One day later, in the labyrinth area of the eightieth floor of Aincrad.
Facing a clearing group of over three hundred players, the numerous monsters in the labyrinth area, all at least level eighty, posed no real threat. The imp-like monsters had not even had time to unleash their powers before they were individually taken down by the clearing group's player squads.
Amidst the whistling sound of weapons slicing through the air and the impish screeches of the little demons, those monsters who eagerly rushed forward upon detecting enemies met with grim fate. The players chosen for the clearing group, despite their larger numbers compared to the original story, were far from weak. Dealing with these fast-spawning little demons, many of which were elite templates, was an easy and almost leisurely task.
"I wonder how many people can enter the eightieth floor Boss room," Kirito muttered softly within the clearing group's formation, his eyes fixed on the distant labyrinth hall that was starting to come into view.
For Kirito, participating in the clearing of floor bosses, although something he had done many times, was never a simple or easy task. Every time they faced a death hall level Boss, the clearing team had to be mentally prepared for the possibility of death at any moment. Even Kirito was doing his best to steady his mindset.
"Kirito, you are very strong, so do not worry too much. We just do not know what kind of strength this Boss will have," said Klein beside him, the guild leader of Fuurinkazan, maintaining his relaxed attitude. Occasionally checking the surrounding battle situation, he continued chatting with Kirito without a care.
Not only Kirito and Klein, but also members of the Knights of the Blood Oath, Kayaba Akihiko, Dyne of the Holy Dragon Alliance, players from the Army guild, and other small guilds and solo elites, did not actively engage the surrounding monsters. Unless a few demons spawned too close to them, the elite players gathered at the center, numbering just over a hundred, focused on conserving their energy to maintain peak combat strength.
The players leading the front lines understood this clearly, so no one complained about fairness. The entire formation steadily advanced toward the center of the labyrinth along the shortest path.
---
"Morin, it looks like we are almost there," Asuna called out after about half an hour. Her sharp eyes had caught the changes ahead. Placing Yui, who had transformed into a tiny fairy, on her shoulder, she pointed forward and spoke to Morin.
"Hmm, it should be just ahead," Morin responded, his gaze settling on the vaguely distinct plaza in the distance. Yet he seemed a little distracted.
Asuna and Yui exchanged a quick glance. They both understood that Morin was not merely thinking about the clearing operation. His mind was preoccupied with the plan they had discussed earlier.
"Morin, what is wrong?" Asuna quietly asked through the private communication channel, concern evident in her voice.
"It is alright, I am fine," Morin replied, snapping out of his thoughts. His once distracted eyes sharpened instantly, though his face remained calm. Speaking through the private channel, he said, "Compared to me, Asuna, your situation is more important. When the time comes, you need to be careful during the Boss battle and also..."
"I understand," Asuna replied firmly, catching the deeper meaning in his words. A strange light flickered in her beautiful eyes. She instinctively tightened her grip on the hilt of the rapier at her waist. Even little Yui sat silently on Asuna's shoulder, clenching her tiny fist, her expression serious.
"We have reached the hall!" someone at the front of the formation shouted suddenly.
Less than a hundred meters ahead, the players saw a vast European style plaza appear around the bend, and at the far end of the plaza, a massive metallic sculpted gate stood tall and imposing.
"Everyone, according to the previous decision, the clearing teams will enter one after another!" Morin shouted loudly as he led Asuna and about a dozen Star Flame players forward to stand by the gate.
With dozens of previous floor clearings behind them and a detailed plan made in advance, there was no hesitation. As expected, Kayaba Akihiko and Kirito were the first to step forward, followed by Dyne and Klein, and then other top players chosen for the elite team. Ten players arranged themselves in a line, ready to proceed.
To avoid surpassing the entry limit for the Boss room, each group of players included a defense oriented MT, a high speed high attack rapier wielder, and designated support players.
When Morin signaled, Kayaba Akihiko opened the palace gate. Morin was the first to step inside, immediately followed by Asuna, a Star Flame player, and then Kayaba Akihiko along with the others.
As soon as twenty players had entered, the massive palace gate slammed shut.
---
Bang.
The heavy gate closed with a dull echo just as the twentieth player stepped through. At the same moment, the dimly lit palace interior brightened slightly, as if the sun had just set and the night was still young. The players could now clearly see the vast interior of the palace and the terrifying figure waiting inside.
"A Great Demon," someone cried out in alarm.
Indeed, a Great Demon stood before them. Its enormous body towered over four meters tall, its face ferocious and monstrous. Black horns curved upward like a bull's, and its marble black body radiated an oppressive aura. Its hooved feet and black tail left no doubt about its demonic nature, while its muscular arms, covered in eerie markings, gripped a massive black greatsword large enough to serve as a door panel.
Even without further information, the players instinctively understood the danger. They tightened their grips on their weapons and prepared for battle without a second thought.
"It is a stronger variant Boss. Its name is Dark Great Demon," a player specializing in the Enemy Search skill reported urgently.
Beneath the Dark Great Demon's name displayed by the Enemy Search skill, there was not only a daunting six health bars but also a blood red danger warning symbol flashing ominously.
"MT units follow me forward. Watch out for any minions the Boss might summon. Healers and support personnel prepare to move at any time," Morin ordered crisply, his gaze never leaving the demon wielding its gigantic greatsword.
The guild leaders including Kayaba Akihiko, Kirito, and Diavel all remained silent, their expressions grave but resolute. No one questioned the situation. The nineteen players remaining swiftly arranged themselves into a precise battle formation. Kayaba Akihiko and three other guild representatives stepped forward with their swords and shields ready, assuming defensive stances. Asuna, Kirito, Diavel, and the others spread out strategically, positioning themselves to launch coordinated attacks. Silica and another support player stood at the ready to heal or assist whenever needed.
This operation, the product of countless floor clearing battles and rigorous training, showcased the unmatched teamwork of the elite players, including Morin.
"ROAR!"
The Dark Great Demon, oblivious to the players' formidable power, unleashed a thunderous roar and charged toward them, raising its massive greatsword high.
In an instant, the gleam of activated sword skills and the furious howls of the demon echoed throughout the vast cathedral-like hall.
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