I'm a Sword Master in Sword Art Online

This concept itself is not wrong, but the essence of games is ultimately the competition for resources between players, and this essence has never changed even in an extremely abnormal game world like SAO. No, perhaps it should be said that it is precisely this extreme environment of life and death that makes the conflicts between players even more acute.

“Just then, the King of Fangs appeared.” Yuriel’s voice suddenly turned cold. “He accused Guild Master Sinka of being too weak and, together with other executives, of pushing for so-called systemic reforms. First, he expanded his power under the guise of ‘eliminating criminals,’ and then he began to openly monopolize the leveling areas…”

Her voice was filled with suppressed anger: "At first, they tried to maintain a superficial harmony with other guilds, but later they simply tore off the mask and used their numerical advantage to monopolize resource points for a long time."

"As the guild's wealth has accumulated, the power of the Fang King faction has grown increasingly large. Now, Guild Master Sinka has been practically sidelined, and those who have gained power, like the ones you encountered today, have begun to openly extort money in the safe zone."

Yuriel took a breath, took the teacup from Sana and took a sip. The warm tea seemed to calm her down a bit.

“The Fang King faction is not without its weaknesses.” She put down her teacup, her fingertips lightly tapping the rim. “Their single-minded focus on making money while neglecting the progress of the strategy has already aroused dissatisfaction among the lower-level players. In order to quell the anger, Fang King recently took a risk and selected a dozen or so of his highest-level subordinates to form a strategy team and sent them to the front line to take on the floor bosses.”

Asuna and Mochizuki Kaede exchanged a grave look. They both clearly remembered that if they hadn't happened to encounter the army that had rashly challenged the Blue-Eyed Demon, they would likely have been completely annihilated.

“Although the elite troops we sent were all of high caliber, we are ultimately not a professional conquest team.” Yuriel shook her head with a wry smile. “The result was a crushing defeat, with several members lost. This should have been the perfect opportunity to overthrow the King of Fang…”

Her fingers suddenly clenched the teacup, her knuckles turning white: "But three days ago, the desperate King Ya, in order to frame Sinka, used the corridor crystal with its exit deep within the maze to banish Sinka instead. At that time, Sinka, believing King Ya's lies about 'disarming and talking things over,' didn't take any precautions. Under such circumstances, it was impossible for him to have broken through the hordes of monsters from the deepest part of the maze and returned safely alone. Moreover, it seems he didn't even bring the transfer crystal with him..."

"Three, three days ago?!" Asuna exclaimed hastily, "Then Sinka is now..."

“His name is still on the Monument to Life,” Yuriel replied quickly. “He should have found a safe zone. But it’s the deepest part of the labyrinth, and you can’t move an inch without equipment. Also, there’s no communication within the labyrinth, and you can’t connect to the guild warehouse, so we can’t send him the transfer crystal.”

Mochizuki Kaede frowned deeply. He had heard of this "entrance kill" tactic of using corridor crystals to set the exit in the maze area, but using it on a fellow guild member was still outrageous. Sinka must have trusted this former deputy too much, or rather—too kind.

“That’s just the kind of person Sinka is…” Yuriel murmured softly, as if she could see through Mochizuki Kaede’s thoughts. “Only Sinka and Ya Wang can manipulate the guild leader’s proof of the ‘Scroll of the Promise.’ If Sinka is never able to return, then the guild’s personnel arrangements and financial management will fall entirely into Ya Wang’s hands.”

“As Sinka’s closest companion, I was unable to stop this betrayal…” She suddenly raised her head, her eyes burning with determination. “Just when I was at my wit’s end, I heard that a powerful force had appeared in town, so I took the liberty of coming here for help.”

She bowed deeply to the crowd, her forehead almost touching the table: "I understand how abrupt this request is, but Sinka's life could be lost at any moment on the stone tablet in the Black Iron Palace. Every second of hesitation is fatal! So please, everyone, help me save Sinka!"

Asuna stared at the soldier, her heart pounding. In SAO, a death game, trusting others often meant certain death. While Yuriel's story was moving, it could very well be a trap set by the King of Fangs. She exchanged a worried glance with Mochizuki Kaede; they knew far too little about the military.

Chapter 186: Back to the Sanctuary

In the delicate silence, Yui's childish voice rang out like a clear spring: "It's okay, Asuna's mother. This older sister isn't lying."

Asuna looked down at the girl in her arms in surprise: "Yui, you can tell the difference?"

Yui nodded seriously: "Yeah, I can't really explain why, but I just know..."

Mochizuki Kaede reached out and ruffled Yui's hair, making her smooth strands messy: "Instead of regretting later why you doubted others, it's better to choose to believe first, and it's not too late to regret it later. Let's go, there will always be a way."

“That’s right,” Mite agreed.

Yuna and Silica exchanged a smile and nodded simultaneously. Strea didn't speak, but a hint of approval flashed in her crimson eyes.

Asuna gently smoothed Yui's ruffled hair and turned to Yuriel with a sincere smile: "Let's go save Mr. Sinka together. I understand the feeling of wanting to protect someone important."

Tears welled up in Yuriel's eyes instantly, and she lowered her head deeply: "Thank you, thank you so much."

"Let's express our gratitude after we've rescued Mr. Sinka," Asuna said softly.

"Snap!" Sana suddenly clasped her hands together, breaking the touching atmosphere: "Since you've made up your mind, let's fill our stomachs first! There's plenty of food in the kitchen, so please don't be shy, Miss Yuriel."

After the meal, Mochizuki Kaede and her group, fully armed, quickly walked through the streets of the starting town led by Riel.

Asuna originally intended to entrust Yui to Sana's care, but the little girl clung to Mochizuki Kaede and refused to let go. Ultimately, they had no choice but to agree to take her along. Of course, Asuna had already prepared a transfer crystal in Yui's pocket to ensure an immediate evacuation should danger arise.

"Speaking of which, we haven't asked the most crucial question yet," Mochizuki Kaede said to Yuriel, who was walking ahead, "Which floor of the dungeon are we going to?"

“Right here,” Yuriel said.

"here?"

Yuriel replied, "Straight beneath the town of beginnings lies a vast labyrinth, where Sinka is trapped in its deepest depths."

"Huh?" Mite looked surprised. "There was no maze here during the closed beta."

“The entrance is located in the Black Iron Palace, which is underground, the military headquarters,” Yuriel explained. “This is probably a special labyrinth that was gradually opened up as the upper levels were conquered. It was only discovered after the Fang King came to power, and he kept it a secret from Sinka and me…”

Asuna pondered, "Unexplored dungeons usually contain rare items; he must have made a fortune from that."

“Quite the opposite.” A sarcastic smile appeared on Yuriel’s lips. “The difficulty of this maze far exceeded expectations. The ordinary monsters are all around the level of sixty. The King of Fang personally led the exploration, but the entire army was wiped out. They had to consume a large number of transfer crystals to escape, and that operation also severely damaged them.”

Yuriel's face quickly darkened again: "The problem now is that the Corridor Crystal Record Point used by the Fang King is located at the deepest part of the labyrinth. Sinka is trapped even deeper than that... Although I can handle those monsters in terms of level alone, it's simply impossible for me to fight them continuously."

"If it's the sixtieth floor..." Mochizuki Kaede looked around at her companions.

“Absolutely no problem.” Asuna nodded confidently.

Mitt calmly replied, "Piece of cake."

"I will cooperate fully!" Silica clenched her little fist.

As the group talked, a magnificent, pitch-black building stood at the end of the street—the Black Iron Palace, the landmark of the starting town. Passing through the gate, one's eyes were drawn to the Monument of Life in the center of the plaza, engraved with the names of all the players.

Instead of heading towards the main gate, Yuriel led everyone around to the back of the palace, where towering walls and a deep moat formed a formidable barrier.

After walking along the moat for about five minutes, Yuriel stopped in front of a set of downward-sloping stone steps. Upon closer inspection, she discovered an inconspicuous opening hidden in the damp stone wall, from which a cold wind was constantly escaping.

“Entering the sewers from here will take you to the entrance to the maze. It’s a bit dark and narrow inside…” Yuri’s gaze fell worriedly on Yui, who was in Mochizuki Kaede’s arms.

The little girl immediately puffed out her cheeks: "Yui isn't afraid at all!"

This adorable reaction made everyone burst into laughter.

Asuna gently ruffled Yui's hair: "This child is much braver than she looks."

"Then, let's go!"

Upon entering the dark passage, the battle immediately commenced—

Asuna's rapier traced a brilliant emerald path, cleaving the attacking monster in two.

Mitt's scythe sent another monster flying, while Silica's crescent moon spun through the air, striking its target with pinpoint accuracy. Strea moved with unparalleled ease, her greatsword shattering monsters into pieces wherever it touched.

Mochizuki Kaede held Yui firmly in her arms, not even giving her a chance to draw her sword. Yuriel stood there, holding her metal whip, completely unable to help, and could only stare in disbelief at the terrifying strength displayed by this raiding team.

"Everyone—do your best—" Yui's innocent and cheerful cheers echoed through the gloomy maze, unexpectedly easing the tense atmosphere.

Several tens of minutes had passed since they entered the depths of the black stone labyrinth through the damp sewers. Although the labyrinth was more complex and vast than expected, and the number of monsters was unusually dense, these monsters on the sixtieth floor posed no threat to the members of [Golden Rule]. They advanced with unstoppable force, almost defying the game's balance.

"I'm so sorry, I can't help at all..." Yuriel shrank back guiltily.

Mochizuki Kaede smiled gently: "How far are we from Mr. Sinka now?"

Lier pulled up the map: "Sinka's location hasn't moved for several days, so she should be in a safe zone."

Her voice was filled with hope: "Once we get there, we can use the teleportation crystal to take him away."

Two hours later, when the dot on the map representing them finally approached the safe zone where Sinka was, a large door appeared at the end of the passage.

Mitt quickly activated his enemy detection skill: "There's a green player inside."

Mochizuki Kaede suddenly felt a strange sense of familiarity. Just then—

"Buzz!"

The entire space trembled violently, and a ghostly blue light seeped from the cracks in the walls. When the intense light dissipated, a three-meter-tall black shadow appeared in the center of the passage.

It was a humanoid monster draped in a tattered black robe, wielding a huge scythe, like the Grim Reaper.

"This is... the Sanctuary?" Mochizuki Kaede murmured to himself, his pupils suddenly contracting. How could he forget this place? This was the very place where he had tried to resurrect Kissmael!

Asuna recognized the place instantly and looked at Mochizuki Kaede in shock.

Mochizuki Kaede quickly handed Yui to Yuriel: "Take Yui inside the gate and use the teleportation crystal to leave immediately! This monster's strength is close to that of the boss on the 90th floor!"

"Nine...ninety floors?!" Yuriel's eyes widened instantly, but she immediately understood, hugging Yui tightly as they rushed towards the door. Before leaving, the little girl glanced at Mochizuki Kaede one last time, her eyes filled with worry.

Mochizuki Kaede had already gripped both the Thunder Blade and the Earth Sword, charging towards Death: "Everyone retreat to the safe zone! I'll hold it off!"

Mitt was stunned when she saw Death appear. Her identification skills couldn't read any data about the monster, meaning it came from a higher level. However, when she heard Mochizuki Kaede's shout, she gripped her scythe even tighter: "I will never abandon my comrades again!"

Silica's knees trembled under the oppressive aura emanating from the monster, but seeing Mochizuki Kaede's tall and straight back, she took a deep breath: "Wherever Brother Kaede is, that's where I'll be!"

Yuna didn't say much. She silently grasped the lute and began to play her buff skill.

Stoleya showed no intention of leaving either.

Asuna, meanwhile, firmly planted the Banner of Valor on the ground. Enveloped in a protective glow, she gripped the Elven Sword tightly.

Chapter 187: The Truth About Yui

Asuna watched as Yuriel carried Yui through the sanctuary doors, and she shouted, "Miss Yuriel, I'm entrusting Yui to you! The three of you, use the teleportation crystal to leave immediately!"

Yuriel turned around, her face showing a struggle: "This...this won't do..."

"Go!" Asuna shouted sharply, rushing towards the Grim Reaper with Mochizuki Kaede.

Now, as they step into this familiar area once more, they are no longer the two who fought alone. They are now surrounded by reliable companions, and their equipment is far superior, with their levels significantly higher.

Asuna gripped the Elf Sword tightly, feeling the unwavering support emanating from her companions behind her.

—Maybe… we can really win this time.

Asuna silently recited this in her heart.

"boom!"

Mochizuki Kaede's twin swords clashed violently with the Grim Reaper's giant scythe, unleashing a deafening roar. Even with his current strength, he was still thrown back several steps by the shockwave.

Asuna and Mito immediately flanked them from both sides, while Strea seized an opening to launch a surprise attack from behind, and Silica's Crescent Moon precisely disrupted the Grim Reaper's movements.

However, after the five-person combined attack ended, the Reaper's health points only decreased by a negligible amount. Asuna's heart sank; the stark difference in health was utterly despairing.

Death slowly raised his scythe, his tattered black robes billowing even without wind, and a suffocating pressure swept through the passage like a tidal wave. The air seemed to freeze, and even breathing became extremely difficult.

"Is this... the strength of the 90th level..." Mitt murmured, her purple ponytail swaying violently in the strong wind. But her hand gripping the scythe did not tremble at all, and her purplish-red eyes ignited with an even stronger fighting spirit.

Just as Mochizuki Kaede unleashed another series of sword techniques to clash head-on with the Grim Reaper and used the force to retreat.

Mit entered the battlefield, his scythe drawing a perfect purple crescent. The blade struck Death's body with pinpoint accuracy, the purple arc exploding into dazzling sparks on Death's black robe. The power of this attack was enough to instantly kill an ordinary monster, but Death's health bar barely budged; this level of damage was nothing more than a tickle to him.

"Tsk..." Mite quickly retreated, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.

at this time--

pat, pat.

A series of light footsteps suddenly broke the tense atmosphere of the battlefield. Mito turned around sharply and saw Yui walking towards the center of the battlefield with innocent steps. The little girl's long black hair fluttered behind her, and her clear eyes stared directly at the giant Grim Reaper without a trace of fear.

"Yui! Run!" Asuna's face turned deathly pale instantly. She rushed towards the little girl without thinking, almost dropping her elven sword.

Mochizuki Kaede and Stoleya launched their attacks almost simultaneously, their twin swords and greatswords weaving a dazzling net of light in an attempt to draw Death's attention. Mito also charged forward without hesitation; she would not allow this innocent child to be harmed before her very eyes.

Silica's crescent moon hurtled toward Death, and Yuna rushed to help. Everyone's actions were directed towards the same goal: to protect that small figure, oblivious to danger, who continued to stride forward.

However, what happened next left everyone holding their breath.

"Everyone, don't worry."

Yui's voice was as soft as a feather falling.

At the same time, her body slowly floated into the air. Not by leaping, but as if lifted by invisible wings, she hovered lightly two meters above the ground. She extended her slender right hand, palm facing the approaching Grim Reaper.

The Grim Reaper's giant scythe, wreathed in crimson-black light, slashed down fiercely, about to cleave the small figure in two—

"clang!"

A dazzling purple barrier suddenly unfolded, forcefully blocking the fatal blow. Asuna stared wide-eyed at the system icon that appeared in front of Yui's palm in disbelief:

Immortal Object

Immortality – this is a state that normal players can never possess.

Death itself seemed stunned by this sudden turn of events, its empty eye sockets flashing red light. But an even more shocking sight was yet to come—

With a deafening roar, blazing crimson flames erupted from Yui's slender right hand. The flames writhed and coiled like living things, instantly coalescing into a giant sword taller than herself.

Incredibly, despite being engulfed in flames, Yui's dress and long black hair remained unharmed amidst the flames, as if the destructive fire was exceptionally gentle to her.

The greatsword spun deftly in the little girl's hand, sending up a scorching wave of air. Without the slightest hesitation, Yui, leaving a trail of brilliant flames, launched a slash at the Black Reaper.

Her petite figure contrasted sharply with the three-meter-tall Grim Reaper, exuding immense pressure. Amidst the piercing whistle of the flaming greatsword cutting through the air, Grim Reaper showed fear for the first time, hastily raising his giant scythe to block.

"Qiang——!"

The burning sword blade collided with the black scythe handle, the blade sinking inch by inch into the handle like a hot knife through butter.

"Crack!"

Death's scythe snapped in two.