I'm a Sword Master in Sword Art Online

Mochizuki Kaede stood up with great interest: "I'm also very curious about what a glowing rabbit looks like."

As dusk fell, they spotted a group of fluffy Moonshadow Rabbits at the edge of the forest. These adorable little creatures were pure white, with iridescent tips on their ears that trailed streaks of light like shooting stars as they hopped through the grass. Silica cautiously crouched down, and one of the bolder rabbits jumped onto her lap.

Back at the camp, Asuna once again showcased her culinary skills.

After dinner, the girls began practicing swordsmanship around the campfire.

The campfire crackled, sparks drifting in the wind. Asuna's rapier traced silver lines in the firelight, while Kissmael's saber whistled sharply with each strike. The two women, one on each side, corrected Silica's sword grip.

"Lower your wrist a little more." Asuna lightly tapped Silica's elbow with the tip of her sword.

Kismael demonstrated a blocking move: "Keep your balance."

Occasionally, Mochizuki Kaede would step forward and demonstrate a few practical moves with her lightning-fast sword. Silica studied diligently, beads of sweat forming on her nose.

As night deepened, the three girls went to the hot spring together. The steam from the hot spring swirled in the night air. Asuna tied her chestnut hair up with a towel, revealing her slender neck. She tested the water temperature, lightly touching the surface with her toes.

Stepping into the pool, the hot water washed over her fair skin, giving it a slight blush. Kizmel then entered the water, her dark skin appearing exceptionally smooth in the hot spring.

"Asuna-neechan's cooking today is so delicious!" Silica scooped up a handful of hot water, her eyes sparkling. "I never thought mushroom soup could smell so good."

Asuna chuckled, splashing water on her shoulder: "The dark elf spices and the elf's special jam go surprisingly well together."

“Your cooking skills are truly amazing,” Kissmayer praised.

"Actually, I also want to try..." Asuna suddenly lowered her voice and said mysteriously, "Add that singing mushroom to the dessert."

Silica's eyes widened: "Huh?! Isn't that poisonous?"

“If handled properly, the toxins will transform into a unique flavor.” Asuna blinked. “But last time, after Xiaofeng tried it, she danced for a whole hour…”

Kissmael smiled slightly: "It seems Lord Mochizuki has sacrificed quite a bit for food."

The three of them burst into laughter, splashing water everywhere. As the laughter subsided, Asuna suddenly remembered something: "Speaking of which, someone saw us naked last time."

Silica immediately shrank into the water, only half of her flushed face showing: "Th-that was an accident..."

Kissmael scooped up a handful of water and poured it on his shoulder: "Lord Mochizuki has already apologized."

“I know,” Asuna chuckled, her fingertips tracing the water's surface. “Although Xiaofeng can be impulsive at times, he's still a trustworthy person.”

After a moment of silence, Asuna suddenly scooped up water and splashed it at Silica: "But what if he really dares to peek—"

"Ah!" Silica cried out and hid behind Kismer, splashing water all over the female knight's face.

Kissmael wiped the water droplets from her face, a helpless expression on her face. The laughter of the girls echoed in the hot spring, startling the night birds perched on the nearby treetops.

As night deepened, Asuna and Celica dragged Kissmel into the tent. The laughter and whispers that escaped through the fabric made Mochizuki Kaede shake her head and chuckle next door—in just a few days, they had become as close as sisters.

The next morning, the three of them were all ready to go.

At the moment of parting, Kissmael stood silently at the camp gate, the morning breeze ruffling her short purple hair. Without further ado, she watched the three embark on the forest path until their last figure disappeared into the morning mist.

Chapter 48: The Dragon Knights

Now, Mochizuki Kaede and her group have a clear goal—to head to the town of Floria and prepare for the challenge of the third-floor boss.

……

Floria.

Mochizuki Kaede first spread the word about the location of the third-floor BOSS.

Then, at the weapon shop, the three of them chose a new weapon for Silica. Mochizuki Kaede already possessed the [Thunder Blade], while the [Elf Sword Oath of Dawn], a rapier reward from the quest, was more suitable for Asuna. The [Elf Armor] was for Silica to wear.

Silica's current Bronze Short Sword was clearly insufficient to handle the challenge of the third-floor boss. After careful selection, they finally purchased a Shadow Short Sword and then went to the forge to enhance and upgrade it using forging materials.

Mochizuki Kaede carefully examined the BOSS's information: "The third-floor BOSS's poison attacks and summoned creatures will all have a cumulative poison effect, so we need to prepare more antidote potions."

They then bought several more bottles of medicine.

At the entrance to the third level of the maze, Mochizuki Kaede and her group unexpectedly encountered Diabel. The former leader of the raiding group now only had three members left, a far cry from his former high-spirited self.

"It's ironic," Diabel said with a wry smile as he wiped his longsword. "After clearing the second level, our team actually fell apart."

He explained in detail that as the strategy group's reputation soared, a large number of players joined, but this also brought irreconcilable conflicts. The team is now split into two major factions:

The Aincrad Liberation Army, led by the King of Fang, consists mostly of ordinary players who joined later in the game. They advocate for "fair distribution of resources," accusing closed beta testers of monopolizing leveling spots and rare items. While the team is large, its equipment is rudimentary, and many members lack combat experience.

In contrast, Rindo's Dragon Knights are comprised entirely of players from the closed beta. They adhere to the principle of "distribution based on contribution." Although smaller than the Aincrad Liberation Army, each member possesses superior equipment and combat experience.

“Now the two sides are at loggerheads.” Diabel sighed. “Those of me who remain neutral have become all alone.”

After listening to Diabel's explanation, Asuna frowned: "All the players' goal is to complete this death game, so why are they fighting each other now?"

A look of confusion flashed across Silica's eyes.

Mochizuki Kaede patted Asuna on the shoulder and said in a deep voice, "Focus on the task at hand first."

He turned to Diabel: "We're also going to scout the BOSS's room, let's go together."

After navigating the dark, maze-like passages, the four arrived at an open area in front of the BOSS room. The sight before them was astonishing: dozens of players were clearly divided into two opposing factions, facing each other.

On the right was the Dragon Knights, led by Rindo, their elite equipment gleaming in the dimly lit labyrinth. They stood in disciplined ranks, each wearing a silver dragon emblem. Rindo stood at the very front, arms crossed, coldly observing their opponents.

On the left was the Aincrad Liberation Army, led by Ya-wang. They were clearly outnumbered, but their equipment was inconsistent, and most of their weapons were of ordinary quality. Ya-wang was excitedly brandishing his twin swords, roaring something loudly towards the Dragon Knights.

The two factions are fiercely arguing about the distribution of loot from the BOSS battle, and the air is thick with tension.

"Why should you be the ones to monopolize all the rare equipment dropped by monsters? This time, it must be divided equally among everyone!" Ya Wang roared.

Dozens of members of the Aincrad Liberation Army behind him echoed in unison, their cacophony resounding through the labyrinthine passages.

Linde sneered, his fingers tightening on the longsword at his waist: "Just because we took on 80% of the damage output, while your people couldn't even maintain a basic formation."

The members of the Dragon Knights behind him all wore expressions of disdain:

Want rare equipment? Prove your worth first.

"You don't even have decent weapons, yet you dare to talk about distribution?"

"Bullshit!" Ya Wang suddenly crossed his twin swords, the blades clashing and sparks flying. "You've blocked all those high-level leveling spots, we don't even have a chance to improve! Without you, I would have gotten better weapons long ago."

A member of the Aincrad Liberation Army, wearing glasses, stepped forward to add: "And you closed beta testers clearly know so much hidden information, yet you never share it..."

"Enough." Rinde suddenly raised his voice, his longsword drawn three inches from its sheath. "We're discussing the BOSS battle now, not a complaining session. Either we distribute the loot according to contributions, or you form your own teams and go fight it."

As tensions rose between the two sides, Mochizuki Kaede noticed several neutral players standing in a corner, anxiously watching the argument. One of them muttered, "If this keeps going on, we won't be able to fight the boss..."

Asuna's hand was already on her rapier: "I'll go stop them."

Wang Yuefeng grabbed her wrist and gently shook his head: "Don't go."

"Why?" Asuna asked, "This arguing will only delay our progress..."

Mochizuki lowered his voice and glanced at the two opposing sides: "Look at the way those Dragon Knights are looking at each other."

The members behind Rindo remained silent, but each of them had their hands on their sword hilts, their eyes filled with condescending disdain.

"And on the other side of the King of Fangs..." He gestured to Asuna to notice that the hands of the Aincrad Liberation Army members gripping their weapons were trembling, "Both sides are holding their breath, and whoever tries to mediate will become the target of everyone's anger."

Silica, hiding behind the two, whispered, "And that Mr. Tooth King looks really fierce."

Mochizuki Kaede released Asuna's wrist: "Intervening now will only make the situation more chaotic."

At that moment, Ya Wang's sharp gaze suddenly caught sight of Wang Yuefeng and his group standing in the shadows of the passage. When his gaze swept over Diabel, a hint of surprise flashed across his rugged face, but he quickly suppressed his previous anger.

"Brother Diabel? You're here too?" Ya Wang tucked his twin swords back into his waistband and strode over. The Aincrad Liberation Army members behind him automatically made way for him.

Although they had just been arguing, he still held the original leader of the conquest group in high regard, patting Diabel heavily on the shoulder with his rough hand: "Long time no see!"

Rinde straightened his clothes and walked over: "Mr. Diabel, I didn't expect to meet you here."

He had also been a core member of Diabel's conquest group and always held the man before him in high esteem. After all, Diabel was the first legendary figure to step forward, form a conquest group, and successfully lead everyone through the first and second levels.

Chapter 49: The Third Floor Boss

“You guys…” Diabel shook his head with a wry smile, “Still the same as always.”

His gaze swept back and forth between the two men: "About the distribution of the spoils?"

Ya Wang scratched his messy hair: "These beta testers are bullying us too much." His tone was much gentler than before.

Linde coughed lightly: "We are just discussing the optimal allocation plan." Even his arrogant words were toned down a bit.

Asuna and Mochizuki Kaede exchanged a knowing glance. It seemed that even though the two teams had now parted ways, they still held Diabel, their former leader, in the deepest respect.

In a sense, Diabel's existence truly symbolizes the first powerful counterattack launched by the players against this death game.

He proved with his actions that this world could be conquered, making all players understand that "survival" was not just a pipe dream.

Mochizuki Kaede watched Diabel mediate the conflict between the two sides. While most players were still huddled in the inn in the starting town, trembling with fear, it was this man who was the first to stand up, raise his arms and shout in the central square of [Torbana], and form the initial strategy group.

He organized the initial strategy meeting, leading the trembling players to take up their weapons and challenge the seemingly invincible first-level boss.

“If it weren’t for him…” Wang Yuefeng said in a low voice, “the square in the town of Beginning would probably still be crowded with players who dare not step out of the safe zone.”

Asuna nodded gently: "He proved that the BOSS can be defeated and gave everyone hope."

Silica gripped her newly bought Shadow Dagger tightly: "I... I only dared to leave the inn after hearing the news that the first floor had been conquered."

Diabel stood between the two teams, patting Ya-Oh and Rin-Do on the shoulder and saying something. Although their faces remained stern, their tense shoulders had relaxed. Though no longer in his leadership role, his words and actions still influenced everyone present. Ya-Oh and Rin-Do had temporarily set aside their argument and were attentively listening to his advice; this scene itself was the best proof of that.

In the brief silence, Mochizuki Kaede suddenly stepped forward.

"Everyone, here is the detailed information about the third-floor boss."

His voice wasn't loud, but it silenced everyone. He then took out the parchment Argo had given him from his robes and unfolded it before them.

The holographic projection on the parchment clearly displayed the details of the BOSS's skills. Ya Wang's eyes widened, and Rindo involuntarily moved closer as well.

"You... you're just going to make it public for free like this?" Ya Wang's rough fingers hovered above the projection, scrutinizing Wang Yuefeng with suspicion. "Not asking for any compensation?"

Rindo also showed a rare look of surprise, his slender fingers lightly stroking his chin: "I remember you, I saw you at Diabel's strategy meeting before."

Mochizuki Kaede simply nodded.

Diabel patted him on the shoulder with satisfaction.

After Mochizuki Kaede finished sharing her information, the atmosphere on the field clearly changed.

Ya-o and Rin-do returned to their respective teams and began to urgently adjust their battle plans.

Although the closed beta testers of 【Dragon Knights】 were familiar with the basic skills of the third-floor BOSS, the existence of the 【World Destruction】 skill, which appeared in the open beta, completely disrupted their original strategy.

On the other side, Ya Wang was explaining to his team members in a gruff voice: "Listen up! That little girl with the rapier is the key!"

He pointed to the [Elf Sword Oath of Dawn] gleaming with emerald light at Asuna's waist: "Only her sword can interrupt the BOSS's ultimate attack!"

Both teams turned to look at Wang Yuefeng and his group.

Rintoku walked over: "Mr. Mochizuki, regarding the coordination of the timing of the interruption..."

Ya Wang scratched his head and leaned closer, his twin swords dangling at his waist: "Hey, kid... no, Brother Wangyue. We need to cooperate on this mission."

Mochizuki Kaede and Asuna exchanged a glance, and the latter nodded slightly: "The specific division of labor needs to be clarified - the Dragon Knights will be responsible for the main attack, the Aincrad Liberation Army will clear out the summoned creatures, and our team will be responsible for dealing with [Apocalypse]."

And so, the two teams, originally bitter enemies, temporarily formed a fragile alliance due to their shared goal and Mochizuki Kaede's mediation. Diabel stood aside, watching this scene with satisfaction, as if he had returned to the time when he led everyone to conquer the first floor.

With the tactical deployment complete, the group arrived at the massive BOSS room door. The ancient stone door was covered in moss, and a ferocious tree spirit pattern was carved in the center, exuding an ominous aura in the dimly lit depths of the maze.

Wang Yuefeng took a deep breath, his fingertips touching the cold surface of the stone door, the slippery feel of moss coming from his fingertips.

The sounds of swallowing echoed behind them, causing even the most experienced beta testers to tense up.

Ya Wang's twin swords trembled slightly in the darkness, veins bulging on his thick arms. He licked his dry lips, his once booming voice now reduced to heavy breathing. Lin De's gaze was grave; the soft "clang" of his longsword being drawn was particularly jarring in the silence.

Asuna's elven sword gleamed, illuminating her tightly pursed lips. Silica gripped her weapon tightly, her palms already damp with cold sweat.

"It's about to open."

Mochizuki Kaede's voice was soft, yet it made everyone's muscles tense up a bit.

As the palm exerted force, the stone door groaned in disrepair, and fine stone chips fell from the cracks. As the door slid open, a putrid stench surged out, as if opening a long-sealed tomb. The smell was so intense it was almost tangible: rotting branches and leaves, moldy sap, and a strange, indescribable, sweet-smelling odor.

Ya Wang's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. His crossed swords trembled slightly in the dim light, their blades reflecting the pale faces of his team members behind him. Lin De appeared calm, but he gripped his sword with more force than usual, his knuckles turning bluish-white.

At that moment, even the air seemed to freeze. Everyone could hear their own heart pounding, and feel the itchy cold sweat trickling down their backs. This was a true battle for survival, not a game, not data; failure meant eternal darkness.

As the last ray of light pierced through the fully open door, everyone could see the enormous, writhing black shadow inside.

—【Nelius, the Demon Tree Spirit】.

Its body resembled a cursed ancient tree, its pitch-black trunk twisted and deformed, its surface covered with dark purple, decaying patterns, as if it had been corrupted by some evil force.