-317- Isn't always a good thing

Knights of the Blood Oath officially joined the clearing group, becoming a prominent guild at the forefront of this world and a member of the top guilds.

This was the ultimate outcome, and there was no one who could oppose it. Witnessing Knights of the Blood Oath successfully handle the training area boss that the clearing group had been preparing to defeat, who would reject such a fresh force joining their ranks?

With the disbandment of the Aincrad Liberation Squad and the significant decrease in the clearing group's strength, the addition of Knights of the Blood Oath was undoubtedly a welcomed move. Even though Zahard seemed extremely unwilling, treating Knights of the Blood Oath as an obstacle to his ambition of becoming the strongest guild, he couldn't oppose their inclusion given their absolute strength, so he could only begrudgingly step aside during the post-battle strategy meeting.

In this manner, the first clearing battle on the 26th floor concluded under these circumstances.

"Next is the path to the labyrinth area. Each guild will go exploring on their own. We'll reconvene for the second strategy meeting once we discover the guardian floor boss at the top of the labyrinth area. For now, let's disband."

Rozen's words marked the end, and the clearing group players dispersed, carrying their own feelings of awe and astonishment from the day.

The relationships within the clearing group were such that they only came together when facing difficult challenges. Normally, they weren't of one mind; each had their own guild, their own teams, and their own selfish desires. It wasn't feasible for them to stay united for the duration of the clearing.

So, before the next clearing battle began, the clearing group players would return to their individual pursuits, leveling up, defeating monsters, earning money, and attempting to uncover hidden quests, chests, and rare items.

However, after today's events, tomorrow's news headlines would undoubtedly be dominated by two things.

One, the tales of the Knights of the Blood Oath and them joining the clearing group.

Two, Rozen obtaining his second familiar, which would also spread throughout the entire game.

Simultaneously, the swordswoman named Asuna was bound to become the focus of numerous reports, captivating a massive fan following with her exceptional appearance and skills.

At least, Rozen had foreseen this outcome.

Compared to Rozen, those who knew Asuna remained immersed in surprise, unable to shake it off.

"Seriously, I've never seen such sword skills before. A technique like a flash. It's so beautiful. Moreover, she's such a beauty herself. How could you guys know someone like that and not introduce her to me? You guys lack integrity!"

On the road leaving the village, Klein loudly complained to Rozen, Kirito, and Agil, causing everyone to smile wryly.

"I never expected that the swordswoman hiding under the cloak would look like that."

Agil made his usual shoulder-shrugging motion and commented.

"I didn't know either."

Kirito shook his head as well.

Naturally, Rozen hadn't anticipated this.

After all, he hadn't seen Asuna's face.

What surprised Rozen even more was that the Asuna who initially lacked game knowledge, was stubbornly self-destructive, and emitted an aura of resistance against others, not interacting with anyone, would actually join a guild. Furthermore, she led so many top players to swiftly break into the clearing group at the opportune time of the Aincrad Liberation Squad's collapse. It was genuinely unexpected.

"That Argo definitely knew all the details in advance, yet she didn't tell me anything."

Rozen cursed a certain crafty rat through clenched teeth.

But...

"Sword skills aside, I always believed that with her sword skills, she would definitely rank among the top players from the first floor. I never doubted that."

Kirito spoke those words.

"But, I never expected that she would join a guild and even become the vice-captain. Her exceptional strategic command during the clearing battle truly surprised me."

Indeed, it's true.

It's important to note that Asuna was initially a complete newbie without any knowledge of the game. She didn't even know that attacking players would result in an orange name and restrict her entry to safe zones. Now, she's able to come up with strategies that exploit monster behaviors to restrain boss monsters during battles. It's truly surprising.

Only Rozen knows...

"That swordswoman wasn't dumb to begin with. In reality, she's probably a very intelligent person, displaying knowledge and education through her actions. Coupled with her high talent, it's only natural for her to excel."

Rozen remarked.

"Previously, she lacked experience and knowledge of the game. After four months, she's likely gained a deep understanding of this world. Blossoming like this is quite normal."

The issue lay solely with Asuna's combat.

From Asuna's battles, Rozen no longer saw the tendency to push herself to exhaustion and then collapse. Instead, she wielded her sword with the belief of obtaining liberation from this world.

During the first-floor boss battle, Asuna had grasped the power of belief and the power of combat, which allowed her to officially step into the ranks of the elite today.

However...

"Having belief isn't always a good thing. Sometimes, excessive belief can lead to self-destruction..."

Rozen sighed quietly.

Meanwhile, Kirito, Agil, and Klein were engrossed in lively chatter.

"I'm completely infatuated with that vice-captain. I must get her autograph next time!"

"I advise you not to do that."

"You'll definitely get attacked. And most likely getting struck by her sword in a critical spot, triggering a critical hit."

Facing Klein's delusions and loud exclamations, Kirito and Agil offered helpless advice and playful jests, engaging in a rather lighthearted conversation.

Leaving Agil aside, as Rozen watched Kirito and Klein's cheerful interaction, he couldn't help but chuckle internally.

(Although he used to be concerned about the events from the Starting Town, now they're chatting so freely.)

Indeed, Kirito and Klein seemed to have a strong rapport.

Just then, a flashing icon appeared before Rozen.

"A message?"

Rozen was slightly surprised, then reached out to open it, revealing a message in front of him.

After reading the contents, his brow immediately furrowed.

"What's wrong?"

Kirito keenly noticed this and turned to inquire.

"Nothing." Rozen closed the message window and addressed the group, "There's a place I want to go. You don't have to wait for me."

With that, Rozen left, leaving the trio to exchange puzzled glances.

...

The 26th floor, the village from before.

When Rozen returned here and entered an alleyway, his eyes immediately fell upon a girl clad in red and white knight attire with a mini skirt.

"Hey, we meet again."

Rozen casually remarked.

"...You're still the same as before, always so carefree."

A slightly emotionless yet melodious voice sounded from the girl.

It was Asuna.