33 Chapter 33: I Refuse.

-Two months, In SAO-

Two months could be short or long depending on the activities that you do.

After the declaration of death game, all players had taken a different path.

Even after Rein has spoken his ideal, most of them didn't hear it seriously. To put it bluntly, they took it as fool's rambling.

The first type of players takes the easiest and hardest path.

Suicide.

Because they don't dare to face the upcoming trial, all they could do is to reject Kayaba's saying and kill themselves with the hope of returning back to their original world.

Alas, it is just a meaningless death and nothing more.

Secondly, players who are static.

Even if they don't accept this death game, that doesn't mean all of them could just jump off the tower. After all, the notion of death itself is the most terrifying thing to face for humanity.

Therefore, all they could do is just rot in the town of beginning without trying to strive for a higher place.

In short, they are the players who run away from reality.

Last but not least, the players who actively progress forward.

Even in this cruel situation, there are still some players who tried to clear Aincrad as soon as possible for returning to their original world.

Even facing the unknown, these players will always rigorously move forward.

However, this type of players is very small compared to the other two types. Moreover, most of them are beta testers who could only do it discreetly since they have the know-how already. If they are not careful, then their ending will only be death due to jealousy of other players.

Therefore, the progress ultimately becomes slow.

Even so, one person who isn't even a beta tester has ridiculous improvement.

That person is, of course, Rein.

In this two months, he goes to many cities he could go, take many quests as he could, and defeat the monster including the named ones (Mid-boss/Area boss.) without caring his own life nor the risk to it.

Most players did know his actions widely. After all, his appearance could only be said as flashy and attraction-seeking.

Due to that, there are some players who tried to leech him up but got backfired in the end.

Although, It is natural.

After all, his level on SAO has already reached 25. The overwhelming gaps ended up them unable to damage one point to him. Hell, they couldn't even hit him in the first place.

To them, Rein is only a boss worse than any other boss in this floor.

Fortunately, at least he spared his life since the penalty of killing the players is quite heavy and gather hate only.

However, all of them would never wish to face this demon anymore.

Why?

Because after getting beaten up badly, Rein warned(?) nicely while smiling faintly to them.

"If you want to steal from me, go ahead. At that time, I will fu*k all of you until you have nothing left." (Rein)

Just as promised, he didn't take any of their lives.

Instead, all of their possessions have been given(?) to Rein for graciously sparing their life. If not, Rein would throw all of them to area boss in low HP while having no potion to cure themselves in one by one.

....How scary.

Due to that, he gained a quite unwanted reputation with an ominous title, 'Smiling Death God.'

"...The hell. What childish name is that?" (Rein)

Unfortunately, he couldn't retract the embarrassing name whether he wants it or not.

In any case, his level and equipment are strong enough to challenge the floor boss.

Today, there will be a meeting for defeating that boss.

Including Rein, the players are heading to the designated location for climbing upward.

*****

-1st Floor, Plaza.-

"...Hey, look. Isn't that the death god?" (Player A)

"Seriously!?... He won't rampage suddenly, right?" (Player B)

"Don't worry, at least in this city, he couldn't attack anybody." (Player C)

"...Even so, I couldn't help it. That guy is just crazy." (Player B)

"Say that again." (Player A)

In the plaza, players are gathering according to their parties or companion. Although, some player also come individually, just like Kirito.

In fact, there is even one person who wears a hood to hide own's face.

Rein, who also come to this place some time ago, become the main discussion for most players, just like seeing a rare animal.

(*sigh*...I guess making a party would be difficult.) (Rein)

Unfortunately, their discussions mainly contain fear and hatred with no ounce of positive views.

Most of the times, people are always jealous of other party's outstanding achievement even if the party doesn't inflict any damages to the surrounding.

It's not based on logic, but emotional.

It is irrational but that's just human nature. Moreover, since Rein didn't even try to hide his actions so players are suspicious and condemning him, being the beta tester.

If Rein didn't have any ability, then he would already be monster' food a long time ago or just be killed by players miserably.

In any case, he can't do anything about it for now. All he could do is to just defeat the floor boss in his own way and resolve his bad reputation from it.

(Then, probably Kirito would be--- wait.) (Rein)

Suddenly, after trying to party with Kirito, he remembers one crucial fact.

If there's no huge change, then Kirito would partner up with 'her' as a duo.

Remembering the original story, it naturally brings a smile to Rein too.

(Fufu, it looks like there's something to expect in the future too.) (Rein)

Currently, Kirito is a loner but, he will end up being the winner group for being the boyfriend of one of the most beautiful girls existed in this world.

Interestingly, that girl's appearance and personality is the complete opposite of him but they still ended up loving each other with no chance of breaking up.

Of course, it won't be definite anymore but Rein has great expectation for both of them to become the best couple.

Because.

(Both of them are so lovely and cute~~) (Rein)

...If people know his thoughts, then he's just a pervert.

Ignoring his sugary thoughts, it is true that people generally like to see a couple being made too rather than conflict. That's why there are many meddlesome third parties trying to be the cupid.

Rein is also the same but if he wants to add reasons to it, then he wants his friend to be happy too.

All in all, he did owe a huge favor to Kazuki who teach him Kendo so he could be their matchmaker for taking care of his grandchild.

Alas, whether his wish could be fulfilled or not haven't been decided yet.

While both sides have contrasting auras, one person in the center of plaza attracts their attention after having enough members.

*Clap* *Clap*

"Alright~~~!! Please pay attention." (???)

Having a blue hair, youthful face and blue colored equipment, this man introduces himself loudly without any stutters or shame in the middle of the plaza.

"I am Diavel! As for my occupation, I am doing a knight right now!" (Diavel)

With this light voice and cheerful face, it makes the heavy atmosphere becoming cheerful instantly.

"Pft, what the heck, man!" (Player B)

"Ahaha! There's no job system in this world you know!?" (Player A)

(Hmm, he's really gifted on leading.) (Rein)

Without any biased opinion, Rein truly thinks that Diavel is a talented leader figure.

In this world, albeit a few, there are people who have a natural gift from birth to lead others. Without him personally saying it, he becomes the leader of the group instantly.

Seeing the place become quiet again, Diavel still continues his speech.

However,

"Now then, I'm sure all of you know the purpose of this meeting, we--" (Diavel)

"Wait a minute!!" (???)

It got interrupted middle way by somebody with a strong Kansai accent.

(Note: In Japan, depending on the region, their accent can be different too. Just like Korean.)

After his shout, this player immediately jumps from the gallery section to the center of the plaza to voices his claim.

The man has an orange and browny mix of hairstyle with pointy shapes. As for his face, it's close to comical rather than fierce while his body stature is quite short compared to the average height of the man.

"Before we begin, I want to say something!!"

Since his action interrupts the attention of the players, all of them including Diavel shut their mouth to listen for his claim.

"My name is Kibaou!! Just like you all, I'm a normal player who aims at the top floor of this game!!"

"After living here for two months, I can't bear it anymore!! A normal player like me can only barely get scraps while beta tester improves faster just because they already know it!! Don't you feel anything!?" (Kibaou)

*Chatter* *Chatter* (Players speaking each other.)

(...*sigh*. It really comes.) (Rein)

Seeing his action and the upcoming event, Rein unconsciously sigh on his mind.

Even if Rein is a fan of SAO, that doesn't mean he knows every detail of the story.

However, this part only he recognized the most.

At the same time, it is an event he wants to possibly avoid it if he can.

(Well, I guess I should prepare myself.) (Rein)

When Rein renews his thought, Diavel interrupts his speech by a question his point.

"Kibaou-san, from your saying...I guess you are unsatisfied with the beta testers?" (Diavel)

"Isn't it obvious!!" (Kibaou)

While spreading his hand, he shouts his dissatisfaction loudly to all players.

"This is a death game where we put our life online!! We all do so!! But, some selfish people keep their knowledge of this game without trying to help us!! Isn't it unfair!! Aren't they too selfish!?" (Kibaou)

"Yes....just like him!!"

While saying so, he pointed his hand toward one person.

The direction he pointed to is none other than Rein.

After he pointed his finger toward Rein, most players immediately changed their eyes into glare full of hatred.

After Kibaou, many players stand up and also point to Rein pouring out their complaints.

"...Yeah. That's true!" (Player A)

"Because of you guys, many people died you know!!" (Player B)

"Take responsibility!!" (Player C)

Condemn and hatred are gathering to Rein in an aggressive manner.

It is a situation where it could lead to a brawl just with a small stimulus.

Kibaou, who becomes the leader shouts out his demand to Rein without constraint.

"Don't you even have a sense of guilt in that small heart!? If you do, come here and kneel to all of us!! Isn't that how a person shows their forgiveness and sincerity!!"

"...Kuh."

Kirito, who see this scene become to feel frustrated and angry the more he listens to it. If possible, he immediately wants to stop it since his friend is in a bad position.

(...Damn it.) (Kirito)

But he can't.

If he does so, then it may lead to a worse possible situation. The identity of him being the beta tester stops his feet. There's no guarantee that no players in here didn't know his identity since rumors of his impressive actions could already be spread from info broker.

If that happens, rather than helping him, it will be just adding oil to fire and nothing more.

As for Rein himself?

"Hmm." (Rein)

He only stays indifferent with a calm face.

Not equal?

Beta testers are wrong?

Everything is his fault?

While standing up slowly, he heads toward to the center of the plaza.

*Tak* *Tak* *Tak* (Sound of stepping)

Step by step, Rein close the distances with Kibaou at a slow pace.

Seeing his action, Kibaou sneers inside his heart.

(Heh, even if you are the great 'Death God', there's no way you could beat every player in here.) (Kibaou)

To Kibaou, he doesn't care whether Rein is truly a beta tester or not.

Just his achievements similar to beta testers make the people VIEW him so.

Then all he needs is the pinpoint his words so it will incite the players' anger to Rein unanimously.

The reason is simple.

(Hehe. with this, the secret will all be mine!!) (Kibaou)

It will benefit him greatly.

That's all.

If he could make Rein cough out all of his current possession and knowledge for 'apology' and 'sincerity', then his goal will be fulfilled.

Hatred for beta testers?

He only uses it for a successful propaganda and nothing more.

It doesn't matter what the truth is.

If people BELIEVE and WANT it to be that way, then it will be their JUSTICE and TRUTH.

*Tak*

After walking for a moment, Rein reached in front of Kibaou who's waiting. While facing him directly, Rein finally speaks for the first time.

"Apology, is it?" (Rein)

"Yeah!! If you really feel guilty, then show your sincerity!!" (Kibaou)

"That's right, that's right!!" (Player A)

"Show us!" (Player B)

"Go kneel!~~ Go kneel!~~" (Player C)

After one lead the encore, most players began to continue it just like cheering.

The situation is the worse.

There's no escape route.

(Damn! if it's going to be this way, then !!) (Kirito)

Kirito, who already grip both of his tightly deciding to rescue Rein if anything goes bad happen to him. No matter what the consequences, he feels worth as it's finally the time to repay his benefactor back.

As expected of the protagonist, his action befits the titles and role he has.

However, that won't be necessary.

Why?

To all of the people who reject him, to all player who hates him,

He only has one answer to them.

With a smile, he responds to Kibaou directly to his face with a clear voice.

"I refuse." (Rein)