Miracle Summoner

After that, nothing worth mentioning happened.

At least, not for the world of ALfheim Online (ALO).

All people knew was that Yuuki, Asuna, Jun, Tecchi, Talken, Nori, and Siune, a group of seven, defeated the 27th-floor boss and activated the teleport gate to the 28th floor. Beyond that, everyone's attention was focused on the conflict and subsequent events involving Rozen and the guild alliance outside the 27th-floor labyrinth. Everything else seemed trivial in comparison.

For the players of ALO, it was business as usual. Those who were ready for new adventures headed to the newly unlocked floors, while others resumed their quest to conquer the game, resulting in a lively atmosphere.

Even Crimson Wing, led by Kirito, Leafa, and others, had moved on to explore the new floors. Sinon, who had recently joined the guild, was sent there by Rozen to get to know her guildmates better—otherwise, with her personality, she might have remained distant and aloof.

Asuna, however, had been distracted for the past few days.

The reason was simple.

The Sleeping Knights had disappeared.

Yes, disappeared.

After the celebration on that day, Yuuki, Jun, Tecchi, Talken, Nori, and Siune had stopped logging in.

Not only did they not return to ALO, but they also didn't transfer their characters to other VRMMOs to continue their virtual adventures, as they used to. It was as if they had completed their mission and vanished from the virtual world entirely.

Asuna had tried to contact them, but aside from the in-game friend list, she had no other way to reach them.

Because of this, Asuna had been absent-minded for days. She neither participated in new clearing nor studied, choosing instead to stay at the small cabin on the 22nd floor, lost in thought.

On this day, Asuna sat on the couch, holding a cup of tea, staring blankly ahead.

"Gu..."

"Gu..."

Watching Asuna like this, Saichou and Hanachou exchanged helpless glances, unsure of what to do.

Yui, in her avatar form as a young girl, looked worriedly at Asuna and approached Rozen.

"Papa, is Mama really okay?"

Yui clung to Rozen's waist, her face filled with concern.

Rozen patted Yui's head, but he didn't know how to comfort her either. He could only respond with a resigned expression.

Rozen understood that the disappearance of the Sleeping Knights would have some impact on Asuna.

What he hadn't anticipated was how deeply it would affect her.

Clearly, Asuna cared about the members of the Sleeping Knights far more than Rozen had imagined.

(You've really taken a liking to those people, haven't you?)

Rozen sighed inwardly.

Even though she had only spent a few days with them, Asuna seemed deeply attached. Rozen wasn't sure if he should feel jealous.

That said, Yuuki and her group's friendly and warm personalities had left a strong impression, even on Rozen, let alone Asuna.

In the past, during her time in SAO, Asuna had joined Knights of the Blood Oath, the guild second only to Crimson Wing, but she had never found happiness there.

As the vice-leader of Knights of the Blood Oath for over a year, Asuna had pushed for strict discipline and an unwavering resolve among its members. To set an example, she never allowed herself to smile in front of others. For the present-day Asuna, who had realized her mistakes and undergone significant change, those memories were a source of regret.

When Rozen was preparing to reestablish Crimson Wing, Asuna had hesitated and struggled internally, unsure if she should join.

She feared that if she joined a guild in ALO, she might one day revert to her old behavior, which would feel like a betrayal of her growth.

Ultimately, with Rozen's guidance and understanding, Asuna overcame her doubts and integrated into Crimson Wing.

Similarly, in the Sleeping Knights, Asuna had seamlessly blended in, which must have held significant meaning for her.

For someone like Asuna, missing Yuuki and the others was only natural.

What Rozen hadn't expected was just how much she missed them.

"Don't worry. Leave it to me."

Rozen patted Yui's head reassuringly.

"Okay."

Yui, having complete faith in Rozen, nodded without hesitation and stepped back.

Rozen walked over to Asuna, sitting next to her. He observed her as she sat in a daze, occasionally taking mechanical sips of her tea. After narrowing his eyes, he opened his main menu, navigated to his inventory, materialized a bottle of chili powder, and sprinkled it into Asuna's cup.

Asuna, oblivious to everything, continued holding her cup, took another sip—

"...!"

The spicy taste exploded in her mouth, shaking her taste buds and pulling her back to reality. Her eyes widened in shock.

"Wahhh!"

Asuna cried out in dismay.

"Pfft... Hahaha!"

Rozen burst out laughing immediately.

"Heehee..."

Even Yui, realizing what had happened, giggled.

"Rozen!"

Asuna finally understood what had happened. Tears welling in her eyes, she rushed at Rozen and began pounding her little fists on him.

"Alright, alright! I'm sorry!"

Rozen quickly blocked her punches while simultaneously retreating, shouting his apologies.

"You were so distracted that you ignored me and Yui for days. Whose fault is that?" Rozen asked, feigning indignation.

"You didn't have to do that!" Asuna was genuinely upset.

"If I didn't, how else would I get your attention?" Rozen retorted. "Don't forget, you've been like this for days, neglecting both me and Yui. Look at her—she's been so upset."

Hearing this, Asuna froze. She turned to look at Yui.

"Mama..."

Yui no longer smiled. Instead, she gave Asuna a strained, sorrowful look.

Seeing this, Asuna's anger dissipated, replaced by guilt.

"I'm so sorry, Yui-chan. It's all Mama's fault for ignoring your feelings."

Asuna immediately went to Yui and embraced her.

Yui shook her head, indicating she hadn't blamed Asuna at all.

At this point, Rozen also dropped his playful tone, sat next to Asuna, and held her close.

"Are you still thinking about Yuuki?" Rozen asked directly.

Asuna remained silent, unable to respond.