-364- Find a cute girl?

After exiting the labyrinth tower's entrance, what appeared before Rozen was a small path that traversed through a dense and shadowy forest. This forest was situated in front of the dusky plains, featuring a complex arrangement of ancient trees.

Since most of the outer perimeter of Aincrad's floors, except for a few support structures, consisted of open spaces, and the labyrinth tower happened to be situated in this outer area, stepping outside meant basking in sunlight angled through the trees.

The sunlight also bathed the forest, causing the trees to exhibit a fiery red hue. The dense mist swirling between the trunks shimmered with a mysterious glow after reflecting the sunlight, making the noisy bird calls and the swaying of the treetops appear vibrant and lively.

"If this were the real world, it'd be hard to witness such a sight," Rozen remarked as he walked along the path, marveling at the scenery.

"Gu!"

"Gu!"

Saichou and Hanachou were similarly affected, shedding their previous listlessness. They began to frolic and chase each other through the air. Their phosphorescent effects spun around them, creating a uniquely beautiful spectacle.

Rozen allowed these mischievous little creatures to enjoy themselves while he walked slowly.

By following this path straight ahead, in approximately thirty minutes, Rozen would arrive at the 74th-floor central district - "Kamdet."

Using Kamdet's teleportation gate, Rozen could easily return to the guild's base - "Floria," located on the 47th floor.

Floria was a beautiful city nestled in the 47th floor, also known as the "Garden of Flowers." Here, not only the city streets but the entire floor was adorned with blossoms.

Especially in Floria, the streets were surrounded by countless flowers and flowerbeds, creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. It was widely renowned in SAO as a popular spot for couples' dates.

Just six months ago, Rozen had made the decision to relocate the guild's base from the 24th floor's Panareze to Floralia on the 47th floor. This decision was driven not only by the floor's scenic beauty but also by the fact that Saichou and Hanachou seemed particularly joyful in this garden.

Additionally, the two familiars had triggered a hidden quest on this floor, resulting in significant growth. This convinced Rozen to move the guild base to Floralia.

The guild members didn't oppose the decision.

"As long as we have a base for gatherings, it's fine."

"We're not in the guild during the daytime anyway."

"We each have our own homes most of the time."

"While other large guilds use their bases as living spaces, we're beta testers, after all."

"Sometimes we have to venture out on our own."

"That's right."

The guild members accepted Rozen's decision with these reasons in mind.

However, they made one particular decision together:

"No entry for Kirito!"

"That's right!"

"Anyone else is fine! Just don't let Kirito come over!"

The guild members unanimously agreed on this.

"Why?!"

Kirito was shocked on the spot.

But their decision was understandable.

"This is the Garden of Flowers."

"It's considered the best romantic date spot."

"If we let Kirito come and go from the base freely..."

"That's right!"

The guild members exchanged knowing glances.

Their reasoning was straightforward: Kirito and a certain girl from the Moonlit Black Cats had recently been seen spending a lot of time together.

"After all, little Lis has apparently become Kirito's exclusive blacksmith."

"And it was Lis who offered it?"

"Recently, this guy Kirito keeps running off to Lindarth."

"It's quite suspicious."

"Very suspicious."

Kirito became the target of the guild's jealousy.

"N-No, there's nothing suspicious about it! It's just a perfectly normal business relationship! Completely normal!"

Kirito protested loudly, but according to reliable information provided by a certain rapier user, Liz had once publicly declared something.

"I'm actively pursuing the black swordsman!"

With a slightly flushed expression, Lis had made this declaration openly.

Upon hearing about this matter, Rozen fell silent for a while, and then he had a conversation with Kirito.

"Have Lis and Sachi ever met?"

"N-No..."

"I see..."

"Why are you looking at me with pity?"

"Nothing, just wanted to tell you that you better be careful."

"..."

This conversation remained known only to the two of them. However, what was certain was that Kirito's future would definitely not be peaceful.

To sum it up, at the unanimous request of the guild members, Kirito was prohibited from freely entering the guild base. He could only come over when Rozen called for him.

"But I'm also a member of the Crimson Wing!"

Kirito complained tearfully but was naturally ignored by everyone.

Thus, the guild's base was settled on the 47th floor in Floria, becoming a place Rozen had to return to every day.

"Although it's annoying to be see all those lovey dovey couples every time I return."

After all, as a renowned dating spot, the 47th floor had many couples.

The members of the Crimson Wing, who were constantly flashed by these couples, had also begun to show signs of romantic interest lately. Besides their daily clearing activities, they had started paying attention to cute girls.

"I hope these guys won't head in a weird direction in the future."

Rozen kept a watchful eye on these guild members who were showing signs of spring.

By the way, Rozen himself wasn't doing much better. Lately, he often thought:

"Why not try dating a cute girl?"

It could be seen that while choosing the 47th floor as their base had its advantages, it also brought an unimaginable mental impact to everyone, making Rozen doubt whether his decision to use this floor as their base was correct.

"Maybe I should consider relocating the base at some point."

Thinking about these things, Rozen mumbled to himself as he walked slowly.

"Cling!"

Just then, a blinking cursor appeared in front of Rozen.

"A message?"

Rozen was momentarily surprised but extended his hand and touched the cursor in front of him, opening the message.

The message was from the familiar information broker.

"Argo, huh?"

Rozen perked up slightly and began to read the contents of the message.

It contained the following information:

"It has been confirmed that the seventh Rainbow Flower Butterfly was discovered by a mid-level player team on the 58th floor yesterday. Although attempts were made to tame it, they were unsuccessful, and it was eventually killed by a player within the team."

Reading this message, Rozen fell silent for a while and then let out a sigh.

"It's come to this, huh."