Chapter 66: Good News Notification

Chapter 66: Good News Notification

After the holiday began, the first thing the two did was greet their acquaintances. The first person they visited was Nezha, whom they had rarely contacted recently.

Nezha had been participating less in raids and spent more time acting together with members of the "Braves." Perhaps thanks to Nezha's strength, the Braves had now regrouped and risen in reputation as a core guild.

"Long time no see, you two!" "Yo, how have you been lately?" "Thanks to you two, the Braves have completely revived!" "Nezha-kun has been working hard." "We really appreciate both of you and Kirito-san!"

Nezha looked spirited and got along well with his comrades.

"Spirit is more important than anything. I came today because I have news to tell you." "News?"

"Um, well… we got married."

"Oh, oh! Finally got married! Congratulations to you both!" "Thank you, Nezha-kun!" "Thanks, Nezha." "Not at all! I always thought you two were a perfect match. I'm really happy for you!"

After receiving Nezha's blessings, the two next went to Ashley's shop in the main street district Floruria on the 47th floor.

"Good afternoon, Ashley-san~" "Long time no see!" "Oh! Isn't this Asuna? And Hachiman too, what a rare visit! Shopping together today?" "No, we came to deliver news!" "News?" "Yes! Um…"

Asuna secretly glanced at Hachiman, who, catching the look, stepped forward.

"Ashley-san, long time no see. We came to tell you that we got married."

As they spoke, the two showed Ashley their wedding rings. Ashley was first stunned, then suddenly grabbed their hands and burst into overwhelming joy.

"Congratulations! I'm so happy!" "Th-thank you." "Thank you, Ashley-san!"

Faced with Ashley's exaggerated reaction, the two were somewhat surprised but smiled at each other, feeling the sincerity of her blessings.

However, Ashley's next words made them freeze.

"But this was expected! As I thought! Simply genius!" "Um… what do you mean by 'as I thought'?"

Just as Hachiman was about to ask more, Ashley took Asuna's hand and led her into the inner room.

"Hachiman-kun, wait here. Asuna, come this way." "Ah, okay."

With an air impossible to refuse, Hachiman could only watch as Asuna was led inside. While waiting, he browsed the equipment displayed in the shop. 'If I want to buy clothes for Asuna, they'd have to be custom-made. I'll need to collect tailoring materials. I'll get to it when I have time.'

While thinking that, a call came from the inner room. "Hachiman-kun, you can come over now~" "Okay, coming."

Stepping inside, Hachiman saw Asuna standing shyly, dressed in a pure white wedding gown.

"Oh… an angel." "Ho-how is it…?" "Very… very fitting… so beautiful, really an angel." "Th-thank you…"

Usually lively Asuna now shyly twisted her fingers.

Seeing her like this, a boundless affection welled up in Hachiman's heart.

"When did Ashley-san prepare such a dress?" "Well, a few days ago I got some rare materials, planning to make a signature decoration for the shop. I thought it would be a rare chance to let someone try it on, and among acquaintances who could best show off the charm of the clothes…" "The first person I thought of was Asuna!" "After all, my Asuna is the cutest in the world."

"My Asuna… my Asuna…"

Asuna blushed and repeatedly muttered that nickname.

"Alright, Asuna, come back! Speaking of making the dress, when I suddenly thought of Hachiman-kun's face, a lightbulb went off, and I made this dress." "So it fits perfectly without adjustment." "Now I get why you said 'as I thought.'"

"Exactly! That's why this work is so addictive." "Ashley-san is amazing!"

Hachiman gave a thumbs up, and Ashley returned the gesture.

"But that nickname 'my Asuna'… last time when you called her that, Asuna denied it, what a change." "Eh? Did I say that? Hachiman-kun has always been my Hachiman-kun." "Asuna occasionally acts silly when it comes to me… but that's cute too."

"Alright, alright, really enviable. By the way, since this is a rare occasion, I want to take a commemorative photo of you two.

But Hachiman-kun's clothes… the right materials aren't ready yet." "How about the custom-made set you ordered before? Or the Knights of the Blood' staff uniform?" "Right, Hachiman-kun joined the Knights of the Blood, and is a staff officer… really impressive." "Not as exaggerated as you say." "Then can you try on the uniform?" "Sure."

Hachiman switched his equipment through the interface.

"Please stand here, both of you."

Asuna linked her arm through Hachiman's, and they stood together.

"Perfect! Let's record photos of both outfits." "By the way, I have the recording crystal; could you take several shots for me?" "Of course. Ready? Smile~"

Thus, the happy images were permanently saved. This data was later forwarded by the external analysis team to Hinano, and one day Hachiman would be deeply grateful for it.

The last visit was to Kizmel's residence on the 4th floor. Upon entering the Dark Elf Castle, Kizmel was already waiting, seemingly sensing their intrusion.

"Kizmel, long time no see!" "Yo, how have you been?" "Welcome, you two. The last time the three of us met was about a year ago, right?" "Sorry we haven't come often." "No need to apologize. Although rare to gather, you often visit me alone, don't you? But it's truly joyful to reunite the three of you."

In fact, the two had not come together for a year. They visited separately when doing business on the lower floors, but a three-person reunion was indeed a long time ago.

"But is there a special reason for coming together today?" "Yes, we have news to tell. Is the Viscount here?" "He is, I'll take you to him."

Seeing the Viscount, the two were greeted with a joyful smile.

"Welcome." "Long time no see, Viscount." "You two have grown so strong, I'm no match for you anymore."

Sensing the level gap, the Viscount said this.

"We've been working hard! Currently fighting on the 75th floor of the Sky Tower." "Almost to the top. Though I don't know what's at the summit, keep it up." "Thank you for your blessing."

"Viscount, Kizmel, we came to inform you…"

The two showed their left-hand rings.

"This is… the Elven Oath Ring. You have bound an elven bond."

Understanding this referred to marriage, the two nodded in response.

"Yes!" "Congratulations to you both." "Congratulations." "Thank you very much!"

"Why don't you come to my tent for a bit?" "Sure." "I'll continue with my duties, please make yourselves at home." "Thank you, Viscount." "You're always welcome."

The three left the Viscount and went to the tent. Asuna chatted excitedly with Kizmel, while Hachiman sometimes interjected or nodded. The long-awaited reunion felt like time flowing backward.

Before they realized it, evening fell. When the two prepared to return, Kizmel suddenly stared at somewhere in the air:

"An elf was watching you just now and has gone upward."

'What's going on? For Kizmel to notice… could it be system related?'

"Does the elf have ill intent?" "Not at all. Probably an elf born from the Starting Town dungeon who took interest in you, heading to your residence."

"The Starting Town has a dungeon? Has Asuna heard about it?" "Miss Argo seems to have mentioned some similar information."

"I see… I'll ask her for info later. But why would an elf know our home?" "Unknown reason, but the elf transmitted images that exactly matched the place you described."

"Understood… thanks, Kizmel. We'll go back to check." "See you next time, Kizmel!" "See you next time." "Waiting for your next visit."

Passing through the portal and returning home, they saw a strange girl unconscious at the door.