38 Chapter 38: Peaceful is always The Best.

-The Next Day.-

"..Uhmmm..." (Rein)

[Beep! Beep!]

[The time is 8:00 A.M., Please wake up.]

"..Uhhh..."

While rubbing his eyes, Rein raises his upper body with a disheveled hair.

"..(Stretching)...Fuwahhhh... It's been a while I sleep like a log."

Even after entering this world, he didn't have any proper sleep to get as much experience and material he could get.

Therefore, just like in the real world, his sleeping schedule is equivalent to workaholic on each and every day without exception.

Although, last night he could sleep comfortably because of yesterday's harsh boss battle.

Even Rein could feel tired physically and mentally after using Limitless two times consecutively.

"Well, I should get ready."

Yesterday, players including him had a eventful battle.

However, what awaits them is just another trial and city to face.

Today is still the same as another day on the death game.

The road to freedom is still long, long ahead.

******

-8:15 A.M. 2nd floor: Urbus, inn. -

*Tak* *Tak* *Tak* (Sound of stepping stair.)

"Oh, good morning. It looks like you are an early riser." (Agil)

"Good morning, Rein-san." (Asuna)

After finished preparing himself up, he went down to the lobby of the inn.

What awaits him is Agil with a smile facing him and Asuna...

Who takes her hood off.

Bright, chestnut long hair and an utterly beautiful face that can win any woman alive easily. Although, since she is currently on her early 10s, her facial features is close to cute rather than pretty.

From yesterday's battle, Asuna ended up taking off her hood after being ripped off from yesterday's fight.

Due to that, not only Kirito, even other players are mesmerized from her appearance.

But,

"Good morning, both of you. Am I late?" (Rein)

With a smile, Rein greets both of his party members.

"No, there's still 15 minutes before the promised time." (Agil)

"You are still okay." (Asuna)

Rein is perfectly unfazed with it.

Since he already gets used to her appearance from the anime and illustration, there's no exaggerating reaction coming from himself.

If he wants to comment though, Asuna is on par with Athena regarding in appearance' level.

*Tuk* (Rein taking a seat.)

"Has Kirito already woke up?" (Rein)

*Shakes head*

"No, I never see him yet." (Agil)

"I guess that person is still asleep." (Asuna)

"Haha. looks like he is still a sleepyhead even in this world." (Rein)

In the real world, every time he comes to Suguha's house early in the morning, Kirito would always be deeply sleeping after playing SAO until midnight.

Although Suguha and even Rein scold him for doing so, he won't even budge at all.

Indeed, Kirigaya's family are all hard-headed in their ways.

Seeing Rein's laugh, Asuna ended up becoming curious.

"Do you know that person from real life too?" (Asuna)

*Nods*

"Yes, he's my friend for a year already. In his house, I practiced with his grandfather in kendo for a while. So we meet frequently." (Rein)

"Hooo...I guess that explains your skills." (Agil)

"Un. Yesterday, you were amazing." (Asuna)

"(smiles) Thanks for the compliment. Both of you are also the same. Agil-san's every strike is powerful while Asuna-san's rapier is very fast, just like a flash. "

Compared to yesterday, the mood is more relaxing and peaceful.

Since they are companions who have overcome the death battle together, they naturally become closer.

Even Asuna, who is indifferent at all times also smiles frequently at this moment.

"Still, you don't need to be that formal. Just call me Agil."

"...Me too. It feels awkward if you say '-san' to me ."

*Nod*

"...Alright. Ah, then you can also call me Rein without honorific too. I also don't like being stiff."

"Understood." (Asuna) | "Ou." (Agil)

(This feels nice.) (Rein)

Having this kind of conversation, it unconsciously bring a smile on Rein's face.

In these two months, he lives as a solo player at all times so having a friend beside you truly makes him peaceful.

He doesn't even know how does Kirito could do solo for two whole years.

(Pfft, he's really the King of Loner.) (Rein)

....What a cruel friend.

*Growl* (Stomach grumbling.)

"...Ah." (Asuna)

While holding her stomach, Asuna is lowering her face with a blush due to embarrassment.

Seeing her reaction, Rein takes out his handmade food to them while smiling at her.

I guess in any world; human will always feel hunger.

"Here. If you don't mind, you can eat mine. At least you can save money." (Rein)

"....Is it fine?" (Asuna)

*Nods*

"Of course."

"...Thank you." (Asuna)

"Oh, never thought you could cook. Can I have some too?" (Agil)

"Sure."

While giving each of them a sandwich, Rein also grabs one for himself.

*Nom* *Nom* (Chewing)

".. Uhmm. I guess it's not that bad." (Rein)

While nodding satisfyingly with his food...

"!!! Whoa! This is so delicious!" (Agil)

"...Un. Frustratingly so..." (Asuna)

Both of them express their shock after eating the delicacy.

In this world, Rein also put effort on cooking too since it's one of the enjoyment for him.

Due to that, his cooking level in this world has already reached Level 6.

Of course, to Agil who never eat his food, he will definitely be satisfied with it.

...Even Asuna feels crying on her heart. For a man able to cook much, much better than a girl like her.

"Eat all you want. I have seconds if you want to." (Rein)

"Really!? Then, I won't hold back!" (Agil)

"...." (Asuna)

Compared to Agil overreacting all the time, Asuna's reaction is quiet.

But her fast hands and chewing mouth like a hamster expressed her meaning clearly than ever.

(Pfft, she really is adorable.) (Rein)

The sight of her eating quickly while puffing her cheeks like a squirrel is truly priceless.

If there's a camera utility on SAO, then he will definitely take it even if he will get mad badly.

While they are eating, Kirito finally comes down from upstairs after just waking up.

*Tak*

*Tak*

*Tak.*

"...Fuwaaahhhh. Morning. You are all so early." (Kirito)

Seeing him coming down with a sleepy face and disheveled hair, Rein smiles to him.

"Morning sleepy head. We are enjoying breakfast right now. Do you want to join?" (Rein)

Hearing that, Kirito immediately change his droopy eyes into a sparkling star.

...He's really a glutton.

"Oh, your handmade food? Then, of course, I will. It's been a long time I haven't eat yours." (Kirito)

"It won't be the same as the real world, you know?"

"I don't mind. Your skill is the best in any world."

"Haha, you always know how to make me happy."

After that, Kirito also takes a seat while Rein himself give the sandwich to Kirito too.

For a while, four of them enjoy a pleasant breakfast without caring about the fate of players with a happy mood.

(....Really, I'm glad I come to this world.) (Rein)

Rein never experiences this kind of event even in his past life.

laughing together, eating together, and talking without constraint.

It is just an ordinary scene where you can find anywhere in the original world.

That is why it is the most treasured event recorded in his life.

*****

What did he get after working endlessly for his father in the previous life?

Nothing.

No reward, no compliments, or even a familial love toward his own biological son.

Instead, he only says one thing plainly and coldly.

"Go do your next job. You still have uses for my company."

It was not on the level of suffocating or family fight.

Their relationships are purely tools and the user.

That's all.

Worse, the job given is mostly the dirty ones until it makes 'James' killed people either in social...or in physical aspect.

As for the father, he only sucked the juice out of it while basking in glory of the society.

But that is all in the past.

His current life is this scene in front of him.

True. Beneath his feet, thousands of bodies had already been piled up for his goal.

Even so, he does gain something from it.

The first thing is his freedom.

Secondly,

"(Mutters)....Thank you." (Rein)

"Hmm? did you say something, Rein?" (Kirito)

Is this boy in front of him.

Because he sticks with him, even though he is labeled as the bad guy.

Having Kirito on his life is the biggest reward he could get.

"(Smiles) It's nothing. Do you still want more? I have another variation if you want to."

"Really!? Then I want the larger one!!"

"Me too!! Seconds please!" (Agil)

"One for me too." (Asuna)

"Hahaha. Calm down. I have portions for everyone. Eat it slowly."

Most of the times, people wish for exciting days such as going to a fantasy world for romantic adventure.

But for Rein, if he's given a choice, then he won't hesitate on choosing this kind of life.

Since he never experiences the normal life, then all the more so he appreciates this moment gratefully.

Because it is irreplaceable to anything in the world.