Chapter 425: -420- I was here first...
In the strategy for the 75th floor, almost all members of the clearing group participated to minimize risks and avoid casualties due to the increased difficulty of the floor in Rozen's absence.
This decision proved to be wise, as there were no casualties among the clearing group until the discovery of the boss room on the 75th floor.
However, one notable absence was Heathcliff, the leader of the Knights of the Blood Oath, who possesses unique skills similar to Kirito.
Despite being a highly skilled player and leader, Heathcliff did not contribute anything to the 75th-floor strategy.
In fact, he didn't even attend the strategy meetings or participate in the clearing efforts, leaving everything in the hands of his subordinates.
It was a puzzling situation, as Heathcliff's absence continued even though Asuna was not present with the Knights of the Blood Oath on this floor.
Normally, as the guild leader, he should have taken the lead in clearing the 75th floor. When other players inquired about this, the guild members were equally baffled.
They only knew that...
"Since the incident with Kuradeel, the guild leader's condition seems to have deteriorated. He hasn't attended any guild meetings or discussions, and he delegated all guild affairs to his subordinates. It's unclear where he's been, and no one has been able to contact him."
This is the only thing the guild members knew. Evidently, due to the incident with Kuradeel, Heathcliff seemed to be quite affected.
It's unclear whether he felt saddened because a scoundrel like Kuradeel was part of his guild, or if he, like Klein and Agil, learned of Kuradeel's death, leading to his current state.
It's likely the latter, right?
After all, considering Heathcliff's intelligent and composed demeanor, it's challenging to believe he would be emotionally affected by such a sensitive issue.
In any case, Heathcliff's recent behavior was rather strange, and that was a confirmed fact. Now, he was even planning not to attend the 75th-floor boss clearing strategy. This was becoming increasingly perplexing.
"Does he really need to be concerned about that incident so much?" Klein voiced his thoughts.
While the Kuradeel incident was undeniable, it shouldn't have such an impact on the strategy for the floor boss.
After all, defeating the floor boss was the only way to progress to higher floors and increase their chances of leaving this world.
"Prioritizing things the wrong way... Heathcliff should not be a person like that," Agil added, furrowing his brow.
However, Asuna managed to reassure everyone. "Don't worry; the guild leader will be present for this clearing battle. Although I haven't seen him, I've messaged him about the situation here, and he replied, clearly stating that he would attend."
Asuna's words finally eased Klein and Egil's concerns. "That's a relief; with the Holy Sword in the front lines for defense, our chances of success are even higher."
After all, Heathcliff was renowned for his formidable defense. Even when facing monsters like the floor boss, his HP gauge had never dropped into the yellow zone so far.
During the 50th-floor boss battle, Heathcliff single-handedly held the front line for an impressive ten minutes, a feat that remained legendary to this day. Knowing that, it was reassuring to have him present for the upcoming clearing.
"Of course, we're also looking forward to the other unique skill holder," Klein said with a grin. It was needless to mention who he was referring to.
Agil, however, shrugged. "What's more important is that he's back, right? With him around, we're good."
Aigis's words, filled with trust, caused a faint sense of pride to appear on Asuna's face involuntarily.
"That's right," Asuna murmured as she gripped the rapier at her waist. "If Rozen is here, everything will be fine."
Asuna had that much trust in him. Little did she know that her murmured words had already reached the ears of others.
"...It seems like she's fallen for him," Aigis sighed.
"Ugh... My Lady Asuna... I was here first, you know," Klein wept.
Time quietly passed in this atmosphere. When most members of the clearing group had gathered, the final guild arrived, and it was none other than the "Crimson Wing," SAO's acknowledged strongest guild, entering with great fanfare.
Leading the way was Kirito.
The dual-wielding swordsman, Kirito, led his guild members and arrived at the arena together.
"That guy finally made it," Klein muttered as if he had been waiting for a long time.
Surprisingly, Agil voiced a peculiar concern.
"Where's Rozen? Why hasn't he shown up?" Agil's observation was shared by players from other guilds.
"Why isn't he here?"
"Everyone from Crimson Wing is here, right?"
"You don't think he actually didn't return, do you?"
"Come on, it's the 75th-floor boss, after all."
"What are we going to do without him?"
The players started to become somewhat noisy. Asuna was also feeling uneasy.
"Rozen..."
Why hadn't he arrived?
Could something have happened to him?
Asuna couldn't help but start worrying.
Fortunately, Asuna's worries were unfounded. Rozen had indeed arrived; he was just a little late.
Now, he entered the arena together with that person, catching everyone's attention.
Seeing this scene, people first breathed a sigh of relief and then became astonished. Asuna was among them.
"Guild Leader?"
Asuna exclaimed in surprise. Yes, Rozen had met someone familiar at the teleport gate, and that person was none other than Heathcliff.
"Gu!"
"Gu!"
Saichou and Hanachou arrived first, seemingly lighting the way with their trail of phosphorescent particles. The lazy swordsman with his crystal sword and the composed knight with his cross-shaped shield followed the two familiars slowly into the arena.
Perhaps no one had noticed it, but the atmosphere between these two individuals was both tense and heavy.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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