they were logged into the same game, a wall higher than anything in real life stood between their separate worlds. “…I…I…” Silica bit her lip and desperately tried to hold back the emotions that threatened to overflow; two streaks of tears formed from those feelings and rolled down her cheeks. Suddenly, she felt Kirito place his hands on her shoulders. A low and gentle voice whispered right next to her: “Levels are just numbers. The strength in this world is nothing more than an illusion. There are things far more important than that. So let’s meet again in the real world. If we do, we’ll be able to become friends again.” To tell the truth, Silica wanted to lean against the black chest in front of her. But as she felt Kirito’s words spread their warmth through her bursting heart, she realized that she shouldn’t expect any more from him. She then closed her eyes and muttered: “Okay. It’s—it’s a promise.” She detached herself from Kirito, looked up at his face, and was finally able to smile for real. Kirito smiled as well and said: “So, let’s call out Pina.” “Okay!” Silica nodded and waved her right hand to summon the main window. She scrolled through the item inventory and took out «Pina’s Heart». She put the sky blue feather that popped out of the window on the tea table and then took out «Pneuma’s Flower» as well.