-275- You're better

That night, Tolbana exuded a liveliness it hadn't seen before. This time was when players returned from the labyrinth area to the town, a moment to relax.

Today, in preparation for the upcoming boss battle, a total of sixty players gathered at a relatively high-end restaurant to enjoy a hearty meal.

Although there were lingering tensions between Closed Beta players and regular players, it wasn't as intense as before. Both sides were now gathered in the same restaurant, united by the common goal of preparing for the battle the next day.

Even Kirito, who was known for his lone-wolf tendencies, and Argo, who rarely appeared in public, mingled with the crowd of other Closed Beta testers, offering mutual support.

Of course, Rozen was also present, and each Closed Beta tester raised a toast to him.

"I'm really sorry, Rozen."

"Apologies."

"For letting you bear all the blame alone for us Beta testers."

"We truly regret it."

One by one, the Closed Beta players apologized to Rozen, only to be met with his nonchalant response.

"If you really feel sorry, then give it your all tomorrow."

Rozen gave this simple response, causing the Closed Beta testers to burst into laughter.

It's easy to imagine that these Closed Beta testers must have gone through a month of inner torment. It's only now that they've finally managed to relax, causing many of them to shed tears.

"Those guys who didn't show up will definitely regret it, right?"

"They were all so timid. It serves them right for missing the scene where we Closed Beta testers clear our names."

"Don't say it like that. They've had a hard time too."

"You're right."

The Closed Beta testers engaged in such conversations.

Rozen also understood their sentiments.

Just as Argo had mentioned earlier, even among Closed Beta players, there were strong and weak individuals. Some were initially ahead of everyone under Rozen's leadership, having progressed to the 10th floor, while others remained on the 1st floor, resulting in limited information and knowledge.

Therefore, among the Closed Beta players, there were those like the ones present, who had been at the forefront from the start and became top-tier players. There were also those who diligently survived like the regular players and ultimately blended into their ranks, without any advantage left.

Although Rozen had handed over a list to Argo containing the most elite batch of Closed Beta players, some of these players might not want to get involved, having successfully integrated into the regular player community or due to various reasons.

Regardless of the circumstances, those who missed today's feast would surely regret it in the future. That was certain.

After today's events, one could believe that the treatment of Closed Beta players might improve a little bit, right?

At the very least, within this group of top-tier players, Closed Beta players would no longer be treated as outcasts, but could hold their heads high and walk the streets with confidence.

"Assuming that tomorrow's boss battle will be successful."

With these words, Argo added, causing Closed Beta players, including Kirito, to nod in agreement.

Interestingly, the Closed Beta players present seemed more relaxed than the regular players.

The reason was simple.

"With Rozen around, dealing with the 1st-floor boss should be a piece of cake, right?"

"Saihou is level 13 now. Besides its paralysis skill, it also has a blind skill. That should be enough to handle the 1st-floor boss, right?"

"It's up to you, little buddy."

"Yeah, up to you."

One after another, the Closed Beta players praised Rainbow Butterfly and even fed it valuable items like nectar, fruit juice, and dewdrops, prompting the creature to fly happily in the air, flapping its wings and dancing in the sprinkled phosphorescent powder.

This beautiful scene earned applause and cheers from the Closed Beta players and even the regular couldn't get their eyes off it. Thus, many envious and resentment gaze were fixed on Rozen.

Ignoring these looks, Rozen allowed Rainbow Butterfly to play with the others while he leaned against the wall, gazing at the scene before him.

"Tomorrow, huh?"

Thinking about the battle tomorrow, Rozen brought forth memories from the Closed Beta period.

"I remember the 1st-floor boss during the Closed Beta was..."

Rozen reminisced and began formulating various tactics and strategies in his mind.

Until...

"Can I stand beside you?"

A voice interrupted Rozen's thoughts, causing him to raise his head and look to the side.

"It's you?"

Seeing the visitor clearly, Rozen was slightly surprised.

It was Diabel.

The man who shared the responsibility of commanding alongside Rozen and initiated this upcoming battle raised his cup and smiled at Rozen.

"Sorry for intruding, but seeing you alone here, I couldn't resist coming to chat."

With these opening words, Diabel turned his head to watch the dancing Rainbow Butterfly and the cheering Closed Beta players, his eyes beginning to flicker.

"Truth be told, I admire you."

Diabel suddenly said this.

Rozen didn't respond but chose to listen quietly as Diabel continued.

Because at this moment, Diabel's expression wasn't as bright and cheerful as it had been during the day; instead, it was filled with bitterness.

"I always thought that if it were me, I could properly lead the players, guide the top players of this town to conquer the 1st floor together, and tell those players hiding in the town that this game can be conquered. We still have hope. Please don't give up."

From this perspective, Diabel's wish was indeed noble.

However...

"I never thought about leading the Closed Beta players, resolving the issues between Beta testers and regular players. Instead, I allowed Kibaou to confront the Closed Beta testers. But I never expected the final outcome to be like this."

Diabel mused aloud, seemingly talking to himself or confessing to Rozen, speaking sincerely.

"You're better than me."

This short sentence, for some reason, was full of conviction.

Rozen was a bit surprised by this.

"You don't need to be so hard on yourself," Rozen expressed his doubts, "You do have leadership abilities that others don't possess. It's clear from the reactions of the regular players and their willingness to follow you."

Remember, Rozen had praised Diabel for this before.

So, Diabel shouldn't be saying these things.

However, Diabel's expression became even more bitter.

"You're better."

Diabel repeated this phrase.

"Either way, I can't compare to you."

After saying this, without giving Rozen time to respond, Diabel seemed to regain his composure, and his bright and cheerful expression returned to his face.

"Please guide us well tomorrow, Rozen."

Leaving these words behind, Diabel turned and left.

Watching Diabel's departing figure, Rozen furrowed his brows, lost in thought.

Then...

"I should go find Argo."

Rozen made this decision and took a step forward.