374 -369- Aincrad Liberation Force

As a result, in the awkward atmosphere, Rozen and Asuna didn't say much more. They simply drank their tea with a hint of embarrassment. When the time was right, Asuna indicated that she should leave.

As for Rozen's casual invitation, it seemed that Asuna didn't pursue the topic any further.

To be honest, Rozen was relieved.

"If Asuna really left the Knights of the Blood Oath and joined the Crimson Wings, it would be a huge problem."

After all, the Knights of the Blood Oath couldn't just let go of Asuna, an excellent vice-commander. If Asuna left the guild, it would not only result in a loss of talent but also a loss of popularity for the guild. As one of SAO's most popular and iconic figures, Asuna's departure would undoubtedly affect the guild's reputation and standing.

Moreover, in such a situation, if Asuna were to join the Crimson Wings, it would further intensify the conflict between the Crimson Wings and the Knights of the Blood Oath. The Crimson Wings might even be accused of poaching members from the Knights of the Blood Oath, which would lead to even more complications and tensions.

Rozen couldn't help but think:

"If you're not happy in the Knights of the Blood Oath, it's better not to stay."

Rozen offered this piece of advice to Asuna just before she left.

"After all, it's a game. Having fun is the most important thing."

The impact of this statement on Asuna was something only she would know. In the past, she might have dismissed it with disdain.

"While it's a game, it's not something to be taken lightly."

The idea that a character's death could lead to the brain being fried in the real world made it difficult for anyone to treat this as just a game. However, Rozen's words this time were met with a light laugh from Asuna.

"I'll do my best."

Asuna used words that she would never have said in the past as her parting words. With Rozen watching, she left the Crimson Wing's headquarters and headed to the teleport plaza.

Rozen returned to the guild's headquarters.

Since moving the guild's base to Floria, Rozen had been living in this mansion. The guild members also had their own rooms here, but whether they returned to stay here depended on their mood.

By the way, Saichou and Hanachou lived in the garden, not in the same room as Rozen like they used to.

Rozen lay on the bed in his spacious room on the top floor of the mansion, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.

"Two years have passed..."

He really had no idea about the condition of his real-world body. It was probably in a hospital, barely surviving with the help of machines and intravenous fluids.

And in those two years, the game had been cleared up to the 74th floor, with only the final quarter remaining.

"At the current rate, it'll probably take another year to fully clear this game."

By then, how much more would Rozen have gained?

"I've gained a lot in these two years."

When he came to this world, Rozen had two main goals.

One was to train and master the techniques of the Mind's Eye.

The other was to engrave more familiars into his Throne of Souls.

Now, the first goal had been achieved. Rozen had completely mastered the techniques of Mind's Eye, and all that was left was continuous improvement and refinement.

And as for the familiars, Rozen had been steadily advancing, defeating countless monsters, including even some floor guardian-level boss, achieving a major part of that goal.

Considering all this, Rozen was now focused on honing his skills when necessary but mostly enjoying this rare game.

"Kayaba Akihiko..."

Rozen muttered the name of the mastermind behind SAO, with a low voice.

"Although I can't stand you, this game is truly interesting."

Rozen had to admit that.

"Now, where are you watching the progress of this game? Are you looking down on us like a god, or are you observing from some corner of the world like a spectator?"

Rozen pondered for a moment, his eyes flashing slightly with a thought.

Not long after, Rozen sighed.

"It doesn't matter how much I think about it."

He decided to accept his current situation. For now, his focus should be on breaking through this floor.

"I hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow."

With that thought, Rozen closed his eyes and drifted into slumber.

---

The next morning, in the early hours, Rozen, accompanied by Saichou and Hanachou, appeared on the Teleport Plaza in the primary district of Floor 74.

"Ha~~~"

Getting up early in the morning had always been a challenging task for Rozen. He walked out of the teleport gate slowly, yawning and wearing his usual tired expression. He didn't seem like someone preparing to risk his life in battle but rather like someone ready for sunbathing.

"Next time, I'll just stay up late like I used to."

Rozen lazily muttered as he yawned.

Just then...

"Clang!"

Behind Rozen, the Teleport Plaza suddenly radiated an intense light that hadn't been there before.

"Hmm?"

Rozen turned his head, looking behind him. Not only him but all the players around him also turned and stared in surprise.

The next moment, everyone saw it.

From the teleport gate, figures of players emerged one after another, gathering together.

It was a group that exuded an immense presence.

There were twelve players in total.

They all wore identical bronze metal armor combined with dark green battle attire, arranged neatly in two columns, resembling an army formation.

In one column, players held large shields with a prominent castle emblem, while in the other column, they wielded massive polearms. Everyone was wearing helmets, so their expressions remained hidden.

However, this player group, resembling an army, immediately caused a stir among everyone present.

Rozen was equally astonished.

Because he knew of a group of players from a certain guild who were often ridiculed as an army and even proudly adopted that as part of their guild's nickname.

"The Aincrad Liberation Force...?"

It was none other than the Aincrad Liberation Force, which was the Aincrad Liberation Squad originally led by Kibaou that disbanded and merged with the 1st Floor's major intelligence organization, becoming the largest guild in SAO.

"Why are they here?"

Rozen furrowed his brows.