39 Chapter 39: Familia Myth

"Fuuhh... Thanks for the treat." (Agil)

"Thanks for the food." (Kirito) | "Thanks for the food." (Asuna)

While clapping both of their flat hands together, all three of them give thanks to the food they ate.

Rein, who sees this scene ended up feeling relaxed while smiling on his face.

"Looks like you all enjoyed it. Still, I didn't expect Agil also follow Japanese' culture. Aren't you a foreigner?" (Rein)

"I'm born in Japan so you can say I'm Japanese. Besides, if you say that, aren't you also a foreigner? Your silver hair and golden iris eyes. No Japanese would have those kinds of traits." (Agil)

"Well, I also moved into Japan for a year, so I guess I'm used to it."

" I see."

*Kohon* (Rein pretending to cough)

"Now then, since we all filled our stomach, let's move to the real topic." (Rein)

After saying that, all three of them begun to concentrate on Rein's words while making a serious face.

They know that Rein has a purpose of gathering them like this, so his next words will impact their future decisions.

Their guesses are correct.

Because Rein has an offer to them.

"Would you like to join my guild?" (Rein)

He wants to rope them into his team before anybody does.

*****

Just like what a wise person once said, "Only the early bird gets the worm."

However, instead of immediately replying to him, Kirito and Agil cross hands while pondering it.

As for Asuna, she didn't respond to Rein but just thinking quietly while closing her eyes.

"Hmm..." (Kirito)

"Fumu..." (Agil)

"...." (Asuna)

Of course, this reaction is expected from Rein too.

That's why he changed his question.

"Well, let me change the topic a bit. What do you all think about yesterday's fight? Did you feel comfortable fighting with these members?" (Rein)

For that question, Agil immediately nods his head while looking toward Rein.

"I like these members. We all cover each other' weakness and have their unique points. Firstly, Kirito who have superior sword skill. ...Probably, you are a beta tester, right?" (Agil)

Agil's suspicion is not baseless.

After seeing Kirito's fighting style, he immediately linked to Beta tester because he's TOO USED into it.

As for Asuna, she is strong but doesn't know much about the game system nor the boss battle itself.

Therefore, with this drastic comparison, he deduces that Kirito has done boss battle before.

"...Yeah, you are right." (Kirito)

For Kirito who make a bitter and awkward face, Agil only smiles reassuringly to him.

"Don't worry. I have no prejudice toward you guys. Rather, if I can be friends with you, It will benefit me, getting more information."

Hearing that, Kirito has begun to relax while sighing in relief.

"...Thanks for saying that."

Continuing his words, this time Agil face toward Asuna.

"Secondly, Asuna. Your performance at that time was stunning. Because of you, we can deal more damages to the boss from the rapid combo."

*Nods*

"Yeah. Honestly, your rapier is too fast. I couldn't even see your movement." (Kirito)

"...I work hard for it." (Asuna)

She doesn't react much when both of them compliments her. But inside her mind, it makes her a bit happy since her effort is being recognized.

Finally, Agil faces toward the leader-figure of this group.

"Lastly, it's you, Rein."

"Oh, what do you think of me from yesterday's battle? Am I a burden?" (Rein)

Seeing him who smile teasingly while spouting nonsense, Agil can only wryly smiles while shaking his head.

"Of course not. Rather, it's the complete opposite. In the entire battle, you cover all teams easily, repelling off the minions' attack. Not only that, you could even handle the boss' attack for tens of minutes while giving precise and accurate commands to us. In this members...no in all players, you are the most terrifying one I ever know."

"Haha, that's exaggerating. I couldn't win if you all gang up to me, you know?" (Rein)

"I wonder about that? Most probably, it's going to be us, fallen on the floor miserably if that happens."

"I won't even doubt it." (Kirito)

"I agree." (Asuna)

Not only Agil but even Kirito and Asuna voice out their own opinion clearly.

True, Rein's ability compared to other players is too abnormal.

Without any biased view, if Rein got serious, then all three of them will never win even in 100 to 100 matches.

However, that's not the only reason all of them see Rein positively.

"Also, you even give me the drop item from the Boss." (Kirito)

"...I just don't want to take suspicion, that's all." (Rein)

"Hee~~~. Is that really the only reason?"

"Pft, the position is the opposite from yesterday." (Agil)

"Fufu." (Asuna)

"...." (Rein)

....Gosh, they really are similar.

Instead of helping him, Agil and Asuna could still enjoy like it's none of their concern.

Truly, they are all bad(?) people.

As for yesterday's revenge, now Kirito could tease Rein shamelessly without holding back.

Just as Diavel suspected, The Kobold Lord had dropped the item from the player who killed it.

Midnight Coat.

For the early phase of the game, this equipment could give a large boost and sense of safety for the player who equips it.

But, Rein didn't take it for himself and immediately gave it to Kirito.

"Here, It's for you. You fit well with black color." (Rein)

On the surface, Rein gives it to Kirito without regret just because he doesn't want to be seen as a selfish person.

However, for Kirito knowing this guy for a year already, even he knows Rein's true purpose.

(Geez...He's really not honest in times like this.)

It's for his protection.

Instead of monopolizing it, he still cares more for his friend.

Asuna and Agil also didn't mind since the one who gets the item can choose the way of using it.

That's why all three of them could trust Rein deeply.

'If he lead us, then we all will be safe.'

That kind of thinking has been implanted due to his kind actions.

Seeing their reactions, he blushes a little and only could scratch his cheek due to embarrassment.

"...Sheesh. Don't tease an adult." (Rein)

Seeing him react like this, they ended up smiling toward this shy person.

(How cute.) (Agil) (Kirito) (Asuna)

It ended up making them feel closer to him.

That he's also human, just like them.

*Cough*

Recomposing himself, Rein faced toward Agil who finished saying his opinion.

"Fuuhh...I guess that's all. What about both of you? What do you feel from yesterday's fight?" (Rein)

"I also agree with Agil on this. With this team, we could go far." (Kirito)

"Same here." (Asuna)

Both of them is saying it shortly but positive on Rein's idea.

That means all of them to have the intention of joining his guild.

So why they still hesitate?

With a smile, Rein faced toward three of them directly.

"Hmm, all of you agree that we are on a good team. Then, what makes you ponder in agreeing immediately?" (Rein)

For that question, Agil immediately answers it with a straight ball.

"Because of you." (Agil)

"Me...is it." (Rein)

"Yes, you."

After taking a deep breath, Agil voices out the reason for their hesitation.

"True, you are strong. Maybe the strongest player in this world. But in another angle, that's all. Not only you are in an awkward position in the players' view, but there are also even some people who don't have any positive opinion of you. ...Trust is not something easily gained after you lose it. If we are a guild planning to fight in the front line, all the more so. Nobody would cooperate with us."

"...Sorry Rein, but I'm also the same." (Kirito)

"...Me too. I'm thankful to you from yesterday, but this concerns our future." (Asuna)

Instead of being frustrated, Rein only smiles to them while nodding to it.

To Kirito who is making a bitter face too, he also doesn't mind.

Private and work relationship should be divided.

Besides.

(They really are the perfect candidate.) (Rein)

He doesn't want baby chicks who follow each of his orders blindly.

They are not his employees and Rein is not their boss either.

By voicing out their opinion and discussing seriously to it, then they could really be called as a guild.

"Your opinions are all correct." (Rein)

"...Then, why do you even bring this idea in the first place? If you already know it, isn't it a waste of time?" (Agil)

*Shakes head*

"No, there's meaning to it. Right now, you all THINK about it, right? That is enough already. That means all of you are considering it seriously, instead of flatly rejecting my offer."

"Hohh...I see."

hearing that, Agil becomes convinced of his reasoning.

That is true.

Rein's offer is truly attractive, but the cons are outweighing the pros so they couldn't easily say yes to it.

That's why,

"I will give insurance to all of you." (Rein)

The rest is his job to resolve their hesitation.

"...Insurance?" (Asuna)

Not only Asuna, even Agil, and Kirito tilt their head, not understanding what he wants to say.

"Today, I will give you proof that joining my guild will be the best decision you made in your life. Please wait for one day. Until midnight, I will erase those kinds of disadvantages instantly."

After that, he faces Kirito while smiling devilishly to him

It's not his style to get punched only without countering back.

"But Kirito, you are an exception."

"Eh?" (Kirito)

"Whether the guild is built or not, you have to join me for the rest of the journey. Ah, this is not a request but an order."

"HAAA!!?"

Hearing that, Kirito becomes surprised and stands up from his seat.

"What the heck! Why do you decide that for yourself! I have my freedom to choose, alright!?"

"Ahh, ~~~ My item box feels so empty~~~ I'm scared of the monsters now~~ Is there somebody with the boss' drop item to guard me~~."

God, how annoying he is.

If Kirito could, he really wants to punch him and destroy his perfect face.

"Kuh, don't tell me you planned this from the start..."

"Maybe~~I'm sure that certain somebody knows how to repay grace with gratitude too~~."

That nails it.

Since Rein now that Kirito is a kind boy, then he will definitely follow him. If not, the sense of guilt will crush him later.

As usual, Rein's action is just like a swindler

"...*sigh*. Fine, I'll accompany you. Fuhn, you remember this later."

"Ohh, how scary."

Contrary to his saying, Rein only smile leisurely without caring Kirito's frustration.

"Hahahaha!! You guys are really close!" (Agil)

"...Haahh... How noisy." (Asuna)

Well, jokes aside. He just wants to put a random reason for Kirito to be accompanied by him. He could survive for the first floor but it won't be certain anymore for the upper ones.

Adding to the fact that Kobold Lord's mutation from the curse, then he really could die on the road.

Besides, from the speech two days' ago, Kirito has also been marked by the players too. There's no guarantee that they won't kill him if they found out this boy is a beta tester.

For one's greed, there is no end to what human will do.

So he will protect him.

(Fuuhh... This is the least I could do.) (Rein)

Because there are people who will be sad if Kirito dies.

"Well, for today just relax in the inn first. I have something to do for convincing you all."

*Tak.*

While saying so, he stands up from the seat and heads toward the exit.

"Where are you going?" (Kirito)

Responding his question, Rein says the answer while gesturing one of his fingers in his lips.

"A secret. later, I will notify you all at the same time."

"Wait. Before you leave. I have one more question." (Asuna)

"Hm? Is there anything else?" (Rein)

Seeing Asuna directly on her face, Rein tilt his head, wondering what her question is.

"...What is the guild name?"

"Ahh... I see. I guess that's also necessary."

Hearing that question, Rein immediately answers toward her.

For the guild's name, he already decided it a long time ago.

It is his deepest wish he couldn't get in his previous life.

"Familia Myth. My guild name will be Familia Myth." (Rein)

"...Familia...Myth?"

"It means the legends carved by family."

"Family..." (Asuna)

"Ah, also. I already decided the slogan for it."

While holding his chest with one hand, Rein smiles toward the future guild member in this world.

"Let there be eternal hope on our glorious path."

"..." (Kirito)

"..." (Asuna)

"..Pft, kind of cheesy, isn't it?" (Agil)

Instead of responding, Rein only looks at them with a smile and heads toward the entrance.

In any case, Sword Art Online is still counted as a fantasy world.

Therefore,

(Why not making it more dramatic and romantical?) (Rein)

*Kling,* *Klang.* (Sound of the bell.)

At this moment, it is the start of the brightest legend in SAO.

*****

-3 Hours later.-

[Ping.]

[To all players, this is a global announcement.]

[Today, as of 12:00 P.M. the floor boss of the second floor has been subjugated. I repeat. The floor boss has been....]

"...HA?" (Players)

While all players are flabbergasted toward the unexpected news...

[You have a mail from your friend.]

A message has been sent to Kirito, Asuna, and Agil at the same time.

The content only has one line.

[How is my insurance? ^-^ - from Rein.]

After reading that, they only thought one thing in their mind.

(I'm glad he's not my enemy....)

He really is crazy.