Chapter 65: Conquering the First Layer (4)-The Roaming Homebody(Just a lolicon.)

"Ugh~ Ugh~" Lancer stood in the middle of the forest, stretching lazily.

"Smack!" But immediately afterward, a heavy blow landed on his back. "Damn it, Kirito, that really hurts!" Lancer shouted at Kirito.

"Can’t you at least be serious today? We’re about to take on the first floor’s boss, not just some random field monster," Kirito was utterly speechless at Lancer’s habitual indolence.

"Sasa, don’t worry," Lancer thought to himself that he couldn’t exactly tell Kirito the boss on this floor was a complete fool. Other than basic attacks, the boss barely had any skills, and the only real threat was when it switched weapons. As long as he warned everyone, there wouldn’t be much of a problem. If it weren’t for the sake of caution, Lancer would’ve suggested just the two of them team up to farm the boss. The experience and loot would’ve been abundant.

"I really don’t know where your confidence comes from," Kirito covered his head in exasperation. He was at a loss with this companion of his, whose strength was undeniable, but whose personality was desperately in need of adjustment.

"Fine, let’s assign tasks now." At this, Kirito’s face became serious, the playful expression from moments before gone.

"Our mission is to take out the boss’s minions, the ‘Goblin Guards’. They’re roughly half as strong as field bosses. Lancer, you can handle them, right?" Kirito glanced at Lancer, who was stifling a yawn.

"No problem, leave it to me!" Lancer replied, even sneaking a glance at Asuna, who was standing nearby in her cloak.

"Even though your words sound normal, I can’t help but feel a lecherous vibe coming from you," Kirito didn’t see Lancer’s movement, but after two months together, he’d come to understand him a bit. Seeing Lancer so unbothered, he knew his expression spoke louder than his words.

"Alright then. I’ll ambush the minions. Once the boss shifts its focus to me, Asuna, you and Lancer hit it hard. Is that clear?" Asuna nodded in understanding.

"After we finish off the boss’s minions, we’ll support the main party in taking down the boss. From then on, we’ll have to rely on our own adaptability. Any problems?" Kirito looked at both Lancer and Asuna. They both nodded.

The three fell silent, even Lancer, usually the most carefree, growing serious out of concern for his comrades’ preparedness.

As the group reached the door to the boss room atop the tower…

"Damn it, this is just unfair! Why is it that when you two kill regular goblin soldiers, you get their weapons and armor, but I only ever get the scrap metal from their packs?" Lancer’s complaint drew laughter from everyone.

When they’d first seen Lancer in the plaza, he’d seemed unapproachable, but as they ascended the tower, he’d revealed another side of himself. His skill was something everyone respected, but his luck was so terrible it was almost admirable. Most people here had gotten two or three pieces of equipment from monsters, with Asuna scoring five or six. Lancer, on the other hand, only ever got materials, never equipment. His roars of frustration were now a familiar sight; if monsters didn’t disappear after death, he’d probably go desecrate their corpses out of spite.

The group sat down to rest outside the boss room, sorting through their gear and supplies. No one wanted to be caught mid-fight with a broken weapon—such a fate would be too tragic.

"Everyone!" Lancer suddenly called out as they rested.

When all eyes turned to him, Lancer produced a piece of fruit. "This was a reward from a quest I did a while ago. If you don’t have anything to remove debuffs, come and take one. This quest is critical, and whatever your personal reasons for being here, at least this time we’re comrades. I once swore I would never let another comrade vanish before my eyes. It may not be much, but it could make a difference at a crucial moment." With that, he pulled out a string of fruit from his pack, exactly enough for everyone present.

Agil, knowing Kirito was a beta tester, was sure that anything Lancer provided would be valuable. When he picked one up and read the description, his eyes widened.

"This is…" The others, curious at Agil’s reaction, also picked one up to read the description.

"Blood Crystal: Hemostatic fruit. Restores 10% HP and cures bleeding status level 10 or below. To use—consume." The description was simple, but the effect was impressive. Bleeding occurred when struck by bladed weapons, causing continuous HP loss, and could only be stopped with a bandage outside combat. According to the intel, the boss this time wielded a blade, making this item perfect.

Tiapello, himself a beta tester, knew just how valuable such an item was in a game where death was permanent. He hadn’t expected Lancer to offer them freely—these would fetch a high price, but what’s money compared to survival? No one wanted to bleed to death just because they couldn’t escape combat.

"Alright, now that everyone has one, you should feel more confident. All I have left to say is this—everyone, come back alive!"

"Oh! Of course!"

"Do you even need to say that? I haven’t even gotten a girlfriend yet!"

"Hah, as if this boss could keep us here!"

The already high morale soared even higher with Lancer’s selfless gesture and Tiapello’s blessing.

"We shall return victorious!" At that moment, Lancer recalled a soldier’s shout before a past battle—facing fierce combat, filled with uncertainty. The only difference was that back then, he had listened from above; this time, he was the one leading the cry.

The fired-up players exchanged glances and followed Lancer’s rallying call.

"We shall return victorious!"

…

With their spirits at their peak, everyone began the first raid of this death game.

The massive doors to the boss room creaked open under Tiapello’s hands…