I'm a Sword Master in Sword Art Online

Argo had also sobered up a bit by now: "Wait...you all prepared gifts...let me see if I can find something to give Fengzi..."

She opened her inventory and started browsing, her fingers swiping rapidly in the air.

After searching for a while, she finally pulled out a talisman: "Here, this [Lucky Talisman]... I don't remember which mission it was a reward for, although it's just a souvenir... consider it a symbolic blessing."

. . . . . . . . . .

Thank you [Happy Lemon Pie] for the monthly pass!

Chapter 145: Asuna Wants to Sleep Together

Mochizuki Kaede took the talisman and saw the word "Peace" written on it. He looked up and met Argo's evasive gaze, and said earnestly, "Thank you, I will cherish this token of my appreciation."

Argo's ears turned red instantly. She hurriedly pulled down her hood and muttered, "Stop...stop being so mushy..."

He then grabbed the glass and downed it in one gulp, the mead dripping down his chin onto the table.

Time slipped away amidst laughter and chatter. Argo, drunk, was drooling over Mito's shoulder; Silica and Lisbeth were having a contest to see who could tie a cherry stem into a knot; Yuna and Sachi were whispering about how Sachi had met Mochizuki Kaede. Asuna tugged at Mochizuki Kaede's sleeve, whispering something as he leaned over.

As night deepened, the celebrations drew to a close. The group helped each other back to the hotel and went to their rooms to rest.

Wang Yuefeng sat on the edge of the bed, browsing through the gifts everyone had sent.

Sachi's scarf, Lisbeth's dagger, Yuna's recording crystal, Asuna's gloves, and Argo's lucky charm.

He took out the recording crystal and lightly touched its smooth surface with his fingertips. Yuna's clear voice immediately filled the room, singing an old Christmas carol, "Silent Night," the girl's voice so pure and unadulterated.

Mochizuki Kaede opened the gift box Silica had given her. After unwrapping the paper, a fluffy Christmas cat ornament rolled into her palm—a round, white kitten wearing a red Santa hat.

"She's quite cute," Mochizuki Kaede thought to herself.

Just then, a soft knock came at the door.

Who could it be so late? Mochizuki Kaede turned off the recording crystal and then walked toward the door with a puzzled look.

The moment the door opened, a splash of purple caught the eye. Mitt's tall figure stood before the door, her high purple ponytail swaying gently behind her as she tilted her head. Her chin was slightly raised, her usual aloof demeanor betraying a hint of nervousness in her tightly pursed lips.

"Mite?" Mochizuki Kaede's voice was clearly surprised. He hadn't expected anyone to visit at this time, let alone that it would be Mite.

The girl turned her face away slightly, the corridor light casting a warm glow on her porcelain-white skin, but unable to conceal the faint blush on her cheeks. She suddenly reached out her hand, and a bracelet inlaid with amethyst lay quietly in her palm.

“This is a Christmas present for you.” Mitt spoke stiffly, his voice extremely low, as if afraid of being overheard. “They all gave me gifts… it would be too stingy of me not to. This rare accessory can increase your attack power, so don’t lose it.”

Mochizuki Kaede took the bracelet.

"Don't worry about it too much," Mochizuki Kaede said gently, putting the bracelet on her wrist and turning her wrist slightly. "But thank you for the gift anyway."

Mitt's gaze lingered briefly on the bracelet that had finally found its home, a fleeting hint of satisfaction flashing in her crimson pupils. The smile on her lips vanished in an instant: "...Just making the most of it."

She coughed lightly, quickly regaining her usual cool demeanor: "We still have to conquer the front lines tomorrow, so get some rest. Goodnight."

She turned and left, her hair tracing a shooting star's path through the air, a fleeting purple glow. Her retreating figure flickered in the corridor lights, her high ponytail swaying gently with each step, like a dancing purple flame. The sound of her footsteps was gradually swallowed by the carpet, leaving only a faint, cool fragrance that drifted slowly at the end of the corridor.

Wang Yuefeng gently closed the door, returned to the bedside and sat down, opened the inventory, and began to organize the items needed for tomorrow's strategy.

[Advanced Healing Potion x5]

【Detoxification Crystal x3】

【Teleport Crystal x2】

Swipe your finger across the virtual interface to filter for the items you need.

Just as he was about to check the weapon's durability, another knock broke the silence of the night, this time even softer than before.

Mochizuki Kaede got up and opened the door. Under the warm yellow corridor lamp, the chestnut-haired girl's figure looked like a painting with a soft focus effect.

Asuna had changed out of her usual battle attire, and a simple white nightgown accentuated her snow-white skin, her long chestnut hair cascading loosely over her shoulders. Her amber eyes were gentler than usual, the sharpness of a swordsman gone, leaving only the softness unique to a young girl.

"May I come in?" she asked softly, her voice much gentler than usual.

Mochizuki Kaede instinctively stepped aside: "...So late?"

Asuna entered the room lightly, the hem of her nightgown rippling with each step, revealing a glimpse of her dazzlingly white legs. She sat down on the edge of the bed, the mattress creaking softly. As Mochizuki Kaede closed the door, the enclosed space was instantly filled with a faint, sweet fragrance of a young girl.

The room fell silent for a moment, with only the soft breathing of the two of them remaining.

"Xiaofeng," Asuna suddenly spoke, her fingertips lightly clutching the fabric of her nightgown, "I can't sleep. Can... we sleep together?"

Mochizuki Kaede's breath hitched. His usually composed mind seemed to be paused at this moment. He carefully studied Asuna's expression—the slightly drooping corners of her eyes did indeed indicate a hint of weariness, but the deeper emotions were hard to fathom.

Is there a problem with the strategy guide? Or is there something wrong with the guild?

"Asuna, you..." He chose his words carefully, his voice low and steady, "Did you have a nightmare?"

"Um...no." Asuna shook her head in denial, her hair brushing against her shoulders with a soft rustling sound. She looked up, her amber eyes bright.

The temperature in the room seemed to have suddenly risen.

Before Mochizuki Kaede could react, Asuna had already lifted a corner of the blanket and curled up inside like a pampered ragdoll cat.

Mochizuki Kaede stood there, staring at the small, bulging outline under the blanket. Asuna's unusual behavior left him momentarily at a loss for how to react.

"Don't just stand there like an idiot." She patted the spot next to her, her voice regaining its usual composure, but with a barely perceptible tremor. "Get some rest. We still need to go to the upper level to conquer the maze area tomorrow."

Mochizuki Kaede remained silent for a moment, then slowly walked towards the bed. The air he created as he lifted the corner of the blanket caused Asuna's loose hair to flutter gently. As they lay down side by side, the mattress dipped slightly, their shoulders touching almost touching. The warmth emanating from Asuna made Mochizuki Kaede tense up, even his breathing unconsciously becoming softer.

"I'm going to turn off the lights," Asuna said suddenly, her voice so soft it was almost as if she were talking to herself.

With a soft "snap," the room plunged into darkness. Mochizuki Kaede felt the mattress beside him rise slightly, a strand of hair brushing against his cheek, tickling him. The girl's breathing was close at hand, her warm breath brushing against his neck.

“Asuna…”

"Shh." A slender finger touched his lips. "Go to sleep."

In the darkness, Mochizuki Kaede felt Asuna carefully adjust her position, finally resting her forehead gently against his shoulder blade. This restrained touch made his heart race more than any embrace.

Outside the window, the snow in Aincrad continued to fall silently.

Chapter 146: Past Events

Outside the window, the snow in Aincrad continued to fall silently. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the linen curtains, casting a thin silver line on the sheets, like a faint ribbon gently connecting the two figures. Mochizuki Kaede could clearly feel the warmth emanating from her body, and Asuna's breathing gradually became even.

The night seemed to stretch on and on. Mochizuki Kaede stared with her eyes open at the dappled moonlight casting shadows on the ceiling.

What was behind Asuna's unusual behavior? Had she encountered some difficulties? Or...? His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, heavier touch on his shoulder. Asuna leaned closer to him in her sleep, her hair falling onto his pillow like a chestnut cloud.

He carefully turned his head and, by the faint moonlight, saw Asuna's eyelashes fluttering gently in her sleep, her lips relaxed and slightly upturned. She was no longer [Flash] Asuna, but had returned to the way she looked when they first met in the town of beginnings.

The snow on the windowsill had thickened, and the room fell into deeper darkness the moment the moonlight was obscured by the clouds. Taking advantage of this brief concealment, Mochizuki Kaede let his gaze linger on Asuna's sleeping face. Her cheeks were flushed a faint pink from the warmth, and her lips were slightly parted, exhaling steady breaths.

As night deepened, snowflakes silently piled up on the windowsill. Mochizuki Kaede finally closed his eyes, letting sleep wash over him. In the last moment before his consciousness sank into darkness, he felt Asuna's fingers unconsciously gripping the hem of his clothes, as if grasping something she didn't want to lose.

……

As the first rays of dawn pierced the clouds, dappled golden light filtered through the gaps in the curtains and fell onto the sheets. Mochizuki Maple slowly opened his eyes, the morning light casting an amber glow in his grey pupils.

He tilted his head slightly and saw Asuna still fast asleep, her chestnut hair spread out on the pillow, a few strands playfully draped over his shoulder. The girl slept peacefully, a faint smile playing on her lips, as if she were having a sweet dream.

Mochizuki Kaede did not get up immediately, but simply gazed at the scene quietly. The confusion and worries of last night gradually settled in the morning light.

Not a dream.

This realization landed heavily in Mochizuki Kaede's heart, stirring up a silent ripple. He gazed at the sleeping girl beside him, the morning light slowly flowing along her delicate nose, making her skin almost translucent. The rustling sound of cedar trees shaking off snow came from outside the window, making the room even more tranquil, where they could hear each other's breaths mingling.

Asuna's eyelashes suddenly fluttered like butterfly wings, and Mochizuki Kaede instinctively held her breath, watching as the mist of sleep gradually emerged from those amber eyes. Her newly awakened pupils were still glistening with moisture, reflecting the morning light of the snow falling outside the window, like melting honey.

"Good morning." Her voice was soft with lingering sleepiness, the last syllable disappearing in a small yawn, a strand of hair clinging to the corner of her lips.

Mochizuki Kaede's Adam's apple bobbed silently. His grey eyes reflected the girl's hazy, sleeping face, countless questions swirling on his tongue. But Asuna, bathed in the morning light, was as soft as snow that might melt at any moment, so he ultimately only asked softly, "Did you sleep well?"

Asuna didn't answer immediately. She curled her fingers slightly and realized that her fingertips were still tangled in the hem of Mochizuki Kaede's clothes, and even the tips of her ears were tinged with the color of the morning light. But unexpectedly, she didn't hurriedly let go; instead, she gently tightened her fingers.

"Hmm... I had a very long dream."

Asuna's gaze pierced through the dust motes in the morning light, staring directly into Mochizuki Kaede's gray pupils. Her gaze was so focused that Mochizuki Kaede could clearly see his shrunken reflection—a silver-haired boy—framed in the morning light within her eyes.

Asuna continued, "Xiaofeng, do you remember what happened when we were little?"

This question came too suddenly, and Mochizuki Kaede's thoughts were pulled back to her distant childhood.

The business dealings between the Mochizuki and Yuuki families maintained a delicate connection between the two families, and Mochizuki Kaede's older brother, Mochizuki Yuuki, was also very familiar with Asuna's older brother, Yuuki Koichiro.

The most vivid image in my memory is of a summer tea party in a garden, filled with the incessant chirping of cicadas. Young Asuna, dressed in a light pink kimono, sat obediently beside her brother. While the adults discussed stocks and mergers, the little girl secretly raised her eyes, curiously observing Mochizuki Kaede across from her, her gaze as clear as the first melting snow in the forest.

“When I first met Xiaofeng,” Asuna’s voice was filled with nostalgia, “I thought this little brother was so cute.”

“Cute…?” Mochizuki Kaede couldn’t help but chuckle. He remembered that he was feeling down because he was asked to wear the complicated crested haori hakama.

“Hmm.” Asuna nodded. “Unlike those noisy boys, Xiaofeng is always quiet, like a little girl.”

“A girl…” Mochizuki Kaede recalled the comments he often heard in his childhood—“Young Master Kaede is so handsome,” “He looks like a doll.” These words gradually disappeared after he began to practice kendo.

Why did he choose kendo? This decision stemmed from the endless rainy nights after his mother fell ill, and from his unwavering desire to become strong. That year, the rainy season was particularly long, and the white plum blossoms in the courtyard were battered and scattered by the rain. As a young boy, he stood in his father's study, listening to the sound of raindrops hitting the eaves, and for the first time asked to learn kendo. The innocent child always believed that as long as he became strong enough, he could shield his ailing mother from all illnesses.

"Do you remember the first time you came to the dojo to watch me practice?" Mochizuki Kaede suddenly asked. "Back then, you hid behind a pillar and watched for two whole hours."

Asuna's ear tips turned red at a visible speed: "You...you noticed?"

Wang Yuefeng nodded.

"At the time, Xiaofeng said... that he was learning kendo to help his aunt fight off her illness."

Asuna suddenly whispered, "The daifuku that Auntie made... is the most delicious I've ever eaten."

The voice was very soft, as if afraid of disturbing the gentle figure in her memory.

Mochizuki Kaede listened in silence. His mother was indeed skilled at making wagashi (Japanese sweets), especially during strawberry season, when she would always make daifuku sprinkled with powdered sugar. He could almost see his mother again, wearing a navy blue apron, standing in the kitchen, her gentle figure kneading mochi dough.

"Back then, I always pestered my brother to come to your house to play." Asuna's lips curled into a small smile. "Actually, it was just so I could get some daifuku made by your aunt."

“Mother always says you’re cutest when you eat,” Mochizuki Kaede’s voice was a little hoarse, “like a cautious little squirrel.”

"Hmm." Asuna's voice gradually lowered: "Later... on the day of the funeral, I saw you standing alone by the pillar in the side hall."

Memories flooded back. It was a gloomy afternoon, the mourning hall dark and heavy, filled with the sounds of chanting and the lingering scent of sandalwood as adults huddled together. The silver-haired boy stood motionless on the veranda, watching the white chrysanthemums in the courtyard, soaked by the rain.

“I hid behind my father.” Asuna’s fingers gently touched his sleeve. “I saw you all alone, like a forgotten doll. At that moment, I suddenly remembered Auntie always saying, ‘Asuna-chan, you have to take good care of Kaede, okay?’”

The sound of rain suddenly became clear in his memory. Mochizuki Kaede recalled young Asuna breaking free from her father's hand, stepping through the crowd in her white socks, her little hands clumsily holding a white chrysanthemum soaked by the rain.

"Here you go." The little girl in his memory placed the white chrysanthemum on his clenched fist. "I won't leave you."

In reality, Asuna's fingers gently covered the back of his hand.

. . . .

Thanks to moonflow for the monthly pass!

Chapter 147: Asuna and Silica

"I will not leave you."

Asuna's fingertips gently touched the back of his hand, the warmth transferring from their skin to skin, creating a strange resonance with the coolness of the white chrysanthemum deep in her memory. The morning light danced on her chestnut hair, like the faint glow filtering through the rain at the funeral hall years ago.

Mochizuki Kaede suddenly realized that on that damp and cold afternoon, Asuna had not only given him a white chrysanthemum, but had also planted a seed deep in his soul, just like the white plum tree outside his mother's hospital room window that was beaten down by the rain but still bloomed, blossoming into a flower of hope in the soil of despair.

More than a decade of time collapsed in this moment. Mochizuki Kaede stared blankly at the two clasped hands, suddenly realizing that Asuna had never forgotten that promise made in the rain, while she herself had buried that promise deep in the ruins of her memory, only to rediscover it now.

Asuna didn't let go; instead, she firmly gripped his fingers. For the first time, Mochizuki Kaede clearly felt the emotions she conveyed, just like her—gentle yet possessing an unyielding resilience, like steel wrapped in silk.

At this moment, the chestnut-haired girl's eyes were surging with emotions that Mochizuki Kaede had never seen before. Her amber pupils were overflowing with longing and determination, which could no longer be concealed. With each tremor of her eyelashes, more indescribable emotions flowed out, making the air seem thick and heavy.

"Xiaofeng." Asuna took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling gently with each breath. "I actually—"

"Dong, dong, dong——"

The sudden knock on the door cut through the stagnant air like a sharp blade, and Silica's clear voice pierced through the door: "Brother Feng?"

The two people on the bed froze simultaneously.

Mochizuki Kaede felt Asuna's fingers suddenly tighten, her nails leaving crescent-shaped marks on his palm. Asuna's expression froze in the moment before she spoke, like a scene from a movie suddenly frozen in time: her slightly parted lips, her trembling eyelashes, and the burning intensity in her eyes, all exposed to the morning light.

The two gazed at each other in the morning light, a palpable tension hanging in the air. If Silica were to witness them sharing a bed, it would likely cause quite a stir.

Outside the door, Silica stood with her head down. She had knocked on Asuna's door earlier but received no answer. Some inexplicable intuition had driven her to Mochizuki Kaede's door. Her fingers hovered in mid-air for a few seconds before she finally knocked gently on the door.