Nolfret.
The Knights of Blood. Aincrad Liberation Front. Divine Dragon Alliance. Fuurinkazan.
Leaders, top fighters, and representatives of Sword Art Online's top guilds had gathered within a large hall of a massive building, rented by the Knights of Blood to host this gathering.
Alongside the top guilds, many top solo-players and smaller groups had also participated in the meeting, including Yuuji, Asuna, Kirito, and Agil.
The main agenda for the meeting that had gathered all the top guilds and players of Sword Art Online was simple.
Strategy to defeat the 39th Floor's Boss.
All the participants stood around a massive, rectangular wooden table. Upon it, several maps of the 39th floor's labyrinth and the boss room were laid for everyone to see.
They were maps they've prepared beforehand by buying information from information brokers, beta-testers, and the help of their members and Yuuji and Asuna's investigation into the depths of the labyrinth.
As a result, an impressive map was laid out for this strategy meeting. And players, even from the top guilds, couldn't help but be impressed at the level of detail it depicted.
It included the patrol area of monsters, its name and level, and even unofficial safe zones that was simply an area where the patrol area of monsters didn't intersect.
Most turned to the Knights of Blood representatives with curious and impressed looks. Reminding themselves to ask for their sources later on.
A few turned to the hooded man standing inconspicuously in the midst of the solo-players with an impressed look.
'As expected of him…'
They thought in unison.
As host of the meeting, Heathcliff began and led the discussion, presenting first his strategy that he and his guild members had come up with.
The discussion then flowed as it usually would.
Each group who had thought of a strategy were free to share them, and the rest would offer opinions, improvements, or question the presented strategy.
The discussions would sometimes fall into small arguments.
Some tried to force upon their strategy, with the best of intentions, they think would work best.
But thankfully, leaders of each guild were able to calm their members down and conduct a more cooperative and productive discussion that simply didn't turn this gathering of players into a fractured raid party.
"Yuuji-san. What do you think?"
Thinker turned towards the hooded man who stood in between the "Flash" and the "Black Swordsman".
And alongside him, Heathcliff, Diavel, and the rest of the guild members turned towards him as well.
"You are the cornerstone of this strategy since you will be switching from DPS to a main tank when the mid-boss spawns in the middle of the fight. The group you will be leading will only consist of a few supporters and mostly DPS to defeat it as soon as possible before rejoining the main group."
"You will also have to kite it away from the main raid party. Otherwise, if they were to get too close, their AOE attack radius will overlap. We won't be able to endure it."
Diavel added.
At first, he wanted to be the one to lead the detachment party to deal with the mid-boss. Although his defense wasn't as high as Heathcliff, he still focused on his one handed sword and shield build.
But after assessing the mid-boss's capabilities, Diavel wouldn't be able to tank it on his own, not without bringing a squad of shielders, which would be needed more on the main floor boss's side.
Yuuji's proven capability to parry and evade attacks of even floor bosses to an uncanny level of skill would be more suited for this task.
In addition, he would also be able to dish out more DPS than Diavel and a squad of shielders combined, even while focusing on defending and keeping aggro.
This would increase their over DPS on the boss and lessen the time needed to defeat the mid-boss and return to the main boss.
His ability to tank alone would also decrease the overall number of players needed, allowing a group with better mobility and more DPS players to face the mid-boss.
But if he were to fail… the entire group might face great danger.
Faced with such a heavy burden and responsibility, Yuuji didn't seem to think of it much and nodded.
"It's a sound plan. I will be able to tank the mid-boss for a while. Though, I would like to make sure we will have enough DPS to kill it in 10 minutes."
Heathcliff nodded.
"10 minutes is also the duration of time I think would be best for us dealing with the main boss since we will have to focus on the defensive until the majority of our DPS return from slaying the mid-boss."
"Agreed."
Diavel nodded and turned towards his second-in-command.
"Lind. You take a number of our DPS players and help Yuuji with the mid-boss. Kill it as quickly as you can."
"Understood."
Lind nodded before turning towards Yuuji with a solemn nod as well.
"Uzala, you should also lead our DPS to assist Yuuji as well."
"I understand, guild master."
Heathcliff commanded, and the leader of the B-squad accepted his order.
Thinker, leader of the Aincrad Liberation Force also contributed a few of his guild's participating DPS players to help Yuuji. Though, given the utmost of his guild's members have more tanky builds, their numbers were fewer than the other two guilds.
Still, a group of 18 players was now formed with 5 DPS players from the Divine Dragon Alliance, 3 DPS and 2 Supports from Knights of Blood, 3 DPS from the Aincrad Liberation Force, Asuna, Kirito, and two more solo-players with Yuuji leading them to defeat the mid-boss.
The discussions went on a few hours longer, mainly to finalize the strategy and smooth out various smaller details and logistics before the raid.
But, the meeting ended smoothly, and players quickly began returning to their respective bases or temporary accommodations on the 39th floor to begin their preparations.
Though some of the guild leaders stayed a few moments longer to mingle with each other and the other players.
Seeing as there was no longer anything to do here for them, Yuuji and Asuna made their way out of the meeting hall when two familiar voices resounded from behind them.
"Hey Yuuji-kun, Asuna-san. It has been a while."
"Yuuji-san, Asuna-san. It's nice to see you again."
They turned, and saw three familiar figures approaching them with friendly smiles.
"Diavel-san. Thinker-san. Yulier-san It has been a while."
The Divine Dragon Alliance's guild leader, and the Aincrad Liberation Force's guild leader and wife shook their hands with friendly smiles.
They came not in a professional capacity, but as old friends.
Diavel had met Yuuji and Asuna during the planning for the first ever raid on the 1st Floor Boss, while Thinker and Yulier met them during the planning for the 3rd floor boss's raid.
And since then, they've met and conversed frequently for the subsequent floor boss raids, exchanging information, and commissions for two of the largest guilds in Aincrad.
"You somehow got yourself into another troublesome role, huh? I'm really sorry I can't help you this time."
The now proper "knight", adorned in heavy plate armor and a sword and shield behind his back, smiled helplessly.
"Though at least, you've got the "Flash" and the "Black Swordsman" with you. Our guys will also help as much as they can."
Thinker nodded in agreement and added.
"Our members will also help you to the best of their abilities. I would also love to help you, but…"
"Guild master."
The icy, composed voice of his wife made his ever-present smile flinch as a shiver run down his spine.
"Please don't even think of it. You're not skilled enough to help Yuuji-san and Asuna-san in any substantial manner."
The harsh truth for her husband flowed out of her lips naturally, like water through a rushing river.
Thinker immediately slumped down slightly, while Yulier kept her stoic expression that seemed to say that she hadn't said anything wrong or harsh to her guildmaster and husband.
And the rest could only smile helplessly through the awkward atmosphere.
"Well, I truly appreciate the help. With just the three of us, we wouldn't be able to have enough damage to kill the mid-boss that quickly."
It was possible for Yuuji alone to kill it within the time frame. But with him having to keep his attention on Asuna, Kirito, and the other players and protect them, his digital body wouldn't be able to keep up if he were to do it himself.
"Well then, I'll be going now. The others are already waiting for me outside. See you in a few days."
Diavel waved his hand and made his way to the exit. Outside, Lind and the others in similarly styled armor were already gathered and waiting, and the Divine Dragon Alliance moved out from the building as a group.
"We'll also be going now. See you during the raid, Yuuji-san, Asuna-san."
"Mm. Take care, Thinker-san, Yulier-san."
Thinker and Yulier quickly disappeared out of the room, returning with the rest of the Aincrad Liberation Force's representative group to their base.
Then following them, Yuuji and Asuna also made their way out of the meeting hall.
"Yuuji, let's grab some food on the way home, enough for Yuna and Lux as well."
"Mm. There are plenty of restaurants on the way to our inn. We can visit some and get a take out."
Their hands and fingers intertwined with each other naturally as they made their way out of the building.
With most of the participating raid members having left, the halls that had been crowded with players leaving were now absent from life.
But soon, the sound of a stampede broke through the silence.
Yuuji and Asuna halted, their eyes turning from each other towards the end of the hall.
Then, turning from the corners, they saw a group of men, dressed in red, japanese samurai adornments and armor, looking around before locking in on them.
"There he is!"
"What in the-"
It was Klein and his Fuurinkazan members that were charging towards him. But despite knowing them, Yuuji still instinctively stood in front of Asuna, shielding him from the crowd of men rushing towards them.
But then… Instead of Asuna, they all surrounded him, pressing against him in the most uncomfortable circle of the crowd filled with gamer guys.
"Hey, Yuuji! My bestest of friend! You're close friends with Yuna-chan right?! Please help us bros get her autograph! I'm begging ya'!"
"U-Ugh… You're too close…!"
Yuuji pushed Klein's scruffy face away and tried to escape their encirclement.
But before he knew it, he had instinctively moved away and found himself with his back against the wall.
While Asuna had already distanced herself far away, her face twisting with revulsion, not wanting to get anywhere close with this group of otakus breathing heavily and reeking with desperation.
"Why are you like this…?!"
"What are you talking about?! We rarely got to see Yuna-chan's concert because we're too busy with grinding and staff! And now, she came here personally to cheer us up! We can't miss this chance to get her autograph!"
""Please help us, Yuuji-san!""
He clenched his teeth, pressing himself against the wall. Before finally, a helpless sigh escaped his lips.
"...Fine. Just please get away from me!"
--------------------------------X--------------------------------
"Everyone! Thank you very much for coming! I heard that there will be a raid attempt on the floor boss soon, so I've come to support you! Please do your best and stay safe!"
"Yeaaahhh!!! Yuna-chan!!!!"
"You're so cute!!! Yuna-chan is the best!"
"I love youuu!!!"
"Yuna-chan! I've made merch of you! I love you so much!"
The Nolfret Teleport Gate Plaza was filled with cheering players and fans of Yuna as her small concert began.
Standing behind the crowd, Yuuji watched over the concert from the balcony on the second floor of a cafe a few distance away.
He sat alone in a small circular table with a parasol at its center. Three other chairs sat around it, empty.
Lux and Asuna were staying close to Yuna, a few distance behind her to watch over her and protect her from fans who'd go too wide.
So, he was here alone.
A ceramic cup of latte rested upon a saucer on the table. Beside it, a small dish of cookies that came as a set.
At this distance, despite general cheers of Yuna's fans, Yuuji could hear the distinct voices of Klein and his friends all cheering loudly.
If it wasn't the digital world, they would've lost their voices before the concert ended.
But, that was understandable. After all, Yuuji had fulfilled his promise and gave them all shikihis of Yuna's autograph. And kind as she was, she even intended it for them, writing their player tags right beside her autograph.
She even added her own drawing of a small dove right beside it. She was very proud of it that Yuuji, Asuna, and Lux didn't have the heart to ask what it was before she told them herself.
He watched over the concert with a small smile.
Then, he noticed footsteps approaching him.
"I knew I would be able to find you here."
He turned and saw Heathcliff, dressed not in armor but the special red Knights of Blood outfit meant for the guild leader.
"A place that can overlook the concert, but far enough to be unnoticed. It's a nice cafe to relax as well."
"Heathcliff-san."
Yuuji stood up and nodded politely, before gesturing to him to take the seat at his table.
"Thank you."
They sat back down, and for a moment, silence fell as the two men watched the concert from afar.
"I believe you've come to receive my answer?"
Yuuji spoke, not turning to face him. Heathcliff also didn't turn, but a smile graced his face.
"Yes. However, I understand that you are also a very careful person. A good trait to have. So, I've also come to clear your doubts, if you have any."
There was silence.
Then, Yuuji turned towards Heathcliff, and he did the same, facing each other.
"What is your intention?"
"I believe my intention is clear."
Yuuji shook his head.
"What do you get from this? You know that I will still participate in floor boss raids even if I'm not in your guild. And you know I will still be hunting Laughing Coffin even without you telling me to."
Yuuji narrowed his eyes, though Heathcliff wouldn't know of this since most of his visage was hidden beneath his hood.
"The name that will be registered on your guild is Yuuji, not the "Sword God". You won't get anything from having me there. So why would you want me and Asuna to enter your guild?"
Heathcliff smiled. A calm, composed smile, as if he had expected such doubts.
"Because I know a hero when I see one."
Yuuji's brow furrowed at the unexpected answer.
But as he observed Heathcliff's expression, he turned to watch over the concert once again.
They could hear it now, a beautiful voice resounding from afar. An ephemeral song that silenced even the most heated fans in awe.
"And I need a hero to vanquish that guild completely. Too many players have lost their lives, and many more fell into their clutches."
Then, Yuuji saw an expression he rarely sees from the Knights of Blood's guild master.
"Robbing them of the freedom that they should be enjoying even more in this world… They're truly a despicable bunch."
Heathcliff's expression softened into his usual smile as he turned towards Yuuji once more.
"My intention is their extermination. You are the hero I'd need to accomplish that, and for it, my guilds' resources are worth the price."
Heathcliff could feel the observant, penetrating gaze that came from beneath the hood of the mysterious man before him.
A few seconds stretched into minutes… Then, it stretched to even more.
The heavy silence enveloped them like a thick, heavy blanket.
And then, loud cheers and applause pierced through the silence, lifting the heaviness from the air around them.
"... I still don't trust the rest of the members of your guild, Heathcliff-san."
The blatant distrust should've offended Heathcliff. But he nodded understandingly.
"I know. And I would be grateful if you can remedy that, Yuuji-kun."
The silver-haired man stretched his hand across the circular table.
Yuuji stared at it for a few seconds. Then, after what seemed like forever… he took it.
"...Very well."
----------------------------------------------------------------
AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please comment your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!!
Also, if you'd like to read additional chapters ahead and get a pdf version (Light & Dark), please feel free to check out my at patr_eon.com/verglasx ~!
Thank you~!