So this time it's okay to go ahead without them, and when they get back, the strategy will go on as usual - I thought as I listened to Diabel and Khem's story, and heard someone say it next to me. A small voice was noticed. As soon as I turned my gaze, I saw Spiegel, a gray-silver haired teenager in a dark green combat uniform, with his head slightly bowed and an incomprehensible look on his face.

“Zexceed... Well? Zexceed... Well? ”

"What's the matter, Spiegel-kun? \"

When I called out to him, Spiegel quietly turned his face away. Her bewildered expression showed no signs of change.

\"Ah, Asuna-san. \"

\"Spiegel-kun, what's wrong?

"yes. I don't know why, I have a bad premonition about the name. Not sure why. ”

"Do you have a bad feeling about the name?"

"yes. As if I didn't want to hear it, I felt like it made me feel bad, or made me angry. ”

\"Could it be that Spiegel-kun was also deceived by Jersey? \"

Hearing Asuna's inquiry, Spiegel shook his head and lowered his head again.

"It's not true, today is the first time I've heard the name Zexceed, and it's the first time I've heard him do something like that. But somehow I knew Zexceed, and what did I do to him, I felt"

"What is that Spiegel, do you also have a sense of déjà vu?"

\"Does Miss Asuna have such a thing? \"

"Yes. There have been a few times before when I wondered what this was. ”

Spiegel tilted his head slightly, facing Asuna again.

"I don't quite understand it either, but I understand that Zexceed, that guy is a jerk, and I also understand that what he did was unforgivable."

"yes, why can you say such ugly things?"

"That's not what you do, if you get carried away and repeat the mistakes of the past, even if you don't do anything at the time, you will be punished a lot, depending on the situation."

Asuna couldn't help but react. Spiegel's words contain a lot of words that someone might use, such as revenge, revenge, etc., and the words themselves are likely to have been spoken by that person. Thinking of the man's name, Asuna asked.

\"Is that what Teacher Alice said? \"

Spiegel nodded, silent. When the boy's voice was cut off, Asuna's ears began to ring with the sound of Diabel and Kaim's capturing meeting.

Shiina, I separated from everyone and went to the hotel to ask Lilan for details and convey the message we needed.

There are still players of all races coming and going in the city, and it may seem difficult to move forward without colliding with them, but from those of us who have been running around like this since SAo, it's easy to get through a squirrel pack.

After passing through the square where players gathered like trees, we quickly arrived at our destination, a large hotel in Yuichi on the Kuto Line. When you open the door and hear the noise of the players, you will be greeted by a huge inn hall with all kinds of players, and it feels like a fantasy world, where ancient and modern Western cultures blend. My mind conjured up images of them having serious conversations.

Stopping to stare at this scene, we blend in with the player, with white-purple hair, white markings on the cheeks, and a thin combat uniform with a purple background. I found out about Streya, a girl. With huge breasts and red eyes, dressed almost at the same time, Strea also spotted us and walked towards me and Shino.

I tried to ask why Streya, who was supposed to be with Lilan, was why, but Strea first told me that she was coming for me and which room Lilan was in. He took Shino to the room where Lilan was.

Then led by Streya, we walked through the hotel and finally came to the room where Lilan was.

"Lilan is here, isn't it?"

\"yes. But what happened to Kirito and Shino herself? \"

"I felt like I knew what Lilan was thinking. I'll tell you the details inside. ”

"Give it to me. Lilan also seems to have something to say to Kirito. \"

"I've heard the details from Lilan, but are you silent about it, or is it not?" As I walked down the hallway, I heard Streya's voice, who barely talked about Lilan and opened the door using the duplicate key that Strea had given me.

In addition to this, there is a scene woven by the interior decoration that is common to all the rooms of this inn. The walls are dull white and silver, the floor is covered with large carpets, and in the center of the room there is a slightly larger bed, along the wall there is a wardrobe decorated with luxurious decorations, and there is a white table next to the bed.

Before I could look around and see what anyone who had ever stayed in the hotel would see, I saw a girl with blonde hair, white and gold wolf ears and tail, lying on the bed with her upper body. There is also a girl with long black hair, almost the same color as the girl with long black hair, wearing a white coat. He noticed a woman dressed similarly, with large breasts like Strea, leaning against a wall closer to the bed.

I'm "familiar" with Yui Relan, who came here before us to join Relan, and Alice, their developer. Before I could speak, the three of them turned to us, and Yui ran up to me, calling out to Shino and me.

"Mom, Dad, are you there?"

"Oh, I'm worried about your sister. Or rather, I can say what I want to say. ”

\"Kirito-kun, Shino. \"

After I said this to my daughter, who had been watching my partner, Alice quietly walked over against the wall in the posture that she had been watching since SAo. Maybe because of her daily rhythm, Alice logged in later than we did, and even when she helped us strategize, she joined the party late. Maybe this time it will be the same.

Shiina's mouth opened before I could shout to Alice who walked up to me.

\"Teacher Alice\"

\"Shino. Looks like you're logged in today. \"

"Teacher Alice, you said you were already busy. \"

According to Shina, Alice has completed the development of the game and plans to start another job. And if he started to devote himself to that work, he would be busier than before, and he wouldn't be able to see us, but Alice logged in. Seeing Shino thinking about this, Alice snorted softly.

"That's why I'm not so busy that I can't log in, it's true, but that doesn't mean I can't play with you anymore, or rather, didn't I tell you?"? You can log in. ”

"I wonder if it's possible"

"Don't worry, because that's not going to happen. I also want to see you sometimes, and there are things I want to tell you. So, don't worry? ”

Hearing Alice say in a gentle tone, Shino nodded happily. Shino must have thought that Alice would be so busy because of her profession as an AI researcher that she couldn't even log in. Alice herself denied it, so it was only natural that she would be happy.

As I watched the exchange between the two, Alice turned to me.

"When I logged in, I happened to meet my daughters in the lobby, and it seems that something happened."

"Yes. Or rather, didn't you hear it? ”

"I just heard that you went to the underworld, and I don't know the details yet."

Lilan didn't even say anything to developer Alice. Didn't he feel like he wanted to talk to someone other than me? With this in mind, he turned to face his partner on the bed. I covered my face. The peculiar wolf ears also collapsed, just like when the mood was low.

At first glance, she didn't seem to want to see or hear anything, but anyway, I approached the bed where the werewolf girl was, and when she was almost in front of me, I lowered my back slightly.

"Lilan"

“”

"I'm sorry. It was my fault. ”

When I said the first words, Lilan immediately pricked up her ears and looked up. His face was full of surprise, and his eyes were as red as rubies.

"Why?

"Although I am your master, I know nothing about you, the demon of the devil."

When I put my hand on the shoulder of the surprised Lilan, he said weakly, "Huh? "I noticed for a moment that Lilan was listening to me, so I spit out my thoughts.

"Actually, we watched the MMO live stream last week, and the animal trainer in it said some terrible things, and you saw it, so you've been worried. Look at how far you've fallen behind other monsters in strength, and "You haven't evolved for a long time, that's why you were vexatious at the time." I think you're still very strong, I want to prove it to you, I want to tell you, I'm a very strong beast."

When I told him what was going on in my mind, my mind remembered how I had fought Lilan before.

Ryan usually calmly observes the characteristics, movements, and attack patterns of enemy monsters before fighting, but in the battle just now, he prioritized knocking down the opponent and dealing damage to them, and I did, and in the end I was hit.

At the time I didn't know anything about Lilan's feelings, but now I can't help but feel like I understand everything. Lilan struggled like this, trying to shake off the anxiety swirling in her heart, afraid that I would abandon him.

"He wanted me to know that he was an "acquaintance" that I regretted throwing away, so I think I did. ”

“！！”

Lilan was even more surprised. It seems that the answer we came up with at the time was on Lilan's radar. Just after Yui and Strea were surprised by my words, Lilan covered her ears again and lowered her head.

Alice said with a sigh.

"I see, Zeckersd. He is an elite "Beast Tamer" in the Swat region, and is known for using powerful "Demon".

After Alice finished speaking, Lilan said to us in a weak voice.

"Indeed. Ever since I watched that show on Wednesday, I haven't been able to forget his words. \"

\"Throw away the weak demons, right? \"

"yes, and I've found his 'Demon' stronger. He's not the only one, I'm too. I'm not the strongest "demon" or anything like that. \"

“”

"That's why I'm scared. I think it's a natural 'familiarity' that can be used."

Lilan lowered her head and hugged her knees tightly.

"Not only that, I also lost to the Emperor Demon, although the Emperor Demon looks like this, his Demon is much stronger than me, even if I fight him, I can't win. If you're with the Emperor Demon, I'll lose. "If I fight, I will lose to his 'acquaintances'."

Then Lilan raised her head and moved her mouth again, showing me a complex expression that was both anxious and worried.

"Kirito, I'm your dependent. \"

Before Lilan could speak, I hugged her body and interrupted her. He must have been surprised, so I gently stroked the head on his chest as Lilan was silent.

"Lilan, you're my proud pet.

"Really?"

"It's true, so don't laugh at yourself like that, Lilan. You are not an obstacle or a useless person. My acquaintance is you, Lilan. I've been worried about this for a long time. Sorry to leave you alone. ””。

As I buried my face in the hair of the girl of my trusty partner, my acquaintance, my family, I heard another thin voice, but it quickly turned into a sob, and I felt someone hold me in my arms. Come back. will come.

Lilan buried her face in my chest and hugged me with all her might, tears welling up in her eyes, trying not to make her voice too loud.

\"Kirito I I I Kirito Kirito\"

Indeed, Lilan's strength and power may have been surpassed by other "envoys". However, unlike other "familiar demons", Lilan is able to take care of her master and companions, and can sometimes even bury her face in her master's arms and cry. And if I can't give up, you can even be afraid of it.

A "messenger" can do a lot of things that the "animal tamers" that exist in this world can do, and countless "messengers" can't, I am the one who chose me in the world of death games. I don't know where there is a 'beast tamer' who can throw away such a good 'demon' who has saved me many times.

Also, the culprit who upset Lilan, Zesed, even if his 'acquaintances' were like Lilan, would just throw them away? As I stroked it, a voice came from behind me.

When I turned around with Lilan in my arms, I saw Shino with an annoyed look on her face.

"Zexceed, though, is still annoying. The demon should be an important companion, but if it's weak, it should be thrown away, and he just said something like this. The demon must be worried. Why? Wouldn't the top masters take such good care of the magic pets? ”

"Shino"

I totally understand Shino's frustration. Although the AI is not as good as Lilan's, the "Enchant" is equipped with a very intelligent AI, which can be regarded as a reliable companion to help the "Beast Tamer" in battle.

But if it's weak, throw it away, and that's how your awareness of "familiarity" as a weapon or expendable is a manifestation of it. This is the greatest insult and blasphemy to the beloved "animal trainer". Although Shino doesn't have a 'dependent', he and my 'dependent', named Lilan, live like family, and I can't help but feel that my 'dependent' has been insulted. Dew.

Just as she was about to speak to an angry Shino, Alice came to her side.

"I know you're angry, but Zexceed is not wrong. \"

\"Teacher Alice, why? \"

Streya, who had been listening, walked over to Shino, who had bitten Alice abnormally.

According to Streya, among the "beast tamers" who advanced the seizure of the ALo and Swat regions, they realized that the "demon maker" was a being that contributed a lot to the efficiency of the seizure. So, instead of taming weaker monsters and evolving over a long period of time, it seems to be generic to tame stronger monsters from the start and transform them into stronger pets to increase strategic efficiency. Theory.

In fact, when this Swat area was unleashed and it was discovered that there were powerful monsters there that could be tamed, the "Beast Tamers" discarded the "Demons" they had previously raised and began to attack the monsters in the Swat area. It seems that they have re-tamed it, and the practice is said to be underway and popular.

It was really annoying to hear, but when Strea said that this was the common sense of the "beast tamers" who were advancing to seize the Swat region, Alice sighed deeply and said:

"It's rare to see people like Kirito-kun and Sirika who have been using and keeping a "demon" all the time. They are considered aliens, and they seem strange why they don't throw away such a weak demon? From their point of view, is it right to throw away the weak angels? Former? Nainosa

"Lilan is not a weak emissary!"

"That's right, Lilan is the strongest AI among the monsters, and she is "familiar" in the Swat region, and she is the lovely daughter of my Mr. Kayaba and my seniors. But by far Lilan has the strongest intelligence. In addition, the lame "demon" is in a superior state in terms of status, and Yuichi's method is to make Lilan stronger.

That's it. Even if he can dispel Lilan's fear of being abandoned, the fear of power in her heart cannot be eliminated. One way to combat this and clear Lilan's mind is to evolve Lilan and make him stronger than the other "demons".

But I haven't found a way to make Lilan stronger, a way to evolve, and even on the biggest ALo strategy website on the whole network, there is a way to get a wolf dragon, which is a monster for Lilan There is no information on how to evolve to the next stage. I'm sure there are a lot of players who have obtained the wolf dragon species, but so far, I'm a player who has reached the wolf dragon species in Yui.

"Besides, we're in a race to capture with Clover, and we're already behind, so we've already said it, let the emperor yell at us." Suffice it to say, I barely had time to give up my rivalry with Clover to explore Lilan's evolution.

It was necessary to increase Lilan's strength, but while doing so, Shamrock kept getting ahead of him. I was completely caught in the middle.

"But hey, Yui, don't you know? Have you found a way to evolve a monster like Lilan? ”

"I'm sorry, I can't. All I can do is understand the enemy's behavior patterns and tell you how the mission is progressing, as well as information about the system itself, which I can't give you that kind of information. "Raider information. I can't get it. I'll have to ask Miss Argo, Miss Filia, and Miss Alyssa about my sister's evolution."

\"yes, but—"

Just as I was talking to myself, not knowing what to do, a window suddenly appeared, accompanied by a sound effect, informing me that a message had arrived. I looked at the sender with some surprise and saw that it said "Asuna".

(from Asuna)

Now at Lilan's residence, Asuna and the others are holding a strategy meeting in the coffee shop. "Asuna sent me such a message, which means that the future strategy and strategy have been decided. While thinking so, I stroked Hiran's head with my left hand and moved my right hand to open the message and see what was displayed. to the text.

\"To Kirito-kun.

"Everyone discussed and decided on the future policy." Now that we're in front of the hotel, let's come out if Lilan is calm. I have something important to tell you. In addition, if there is Shino Non and Strea, please come.

"Asuna"

The conclusion of the strategy meeting, written in a simple sentence similar to Asuna. As I closed the message that reminded me that I was still the head of the Knights of the Blood Pact at SAo, Shino quietly walked towards me.

"Who is here?"

"It's Asuna calling. It seems that the strategy meeting is over. Now everyone is in front of the hotel. \"

"Has everyone arrived? Didn't you wait for us at the café? ”

"It seems so. Moreover, they seem to have something important to talk about, and they want Shino and Strea to come. \"

Alice stood beside Shiina, and Shino had a look of doubt on her face. Moreover, Yui also joined his side.

"Then let's go. Since Yui and I are watching Lilan, we need to hear everyone's opinions. \"

"Is this okay?"

"It's okay, then you can go quickly."

"Alice is Lilan's mother, and Yui is also her sister, so I'll leave it to Lilan. "If everyone says they have something important to say, then there's no choice not to listen. Besides, I'm going to tell you about Lilan's current situation, so I'll have to go.

\"I see. Alice-san, Yui, I'm here to find Lilan. \"

"Leave it to me."

"Leave it to me."

After hearing their reliable answers, I turned to Lilan. Lilan had removed her face from my chest and stared at me with an expression that was clearly crying.

"Kirito"

"Lilan, please wait a moment, I'll go to everyone."

“... Okay, let's go. ”

"Thank you"

With that, I let go of my partner, got out of bed, called out to Shino and Streya, and left the room with them. I walked back down the hallway with Western-style walls and floors, back to the hall where many players were gathered, and finally left the hotel. So I looked around and noticed that the people who had been in the coffee shop on the right side of the inn for a while had joined them.

At this time, Asuna and Celica rushed at me first.

"I've kept everyone waiting."

\"Kirito, did you talk to Lilan? \"

\"Ah, somehow. It seems that our prediction was correct. \"

\"Sure enough, Leland-san, you feel very uneasy after listening to the words of that man named Zexid. \"

\"yes. I was so worried about who I really was. So when you're gathered here like this, it means that we've decided on our strategy for the future. \"

I asked everyone, but no one immediately answered. Normally, he would nod his head immediately, so just when I was wondering what was going on, Diabel, a light-blue-haired knight, and Kem, a young man with long black hair, who had been presiding over the strategy meeting since Shino and I left, came up to me. I

"That's right, we've decided on our strategy for the future, and we've decided how we're going to conquer the underworld and how we're going to catch up with Shamrock."

"But then I can do what I want to ask Kirito. \"

"Is there anything you want to ask me?"

Dilberu looked around at the crowd for a moment, then turned to me and said with a determined gaze.

"Kirito hand over the capture of the underworld to us, and you can evolve Lilan."

"Huh!?"

I was taken aback by the words that came out of Dilberu's mouth, and Kem immediately came over to explain. It seems that after Shino and I left, we still held a strategy meeting as before, but they decided to give it to me because they thought it was the most important thing to evolve Lilan. It seems that this is indeed the case.

Indeed, ever since I found out that Lilan's anxiety could not evolve, I have been trying to evolve Lilan, thinking about what I could do to make time. I never wanted to give up on the grand one. Task strategy.

"Okay, everyone wait, it's not like we're trying to make Lilan's evolution so fast, and it's not like Lilan can't fight"

"Lilan is very worried about his strength now, even if he fights in such a state, he may not be able to fight well, and if he loses, he will be even more anxious. And, I'm sure. "He's worried about Lilan's evolution. You look like you've done it. ”

After Lifa finished speaking, Klein walked over to me. His face seemed full of confidence.

"Moreover, we also defeated the 'Runaway Man' in SAo. Compared to those guys, clover is nothing at all. We'll be able to catch up with them soon. ”

"Spiegel and I haven't fought, though, but I'm sure they both won by fighting guys who were more brutal than Shamrock. So, even if Kirito is not there for the time being, it doesn't matter. \"

"Because the folks at Shamrock don't know how scary it is when we're all in. While Kirito is away, we catch up with him and surprise him! \"

Kaeki, who sometimes strategizes for me, said this when he approached Yuki. It's true that we have encountered more vicious guys in SAo, and compared to them, Clover is nothing to be afraid of. If you fight seriously, it seems that no matter how many people use tactics, you can win

"Is everyone really okay?"

"I don't say that because it's good. And, if our companions get into a fight because they're worried, it looks like they're both going to be upset. So Kirito's priority is to release Lilan's uneasiness. Help me. \"

"With our strength, we will soon be able to catch up with Clover. So Kirito, you should do your best for Lilan. You're Yuichi's one who owns Lilan. \"

\"I agree. Lilan is really worried right now. The only person who can solve this anxiety is Kirito. Leave the capture of the following world to us, Kirito. \"

After listening to the order of Lizbet, Egil, and Strea, I looked around. Everyone's faces were crisp, but they also had the strength to prepare for the fierce battle that was coming, and the expressions that made me feel like they wanted me to evolve Lilan.

"It's possible that everyone's feelings are serious, and they will seriously challenge Shamrock without me." The last time I saw him so determined was before he challenged the "Saboteurs and Runaways" on the 100th floor of SAo. - Everyone showed the same determination as they did in battle.

We cannot just deny everyone's aspirations.

"It doesn't matter. I'll let you do it if I can. ”

Just like when I was the head of the Knights of the Blood Oath, when I asked everyone, everyone nodded in unison, and the expressions on their faces were very strong. As a result, I have a clear idea of where I want to be for the future and feel like I know what I need to do.

"Okay, guys, I'm going to be away for a while, but I won't spend that much time, I'll evolve Lilan as soon as possible and come back, please"

When I said this as if I had commanded it, everyone nodded again. It's painful not to be able to attack with everyone for the time being, but as a "beast trainer", I can't let the "demon" worry. The capture is left to everyone, and I have to find the conditions for Lilan's evolution - I was thinking in my heart while thinking about my future plans in my head, when I heard a loud voice next to me, I heard it, and turned around without thinking about it.

The person there was Shiina, who came with me to check on Lilan's condition.

\"I'm sorry for everyone, but I'll follow Kirito. Lilan is very important to me. That's why I want to help Lilan and Kirito. Here's why...... I'm going to go with Kirito. "Circle! ”

Everyone, including me, exclaimed at this similar statement to Shiina's manifesto. Shi Nai did treat Liran as a family member and came here with me, but she never expected that she would continue to follow me.

Everyone is strong and it is impossible to lose to the monsters here, but that's because everyone has a sense of teamwork when fighting, and Shino is also part of teamwork. If Shino, a valuable back-line attacker, disappears from the ranks, her combat effectiveness will drop dramatically.

"Ouch hey, Shina. I didn't have to do that to you."

\"I've said that before. I can't leave that girl alone. It's not just your problem. So, let me go with you, Kirito. \"

Lilan is also my family, so I can't let you carry this burden alone—Shino pleaded with eyes that were almost as intense as before. Shino also has serious moments, but rarely takes Lilan seriously.

Shino is so serious about Lilan, even Shino is very considerate to him. - When I realized this, I felt a warmth in my chest.

"Okay. So, please help me too. \"

"Leave it to me."

"Ladies and gentlemen, Shino will be gone, but only for a short time.

Everyone nodded, as if accepting my request. Everyone has such motivation, although Shamrock is not as good as the broken runner, the smiling coffin wood, and the Raffin coffin, but it is still a little power-off, and it is a difficult opponent to fight for a long time. We should give priority to returning to you as soon as possible.

Just when I thought that what I was going to do in the future would require speed, a girl with black hair and blue eyes and a slightly revealing combat uniform came up to me. Filia is a treasure hunter, so while she is a bit inferior to Argo, she is an intelligence specialist.

"Kirito, I actually seem to have some information that I can use. \"

"Is this the same as the evolution of the beast?" \"

"That's right"

According to Filia, most of the "animal tamers" who attack the Swat region are to increase their strength by taming the powerful monsters in the Swat region, but it seems that there are also many people who have evolved and strengthened their pets in the Swat region with the items obtained by taming them in the ALo continent.

According to the later story, the "Demon Maker", which evolved from the items obtained in the Swat region, has enough strength to fight even against the "Beast Tamer" who tamed the boss monster in the Swat region. In most cases, this happens.

In other words, Lilan also has this possibility.

Depending on the "Demon", sometimes it's a weapon, sometimes it's a consumable, sometimes it's a special item, sometimes it's a material. There seem to be a lot of rewards.

"I see, then I'll go see if there's such a mission. \"

Even if it's called a quest, it's countless, and it's hard to find a quest just by looking for it, but it's also Lilan's business, just like Heathcliff, the former head of the Knights of the Blood Oath during the SAo period, I leave the capture to everyone, and I can't give up. Just like everyone else who follows the Shamrock guys, we have to start today.

"So, everyone, let's start conquering different regions!!"

When I gave the order, everyone said, "Oh!! A strong cry then spread through the sky.

It was the first Saturday in June, a week after I left to conquer the underworld to prioritize Lilan. After defeating Flosild's regional boss, liberating the other side of the world, and deciding on the future occupation strategy, I, Shino, and Lilanne added the Navigator Elf Quinella and evolved Lilanne separately from the others. Seems to be related.

According to Philia, who gathers information, items that evolve the "Demon" into a powerful individual that can be misunderstood are often rewarded for difficult, lengthy, and enriching tasks. Based on this information, we continue to challenge difficult missions of varying difficulty, length, and depth of content, fighting powerful monsters many times, and going to different people many times.

As a result, a large number of equipment items, consumables, and material items that are not easy to obtain have flowed into our bodies, and we have gained a large number of racial proficiency and skill points, and our possession gold has reached double digits. It has already risen, and there are no items that can be used for Lilan, and although Lilan's own proficiency is higher than that of other "demons", the basic stats are still the same as other "demons". In a state that needs to evolve, it is not as good as a magic pet.

Then, at ten o'clock on Saturday morning, I logged into ALo to meet up with Lilan and Quinella at the hotel. In order to claim the quest at the quest counter, I walked across the square to the bar Einherial, the capital of the Rhine, the capital of the sky.

（... ）

The Nine Heads Rhine Platz, which you pass by almost every time you go to a bar, is exactly the same as on a normal day off. In the footage, players of all races are walking towards their destinations, huddled in corners and chatting, buying crepes and other sweets from street vendors to eat, and having a good time.

If you get close to some players, you can see small monsters of various shapes, such as birds, insects, flying fish, dogs, and cats, snuggling together. Among the players gathered in the square, there are quite a few 'animal tamers' like me and Celica.

"Well, I'm going to do a mission today Lilan, are you okay?"

As the three of us walked through a square with a large number of animal trainers, I looked back and saw that the wolf's ears that were pointing to the sky had been turned down and his head was lowered. Lilan was walking, and Quinella looked at him worriedly.

"Lilan-sama"

"It's okay, I can fight"

After hearing everything about Lilan, I promised Lilan that I would not abandon him, that I would evolve him and make the beast tamers around him laugh. At that time, I seemed to be able to alleviate the anxiety rooted in Lilan's heart to a certain extent, I saw Lilan prick up her ears and bravely face the powerful monsters that appeared in the mission, but the evolutionary spirit medium had no effect at all, perhaps because he had not been able to enter for too long, his ears had fallen back in the past two days, and his spirit was also weakened.

Just looking at them, I knew that because we had never been able to find the medium and conditions for evolution, we were worried that we would not be able to evolve again, that we would not be able to become stronger.

"I think I can go today, and not getting the items I want is a common occurrence in mmoRpG, so it's no wonder it takes a week or a month."

"However, as time goes on, the people of Clover will go further and further. Moreover, the other "animal trainers" will also become so powerful that they have no chance. \"

\"Hey, Kirito, let's give up the mission strategy and go find everyone\"

I know everything about all those who go to the underworld through Sugu.

Shamrock and the last area that everyone is currently challenging "Underworld/Cragfield Nibelheim", there are many dungeons, traps and traps are also very complicated, and the enemies are not comparable to Flosild, it is a rather difficult area overall, Clover seems to be difficult to conquer it, so that his progress rate is only about one-tenth of that of Flosild.

It seems that everyone is getting closer to Shamrock, who has slowed down its attack and has enough time for us not to participate. - However, even if we hurry back to conquer the big mission, we will definitely have a hard time in this Lilan, because most of the enemy monsters are much stronger than Lilan.

Even if we go back now, Lilan will be easily defeated by enemy monsters, which will only make us more anxious, so we still have to prioritize Lilan's evolution. I shook my head at my partner who raised his face and said with a worried look on his face.

"No, you are in a state where you need to evolve. And, everyone believes that you will evolve and come back, so they are taking a strategy. If you come back in our current state, we'll be betraying all of us who worked so hard to capture it when we went out. ”

"But, but"

"And now, the folks of Clover seem to be having trouble conquering the underworld and are at a standstill. Clover's strategy is stagnant, so now is their chance. So"

\"Kirito! \"

Don't be in such a hurry, I was just about to speak when a voice behind me interrupted. As if invited by that extremely familiar voice, we turned our heads in unison and saw a girl with white light blue hair, cat ears and tail, and a rather revealing combat uniform running towards us, and I could see it.

I called out the girl's name, and just as the important person who had followed me after telling everyone almost vexatiously and leaving a strategy came to us.

"Shino. Are you here? \"

\"yes. What's more, Kirito, I've finally found you. \"

"What did you find?"

"This seems to be a mission that really has something to do with Lilan's evolution!"

The only one who reacted to Shino's words was Quinella. Last week we only did a few quests that we thought were related to Lilan's evolution, but while we were only able to get items that could be used to evolve other pets, I didn't get items that could be used to evolve the necessary reruns. So, even if Shino said this to me, even if I said so, I couldn't believe his words.

"Really?"

"Ah, no, you wouldn't know if you didn't try, but I found it. Of all the tasks I've accomplished so far, this is the most difficult, longest, and most detailed one. ”

According to Shino, this quest was carried out last night and appears to be a "super difficult chapter quest" based on the gods and stories of Norse mythology. Although the details are unknown, Shino seems to be considering that the god of mythology will appear, and perhaps obtain weapons and items used by the god.

After listening to Shino's explanation, I searched my head while looking at the amulet on my right hand, and opened Shina's knowledge. Indeed, in Norse mythology, there are many types of weapons used by the gods, such as Gramm, Dainslav, Thor's hammer, Gangenir, Mekinggels, etc., and since this ALo itself is set in Norse mythology, they are called ancient weapons. It is also implemented as a super rare equipment.

And since there is a precedent for this, this kind of item can basically be obtained through difficult tasks, so it is possible to obtain it in the quest brought by Shino.

"The weapons of the gods of Norse mythology, if I'm not mistaken, Filia said that weapons can also be used as an evolutionary catalyst for 'magic pets', and in previous missions, 'magic pets' other than Lilan were also used. I was given a project that could evolve

"Imperial beasts can evolve with extremely rare items, right? Therefore, it is possible that the items that Lilan can evolve are the reward items for this quest. ”

"Really?"

The two of us turned to see Lilan, who looked like he was about to make that sound, looking at us. The ears were the same as before, and the eyes were not wide open.

"Can that quest item really evolve?"

Lilan in SAo evolved by using special items obtained when defeating bosses. This game is equipped with ALo, the low-end version of the Cardinal system, sword skills, etc., are the same, but the items that can be obtained and the monsters that appear are almost different, so it is very similar to SAo. Depending on the game, there may be some things that are the same as SAo, and the "Demon" that evolves into a werewolf can also evolve with the item.

"You won't know if you don't try. But I think the condition for your evolution is, after all, the use of items. If that doesn't work this time, we'll try something different. So please fight again this time. "Lilan"

\"I see. I'll do my best. \"

"Please, man."

With that, I put my hand on my partner's girl's head and gently stroked her. If I had done this, the girl's ears would have stood up if they had fallen, but the girl didn't say anything, and her ears didn't change much, just looked up at me.

I don't know what will happen with this mission. However, if she doesn't try, nothing will change, she won't be able to move on, and most importantly, the girl's anxiety won't go away. I had to do one thing, and I had no choice but to risk everything to accomplish it. Thinking of this, I took my hand away from the girl's head and opened my mouth.

"Alright, then let's head to the starting point of the mission."

The goal is to complete the quest and obtain Lilan's evolution items. With that in mind, we headed to the portal and headed to the starting point of the set mission.

◇◇◇

Amazingly, the starting point of Shino's mission turned out to be in a corner of the first floating island of Vollind. Volglynd has a stable warm climate with pleasant breezes, characterized by many floating islands floating in the sky, several ruins and caves on the ground, and a building that can be called a large temple or palace has appeared in a corner of Volglinde. It looks like it's been in use to this day.

In this ALo, by activating a specific mission, objects dedicated to that mission, such as buildings, may appear on the battlefield where there was nothing before. This temple must have appeared after the start of the quest brought by Shiina, and the quest that appeared in this special item was generally large-scale, and the rewarded items may also be rare. Almost.

We walked into the building and thought it was definitely worth the wait. The interior inside is reminiscent of active ruins such as the Parthenon in the real world, or the fantasy world itself, but with no signs of monsters and almost a safe zone.

We looked around as if we were exploring the ruins, after making some progress

I found a guard-like NPC with a mission marker on its head and silver armor wrapped all over its body. I didn't know what kind of mission it would be, so I told the three of them to be careful, and I shouted to the guards.

"Well, what are you doing?"

"Me? I'm from the Aesir Protoss, and I'm in charge of guarding this place. ”

"See? What are you looking at? ”

"Loki is imprisoned in the depths of this temple. I'm watching to make sure he doesn't come out. ”

Loki. Appearing in Norse mythology, it is said to be one of the gods of mischief, monster giants, and evil gods, and is the name of one of the gods in Norse mythology who is regarded as one of the greatest con artists, set in Norse mythology. This is a common presence that can be seen not only in RpG works, but also in non-RpG works.

However, in the original text, although he is seen as a mischievous troublesome god, when he appears in later works, he may be a liar or an evil god in the original text, or he may be a wall for the player. Depending on the job, the roles will also vary, such as sometimes playing the role of a boss who hinders you.

Shino, who is well-versed in mythology, hears about Loki's appearance and puts her finger on Loki's chin.

"The name of a very large presence of Loki has appeared."

"In Norse mythology, he was a big man like Thor or Frey. If that's the case, the task will be quite daunting. ”

"I'm sure the last Loki in Norse mythology"

Just as I was about to recall what Loki did and how he ended up in Norse mythology, the guards turned slightly, and eventually turned to us again.

"Do you want to see Loki?"

"Uh, are you alright?"

"It doesn't matter. Loki is trapped by the chains made by the Aesir Protoss. But it's him, and he'll find ways to deceive you. If something like this happens, you will become an enemy of our Aesir Protoss. ”

I heard the guard's suggestive words and immediately felt like I could guess what was going to happen next. Maybe what the guards say is true, Loki is ahead, and the story of this mission will branch out depending on whether or not Loki is released.

This is a common technique in RPG works and games, where the player chooses the development and ending to some extent, rather than just following the scenario created by the creator.

"Okay. I'll be careful. Let's go, let's go. ”

With the guard's advice not to let our guard down, we headed deeper into the temple-like prison. In it, I told three people that the ending and development of this quest would vary depending on whether you were Loki or the god Asa, and that what awaited you was the turning point, which I explained to him and talked about which option he should choose as we went.

As the conversation drew to a close, Lilan, who had not spoken, spoke.

"If you want to help Loki or not, I understand."

"This is a common development in RpG. However, in a branched game, you'll often get into trouble by relying on a branch, so this branch is a very important point. ”

"Then you'll have to choose carefully."

That's it. The presence of such branches means that not only will the development change depending on your choices, but the monsters and bosses you will face will also change, and even the bonus items may also change.

The idea for us to take on this quest is that the reward item you can get in the end is a condition of Lilan's evolution, but if the reward item changes according to the choice, then depending on the choice, Lilan's evolution item may not be the same, and you may not be able to evolve "Lilan" because you have obtained an item that you don't have.

As Lilan said, he is the one who needs to evolve, so he must choose carefully.

"All in all, I didn't expect this to be such a difficult task. Since Loki can do it, I don't know what's going to happen next. ”

"I think Sirte or Jörmungård will come. Well, anyway, huh? ”

Just as I was looking ahead while Shino and I were talking, we stopped. I've been talking about what will happen next since we left that guard, but in the meantime, we seem to have reached the back of the prison, and in front of us is a large prison closed with iron bars. It's in the way.

As I looked through the iron bars that seemed to indicate that this was a prison, I saw that he was dressed in red and orange robes, and wore a red hat that resembled the shape of the word wizard's hat you imagined. There was a young man with a hat so deep that his eyes could barely be seen. At the same time, he can be seen leaning against the back wall with his hands propped up on the back of his head, as if to say "I'm bored." ”

"Maybe that's Loki?"

"I think so. There is no sign of anyone else here. ”

Listening to the voice of Quinella on the right, I was reminded of the journey so far. Indeed, I didn't feel any trace of the NPC before I came here, and the guard also said that Loki was right behind here, so as Quinella said, this young man must be Loki. When I looked inside, the young man seemed to sense something inside and turned his head to me.

"Welcome, customer, you must be curious to come here."

"You're Loki."

"Yes. Nice to meet you, lovely lady? ”

"I'm a little angry."

Shino raised an eyebrow at Loki, who began courting her as soon as they met. Since Loki is a big man in Norse mythology, I thought he was supposed to be a strict person, but the Loki in front of me is the so-called charlatan. Shino must have been upset about this—probably because she had been seduced by him—but there was nothing she could do about it.

\"You don't like attractive men. But there is no way, things are set up like this. \"

"And, unlike me, this guy is just saying a pre-set set of words, and if you think it's appropriate, use the words instead, don't think of him as an opponent."

Lilan, an artificial intelligence that was more advanced than Loki in front of her, said to Shina, who looked at Loki with a frown. Shino can't be uncomfortable for too long, so he must end this event as soon as possible and speak again.

"Hey guys, can you open this iron fence? I couldn't move it with my own power, so I was stuck and in trouble. ”

When I looked at where Loki was pointing, it was the wall to our right. Near the center, there was a huge lifting lever, and I knew at a glance that it was connected to the opening and closing of this iron fence.

Shiina, turning her gaze back from the lever to Loki, said with a frown.

"Isn't this happening because you've done something stupid?"

"It's not true, young lady. I'm guessing you just took what the Asa said, but you can't do that. You have to look at things from a broader perspective. You just think you get it. Maybe? ”

Shino reacted to Loki's rebuttal. What he said was what Alice had said, or that Alice might say in the future, so he could only react. Alice's daughter, Lilan, asks Loki.

“... What does this mean? ”

"You demonize me, but it's just one side, do you want to see the truth hidden on the other side? If you are willing to open the iron fence, I will be happy to teach you. ”

"It's a troublesome guy, but now it's the turning point. \"

Shiina's whisper resembled a whimper, and I nodded. Perhaps the future development and ending will change, depending on whether you open this iron fence here and release Loki, or leave it as it is.

"Guests, what are you going to do? Will you help me? Or will you regret not helping me? ”

“——～～！！”

Shino cleared her throat vigorously. This was Shiina's expression of extreme annoyance, but now Shino was already annoyed just by hearing Loki's words.

If he continues to help Loki and listen to Loki, I don't know what will happen to Shino. By helping Loki in this way, I couldn't help but realize that I was going in a bad direction.

I'm curious if you're worried about what will happen when you save Loki, but right now we choose not to help Loki.

"Unfortunately, Loki, I'm not going to help you.

"Hey, you're not going to help me."

Seeing Loki's disappointed voice, I whispered to Lilan, and approached the iron fence with Lilan.

"Well, it's your business, you can do something, but don't think about going out."

"Look at this prison! This is where the gods and us orcs live, and at a glance you know that it is blocked on all sides. ”

With that, we returned the same way with Shino and Quinella, whose eyes had turned into dots. Since it's Loki, something might happen, but for the time being I'll be able to avoid making enemies of the Ases. I met him and called him in the same way.

"It seems that you were not fooled by Loki's words."

"He's a bad guy, so I kicked him away."

\"yes. I was looking forward to that strong will, so there was a conversation. \"

"Story?"

We are amazed that the story of the guards begins here.

Just like Zeus in Greek mythology and Amaterasu in Japanese mythology, there is also a main god in Norse mythology named Odin, but according to the guards, Odin will definitely start a big war in the future. They're looking for brave warriors who want us to be scouts.

Odin, who is said to be the main god of Norse mythology, is also a popular figure like Loki, famous enough to appear in works related to Norse mythology as well as works that are not related, but Odin appears here. We were surprised because we didn't expect this to happen.

"The appearance of the main god of Norse mythology has become important, so what should we do?"

"Lord Odin wants to meet a brave warrior. I've got permission from the audience, so I'd like to ask you to go and meet him now, how about it? ”

As soon as the guard's voice fell, a huge ball of light appeared on the left side.

It appeared, and in an instant, it became something like a teleporter. This is a mission-only object, and because we chose not to help Loki, we became an ally of Odin.

And since I was fully prepared for this mission, I did not hesitate to go to Odin, and there was no need to go back to the city.

"I'm ready, I can go now."

"I see, in that case, please use this teleportation device, you can go to Lord Odin from here."

Odin is the main god in Norse mythology and is known for fighting with a spear called Gungnir. If so much is involved, it is not surprising to get the weapons of gods such as Odin, and it is very likely to become a medium for Lilan's evolution.

After all, we can expect this mission - with that in mind, we thanked the guards and used the teleporter to get to where Odin was.

Using the teleportation device prepared by the guards of Loki's prison, when the teleportation light dissipated, we were presented with a huge castle in front of us, which looked like a typical fantasy work, and inside was a place similar to a magic work. There is the King's Audience Hall.