Misumi instinctively nodded, then immediately shook her head. Gripping Asuna's shoulders, she started shaking her. "What do you mean by 'you already know'? Come on, if you're asking for relationship advice, can you at least be specific? You didn't used to be this vague!"
Asuna, slightly dizzy from the shaking, pushed Misumi's hands away. She sighed and tried again. "It's just that… our relationship feels awkward, like there's only one thin layer left between us. I don't know how to break through it."
Realization dawned on Misumi's face, and she said bluntly, "You want me to be your wingman?"
"Wingman?"
Misumi rubbed her forehead, exasperated. "It means someone who helps and supports you—like an assistant. Are you asking me to help you win him over?"
Asuna thought about it, her gaze shifting toward Roy. As luck would have it, their eyes met, and he gave her a warm, easygoing smile.
His golden hair gleamed under the light, his features were striking, and his grin exuded confidence.
Yet the moment Asuna remembered his shamelessly flirtatious nature, her lips curled into a cold, sardonic smile.
Hah, what a player. Ugh.
Roy felt a sudden chill as he watched Asuna's expression shift inexplicably from pleasant to disdainful. What had he done to deserve that look?
Handing over the newly acquired Coat of Midnight to Kirito, Roy called out to the group, "Alright, everyone, gear up. It's time to head to the second floor."
Kirito happily slipped into his new coat, the dark fabric swaying with his every step. Despite his youthful features, the coat lent him a sharp, mature air that suited him perfectly.
Roy clicked his tongue in admiration and clapped Kirito on the shoulder with a teasing grin. "Guess we should start calling you the Black Swordsman now, huh?"
After all, in the original series, Kirito had earned that very title. Looking at how much he already loved this coat, Roy felt confident it would become his signature look in no time.
Roy then walked over to Asuna and Misumi, only to find their gazes somewhat… off.
Ignoring Asuna's odd expression, he flashed his usual grin. "Same plan as always—Asuna and I will team up, while Misumi sticks with Kirito. If anyone finds the exit, let the others know."
After regrouping at the Town of Beginnings for some rest, the party prepared themselves and ventured toward the second floor.
[You have entered the Second Floor: Urbus.]
The main settlement, also called Urbus, was a peculiar town built within the hollowed-out center of a 300-meter-diameter ring-shaped mountain.
Beyond the main streets, the floor was reminiscent of the first, dominated by sprawling grasslands and rocky, tropical terrain. Hills dotted the landscape, interspersed with small caves that carried underground streams.
The second floor was divided into a vast northern region and a narrower southern one. To the west, herds of massive bison-like creatures roamed the plains. Though these beasts had high health and sturdy defenses, their slow, predictable attacks still posed a threat if not handled carefully.
For Roy and Asuna, however, these monsters were little more than training dummies. Together, they carved through the herds with precision, gathering loot and upgrading their equipment in the process.
They spent the entire afternoon grinding, the sun's glow gradually dimming as it dipped below the horizon. When twilight finally gave way to dusk, the pair reluctantly made their way back to Urbus.
After locating an inn via the system prompts, Roy was about to part ways with Asuna, as was their usual routine.
But just as Asuna turned to leave, she paused, her expression unreadable as she looked at him.
Roy, noticing her hesitation, rubbed his nose awkwardly. "What's with that look? Did I do something wrong?"
Asuna took a deep breath, opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it again. Finally, she let out a quiet sigh. "Never mind. Just… go."
"...What?" Roy blinked, utterly bewildered.
Her cryptic response left him with a sour taste, and he narrowed his eyes slightly. Was this some new trend among girls? Being utterly incomprehensible?
Shrugging it off, Roy turned and left, muttering under his breath about how complicated women could be.
Asuna stood there, watching his retreating figure disappear into the distance. She let out a soft sigh, her lips curling into a faint, bittersweet smile.
"What a fool."
...
Turning toward the inn, Roy made his way back to his room.
In the bath, Roy soaked in the warm water, his body completely enveloped by its soothing heat. Lazily reclining against the tub, he allowed himself to drift in the serene comfort, thinking that perhaps staying like this forever wouldn't be such a bad idea.
Just as he was lost in his relaxation, a notification popped up on the chat interface. Curious, he tapped it open to see a message from Asuna.
[Asuna: Want to come to my room?]
Roy bolted upright in the water, his eyes wide in disbelief.
Quickly, his fingers flew across the interface, typing at lightning speed.
[Roy: Have you lost your mind?!]
The moment he sent it, regret hit him like a brick. He smacked his forehead, berating himself. Why did he always have to joke around at the wrong time? Asuna had taken the initiative, something rare for her, and this was how he responded?
Feeling the need to salvage the situation, he typed again, this time with more care.
[Roy: Uh, so… I don't lock my door at night. Feel free to drop by anytime.]
Meanwhile, Asuna lay on her soft, white bed.
She was dressed in a loose-fitting white nightgown, its fabric flowing like a gentle cascade onto the plush mattress. Even in such a simple outfit, her beauty was undeniable. Her perfect figure and elegant demeanor shone effortlessly through.
Her chestnut eyes shimmered faintly with a tinge of shyness, her delicate lips and graceful neck glowing in the moonlight spilling through the window. Truly, Asuna was a vision of allure, her presence capable of stealing anyone's breath away.
Asuna rested her cheek against the pillow, staring at the chat interface.
Sending that message hadn't been an impulsive act. She had deliberated over it for ages, even consulting Misumi for advice. After careful consideration, weighing all possible scenarios, she'd finally mustered the courage to type out those six simple words.
It had taken her ten full minutes to craft that message. She'd read and reread it for another three before finally, after an intense internal battle, clicking Send.
She could almost imagine Roy's reaction—maybe a smug smile, maybe even something lecherous. Not that she'd be entirely surprised. Asuna wasn't blind to the fact that her appearance often drew attention, and she was confident enough to know she could leave an impression.
But the reply she received…
[Roy: Have you lost your mind?!]
Her chestnut eyes locked onto the screen, her grip tightening slightly.
What was this supposed to mean?
Suppressing the overwhelming urge to strangle Roy, she took a deep breath. Before she could fully process her frustration, another message came through.
[Roy: Uh, so… I don't lock my door at night. Feel free to drop by anytime.]
Asuna silently closed the chat interface. The nervous excitement she'd been feeling was immediately replaced by something much colder.
The moonlight filtered through the window, illuminating the room in a soft glow that mingled with the pristine white of the bedding.
Exhaling deeply, she stared blankly at the ceiling. The hopeful anticipation she had built up earlier evaporated completely.
"Roy idiot… go to hell."
***
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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