-1775- Closure and conclusion

"Ugh... Ah..."

Amid the continued painful groans, Kyouji maintained his position on the ground, struggling to lift his head and look toward Rozen.

What Kyouji saw was nothing but Rozen's indifferent eyes and unconcerned expression.

Seeing Rozen like this, Kyouji's hatred only deepened.

This time, however, Kyouji's hatred for Rozen wasn't solely because of Shinon; it was also directed at Rozen himself.

Kyouji cried out internally, both in pain and grief.

(Why...! Why can he be this strong...!?)

Kyouji was truly envious.

Unlike Shouichi, who became a murderous maniac after being pushed to a corner by being ignored and unloved, Kyouji's downfall was caused by the overwhelming expectations placed on him. He was burdened with the obligation of entering a prestigious medical university and inheriting the family profession.

Kyouji's grades were mediocre, and because of his background and appearance, he was constantly bullied at school. Nobody cared about his own will. He was simply treated as a weakling to be trampled on. Even his family never valued Kyouji's personal opinions, forcing him into the mold of a successor. This was how Kyouji's psyche twisted, much like Shouichi's.

Kyouji idolized Shouichi for this very reason—because Shouichi wasn't a victim of bullying; he was the one who bullied others. He had strength of his own and had killed numerous weaklings, making Kyouji worship him.

Kyouji similarly poured enormous effort into his "Spiegel" within GGO, pursuing the strength he desired in that virtual world. He even invited Shouichi and Shinon into GGO, entering the same world to witness their strength.

But in the end, Kyouji's pursuit crumbled.

This was due to the decline of AGI (Agility)-type players.

Kyouji's strength came to a halt, which is why he repeatedly expressed resentment about his failed character stat allocation in front of Shinon.

Given his shattered delusions, it was predictable how extreme Kyouji would become.

Why did Death Gun appear in GGO and kill two players?

The reason was that Kyouji had confessed to Shouichi that his character build had reached its limit. The first player he killed, ZXED, had been spreading the idea that AGI (Agility) builds were dominant in GGO, which fueled Kyouji's hatred.

Fueled by Kyouji's resentment, Shouichi began using his expertise as a Laughing Coffin player-killer to devise the Death Gun plan with Kyouji. Through days of discussions, they overcame numerous challenges and carried out their crimes.

From that point onward, Death Gun emerged as a killing weapon in the hands of the Shinkawa brothers, used to fulfill their murderous desires.

As for Kyouji himself, it was envy—his jealousy of others' strength—that led him down this path.

His own weakness, and Rozen's strength—realizing these two things pushed Kyouji over the edge.

"Even if it's not for Asada-san, I still have to...!"

Kyouji struggled to stand up.

Rozen remained unmoved, coldly observing Kyouji's actions.

After all, while Kyouji might have his reasons for going mad, there's nothing more contemptible than a pitiful person, and what did any of this have to do with Rozen?

To Rozen, this was just an unhinged lunatic who was overestimating himself.

"You want to kill someone so badly?"

Rozen spoke calmly.

"But this way of killing... it's pathetic."

Saying so, Rozen stretched out a hand toward Kyouji.

"If you want to kill, at least bring out this level of power."

Rozen began channeling mana.

Though he was reluctant to unleash his power in this world, Kyouji's madness was truly repulsive.

This kind of extremism reminded Rozen of Sugo Nobuyuki.

Such wretchedness—it was hard for Rozen to acknowledge having such an enemy.

"Disappear."

Rozen was ready to kill.

But soon, as if sensing something, Rozen's hand froze, and he restrained his mana.

"Haahhhh...!"

At this moment, Kyouji picked up the syringe again and roared as he charged toward Rozen.

Only this time, Kyouji didn't even get close to Rozen.

"Haahhh...!"

With a loud shout, a figure rushed in from the side.

It was Kirito.

"Thud!"

With a dull impact, Kirito crashed into Kyouji, sending him flying.

"You...!"

Kyouji was dazed from the hit and found himself on the ground. He glared at Kirito with bloodshot eyes.

"Who are you?"

Kirito stood in a defensive stance, glaring back at Kyouji with hostility in his eyes.

Kyouji didn't answer. Clenching his teeth, he staggered to his feet and instinctively began to retreat.

But there was someone behind him as well.

"Don't even think about escaping."

Kirigaya Suguha appeared, standing at the entrance of the Kirigaya residence, blocking Kyouji's escape route. Even though she was facing a stranger who had broken into her home, she showed no fear. Instead, she held a bamboo sword and assumed an attacking stance, pointing the blade at Kyouji.

"Get... get out of my way!"

Kyouji shouted, charging at Suguha.

But just before Kyouji could move, Suguha seemed to read his intentions and stepped forward suddenly.

"Men!"

Suguha swiftly closed the gap and swung the bamboo sword down with a whooshing sound.

Thud!

The heavy bamboo sword struck Kyouji's head, the impact reverberating through his skull.

"Argh...!"

With that, Kyouji let out a crushed scream and collapsed, unable to get up again.

"Phew..."

Suguha lowered her weapon and exhaled deeply.

Seeing her, Kyouji's hatred turned to despair.

(Even a girl... is stronger than me?)

With this thought, Kyouji's head slumped to the side as he finally lost consciousness.

"Who... who is this guy? A thief?"

Suguha's bold demeanor vanished. Clutching her bamboo sword, she looked nervous.

Looking at Suguha like this, who would believe that just moments ago, this same girl had knocked Kyouji out with a single strike?

Rozen and Kirito exchanged glances and saw the helplessness in each other's eyes.

They both gave Suguha a thumbs-up, praising her bravery.

"W-What is it?"

Suguha asked in confusion, completely baffled.

"Anyway, I'll call the police first."

Kirito said nothing further. He simply took out his phone and stepped aside to call the police.

Rozen didn't stop Kirito. He approached the unconscious Kyouji and picked up the syringe.

"It's over now."

Looking at the syringe in his hand, Rozen muttered softly.

At this moment, the incident finally came to a close.

"Chu..."

Perched on the wall, Gyokuto bathed in the moonlight, watching the scene. Letting out a lazy cry, she closed her eyes and allowed the moonlit night to flow by.