#file 1a

A small, confused noise, akin to an ‘oh’ parts from the Spriggan’s lips. After a moment though of processing what was going on and who had just spoke, he gives a warm smile.

"Ah, Silica, over here!"

The call comes from the Spriggan who is leaning against a tree, waving and giving a small smile.

"Vice Commander, it's been a while. How have you been?"

Arms wrapped around the waist of the Vice Commander, a small sigh escaping from the swordsman's lips.

"Asunaaaa... I'm tired..."

He whines, resting his chin against the girl's shoulder.

"Understood."

With her curt reply, the girl ran, her rifle tight in her grasp. Boots clacked softly against the ground, their rhthym only broken when a bullet grazed Sinon’s thigh. Gritting her teeth, she poured more strength into her run in her attempt to put more distance between the attackers and herself. 

Hecate II flashed in the waning sunlight as Sinon turned, abruptly flattening herself to the ground behind her rifle. Her breathing slowed as she focused in on Kirito, carefully watching should he need the backup.

Watching as the blue haired sniper made her escape, black optics quickly locked with the eyes of his opponent. His enemy used a semi-automatic weapon, meaning that Kirito would have an easier time deflecting the incoming bullets. Boots kicked off the ground with extreme strength, causing the long haired raven to nearly disappear. By the time his opponent could react, the purple blade already sliced his weapon to pieces, before reeling back to impale him.

But before Kirito could deal the final blow, his opponent suddenly brought out a combat knife, which was aimed towards his heart. Swiftly bringing his blade down to defend himself while leaping back, the short metal blade grazed his breastplate.

Once he'd retreated a few meters, the pistol in his left hand was already raised and being shot at his enemy. The sudden melee attack from his target did catch Kirito off guard, but it wasn't enough to stop him. Of course, the man was already attempting to retreat, knowing that he couldn't win against a sword user as skilled as Kirito.

"Tsk, damn!"

While he wanted to close in and finish him, Kirito knew that his opponent was still skilled with that knife, so he'd have to be cautious. His pistol also had short range, so that hindered him as well. Though upon remembering that Sinon hadn't left the area entirely, he quickly turned to face where the sniper was, mouthing out a few words.

"Huh? Are you okay? You look really tired."

The Spriggan asked with a bit of concern.