276 -272- Who said we're not willing to contribute

People are selfish.

Closed Beta testers sought to gain advantageous positions in order to be ahead of all players, and that's understandable.

But, is it the case that all regular players are good people?

Here, everyone is currently the top players in this game. After a month of game operation, they have not only reached the labyrinth area but even encountered the boss monster on the 1st floor. Limited to this floor, their information surely rivals that of the Closed Beta players.

However, among them, how many have shared the information they possess with those who haven't reached the front lines yet, those who are still in mid-level towns or even starting towns, and with the lower-level players?

So, if the Closed Beta testers were selfish, these players are no different.

"After all, they've worked hard to acquire this information, whether it's detailed maps of training zones or labyrinth areas, the distribution and attack patterns of appearing monsters, drop locations for obtainable items, the locations of quest NPCs and explanations of quests, and so on. Even if they were to sell this information, they could make a substantial amount of money. How many would be willing to share it freely?"

Rozen said this with a tone of disdain.

"And since you can't do it yourselves, why demand it from others?"

This is also why Rozen never bothered to argue with these players who came to him because he was a Closed Beta tester.

"Don't think you're any different from Closed Beta testers, you fools."

Rozen straightforwardly attacked all the players in the room with his words, showing no mercy.

This made many players quite angry, yet they couldn't come forward and say, 'I'm different,' leaving a strange silence in the room.

Seeing this situation, Kirito and Argo both heaved a sigh of relief, their expressions looking much better.

These two Closed Beta testers been feeling suffocated all this time.

Argo, as a player from the Closed Beta phase, hadn't revealed her identity, but most of her well-received information probably came from that phase. Many players had received information from her, only to turn around and start condemning Closed Beta testers. Argo's mood must have been quite miserable.

And furthermore, when Argo was in front of Rozen, she appeared to be a money-grubbing person, willing to sell almost any information. But in reality, a lot of the information disseminated by Argo was provided for free to new players.

There were even strategy guides distributed for free in item shops, mainly to guide players who wanted to strategize the game, ensuring they wouldn't be completely in the dark.

This strategy guide was Argo's work.

The money Argo earned from all players, including Rozen, was used as the capital to create these strategy guides, which she distributed for free to all players.

Therefore, Argo has already done her best for the players. There's no reason for her to endure such condemnation.

As for Kirito, this young man indeed hasn't contributed much. To survive, he used his knowledge from the Closed Beta and made it this far.

However, the other players are in the same boat. Why blame him alone?

Although Kirito didn't think this way, he even carried guilt about it. But now, he should finally be able to let go of some resentment.

At least Rozen doesn't feel like he's done anything wrong.

"Helping others can be a responsibility or a duty, but never a task."

"Not helping others can be selfishness or self-interest, but never a fault."

"We didn't watch anyone die, nor did we do anything outrageous."

"So, you want to blame us?"

"Keep dreaming!"

Rozen's uncompromising words resulted in a more oppressive silence.

Even Kibaou seemed utterly speechless, only able to glare at Rozen. It was clear he was reluctant but had to admit it.

But...

"Even if that's true, including you, there are probably many Closed Beta testers who survived as top players thanks to useful information and knowledge, right?"

Kibaou's voice was low and almost a growl. "Among those people, there are also those who disregard others' lives. When we work hard to defeat the floor boss and then rush into the 2nd floor, they might take advantage of useful information to secure benefits ahead of us!"

If that's truly the case, who could accept it?

"So, I absolutely don't trust the Closed Beta testers!"

Kibaou said this way.

However, this time, he wasn't accusing the Closed Beta testers, but rather expressing his own opinion.

And it seemed to be the opinion of most people.

"When we get to the 2nd floor, will the Closed Beta testers surpass us again?"

"How can we tolerate that?"

"That's right!"

Players expressed these opinions one by one.

It wasn't Rozen who countered them, but another group of people who had been observing from the sidelines and hadn't been swayed by the emotions.

Leading this group was a burly man.

"I don't agree with that view."

Axe-wielder Agil raised his hands and spoke.

"Just now, the guy over there already said it. The Closed Beta testers thought they possessed knowledge, but they paid a bigger price. It's the same even on the 2nd floor, maybe even more so. Shouldn't we stop making a fuss about this self-inflicted matter?"

Agil's words led other players to deny it.

"Now the Closed Beta testers have experience and will definitely be more cautious."

"With more caution, the death rate will decrease, right?"

"The main point is, they didn't contribute much to defeating the boss, yet they still manage to be ahead of everyone else."

"We can't watch such things happen."

"Exactly."

Player after player voiced their opinions.

But this time...

"Who said the Closed Beta testers aren't willing to contribute?"

This statement came from Argo.

The information dealer who had been hiding in the corner suddenly stepped forward and approached Rozen.

"You...!"

Seeing Argo come forward, Kibaou was startled.

Not only Kibaou, but Diabel at the side also furrowed his brows.

However, Argo ignored everyone.

"Aren't you all coming out yet?"

Argo shouted loudly around.

This left the players puzzled.

But, the next moment, these players all saw it.

From all directions of the Fountain Plaza, players emerged from various corners and gathered on the plaza.

Seeing these people, the players present started to buzz with astonishment.