-417- Will we come back?

"Please go without worrying, Mom and Dad," as soon as Yui woke up and learned from Rozen and Asuna about the front-line clearing, without any hesitation, their obedient and understanding daughter spoke these words.

"It's okay. I'll definitely wait for Mama and Papa to come back." Yui looked at Rozen and Asuna with her big round eyes, her voice devoid of any hesitation, only understanding.

This made Rozen and Asuna both happy and concerned about Yui's maturity.

"Yui-chan, are you really okay?" Asuna showed a deeply caring side.

Returning to the front lines didn't just mean Rozen and Asuna leaving; even Saichou and Hanachou would go along, leaving Yui all alone in the Forest Cabin.

While Yui's knowledge and understanding of this world were limited compared to Rozen and Asuna, she was a sophisticated AI program, and even if left alone, she shouldn't encounter any issues.

However, leaving her alone at home was still difficult to bear.

But...

"I'm really fine." Yui reassured, both comforting and displaying her determination.

"While I don't possess outstanding abilities like Mama and Papa, I have some convenient functionalities as an AI program, like dematerializing to hide my presence. However, relatively, within the system, I'm considered an immortal object. Even if attacked outside the safezone, I'll be protected by a purple barrier."

In other words, in terms of safety, Yui was safer than any player, NPC, or even monsters in this world. There would be absolutely no life-threatening danger.

"So, Mama and Papa can return to the frontlines without worries, help everyone, defeat the 75th-floor boss, and bring hope to the players once again."

Yui said this to Rozen and Asuna in a sincere and approving manner, her eyes revealing genuine understanding and agreement.

This left Rozen and Asuna somewhat speechless. Now, they no longer knew nothing about Yui as they did before.

Therefore, both of them knew how heavy the reason was behind Yui's words.

Bringing hope to the players should have been Yui's duty, but it was taken away by Kayaba Akihiko.

However, over the two years of continuously monitoring the players' mental states, Yui had sincerely hoped that the fears, despair, pain, and anger in their hearts could be relieved, saved, and liberated.

"If it's Mama and Papa, you will definitely be able to lead everyone to completely clear Aincrad and leave this world."

Yui closed her eyes, revealing a sincere smile.

"At that time, everyone will surely smile from the bottom of their hearts again."

This was the sight that Yui hoped to see.

However, considering Yui's situation, if it really turned out that way, others would be liberated, but she would be left behind.

After all, Yui was an AI program, not a player. Once this world was completely cleared, all players would be freed, leaving Yui behind.

At that time, Yui would either have to survive alone in this world forever or go along with this world's destruction. There was no third option.

Considering this, one could imagine how heartbreaking it was for Yui to speak such words.

"Yui..."

Asuna couldn't help but hug Yui tightly, as if she didn't want to lose her, and she held her with all her strength.

"Mama..."

Yui returned Asuna's embrace, her smile still without a trace of hesitation.

Seeing Yui like this, Rozen knelt down, facing Yui behind Asuna, and they made eye contact.

"Don't worry."

Rozen reached out and stroked Yui's head.

"I will make sure Yui doesn't disappear, no matter what it takes. We will leave together."

Rozen gave this promise and smiled gently.

"Papa is very clever after all; just leave it to Papa."

Rozen's words left Yui momentarily surprised, then she broke into a big smile.

"Yes!"

Yui vigorously nodded and exclaimed in her adorable voice.

"Papa is the best!"

The cute daughter spoke with an adorable voice, saying such words.

In this situation, Rozen knew he couldn't afford not to do his best.

"Wait for us at home."

"We will definitely come back."

"Okay!"

So, with Yui watching them, Rozen and Asuna left the Forest Cabin.

...

While leaving the Forest Cabin and moving towards the nearest teleport plaza, Rozen and Asuna continued their conversation.

"After this, I will go back to the guild headquarters to get an update," Rozen looked at Asuna and asked, "What about you?"

"Me?" Asuna was slightly surprised, then replied, "I might also go back to the guild headquarters for a while."

In other words, Rozen and Asuna needed to part ways at the teleport plaza, even if it was temporary. Both of them felt a slight discomfort with this situation, which was quite normal.

"Is this the first time in these two weeks that we're splitting up?" Rozen sighed as he said this.

"Yeah," Asuna seemed moved as well, nodding in response but appearing somewhat absent-minded.

"It's okay," Rozen said with a touch of sentiment, "After we understand the situation, I will immediately gather the clearing group members for a strategy meeting. We'll see each other then."

"Yeah," Asuna remained silent for a moment, then nodded again.

Not long after...

"Will we come back?"

Asuna's words seemed to carry both anticipation and hope.

Rozen was momentarily speechless. He could clearly hear the meaning behind Asuna's words. Asuna's meaning was simple: she wanted to continue living together with Rozen. Regardless of what the future held, this was what Asuna currently desired most.

Rozen understood this point, and since Asuna had brought it up to this extent, not giving some kind of response wouldn't be very manly of him.

So...

"Our daughter is waiting for us to come back."

Rozen spoke somewhat indirectly, causing Asuna's eyes to become slightly moist. The implication behind his words, how could Asuna not understand it?

"Yeah."

At that moment, Asuna wiped her tears away with a smile and extended her hand, just like in the past, reaching for Rozen's hand. This time, Asuna didn't retract her hand, and Rozen clearly sensed this, but he didn't shy away from it.

Their hands were firmly held together, and both of them held on tightly as if they were reluctant to let go of each other. Their gazes, locked on each other.

"Let's go."

"Yeah."

With one final, short exchange of words, Rozen and Asuna walked forward hand in hand.