Chapitre 183: 14th floor
On the 100th floor of Aincrad, amidst the clear blue sky and slowly moving clouds, stood majestically a palace known as the Ruby Palace. This palace, gleaming in the sunlight, was where the final boss, Kayaba Akihiko, who played the role of the demon king, awaited the heroes to defeat him.
Inside the magnificent throne hall, Kayaba sat on a throne made of precious stones, surrounded by transparent panels that emitted a soft blue light. He operated the panels with extraordinary skill, watching every corner of Aincrad with the precision of a god. However, during the battle between Noah and Baalram, due to the use of power outside the game system, it was detected as a variable by Kayaba. He immediately focused his attention on the screen displaying the image of the battle.
Baalram, was not an ordinary floor boss, but a mysterious figure who appeared before him several years ago when he was in the process of creating SAO. Because of his help, he changed the concept of SAO into swords and magic, and he also gave him magical powers. Kayaba did not know what Baalram wanted. But he knew that as a devil, Baalram would definitely not do something for free.
Even so, Kayaba didn't care, he wasn't a person who had justice or even a hero. As long as he could realize his dream he would do anything even if he had to trade with the devil.
Kayaba continued to watch the fight, even though the image was blurry for some reason, but this did not stop Kayaba from investigating who had entered the previous boss room.
"Vermilion?"
Kayaba muttered as he watched the scene of Noah entering the previous boss room. After knowing the identity of the person who fought Baalram, Kayaba returned to the battle scene. Kayaba was shocked again when he felt Baalram's presence disappear from SAO, and he knew that Baalram was really dead, not because he logged out.
"Interesting... it seems like it's time for me to come down as a player and experience this game" Kayaba said as the thin, white-robed figure transformed into a tall, muscular middle-aged man wearing red armor and holding a sword and shield in his hands
"From now on I am Heathcliff"
....
The 11th floor was a temperate floor covered in dense, lush forests and surrounded by dense mountains that circled the entire perimeter. The forests were filled with deep green and dotted with pockets of sunlight that had difficulty penetrating the thick canopy. An extensive network of caves dotted the encircling mountains and served as nests for the ants that were commonly found throughout the floor.
Noah, having successfully defeated Baalram, the boss of the 13th floor, returned to his small wooden house, located on the shore of a clear lake.
The house was simple, yet had its own charm. The walls were made of beautifully polished wood, giving off a warm feel. Inside, there was a small kitchen that was always waiting to be used.
Meanwhile, Asuna followed Noah with shining eyes. "I have to taste the dishes made from the S-grade ingredients you got," she said.
Noah, who was arranging the ingredients in the kitchen, smiled at Asuna's statement. "Alright, Asuna. Let's cook together."
Asuna stepped into the kitchen, her eyes sparkling at the various ingredients that Noah had gathered.
"Wow, this is a lot! What did you get?" she asked curiously.
Noah took out some ingredients from his inventory: shiny forest mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and meat from the monsters they defeated.
"These are the S-class ingredients we got. Do you have any ideas on how to cook them?"
Noah and Asuna stood in the small, warm kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of fresh ingredients that had just been taken out of Noah's inventory. The polished wooden walls reflected the soft light from the window overlooking the lake, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Asuna looked at the various S-class ingredients on the table, her enthusiasm grew even stronger.
"These forest mushrooms look so delicious! And these fresh vegetables, we can definitely make something amazing out of them," Asuna said as she carefully observed each ingredient.
"We can make mushroom soup or maybe stir-fry vegetables with this monster meat!"
Noah nodded in agreement. "I agree. Mushroom soup would be a perfect choice for today. We can add some spices from the kitchen to enhance the flavor. How about we try making it together?"
Asuna smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's get started."
The two of them started working together in the kitchen. Asuna asked Noah to cut the vegetables quickly and neatly. After the vegetables were ready, they moved on to the glistening forest mushrooms. Asuna carefully sliced the mushrooms, occasionally stealing glances at Noah. She was very impressed to see Noah focused and attentive while working.
"You seem very good in the kitchen," Asuna praised. "Have you often cooked before?"
Noah nodded and answered with a soft smile as he thought about how to spend time with his women "yes, I often cook with my girlfriend."
For some reason, Asuna's heart felt sour when she found out that Noah already had a girlfriend. Asuna was lost in thought for a while before being woken up by Noah's call.
"What's wrong Asuna?" Noah asked confused by Asuna's sudden silence.
"It's nothing, I just thought about my family" Asuna answered lying and hiding the truth.
Although Noah felt that Asuna was lying, but since she didn't say it, he wouldn't ask. After that they were busy again with their cooking ingredients while talking about several topics about SAO.
After all the ingredients were ready, they started cooking. Noah lit the stove and placed a pot on it. The aroma of the ingredients began to waft out, creating a warm atmosphere. They worked together, Noah stirring the soup in the pot while Asuna prepared the monster meat to be added.
After a while, the atmosphere in the small kitchen became lively with the sound of boiling water and the mouth-watering aroma spreading throughout the room. Noah and Asuna helped each other, sharing the tasks with enthusiasm. Every time Asuna saw Noah stirring the soup with such attention, her heart fluttered. She couldn't help but think about how enjoyable this moment was—cooking together in a small, warm kitchen, making her almost forget that this was a death game. But ever since the day she met Noah, she had slowly come to enjoy what this game brought and not tried to finish this death game desperately.
"How about we add some salt and pepper?" Asuna suggested as she stole a glance at the spices on the kitchen shelf. "I'm sure it will enhance the flavor of this soup."
Noah nodded in agreement. "Of course. Let's try it." He took the salt and pepper and sprinkled some into the pot. "We need to taste it after we add all the ingredients."
Asuna nodded, a wide smile on her face. "I can't wait to taste our cooking!"
After the monster meat was added to the pot, they continued to cut the fresh vegetables. Asuna was very meticulous in cutting each vegetable, making sure they were all the same size. While cutting, she glanced back at Noah who looked so focused. She felt happy to be able to spend time with him, even if it was just to cook.
"So, after we're done cooking, what are your plans?" Noah asked as he stirred the soup. "Do you have any plans for today?"
Asuna paused for a moment, thinking. "Hmm, I don't have any specific plans. Maybe we can explore the 14th floor after eating. Maybe we can find a new ingredient!"
Noah smiled at Asuna's plan. "That's a great idea. Who knows, we might find something rare like this S-grade ingredient."
After all the ingredients were ready and the soup was starting to look tempting, Noah placed the pot on the table.
"Now, let's try it!"
Asuna nodded and the two of them took spoons to taste the soup. Noah ladled some soup into a bowl and handed it to Asuna. "Try this."
Asuna took the first spoonful and tasted it carefully, her eyes immediately sparkling.
"Wow, this is delicious! The mushroom flavor is so rich and the meat is tender. You're really good in the kitchen, Noah!"
Noah smiled proudly. "Thank you, Asuna. But this is the result of our cooperation. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to make it this good."
After enjoying their soup, Noah and Asuna exited the wooden house and began exploring the 14th floor.
.....
The 14th floor was a gothic nightmare mixed with a hellish landscape and tied together with a subtle yet distinctive play of color, as if the designer had an over-the-top fascination with film noire. The entire floor was adorned with fragments of gothic and medieval architecture - tall arched windows, flying buttresses, and other sleek details that acted as a strange counterbalance to the otherwise oppressive nature of the setting.
The perimeter of the floor was completely enclosed by a towering basalt cliff that discouraged any attempt at excavation or climbing. A low ceiling of ashen smoke and clouds hung just a few hundred feet above, occasionally striking the ground with red streaks of lightning or the impact of molten magma balls of unknown origin.
The teleportation crystal glowed, and Noah and Asuna appeared on the 14th floor. Asuna looked around curiously.
The two of them stepped forward slowly. They were immediately greeted by the sound of rumbling shadows moving among the ruins. Several monsters emerged, their faces hideous and ready to attack. Noah and Asuna prepared, not giving them a chance to get close.
With a swift movement, Asuna leapt forward, her rapier gleaming as it cut through the air.
"Sonic Flash!" she shouted, a swift attack that finished off one of the monsters before they could even notice. Noah was no less agile; he raised his spear and aimed an attack at another monster, his spear piercing through its body with perfect accuracy.
Each stab and attack they made produced a stunning visual effect, as if stars were falling from the sky. Sparkling data shards scattered around them, creating a magical atmosphere amidst the horror. In an instant, they had defeated a group of monsters that was much larger than they had anticipated.
They continued to explore the area, and soon after, they heard a cry for help. Without hesitation, Asuna ran towards the sound, Seeing Asuna go to the rescue, Noah immediately followed, they found the female Dwarf player surrounded by several monsters. The woman has short brown hair, wears a red and white dress and also has brown boots.
"Be careful!" Asuna shouted as she stepped forward. "We'll help!"
With coordinated attacks, Noah and Asuna charged at the monsters that threatened the female Dwarf. Attack after attack was unleashed, and in no time, they had defeated all the monsters surrounding her. The woman coughed, her face looking exhausted but grateful.
"Thank you very much!" she said, catching her breath. "I was barely holding on."
"No problem," Asuna replied with a smile. "What's your name?"
"I'm Lisbeth," the Dwarf woman replied. "I was looking for materials for smithing on this floor, but the monsters here are much stronger than I expected."
Lisbeth eyed them carefully before suddenly coming to a realization. "I know who you are! Noah, the famous Battle Mage, and Asuna, the Flash! I've heard many stories about you. You are the last hope of the players in this world."
Asuna felt both embarrassed and happy at Lisbeth's words "no, besides us there are also many other frontline players"
The two continued their conversation with Lisbeth, asking about the smithing materials she needed. The three of them agreed to form a party and look for materials for Lisbeth, while Lisbeth would then strengthen their weapons.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone