Chapter 123 – The Mission to Rescue Asuna Begins
That day, the players staying in Alne sensed an ominous atmosphere and began whispering among themselves.
"Hey, did you see that? The Salamander army is pouring into Alne."
"I saw it, I saw it. General Eugene seems to be here too. Don't tell me a battle's about to break out nearby?"
"The Sylph Lord and Cait Sith Lord are having a secret meeting over there. And there's a huge military presence deployed around them. Looks like war could break out any second."
"It's definitely real! I saw the [Absolute Tyrant] walking down the street just yesterday!"
"Not saying I don't believe you, but isn't that a bit over-the-top? Wait, look over there! Isn't that the Undine Lord, Miss Mebius?"
"Even the Undines are getting involved now? Who's allied with who, and who's enemies with who? I can't make sense of it."
"Miss Mebius is my idol, just looking at her heals me."
"I know right, Mebius is like a goddess! But with all these different races gathering together without any conflict, isn't that strange?"
"Something's definitely off. Even if combat is prohibited in neutral cities, not even a single skirmish? That's suspicious."
Elsewhere, a different group of people was discussing a newly arrived party.
"I heard [Absolute Zero] finally gave up on their neutral stance and are siding with one of the factions."
"I heard they pledged allegiance to the Spriggans."
"Huh? Seriously? I've never seen [Absolute Zero] mingle with the Spriggans before."
"They supposedly joined under personal names, but their backer is that [Absolute Tyrant]."
"Maybe we should get out of Alne. If we get dragged into this, we're done for."
"I heard we don't need to worry. Word came down from above that there won't be a war."
"What the hell happened overnight?"
"Probably some mysterious leader showed up and instantly united all the major powers."
At that moment, the so-called "mysterious leader" was surrounded by the four lords and Yukino, wearing a troubled expression.
"What's with the atmosphere in this town?"
"It's totally normal, right? I mean, factions that were at each other's throats yesterday are now gathered together, and there's not even a bit of friction."
Right after Yukino spoke, Eugene nodded in agreement.
"Even I can hardly believe it. The people who were enemies yesterday are now laughing and chatting like nothing happened."
"Exactly. If it had been yesterday, we'd already have started a search-and-destroy operation, right?"
"It's amazing how just one opportunity can completely change the environment."
"Seeing how well the three of you get along now, it's all thanks to Hachiman-kun."
"No, Miss Mebius, this is mainly thanks to all of you."
"I'm part of Hachiman-kun's army now, so call me just 'Mebius,' okay?"
"Ah, sorry."
Seeing Hachiman at a loss for words, Yukino encouraged him:
"It's natural for you to feel overwhelmed, but my sister only acted because she was moved by the strength of your convictions. So have confidence, and go ahead — lead these five."
"Lead? I'm the one asking for help here."
"You're the supreme commander of this mission, kid. Pull yourself together!"
"Eugene... ...Sorry. I'm okay now."
After taking a deep breath, Hachiman looked straight at the five of them. Alisa was the first to speak:
"Just to confirm — this mission's objective is to clear that unimplemented Grand Quest, right? If what you say is true, then just investigating it has great value, and we can also lodge a formal protest with the developers."
At that, Hachiman looked to Yukino, who nodded. He made up his mind and began:
"There's something important I need to tell the four of you."
The atmosphere instantly grew tense.
"I knew there was more to this."
"I figured it wasn't just about proving the quest wasn't implemented."
"So you do trust us — I'm actually kind of happy."
"As long as I'm following Hachiman-kun, I'm good!"
"Needless to say, I'm in."
"Sorry, everyone. What I'm about to tell you must be kept strictly confidential. It all starts with..."
Hachiman began explaining that he was a survivor of SAO — and revealed the true purpose of this operation.
Incredible... But it all makes sense...
"Do the police know about this?"
"Yeah. That's what Sorel said she's handling on the outside."
"This is serious..."
"As players, we can't forgive this! No — as human beings, we can't let this go!"
"Our actions will be the first step in exposing this crime."
"Hachiman-kun and Kirito's precious one is involved... I've never felt this angry in my life."
"Can't even imagine what Mebius looks like when she's mad."
"Miss Yukino, I do get angry at times like this!"
"S-sorry."
"Honestly, I'm furious too. Human experimentation is absolutely unforgivable — and trampling on the ALO players' desire to challenge the Grand Quest is just as bad. I'll give you my full support, both personally and from my army."
"The Sylph forces will do the same."
"Cait Sith are in too!"
"Count the Undines in as well!"
"We may be small, but we'll give you our full backing."
"Making all of you shoulder my selfish request... I'm really sorry... but thank you..."
As Hachiman listened to the five declare their support, his eyes welled up. The others patted his shoulder encouragingly, and then the tactical meeting began.
"Yukino's forces will be the center. Right flank: Sylph army. Left flank: Salamander army. The enemy's mainly coming from the air, so the Undines will provide rear support."
"Our Cait Sith ace unit — the Dragon Riders — will handle air combat."
"Alisa, will the gear be ready in time?"
"Yep. The fairy craftsmen pulled an all-nighter. Everything's ready!"
"That just leaves the frontal assault."
"I'll lead the Salamanders myself. I'll be the vanguard to clear the path."
"Eugene, I'm counting on you."
"My weapon's perfect for dealing with monsters. I'll cut down as many as come!"
"You were annoying as an enemy, but super reliable as an ally!"
"Right back at you."
"And the rest of the frontal squad?"
"Of course it's us, Hachiman."
"I'm joining the front too."
"Kirito! Leafa!"
At some point, Kirito and Leafa had appeared at the door. Both gave Hachiman a thumbs-up and joined the planning session.
"Sorry we're late."
"Didn't worry about it."
"Sorry for making everyone worry."
"Leafa-san, you look well — I guess you're good to go now."
"Yep. Leave it to us. The vanguard will be me, Kirito, and Eugene..."
"P-please let me join too!"
"Recon!?"
Everyone turned to see Recon — the one who'd played a key role yesterday — standing there.
"Oh, Recon. You made it to Alne. You did great this time."
"Yes, Miss Yukino. After that, Sigurd's whereabouts became unknown."
"Recon, you're such a man. Super cool."
"To be honest, I'm kind of crushing on you."
"Mr. Hachiman, Mr. Kirito."
"Recon's really giving it his all."
"Leafa... Th-thank you!"
"Alright. Prep is mostly done. Everyone, go organize your troops. One hour from now — battle starts. Everyone good with that?"
Everyone answered in unison and dispersed, leaving only Hachiman and Kirito.
"It's finally starting."
"Yeah."
"Oh right — before I logged in, Miss Haruno asked me to pass along a message: 'The setup is complete.' What does that mean?"
"When Asuna wakes up and finishes her statement, they can officially nail the charges. Sugou's finished."
"Having Miss Haruno on-site is reassuring."
"By the way, I logged in from near Asuna's hospital."
"That explains it! I logged in from my own hospital room, so I didn't notice."
"This is the final battle. We're gonna win, Kirito."
"Yeah."
An hour later, the coalition army launched a full-scale assault on the Grand Quest area.