On this day, Xia Qianshi and others broke through the 76th floor of Ayn Grant.

And then—

Five days later, they broke through the 77th floor of Al Grande.

Nine days later, they broke through the 78th floor of Aynsgrant.

Fifteen days later, they broke through the 79th floor of Al Grande

……

Under the struggle of Xia Qianshi and others, the progress of the strategy is advancing at an incredible speed of an average of 5 days and one layer.

Due to various reasons in the middle of the way, naturally some people fell, and after the original team of more than 60 people arrived on the 95th floor, there were only more than 40 people left.

However, whenever someone falls, a substitute member will be replaced.

Strangely, there was no fear in their hearts at this time, they were even braver than ever, they just wanted to beat the game as quickly as possible and resurrect those who died in the middle of the game.

Inheriting the will of his dead companions and adhering to the courage to move forward, Xia Qianshi's combat effectiveness of their team is stronger than any previous strategy team!

- Finally, after the 115th day, they arrived at the apex of Ian Grant, the 100th floor, the Ruby Palace.

……

The Floating City, known as Ian Grant, is a building that resembles a pyramid.

From the bottom to the top, the area gets smaller and smaller, and by the 100th floor, there is simply a main block and a labyrinth.

March 14, 2025.

Two years and four months after the game was launched.

It will be in the evening.

As the setting sun shone on the clouds, reflecting an orange light, Xia Qianshi stood on the outermost edge of the main block, on the hundredth floor, the closest to the sky, looking out over the most stunning scenery of the whole of Ayngrande.

In the game SAO, not only the player's body is fictionalized with data, but even the player's facial expression is reflected on the face in a more exaggerated and conspicuous form after the system analyzes the player's emotions.

So theoretically speaking, some temperament reflected in the details should not be simulated by the game.

But Xia Qianshi's eyes looking at the clouds at this time clearly had a hint of melancholy.

Asuna looked at his back from behind, and what she remembered in her mind was the classic scene in the Chinese masterpiece "Water Margin" that she had read, Lin Jiaotou Fengxue Mountain Temple. She suddenly felt that maybe Lin Chong, who was lonely with a wine gourd and walked towards the mountain temple in the goose feather snow, his back was just so pathetic.

"Click—"

She subconsciously took a step forward, only to accidentally step on a stone on the ground.

Xia Qianshi, who heard the movement, turned around, saw that it was her, and said with a smile: "Is there something wrong with me?" ”

Maybe it was my own delusion.

Shaking her head and shaking off the strange thought just now, Asuna crossed her hands on her hips and said, "It's not me looking for you, it's everyone looking for you!" As the captain, what's the matter of running away alone after raiding the 99th floor? ”

"I'm sorry, I suddenly want to be alone." Xia Qianshi scratched his head, "Then let's go back together now." ”

He stepped out of the periphery and walked over to Asuna, and the two walked side by side toward the center of the main block.

By the time they reached the square, it was already completely dark.

That's the way it is in the game, when the sky changes at a fixed time.

For example, it's spring, and as long as it's 7 p.m., the sky will be completely dark.

However, after living here for more than two years, they have long been familiar with these Xia Qianshi, I'm afraid they will become unaccustomed to it when they return to reality, right?

Sighing at these things in his heart, Xia Qianshi suddenly felt that his eyes lit up, and a large number of bright bonfires burned in the center of the square with a fountain.

“happy!”

Dressed in a Christmas suit, Klein pops out of nowhere, shouting strange slogans, presumably cosplaying Santa Claus, but the outfit only looks ridiculous on him.

“happy！”

Then there is Akyll and Kirito in pumpkin suits, Akyle's big bald head and pumpkin complement each other, but Kirito's handsome little head with a pumpkin looks funny, and he himself blushes because of embarrassment.

“h… happy！ ”

Then there are cute girls dressed in reindeer costumes.

In the end, dozens of other members, dressed in all kinds of strange clothes, jumped out of various dirty corners, dancing like gods in front of Xia Qianshi.

“……”

Xia Qianshi seemed to be stunned, standing in place, motionless, looking at them with sympathy and love.

And many people, including Kirito, are estimated to have been forcibly pulled in, and they are already very embarrassed, and now they are being watched intently by Xia Qian, and their shame suddenly attacks, and they can't jump down while jumping.

The scene was very awkward for a while.

"......," Klein cheekily asked, "How?" Thousands of things don't you feel moved? ”

Xia Qianshi: "I'm not moved." ”

"Wow, how can this be ?!!" Klein felt like he had been hit hard, "This is a plan we made to cheer you up when we saw that you have not had the energy lately!" ”

Kirito blushed and said, "I said it a long time ago, this plan will definitely not work......"

Achill took off his pumpkin hood and threw it on the ground: "It's stupid! ”

Sirika hung her head in frustration: "Woo~~'Let Brother Qianshi fight the spirit' plan failed......"

"But I received your wishes." Xia Qianshi looked at everyone and said with a smile: "Thank you." ”

“…… Haha"

As if infected by Xia Qianshi's smile, a smile appeared on everyone's faces, and Klein jumped up and shouted loudly: "Yo, in that case, let's hold a celebration banquet!" ”

……

The bonfire burned with a crackling sound and burst into flames, sparks swaying upwards along the red flames, shining brightly in the night sky.

Xia Qianshi and they bought the best wine, the best fish, the best meat, the best bread, and the best drink in the whole game......

Then gather here for a final celebration of the success of the Raid Level.

Achill was holding a large glass of dark beer and bragging to others, this bald man was good at everything, just a little chatter.

Klein is gathering with a large group of people and seems to be having a 'Big Stomach' contest to see who can eat the most.

Celica had secretly tasted a little wine, and was now playing drunk.

Xia Qianshi, Asuna, Yuki, and Kirito, who like to be quiet, sat by the campfire and quietly watched the group of people play.

"It's been a long time since I've had a celebration like this." Xia Qianshi said softly.

Yuki nodded: "That's right." ”

A festival is held on each floor of the Raider, which was originally set aside when the second floor of Ulbath was established.

However, from the 75th floor, this event was canceled, and the other players just looked at them coldly, and no one came to celebrate for them.

And because they are immersed in the game, they have never held a celebration for themselves.

Asuna squeezed Xia Qianshi's hand and said, "Qianshi, don't think about those unpleasant things. ”

"Rest assured, I won't be emotionally affected by those people anymore."

Xia Qianshi held Asuna's little hand and smiled very peacefully, "I have learned a truth in this world - people live for the people they care about, so even if there are thousands of people who despise me, as long as there are dozens of you still by my side, I am very satisfied......"

"What about me—"

Xia Qianshi suddenly raised his tone and wanted to say something, but he let out a little unspeakable "Ah...... uh......".

Then he pressed his forehead helplessly, "I...... Damn, why can't you say anything......"

"What's wrong?"

Luckily, Kirito turned his head and looked over as well, and Asuna squeezed his hand with both hands as if she knew something.

As if gaining courage from Asuna's body, Xia Qianshi spoke again.

"I—but I came here after I got enlightened."

He lifted his head up and looked at the dark sky, as if something in the sky was attracting him, and then said slowly:

"However, I always feel that it is like this...... After seeing the faces of a few of you...... Sorry, I'm still sad. ”

Xing was slightly stunned, then smiled slightly, and said softly: "Lord Xia Qianshi, don't worry, we will not die, and we will definitely clear the game alive." ”

"That's right!" Kirito also patted Xia Qianshi's back with an excited face, and said with a smile: "When we return to reality, we will meet again, and when the time comes, we will compete in swordsmanship in reality, but I am from a kendo family!" ”

"That's right...... We will definitely meet again. ”

Xia Qianshi took a deep breath and smiled brightly at Asuna, Kirito, Yukito, and all the people who were holding the celebration:

"Because, what about me...... I really like you guys. ”

Kirito and Yuki looked at each other and smiled, both feeling warm in their hearts, but they were surprised to find that Asuna actually covered her face and cried bitterly.

Xia Qianshi was silent and didn't say anything, gently touching her head, and didn't stand up until she gradually controlled her emotions.

"Okay——!"

Xia Qianshi, who said this, seemed to have lost the burden on his body, and smiled as usual:

"Since it's a celebration, it doesn't sound like we've been sitting here all the time!"

He held out his hand to Asuna and them.

"Let's go dancing together, just like we had our first celebration party, let's do a folk dance together."

Holding Asuna and Kirito's hands, Xia Qianshi and the others came to the campfire, and the others quickly gathered.

Someone sang and danced to the song, the bonfire burned the branches and made a crackling sound, and the sparks burst out of the red flames and swayed upwards in the night sky.

……

The party lasted until two o'clock in the morning.

Probably because of the final boss that is about to be faced, everyone was venting to their heart's content that night.

Therefore, even at six o'clock in the morning, the sky has already revealed the light of the morning light, and no one wakes up.

It was in such a quiet atmosphere that Xia Qianshi and Asuna silently walked out of the hotel, carrying their respective weapons, towards the labyrinth area at the edge of the city.

However, when they were about to reach the entrance of the labyrinth, the two of them stood still, because a person leaned against the entrance of the labyrinth, blocking in front of them.

"Kirito?"

After seeing the figure clearly, Asuna was surprised: "Why are you here?" ”

"I guessed right...... Brother Qianshi and Asuna are preparing for the two of them to secretly challenge Yui, right? ”

The one who came out of the darkness with such words in his mouth was none other than Kirito, the second sword player in the game.

His two one-handed straight swords hung behind his back, reflecting the morning light, and with a fearless smile on his face, he said:

"If so, please take me with you."

"Nope."

Xia Qianshi shook his head and refused: "There is a reason why we don't bring other people - Yui is the administrator of the game, so no matter how many people there are, it is completely meaningless for her, and other players will only be sent to death, but if it is me and Asuna, there may be some hope." ”

"Well, in a high probability, it's indeed what Brother Qianshi said...... However, the possibility of fighting a regular battle is not impossible, and when the time comes, I will be able to come in handy - no matter what, I am also second only to Brother Qianshi. ”

"—you're going to die." Xia Qianshi looked at Kirito's eyes and said.

"I came here when I came to my senses." Kirito also looked at Xia Qianshi's eyes and said, "What's more, Brother Qianshi, didn't you say it?" Now that you die in the game, you don't really die anymore. ”

"A thousand things ......" Asuna looked at Xia Qianshi with a somewhat shaken look.

"Okay...... Since you've said so, let's team up again after a long absence. ”

Xia Qianshi nodded, crossed Kirito, and walked towards the maze without looking back.

"Let's go and end this game together!"