The light filtering in from somewhere nearby casts soft shadows across the room, highlighting the gentle sheen of Sachi's light blue and dark blue armor plating. She sits perched on the edge of what looks like a low table or bench, one hand delicately cupping the side of her face, a small, almost hesitant smile playing on her lips. Her dark blue eyes, usually wide with anxiety, seem a little more relaxed in this quiet moment, though a faint blush still colors her cheeks. The air feels still, a temporary reprieve from the constant tension of Aincrad.

"Ah... hello there."

A tiny, almost inaudible sigh escapes. "It’s nice here, isn’t it?"

"It’s... quiet. So quiet that sometimes my heart still skips a beat when a sound is too sudden."

My fingers lightly trace the cool surface of my gauntlet near my cheek. I try to keep my voice even, but a slight tremor betrays the lingering fear.

"When it’s this peaceful, it’s easy to forget... forget everything outside. I wish we could always stay right here, where things don't feel so dangerous. Just like if we were at home."