-1674- The impossible arrival

In fact, Asuna was very aware that if Rozen and Sugou Nobuyuki really crossed paths, it would be something no one would want to witness.

At least, in this world, that was the case.

No matter what, Sugou Nobuyuki possessed the highest level of administrator privileges in ALO. Besides Kayaba Akihiko, no one had a higher level of administrator privileges than he did.

Just as Sugou Nobuyuki claimed, in this world, he was the true controller, the true god.

If he wished, he could manipulate the system at any time, gain power that no one else could possess, and even change the sky, the earth, the rules, and the laws at will.

In contrast, Rozen, though strong—exceptionally strong—was still just a player, a mere human.

On one side was a manager who could manipulate the laws of the world at will.

On the other was a player who had stood at the peak until now.

Even though the latter was truly capable, the former was merely exploiting privileges arbitrarily. The positions of the two were fundamentally unfair, and truly speaking, there was no way to compare them.

Throughout history, regardless of the myth or legend, gods have been beings who wield overwhelming power capriciously.

And humans, ultimately, could only either submit to the will of gods or rise up in rebellion.

But the path of rebellion was undoubtedly a thorny one, with a slim chance of survival.

Especially in such an imaginary world where everything was created by the administrators, such power was utterly overwhelming and made one feel helpless.

Under such circumstances, if Rozen and Sugou Nobuyuki were to meet, as Sugou Nobuyuki expected, the chances of the scene turning out as he predicted were almost one hundred percent.

In other words, Rozen simply couldn't defeat Sugou Nobuyuki in this world; he couldn't even get close to him.

For instance, the door to the top of the World Tree that Yui just mentioned—only someone with administrator privileges could open it, and players had absolutely no way to interfere with it.

Rozen couldn't even pass through that door, so how could he fight Sugou Nobuyuki, who could change anything at will?

Sugou Nobuyuki understood this, which was why he appeared here so confidently, laughing wildly in front of Asuna.

"If I want to, he won't even be able to log out, just like when Kayaba Akihiko did it. I now have complete control over others' fates, including that arrogant kid."

Sugou Nobuyuki revealed his deepest malice to Asuna.

"If you don't want him to suffer, then submit to me."

"Submit to me, and I'll make him lick my boots, then make him kneel. How about that?"

"Hahaha!"

Sugou Nobuyuki laughed with exaggerated satisfaction, seemingly reveling in Asuna's grief and despair, as if venting his pent-up frustrations and hatred, his body trembling with laughter.

"Mama..."

Yui could only hold Asuna tightly, her small body trembling as well.

"It's okay... it's okay..."

Asuna could only bite her lip and reassure Yui.

Yui's true identity was the mental health program from SAO, specifically designed to manage and monitor players' mental states and provide guidance. But because SAO had turned into a death game, she had been isolated and nearly overwhelmed by the negative emotions of SAO's players, almost going mad and breaking down. Her sensitivity to emotions and mental states far exceeded that of ordinary people.

Now, with the most direct and intense malice in front of her, how could Yui not feel uneasy?

"Gu!"

"Gu!"

With nerves of steel, Saichou and Hanachou, upon seeing Sugou Nobuyuki terrorizing Asuna and Yui, immediately made sounds and rushed forward.

However...

"Mere data pets, get lost...!"

Sugou Nobuyuki waved his hand, and the incredible force sent Saichou and Hanachou flying as they crashed into the bars of the golden birdcage, crying out in pain.

"No...!"

Yui cried out in shock.

"Sugou...!"

Asuna also shouted angrily at Sugou Nobuyuki.

But Sugou Nobuyuki only grew angrier.

Initially confident he could break Asuna's spirit entirely, Sugou Nobuyuki's pride was clearly hurt upon seeing her show defiance.

"Didn't you hear me tell you to submit...!?"

Sugou Nobuyuki stretched his hand towards Asuna.

"Bang!"

A barrier suddenly appeared in front of Asuna, deflecting Sugou Nobuyuki's hand.

"Damn it!" Sugou Nobuyuki's face contorted in rage as he shouted, "Don't get in my way! I am a god!"

With those words, Sugou Nobuyuki raised his foot, preparing to kick Asuna.

"Bang!"

His foot was once again blocked by the barrier, the sound of the collision echoing clearly.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"

Sugou Nobuyuki repeatedly kicked at Asuna—or rather, at the barrier in front of her.

"Bang!" "Bang!" "Bang!' "Bang!"

The barrier deflected his kicks one after another, preventing Sugou Nobuyuki from even touching Asuna.

However, Sugou Nobuyuki's evident violence and rage caused Asuna and Yui to hold each other tightly.

"Mama...!"

"Yui...!"

Asuna and Yui embraced each other, closed their eyes, trying to hold back the fear and sadness in their hearts as they huddled in the corner of the golden birdcage, enduring Sugou Nobuyuki's violent display.

Neither Sugou Nobuyuki nor Asuna noticed something.

Outside the birdcage, on the branches of the World Tree stretching over, a figure was approaching with incredible speed.

*Whoosh—!*

Gradually, a piercing sound echoed through the air.

"Huh?"

Sugou Nobuyuki halted his assault and turned around in surprise.

"Hm?"

Asuna and Yui opened their eyes as well, looking behind Sugou Nobuyuki.

The next moment, the two girls saw it.

They saw that figure rushing toward them like a bullet, closing in with blinding speed.

One second later, it reached the golden birdcage.

"Bang!"

The bars of the birdcage, set as indestructible by the system, suddenly shattered.

The figure broke through the bars and appeared behind Sugou Nobuyuki.

A cold glint flickered in his eyes.

And then...

"Boom—!"

Just as Sugou Nobuyuki was about to turn his head, a fist slammed into the side of his face with immense force.

"Guh...!"

Sugou Nobuyuki's whole body was sent flying. He spun several times in mid-air before crashing into the bars and falling to the ground.

The shockwave spread from the golden birdcage, blowing outward.

"Thud..."

Only then did the figure slowly land, feet firmly on the ground.

Dressed in a white robe with golden patterns, it fluttered in the wind.

"Gu!"

"Gu!"

Seeing the figure, Saichou and Hanachou, who had fallen to the ground, suddenly cheered.

"...!"

Asuna looked at the young man standing in front of her, covering her mouth in disbelief, her tears streaming down.

Yui was overjoyed.

"Papa!"

It was Rozen.

Turning around, he looked at Asuna and Yui, huddled together in the corner and gazing at him in disbelief. Rozen's eyes flickered for a moment.

Then, he smiled.

The impossible arrival happened at this very moment.

To bring an end to it all.