SAO: Strawberry Bunny

The towering gates of the Town of Tolbana loomed ahead as Strawberry made her way through the well-trodden paths leading from the teleport gate. A flood of memories washed over her as she walked through the familiar streets. It had been weeks since she last set foot in the town, and the difference between who she had been then and who she was now was like night and day. Back then, she had been a wide-eyed player, still trying to grasp the surrealness of the game. Now, after fighting through labyrinths, defeating the 1st Floor Boss, and gaining the Martial Arts Extra Skill, she felt far more capable.

But Aincrad was still a deathtrap, and the reminder that her life was on the line never fully left her mind.

As she walked, she noticed a group of players huddled in the square, their voices low as they discussed tactics. They were newer players, low-level, their armor and weapons basic at best. She recognized the uncertain looks on their faces—the same kind of look she had once worn when everything seemed impossible.

"Do you think we're ready for the dungeon?" one of them asked nervously, glancing toward the horizon.

"Maybe if we stick together," another replied. "But the mobs in there are tough. We need better weapons, and I don't know if we can afford them."

Strawberry paused, watching them for a moment. She could hear the uncertainty in their voices, the same doubt that plagued many players on these lower floors. She remembered the fear of stepping into dangerous territory, not knowing if you were strong enough to survive.

After a moment of hesitation, she walked over to the group. "If you're headed into the dungeon, make sure you bring enough healing potions," she said, her voice calm and steady. "Stick together, and watch each other's backs. The mobs in there can overwhelm you if you're not careful."

The players looked up in surprise, clearly not expecting to be addressed by someone who wasn't part of their group. One of them, a young girl with short, choppy hair and a simple sword, blinked at her. "Thanks. You've been through the dungeon already?"

Strawberry nodded. "I have. The first few floors are tough, but it gets easier if you work together."

"Any other tips?" the girl asked, her voice hopeful. Strawberry noticed a slight blush slowly spreading from the girl's neck, reaching her cheeks. Is she catching a cold? I thought we players couldn't get colds in the game.

"Watch for the patrols," Strawberry advised. "The monsters have a pattern, but they can change it up if you're not paying attention. Don't rush, and you'll be fine."

The girl smiled gratefully but a bit shyly. "Thanks, really. We'll be careful."

Strawberry nodded and continued on her way, leaving the group to their preparations. Unaware that the blushing girl was watching her go as her companions teased her. She didn't stay long to chat. She knew the town was full of players just trying to survive like everyone else, and while it felt good to help, she had her own mission to focus on. The Diary of the Dragon Huntsman quest was calling to her, and time was of the essence.

The narrow streets of the town eventually gave way to the wilderness beyond. Strawberry passed by fields where new players were grinding against low-level monsters like boars and wolves, gaining experience to slowly build up their strength. She didn't stop to fight—there was no point in wasting time on creatures so far below her level. Instead, she made her way toward the forest marked on the map she had found in the merchant's stall.

The trees grew thicker the further she ventured from the town. The canopy overhead became dense, blocking out much of the sunlight and casting the forest floor in shadow. The path was rugged, overgrown with moss and vines, and the deeper she went, the quieter the world around her became.

Muffin, perched comfortably on her shoulder, let out a soft chirp, his tiny horns twitching as he sniffed the air. His alertness told Strawberry that they were approaching something important. The little bunny had an instinct for danger, and while he wasn't a fighter, his presence had become a comforting one during her journey.

The map she had found earlier indicated that the hidden dragon's nest was located deep within this forest, nestled somewhere among the cliffs and caves at the foot of the mountains. As she moved forward, the trees began to thin, and the ground became more uneven, littered with rocks and small boulders. The air grew cooler, and the faint sound of running water echoed in the distance.

Her heart began to race with anticipation. This was it. The dragon's lair was close.

She quickened her pace, her hand resting on the hilt of her Anneal Blade as she scanned the surroundings. The forest grew more ominous the deeper she went. The path twisted and turned, leading her toward the base of a steep cliff where a dark cave entrance yawned open, half-hidden by overgrown vines and jagged rocks.

Strawberry's pulse quickened. The cave matched the description from the journal entry. This had to be the place.

She approached the entrance cautiously, her eyes narrowing as she peered into the shadows beyond. The inside of the cave was shrouded in darkness, but faintly glowing runes etched into the stone walls hinted at something ancient and powerful dwelling within. The dragon's nest.

"Muffin, stay sharp," she muttered under her breath, and the little bunny chirped in response, his eyes wide and alert.

Inside the cave, the air was thick with the scent of earth and stone. The walls were rough, marked with deep claw marks, and the floor was littered with small fragments of broken eggshells. A faint, golden glow illuminated the chamber at the far end, and as Strawberry moved closer, she could make out the shape of a massive, slumbering creature.

Fuzziel.

The topaz dragon lay curled at the center of the lair, her body covered in rich, golden scales that shimmered faintly in the dim light. She was long and sinuous, her massive wings folded tightly against her body. But something was terribly wrong. The dragon was wounded. Deep gashes marred her once-pristine scales, and dried blood stained the ground around her. Her breathing was labored, and as Strawberry stepped closer, the dragon's eyes flickered open.

A low growl rumbled from Fuzziel's throat as her golden eyes locked onto Strawberry, glowing with a mixture of pain and warning. The dragon shifted slightly, her massive body trembling as she rose to her feet, revealing more of the devastation around her. The nest was in ruins—eggs shattered, scattered across the floor, and in the far corner of the cave lay the body of another dragon, a male, its scales dull and lifeless.

Strawberry's breath caught in her throat. This was worse than she had imagined.

It's different from the beta.

The dragon let out a guttural snarl, but she didn't attack. Instead, she stood over the ruined nest, her wings spreading slightly as if to shield what remained.

Strawberry took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm not here to hurt you," she said, her voice calm but firm. "I came to help."

The dragon's eyes narrowed, but she didn't strike. After a long, tense moment, she spoke, her voice a low, rumbling growl that seemed to vibrate through the stone walls of the cave.

"You… seek to help me, human?" Fuzziel's voice was laced with skepticism, but also something deeper—a faint glimmer of hope.

Strawberry nodded. "Yes. I found a journal entry that led me here. I know about Carsar—the one who did this to you."

At the mention of Carsar's name, Fuzziel's growl deepened, her golden eyes flashing with fury. She bared her fangs, but after a moment, she seemed to relax slightly, lowering her head toward Strawberry.

"Carsar… the Egg Snatcher," Fuzziel spat, her voice dripping with hatred. "He killed my mate, destroyed my nest, and stole my hatchlings. I am too weak to hunt him myself. I have been waiting for someone… someone who might care enough to help."

Strawberry's hands tightened into fists. Carsar—a rogue dragon, jealous of Fuzziel's power and status—had done this. He had murdered her mate, stolen her children, and left her to die. It made Strawberry's blood boil. But more than that, it made her resolve to help even stronger.

"I'll find your hatchlings," Strawberry said, her voice firm. "And I'll bring them back to you."

Fuzziel watched her for a long moment, as if weighing the truth of her words. Then, slowly, the dragon nodded. She let out a low, sorrowful growl and folded her wings tightly against her body.

"My hatchlings… were taken to a cave at the base of the mountains, guarded by Carsar and his minions. They are too young to escape on their own. I do not have much to offer, but if you can bring them back to me, I will grant you my blessing."

A soft, glowing breath escaped Fuzziel's maw, wrapping around Strawberry in a gentle swirl of warmth. She felt the energy seep into her skin, a subtle but powerful boost to her agility and strength.

Blessing of the Topaz Dragon received.

"I'll bring them back," Strawberry promised, her voice steady. "I'll make sure they're safe."

Fuzziel closed her eyes, her body sinking back to the ground as if the weight of the world was pressing down on her. "Hurry… before it's too late."

Strawberry nodded and turned toward the cave's entrance. The mission was clear now: find Carsar, rescue the hatchlings, and return them to their mother.

As she stepped out into the cool mountain air once more, Muffin let out a soft chirp, his tiny paws resting gently on her shoulder. Strawberry glanced down at the little bunny, a determined smile tugging at her lips.

"Time to hunt down a dragon hunter," she said quietly, her heart pounding with anticipation.

With renewed purpose, Strawberry set off toward the mountains once more. The hunt had begun.

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Thanks for reading.

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