The morning sun spilled over the streets, washing away the silence of night and filling the town with life once more.
Ryuto and Asuna stood before the teleport gate, preparing to part ways with the Black Cats.
"There's no such thing as an eternal banquet," Ryuto said firmly. "I've taught you all I can. I'll be waiting for you at the frontlines. Work hard, and don't stop moving forward."
Keita and the others quickly responded in unison:
"Definitely!"
"We will!"
Then, to everyone's surprise, Sachi suddenly stepped forward and hugged Ryuto. The atmosphere froze instantly. Ryuto's hands hovered awkwardly, unsure of what to do.
He gently pushed her away, trying to remain calm.
"I understand your gratitude. You don't need to go this far."
But Sachi's words weren't words of thanks.
"I'll become my own hero… Wait for me."
The mood turned even more awkward. Ryuto, scalp tingling with discomfort, grabbed Asuna's hand and hurriedly activated the teleport crystal. Without even offering polite farewells, he and Asuna vanished into the light, leaving the bewildered Black Cats staring after them.
On the 21st floor, the two reappeared at the teleport plaza. Ryuto exhaled in relief and wiped imaginary sweat from his brow.
Asuna, still holding his hand, spoke softly.
"Ryuto-kun… you're really popular with girls."
In a flash of survival instinct, Ryuto denied it three times over.
"I'm not. I didn't. Don't say nonsense."
Then, regaining his composure, he explained carefully.
"Our bond has always been genuine, Asuna. I only like you. As for Sachi… I have no idea where those feelings came from. Time will heal her heart, and she'll forget that unrequited affection."
Hearing this, Asuna understood at once and didn't press further. True to her nature, she remained gentle and considerate, the same dependable partner Ryuto remembered.
Finally, Ryuto let out a long breath and tugged her along toward their guild headquarters—the Silverlight Pavilion.
Before them stood a silver-white hall, its walls traced with crimson designs. The vivid red patterns gleamed against the pale silver, giving the building an almost sacred beauty.
As they stepped inside, a tall woman with long silver-grey hair tied in a ponytail descended from the upper floor. Her expression lit up at the sight of Ryuto, though she did her best to suppress it, keeping her tone composed.
"Master Ryuto, you've returned. Didn't you plan to rest one more day?"
Ryuto scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"How many times have I told you, Yulier? Just call me by name. I'm younger than you—hearing 'Master' makes me feel embarrassed."
But Yulier only shook her head stubbornly.
"No. This is my respect for you. In private, I'll drop the honorifics, but here, within the guild, I'll call you as you deserve. You're the savior who rescued thousands and led players to freedom. That respect is more than earned."
Ryuto sighed. Yulier's unwavering admiration always gave him a headache. He'd considered transferring her, but her talents were exceptional, and she was deeply attached to her role as his secretary. In the end, he had little choice but to let things be.
This was, of course, the very reason Asuna had teased him earlier at the teleport gate about being "popular." Yulier wasn't the first.
Ryuto himself couldn't even remember when she had first appeared by his side. During his rise, he had saved countless players and produced strategy guides. Though Argo now managed the guidebooks, his earlier efforts hadn't been forgotten.
When the Silverlight Pavilion was founded, many players who had once been rescued by him flocked to the guild. Their faith in Ryuto and his ideals became the cornerstone of its growth.
Yulier, with her keen abilities and fierce loyalty, had quickly risen to the role of secretary. Her devotion bordered on blind admiration—she carried out every order of his without hesitation. Beyond that, she even held lectures about Ryuto's story.
She never forced anyone to attend, but the members came of their own accord. Even players from other guilds began to listen.
Her lectures recounted Ryuto's words and deeds, detailed in her notebooks: the struggles he faced, the lives he saved, the philosophy he carried.
They painted his journey from an ordinary player into someone who bore the weight of countless others' hopes. Combined with her own perspective, these stories transformed him into more than just a leader—he had become the guild's very symbol, almost a belief in himself.
Inside the guildhall, Ryuto and Asuna removed their traveling cloaks. Their guild uniforms gleamed—silver garments embroidered with gold and crimson. Ryuto wore a long coat, while Asuna's outfit took the form of a flowing skirt.
Each bore the guild's crest over the chest: a phoenix, embroidered differently for men and women but the same emblem of rebirth and flame.
As they walked, members greeted them enthusiastically.
"Greetings, Commander!"
"Welcome back!"
Ryuto returned their calls with a polite smile and made his way back to his office. Asuna split off to gather members for the next strategy meeting.
Finally behind closed doors, Ryuto let out a long breath of relief.
Watching him, Yulier chuckled softly.
For once, Ryuto glared at her.
"You're laughing? This is your fault. Because of those lectures, I can't step outside the guild without a cloak. I feel like some kind of fugitive."
Holding the document in both hands, Yulier replied earnestly.
"Master Ryuto deserves respect. No one can deny that."
Ryuto didn't bother to argue. Yulier's devotion to him was already beyond saving—her admiration ran too deep, like poison that could no longer be purged.
Seated in his office chair, Ryuto reached out and accepted the document handed over by Yulier, scanning through it with careful attention.
Half an hour later, after finishing the last page, Ryuto set the document down gently. At that moment, Yulier leaned closer, extending her cold, slender hand to rest against his temple.
The cool fingertips pressed lightly against his skin, and the headache from long hours of reading seemed to ease instantly. Ryuto let out a quiet, involuntary sigh of relief.
Somewhat confused, he asked,
"Yulier… where did you learn this?"
Yulier, caught off guard, answered in a daze.
"The sisters in the guild mentioned it. I noticed, Mr. Ryuto, that you often press your forehead after correcting guild records… so I thought this might help relieve your headaches."
Ryuto had to admit, Yulier went above and beyond what any secretary should do—often handling even what she shouldn't have to. He found himself liking her more and more.
(Of course, I mean I like her capability, not anything improper! I'm not being shameless!)
Without stopping her gesture, Ryuto spoke calmly.
"Yulier, you've done excellent work during my short leave these past two days. You've perfectly fulfilled my expectations for guild development. You even managed to recruit a number of advanced life-skill players. The next step is to protect them and provide resources. They've already agreed to sell their crafted goods to us at cost, voluntarily."
"Master Ryuto, you flatter me," Yulier replied modestly.
Even so, Ryuto could clearly hear the happiness in her voice.
He nodded slightly. "The next priority is the assault on the Floor 21 boss. The room was discovered yesterday, and preparations should be complete by today."
"Yes, Lord Ryuto."
"Well then, let's go. Asuna is still waiting for us."
With that, Ryuto gestured for Yulier to stop her gentle massage, rose from his chair, and strode out.