-383- The prime suspect

The person who walked out of the teleportation gate was naturally Rozen.

"Oh? Is everyone here?"

Rozen greeted everyone in his usual nonchalant and casual manner. Though he didn't appear groggy or lacking alertness, his relaxed attitude left those present somewhat puzzled and exchanging uncertain glances.

However, after spending so much time together, the members of the clearing group had come to understand Rozen's personality. They no longer paid much attention to his lazy demeanor and instead focused their attention, looking serious.

As for Asuna, she unusually followed closely behind Rozen, appearing as if she were in being led by him. This unusual behavior caught the attention of many, especially the members of the Knights of the Blood Oath.

"Guild Leader," Asuna approached Heathcliff and bowed her head respectfully. "I apologize for making you come all this way."

It was evident that Asuna held Heathcliff in high regard.

"It's not a problem," Heathcliff replied, shaking his head. He then turned his attention to Rozen and, in his typically charismatic voice, continued, "Since it's a summons from Guild Leader Rozen, I naturally had to respond. I believe Guild Leader Rozen wouldn't make such a summons without a good reason, right?"

Heathcliff's gaze had a curious and exploratory quality, as if he intended to discern Rozen's intentions completely.

To this, Rozen merely responded with a smile. "Well, I hope I won't bore Guild Leader Heathcliff with this gathering."

Heathcliff nodded in response.

"Then I will look forward to it."

He seemed content to act as a pure observer, distancing himself from the situation as if he were watching from the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Kirito, Klein, Agil, and others gathered around.

"You finally made it," Agil commented.

"To think you came with Asuna, that's really something," Klein remarked, unable to hide his jealousy.

"So, what's going on?" Kirito cut to the chase.

All the players present, numbering in the hundreds, directed their attention towards Rozen, their faces reflecting a mixture of curiosity and confusion.

However, before Rozen could provide an explanation, one more person approached.

"It's been a while. You've become quite arrogant, haven't you?" The mocking words came from this person.

Rozen looked at the newcomer, his face maintaining an indifferent expression, and casually spoke up.

"Ah, Mr. Kibaou, you seem to be just as you were before."

Rozen smiled as if he remembered something.

"Oh right, now I have to call you Vice Leader Kibaou. Congratulations, Vice Leader."

Rozen's nonchalant words successfully infuriated the short-tempered Kibaou.

"Why did you summon me here?!" Kibaou angrily exclaimed. "Even saying that you would mobilize the clearing group to escort me here if I refuse. What kind of joke is this!?"

It was only because of such words that Kibaou had obediently come here in the first place. This was the very reason why Kibaou had been appearing so agitated and angry since his arrival.

However, Rozen paid no heed to Kibaou's anger.

"Asuna."

Rozen calmly called out.

"Yes," Asuna replied with a nod. She stepped forward and came into the view of everyone present.

"Everyone," Asuna looked around at everyone in the area and began to speak, "Today, we found the boss room on the top floor of the 74th labyrinth area and entered it."

Her simple words sent a shiver through the players gathered.

"We finally found it?" Kirito's expression turned serious.

"It took quite a while," Klein remarked, clenching his fists.

"Now, we're on the brink of clearing the 75th floor," Agil added, crossing his arms.

The other players had various thoughts and started whispering to each other. However, Heathcliff remained calm, observing the situation quietly, as if he were merely a bystander.

Just then...

"Quit your nonsense!" A sharp voice erupted from Kibaou.

"My subordinates were the ones who found the guardian's boss room first!" Kibaou shouted loudly.

Kibaou's loud words drew the attention of everyone present.

Upon closer inspection, Kobatz was standing right behind Kibaou.

"That's right!" Kobatz shouted as if he had been insulted, his expression grim. "It was the elite units of our Aincrad Liberation Force who discovered the guardian's boss room! Do you want to steal the credit and honor from us!?"

Kobatz seemed to believe that Rozen and Asuna had such intentions, hence his displeasure.

Upon seeing this, Asuna calmly explained, "Indeed, it's true that the elite units of the Aincrad Liberation Force, led by Kobatz, were the first to discover the boss room. We entered the boss room for reconnaissance after convincing them to leave, but unexpected events occurred."

Asuna proceeded to explain the sequence of events in detail.

First, she provided a thorough description of the 74th floor's guardian, the Gleam Eyes, covering its attack patterns and appearance. Then, she explained the unexpected incidents that took place during their exploration.

As all the players present heard about how Rozen and Asuna were maliciously locked inside the guardian boss's room, with no escape route, even in a crystal ineffective zone, and were forced to fight for their lives, ultimately defeating the boss when they had exhausted all their recovery items, everyone's expressions changed.

"Something like this actually happened...!"

Kirito's face darkened.

"Damn it! Who could have done such a thing!?"

Klein was furious.

"Tsk..."

Even Agil clicked his tongue.

The members of the clearing group finally realized what had happened, and each of them showed shock and concern.

Even Kibaou, at this moment, lost his arrogance.

Because...

"...You're not suspecting that we did this, are you?" Kibaou finally seemed to catch on, speaking in a low voice with a dark expression.

Behind him, Kobatz also looked stunned, as if he had just realized the seriousness of the situation and hadn't reacted for a while.

The players from the clearing group all turned their attention to the members of the "Army" group.

According to Asuna's recent explanation, the most likely culprits behind this would be Kobatz's group, which had recently come close to causing a conflict with Rozen and Asuna.

This made Kobatz's face turn pale, and without thinking, he quickly spoke up.

"N-No... It wasn't us! We didn't do anything like that!"

Not only Kobatz, but also the elite troops led by him, were all in a panic.

"I... I didn't do anything like that!"

"I've been with everyone the whole time!"

"It wasn't me!"

"I... I didn't do it either!"

One by one, the players from Kobatz's elite troops panicked and denied any involvement.