-384- Asking some questions

---------Trying to kill players from the clearing group

Such accusations are not to be taken lightly.

Not to mention that the players of the clearing group are the limited fighting force that liberates this game and allows all players to survive. Once someone is accused of scheming, they will undoubtedly face the condemnation of all players.

For the "Aincrad Liberation Force," with their vast resources, this is not a trivial matter. Even within the clearing group, while players may belong to different guilds, teams, and factions, when a top player is targeted, everyone has a duty to seek justice for them. Otherwise, if the same thing happens to oneself one day and is ignored, it wouldn't be funny.

Furthermore, allowing such incidents to happen unchecked might embolden the schemers, putting other players within the clearing group, and even oneself, at risk. Those present cannot stand idly by in such a situation.

In this case, it's not just any ordinary players who are being targeted, but Rozen and Asuna. This is no laughing matter.

Not to mention Rozen, if he were to truly die, it would not just lead to accusations but could even result in widespread anger by all surviving players, leading to dire consequences.

The players from the "Crimson Wing" who are part of the closed beta will certainly not let this go. And Asuna is the vice-leader of the "Knights of the Blood Oath." If someone tried to kill her, how could the guild not take action?

In other words, if the scheme against Rozen and Asuna are proven true, even the largest guild in all of SAO, the organization based in the first-floor starting town, will be completely ruined.

They will not only face inquiries from the clearing group but also opposition from all players. The ultimate result will undoubtedly be disbandment, and in severe cases, retaliation or imprisonment.

How can Kobatz and his group not be alarmed by this?

"We... we are being wronged! This is a setup! A setup!"

Kobatz shouted desperately, sounding extremely determined.

The elite players behind him had pale faces, and under the pressure-filled gaze of all the players present, sweat dripped from their foreheads.

"Calm down!"

Finally, Kibaou reprimanded his subordinates and quelled the commotion.

Kibaou then looked at Rozen with a stern face and spoke directly.

"Do you have any evidence to prove that it was my subordinates who did this?"

Kibaou posed a very reasonable question.

It's only at times like these that this hot-tempered one-handed swordsman behaves like a vice-leader, right?

So, Asuna couldn't say anything and could only look at Rozen.

Seeing this scene, the players present also understood that the key was with Rozen, so they all turned their attention to him.

Under the gaze of everyone present, Rozen finally lifted his gaze.

"I didn't say the culprits were your subordinates, Mr. Kibaou," Rozen looked at Kibaou and said, "but currently, your subordinates are the most suspicious. You won't deny that, will you?"

On this point, Kibaou couldn't deny it.

After all, Kobatz's group had a dispute with Rozen in front of the Guardian Boss's room. Therefore, suspicion was only natural.

"I'll admit to that," Kibaou glared at Rozen and said, "but if you can't provide evidence, don't even think about pinning this on us."

On this point, Kibaou would not compromise.

"Of course, I don't want to wrong anyone," Rozen calmly said, "but I also want to investigate this matter thoroughly. So, I need your cooperation. You shouldn't refuse, right?"

"Hmph..." Kibaou snorted but didn't give a direct answer, effectively implying consent.

Clearly, Kibaou had also realized that the current situation was unfavorable for him. If he flatly refused Rozen's request, it would only lead to more suspicion on their side.

At that moment, Kibaou focused his sharp gaze on Kobatz.

"You guys haven't done anything foolish, have you?"

Kibaou stared intensely at Kobatz and spoke in a low voice.

"O-Of course not! Vice-leader!" Kobatz quickly responded, "We absolutely haven't done anything that would tarnish the reputation of the Liberation Force!"

"...Is that so?" Kibaou's expression improved considerably, and he said, "If that's the case, then cooperate with that guy. As long as you haven't done anything, I won't let anyone falsely accuse you."

"Yes!" Kobatz nodded repeatedly.

With that, Kibaou turned his head and looked back at Rozen.

"How do you want to investigate this?"

Kibaou asked.

In response, Rozen didn't provide an answer but raised one of his hands.

In that hand, there was a piece of parchment.

"Anyone whose name I call, come forward," Rozen used this as his opening statement and began listing names.

"Kobatz."

First and foremost, it was the most suspicious Kobatz who was called.

This made Kobatz look somewhat uneasy, but under Kibaou's gaze, he reluctantly stepped forward.

Rozen continued to call out names one by one.

Among these names were players from Kobatz's elite squad and various players from the clearing group. Those whose names were called approached with apprehensive expressions, while those whose names weren't called temporarily breathed a sigh of relief, but then they too became filled with doubt.

Why were these individuals all being summoned?

Could they all be suspects?

That's what everyone was thinking.

And indeed, that was the case.

After Rozen finished reading all the names on the parchment, he handed it over to Asuna and surveyed the players who had stepped forward, then spoke suddenly.

"Based on my investigation, when Asuna and I entered the Guardian Boss's room, only you guys were in the labyrinth area."

Upon hearing this statement, all the players present were taken aback.

Could someone really gather such specific information as to who was in the labyrinth area?

This person's intelligence network seemed too impressive.

Only a few, like Kirito, Klein, and Agil, knew that there was indeed someone in this world with such exceptional information-gathering abilities.

Coincidentally, Rozen had a good relationship with that person.

So, it wasn't surprising at all that he could investigate this matter in such detail.

At the same time, Rozen approached these players.

"Next, I'll be asking you some questions, and you must answer truthfully."

Rozen began with Kobaatz, asking, "I'll ask you, after leaving the Guardian Boss's room, where did you go?"

Rozen stared at Kobaatz as if trying to peer into his soul, causing Kobaatz to become increasingly uneasy and unable to contain his nervousness.