Chapter 59: Maze Exploration

Chapter 59: Maze Exploration

The ice-blue light particles cast mottled shadows on the stone walls, and the clash of metal boot soles against the stone slabs echoed through the corridor.

Hachiman leaned against the wall, watching the two idiots tapping the rock face with the sword pommels — this was already the third time today they tried to physically confirm the hidden passage.

Although their time was delayed by Kuradeel's sudden intrusion, the team still began their maze exploration as planned.

The middle-level area had basically been cleared, so the goal was the upper-level area.

Since there were no specific mission markers, the three originally planned to leisurely proceed deeper while carefully drawing the map.

That was how it should have been.

"I'm telling you, this has got to be the BOSS room, right?"

"Definitely."

"Unknowingly, we've already reached here..."

Compared to ordinary teams, the trio had an overwhelming advantage in combat time, so they arrived at the BOSS room much faster than expected.

"What do we do? Should we go in and take a look?"

"Yeah... Since we don't know the situation, let's assign roles first. Asuna, you stand closer to the door and keep watch. If the door closes, immediately retreat and reopen it."

"Understood."

"Kirito and I will cautiously advance. Kirito will confirm the enemy's weapon type, and I'll check the name and HP bars."

"Got it."

Following Hachiman's instructions, the three cautiously entered.

When Hachiman and Kirito moved to the center, the silhouette of the BOSS appeared deep in the hall.

"The name is [Netherworld Demon Eye], with four HP bars."

"The enemy weapon is a giant one-handed sword! Looks like... demon type?"

"The entrance door shows no abnormalities so far."

Before they finished speaking, the Demon Eye's pupil glowed an eerie purple and charged at them at terrifying speed.

"Crap! Retreat!"

The three hurriedly fled the BOSS room.

As all players evacuated, the BOSS figure dissipated and the heavy stone door began to close.

"Phew, that big guy's surprisingly agile."

"Typical strength-type enemy."

"Although it's a one-handed weapon, it might have special attacks."

"Looks like we need to form a tank team and investigate step by step."

After exchanging information, the three returned to a nearby safe zone to rest briefly.

Asuna seemed to have prepared plenty of snacks.

While enjoying the food, they discussed their next steps.

At that moment, Hachiman noticed a group approaching.

Kirito also sensed the change.

They both stood up alert, and Asuna was asked to put on her hood and stay behind.

"Kirito, no need to be nervous, right?"

"Who is it?"

"Looks like Klein and the others."

"Oh, it's Klein."

Soon, Klein's group spotted them. They kept their guard initially, but after recognizing Hachiman and Kirito, they waved and approached, not yet noticing Asuna.

"Hachiman! Kirito!"

"Yo, Klein. You guys exploring too?"

"We just found the BOSS room."

"Seriously?! You're fast."

"We plan to report after returning to town and organize a reconnaissance battle."

After exchanging information, Kirito transmitted the map data of the explored area to Klein.

"Are you okay just handing over the map data like that?"

"Of course, we're not making money from selling maps."

"Thanks!"

Asuna, having recognized Klein, was about to approach but was suddenly pinned down by Klein's teasing words:

"By the way, Hachiman, you were super cool just now!"

"Huh? What's going on?"

Klein suddenly imitated seriously:

"Disappear. Asuna's true home is here."

Asuna, who had just come up behind Hachiman, suddenly froze.

Though her hood hid her expression, it was clear her whole body was trembling.

"You saw that..."

"Of course! Coming out of the portal to find a crowd gathering, only to discover you dueling! Watching the whole thing was shocking."

"At that time, Hachiman was in a rage," Kirito added.

"No wonder he looked so scary! But that line really hit hard!"

Klein continued excitedly describing the scene.

Hachiman awkwardly looked away, scratching his head.

Kirito noticed Asuna approaching and tried to stop her but was too late — Asuna suddenly threw back her hood.

"Mr. Klein."

Klein turned at the voice, about to share his excitement, but met Asuna's embarrassed and angry face, leaving him speechless.

"Uh, that was just..."

"Yeah, wait till I finish beating you up, then you can explain."

Asuna drew her sword instantly.

The Fuurinkazan group retreated in tacit agreement:

"Captain's doomed."

"Routine stuff."

"We'll help you pick up the pieces."

At the critical moment, Hachiman lightly patted Asuna's head:

"Enough already."

"Ha... Well, it's true, so whatever."

Asuna sheathed her sword, and Klein wiped sweat off his brow, thanking them.

"Saved..."

"You should watch your manners."

Amid the laughter, Asuna couldn't help but smile.

"I'll let you off this time."

"Much appreciated!"

Kirito stepped in to smooth things over:

"Honestly, I get Klein. You guys looked like drama stars back there."

"The whole town will definitely be gossiping!"

"Eh? Really...?"

"..."

Imagining the scene after returning to town, Hachiman and Asuna held their heads in despair.

"Rumors will die down eventually. Just have patience."

"Can't help it. Hmm?"

Suddenly, Hachiman became alert, looking into the distance:

"All units, gather and prepare for battle formation."

Everyone instantly went into combat mode.

Moments later, a uniformed team appeared.

"That's... the Liberation Squad' uniform?"

"I heard they're unhappy about being stuck on the lower floors and want to return to the front line."

"Kibaou... His enthusiasm for the raids is real, but his subordinates keep leading him astray."

From the intelligence Asuna had, this was the rumored Liberation Army raid team.

Though they didn't expect a surprise attack, the group remained cautious.

"I'm Colonel Kobaz of the Aincrad Liberation Squad." (Military ranks? Really...) Hachiman internally grumbled while responding.

"We're members of the raid group."

"You've advanced this far?"

"Just found the BOSS room."

"Provide the map data."

"Free? Do you know how hard it is to survey this place?"

When Klein protested, Kobaz snapped:

"We fight for the liberation of all players! You have an obligation to cooperate!"

Everyone was shocked, but Hachiman handed over the data smoothly.

Watching...

As the Liberation Squad delved deeper into the maze, Klein worriedly asked:

"Is it okay to just give them the data for free?"

"It's public info anyway. They don't have the numbers to charge the BOSS, and with that attitude, they'll be excluded from the raid meetings soon enough."

At this point, Hachiman had yet to realize his misjudgment of the Liberation Squad' mentality — their pressure came from a crisis of presence, not Kibaou's leadership style.

"Hachiman!" Asuna tugged his clothes quietly:

"They seem really anxious."

"What do you mean?"

"When we first met, it felt like they were scared of being forgotten..."

"Anxious, huh... I didn't notice that. Thanks."

Hachiman patted Asuna's head again, and she showed a delighted smile of being relied upon.

"Change of plans! Come with me to the BOSS room. Those guys might rush in recklessly."

"Oh!!"

When they arrived, the stone door was already open.

"Damn, they really went for a full assault!"

Screams suddenly came from inside the room.