[Heathcliff, the leader of the strongest guild "Knights of the Blood Alliance", is Kayaba Akihiko! 】
After the duel between Kirito and Yuuki ended, the news began to spread throughout Aincrad like an earthquake, and players in all towns exploded.
What's more, some began to question whether the entire Blood Alliance guild was a minion of Kayaba, demanding that they disband immediately and give an explanation.
Fortunately, the upper-level strategy team and several large groups on the front line jointly issued a statement, which gradually stabilized people's hearts.
Tomorrow's strategy is related, now is not the time for civil strife.
However, the impact of this news still had a negative chain reaction on the entire Blood Alliance guild.
After all, many people joined here just to follow Heathcliff. Unexpectedly, their spiritual leader was actually the mastermind behind the scenes, which made many people find it difficult to accept the reality and chose to quit the group directly.
…
After returning from the seventh floor, in the conference room of the "Knights of the Blood Alliance" headquarters, the players who knew the news for the first time gathered here to discuss countermeasures.
"I really didn't expect...that Mr. Heathcliff is actually Kayaba Akihiko..."
Holding her rapier in hand and looking at the confused face printed on it, Asuna whispered to herself in a dazed manner.
Doesn't this mean that their every move has already been under the surveillance of the other party... In that case, is it really possible to clear the game?
What’s the point of working hard so far? Anyway...
Facing this shocking fact, the chestnut-haired girl, who was well aware of Heathcliff's strength, felt depressed again.
"...You have this expression again. Are you still thinking about what happened just now, Asuna?"
There was a slight vibration of someone sitting down next to her, and a clear voice reminded her of it.
"Yuki..."
Taking the teacup handed to her, the chestnut-haired girl stared blankly at the girl who had her body embedded in the sofa with an expression of enjoyment.
What she is about to face is the most powerful man in the true sense. Isn't she worried at all?
"When you feel uneasy, stop and look around you."
Seemingly sensing what Asuna wanted to say, Yuuki smiled and spoke before she could speak.
(…around?)
After hearing the other party's suggestion, the sad girl subconsciously raised her head.
"..."
Surrounding the desk, a bald man and a down-and-out samurai with a young stick wielder were discussing something intensely.
Opposite the sofa, the little dragon girl was communicating with her familiar with a serious face. Next to her, the blacksmith girl was constantly pulling down her equipment column to check the durability of her weapons.
And those who are not here are certainly not idle either.
Kirito, who regained his strength, temporarily took over the position of leader of the Blood Alliance Knights, replacing the missing Heathcliff and integrating the entire guild.
Although in the end the man revoked Kirito's right to use the two-sword style as punishment, he just lost this skill. The young swordsman seemed to have figured something out and became more mature in his behavior.
Lan Zi and the others are also contacting the strategy team members from other guilds to discuss tomorrow's battle.
Originally, Yuuki, as the person in charge, should have gone to help with the contact, but she was 'ordered' by her sister not to run around and to take a good rest.
It can be said that except for Yui who is sitting obediently and watching everyone, everyone is focusing on their own things and preparing for tomorrow's battle.
(So, am I the only one who can’t see the direction clearly...)
Asuna's hair fell down to her ears and she lowered her head again and smiled bitterly.
"Asuna, do you still remember the question you asked me when we first met?"
Tilting her head slightly, Yuuki looked at the chestnut-haired girl who was deep in thought about her own problem.
"..."
"...'Can I become as strong as you', right?"
There was a murmur, and it seemed that she had not forgotten what happened that day.
"Well! So now, I think I can answer your question."
Yuuki nodded with satisfaction. Yuuki looked very happy that Asuna still remembered what happened that day.
"Sitting here like me and becoming a member of the frontline strategy team is actually the best answer."
"If the name of 'Flash' we recognize is not enough to give you confidence, look for the courage to move forward from around you!"
"I think everyone will not mind being the force that supports you."
"...!"
As Yuuki finished speaking, the chestnut-haired girl suddenly realized that the people around her had stopped communicating and looked at them unknowingly.
Agil with his hands folded across his chest, Klein giving a thumbs up, Keita smiling shyly, Lisbeth grinning, Silica holding Pina...
And Yuuki sitting next to her.
The sight that can be clearly felt is full of encouragement.
With her mouth slightly open, Asuna's face was calm and she wiped the corners of her eyes in a panic, but she couldn't suppress the warmth that surged in her heart.
(Huh, neither one or the other makes people worry...)
She had long discovered that Asuna had been supporting herself, but she had never found a chance to have a good chat with her.
Now looking at Asuna whose eyes were gradually becoming clearer, Yuuki also breathed a sigh of relief.
"--Forehead!"
But just when the girl of Absolute Sword was about to relax, someone suddenly tapped her head gently with a notepad, and a familiar voice came from behind.
"Every time Xiaoyou educates others, he does it the same way, but he doesn't know why he can't do it."
"...Sister Lan, Xiaozhi, you are back."
Turning around, she found her sister looking at her with a complaining look on her face. Yuuki looked away feeling guilty.
"Oh, forget it...Everyone, Kirito has already responded to the message."
She sighed helplessly. Originally, Lanzi had a lot of things she wanted to 'discuss' with Yuuki in depth when she came back from the seventh floor, but tomorrow's battle was too important, so she had to put aside this idea and talk about more important things.
.
"At nine o'clock tomorrow morning, all players who are preparing to participate in the 'Kayaba Strategy' will gather in front of the transfer door of 'Corinia' on the 75th floor and break into the maze area together."
"After reaching the waiting area in front of the boss door, we will start a formal strategy among the eight teams divided into the upper limit."
After Aiko finished saying this, Yuuki noticed that everyone's bodies became tense.
Of course it is impossible to say that I am not nervous.
But for frontline strategy players, tomorrow may be the last and best chance.
Then, all you have to do is block your consciousness and muster up your energy!
At least that's what everyone thinks at this moment.
…
Now that the time has been decided, everyone is ready to return to their guild base to make the best adjustments.
After walking out of the blood alliance headquarters, Yuuki, who was at the back of the team, looked at the sky alone, with extremely deep eyes.
"Yuki—hurry up! The transfer door is about to open!"
The light of the portal lit up, and when she saw the black-haired girl hanging at the end who didn't know what she was thinking, Suguha had no choice but to shout loudly.
"coming!"
Hearing the shout, Yuuki looked away and jogged, showing her usual smile again.