Anime Crossover: Master is Not Here Today

"If only the initial aggro value is increased, then players equipped with shields might be able to use the [Taunt] skill to forcibly lure monsters over."

"But if it's a matter of 'having to prioritize attacking a certain target,' then there's nothing we can do."

Asuna nodded knowingly, while Fujimaru Ritsuka also analyzed:

"Since the monster is coming for me, the 'target' might be a player in the back row, or a long-weapon user, right?"

Kirito and Asuna basically agreed with her assessment, but as for what the target was, they could only verify it through battle.

However, what she didn't say was that this could also be a prank by BB, meaning it was entirely aimed at her personally.

So the three decided to continue forward, and soon another [Ruins Kobold Assault Soldier] appeared in front of them.

"So."

At this moment, the three of them slightly modified their formation, with Fujimaru Ritsuka standing in the middle and Kirito at the back.

This way, we can verify what the monster's 'target' really is.

However, this time, the monster reverted to its previous behavior. After being attacked by Asuna, it began to attack her directly, showing no sign of retreating.

"What's going on here?"

After defeating the monster, Kirito and Asuna were both somewhat bewildered. Fujimaru Ritsuka said:

"Let's try again; it might be a probability-triggered event."

"Yes, that's certainly possible."

They had no choice but to accept this explanation and continue to move forward cautiously.

But in the battles that followed, until they slowly climbed the seventeenth step, and until dusk came again today, they never encountered the enemy they had encountered the first time.

Even if it's a probability event, the probability is too low, isn't it? It's even lower than the drop rate of enhancement materials.

This even made Asuna and Kirito doubt themselves, wondering if their initial encounter was just a shared illusion, and that there was actually no mechanism for 'prioritizing attacks on a certain target'.

Meanwhile, Fujimaru Ritsuka became increasingly certain in her heart that the strange situation just now was probably BB's doing.

But this is information that cannot be revealed to the other two.

Seeing Kirito and Asuna's furrowed brows, she smiled and said:

"In short, let's tell Argo the details first and have her write them down."

As frontline players, they would try to communicate any unusual or dangerous situations they encountered to prevent other players from making the same mistakes or even losing their lives.

Since they all know Argo, they usually inform her of this information, which she then publishes in the latest issue of the "Argo Conquest Handbook".

For example, the information they obtained from the player squad leader they rescued a couple of days ago has already been shared with Argo.

"Moreover, Argo, as a well-informed intelligence merchant, might be able to obtain even more information based on the intelligence we provide."

Fujimaru Ritsuka's words made their eyes light up.

Indeed, if it were Argo, he might actually be able to find out something.

After all, the other side is a professional when it comes to intelligence gathering.

Then, she laughed and said:

As for us...

"It's already this late, let's go back and eat!"

Hearing her utter those same words as always, Kirito and Asuna smiled helplessly, and their worries gradually dissipated.

Perhaps because of the unusual event, Kirito felt more tired than usual today, and after quickly finishing his meal, he went back to his room to rest.

Asuna felt exhausted, just like Kirito, but after washing up and lying in bed, she couldn't fall asleep as she recalled the strange scene that had happened that day.

At the same time, she couldn't help but recall what the player team leader had said that day—

The monsters are even more insidious and ferocious, seemingly targeting the player intentionally, filled with malice.

For a moment, she felt a chill run down her spine.

Finally, after tossing and turning in bed for a while, she couldn't help but look at Fujimaru Ritsuka not far away and whispered:

"Ritsuka, are you asleep?"

"Hmm, what's wrong?"

A moment later, a somewhat drowsy response came, sounding like someone who wasn't quite asleep.

Fujimaru Ritsuka, the person involved, didn't seem troubled at all, which made her feel a little silly, but also relieved.

Although she felt apologetic for disturbing the other person's sleep, she still continued to speak softly, somewhat embarrassed:

"Um, Ritsuka, can I sleep at your place with you?"

"I'm having some trouble sleeping."

At this moment, Fujimaru Ritsuka also became a little more awake and noticed that the other person seemed somewhat uneasy for some reason.

"Yeah, okay."

So she responded while wriggling closer to the bed, making room for Asuna.

Asuna moved swiftly. The moment she received permission, she immediately grabbed her pillow, climbed off the bed, and gently slipped into Fujimaru Ritsuka's warm blankets.

Although SAO perfectly recreated their real-life bodies, it shouldn't be possible to even recreate their body odor.

But the moment she got into bed, besides feeling the other person's warm body temperature, she seemed to actually smell a faint fragrance emanating from Fujimaru Ritsuka.

She couldn't describe it with concrete things or words, but it was undoubtedly a comforting and reassuring fragrance.

"What's wrong, Asuna? Is something on your mind?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka asked softly with concern, while taking her hand in a comforting gesture.

"Hmm, it's all over now."

Asuna shook her head slightly. She had indeed wanted to say something, but at this moment, she felt inexplicably at peace.

So she smiled and said:

"Thank you, Ritsuka. Goodnight."

Seeing that Asuna seemed to have truly relaxed, Fujimaru Ritsuka also smiled and said:

"OK, good night."

As soon as she finished speaking, Fujimaru Ritsuka closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep.

With the help of the cool moonlight streaming in through the window, Asuna could see Fujimaru Ritsuka's delicate face even more clearly up close.

As she lay on her side, Fujimaru Ritsuka let down her side ponytail that she had tied up during the day. The orange-red strands of hair slightly obscured her profile, making her unguarded face, which was so close to hers, look even cuter and more delicate than usual.

After spending this time together, she has gained a better understanding of the girl in front of her.

Although she usually appears to be a cute, carefree girl, she is actually very calm and reliable. She is strong in both ability and spirit, giving people an unconscious feeling of wanting to rely on her.

Just like what happened during the day, Fujimaru Ritsuka, who was originally the target, should have been the most panicked person, because she didn't know when the monster would attack her again.

But in reality, Fujimaru Ritsuka also had to soothe her and Kirito's anxious emotions.

Only when sleeping like this will the other person reveal a delicate and tender side that is completely different from that during the day.

But why is Ritsuka so strong?

In the real world, what kind of person is she? What kind of experiences has she gone through?

With such curiosity and questions in mind, Asuna gradually drifted off to sleep.

The author is half-resurrected!

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 156: The First Floor Boss is Discovered

156.

2023-12-04

In the morning, the three gathered and set off to continue exploring the labyrinth, but on the way, they happened to encounter Argo, the elusive intelligence merchant.

However, they had just set off for the labyrinth, while Argo seemed to have just returned from it.

"Argo, good morning!"

"Good morning! Although for me it should be good evening."

Argo chuckled and made a joke, then said to them:

"I was originally planning to investigate further before sending you this message, but since we've run into each other, I'll just briefly explain the current situation."

"I have already informed the other players who have reached level 15 about the information you provided yesterday, and I have also inquired with them about it."

"Currently, it's only the case you encountered; other players haven't experienced anything similar, so the specific cause is impossible to analyze."

"For now, we can only classify it as a special case that occurs with an extremely low probability."

"That's it"

The news Argo brought made Kirito and Asuna's hearts sink slightly.

Seeing their expressions, she patted each of them on the shoulder and laughed:

"Why are you so down? With your abilities, this unexpected situation shouldn't be a big deal, right?"

"I will continue to follow this matter closely and will let you know as soon as there are any new developments."

"And I have another piece of good news for you."

As she spoke, she pulled a thin notebook from her bosom and said with a grin:

"If all goes well, the latest edition of the [Argonauts Strategy Guide] will be available for purchase at various item shops starting this afternoon. Please feel free to visit the shops then!"

"Also, if possible, I hope you can continue to buy from me, Tongzi, hehe~!"

"I do not want it!"

Kirito's face darkened upon hearing this, and he refused through gritted teeth.

During his afternoon chat with Fujimaru Ritsuka and Asuna, he learned that each copy of the "Argonauts Strategy Guide" was sold at item shops in various safe zones, but the price was 0 Coles, meaning it was free.