In the blink of an eye, three days had swiftly passed.
However, this was all relative.
For those players who had been trapped in this world, even one day felt unbearably long, like time moving at a snail's pace.
But for Rozen, these three days had gone by quickly. Spending time in the labyrinth area, as someone who had spent decades researching and practicing magic in isolation, he had the patience to endure.
Therefore...
"It's a shame I couldn't level up once more."
Rozen lamented with this thought.
Currently, Rozen was at level 14. His level range far exceeded the first floor of Aincrad. Continuously leveling up here wouldn't yield much experience.
Even the average level of top players was around 10, indicating that for them, the first floor had already reached its limits. If they didn't break through, it would be a waste of time.
And Rozen was not one to waste time.
So...
"The Floor 1 boss strategy battle, we must succeed and not fail."
Rozen gripped the handle of his "Anneal Blade +8" at his waist and gently touched the wings of his Rainbow Butterfly perched on his shoulder. He smoothly left the labyrinth area and returned to Tolbana, entering the safe zone.
Ignoring the players who always pointed and gossiped about him, Rozen first visited a weapon shop. He repaired his "Anneal Blade +8," restoring its durability to full. Then he headed to an item shop to replenish recovery potions, antidotes, and other consumables. Next, he visited an armor shop to repair his worn armor.
This series of actions cost Rozen nearly ten thousand Col in total.
If these expenses were given to the players who were too afraid to leave town, it would cover their daily expenses for food and lodging.
But it was necessary. At this point, Rozen wouldn't be stingy.
After finishing these tasks, it was already four in the afternoon.
This was the exact time the strategy meeting was supposed to begin.
"According to what Argo said, the meeting should be at the Fountain Plaza, right?"
Rozen pondered for a moment, then headed to the Fountain Plaza with his Rainbow Butterfly in tow.
When Rozen arrived, a considerable number of players had already gathered here.
Some he didn't recognize, some he knew by name, some he had seen in the labyrinth area and town, and some he had conflicts with.
For instance, Agil, a two-handed battle axe user, stood at one side of the plaza with his team. He seemed to be quite popular, as many players greeted him, creating a lively atmosphere.
The team that had attacked Rozen and was later paralyzed by him was also among the crowd.
Furthermore, Kibaou leaned against a wall, chatting with a few people.
Even Argo was present. However, the information dealer was seated on the high wall on the other side of the plaza, concealed in the shadows, almost invisible.
Amidst this scenario, Rozen stepped into the Fountain Plaza.
————
As Rozen appeared, the previously lively atmosphere in the plaza seemed to cool down instantly. The voices of the players grew softer.
One by one, the players turned their gaze toward Rozen, displaying various emotions.
It was evident that apart from Agil and Argo, most players didn't have a favorable opinion of Rozen. Their glances were not subtle and carried hostility.
Especially Kibaou. He stared fixedly at Rozen, seemingly ready to voice his astonishment.
Rozen paid no mind.
It wasn't due to his unusually good temperament.
Facing these players, Rozen simply couldn't muster any interest.
There's no helping it.
"If you're so easily seen through, then what kind of threat are you?"
The hostility from these players was just too blatant, making Rozen not feel threatened at all.
"If you really want me to be wary, at least be like Professor Lev, undercover for a few years, maintaining a cheerful and open appearance on the outside while giving off a eerie feeling from the inside. That's what I'd call a threat."
Rozen shook his head with a smile.
Given this, Rozen wasn't genuinely interested in engaging with these players.
As long as no one crossed the line with him, it was fine.
Just then...
"There seem to be fewer people than expected."
A familiar voice came from behind Rozen.
"During the beta test, it was best to form two combined units if we aimed to defeat the floor boss without any casualties, right?"
The so-called combined units referred to alliances between different teams.
In SAO, a party could have up to six members, but by gathering eight parties, a combined unit could be formed with a total of 48 members, allowing them to see each other's HP, status, and character names for large-scale coordination.
And with two combined units, it would be a force of 96 people.
During the beta test, players managed to conquer the first-floor boss and reach the second floor by forming these large units.
"But now, our current numbers are even less than the maximum capacity of a combined unit. It's a bit worrying."
The familiar voice continued.
Rozen smiled slightly, not turning around, and provided an answer directly.
"Don't forget that during the beta test, the average player level was only around 5-7, some even lower. It was necessary to form such large units. But this time, the average player level is around 10. Moreover, due to the game's death mechanics, everyone's equipment and items are much better prepared than during the beta test. Even if we can't reach the maximum capacity of a combined unit, there shouldn't be a major issue."
This explanation seemed to gain approval from the other person.
"You're right. Our levels are already quite substantial. Even if we don't have 48 people, we should still have a good chance of success."
The other person concurred.
And...
"With you here this time, it's completely different from the beta test."
Saying this, a youth with a familiar voice approached Rozen from behind, carrying a single-handed sword identical to Rozen's, dressed in leather armor, with black hair and a neutral face.
"Long time no see, Rozen."
He showed a sincere smile.
Rozen returned it.
"You seem to be in good spirits, Kirito."
The newcomer was none other than Kirito.
The two of them almost instinctively extended their hands, forming fists and giving each other a fist bump.
It had been a while since they had parted ways in Horunka, and now, after all this time, they had finally reunited.
After a month, just like Rozen, Kirito had undergone a remarkable transformation.
Rozen could tell at a glance that Kirito's equipment had significantly improved in quality. Not only had his armor been thoroughly upgraded, but even the "Anneal Blade" on his back emitted a faint radiance.
Clearly, that sword had undergone significant enhancement as well.
Although a month had passed since Rozen and Kirito last met, they had already added each other as friends and could communicate outside the labyrinth area. Rozen had learned about Kirito's progress, including his level and equipment quality.
For instance, Kirito's "Anneal Blade" had been enhanced to +6, and the enhancements were in the parameters of "Sharpness +3" and "Durability +3". If he were to sell it on the market, he could easily get around 30,000 col.
As for Kirito's level, he had reached level 12, two levels ahead of the average top player level of 10.
This was all just the surface of their strength.
And as one could imagine, Kirito's skills had definitely become more proficient, and he might have even discovered some tricks for using "Mind's Eye".
In Rozen's mind, his evaluation of his brother was exceptionally high.
No matter what, with Kirito's arrival, Rozen felt much more at ease.
"I heard from Argo that you've been spending a lot of time in the labyrinth recently. How come I haven't run into you?" While reminiscing with Kirito, Rozen posed this question.
In response, Kirito answered:
"I heard that there have been some incidents involving orange players in the labyrinth area recently, causing quite a commotion. To avoid getting dragged into it, I've been staying around floors fifteen and sixteen, not going up to floor seventeen."
It was all because of the trouble caused by the orange players?
"As for you, I asked Argo too. Even though you've been in the labyrinth area, you've been blocked by many players in the training area, right?" Kirito looked at Rozen, his eyes revealing a trace of gloom.
Even though he had an understanding of Rozen's recent situation and knew that Rozen was doing fine, the fact that Rozen bore the burden of most players' resentment toward beta testers weighed on Kirito's mind.
After all, Kirito was a beta tester too.
As long as he was a beta tester, he couldn't help but apologize to Rozen.
It was clear that Rozen was shouldering all the grievances directed at beta testers, and for this, he had faced several dangers.
Furthermore, Rozen was his real-world brother. How could Kirito not feel uncomfortable about it?
"Rozen, I..."
At that moment, Kirito wanted to say something, but Rozen interrupted him.
"Alright, don't take all the blame onto yourself." Rozen patted Kirito's shoulder and continued, "True, because I was the only beta tester recognized, other players directed their anger at me. But that's what others did, not you."
Rozen didn't think other beta testers should step up and take the blame he was receiving. He didn't want others to shoulder the criticism he faced alone.
"No matter what, I'm the one who's unwilling to give up on my familier. If I were really afraid of others' disdain, I wouldn't have strolled into town so casually and even roamed around the labyrinth area."
Rozen's tone didn't show any trace of concern.
Even if he acted childish, Rozen didn't consider placing blame on Kirito.
"So, don't overthink it."
Rozen said this with an unwavering tone, causing Kirito to smile wryly.
"You're still the same as before, sometimes stubborn, and sometimes your arguments are so unassailable that it's hard to refute them."
Kirito said this with a touch of emotion, making Rozen chuckle.
"Enough about that." Rozen asked Kirito the question he was most curious about, "How about it? Do you have a better grasp of 'Mind's Eye' now?"
Hearing this, Kirito's expression became even more helpless.
"Unfortunately, I haven't found any tricks at all." Kirito touched the hilt of the weapon on his back, as if reminiscing about his battles up until now, muttering to himself, "But I feel like I'm getting closer to that state, the state where I can peer into the depths of the world and see the essence of phenomena."
"Is that so?" Rozen nodded slightly, feeling somewhat surprised.
(Just one month, and he already has the sensation of peering into it?)
After all, Rozen had spent nearly a year just to capture that sensation.
While Rozen was not only honing his "Mind's Eye" technique but also spending time on developing his magical circuits, learning summoning spells, and improving his other magical skills, it wasn't solely magic that was required for mastering "Mind's Eye". That's why it took him so long. Even if he devoted all his efforts to training in "Mind's Eye", Rozen wasn't confident he could grasp the feeling within a month.
However, Kirito managed to do it.
(This guy, he really has this much potential?)
Perhaps Kirito could reach that level and become a figure comparable to historical monks, saints, and even legendary warriors.
Thinking this, Rozen's gaze toward Kirito changed, and he even began to anticipate what the future held for his younger brother.
Of course, while Rozen was looking forward to Kirito's future, Kirito envied Rozen's opportunities.
"Your 'Anneal Blade' is already at +8, right?" Kirito looked at the single-handed sword at Rozen's waist, radiating a more dazzling aura than his own weapon. He said with some envy, "I don't know how you did it. I'm only at +6, and my level is two levels lower than yours."
Rozen accepted this difference calmly.
"After all, I have Saihou assisting me, and my efficiency in hunting monsters is higher than yours. The chances of obtaining enhancement materials are also higher for me. My experience naturally increases faster, and every enhancement has a 95% success rate."
In other words, the difference between Rozen and Kirito was just a familiar.
However, Kirito's next words made Rozen wary.
"There should be quite a few players eyeing the 'Anneal Blade +8' that's already been enhanced to the limit, right?" Kirito casually mentioned, "Even my 'Anneal Blade +6' has attracted attention from players. Argo has been in contact with me these days, saying that someone wants to buy it."
"What did you say?" Rozen looked at Kirito in astonishment, asking, "Argo was contacted to find you, saying that someone wants to buy your 'Anneal Blade +6'?"
"Yes." Kirito nodded, puzzled, and asked, "What's wrong?"
"...No, nothing." Rozen shook his head, but his mind was racing with various thoughts.
Recalling that Argo had approached him before, acting as an intermediary for an odd transaction, Rozen's eyes flickered.
*Clap, clap, clap!*
At that moment, the clear sound of applause echoed throughout the area.
"Everyone, please pay attention over here!"
In the next moment, a lively voice resounded.
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