46 - Snow castle under attack...

Land of Snow…

Inside the castle...

In a room within the castle, Kirito converses with Sadaharu.

"How can you claim to be a Garden God of Destruction and Protector of the planet while lazing around like this?" Kirito questions, his frustration evident as he observes Sadaharu's lazy demeanor.

"When you reach my age, you'll understand why I prefer this lifestyle, kid," Sadaharu retorts lazily, opening his eyes briefly before shutting them again.

Their discussion is interrupted by Kakashi's entrance. "You're aware that the village might not allow you to take him back," Kakashi warns, referring to Sadaharu.

"I am a god, the guardian of the planet. Your village should feel honored to host me," Sadaharu responds nonchalantly, his eyes remaining closed.

Kakashi remains skeptical. "I've never heard of anything like that before."

"Just because you haven't heard of it doesn't mean it's not true. Your knowledge is limited," Sadaharu retorts disdainfully.

As their argument continues, an explosion rocks the castle, prompting immediate action.

"Senpai, the castle is under attack," Kirito announces, his urgency evident as he jumps to his feet.

"I see it too. It seems that Lord Sosetsu's side might be under attack," Kakashi responds, his demeanor focused.

"I'll go check on Koyuki's room," Kirito decides, hastening to find out if Koyuki is safe.

"I'll go to Lord Sosetsu's room," Kakashi asserts, taking responsibility for the other matter.

...

"She's in that direction, Kid," Sadaharu informs Kirito as he attempts to move towards Koyuki's room.

"But her room is the other way," Kirito counters, momentarily confused.

"Regardless, I sense her presence in this direction. Moreover, I suspect that someone may have kidnapped her and is attempting to move her elsewhere," Sadaharu explains with urgency.

"Are you sure?" Kirito seeks confirmation.

"Yes, she's in that direction. We must act quickly," Sadaharu insists, beginning to move.

"Lead the way," Kirito replies, following closely behind Sadaharu.

As they approach a hallway, they spot Koyuki being carried by Mizoro, the same individual Kirito and Kakashi encountered in the market earlier.

"Hey, stop right there!" Kirito shouts, his voice ringing out to halt Mizoro's progress.

Turning to address Kirito's challenge, Mizoro warns with anger, "Get out of my sight while you can. If not, I'll be forced to kill you."

"Release Koyuki, and we won't hinder you," Kirito proposes, taking out a kunai.

Ignoring Kirito's plea, Mizoro discards Koyuki and advances, preparing to attack Kirito and Sadaharu.

Noticing Koyuki on the ground, Kirito swiftly teleports beside her and lifts her in his arms.

Seizing the opportunity, Sadaharu engages Mizoro. "Time for me to pay you back."

With a quick punch, Sadaharu's attack sends Mizoro flying through the castle walls, his armor shattering on impact.

After the clash, Sadaharu emerges unscathed. "I must have underestimated you."

Concerned for Koyuki's well-being, Kirito questions, "Are you okay?"

"A hit like that won't affect me," Sadaharu assures with a smirk, untroubled by the earlier attack.

As Sadaharu approaches, Kirito retrieves Koyuki from the ground, his arms enveloping her in a protective hold.

Mizoro gazes at the unexpected scene, bewildered by Kirito's swift actions. "When did he…?"

Taking advantage of the distraction, Sadaharu transforms into a larger, more fearsome form resembling a fearsome wolf.

Now towering over Mizoro, Sadaharu taunts, "Time for retribution."

Channeling his power, Sadaharu strikes Mizoro with incredible speed, sending him crashing through walls until he collides with an ice mountain.

As Mizoro's consciousness fades amidst pain and damage, he mutters with dread, "Monster..."

...

Back at the castle, Sadaharu reverts to his usual size, approaching Kirito with a casual expression.

"That guy was weak. He couldn't withstand a single hit from me, even at a fraction of my full power," Sadaharu declares.

Kirito marvels at Sadaharu's strength and resilience. "What was that just now?"

"Just like I said," Sadaharu begins, only to be interrupted by a loud explosion.

Kirito turns his attention upward, but his focus is diverted when he senses movement in his hand. He looks down to find Koyuki stirring awake.

"Are you alright, Koyuki?" Kirito inquires, his concern evident as he gazes at her.

Koyuki awakens and questions her surroundings in rapid succession. "What happened? Where are we? Where's my father?"

"We're still in the castle. Now that we've rescued you, we'll head to where your father, Lord Sosetsu, is," Kirito explains, his voice calming her anxieties.

Koyuki clings to Kirito, seeking safety in his embrace as she tightly holds onto him.

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