I'm a Sword Master in Sword Art Online

The entire room began to shake, and Mochizuki Kaede's heart tightened: "Could there be a hidden boss like on the second floor?"

He looked up abruptly, only to see that what was slowly descending from the center of the ceiling was not a monster, but a spiral stone staircase.

"Wow! We did it!"

"Yay! We finally defeated them!"

Silica and Yuna could no longer contain themselves and cheered with joy.

Mochizuki Kaede wanted to join the celebration, but was struck by a sudden wave of exhaustion and almost collapsed to her knees again. She quickly used her Thunder Blade to support herself.

A pale hand suddenly stretched out in front of me.

"Thank you for your hard work, Xiaofeng."

Mochizuki Kaede looked up and met Asuna's gentle smile. He grasped her hand and used it to stand up. The two bumped fists in unison, needing no words; the joy of victory was conveyed in their eyes.

"Fengzi, well done!"

Argo nimbly leaped over and patted him hard on the shoulder.

Mochizuki Kaede noticed that the Grim Reaper stood quietly not far away, her amethyst scythe already sheathed. Although her hood obscured her face, making it impossible to see her features, Mochizuki Kaede had a feeling that she was also silently watching the celebration of victory.

Immediately afterwards, Miss Death turned around and walked towards the spiral stone steps.

That purple figure instantly reminded Mochizuki Kaede of the fierce movements she made while wielding her scythe during the battle, and the unspoken understanding between them when she nodded at him during the final blow.

"—Mite!"

Mochizuki Kaede blurted out, certain that he had not made a mistake.

Upon hearing this name, Asuna froze instantly, her gaze immediately turning to the purple figure.

Miss Death paused, stopping in her tracks, but she didn't turn around to look at the crowd. After a brief pause, she continued walking forward.

"Mite! It really is you!"

Asuna's voice, brimming with barely suppressed excitement, echoed in the empty BOSS room.

This time, Miss Death stopped in her tracks once again.

She seemed to take a deep breath, then hesitated for a moment before slowly reaching out to remove her hood and turning to look at Asuna.

As the purple hood slowly slipped down, a familiar purple ponytail appeared before everyone's eyes.

That cold and beautiful face was now filled with complex emotions.

Mito—the comrade who once fought alongside Asuna and Mochizuki Kaede in the town of Beginning, but then suddenly left without permission—now stood right in front of them.

Mito's gaze first fell on Asuna, then looked at Mochizuki Kaede, then slowly swept over Silica and Argo, and finally returned to Asuna.

"You've become stronger."

Her familiar, cool voice drifted over softly:

“Especially you, Asuna, I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Chapter 79: I Didn't Come Here to Form a Band

Asuna stepped forward eagerly, her voice filled with the joy of a long-awaited reunion: "Mitsu, I'm so glad to see you! Come back! Xiaofeng and I have formed a guild called [Golden Rule]. We can team up together, clear this death game together, and return to the real world together!"

Mitt gently shook her head, her purple ponytail swaying slightly in the dim light.

She lowered her eyes: "Asuna, I'm not strong enough right now, I can't truly protect the people I care about... I can't... put you in danger again."

Her voice was soft, yet it was like a bucket of cold water being poured over her.

"What are you talking about?" Asuna was stunned, her outstretched hand frozen in mid-air.

A faint smile appeared on Mito's lips, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes: "This is my choice... Anyway, I'm glad to see you again, Asuna."

Her gaze shifted to Wang Yuefeng, her lips moved slightly as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she only sighed softly.

With a flick of his purple cloak, Mitt turned and stepped onto the spiral staircase.

Yuna hurriedly chased after her: "Miss Death!"

Mitt glanced back at her, a gentle expression on his face: "Yuna, keep getting stronger. Also, your music... is quite unique."

After saying that, she turned and stepped onto the spiral staircase, her purple figure gradually disappearing into the passage leading to the sixth floor.

Asuna's hand fell limply to her side.

Mochizuki Kaede walked gently to her side, her voice low but firm: "Let Mito go. This is the path she has chosen."

Asuna took a deep breath, turning her disappointment into determination, and nodded heavily: "Yes... we must return to the real world alive together!"

December 25th, 4:25 PM.

The fifth floor boss of Aincrad, [Void Golem O Fuscus], was successfully defeated by Mochizuki Kaede and others.

And this time happens to be Christmas in the real world.

……

As night fell, the main street of Kara Town on the fifth floor was brightly lit. The Christmas celebration jointly organized by the two major guilds, [Aincrad Liberation Army] and [Dragon Knights], was in full swing. The streetlights on both sides of the street were decorated to resemble Christmas trees, and ribbons and bells swayed gently in the night breeze. Many players had already gathered here.

Mochizuki Kaede and others were also invited.

Mochizuki Kaede glanced around at her companions—Asuna had composed herself and was discussing the street decorations with Silica. Yuna followed quietly behind, her white hat standing out brightly under the colored lights. Argo had hurriedly said goodbye after leaving the labyrinth area, presumably off to sell her information again.

Just recently, Yuna formally requested to join the guild [Golden Rule].

“Since you are friends of Miss Death, and you are very strong…” she smiled shyly, “then I want to join you and become stronger.”

Mochizuki Kaede naturally wouldn't refuse Yuna's request to join. On one hand, Yuna's weapon, the [Lute], is a special piece of equipment called the [Sky Harp], capable of granting buffs and negating abnormal statuses. Although currently the weapon's skill only increases attack power, in this death game, any buff could be crucial for survival.

On the other hand, Yuna had fought alongside Mito for a period of time, and Mochizuki Kaede had many questions she wanted to ask her.

So, Mochizuki Kaede asked, "Yuna, how did you meet Mito?"

Yuna recalled, "Um... that was on the fourth floor... I was surrounded by a group of monsters, and then Miss Death, um, no, Miss Mitt suddenly appeared and used that huge amethyst scythe to take down all the monsters."

"After she saved me, she told me to leave quickly, and she wouldn't tell me her name when I asked." Yuna recalled the scene. "I saw her holding a scythe... so I took the liberty of calling her Miss Death. After all, in stories, isn't Death always depicted with a scythe?"

"Later, I ran into her again in the square of the main street on the fourth floor. I usually like to play the piano in the square, and seeing other people smile happily because of the music I play makes me feel very satisfied. That day, I was playing the piano when I saw Miss Mitt's figure flash by. I was so excited that I immediately ran after her."

"As it turned out, Miss Mitt didn't remember me at all. When she saw me chasing after her with my lute, she coldly said, 'I don't understand music.'" Yuna mimicked Mitt's indifferent tone at the time.

Asuna, who had been listening quietly, couldn't help but smile and ask, "Can you continue, Yuna?"

Perhaps it was because she sensed that Mochizuki Kaede and the others were very interested in Mito's story that Yuna continued to talk on and on. So she went on, "Later I quickly explained, 'You misunderstood, I didn't come here to form a band!'"

Yuna gestured with her hands to illustrate the scene: "After hearing this, Miss Mitt became even more confused, frowned, and asked me what I was trying to do. Then I told Miss Mitt that I was the person she saved, and only then did she remember."

"We became familiar with each other later, and I obtained my Sky Harp from a hidden quest on the fourth floor with Miss Mitt."

Yuna continued to share her memories of spending time with Mit.

Although the two fought side by side for a short time, those brief moments were exceptionally vivid. Mitt was always taciturn, fierce and decisive in battle, but would quietly lean against the wall when resting. Whenever Yuna played the lute, the purple-haired girl would close her eyes slightly, her cold profile gradually softening in the music.

After Yuna finished speaking, Asuna nodded gently: "Yuna, thank you for telling us this."

Yuna smiled and said, "Actually, I'm not very good at expressing myself... I'm definitely best at playing the piano."

"Could you play a Christmas carol, Yuna?" Silica asked, blinking her big eyes. "I really want to hear you play!"

Mochizuki Kaede nodded: "I'd like to hear it too."

Yuna didn't refuse, took out her lute, and held it tightly in her arms. Her slender fingers gently plucked the strings, playing the first note on SAO's first Christmas Eve. The melodious tune flowed like a clear spring, and the lute's unique ethereal tone echoed through the streets adorned with colorful lights.

Yuna's white hat gleamed warmly under the streetlights, and with her eyes slightly lowered, she seemed to blend seamlessly with the music.

Music filled the Christmas Eve air, seemingly fading away the surrounding noise. Mochizuki Kaede listened with her eyes closed, Asuna wore a faint smile, and Silica was completely immersed in the melody. Even passing players slowed their pace, stopping to listen to the beautiful music.

Yuna's fingertips danced nimbly across the strings, her expression focused and tender. In this virtual world filled with the threat of death, only this heartwarming melody seemed to remain. The music floated into the night sky, composing the most moving movement for this special Christmas Eve.

Chapter 80: Divergence

Before Yuna's piano music had completely faded, Diabel's cheerful voice came from behind: "Hey, aren't these the heroes who made it to the fifth floor!"

Holding a wine glass, he walked enthusiastically to Wang Yuefeng and handed him a glass of bubbling champagne. "I really didn't expect that you guys could handle the BOSS. Anyone who didn't know better would think you were the closed beta testers!"

Mochizuki Kaede accepted the glass and clinked glasses with Diabel in a friendly manner. Beside Diabel, the bald black man, Agil, also nodded in acknowledgment, his thick hand also holding a glass.

"What's the name of the boss on the fifth floor again?" Diabel asked earnestly, taking a sip of his drink.

“The Void Golem O. Fosgus,” Mochizuki Kaede replied.

Diabel raised an eyebrow: "It's definitely different from the closed beta. Back then it was just called [Golem]."

He then inquired in detail about the BOSS's attack patterns, and Mochizuki Kaede succinctly described the moving blue lines, the suddenly appearing hands and feet, and the terrifying form that finally appeared in its entirety.

“Sigh…” Diabel sighed deeply after listening, gently swirling his wine glass in his hand. “From the first floor onwards, the BOSS of each floor is completely different from that during the closed beta. Although I was mentally prepared, the changes on the fifth floor still exceeded my expectations.”

His gaze drifted into the distance: "It seems that the upper floors hold many unknown challenges for us."

Agil interjected, "However, your success at least proves one thing: even without closed beta experience, you can overcome difficulties with strength and wisdom."

Wang Yuefeng nodded.

Just then, Ya-Wang and Rin-De walked over.

Rintoku raised his glass: "Mr. Mochizuki, you defeated the fifth floor boss, that's truly amazing."

Ya Wang then clinked glasses with Mochizuki Kaede in a hearty manner, downed his drink in one gulp, and said, "Brother Mochizuki, are you really not going to consider joining our Aincrad Liberation Army anymore?"

Mochizuki Kaede smiled and shook her head, her gaze gently sweeping over Asuna, Silica, and Yuna beside her: "I'm sorry, I already have my own guild."

"what?"

"what?"

Rindo and Ya-o both showed surprised expressions.

Mochizuki Kaede continued unhurriedly, "Our guild is called [Golden Rule]."

Rindo gently swirled his wine glass, his brows furrowing slightly: "What a surprise... I had no idea that Mr. Mochizuki had any intention of forming a guild."

Ya Wang slapped his thigh and laughed heartily: "I was thinking that Brother Wangyue would definitely come here! After all, you're not a closed beta player, and you don't have the arrogant temper of those guys. We, the Aincrad Liberation Army, would welcome you with open arms and feet!"

Upon hearing this, Lin De glanced sideways at Ya Wang and said, "Players with real strength are of course more suited to our faction. After all, we can provide a more efficient leveling path and top-tier equipment."

Just as Ya Wang was about to retort, a member of the Aincrad Liberation Army beside him suddenly leaned closer and whispered a few words in his ear. Ya Wang's rugged face immediately darkened, and his brows furrowed into a deep furrow.

After a brief silence, Ya Wang raised his eyes and looked directly at Wang Yuefeng: "Brother Wang Yue, would you mind revealing what the drops from the fifth-floor BOSS are?"

"It's the [Guild Flag]," Mochizuki Kaede answered frankly.

"And what about the specific effects?" Ya Wang's voice unconsciously rose a few decibels.

Wang Yuefeng looked around and said clearly, "After the wearer erects it on the ground, all guild members within a radius of twenty meters will receive a comprehensive boost to their attack power, defense power, and abnormal status resistance."

Before the words were even finished, the Aincrad Liberation Army members behind Ya Wang immediately stirred. Some gasped, some whispered among themselves, and several burning gazes were fixed on Mochizuki Kaede. Those eyes were filled with undisguised jealousy and greed. In this death game, such a powerful team buff item was enough to drive anyone mad.

Ya Wang pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Wangyue...would you consider a deal?"

There was a hint of urgency in his voice.

Mochizuki Kaede slowly shook her head: "Unfortunately, once the [Guild Flag] is bound to a guild, it can never be changed, so it is an item that cannot be traded."

After hearing this, Ya Wang fell into a brief silence.

Just then, the guild member who had been whispering with Ya Wang suddenly pointed at Wang Yuefeng and shouted:

"I get it! This guy knew all along that the BOSS would drop the [Guild Flag], so he hastily formed a guild! He clearly had no intention of forming a guild before, but now he suddenly... This is obviously an attempt to monopolize the rare item!"

Mochizuki Kaede frowned, her gaze fixed on the player who had suddenly accused her. The man was a short swordsman, wearing a leather mask with openings for his eyes and mouth, making it impossible to discern his features.

Ya Wang seemed taken aback by the accusation and turned to his subordinate: "Hey, you bastard..."

"Guild Master Fang!" the masked man interrupted excitedly, "They must have known the inside information long ago, just like those closed beta testers! They're using their intelligence advantage to monopolize resources! I'm afraid they've already colluded with those people from the [Dragon Knights]!"

The surrounding players began to stir, and whispers spread like ripples.

"cough!"

Just then, Diabel stepped forward, raised his glass to the King of Fangs: "We've all gathered here for the same goal—to beat this deadly game, haven't we? Let's not let this cause any unpleasantness."

Amid the clinking of glasses, Ya Wang gave Diabel a respectful smile: "Brother Diabel is right. How could I possibly disagree with Brother Wangyue over something like this?"