-1640- Continue unfolding

— ALheim Online

It was almost inevitable that Suguha would end up playing a game known as ALO.

Even though she wanted to explore the world of gaming, Suguha still hoped it wouldn't interfere with her studies or kendo practice. So, she consulted a classmate reputed to know games well, asking them to recommend a game that didn't require too much time yet could still be played with skill.

When she made this request, the classmate recommended ALO—a skill-based game that didn't demand long hours to achieve success.

Under her classmate Rekon's guidance, Suguha found herself blending into this world at an impressive pace, eventually becoming deeply captivated.

Being a game centered on skill alone, Suguha didn't need to invest a lot of time in it, and her years of kendo training proved valuable here, letting her character, Leafa, maintain a position among the top five Sylphs despite her average stats, all without detracting from the enjoyment.

Moreover, ALO's unique flying system gave Suguha the chance to experience the joy of soaring freely, an allure she couldn't resist.

As mentioned earlier, Suguha was a true speed junkie.

Without the flying element, she might not have played ALO for a year.

Originally, Suguha had entered the game world to bridge the gap between herself and her brother, Aoka. But now, she had come to love this world.

After Rozen and Kirito awakened, Suguha could reconnect with both of them, partly because she didn't want any more regrets, and partly because she now understood what had fascinated her brothers about this world. She, too, now walked the same path as them.

Incidentally, it was Rekon who had first introduced Suguha to gaming, which is why Leafa and Rekon knew each other in both the game and the real world.

In other words, Rekon was Leafa's guide and mentor in gaming.

Yet by now, Leafa had completely surpassed Rekon, leaving him far behind.

It was undeniable—the three Kirigaya siblings had all become gaming experts.

So, Suguha was thrilled to fly freely with Rozen in the virtual world, where she saw a side of him that was powerful, shrewd, and strong, so different from his real-world self.

"I won't be confined anymore. I can fly freely alongside Aoka-nii-san."

Thinking of this, a silly smile spread across Suguha's face.

If Rozen were to see her like this, he would surely smile.

Because Suguha's current attitude and emotions were very much like those of Yuri from back then—changing from good to bad and from bad to good, all in the pursuit of soaring together with Rozen in the same world and under the same sky.

As long as she could achieve that, Yuri back then and Suguha now would both be satisfied.

The only thing causing Suguha a bit of unease was…

"Aoka-nii-san came into ALO with something very important to accomplish."

To this day, Suguha still didn't know what it was.

But she knew it was for someone.

"Asuna..."

Who was this person?

What was her relationship with Rozen?

Suguha had thought about these questions more than once and even considered asking Rozen directly.

Yet, at the same time, she was scared.

Scared that she might learn a painful truth that would leave her breathless.

So Suguha forced herself not to dwell on it and to focus on her own happiness.

"As long as I can play the game with Aoka-nii-san, I'm already happy."

With this thought in mind, Suguha got up from bed, opened the door, and left her room.

When she was about to grab her clothes to take a bath, she looked at Rozen's room, hesitated for a moment, and then mustered the courage.

"Excuse me..."

Suguha carefully opened the door and stepped into Rozen's room.

She was greeted by the familiar sight of his room, with her older brother lying on the bed, wearing the helmet-like gaming device, fully immersed in the game.

Suguha knew that, at this moment, Rozen was probably still in the Ancient Forest, keeping an eye on her in-game avatar.

"Aoka-nii-san..."

Suguha approached the bed, looking at the sleeping Rozen, her heartbeat suddenly accelerating.

Especially when her gaze fell on his lips, her heartbeat grew so loud it seemed to echo throughout the room.

At that instant, a wild thought sprang into her mind.

"Just a little... just for a second..."

Suguha knew it wasn't right, but she couldn't stop herself.

In the end, she bent her head and brought her lips close to his.

"Chu..."

With a soft sound, their lips touched.

Suguha lifted her head after what felt like forever.

Her face was bright red.

"Wah...!"

Realizing she had done something bolder than she intended, she let out a small cry, held her flushed face, and rushed out of Rozen's room.

"Bang!"

She shut the door hurriedly, restoring the silence in the room.

Then, Rozen's body moved slightly on the bed.

No, it wasn't Rozen himself but rather the presence hiding nearby.

A snow-white rabbit emerged from beside Rozen, looked at the closed door with innocent curiosity.

It was none other than Gyokuto.

After the SAO incident, Rozen wasn't about to leave himself defenseless in a virtual world again.

While sending Kinu to protect Asuna, Rozen also left Gyokuto at his side whenever he entered the game. If anything happened, Gyokuto could easily bring him back.

Rozen was now thoroughly prepared.

Little did Suguha know, had she approached Rozen with malice or intent to harm, she would have ceased to exist instantly.

Fortunately, Gyokuto sensed her good intentions and simply observed in curiosity.

"Chirp!"

Moments later, Gyokuto chirped cutely and snuggled back into Rozen's bed, lying comfortably in his arms, continuing to watch over its master.

In this ordinary world, two deities representing the sun and the moon quietly protected the young man and woman, allowing the world's events to continue unfolding.