Most players regarded the four-person party with admiration.
Unlike Kirito, who had once earned the stigma of being labeled a beater due to his position as a beta tester hindering the progress of others, the trajectory of Roy's group was different. Clearing the first floor within three days of the game's launch and subsequently cutting through every boss like a blade through butter had earned them widespread respect.
When a gap becomes so vast that it's impossible to bridge, envy naturally gives way to reverence.
Currently, the mood among the players of Sword Art Online had shifted. Many low-level players adopted a more relaxed, even indifferent attitude. While the number of casual participants on the lower floors surged, the high-level players remained few in number. Yet the tension that once pervaded Aincrad had significantly diminished.
With the higher floors being steadily unlocked, top-tier players stopped monopolizing resources from lower-level zones, reducing conflicts over farming areas. Additionally, information about dangerous monsters was now compiled and shared by frontline players, giving beginners a fighting chance.
Of course, occasional disputes still arose, but they were far fewer than one might expect compared to the original narrative.
As the party progressed to higher floors, the bosses became increasingly challenging.
Each new floor introduced monsters with unique abilities that defied expectations. Some bosses, for instance, could only take specific amounts of damage per hit, rendering overpowered strikes ineffective. Others were so agile that they left no opportunity for coordinated attacks.
In response, Roy's team developed a tightly synergized strategy. Roy acted as the primary damage dealer, while Kirito played the backup role. Asuna supported by breaking enemy guards and creating openings for them to chain sword skills, and Misumi focused on handling unforeseen situations.
Despite their impressive coordination and sheer strength, the four of them faced a glaring limitation: manpower.
Boss raids had never been simple undertakings. As the floors climbed higher, it became increasingly necessary to mobilize entire raid groups. Yet, to prevent others from claiming boss kills, Roy had consistently pushed himself to new heights, ensuring that he delivered the final blow every time.
It was true that beta testers had initially enjoyed a significant advantage due to their early access to game knowledge. But over time, this gap in intelligence began to narrow. Unless the early testers managed to maintain a significant lead, they too would be surpassed.
While Roy's group remained formidable, other players weren't idle.
The Knights of the Blood Oath—the guild that would later play a pivotal role in Aincrad's history—had officially formed.
The guild's leader, Heathcliff, known to some as the Paladin. Had quickly gained recognition. In duels, he had never been defeated, nor had his HP ever dropped below 40%—a fact that stemmed from the system protections afforded to his true identity as Kayaba Akihiko.
His combat prowess augmented by GM privileges and his charismatic leadership had earned him the title of Sword Art Online's strongest player.
Now, standing face-to-face with Roy, Heathcliff presented a new dilemma.
"Greetings, Roy. I've heard much about you, and I'm sure you've heard of me as well."
He was a tall man with a square jaw, his stern features exuding an air of authority. Clad in his signature armor and carrying a heavy silver cross-shaped shield, his presence radiated intensity.
Roy opened his mouth to reply, but Heathcliff swiftly cut him off.
"I believe you already know why I'm here." He said, his gaze shifting briefly to the three players behind Roy.
"You and your companions are some of the strongest players in this game. Frankly, no one else has accomplished what you have. Clearing thirty floors in just six months? Unthinkable."
"From the moment I learned about the first floor being cleared on the third day, I was curious. Then came the second floor on the sixth day, the third on the ninth—it was astonishing. To be honest, if cheats existed in this game, I would've suspected you of using them."
Roy's lips twitched at Heathcliff's words. He cast a quick glance at his companions, struggling to suppress a smile.
Heathcliff wasn't entirely wrong. Roy was cheating, albeit in a highly specific way. His godmode was carefully designed to tweak the HP codes of himself and his party, ensuring their survival without drawing undue attention.
Though the system irregularities were minimal and triggered only when death was imminent, the mere presence of the game master before him left Roy feeling like a mouse in front of a cat.
Cheating in front of a GM—what does that even count as?
Roy couldn't help but feel a mix of adrenaline and unease. Was the GM aware of the subtle anomalies in his party's HP?
When Heathcliff showed no signs of suspicion, Roy inwardly let out a sigh of relief. Yet, in the safety of his thoughts, he silently flipped him the middle finger.
So, just because you're a GM? You get to cheat, but no one else is allowed? How fair.
Heathcliff's deep, commanding voice cut through Roy's musings, bringing him back to the moment.
"Now then." Heathcliff began, "On behalf of the Knights of the Blood Oath, I would like to formally invite you to join us."
Roy's gaze fixed on the impeccably disciplined man before him. For a moment, he said nothing, caught in the storm of his own thoughts.
Should I accept? Or refuse?
Truthfully, Roy leaned heavily toward refusal. No matter how he looked at it, joining wasn't an option.
For one, Roy's situation was unique—abnormal, even. He needed to hunt bosses and absorb their souls to complete his hidden system quests, which powered him. Joining a large guild would only complicate his goals.
But outright refusal? That came with its risks.
Narrowing his eyes slightly, Roy studied Heathcliff's face. Then, after a brief pause, he spoke.
"And if I were to decline your invitation?"
Heathcliff let out a quiet sigh, his expression tinged with a hint of regret.
"You are all top-tier players. I didn't expect to persuade you immediately." He admitted plainly. "But surely, you've noticed—haven't you? As we ascend higher floors, the challenges grow more severe. The strength of just four players will not be enough for much longer."
He paused, allowing his words to linger in the air before continuing, his tone calm and confident.
"Still, if you change your mind, our doors are always open."
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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