Chapter 4: | Red Nosed Reindeer | (1)
[Floor 11]
[April, 8th. 2023]
Mikoto roamed the streets of the 11th floor, his thoughts a bit puzzled after an encounter with a girl he just met during his grind to level 40.
Lena: "I'm sorry for inconveniencing you, Mikoto"
Mikoto: "It's not a problem, I was already done grinding for materials and levels for the day"
Lena was her name, her hair a long lavender color, her eyes a bright hot pink, she wore basic beginner equipment, and as for her main weapon, a small dagger.
She had a small stature of only a centimeter, and Mikoto was a tad bit taller than her. But, if Mikoto was being honest, by how she fought against the mobs that were attacking her, he was surprised she lasted so long.
Lena: "You're probably thinking how I lasted so long, no?"
Mikoto: 'Is she physic?!'
Mikoto thought inwardly with a shocked expression. Lena giggled and frowned, she turned her sad face down to the ground.
Lena: "My friends, they're the reason why I'm still alive and kicking, they've been protecting me since the beginning, especially IRL. I can't remember a time when they didn't defend me"
Mikoto gave Lena a sympathetic look, he scratched his head. Lena took notice of his sudden awkwardness with Mikoto.
Lena: "Sorry, that was out of nowhere huh?"
Mikoto: "No, I was just thinking. How good of friends you got, they're always looking out for you, and you want to repay them for not slowing them down. That about right?"
Lena's eyes widened, and a small shade of red appeared across her face. Mikoto smiled and laughed a little, he then spoke in a more casual tone.
Mikoto: "Listen, Lena, what you did was an admirable thing for the good of your party. But, don't recklessly throw yourself into harm's way just for the sake of not being a burden, if you want to become strong and not be a liability, just ask for a hand. I'm sure your friends would understand"
Lena looked at Mikoto with a happy expression, swaying her head slowly back and forth. Mikoto a bit confused with her sudden action just smiled, they walked down the lit street whilst talking with one another.
Mikoto: "Hm?.."
As they approached a certain area, Mikoto noticed a diner nearby. As he peered into the lit windows, he could see a group seemingly toasting to something. A smile appeared on Mikoto's face, Lena looked at Mikoto with a grin.
Mikoto: "?!.."
But as Mikoto looked through the window he saw a familiar face. Sitting at the front of the table the group of people was none other than Kirito. Mikoto looked on surprised, noting that both he and Kirito would've stayed Solo Players.
Lena: "See someone you know Mikoto?.."
Mikoto was brought back out of his thoughts and immediately responded to Lena.
Mikoto: "Ah, yeah. Sorry for spacing out like that Lena, just surprised is all"
Lena: "Surprised? About what?"
Mikoto pointed through the glass, his index finger fixate on Kirito, Lena peered through the window noting who Mikoto was pointing at.
Lena: "Hm, what about him?"
Mikoto: "He's a…' Friend'. As you already know I'm a bit of a solo player, and so is he. But I didn't expect him to be with a party so soon. Makes me wonder if I should consider joining one, or continue solo"
Lena's ears perked at the sound of 'Join' and 'Party'. She turned her attention towards Mikoto, suddenly grabbing hold of his hand. To the complete surprise of Mikoto, he wondered what she was doing.
Lena: "Really?! Would you join a party, Mikoto!?"
Mikoto: "Um, well I did say I'd think about it-"
Lena: "Then join my party, we are always welcomed new players who'd join us!"
Lena's expression showed a great deal of excitement and joy. Mikoto looked into her eyes, trying his best to look away from her sparkling gleeful eyes. But, to his dismay he couldn't, he sighed and spoke in a defeated tone.
Mikoto: "Then, do you think I can join your party, Lena-"
Lena: "Yes! Please do Mikoto, I'm sure my friends and I would be happy to have you!"
Lena's voice echoed with great delight, her rose-red cheeks and her seemingly never-ending smile, cracked Mikoto's introverted nature.
She pulled him along, talking endlessly about her friends and how much fun they'd have with each other once he joins. Mikoto just walked along, smiling while following Lena, he couldn't understand this situation. But, he didn't dislike the idea of partying up, Better now than never, right?
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Aldric_
Aldric_ Yo Quick note, like I said before some chapter will be a bit shortened but! Will correspond to the original storyline! Hope you guys like it! Stay tuned
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