I'm a Sword Master in Sword Art Online

With his arms crossed over his chest, Ya Wang's voice was resolute and unwavering: "Absolutely not! We cannot choose them as teammates to entrust our lives to! Absolutely not!"

The atmosphere suddenly became tense. The players looked at each other, and many subconsciously glanced around, as if searching for hidden beta testers.

Asuna turned her head to look at Mochizuki Kaede. The two exchanged a glance and read the same thought in each other's eyes—Mite was also a closed beta player. If she were here now, she would probably become the target of the Fang King's attack as well.

“Mr. Tooth King,” Diabel tried to de-escalate the situation, “now is not the time—”

May I speak?

A deep, resonant voice interrupted Diabel. The crowd parted automatically, and a burly, bald black man stepped forward. He carried a double-edged battle axe on his back, and every step he took was steady and powerful.

"My name is Agil."

He stood before Ya Wang, his tall figure casting a shadow, his voice echoing like muffled thunder across the square:

"Mr. Ya Wang, what you're trying to say is that the closed beta testers didn't take care of the new players, leading to a large number of deaths. Therefore, you want them to take responsibility, apologize, and compensate, is that correct?"

Intimidated by his imposing presence, Ya Wang unconsciously lowered his voice slightly: "No... that's right."

Agil calmly pulled a booklet from his pocket: "You should have received this 'Early Survival Guide' as well, right? It was given out for free in the item shop."

Ya Wang frowned: "So what if we got it?"

Agil held the booklet high and turned to face the crowd: "This was actually written by closed beta testers. They anonymously distributed these guides, which detailed the distribution and weaknesses of monsters at each leveling spot."

The square erupted in an uproar.

"real or fake?"

"That's how I survived."

"Even the safest leveling routes are marked on it."

After a brief pause in their discussion, Agil continued, "Now anyone can get information, yet many players are still losing their lives. Learning from the mistakes of the past, we should discuss together how to defeat the BOSS. I think that's the most important issue right now."

His words had barely faded when a calm voice suddenly came from the front row—

“I agree with Mr. Egil’s opinion.”

Chapter Seventeen: First Floor Boss

All eyes turned to the source of the sound.

The silver-haired boy slowly stood up, and the chestnut-haired girl beside him followed suit.

"My name is Mochizuki Kaede, an ordinary player."

His voice was soft but clear: "When I was lost, a beta tester taught me how to survive in this world. Without her, I would probably be dead in some unknown wilderness by now."

He looked directly at Ya Wang and said, "Instead of holding closed beta testers responsible, we should think about how to keep the existing players alive."

Asuna stepped forward, her amber eyes gleaming with unwavering determination: "Everyone here is an elite warrior capable of challenging the BOSS. If even we distrust each other, what hope do those players hiding in the Town of Beginnings have? Today, we are not fighting for the closed beta testers or regular players, but for everyone trapped in this world—including ourselves!"

The players in the square nodded unconsciously, especially the male players. It was hard not to be moved by such a beautiful and strong girl.

Mochizuki Kaede's gaze swept over everyone present: "In this death game, blaming each other won't solve anything. The important thing is how to unite our existing strength and fight to survive."

Diabel's eyes lit up: "Well said! That's exactly why we've gathered here today!"

Ya Wang's face turned pale and then red. He wanted to argue, but was drowned out by the approving comments from the surrounding players.

He finally snorted coldly and sat back in the front row. Although he was still unconvinced, he had clearly lost his previous imposing manner.

Diabel raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet.

"Everyone, I'm going to share the BOSS information that our team has gathered."

His voice was steady and powerful, and the noise in the square immediately stopped.

Diabel continued, "The first level's boss is named [Kobold Lord Ilfang]. He is a kobold lord who is over three meters tall, wearing armor, wielding a giant axe and a round shield, and has a curved sword tucked into his waistband."

He looked at everyone: "According to our intelligence, it has three HP phases, each of which will switch to different weapons and combat styles. After the battle begins, it will summon three [Ruins Dog-Headed Sentinels] as guards. Each one is equipped with a shield and a short sword."

"We must prioritize clearing out the smaller monsters!" Diabel raised his voice. "Although they don't have high attack power, they can disrupt the formation and create opportunities for the BOSS."

"The BOSS will use a giant axe to perform wide-ranging attacks with a large area of ​​effect, but the wind-up animation is obvious. You can predict it by paying attention to the way it raises its arm."

Asuna and Mochizuki Kaede listened intently, occasionally exchanging glances. The surrounding players also held their breath, afraid of missing a single detail.

"When its HP drops to two-thirds, it will switch to the second phase. At this time, its attack speed will increase significantly, but its attack range will decrease."

Diabel emphasized: "This stage is the most dangerous, as many players will have their rhythm disrupted by sudden changes in speed."

Agil nodded in the crowd, his thick arms crossed over his chest: "We need agile players to hold them off."

"Finally, when its HP drops to the red zone, it will enter a berserk state, discarding its giant axe and round shield and fighting with a scimitar, at which point its attack speed and range will reach their peak."

After Diabel finished explaining the BOSS, he began to explain in detail the responsibilities and positions of each group, as well as the strategies for dealing with each stage.

"Finally, regarding the distribution of items, the money will be divided equally among everyone, the experience points will belong to the team that defeats the monster, and the items will belong to whoever gets them."

Whispers of approval rose from the crowd.

This plan was fair and reasonable, and it was quickly and unanimously approved.

"We'll meet outside the maze area at 10 a.m. tomorrow," Diabel concluded.

After the meeting, Ya Wang awkwardly walked over to Diabel, scratching the back of his head and apologizing, "Um... I was too excited just now..."

Diabel patted him on the shoulder cheerfully: "It's all for everyone, I understand."

the next morning.

Golden sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the forest path. Mochizuki Kaede and Asuna walked side by side, their familiar footsteps echoing through the woods as they trod on the soft fallen leaves.

"Are you nervous?" Mochizuki Kaede asked, his gaze fixed on the labyrinthine tower that was faintly visible ahead. He habitually slowed down by half a step, letting Asuna walk on the safer inner side.

Asuna tucked a strand of her wind-blown chestnut hair behind her ear, a confident smile playing on her lips: "What, worried I'll hold you back?"

She tapped the rapier at her waist with her slender fingers: "This month of fighting has not been in vain."

Mochizuki Kaede nodded: "Yes, but let me confirm, is all your equipment ready? Is the rapier's durability okay?"

"I just upgraded my weapon at the weapon shop yesterday, and my attack power is now enough to break through defenses," Asuna replied. "But what about you? Have you adjusted your armor? The BOSS's attacks are no joke."

"It has been reinforced, and the defense value is not a problem." Mochizuki Kaede gently pressed the light armor on her chest and answered calmly.

"And the healing potion?" he asked again.

"I brought five bottles, that should be enough, right?"

Mochizuki Kaede hesitated for a moment, then took out two bottles from his inventory and handed them over: "Take two more bottles with you, there might be unexpected events during the BOSS battle."

Asuna blinked and smiled as she took it: "You're so reliable, Xiaofeng always thinks of everything so thoroughly."

“It’s always better to be cautious.” Mochizuki Kaede’s gaze fell upon the gradually appearing maze tower in the distance. “Tactically, I’ll start with a heavy slash. You seize the opportunity to attack its weaknesses. If the BOSS switches attack modes…”

“So we’ll switch to alternating control immediately, right?” Asuna chimed in. “You’ll draw aggro while I deal damage, and we’ll switch roles immediately when aggro shifts.”

Mochizuki Kaede nodded, his eyes showing approval: "That's right. If the BOSS enters a berserk state, you need to pay special attention to its area-of-effect attacks in the third phase."

"Okay~" Asuna waved her hand with a smile, "You always give such serious instructions. Haven't we practiced this level of coordination countless times this past month?"

Mochizuki Kaede glanced at her helplessly: "...I just don't want any accidents to happen."

"Don't worry, we're partners." Asuna gently nudged his shoulder, her tone softening.

After passing through the last grove of trees, the towering labyrinthine tower finally came into full view. Vines climbed the stone walls, and the entrance was deep and mysterious, as if awaiting their challenge.

"Finally, we're going to fight the first floor's boss." Asuna took a deep breath and clenched her fist slightly. "If we win this battle, we can go to the second floor. We're one step closer to clearing this game."

Mochizuki Kaede's gaze was firm: "Yes, let's go."

Chapter 18: The Kobold Lord

First floor BOSS room.

At the end of the dimly lit corridor, two rows of bronze cauldrons burned silently, their flickering flames casting swaying shadows on the stone walls. Dozens of players had gathered there, the clanging of metal armor ringing out clearly in the silence.

Diabel planted his longsword heavily in the ground, placed his hands on the hilt, and looked around at each tense yet determined face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I only have one thing to say—"

Flames danced on his resolute profile as he slowly raised his right arm, his fist clenched tightly.

We must win!

"oh--!"

The players responded in unison, the metallic clang of weapons being drawn echoing throughout. Asuna's fingers unconsciously traced the hilt of her rapier, while Mochizuki Kaede subtly adjusted the shoulder straps of her armor.

Diabel turned to face the massive stone gate, took a deep breath: "We're going in!"

With a forceful push, the heavy stone door groaned and slowly opened.

The moment the players filed in, the stone door behind them suddenly closed automatically, emitting a chilling thud.

The previously dimly lit hall was suddenly illuminated by a pale white light, making the entire space as bright as day.

On the towering throne in the very center, a massive black shadow slowly raised its head, and two crimson lights suddenly shone from the shadows.

"Roar--!!!"

With a roar that shook the entire hall, the monster leaped from the throne with astonishing speed.

Its heavy body left a trail of afterimages in the air before crashing down in the center of the hall, shaking the ground. Amidst the rising dust, it slowly straightened its three-meter-tall body, its muscular right arm gripping a giant axe and drawing blinding sparks on the ground, while its left hand slammed its round shield heavily onto the ground.

On that ferocious dog's head, fangs gleamed coldly, and crimson eyes scanned the intruders.

With another furious roar filled with murderous intent, its health bar was fully displayed above its head, and the BOSS name [Kobold Lord o Ilfang] appeared above its head.

It struck the shield heavily with its giant axe, the metallic clang echoing through the enclosed hall.

Three Ruins Dog-Headed Sentinels suddenly appeared from the void.

They were hunched over, their red skin peeking out from beneath their rusty armor. In their left hands they held pitted iron shields, and in their right hands a short sword that gleamed coldly.

"Roar--!"

The kobold sentries let out piercing screams as they charged toward the player camp alongside the kobold lord.

"Start attacking!"

Diabel's roar pierced through the clamor of the battlefield.

The dog-headed sentries charged toward the players in a triangular formation, the rumble of their metal boots mingling with the players' battle cries.

Diabel's blue and white knight armor gleamed in the firelight, his longsword tracing a perfect arc: "First team, hold off the dog-headed sentries! Second team, prepare to switch!"

The players roared in battle, and the sound of metal clashing instantly echoed throughout the hall.

The shield warriors at the very front raised their shields in unison, catching the dog-headed sentries charging steadily.

In a flash of sword light, a player seized an opening and precisely pierced the gap in the dog-headed sentry's armor, causing massive damage.

"Left side! Switch!" Diabel's command was calm and powerful.

Agil's squad immediately filled the gap, his battle axe whistling through the air as he swept across, forcing a wounded dog-headed sentry back several steps: "Fang King! Now!"

"Hey! Watch this!" Tooth King grinned as he charged in from the flank, his twin blades transforming into a silver whirlwind, leaving several wounds on the dog-headed sentry's back.

His squad members worked together seamlessly to form an encirclement, trapping the wounded monster in the center.

At the same time, the kobold lord roared in anger, and his giant axe swept down with devastating force.

Diabel flashed forward: "Third team, spread out in a fan shape!"

The players immediately followed orders and narrowly avoided the fatal blow.

"Fourth team, hold off the BOSS! The rest of you, continue clearing out the dog-headed sentinels!" Diabel's voice came clearly through the melee.

Mochizuki Kaede and Asuna exchanged a glance and nodded in tacit agreement.

The two figures flashed and rushed towards the kobold lord in the center of the hall like arrows released from a bow.

"Roar--!"

The kobold lord sensed a new threat, and his giant axe came crashing down with a whistling sound. Mochizuki Maple's eyes sharpened, he braked abruptly, and gripped his sword with both hands, assuming a fighting stance.

"Heavy chop!"

With a low shout, Wang Yuefeng's longsword burst forth with a dazzling blue light.

The sword and the giant axe clashed violently, sparks flying everywhere.