(Location: New Ainerad, Floor 27th,
Ronbaru's Inn)

After Yuuki took Kitsune right after their duel ended, they flew out of the New Ainerad as Yuuki requested Kitsune to help them.

Then, Asuna who followed after them make her presence and ask Yuuki to take her with them too as Yuuki agreed with her following them.

Yuuki then led Kitsune and Asuna to an inn in Ronbaru, on floor 27th of New Ainerad as the two them currently standing in front of a group of about five players.

Yuuki: Kitsune, Asuna! Time for introductions! These guys are all in my guild, the Sleeping Knights!

Kitsune: hello there, Yuuki. Shouldn't you introduce the two of us first?

Yuuki: That's right. My bad. Anyway, this is...

Kitsine: I'm Kitsune. Nice to meet you people.

Asuna: My name is Asuna. Nice to meet you all.

Then, a short salamander boy with red eyes and orange hair tied in a braid at the back of his head stands up from his seat.

Jun: I'm Jun. Nice to meet you, Kitsune, Asuna!!

Kitsune looked at the player beside Jun. He a skinny-looking Leprechaun youth with small eyes, tidy, brass-colored hair, and round, iron-rimmed glasses that give him the impression of a student.

Talken: M-My name is... Talken. P-P-Pleased to m-meet you...

Kitsune: Recon 2.0 then.

Suddenly, one of the girls from the group then hit Talken in the back of the head.

Talken: Ow! What was that for, Nori?!

Nori: Come one, get a grip on yourself, Tal.
Stop stammering every time you meet someone new! I'm Nori, by the way. Nice to meet ya, Kitsune, Asuna.

Nori is a spriggan girl with darker skin, gray wings, and black hair. She also has thick eyebrows and lips, as well as a large physique which are not common traits among
Spriggans.

Siune: Likewise. I'm Siune. Thank you so much for coming.

Siune has long, light-blue hair which is almost pure white, one of the most defining features of Undine players.

She also has calm deep-blue eyes shining radiantly beneath her drooping eyelashes, a long nose, lustrous lips, and surprisingly slender body, all of which give off the feeling of an excellent Undine healer.

Tecchi: My name is Tecchi. Nice to meet you, too.

Tecchi is a huge Gnome with beaming eyes and wavy, sand-colored hair.

Yuuki: And I'm the guild leader, Yuuki!Kitsune, Asuna, we want to beat this floor's boss...all by ourselves!

Yuuki said with a smile while put her hand behind her back and doing a pleading eye as Asuna looked at her with a confused and shocked look and can't help but admit that she looks cute.

Asuna: ...Huh? HAH!! HUUUH?!

They looked at Kitsune who didn't talked as he holds his chest where is heart is.

Kitsune: I forgot she's so cute!! I gotta protect her!!

He quickly hugs her shocking everyone.

Kitsune: you're adorable, I like it....

Yuuki: o-oh t-thanks for that.

(Opening Time)

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

After Yuuki told Kitsune and Asuna that their guild wanted their help in defeating the next Floor Boss with just one party, currently, all of them sitting at the same table in the inn.

Asuna: Isn't the usual team for taking down bosses seven parties with seven members each? No matter how good you are, with a single party of seven, is it even possible to win?

Yuuki: Yeah, it's basically impossible.

Kitsune: unless it's Destiny where it only took like 6 people to fight god or something maybe even 3.

Yuuki said putting her head at the back of her head while smiling sheepishly as Kitsune and Asuna looked at her with a sweatdrop.

Yuuki: We actually already tried taking out the bosses on the 25th and 26th floors.

Kitsune: Just the six of you?

Yuuki: Yup. We thought we were doing pretty well, but while we were refining our strategy, one of the bigger guilds beat them first.

Kitsune: you want to be known?

Siune: As members of a net community for another game, we all met and quickly became fast friends. Unfortunately, we will likely only have until spring to be able to adventure together. Coming spring, we will all be busy with our own lives. That's why we decide to something unforgettable together while we still have the chance.

The rest of Sleeping Knights members nodded in agreement as Kitsune smiled a small smile at them.

Asuna: So you want to defeat a boss?

Siune: Yes! Remember how defeating a boss makes your name appear on the Swordsmen's Memorial, in the Black Iron Castle in the first floor's Town of Beginnings? Silly as it may be, we'd like to win and have our names enshrined there. Therein lies a problem.

Asuna: Mmm?

Kitsune: When a single party defeats a boss, everyone's name is added. But for multi-party groups, the party leaders are the only ones recorded, right?

He said looking at Yuuki as Asuna followed his gaze and looked at Yuuki too before they looked back at Siune.

Siune: Correct. To get all the Sleeping Knights to appear on the memorial, we need to defeat this floor's boss alone, with only our party.
Parties cannot exceed eight members in all, so naturally, there was only one thing to do.
We decided to find someone at least as strong as Yuuki, who's the best player. Or even stronger, if possible! Then we'd ask them to join us.

Asuna then looked at Yuuki with a smile as Yuuki got embarrassed a little from all the praising.

Asuna: That's why you made think of that challenge?

Siune: What do you think? Will you please help us? We don't have much to offer you but as a token of our application...

Siune opens her window to sending something to Kitsune as suddenly a window appears in front of him. Kitsune looks at the window and it has different items and Yrd, but Kitsune just declined the trade by pressing the X button on the screen.

Kitsune: No, you don't have to pay me. You need to save your money for gearing up and preparing for the boss fight. Don't worry I've brought some of my items.

The rest of the sleeping member looks at each other with a smile on their face hearing
Kitsune's words.

Siune: Then you'll help us?

Siune asks with a happy face as Kitsune looked around the member of Sleeping Knight with a smile.

Kitsune: Sure. But one condition, that's it.

Yuuki: What is it?

Kitsune: I want to have Asuna to come with us.

Asuna then got surprised and look at Kitsune who sitting beside her at the table.

Asuna: Wait, what?!

Kitsune: I want you because you're one of the best supporters that I have met. You have a hidden potential within your heart, I can see it in the near future.

Asuna then blushed at Kitsune praised and smile.

Asuna: Okay if they alright with this.

Yuuki: Sure, we also need one more member so why not!

Kitsune: Then that settles it.

Yuuki then suddenly grabbed Kitsune's hands with her as she has a big smile on her
face.

Yuuki: Thank you, Kitsune-san!

Kitsune: Don't mention it. You can just call me "Kitsune".

Asuna: And call me "Asuna". No need to be formal with us.

Yuuki: Then you two can call me "Yuuki"!

Yuuki then smiles until she notices that she still holding Kitsune's hands as their faces are close to each other, Yuuki quickly lets go of his hands as she sat down at her seat with her cheeks slightly redden.

Then, Asuna talks with other members as Kitsund look at Yuuki who's in her own thought.

Kitsune: Say, Yuuki.

Yuuki then turned her head to looked at
Kitsune.

Kitsune: Do you remember duel with this edgy Spriggan who wears all black and uses a long sword in one hand?

Yuuki: Oh. That guy. I remember him. He was pretty strong but not as strong as you.

Kitsune: Thanks for the compliment. Anyway, why didn't you ask him for help?

Yuuki: I don't think he'd work.

Kitsune: Why that?

Yuuki: Because he figured out my secret?

Kitsune looks at Yuuki with a confused look but decides to keep quiet about it to not make her uncomfortable and they then continue to party at the tavern until it's time for them to log out.

Kitsune: Does meeting here tomorrow at
1:00 Work?

Everyone: Yeah!

Everyone then part away and logged out as
Kitsune decides to go for a walk in the nearby area and enjoy the scenery of the Ronbaru town.

The town, which is carved out of a mountain, is located within a circular valley close to a ravine and looks as if it was carved out of the rock, with an orange light that has the calming effect of a sole campfire on a frigid night shining Over it.

Multiple narrow alleys and stairs complicatedly criss-cross throughout the town, the alleys extending radially out of the circular central plaza in the center of the town.

A mild pot roast fragrance can be felt within the town. The town also has stone floors, bridges, and tunnels.

Fitting the setting of a night elf city, there are no large buildings within it, with only a small workshop, a shop, and an inn made out of cyan stone tightly connected.

Under the orange light, the city has a fantasy-like beauty and the liveliness of a night festival
As Kitsune look around, he heard Yuuki called for him.

Yuuki: Wait, Kitsune!

Kitsune stopped and turn to look at Yuuki who still wasn't log out.

Kitsune: What's wrong, Yuuki?

Yuuki looked at Kitsune with a nervous look and blush a bit. Kitsune was kinda nervous about him telling his secret to her.

Yuuki: W-Would you be interested in going to this high-end restaurant around twelve? It's got high-level stat-boosting meals and I've been saving up.

Kitsune thought about it for a while before he concludes.

Kitsune: Sure, why not.

Yuuki: Really! Then, it's a date!

Kitsune smiles at Yuuki with  at the sudden invitation.

Kitsune: well I should get ready.

Yuuki: Bye!

Yuuki instantly logged out leaving Kitsune thought about the date.

Kitsune: What an interesting girl. I'll have to wait.

Kitsune then look around the park and after few minutes, he decides to leave.

After he came back out from the game, he got a message from Shino saying that she wanna invite him to eat dinner with her at her
home.

Yami: yeah why not.

He summons out everyone and told them about the date he going to.

Renji: really? Lucky bastard you are.

Yami: hey thanks Renji, also my mom made some taiyaki during my Excalibur quest, also Byakuya some spicy food on the table.

Renji: thanks.

Byakuya: why thank you, Yami.

He smiles and gets ready for his date with Shino. Yami then say goodbye to his parent and his adopted daughter, Yui who has been staying with him since today morning as this week is his turn to parenting Yui after Asuna took care of her the past week.

Time Skip

Currently, Yami is at Shino's apartment as they had just finished having dinner and Yami just finished had told Shino everything about
Yuuki and how he was going to help her guild.

Shino: So, this Yuuki girl, was challenging players at Floor 24th in an attempt to find a strong player to help her and her guild defeat the 27th-floor boss with just them, Asuna, and you?

Yami: that's about everything so far.

Shino: Well, at least Asuna is with you.

She then laid her head on Yami's right shoulder as he held her hand with his.

Shino: Good luck on taking down that boss.

Yami: Thanks, even though I can kill it with with Super Saiyan.

Shino then pinched Yami's left cheek.

Yami: Ow! What was that?!

Shino: Just don't forget that after you finish this, you need to take me on another date.

Yami: Alright, alright. I'll take you on a another date after I finish this.

Shino smiled and snuggle closer at Yami as
Yami hooks his right hand on Shino's waist.

Shino: Good.

Yami then looked at his phone and saw it was getting late and he worried that his family worried about him.

Yami: It's getting late. I should start heading
home.

Shino: really? I though gods have more stamina to stay up longer.

Yami: true but I'm a forgetful person sometimes and even then I need some sleep.

Shino nodded and let go of Yami as Yami got up from the dinner table and put his jacket on.
Shino then walked Yami to the door.

Shino: Good luck tomorrow.

Yami: Thanks.

Yami then leaned down and kissed Shino as she melted into it. The two of them shared a passionate kiss and after a minute they broke it and smiled at each other.

Yami: I love you.

Shino: I love you, too.

Shino closed the door of her house after Yami left and Yami went downstairs to the parking lot to get his car

Arrive at the parking lot, Yami hop on his car and start the engine before start driving the car out of the parking lot to the road.

As he's driving, he noticed someone sitting on the bench near a park in another residential area and when he took a closer look, he saw it was Asuna as she just sitting there quietly looking down on her smartphone.

Yami: well she saw my Fatal Error version.

Stopping the car and parked his car near the park, Yami got off from his vehicle and walked up to Asuna and saw she was looking down saddened.

Yami: What's wrong, Asuna?

Asuna looked up from her smartphone and saw that Yami standing in front of her with a worried look on his face.

Asuna: Yami!? What are you doing here?

Yami: Shino invited me to eat dinner at her house and I just left her house and about to go back home.

Asuna: Is that so...

Yami then walked up and sat next to Asuna and hold her hand with his

Yami: Is there something wrong, Asuna? It's very rare to see you like this and I know it because I know you are upset. We basically live together for about 2 years and I know when you mad so tell me, what's wrong?

Asuna looks at Yami before she looks down on the ground and didn't say anything.

Yami sighs, went to the vending machine and bought to cans of macha sodas

After purchasing the can, Yami walked back to Asuna and handed her one of the macha sodas and she took it.

Asuna: Thank you.

Yami: You're welcome.

Yami opened the lid of his can and drink the soda in silence as the snow started to fall from the sky.

It was just a silent atmosphere between the lovers, neither of them talk and just sitting there until Asuna decides to break the silence.

Asuna: Yami, can I ask you something?

Yami: Sure. What is it?

Asuna then took the next 30 minutes to tell
Yami what's been going on with her mom and how the two of them have been fighting with each other.

Basically, Asuna had been rudely interrupted by her mother, who had unplugged the AmuSphere's power source. Asuna was angered by Kyouko's action and they got into a fight, disputing over why she was so addicted to the AmuSphere. Then Fatal Error Yami came out and spoke towards Kyouko and taunting her.

After the argument, Asuna was told to eat dinner, but she refused and Kyouko walked out of the room shaking her head in frustration and disappointment.

Asuna then got dressed and left the house with her mother asking where she was going but she just ignored it and Asuna stopped in front of a small park and this is how she got here.

Yami: that's why you looked down also sorry about my Fatal Error self.

Asuna: Yeah it's fine, I was late for dinner again and she just ripped out my AmuSphere instead of letting me logout. She doesn't understand!

Yami: You're right, I don't think she understands your point. But at the same time, I don't think you understand hers either.

Asuna looks at Yami with a confused look.

Asuna: What is your point?

After listening to Asuna's story, Yami proceeds with everything and looks at the snowing sky before he concludes.

Yami: From what I see about your mother, Kyouko. she doesn't sound like a bad person. She just wants you to be successful in life. And to her, VR is the thing that took two years of your life twice So it's only natural that she would hate it.

Asuna looked down on the ground with a saddened look but suddenly felt Yami's hand intertwining her hand together as she looks up at him.

Yami: But at the same time, you should fight to get your point across as well.

Asuna looks at Yami with a confused look at his points.

Asuna: What do you mean?

Yami: If you really want your mother to understand, then show her. As they say, "Actions speak louder than words."

Asuna: Show her... Yeah. I understand! Thanks, Yami!

Asuna then hugged Yami as Yami hugged her
back.

Yami: You're welcome. It's the boyfriend's job to cheer on his girlfriend.

Asuna broke the hug and kissed Yami passionately on the lips as he returned the kiss while Asuna's hand on Yami's neck.

Both of them kissed for about a minute before they broke the kissed leaving a trail of saliva as Asuna's cheeks is redden and Yami devil wings appeared.

Asuna: oh your devil wings!!

Yami: sorry, My demon selfs wants you badly but he has to wait for a while.

Asuna:*giggles*

Yami: We need to stop or Yui and Luna might get a new sister before they knew it.

Asuna just giggles and look at Yami with a smile.

Asuna: Thanks for always be at my side, Yami. I love you... forever.

Asuna then pressed her forehead on Yami's forehead together as the two of them had a smile on their face while Asuna has a bit of tear on her eyes.

Yami: You're welcome. I love you, Sachi, Suguha, Kazuto and everyone.

Suddenly, Yami's smartphone ringing and the lover broke their moment as Yami looks down at his smartphone and saw he got a message from Yui.

Yui[message]: Papa, when will you come back from?

Yami and Asuna look down on the message from their daughter/niece with a smile on their faces before Yami replied that he will be home soon.

After giving the reply to his daughter, Yami looks at Asuna.

Yami: It's pretty late right now. Come on, I'll drive you home.

Asuna nodded and both of them walked at Yami's car. Yami then open the door for Asuna to get in.

The two of them got on the car and Yami starts to drove Asuna to her home.

During their drives, Asuna put her head on Yami's shoulder with a smile on her face.

Asuna: I decide... I'll fight for my love to protect my relationship with Yami-kun. I'll show my mum that I wanna stay with him.

(Timeskip)

It was the next day, Kitsune just arrived in to the ALO and now he stood outside of the town looking at his inventory while waiting for Yuuki.

Then, after few minutes, he heard Yuuki calling for his name.

Yuuki: Kitsune!!

Kitsune turns around and saw that Yuuki runs toward him with a smile. Kitsune cracks a smile as Yuuki then arrived and stands in front of him.

Yuuki: I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too
long.

Kitsune: No. I just arrived. Well, let's go.

Yuuki: Yeah!

They then started walking as Yuuki interlocked her arms with Kitsund catching him off guard for a bit He looked at her and she looks at him with a huge smile while giggling.

Kitsune smiled back as they walking toward the restaurant. After few minutes, they arrived at the restaurant and it looks pretty comfy.

They then got a table by the window and they ordered their food. After the waiter left, they began talking to each other.

Yuuki: So how did you get that strong?

Kitsune: Well, I guess training. I have been training with my friends back home.

Yuuki: That's amazing!

Kitsune: Yeah, it kinda fun. Anyway, how long have you been playing VRMMOs?

Yuuki: Not long. Maybe like four or five-month.

Kitsune: That's impressive. Able to be this strong in such a short time and be able to create your own Original Sword skill. I know you played longer because of that sickness you have.

Kitsune said with a smile and Yuuki blushed at the compliment.

Yuuki: Thank you.

After that, the two of them continue to talking and share a laughing while getting to know each other. Then, the foods that they ordered come and they started to eat the food while enjoying each other company.

After they finished the food, the two of them stand up from their seat and head to the counter to pay for their pay and as Yuuki was about to pay, Kitsune stops her by grabbing her arm.

Kitsune: I will treat you for this, Yuuki.

Yuuki: Eh?! But this is super expensive! If you pay for both of us, it will be 300 000 Yrd!

Kitsune: It's alright. You can think it's gratitude for our wonderful date.

Yuuki smiled and nodded. Kitsune then pays for the food and both of them make their way to the teleport gate.

As they are walking, Yuuki was holding Kitsune's hand and she interlocked her finger with him. Kitsune looks at Yuuki and saw that she is blushing.

Kitsune smile and both of them continue to walked after a while, they saw Asuna and the other Sleeping Knight already arrived at the
inn.

Asuna: Kitsune, Yuuki!

Kitsune: Did we make you wait?

Asuna: Not at all. We just got here too.

Asuna then looked and saw that Kitsune and Yuuki's hands intertwined each other as she smiles.

Yuuki then broke the intertwined and walk to her guild as she took her seat beside Siune as
Kitsune took a seat beside Asuna.

Jun: So what's the plan?

Kitsune: Me, Yuuki, Jun, and Techi will be forward, with Talken and Nori in the mid-range, while Siune and Asuna provide backup support for healing, buffs, debuffs and curing.

All of them nodded agreeing on Kitsune's strategy.

Siune: Well, I've stocked up on all the recovery items I can carry.

Yuuki: Alright! Let's go get that boss!

Everyone: Yeah!

(Timeskip)

Currently, Kitsune, Asuna, and the Sleeping Knights at the dungeon of floor 27th after last-minute check-ups on their equipment and items. They all started to make their way through the dungeon, clearing out enemies as they went.

After they finish taking out the enemies, Kitsune and Asuna just stood back and look at the Sleeping Knight with amazement.

Asuna: Do they actually need us?

Kitsune: Who knows.

The group then continue walking through the hallway toward the boss room just right in front of them.

Argonaut: I'm amazed at how quickly you're getting through the labyrinth.

Asuna: Yeah. You're all really good.

Yuuki turned her as she looked at the two and smiled at them before she ran ahead to the boss room.

Yuuki: Hey, it's the boss room!

As Yuuki was running, Kitsune's eyes narrowed as he detected several players hiding near the boss room.

Kirsune: Yuuki, hold it!

Yuuki then stopped and looked at Kitsune confused as Kitsune and Asuna then walked ahead of Yuuki and looked at one of the pillars leading to the boss room.

Kitsune: Asuna, go for it.

Asuna nodded at her lover before she lifts her staff, <<Crest of Yggdrasil>> and starts to read a chant.

Asuna: Ekku. karra. fimu. fisukuru, buryota. ryuga. garudo.

After Asuna completes the incantation, a set number of fish familiars are summoned on top of Asuna's hand.

Asuna then blows the fish from her hand as the fish familiars start to move towards the pillar nearby the boss room.

The Sleeping Knights member looks at
Asuna's magic with awe as the fish familiars then hit something invisible.

Suddenly, two Imp players and one Sylph player appeared at the place as Kitsune's eyes narrowed when he saw that these three hiding players using <<Concealment>> magic, meaning the three of them are spying on him, Asuna and the rest of Sleeping Knight.

Sylph Player: S-Stop! Stop! We're not looking for a fight!

Asuna: Then lay down your weapons!

The players then did as Asuna said and dropped their weapons as Kitsune glance at Siune and Asuna while still watching the spies.

Kitsune: The second they so much as go for their swords, cast Aqua Bind right away.

Siune: Got it. I've never done any PvP in ALO... It's quite a thrill!

Kitsune and Asuna look at her with a smile before they looked back at the players in front of them.

Asuna: If you aren't PKers, why were you hiding?

Sylph Player: We're waiting for our friends.
We'd rather not fight off mobs in the meantime, so we concealed ourselves to wait.

Asuna narrowed her eyes at them before she releases a sigh.

Asuna: Fair enough.

Kitsune: We're here to fight the boss. If you're all just waiting, do you mind if we go ahead of you?

Sylph Player: N-No, of course n-not.

Kitsune and the others then walked past these three players and go toward the boss room.

As they are walking, the sylph player spoke to
them.

Sylph Player: We'll be waiting for our friends here. Good luck. Bye.

He then started to cast < <Concealment>> skill again as they turn invisible while Kitsune looked at them with a narrow eyes, suspicious of them before he looked back towards the others.

Jun: Forget them. Let's get a move on.

Kitsune: We'll stick with our original plan and scout the boss room.

Yuuki: Sure!

The group then arrived in front of the huge door leading to the floor 27 boss.

Jun: I don't know about scouting, man. Let's try to beat it now!

Kitsune: That would be ideal. But don't waste money using up your healing items this time. We'll just see how far we can get with only Siune and Asuna healing magic, okay?

Jun: Yeah, Sensei! Let's do it!

Asuna then jokingly flick Jun on the forehead as the others giggle at them.

Asuna: Hey! Don't respawn immediately if you die. Pay close attention to the boss's attack patterns. If we wiped out, let's regroup at the Ronbaru save point.

Everyone: Roger!

Jun and Techi then pushed the huge door along with Kitsune as the huge door wide open and the group starts to walk inside the room but what they didn't know is something is following them when they enter the room.

Once the boss door completely close, torches start to lit up around the room as several fires were running through the floor, and the boss then appears in front of the group.

The Boss is over four meters in height, has a black muscle-filled body, two heads, four arms, and four glowing-red eyes. Compared to its lower body, its upper body is irregularly large
The Boss carries two battering ram-like hammers with its upper arms and two thick steel chains, capable of anchoring a cruiser to the floor, with its lower arms.

Everyone unsheathed their weapon, ready to take on the boss as Siune and Asuna start to chant magic.

Kitsune: Let's go!

Everyone: Right!

(Time Skip)

After being defeated by the boss, the Sleeping Knights along with Kitsune and Asuna then got respawned in Ronbaru Town.

Ronbaru is a night elf-theme city, located at the bottom of a wide circular valley of the floor. The town is carved out of one of the rocky mountains that are abundant on the
floor.

Nori: We got trashed! What's with that attack? It's not even fair?

Nori said while doing headlock at Talken as the group coming out of the teleport gate.

Tecchi: It had really high defense stats, too. Is his guard move randomly activated?

Yuuki then comes out of the teleport gate while looked down on the ground with a saddened look.

Yuuki: And we tried so hard.

As Kitsune come out of the teleport gate, he didn't say anything and grabbed Asuna and Yuuki's hands and brought them far from the other player's ears.

Yuuki: Kitsune!

Kitsune: Come here quickly, everyone! There's no moment to waste.

They look at Kitsune with a confused look but following him as they walked toward Kitsune, Asuna, and Yuuki, outside of the range of other players.

Kitsune: Remember the three guys waiting in front of the boss room?

Siune: Sure do.

Asuna: They're scouts from a guild that only fight bosses.

The sleeping knight's member got surprised at the sudden news.

Kitsune: That's right. They're monitoring who else see is trying to fight the boss. They probably saw you go into the boss rooms on the last two floors.

Siune: I never notice anything.

Asuna: I suppose they're not interested in interfering with us. Rather, they want to gather information. They let smaller guilds, like the Sleeping Knights, go in first and figure out the boss's attack patterns and weaknesses.

Talken: B-But the door closed as soon as we entered the boss room. They wouldn't have been able to observe the fight and learn anything about the boss.

Kitsune: That's what I and Asuna thought at first, but near the end of the fight, I noticed a gray lizard on the floor next to Jun. It's the dark spell called Peeping. It spawns a familiar that follows another player and shares its vision with you.

Yuuki: it wasn't a coincidence that, after we fought the 25th and 26th floors bosses, somebody else went and beat them right after we first tried?

Kitsune: Because you did so well and uncovered all the bosses' tricks, their chances of success were that much higher.

Siune: That means that we've played right into their hands again and given them everything they wanted?

Yuuki then looked down saddened while gritting her teeth in frustration and Kitsune just patted her on the head and smiled.

Asuna: No... That's not necessarily true!

Kitsune: We still have a chance to do it.

Yuuki: What do you mean, Asuna, Kitsune?

Kitsune: It's 2:30 in the afternoon in the real world. Even a large guild like theirs will take some time to get ready on short notice.

Jun: really?

Kitsune: It'll probably take at least an hour. We can beat them to it. Let's finish up here in five minutes and get back to the boss room in thirty. Okay?

Everyone then looked at Kitsune shocked before they all nodded as Yuuki looked at
Kitsune smiling.

Yuuki: Yeah!

Everyone then began to walk to the teleport gate except for Yuuki, Asuna, and Kitsune.

Yuuki: What are you two doing?

Kitsune: Just getting our preparation done.

Yuuki nodded in understanding and they began to catch up with the others after Kitsune and Asuna finished their preparations.

Yuuki: Hey, Kitsune. I really appreciate what you and Asuna did for us.

Kitsune: Don't mention it. If I'm able to help you guys achieved your goal, then I'll be happy to help you with all my power.

Asuna: That's right. You can count on me too.

Yuuki smiled and hugged Kitsune with her small arms wrapping around his waist and her head on his chest.

Asuna looked at them with a smile along with Kitsune who smiled and patted Yuuki on the head and that makes her blush and happy.

Yuuki: Ehehehe.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Sleeping Knights peeped behind them and witnessed what was happening as they all chuckled to themselves.

Siune: Did you guys see that?

Jun: Definitely.

Nori: Those three look really good together, they look cute together.

They all nodded.

(Time Skip)

Currently, Kitsune, Asuna, Yuuki, and the Sleeping Knights are running in the hallway to the boss room.

Jun: All right! We're almost back!

Yuuki: Hey, wait!!

Jun: Catch me if you can!

Asuna and Siune giggle at them while Kitsune looks at them happily.

After few minutes of running, the group made it back to the boss room but they saw a large group of players already waiting there.

Yuuki: W-What is this?

Kitsune just patted Yuuki on the head and smile at her.

Kitsune: Don't worry. They only have twenty players here. We still have time to try again.

Yuuki: Really?

Kitsune looked at Yuuki and smiled as he motioned his head for Asuna to come with him. Asuna nodded and the two of them approached the group.

Asuna: Excuse me.

They then stopped talking as they look at Asuna and Kitsune who standing in front of them.

Kitsune: We want to challenge the boss. Could you let us go through?

Gnome Player: Sorry. The boss room is off-limits as in right now.

Asuna: Eh! What do you mean by that?

Gnome Player: Our guild is about to fight the boss. We're getting prepared. Just wait over there a while.

Asuna: "A while"? How long is that, exactly?

Gnome Player: Um... I guess an hour or so?
Asuna: Eh?! We don't have that kind of time.
It's one thing if you're just about to go in and fight... But if you're not, then let us go first!

Gnome Player: Sorry, but that's how it is. We have an order from up top. If you want to talk to someone about it, try guild headquarters.
It's in Ig City--

Asuna: It would take an hour just to get there!

Asuna looks at Gnome Player with an annoyed look but Kitsune holds her hand to calm her down as he then walks past her and stood in front of the Gnome Player.

Kitsune: If I've got it right... Basically, no matter what we say or do, you're not moving an inch?

Gnome Player: Pretty much, yeah.

Kitsune: Figures. Fine then. But can you hold my sword for a second?

Kitsune finished with a smile as he hands the Gnome Player his sword, Florid Sakura as the Gnome Player was confused at Kitsune's random actions.

Gnome Player: Um, why do I have—

Then the player got punched by Asuna so hard the impact causing Kitsune's sword to fly to the sky before he takes back his sword and looks at the group with a smile.

Asuna:*dark aura* only Lisbeth can hold that sword.

Kitsune: Thanks for holding my sword. Sate, sate, sate...

Asuna: Now you guys better get out of our way or else...

Kitsune: We'll kill you all here.

Kitsune finished as he was releasing his spiritual energy and lightning energy as the raid group look at him scared while Yuuki and her group look at Kitsune and Asuna with amazement.

Player #2: Who cares?! We have more people than you!

The player charged at Kitsune and went for a slice but Kitsune raised his sword and blocked all of his attacks.

Kitsune: all bark but no bite.

The other player about to attack Kitsune with a surprise attack from behind but Yuuki suddenly comes from behind Kitsune and then slashes at the player's chest with her
Sword Skill <<Vertical Square>> as she first strikes with a vertical slash from an overhead position with little backward motion.

The slash is followed by two upward vertical slashes. Finally, the skill is concluded with a full-power downward slash from an overhead position as the player was blown several meters away and his HP dropped to the red zone after he was hit with this skill.

After the attack, Yuuki looks at Kitsune and Asuna with a small smile.

Yuuki: I knew it, you two are amazing!

Kitsune: Thanks for the compliment, Yuuki.

Asuna: Let's teach them what happens when they mess with the wrong people!!

Yuuki giggled and smirked as she slashed the second player instantly making his health gets reduced into the red zone.

Yuuki backed up and stood next to Kitsune and Asuna with a big smile grew on her face.

Jun: Alright! Let's beat them!

Seeing that the guild was determined to block them, Kitsune, Asuna, and the Sleeping Knights now facing the group of the player as the group look scared but they then suddenly smirked while looking behind the Sleeping Knight.

Nori noticed their sudden mood changes as she looks behind her group and got shocked.

Nori: Oh, no!

The Sleeping Knights turned around them and saw a large number of players coming from behind them.

Kitsune:...

Yuuki: I'm sorry, Kitsune, Asuna. Because of our goal, you guys also got into this mess. But I don't regret it one bit. Because, that was the brightest smile I've seen from the both of you since we met!

Kitsine and Asuna look at Yuuki shocked but then they smile at her.

Asuna: Likewise, Yuuki.

Kitsune: Yuuki, remember about something that I said before we get here?

Yuuki: Yeah? Do you mean your preparation?

Kitsune: Let's enjoy this show I prepared!

From behind the large group of players, three figures wall-ran along the edge of the room and leaped from the back to the front, and stopped their approach once they arrived between the two sides

One was a boy dressed in all black, and another was a girl with blonde hair green outfit.

???: Sorry, Kitsune. I take the road of life.

All three of them then planted their swords into the ground and the two figures to be Kirito and Leafa.

Kitsune: It's about time you two finally showed up. I was getting bored already.

Kirito: Sorry. But... you shall not pass.

Kitsune: I feel like you said that just to sound cool.

Kirito turns at his boyfriend with a surprised look at how he knows that he acting cool.

Kirito: What?! It's not true!! Come on give me some slack here!!

Leafa: Guys! Let's just focus on the task right now!

The two then looked at the group of players in front of them as Kitsune and Asuna grin/smile. at the two as they arrived just right on time.

Kitsune: how about we make this the time of your lives!!! I need to buy Elden Ring sometime later...what do you want readers? A pizza? Hotdog? Or something?

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

(End of Volume)