I'm a Sword Master in Sword Art Online

Asuna had already gripped the Elf Sword and stood guard at the bow. Silica, meanwhile, gripped the Crescent Moon Wheel tightly, her gaze constantly scanning the surrounding water. Mochizuki Kaede was completely focused on maneuvering the ship; he knew that in this environment, it would be difficult to react in time to a surprise attack.

More importantly, they must ensure that the monsters do not attack the ship's hull. In this deep underwater labyrinth, the ship's durability is their guarantee of survival.

Along the dimly lit waterway, ancient stone walls covered in glowing moss provided a faint light source for the labyrinth. The sound of the Knight's oars churning the water echoed between the rocks, reminding them to maintain formation. Occasionally, droplets of water fell from the stalactites above, making a crisp sound in the silent maze.

"It's the Destroyer Crab!"

Diabel's warning echoed through the waterway.

A colossal crustacean slowly rose from the water. Its metallic shell was four meters wide, and its spiked claws were fully open, resembling a giant guillotine. Its jaws were agape, and countless tiny appendages wriggled continuously.

"Watch out for the bubble breath!" Kirito quickly added. "A direct hit will cause temporary blindness, and you'll have to go into the water to wash it off!"

At the same time, the water surface on Mochizuki Maple's side also suddenly churned.

The second destructive crab burst from the water, its enormous shadow looming over the [Little Maple]. The crab's massive pincers were already raised high, poised to smash into the fragile hull at any moment.

"Silica, hold it back!" Mochizuki Kaede gripped the oars tightly with both hands. He had to maneuver the boat to avoid collisions with the rock walls or other obstacles.

A silver, crescent-shaped beam sliced ​​through the damp air, striking the crab precisely in the left eye. The monster let out a piercing screech and momentarily halted its preparation to unleash a powerful breath.

Asuna instantly entered battle mode, her elven sword drawing an emerald trail in the dim light.

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Chapter 59: The City of Elves

Silica's [Crescent Wheel +2] played a crucial role in the battle. Whenever the Destroyer Crab swung its giant pincers to attack the ship, the silver wheel would slice through the dim waterway, accurately striking the joints of the crab's pincers.

Although the swaying of the ship reduced her accuracy, each successful interference bought Mochizuki Kaede precious time to dodge.

"boom!"

With another throw, the crescent moon grazed the crab's left eye, and the monster let out a piercing screech.

Silica's small face was tense with focus, and her hands trembled slightly from the frequent throws. The narrow hull of the boat certainly limited her performance, but each of her throws perfectly protected the boat's most vulnerable parts.

Asuna, like a silver lightning bolt, darted back and forth between the bow of the ship and the giant crab.

The Elf's Sword unleashed a magnificent seven-hit combo, each strike precisely piercing the crab's vulnerable spot. As the Destruction Crab roared in pain, she seized the opportunity and leaped into the air.

The sword technique transformed into a streak of light, piercing through the giant crab's soft abdomen from bottom to top. The monster's massive body stiffened for a moment, then exploded into countless fragments.

Asuna landed lightly back on the bow of the ship, her long chestnut hair flying in the blast wave.

Taking advantage of the moment, Mochizuki Kaede swung the oars with all his might, and the [Little Maple] barely dodged the giant crab's frantic claws before its death. The hull scraped against the stone wall, sending sparks flying. He glanced at the gondola's durability display. Although it had some scratches, it was generally in good condition.

Not far away, the battle on the Knight was also nearing its end.

Agil gripped the oars tightly, controlling the ship's trajectory with astonishing strength, keeping it in the optimal combat position at all times. Kirito and Diabel's weapons simultaneously lit up with skill effects, working together to kill the giant crab.

Asuna sat on the edge of the boat, resting briefly, her slender fingers tracing the inventory interface in the air. The loot obtained after defeating the Destroyer Crab was displayed one by one:

[Cancer Shell] x2 (Forging Material).

[Cloudy Crystal] x3 (Gemstone of unknown purpose).

[Cancer Leg Meat] x5 (D-grade ingredient).

[Cancer Claw Meat] x4 (D-grade ingredient).

Her amber eyes dimmed noticeably when she saw the last two items, and her delicate nose wrinkled slightly.

Even as a culinary detective, Asuna couldn't help but show a look of disgust when faced with these shellfish that exuded a fishy smell. She hesitated for a moment, her finger hovering over the ingredient icons, before finally storing them separately in the corner of her inventory.

The Knight and Maple continued their journey through the dark waterways, the occasional Destruction Crabs they encountered no longer hindering their progress. As the ships cleaved through the last curtain of water, the view before them suddenly opened up.

Towering cliffs stand like giants on either side, their color gradually changing from dark gray to jet black. The basalt-like surfaces are covered with fine, parallel lines, like meticulously sculpted works of art.

At the very end of this mysterious canyon, a colossal, pure white wall abruptly blocked the waterway. Its smooth, mirror-like surface contrasted sharply with the surrounding rugged rock walls. Two gondolas slowly came to a stop before the wall, their hulls creating delicate ripples on the water.

Diabel's voice echoed crisply in the silent canyon: "It seems this is the entrance to the [Fortress on the Lake]."

"Wait, is there no road ahead?" Asuna stood up, holding onto the ship's railing.

Diabel explained, "It's a special kind of fog."

Having said that, he waved his hand, and the Knight sailed straight toward the white wall. Just as the bow was about to touch the wall, the seemingly solid barrier rippled out like water, gently engulfing the entire ship.

Seeing this, Mochizuki Kaede didn't hesitate to maneuver the [Little Maple] to follow. The moment the ship disappeared into the white wall, the surroundings were instantly shrouded in thick fog. The figures of Asuna and Silica, who were clearly close at hand, became blurred and indistinct. Mochizuki Kaede took a deep breath, and the moist air was surprisingly mixed with the fresh fragrance unique to the forest.

In the midst of this wondrous sensory experience, the dense fog vanished as if by magic. A breathtaking new expanse of water opened up before them.

In the shimmering heart of the lake, a magnificent fortress stands majestically. The main structure is built of pale, massive stones, its steep roof covered with gray slate and thatch. Four spires of varying heights pierce the sky, their tops adorned with black triangular flags that flutter in the wind. On these flags, the subtle patterns of crossed horns and scimitars are faintly visible.

“It’s the flag of the Dark Elves…?” Mochizuki Kaede murmured. The familiar emblem immediately evoked memories for Asuna and Silica; they had seen it many times before at the Dark Elf campsite on the third level.

The entire building stands isolated in the middle of the lake, connected to the outside world only by a straight pier. On both sides of the pier, several black gondolas, each capable of holding ten people, are quietly moored.

Mochizuki Kaede skillfully maneuvered the [Little Maple], following the [Knight] ahead as it slowly entered the empty space beside the pier. The hull lightly touched the stone shore, making a soft sound. He deftly put away the oars and leaped onto the pier made of gray and white stones.

“Here you go.” Asuna tossed the rope lightly, and Mochizuki Kaede caught it steadily and quickly wrapped it around the bronze mooring bollard.

He first reached out to help Asuna off the boat, the girl's slender fingers lingering briefly in his palm. Silica, meanwhile, carefully held onto the railing, and was steadily caught by Mochizuki Kaede.

After securing the boats, Wang Yuefeng strode towards the center of the pier. Looking up, the imposing silhouette of the fortress seemed even more imposing. Although there was still some distance to the main gate, the towering walls already exuded a powerful sense of awe.

Asuna stood beside Mochizuki Kaede and exclaimed, "It's even more spectacular than I imagined!"

Silica tilted her little face up, her eyes wide open.

Diabel and the other two also disembarked from the Knight.

After the six people met up, they walked together toward the majestic main gate.

Before the main gate stood two massive city gates made of thick, dark wooden planks and iron hoops. Two fully armed dark elf guards stood before them, clad in dark purple armor and wielding incredibly long axe-spears.

It was about five meters away from the city gate—

"Halt!" the guard on the right suddenly shouted.

The guard on the left immediately shouted, "This is not a place for humans!"

After saying that, the two crossed their axes and spears, the sharp blades forming a dangerous "X"-shaped barrier in front of everyone.

Diabel lightly tapped the void with his fingertip, and the task panel flashed with light.

Instantly, the massive, dark gate emitted a deep rumble, the sound of gears turning echoing from beneath the ground. The heavy door panels slowly slid open to the sides, revealing a deep passageway. Only then did the guards lower their weapons, no longer obstructing them. As the group stepped inside, the gate slammed shut behind them, completely shutting out the view of the lake.

Passing through the arcade, the sight in the main hall filled Wang Yuefeng and his companions with admiration. At the end of the scarlet velvet carpet, a white jade fountain was splashing crystal-like water. The glass chandeliers hanging from the dome refracted the water mist into rainbows, illuminating the lifelike elven reliefs on the columns on both sides.

Dark elf NPCs in tailcoats carried violins, their music flowing like silk across the ten-meter-high hall. Unlike the somber atmosphere of the dark elf camp on the third floor, here only a few servants wore decorative rapiers at their waists.

Chapter Sixty: Acquaintances

"This way." Diabel's armor gleamed warmly in the candlelight as he led the group toward the left-wing passage.

His boot heels struck the obsidian-inlaid floor tiles, the echo startling a blue nightingale perched on the beam. Silica, gazing up at the star mural on the dome, nearly tripped, but was caught by Mochizuki Kaede's elbow.

This dark elf fortress, named [Yofer City], has a courtyard-style layout, with four staggered spires connected by corridors. Basically, the rooms on the right side of the fortress are for the stationed soldiers, while the rooms on the left belong to the city lord's family and servants. Diabel's target is the city lord's room.

The group stopped before a black ebony door carved with intricate vine patterns. Diabel tapped three times lightly with his fingers, and the door slid open silently—

The dark elf city lord, seated beneath a crystal chandelier, had a golden quest marker floating above his head, and his ID, Viscount Euryphus, glowed with a dark purple light.

"What brings you gentlemen to the fortress of Yofer?" The city lord's voice echoed like a winter spring flowing over black rocks, carrying a chilling resonance.

Diabel stepped forward, his fingertips lightly tapping the air. As the quest panel unfolded, a scroll of parchment bearing the emblem of the Dark Elves appeared out of thin air. The city lord took the scroll, a hint of surprise flashing in his purple eyes.

"So you are all warriors who have come to subdue the [Two-Headed Ancient Giant Tortoise]." He gently touched his long, slender fingers together. "The giant tortoise was originally a war weapon tamed by our Yofer family, capable of controlling extremely cold breath. But three days ago it suddenly went out of control and began attacking this fortress. Our soldiers were completely helpless against it."

“At dawn tomorrow, the giant tortoise will surely attack again.” He suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to everyone. “If you can help us destroy it, the Yofer family will surely reward you with a secret treasure.”

With a "ding" system notification sound, the task panel updates synchronously, and a new prompt appears: [Accept/Reject].

Diabel immediately accepted.

The city lord straightened up, nodded, and said, "Gia, take the warriors to have a meal and rest."

The butler NPC standing to the side immediately bowed and led the way.

The six men followed him through a long corridor filled with portraits.

The moment the restaurant door opened, the aroma of roasted venison and the scent of mead wafted out.

Under the crystal chandelier, exquisite silver cutlery was laid out on the long table.

After everyone finished their meal, the butler led them to the guest room area.

The group was then led to the guest room area, where the butler opened the doors to six adjacent rooms in turn: "These are your accommodations. Please get some rest."

After speaking, he bowed and withdrew.

Diabel took out a parchment scroll from his robes and handed it to Mochizuki Maple: "This is intelligence on the Two-Headed Ancient Giant Turtle. With our combat strength, as long as we familiarize ourselves with its attack patterns, defeating it shouldn't be difficult. As for the distribution of spoils, let's stick to the old rules: the one who lands the final blow gets it, how about that?"

Mochizuki Kaede took the scroll and nodded: "You seem to be very familiar with this mission?"

“Because I’m a closed beta player.” Diabel laughed heartily, lightly tapping a mark on the scroll with his fingertip. “The quest process is almost identical to that during the closed beta. Once we defeat the giant tortoise, the city lord will help us open the maze passage to the fourth-level BOSS.”

Mochizuki Kaede had more or less guessed that Diabel was a closed beta tester.

After watching Diabel and the other two return to their respective rooms.

Asuna suddenly suggested, "Why don't we take a stroll around this fortress? The architecture here is really beautiful."

Silica immediately nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling: "I want to see the Dark Elf's courtyard! The Dark Elf's camp on the third level doesn't have such a beautiful building."

The three strolled along the long corridor, eventually turning left at the end.

After pushing open a small carved door, a bright and spacious view suddenly appeared before me.

Although not as magnificent as the main hall, this place has a unique and mysterious charm. The hedge woven from black thorns meanders like a maze, dotted with tiny dark flowers that partially obscure the view ahead.

Passing through the thorny path, a secluded garden nestled among ancient conifers came into view. Red brick flowerbeds and rustic bronze benches were arranged in a pleasingly staggered pattern, appearing exceptionally tranquil in the setting sun. The blue-white oil lamps, lit beforehand, cast a cool glow, casting long shadows of the three people across the stone path.

Mochizuki Kaede first noticed the slender figure on the bench in front of him, and then Asuna and Silica followed his gaze.

Even though it was just a silhouette, the familiar outline made them recognize each other instantly.

Before they could even speak, the figure leaped up like an arrow. She nimbly jumped over the flowerbed, her boots making a soft "tap" sound on the stone pavement, and in the blink of an eye, she was in front of the three of them.

She spread her arms like wings, embracing Mochizuki Kaede, Asuna, and Silica together. Her short purple hair brushed against Mochizuki Kaede's cheek, and the familiar fragrance of laurel leaves wafted over.

A clear yet nostalgic voice echoed in my ears:

"Mochizuki Kaede! Asuna! Silica!"

"It's been a long time, Kissmael."

As Mochizuki Kaede withdrew from the embrace, Asuna and Silica remained tightly holding the dark elf knight. After they parted, genuine smiles bloomed on the two girls' faces.

"Although I always believed we would meet again..." Asuna's voice was as soft as a feather falling, "when we actually reunited, I was even happier than I had imagined."

Asuna's words made Kismer smile and nod.

Silica tilted her blushing face up and said, "I've always, always missed Miss Kissmayer too."

"Me too. Even after coming to this fortress, I still feel like I'm constantly thinking about you guys."

When Kissmel spoke softly, the aura she exuded seemed slightly different from before, and Mochizuki Kaede immediately noticed the reason. She was only covered by a meticulously tailored deep purple gown; she wasn't wearing armor, a saber, or a cloak.

A hint of doubt crossed Wang Yuefeng's mind. In the third-level campsite, except for the time at the stone tablet and the bathhouse at night, Qizimeier was always fully armed.

Seemingly noticing his gaze, Kissmel turned her attention from Asuna to Mochizuki Kaede, a gentle smile still playing on her lips: "But is this your first time in this fortress? It seems you've already successfully defeated the Guardian Beast of the Tower of Heaven?"

The "Tower of Heaven" she mentioned is the maze area where the third-floor boss is located, and the "Guardian Beast" naturally refers to the powerful boss.

"Yes," Mochizuki Kaede replied, "thanks to the help of the Elf Sword."

Upon hearing this, Kissmael nodded.

Asuna's chestnut hair swayed gently in the evening breeze: "We've been commissioned by the city lord to subdue the [Two-Headed Ancient Giant Turtle]. Kissmel, what are you doing here?"

"I was ordered to escort the [Emerald Key] to the royal city on the ninth floor," Kismer answered truthfully. "I came to this fortress to rest and never expected to meet you all."

Chapter 61: Formal Dress

The group took their seats on the bronze benches in the garden, and Kissmel listened with great interest as Asuna and Silica recounted their adventures on the fourth floor.

"That conman blacksmith was really cunning; we almost got tricked out of our weapons." Asuna gestured as she described the scene, her chestnut hair swaying gently with the movement.