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MT - 50 Preparation
🕑 Added 2024-12-18 06:18:30 +0000 UTCRoy carefully retrieved a small, ornate box from among his collection of trinkets.
Unlike Rudeus, who hoarded certain sacred artifacts, the contents of this box were different. When Roy opened it, it revealed an intricately crafted figurine of Roxy, rendered with astonishing detail.
Yes.
This was one of Roy's creations. For context, Rudeus also owned a similar figurine of Sylphy.
However, Rudeus' version had undergone some… custom modifications.
According to Rudeus, it represented how he envisioned Sylphy would look in the future.
Needless to say, the "modifications" included an overly generous adjustment to Sylphy's breast.
Roy had tried to explain to Rudeus that neither the present Sylphy nor her future self would likely align with his inflated imagination.
But Rudeus, ever the stubborn idealist, refused to listen.
After carefully placing the Roxy figurine on the top-right corner of his desk, Roy proceeded to unpack a pair of thick magic books. These weren't particularly rare or valuable; they were beginner-level instructional manuals aimed at teaching fundamental magical concepts.
They were meant for Eris.
Setting the two books aside, Roy rummaged further in his belongings and pulled out another tome. This one, however, was far from ordinary—it was his personal Magic Research Manual.
The first page was dedicated to his research on the formation and principles of magic swords, with notes and annotations crammed into every margin.
The next dozen pages expanded on his experiments with the technique, recording adjustments and improvements.
Following that was a section on his study of magical seeds. Since the incident with Roxy, Roy had refined the spell, reducing its side effects to the bare minimum.
However, one issue remained unsolved, physical contact was still a requirement for the spell's success.
Without Roy's guidance, the process would be excruciatingly painful—tenfold compared to when he intervened—and success ultimately depended on the recipient's sheer willpower.
Further into the manual were Roy's reflections on the nature of his unique magical abilities.
His mana possessed distinctive traits; plasticity, immense power, and the ability to manifest physically. Leveraging these characteristics, he had developed a series of practical techniques tailored to his style.
For example, he could weave his mana into threads to ensnare his opponents.
Or he could release his mana within a controlled area, transforming it into a personal domain where he could command all mana within range.
These techniques, though minor, were incredibly effective and versatile.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky darkened. By the time the maid had finished setting everything in order, night had fully arrived.
A warm, golden glow filled the room as the oil lamp on the wall was lit.
Outside, the world was silent save for the occasional chirp of crickets. The pale moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft, ethereal glow across the room.
Standing by the window, Roy gazed at the moonlit landscape in contemplative silence.
Moments like these often stirred a sense of reflection.
It was time, he thought, to write a letter to Roxy.
A letter to let her know he was doing well and to share his new address.
Roy settled back into his chair, picking up his pen to begin writing.
Once the letter was complete, he sealed it and prepared it for delivery.
...
Sword Art Online.
It was now the third day since the launch of the death game.
Through seamless teamwork, Roy and Asuna had made remarkable progress, leveling up rapidly and leaving the other players far behind.
Not only had their levels soared, but their equipment had also been significantly upgraded. From weapons to armor to accessories, their inventory boasted several rare and coveted items.
Today marked an important milestone.
Roy had summoned Kirito and Misumi to discuss strategy over a meal at a local tavern.
Impatient to see progress, Roy wasn't willing to wait for the other players to grow stronger. Believing that the four of them were more than capable, he proposed tackling the first-floor boss right away.
"Everyone here participated in the beta test." Roy began, addressing the group. "You're already familiar with the boss's patterns and abilities. This is a critical moment. We can't afford to waste time waiting for others to catch up. And don't forget—the first boss drops an extremely rare item."
Kirito nodded in acknowledgment but cast a cautious glance around the table. "I understand, but don't you think this might be a bit reckless, Nii-san?"
Roy waved off the concern, his tone confident. "Are you doubting yourself, or are you doubting the strength of the four of us? You know exactly what we're capable of."
It was true. Kirito was a solo player in the original story, capable of clearing floors into the seventies on his own. Asuna, known as the Flash and a master strategist, was unmatched in combat. And then there was Misumi, a seasoned high-level gamer with excellent technique.
Together, they were an unstoppable force.
"Are you telling me that the four of us can't take down the first-floor boss?" Roy added with a smirk.
After a lengthy discussion, the group finally agreed to take on the challenge.
While many players hesitated, preferring to grow stronger before attempting the raid due to the fear of death, Roy's reasoning convinced them.
After finishing their meal and refilling their hunger bars, the group set out.
Roy led the way, chatting idly with Asuna. Though she responded sparingly, her occasional remarks kept the conversation alive.
Meanwhile, Kirito struck up a casual conversation with Misumi. The two seemed to get along well, exchanging jokes and laughing occasionally—an unusual sight in such grim circumstances.
In the Town of Beginnings, the atmosphere was heavy. Most players wore expressions of despair, some slumped on benches with drinks in hand, as though trying to drown their sorrows.
Few were willing to confront the harsh reality of their predicament.
Roy couldn't help but frown at the sight but chose not to comment.
As they left the town and headed south, the number of players in the area gradually increased.
Occasionally, they passed small groups efficiently dispatching monsters. Some of these players turned their heads, eyeing Roy's group warily.
Their rare, high-level equipment clearly set them apart, eliciting both curiosity and caution.
Roy ignored their stares, turning to his companions. "Let's pick up the pace."
The three nodded, quickening their steps.
They traversed winding paths through the grazing fields, crossed sun-dappled forests, and ascended a mountain trail.
Finally, they arrived before an ornate door adorned with intricate patterns.
The massive metal gate, five meters tall and three meters wide, loomed imposingly before them. Torchlight flickered on the stone walls, casting shadows on their determined faces.
Roy, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by a serious expression, turned to his team.
"It's time to move forward."
