharu: Kizmel, Commander, we might not have any magic or tricks, but we'll give it our best!

Kizmel: That is all I ask.

Commander: Our duty is to protect that key. We must retake it.

Maverick: Let's do this.

Leafa: Okay, we...

The group looks to see that Maverick is already gone.

Leafa: Where did he go?

Sounds of swords are heard. The group looks to see Maverick easily killing NPCs left and right.

Maverick: I got the key! I'm just trying to get out of here.

Asuna: Save some kills for you us, you jerk!

Leafa: He's really something. Isn't he?

Koharu: Yep.

The Forest Elves retreat as Maverick walks back to the group with Asuna by his side.

Maverick: I got it!

Koharu slaps Maverick.

Maverick: I deserve that.

Koharu: Damn right you do! What the hell were you thinking?

Maverick: I thought about being a badass and I was.

Leafa: At least he got the key.

Commander: With you aid we were at last able to recover the Jade Key. Allow me to thank you on behalf of all the people of Luyusula.

Kizmel: I'll take the key to a more secure fortress on the floor above. It is not time for us to part ways.

Maverick: We'll miss you, beautiful.

Leafa elbows Maverick.

Maverick: Ow!

Koharu: We just finally got to know each other, too...But I guess this all for the key, huh?

Leafa: We can still meet up on the next floor, right?

Kizmel: Most certainly. The Sacred Tree will guide us. Now then...Farewell. With the power you wield, the beast guarding the tower ahead should be no worry! I await you on Floor 4.

Koharu: Okay. We'll definitely see you again!

Kizmel leaves. The Commander walks over.

Commander: We got the key back but there has been something quite peculiar about the Forest Elf behavior. The way they ambushed us, and even with their disguises, the way they infilitrated our camp...There is much we need to examine before out vanguard returns to the Floor 4 fortress. We would appreciate further support from you.

Koharu: Of course! Let us know what we can do, and we'll be there. Right, Maverick?

Maverick: I just want to see Kizmel again.

Koharu/Asuna/Leafa: Huh?

Commander: Indeed. Kizmel would be pleased.

Koahru/Asuna/Leafa: WHAT!

Leafa: Now then, Commander. Do you think you could tell us about the labyrinth...err, that tower here?

Commander: Ah yes...Man must travel through the tower, is that correct? In that case, be wary of the beast's poisonous attacks. Allegedly it unleashes poison around it to harm intruders. Allow me to grant you a reward. You would be wise to stock up on antidotes.

Maverick: That's it...?

Koharu: I mean, I guess that's still useful info...But I guess there's nothing special about the rewards, huh.

Commander: Now then, I mist return to my people. I wish you safe passage!

The Commander leaves.

Asuna: I guess we better relay this info to everyone. What are you gonna do, Leafa?

Leafa: I guess this is goodbye for me, too. I'm fine soloing monsters here but even I know I'm not ready to take on the floor boss anytime soon. Anyway, I've got something to ask that info broker about in Town of Beginnings. I should probably go check in on that.

Koharu: Wait, are you talking about Argo by any chance?

Leafa: You know her? I guess she knows everyone, huh.

Maverick: I know her.

The girls glare at Maverick.

Maverick: Not like that.

Asuna: You said before that you weren't ready to talk about it, but can I ask what you're doing here, Leafa? We'd like to help you, Leafa. You've helped us so much, we don't want to just say goodbye.

Leafa: Yeah...I guess it can't hurt to tell you. Truth is, I'm here searching for my brother.

Koharu: Your brother? Did you two split up somewhere?

Leafa: Yeah...Well no, actually. He doesn't even know I'm here. I'm just searching for him on my own. I travelled here, there, and everywhere only way to Floor 3 but I didn't find him anywhere. I thought I'd be able to find him right away but this is a pretty vast world, huh? Big enough to hide my brother.

Koharu: Leafa...What's your brother like?

Leafa: He's just a bit older than me. His name is Kazuto. We don't look alike though. He has black hair, a bit shorter than Kizmel...He's a lot like Maverick!

Maverick: I remind you of your brother? Am I like a brother to you?

Leafa: No, silly!

Maverick: Oh.

Leafa: When I heard that Kizmel had a sister too it really hit me.

Koharu: So that's why you wanted to help Kizmel so much, then. She reminded you of your brother.

Leafa: It was a bit of that, but more how determined she was, even though she's a NPC, I couldn't abandoned her. You guys called Kizmel your friend. And you've looked out for me, too. You're really great people.

Maverick: We feel the same way as you, Leafa.

Koharu: We're like you, Leafa. We can't just abandon people working hard to get by. That's why were out here on the front lines. When this game of life and death started, I couldn't think of anyone but myself. But I've watched countless people helping other now...

Leafa: Yeah...I'm really glad I met you. Maybe not everything in this world is so awful after all.

Maverick: Let us help find him.

Leafa: I appreciate the offer. But I think you have more important things to do, working to beat this game. I'll find my brother in my own way.

Koharu: We hope you find him soon.

Leafa: Thanks. Hey, make sure you survive out there. I'm sure you have people waiting for you back home. Just like I was waiting for my brother...Anyway, I'll see you.

Leafa takes Maverick's hand and gives it a squeeze before leaving. Maverick looks a little down.

Asuna: What's wrong, Maverick?

Maverick: Nothing.

Koharu: Leafa really cares about her brother, doesn't she?

Maverick: I really care about you two, too.

Koharu and Asuna blush.

Koharu: Thanks...

Asuna: We feel the same way, you know...

Koharu: Okay, let's stock up on antidote, head to the labyrinth and let the guys know! We've still got a ways to go, huh? Let's go, Maverick!

Asuna: I'm here too you know!