-308- I'll definitely help you

On the way out of the Poison Flower Field, Rozen first stored both Saichou and Hanachou inside familiar crystals before dashing outward.

Since Rozen had already defeated many monsters on the way in, there wouldn't be new monsters appearing for a while, making his journey back relatively smooth.

Although Rozen's HP had decreased considerably due to spending a significant amount of time in the Poison Flower Field, the effect of "Battle healing" kept his health gauge in the green safe zone.

Therefore, during the return journey, Rozen dashed at his fastest speed while pondering Hanachou's training plan.

"With Saichou and Hanachou, my control formation is now somewhat complete. I need to quickly train Hanachou."

Without investing thought into training, even if there were only seven super-rare monsters on the entire server, they wouldn't be as effective against boss-level monsters compared to regular monsters and players. Rozen also wanted to elevate both of his Rainbow Flower Butterflies to a level where they could greatly counter negative status effects on even high-level boss mobs.

Hence, Rozen had to brainstorm thoroughly.

As the saying goes, "No pain, no gain." Without Rozen's dedicated nurturing, Rainbow Flower Butterfly would never become as powerful.

Saichou and Hanachou should also feel fortunate that they ended up in Rozen's hands. If they were with other players lacking Rozen's ability and patience, they would only reach the level of ordinary rare familiars, never becoming well-known familiars throughout SAO.

Rozen was thoroughly enjoying this process.

"Being able to play the game, nurture familiars, hone the ability of 'Mind's Eye,' and even replenish records in the 'Throne of the Soul' by slaying monsters—it's truly captivating."

Even if this were a regular game, Rozen would probably immerse himself, pulling all-nighters and diving in every day, becoming a hardcore gaming enthusiast.

However...

"Being reduced to someone else's experiment is still quite frustrating."

With this thought in mind, Rozen, following the map's records, finally reached the exit of the Poison Flower Field. He left the area and returned to the outer forest.

The moment he emerged from the Poison Flower Field, Rozen immediately saw Kirito and the others.

"Level up!"

"Awesome!"

"Leveling up here is really amazing!"

Ducker, Tetsuo, and Sasamaru had just defeated a giant tree spirit, gaining a significant amount of experience points. Dakkah had even leveled up, and with Tetsuo and Sasamaru's support, he raised his hands high in celebration.

"You guys..."

Kaita held his staff, looking at the scene with a somewhat helpless expression. Yet, he was also genuinely happy for his companions.

In this situation, Kirito was positioned at the back.

"Don't force yourself. If you really feel it's not possible, step back. But never close your eyes out of fear, got it?"

Kirito said these words to Sachi in a reassuring tone.

"Okay, thank you. I'll remember it."

Sachi nodded, showing a shy smile towards Kirito.

Observing this, Rozen couldn't help but blink.

Kaita and the others were understandable, but when it came to Kirito and Sachi, Rozen couldn't help but take note.

Because...

"That atmosphere..."

Rozen seemed to understand something.

At this moment, the group also noticed Rozen's return.

"He's out!"

Ducker exaggeratedly shouted, causing everyone's gazes to shift to Rozen. Initially, they were momentarily surprised, then their faces lit up with joy as they gathered around.

"Welcome back."

Kaita offered Rozen a smile.

"Welcome back!"

"Welcome!"

Tetsuo and Sasamaru chimed in.

Only Sachi, as if having some concerns about Rozen, subconsciously grabbed onto the hem of Kirito's clothing.

Naturally, Rozen didn't miss this scene.

"It seems you've also gained something, Kirito."

Rozen smiled meaningfully at Kirito.

That smile seemed a bit teasing.

This made Kirito somewhat flustered.

"I... It's not... I just..."

Kirito tried to explain, but Rozen interrupted.

"Alright, no need to explain." Rozen patted Kirito's shoulder and said cheerfully, "We all understand, we're all men here."

With this remark, Kaita, Ducker, Tetsuo, Sasamaru, exchanged knowing smiles, while Sachi expression grew more flustered.

"Al... Alright!"

Seeing the potential for teasing from the others present, Kirito quickly changed the subject.

"Did you succeed?"

Kirito asked this simple question.

Kaita's group also seemed quite curious about this, turning their attention to Rozen.

Rozen didn't hide the truth.

"Luck was on my side."

This response informed everyone that Rozen had indeed achieved victory.

Instantly, everyone was happy for Rozen's success and offered their congratulations.

This brought a smile to Rozen's face.

The interactions with "Moonlit Black Cats" really made Rozen feel at ease.

You see, within the Clearing Group, aside from guildmates, the rest were entangled in various power struggles. Sometimes even players within the same guild would scheme against each other for even the slightest experience points, money, items, or status.

Even if someone saved another's life, among fellow Clearing Group members, there wouldn't be too much gratitude. As everyone knew, on the battlefield, you'd inevitably become the one in need of help someday. Therefore, when aiding others, no one would especially ask for thanks, and the one being helped would just give a brief thanks before swiftly moving on to post-battle activities and heading silently into the next battle.

In that environment, the only thing that mattered was continuously strengthening oneself with the highest efficiency.

But the "Moonlit Black Cats" were different.

They derived immense joy from a victory in battle.

They would praise each other for sudden level-ups due to each other's efforts.

They hadn't engaged in the power struggles of the major guilds; instead, they supported and helped one another. They even considered the clearing efficiency and were willing to let go of an ultra-rare familiar like Rainbow Butterfly for the sake of clearing.

Rozen held a favorable opinion of these people.

So...

"Thanks to you guys, I was able to achieve my objective smoothly."

Rozen glanced at the members of the "Moonlit Black Cats" with great sincerity as he spoke.

"If you need my help in the future, don't hesitate. I swear as the leader of the 'Crimson Wing's', I'll definitely help you."

After saying this, Rozen didn't give them a chance to react, instead looking at Kirito.

"Kirito, help me cover the information fees for them and maybe offer them some assistance as well."

Hearing this, Kirito didn't hesitate and nodded.

Rozen then smiled faintly and retrieved a blue crystal from his pocket.

It was a teleportation crystal.

"Teleport! Panareze!"

With a simple vocal command, Rozen's teleportation crystal shattered. His form turned into light and disappeared from the spot.

With this, Rozen returned to the 24th floor's main plaza, the artificial island Panareze.

Only the group remained, completely bewildered.

"Lea... Leader?"

"'Crimson Wing's'... leader...!?"

"What... what's happening...!?"

"Explain it, Kirito!"

"Kirito!"

Kaita, Ducker, Tetsuo, Sasamaru, and even Sachi all crowded around Kirito at that moment, bombarding him with questions.

"Ahh... hahaha..."

Kirito could only laugh awkwardly.