With Kaito's current conditions, he really would attract attention wherever he went.
If he really wanted to be famous, his looks alone would be enough to make him a global sensation.
In fact, Japan also likes many stars from China.
Especially since Kaito's combat ability is so strong. Just film a few action movies, add a bit of special effects, casually throw in an exciting classic blockbuster plot, wouldn't he become a global sensation instantly?
But someone like this remains unknown?
From Kyoko's observation, Kaito shouldn't be completely introverted or low-key...
"Captain Kaito, when do you think we'll be able to clear the game?"
"This... at the shortest, two years; at the longest, ten years."
Kaito thought for a moment. Not counting himself, based on the original work's progression time and the current difficulty and player base, it would be within 2 to 10 years.
Well, saying this is basically like saying nothing.
"Th-this long..."
Hearing it was a bit longer than imagined, Kyoko's expression dimmed slightly.
But she admits one thing: the scenery in this world is still very beautiful, at least things the real world doesn't have such beautiful scenery.
"Actually, instead of worrying about whether you can get out, I think you should cherish every moment now."
Kaito opened his inventory, took out a cup of black tea that could restore stamina, and handed it to Kyoko.
This could either continuously restore stamina over a short period or be drunk as an ordinary beverage.
Kaito walked over to her side and spoke with slight emphasis, while also looking towards the central tower.
"Although my situation is different from yours, I truly cherish this feeling of experiencing life in another world."
"Breaking away from your original world, coming to a brand new world, encountering new things, making new friends. Maybe, just maybe, you might even meet someone you can entrust your life to."
"Forgetting everything in reality, like starting over from scratch — that's what I think."
Not knowing Kyoko's situation, Kaito said this. But no matter what, these words weren't wrong.
If he really encountered this situation, his mental state would inevitably be like this.
"Is that so..."
"Forgetting everything in reality, like starting over from scratch..."
"Sigh..."
Taking a sip of the warm black tea, Yuki Kyoko's eyes flickered with a glimmer of light, and she murmured thoughtfully.
Perhaps these words touched her. After thinking for a moment, she suddenly laughed.
"You're right."
Kyoko agreed with Kaito's earlier words.
Given the current situation, this was the most correct approach.
And her, her experiences in the real world...
As a child, born into a wealthy family, enjoying abundant resources while also growing up elite-style, like a puppet.
In her youth, how many times she wished she could be free like ordinary girls, even if life was hard.
When she grew up, she had no choice either. No matter how outstanding and strong she was, she ultimately had an arranged marriage and married into the Yuki Family.
Later, it continued like this. Due to her childhood environment and gradually formed habits, she also imposed elite education on her children.
Perhaps Yuki Koichiro didn't want to stay in the Yuki Family anymore, which is why he left.
Leaving that family full of money but lacking much human warmth, to find his own true life, his own liked job, his own liked woman.
His father's death and the unresolved shadow were mostly excuses.
Otherwise, according to the normal trajectory, he would have been arranged by Shouzou to marry a daughter from another family and then inherit his father's business.
As for his true thoughts?
Never considered.
Including Asuna, Shouzou also wanted the backstabbing Sugou to become his son-in-law.
In all this, did they ever truly give them what they really wanted?
Besides giving them the best environment and the best learning resources, what about the rest?
It was all arranged!
She herself was once like this, and now her children were the same.
Until the accident happened...
Only then did Kyoko start to value her daughter. And after she stopped making so many demands, her daughter not only smiled more but also lost her previous rebelliousness.
Perhaps...
This was the most correct approach. After that, her daughter was also afraid of her excessive protection, so yesterday she reasoned with her instead...
'Hahaha...'
Kyoko laughed, her heart suddenly feeling much lighter.
Looking at Asuna's intense fighting figure, she couldn't help but sigh that her daughter had truly grown up.
Even in this world, she didn't run away, but bravely stepped forward to fight, get stronger, and protect the timid and powerless.
Actually... isn't this what every parent wants!
"Captain Kaito, thank you. I feel much better."
Suddenly realizing, she became aware that Kaito suddenly saying all this to her — wasn't this just trying to enlighten her?
It seemed...
She, a dual-field professor, wasn't as open-minded as a mere 23-year-old guy!
Maybe she should also try to cast aside everything in reality and properly enjoy this new life in this 'otherworld'?
"Hehe..."
Kaito, beside her, heard this and smiled, shaking his head. He also took a sip of his black tea.
"Kyoko, if you need any help, just ask me."
"Mm, then I won't hold back."
Kyoko nodded, took a deep breath, finished her black tea in one gulp, then stood up, took out her longbow, and joined the battle.
Even though she was still very inexperienced now, with the game's assistance, she could more or less contribute some combat power.
Since she decided to cast aside everything in reality, no longer think about the past, but instead embrace a new future, a new life, she should also work hard.
Or rather, should she act young for once?
The drive and passion she never experienced during her childhood, youth, and young adulthood — shouldn't she make up for them now!?
Otherwise, wouldn't this life be wasted!?
"Oh? Mom~"
"Asuna, I will protect you well. I will also become a combat asset for the team. You continue fighting at the front; I'll handle your back!"
"I see... Haha, alright!"
Asuna was stunned for a moment, then instinctively turned to look at Kaito. Seeing him raise his teacup slightly towards her, the smart girl immediately understood.
Nothing could be happier than this, perhaps?
She smiled and nodded in agreement, then continued wielding her one-handed rapier, attracting the wolves to fight. Only this time, Kyoko was always protecting her from behind.
But at the same time...
Asuna also gained a bit more time to look at Kaito.