Bab 1683: -1664- Wasn't troubled by it...
Afterward, Rozen had breakfast with his family, briefly chatted about his current situation, assured everyone he was fine, and then they all dispersed.
Perhaps because Rozen had truly woken up today, logged out of the game, and was physically present, the Kirigaya family, including Kirigaya Midori, felt more at ease. They no longer seemed as tense or worried as they were last night. They simply reminded Rozen to be cautious, not to stay fully dived too long, and to come out for meals on time, before letting him go about his business.
So, Kirigaya Midori left for work, heading to her company.
Since Rozen had returned, Midori had taken three days off to stay home with her children. Today, however, she had to get back to her regular routine, which meant returning to long hours and occasional overnight stays when overtime was required. This was Kirigaya Midori's work life.
With Rozen's father often abroad, it was common for both parents to be away from home—this was the norm in the Kirigaya household.
In other words, starting today, Rozen, Kirito, and Suguha would be the only ones at home most of the time.
However, Suguha soon left for school, mentioning she needed to make an appearance at the kendo club. Since she was in her third year of middle school and had been granted admission to high school, she didn't have to attend classes regularly and would likely return soon.
Kirito, on the other hand, went back to his room to contact his friends from SAO. School was also out of the question for him since he hadn't attended in over two years. The state was still working on solutions for this gap, and until then, Kirito's only priority was rehabilitation.
As for Rozen, he didn't log in immediately.
The reason was simple.
An email appeared on Rozen's computer, stating: "I won't be able to log in this morning; let's meet in the game at 1 PM — Leafa."
Rozen chuckled at this message.
"So, she actually knows my email address, huh..."
Rozen shrugged it off and agreed to the arrangement.
After all, Rozen also wanted to visit Asuna.
With that in mind, Rozen left home and took a taxi to Hospital.
On the way, Kikuoka Seijirou called him.
"The Ministry of Internal Affairs has decided to set up a temporary school in a former high school building, to serve middle and high school students who survived SAO."
Kikuoka Seijirou shared this information with Rozen.
"Due to the two years in SAO, all middle and high school students faced a gap in their education. Some were middle schoolers who should now be in high school but lack sufficient knowledge and haven't taken entrance exams. This temporary school offers a way to enroll without exams and grants qualification for university entrance exams upon graduation. It's a good solution."
Seijirou explained enthusiastically.
Rozen held the phone and listened, feeling unimpressed.
"And what's the point of telling me this?" Rozen asked with a sly smile.
"Doesn't it matter to you?" Seijirou sounded confused. "Now, you can resolve your education issue as well."
"But that's not the main issue, is it?" Rozen said bluntly. "I completed university-level courses in middle school; a lot of people know this. If I wanted, I wouldn't need to attend that school at all. You're only nudging me into it because you're worried I might choose not to attend, right?"
"Uh..." Seijirou fell silent.
But that was indeed the truth.
"The middle and high school survivors of SAO spent two years in a game filled with killing; the government must be worried about our psychological state. By consolidating us in one place, they can monitor us closely and feel reassured," Rozen elaborated.
"And I am a prominent figure among these players. I led the entire SAO clearing group and even offered you that technology last time, then disappeared mysteriously for two months. Among all the players, I am the one who most needs your monitoring and management. If I skip that school, it'll make you even more uneasy, won't it? That's why they likely assigned you to convince me to accept this control. Am I right?"
Rozen smiled as he exposed the situation.
"…Are you really only sixteen?" Seijirou mused, feeling puzzled.
It was clear that Rozen was right about everything.
Rozen was also certain that, if it weren't for his uniquely high-profile status, with people already monitoring him, the government would have invited him for an "interview" to investigate the details behind everything.
At the very least, they must be curious as to why Rozen had such knowledge and whether he held other secrets.
Rozen had chosen to negotiate with the government, fully aware of this context.
"If I hadn't shown you my capabilities, you might have thought me an easy target, right? And if you tried anything shady, who would I turn to?"
Rozen's words left Seijirou chuckling wryly.
"And the school…?"
"Later."
"The technology…?"
"Later as well."
"No, what I mean is…"
"No, don't say anything more. As long as you don't provoke me, I'll seek you out for deals when necessary. Let's both get what we need; just remember that."
With that, Rozen ended the call.
"…"
Seijirou stared at the phone, now silent, unable to respond.
After a long pause…
"As expected from the one who defeated Kayaba Akihiko, stood atop SAO, and led all the players. He's certainly not ordinary."
Seijirou adjusted his glasses with a hint of resignation.
For someone like him to be outmaneuvered by a high school-aged boy was beyond belief, yet it was indeed a fact.
"With unknown technologies and secrets in his possession, aside from some hawkish figures, the higher-ups probably don't want to mess with him easily..."
Thus, Rozen had gained a connection to the state, allowing him to contact it whenever he needed, putting it to work for him.
That was probably Rozen's goal, right?
With enough cards in hand, he could play his game with the government itself.
"His courage is truly remarkable."
Seijirou sighed, then made a call to report Rozen's stance to the authorities.
The authorities' response was as expected by Seijirou.
"Maintain observation for now."
That was their decision.
Rozen was now engaged in a one-man game with a national entity.
Of course, he had long grown accustomed to this and wasn't troubled by it at all.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone