Argo stared at the brown leather-bound notebook Asuna had placed before him. He still didn't understand why she had suddenly brought up this free strategy guide.
But the moment he flipped it open and saw the contents, his eyes widened in shock.
The detailed strategies listed countless efficient training areas—many of them highly profitable—some of which even he, an experienced information broker, had never heard of.
Because of that, many beta testers had cursed the anonymous author behind the book, calling him an idiot for giving away such valuable intel.
And yet… no one could escape the "true fragrance" law.
The same people who mocked the unknown author happily used the very guide they ridiculed. They hated him, but they benefited from his work—a perfect little irony of human nature.
"The person who wrote this must've been a top-tier beta tester. But… what does that have to do with Ryuto's stinginess and love of money?"
Suddenly, something clicked in Argo's mind.
Her gaze locked on the calm-faced Ryuto across from her. All the fragments of suspicion snapped together into one picture: A great player. A free guidebook. Someone rich enough to afford giving it away.
Every clue pointed straight at the young man sitting before her.
Asuna leaned forward and, almost casually, exposed the truth.
"Why do you think Ryuto's so stingy? It's because the two of us not only have to buy our own equipment and potions—we also paid for every single copy of that manual. People get to enjoy his hard work for free, then turn around and slander him. That's how ugly people can be."
Silence.
Endless silence.
The false image Argo had formed was stripped away in an instant, and the truth underneath made her speechless. The so-called "selfish miser" was actually a silent benefactor, and the "heroes" people admired might just be those chasing glory.
It was almost laughable.
"…Sorry."
The apology was quiet, pale, and far too small to make up for her earlier words. But Argo hadn't known Ryuto's true motives, nor could she see through his and Asuna's levels. Since they hadn't shown any intention of challenging the first-floor boss, she had assumed they were simply afraid of dying.
Even with the best gear and resources, they were staying back while others fought. It wasn't wrong for her to think they were avoiding risk—but Asuna's words had made her realize just how hurtful her assumptions had been.
Ryuto only waved a hand, speaking in his usual calm tone.
"Asuna and I weren't planning to go because, with our levels and equipment, most of the boss's drops would end up with us. And since a field boss can only be killed once, those rewards are unique. If we hoard them, it won't strengthen the front lines—and the last floor will take all of us working together."
He paused, then continued.
"…But because of what you said, I've been thinking. If we don't go, the raid might lose key damage output… and that could get people killed."
His crimson eyes narrowed slightly.
"I don't want to be a hero. But if fate chooses me, then I'll lead everyone through this game—and bring them out of the shadow of death alive."
Argo stared at him as he stood. For a moment, she thought she saw the silver-haired, red-eyed boy radiating light—embodying the very greatness of human resolve.
Small in body, but with a will equal to the gods.
"In five days? We'll be there," Ryuto said.
Argo quickly added, "There's a strategy meeting at the labyrinth entrance in four days. I hope you can come. Also, I—"
Ryuto cut her off with a wave of his hand.
"A meeting in four days? I'll be there."
He turned and left with Asuna.
On the way back to the blacksmith, Ryuto's thoughts lingered on what he'd just said. This world still didn't feel like home to him—Asuna was his only real bond here. To everyone else, he was just another avatar.
But during all those days of leveling, he had seen too many new players cut down by monsters. Too many grief-stricken deaths. Without thinking, he had saved them when he could, then started creating and distributing manuals for those who hadn't played the beta. He wanted to help every player willing to work hard.
Once, the word Madonna—someone selflessly kind—had been a compliment. But over time, in the warped society he'd known, it had turned into an insult. He had met too many "Madonnas" who used their ideals to condemn others, to claim the moral high ground while tearing people down.
Gradually, he had begun to despise such people… to the point where he had taken up the very "weapon" they used—the keyboard—and fought them on their own ground.
I've become the very thing I once hated.
Yet, as he clenched his fist, a quiet determination burned in his chest.
But if living that way means I can save those who are fighting to survive… then I'll gladly become the person I used to despise.
"No… No, from the very beginning, what I've hated most are those who blame others, make endless demands, yet have no humanity of their own. The ones they mock as 'Madonnas'—I've always sincerely admired and respected those people."
Having untangled his thoughts, Ryuto felt the weight lift from his shoulders. His dull silver hair seemed to gleam once more under the light.
He stopped walking, turned to face Asuna, and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. His voice was calm, but carried a quiet resolve.
"Asuna… will you support me? Support me in a long, grueling task?"
Asuna met his gaze. Since he had pulled her from the restaurant earlier, Ryuto had been silent, walking forward with a heavy aura pressing around him. But now… it was as though every restraint had fallen away. His crimson eyes shone with unwavering confidence.
From his earlier exchange with Argo, Asuna had already guessed his intent—to clear the game while keeping as many players alive as possible.
"Yes," she said, her voice steady. "I will. I'll support you with everything I have. But… we agreed to carry this together. We're not separate anymore."
Her fingers brushed the flower-shaped ring on her right hand's ring finger as she spoke, sealing her promise.
"I want to lead players against this floor's boss," Ryuto declared, "then form a guild—our guild—and guide them to the very end. We'll clear the game, and we'll do it without leaving anyone behind."
"I'll make it happen. I promise."
He smiled faintly, then glanced down the street.
"Come on. First, let's check on my weapon. Then we'll stock up on the best supplies we can find, grind levels hard… and take our first step forward."
With Asuna at his side, Ryuto continued toward the blacksmith's shop, anticipation building for the weapon that awaited him.
Kayaba Akihiko… wash your neck and wait. I may not see myself as a hero, but I've already set my resolve. Your good days are over.
...
TN:
Support this story with Reviews and Power Stones~ 😊
100 Power Stones → +1 Bonus Chapter10 Reviews → +1 Bonus Chapter
Please Enjoy. 🙇♂️