Chapter Sixty-Three: Conquering the First Layer (2)

If Lancer's words earlier were filled with pride, so much so that even though everyone knew that, in this game, nothing but strength could protect them, his aura of arrogance left them feeling that to argue with him would be an act of grave disrespect. Now, however, Lancer seemed like a furious beast, burning with intensity.

Though Fang King wished to retort, he was utterly overwhelmed by Lancer’s presence and could only slink away to sit at the front, defeated.

Seeing Lancer completely subdue Fang King, Tia Belu stepped forward once more to preside over the strategy meeting. “The information on the boss has been updated. Everyone can collect details about the boss and its minions from the item shop. I won’t go into specifics—study it yourselves. We meet tomorrow morning. The money will be split equally, but the boss’s experience and treasures go to whoever claims them. Any objections? If not, we’re dismissed. You may continue leveling up or rest as you see fit. For the sake of tomorrow’s raid and everyone’s safety, please manage your time wisely.” She clapped her hands, signaling dismissal.

With the meeting adjourned, everyone scattered, teaming up with newcomers to hunt monsters and prepare for cooperation. Fang King, eager to improve his reputation and show his actions weren’t for selfish gain, sought out Tia Belu for a private talk. Lancer smirked disdainfully; he, who had survived countless schemes and manipulations during the Arthurian era due to his iron-blooded approach, was long immune to such tricks. He believed time would reveal the truth.

As the gathering ended, Asuna, wearing her hat, departed. Lancer did not pursue her; he simply sat, watching the crowd below with a mocking gaze, each person hiding their own intentions. If anyone did not understand, they could seek explanations in the reviews—he would write them there. Smiling faintly, he left the square to find Kirito.

“Hey, Lancer, tell me—are you interested in her?” Kirito, though underage, felt free to tease in the game, holding a cup of fruit wine.

“Go drink your juice,” Lancer replied, unwilling to waste his breath. After all, she would be the heroine later—Kirito’s girl, perhaps. Besides, Lancer intended to help Kirito rescue the Black Cat group; who Kirito would end up with was yet uncertain.

Kirito wanted to object to the “juice” comment, but seeing the strong liquor in Lancer’s hand, he had nothing to say. Alcohol numbs the nerves, and as a neural game, SAO could perfectly replicate its taste. Kirito dared not challenge Lancer in this regard.

As the two sipped their drinks, intending to continue into the night—

“Hey, kid, you know this place too?” A hearty yet steady voice reached Lancer’s ears.

“Oh, it’s you—the uncle with the axe,” Lancer said, though he knew the man’s name. He decided to tease and see how he’d react.

The man shook his head helplessly. “I’m not much older than you, yet you call me ‘uncle’?” He sighed again.

Seeing this actor playing along, Lancer could only shake his head. “Alright, out with it—why are you here to find me?”

Kirito sat beside them, unsure how to join the conversation. Clearly, this was someone Lancer had met after Kirito left earlier. He simply drank his fruit wine, pretending not to hear, but the newcomer was not about to let him off.

---

“You’re the beta tester who leaked the information, right?” Agil spoke as if saying thanks, voicing what Kirito least wanted to hear.

“Pfft!” Kirito spat his wine.

“What the—! I was gone for a few minutes, and now even random uncles know my identity?” Agil wanted to protest the “random uncle” label, but seeing Kirito’s clear distress over his exposed status, he decided to keep drinking.

“Come on, don’t sweat the small stuff,” Lancer said, ignoring Kirito and sipping his drink.

“Hey! How is this a small thing? It’s—”

“Kirito, calm down. I never revealed your identity; this uncle just guessed. I doubt he was certain at first.” Turning away, Lancer called, “Another round!”

Kirito stared speechlessly at Agil. Agil, pretending to savor his drink with closed eyes, opened one eye and teased, “Being a beta tester is impressive, but kid, you still lack real-world experience.”

“What should I do?” Kirito turned to Lancer.

“What do you mean?” Lancer feigned ignorance, ignoring Kirito’s panicked sweating.

“My identity, of course! I—”

“Idiot, what’s the rush? Those fools don’t understand how hard you beta testers worked; why bother accommodating them? You hid all the high-risk areas and revealed only the safest routes, even if slow. Is that wrong?” As if nothing had happened, Lancer continued drinking.

“Forget it. Our identities would be exposed sooner or later. I don’t want to worry about it anymore.” Lancer’s words soothed him; after all, being misunderstood for caring about others never feels good.

“That’s right. Enjoy the moment. What do you say, uncle?”

“I don’t know what to say.” The uncle drank deeply before continuing, “Is that really something people your age would say?” He didn’t refute Lancer, just voiced his doubts.

“Who knows?”

---

“No matter who you are, since Lancer doesn’t object, let’s be friends. I’m Kirito,” Kirito said, trusting his unusual classmate.

“Heh, Agil.” The uncle was delighted. He didn’t know if their words were true, but Lancer and Kirito gave him a good impression. He planned to share what he learned with others—unity, not inner conflict, was needed now. Changing people’s views of beta testers might smooth things on the early floors.

“To our success!”

“Heh, indeed—to our success.”

“And me too, to our success.” Agil and Lancer downed their drinks in a single gulp, while Kirito, face contorted, followed suit.

“Cough—cough—”

“Haha, kid, stick to juice.”

“Not fair! You tricked me again!”

“Idiot, who told you to keep up with us?” Lancer and Agil exchanged smiles, clinked glasses, and drank again.

“You’re hopeless.” Kirito could only accept being outmatched and tricked by Lancer, who always seemed to have the upper hand.