A journey to another world starting from a sword

Well, thanks to the Argo Weekly, everyone has a clearer understanding of the Frontline Strategy Group. Although it still feels very distant, that's precisely why we think it's so impressive.

In particular, there has been an increase in mid-level players who are aiming to conquer the raid groups. In their eyes, the "knight" who leads everyone to break through the fifth and sixth floors is like a legendary hero.

"So..." Xiaochun hesitated, clutching the hem of her skirt, her slender and beautiful legs rubbing together nervously, "I'm a little confused, why did they choose me?"

Why exactly is that?

Dante rested his chin on his left hand, which was propped up on the table, as he pondered. At first, he had only asked Argo to keep an eye out for any promising players he encountered. Even if they were newcomers, it didn't matter; they could be nurtured later.

Whether Argo did it on purpose or not, she seemed to be targeting female players when looking for people to join her guild.

When Dante heard the other person mention that he had encountered a player named Xiaochun before, he thought the name sounded familiar, since someone with that name should be from another timeline.

Upon entering the store and seeing her for the first time, he knew that she was Honda Koharu, the heroine who, like Asuna, was involved in the SAO conquest in different timelines.

Moreover, she seems to be a closed beta player of SAO, because it was her first time experiencing a true full-dive game, so she can't really compare to Mito.

However, the opponent's combat potential is beyond doubt, and it is especially important that they are trustworthy.

So Dante gave a standard answer, "Because Argo said you're very good, and I trust her judgment as an intelligence broker. Besides, when I actually met you, Xiaochun, I felt that a gentle girl like you would definitely be a good fit for our guild."

"Yes, I think so too," Asuna chuckled and took Koharu's hand.

"I see." As if embarrassed by the compliment, she gave a silly grin. Looking at the other person's smile, Dante thought that the other person was probably just an ordinary high school girl in real life, no, maybe she was a junior high school student like Asuna.

"Welcome to our guild!" Asuna said, clasping her hands together in congratulations.

"Thank you. I am a novice and would appreciate your guidance." Taking a deep breath, Xiaochun bowed her head solemnly.

"Yes, when we get back, I'll have Asuna introduce you to the members of our guild. They're all very nice people," Dante said with a smile.

"Yes!"

Then they went outside the store. Since Xiaochun didn't have any personal belongings at the hotel and didn't need to check out, they decided to go directly to "Recusio" on the seventh floor through the transfer door.

The guild members are currently using that place as a base, and they basically move to the seventh floor as soon as they clear the sixth floor, because staying in the inn on the sixth floor is just too uncomfortable.

Liz and Lingyin were conducting their blacksmith shop business in the main square when Dante and Asuna, along with Haru, went over and easily found the two.

The plaza overlooked by the stone statues of the "Man with the Cane" and the "Man with the Wine Glass" had long queues in front of their shops. The transfer gate plaza was quite lively due to the influx of players, and more than half of them should be tourists from the first floor.

However, a considerable number of players in the "Catch-Up Group" who already possessed a certain level of weaponry and armor planned to come to the seventh floor to purchase the latest equipment. At this moment, they were talking to each other and queuing up. Sure enough, the newly developed town immediately had a group of new customers.

There were also some blacksmith and merchant players nearby, but unfortunately they didn't have much business.

The merchant players were alright; some were selling special items, and even Asuna couldn't help but take a peek.

The blacksmith's business is really not doing well, partly because Liz and Lingyin are both beautiful girls, and customers tend to go to them.

Another part is probably the queuing effect; the customers are not only lower-level players, but also front-line players who are the first to queue here.

When other players saw how long the queue was, they asked around and found out that the blacksmith girl at this shop had a very high skill level, so they had to wait in line. This is probably the root cause of the current situation.

"I'm a little embarrassed," Asuna whispered to Dante, who was standing to the side. She noticed the blacksmith player next to them looking at Liz and the others with envy.

"Well, they'll probably realize later that it's best to do business on the middle floor." Dante said there was no other way; it was an undeniable fact that Liz and the others were far more skilled than ordinary blacksmiths.

On the other side, Xiaochun watched as the guild's seniors carried out activities in a way that conformed to the traditional impression of RPG games with ease, and couldn't help but feel incredulous, exclaiming, "So this is really a game."

"Hey—what are you guys doing standing there?" Lisbeth was the first to notice the three people standing to the side and shouted loudly without any regard for the consequences.

"Excuse me, please wait a moment," Ling Yin apologized to the customers who had just reached the front of the line.

"Ah, a newcomer, huh?" After Dante and his two companions walked over, Lisbeth smiled brightly at the unfamiliar girl and said, "Hello, I'm Lisbeth, everyone calls me Lisbeth, nice to meet you."

"I'm Lingyin, just call me by my name." Lingyin smiled playfully at Xiaochun. Not long ago, she was just as reserved as Xiaochun is now, but now she has the ease and confidence of a senior.

"Hello, my name is Xiaochun. I hope you two will take good care of me." Xiaochun bowed politely again.

"Um, sorry, I'm a little busy right now. We'll see if we can make you anything after everyone goes home tonight." What Lisbeth meant by "make something" was the issue of weapons and equipment.

“Ah, it’s a short sword.” Lingyin glanced at the weapon at Xiaochun’s waist and said, “Then it seems we’ll have to give it to Liz.”

Patting her chest, Lisbeth quickly assured her, "Hehe, don't worry, I remember the guild members have collected several rare ingots, they'll definitely forge you a sparkling weapon."

At this moment, Xiaochun realized that what the other party had just said was about helping her craft equipment. She quickly wanted to thank them, but Asuna stopped her.

"We're all guild members, there's no need to thank me for this little thing."

"Hey, let's have a welcome party tonight, just like when Miss Jeliska joined," Lingyin said, clapping her hands.

“Great idea,” Lisbeth immediately agreed.

"It seems like Mitt and Miss Jeliska are hunting monsters in the training area." Asuna pondered for a moment, then tilted her head and smiled, "Then let's meet up tonight."

"Mmm." "Okay."

Chapter 138: Are we going to live together?

"Let's raise a toast to our newest member!"

This sound was followed by shouts of "Cheers!!!"

After downing half of her beer glass in one gulp, Asuna made the same "plop" sound as Argo.

On the first floor, I thought it was just a bitter and sour liquid, but when I came to my senses, I realized that I couldn't resist the ordering style of "start with a draft beer".

Seriously, if this keeps up, I feel like I'll want to drink it again when I get back to reality. What am I going to do then?

Given her mother's personality, she probably wouldn't allow her to drink alcoholic beverages at home while she was still a minor, especially since the house mainly contained expensive wines.

"I didn't expect another new member to arrive so soon, and such a lovely child at that." The one with the cold and aloof appearance, like an ice queen, surprisingly spoke in a gentle voice—it was Jeliska, who had only recently joined the guild.

Her magnificent silver hair, as cascading as a waterfall of stars, was gathered to one side and draped over her shoulder, the curled ends adding to her elegance.

"Well, that just means our guild is growing stronger." Argo, who was huddled in the corner, let out a silvery laugh. She raised her hand high and called out to the tavern waitress, "Big sister! Three extra-large draft beers!"

After quickly finishing the last half of her beer, Jeliska raised her hand and added, "Four glasses."

"Oh, oh—" Argo said with an approving expression, then called out, "Two more sausage platters, please."

"Don't be shy," Asuna said with a smile to Koharu, then forked a beautifully browned sausage from the platter and placed it on her plate.

"Thank you," Xiaochun said softly, raising her head to silently observe the guild members sitting at the table.

According to Ms. Asuna, the team initially consisted only of her, Chairman Dante, Ms. Mito, and Silica. Later, Liz and Lingyin were recruited because a blacksmith was needed.

Miss Jeliska is a new member, so she should be considered a contemporary of Jeliska. Miss Argo seems to have known her for a long time, but she only recently joined the guild.

However, Guild Master Dante and Miss Jeliska are the oldest members of the guild, both possessing a very mature demeanor and even appearing somewhat stern. Contrary to their image, they occasionally reveal gentle smiles, like the winter sun.

Because the two were sitting opposite each other on the far right, she almost couldn't help but wonder if they were dating, but upon closer inspection, it seemed unlikely that Miss Jeliska had just joined the guild.

Vice President Asuna was completely different. She always had a warm smile on her face, and her dignified posture and elegant manners made it clear that she had a very good upbringing. Even if she said that she was actually a rich young lady in real life, she would not doubt it at all.

Sitting between herself and President Dante, Asuna would often turn her head to interact with him, and her expressions seemed to become more varied during their conversations.

Miss Mitt, on the other hand, had a cold face like the snow and ice of Hokkaido. She would only show a helpless expression and offer a smile when the president and vice president sitting opposite her spoke to her.

Silica is the youngest and also the most energetic child.

The loudest voice belongs to Liz. Liz gives the impression of being a bit noisy, but you can sense her straightforwardness, so you can't really dislike her.

Argo and Liz were similar, gulping down beer. It was hard to believe that the intelligence provider whom all players of Aincrad should be grateful for was usually like this, but for some reason, he had a mature air about him, and I was a little curious about the beard on his face.

Lingyin, sitting on the far side, is very cute. Unlike Xiaoxilika's cuteness, she has the cuteness of a young girl. She always has a shy smile on her face, but her words are playful and she will occasionally make a joke.

"Four draft beers, and two sausage platters." At this moment, the female NPC slammed four frothy draft beers onto the long table with a dull thud, which intensified the sour smell of fermenting ale in the tavern with its low-hanging wooden beams.

"Here you go." Lingyin stood up to help distribute the beer, as she happened to be sitting in the aisle where the waiters were walking around.

Argo's share, Jielisca's share, Mitt's share, and Dante's share...

"Hey, it's rare to have a newcomer here, how about we sing a song to welcome them?" Lingyin put down her wine glass in front of Dante and immediately tugged at his sleeve, making a request that sounded like she was being coquettish.

"Um......"

"Hey, are you still hesitating at a time like this?" Argo slammed a large mug on the table, fiercely criticizing someone who was subconsciously thinking.

"Do not......"

"Well, it's a rare opportunity." Asuna nudged Dante's arm, smiling broadly.

"Ha, I haven't even said anything yet." Dante crossed his arms. "I just can't do anything with you guys."

"Yay!" Lisbeth cheered, raising her glass high.

"Any new songs?" Lingyin's big eyes sparkled.

Seeing the girl's expectant expression, Dante took out a datura from his inventory and glanced at Lingyin speechlessly. "Why are you making so many demands? I reject them."

"Hey—" Suddenly, Lingyin grabbed his left hand with her small, weak hands, shook it, and said in a cute, coquettish voice, "Please, please~"

After she finished speaking, Lingyin saw Dante pause for a moment, then narrow his eyes, like a strict teacher in class.

My heart was pounding, just a second after I thought he wouldn't agree.

"...Just one song."

Although he agreed, Dante immediately sensed something was wrong. "Who taught you that?"

"Hehe, Silica taught me that. She said if you use sweet talk, Dante will eventually agree."

Silica slammed her hand on the table and exclaimed, "Where is that?!"

After glaring at Silica, Dante shook his head and said, "I'll agree to anything as long as it's not an unreasonable request."

"Really?" Lisbeth exclaimed excitedly, then stood up, as if to say something.

"Alright, I know, it's impossible." Dante sighed with a "ha".

“I haven’t said anything yet,” Lisbeth exclaimed, then lowered her head to think.

Anyone could tell she was thinking about how to act cute, but even she herself couldn't imagine what she would look like acting cute.

"Give up, I said it was just one song," Dante sincerely advised, then turned around and pulled Lingyin to the table, his fingers naturally plucking the strings of the mandala.

Hearing the familiar melody, Lingyin opened her eyes slightly with understanding, then sat down on the table in front of Dante, swinging her legs, and a sweet voice came from her mouth.

"The coastline I gazed upon that day still evokes memories of the words carved in the sand and your silhouette; what did the surging waves carry away as they swept past my feet...?"

The performance began with a duet between a man and a woman. Of course, Dante kept his word and sang a song that didn't exist in this world. He then handed the stage over to Lingyin.

When they sang songs that everyone was familiar with, they would sing along together. Lingyin even pulled Xiaochun to sing a song that seemed to be very popular in the real world.

"Pop." Argo was using Silica's dagger to pry open the earthenware jar of honey-soaked berries, and the amber liquid meandered down the rim of the jar.

Argo poured half a glass of the fruit wine for each person and enjoyed it, then the earthenware jar disappeared. No one knew where she got it from.

Then Jelisca ordered the shop's sangria—a drink made by soaking fruit and spices in wine.

The girls, including Asuna, drank large gulps of sangria, which was topped with slices of fruit. The fact that it was red wine-based meant that in reality it would have an alcohol content far exceeding that of beer, but in SAO, you wouldn't get drunk.

Then Asuna picked up large pieces of citrus fruit from the sangria and threw them into Dante's beer.

"Ah, Asuna, what are you doing?!"

"Maybe it'll taste better," Asuna smiled, oblivious to her own ignorance.

"..." No matter what, it can't be wasted. Dante brought the beer to his lips, took a sip, and said, "Not bad. I didn't expect Asuna to know about alcohol."

"What? I do remember there was a cocktail where you added orange juice to beer," Asuna retorted.

"Hmph, isn't this what Mitt ordered when we took you to the bar last time?" Dante complained, and sure enough, Mitt couldn't help but laugh.

"Then we won't take you next time." Asuna turned her head away as if to say "we're ignoring you," acting childishly.

"Hahahaha..." Argo burst into laughter from the side, "Dante is always making Aria angry."

"No way." "No! I'm angry."

-----------------

That evening, we returned to the "Amber Moon Inn," which Argo had recommended.

It seems that no other players besides them have checked into this inn yet, perhaps because the players from the raiding group haven't moved to the seventh floor in large numbers.

They moved directly into the Platinum Suite on the fourth floor, a price that would be considered extremely high by the average player.

What happened next left Xiaochun speechless with shock: she saw Chairman Dante and Miss Asuna stop in front of a door.

"Huh?" She instinctively stopped in her tracks, letting out a surprised sound, while the others had already walked past her to other rooms.

Lisbeth noticed that Haru had stopped, so she turned her head to look. When she saw what Haru was surprised about, she chuckled and remarked, "Ah—those two have been sleeping together quite often lately."