Miracle Summoner

On this day, countless players flocked to the 28th Floor, reveling in the excitement of exploring a new floor filled with fresh opportunities and challenges.

After the Floor 27 Guardian Boss was defeated, Yuuki and her group, amidst cheers of victory, ascended the stairs that appeared in the Boss Room to reach the 28th Floor. There, they opened the teleport gate in the main city, officially announcing the floor's accessibility.

For the players, the opening of a new floor was always a grand celebration.

Whether it was for sightseeing or seeking new quests, the moment a new teleport gate was activated, waves of players would swarm in, practically filling the entire floor.

This time was no different. A huge number of excited players poured through the teleport gate onto the 28th Floor, while others flew in from the outskirts, creating a bustling scene.

This influx of activity also served to cool down the online buzz surrounding the recent events involving Rozen, unintentionally giving him some much-needed respite.

Later, as Rozen was returning to the forest cottage on the 22nd Floor, he received a message from Asuna.

"I'd like to host a celebration party at our home with the members of the Sleeping Knights. Would that be okay?"

That's what Asuna said.

Upon reading this, Rozen paused slightly before responding. Instead of agreeing right away, he sighed and posed a question.

"Are they willing to come over?"

Rozen's inquiry might have puzzled Asuna. She probably didn't understand why he would ask such a question.

However, before long, Asuna replied.

"No problem. At first, they seemed a bit hesitant, likely worried about disturbing us—or perhaps disturbing you—but in the end, they agreed."

This was Asuna's reply, her joy evident in her words.

Clearly, adventuring with the Sleeping Knights had been a thoroughly enjoyable experience for Asuna.

It was apparent how fond Asuna had become of her friends in the Sleeping Knights.

Yuuki and the group's harmonious and friendly dynamic must have deeply resonated with Asuna.

That's just the kind of person Asuna is—strong and sometimes stubborn on the outside, but inherently kind and warm-hearted.

Because of the burdens imposed by her family, the Yuuki household, since childhood, Asuna greatly admired and longed for such warm, harmonious relationships. It was this trait that led her to fall for Rozen in the first place. Now, finding the same joy and comfort in the Sleeping Knights, her feelings were unsurprising.

As the person who knew Asuna best, Rozen could hardly miss these developments.

However…

"Sigh…"

Instead of feeling happy for Asuna, Rozen sighed quietly once again.

Asuna likely had no idea.

The more joy she felt now, the greater the sorrow she would experience later.

She didn't realize that Yuuki and the others felt hesitant not because they feared disturbing anyone but because they didn't want to deepen their bond with her further.

That's why Rozen asked if they were truly willing to come.

In the end, they agreed—perhaps reluctant to sever the ties they had formed with Asuna.

Rozen chuckled bitterly and began composing a reply.

"Bring your friends over. I'll prepare the food."

After sending the message, Rozen closed the menu and headed toward the 22nd Floor.

---

Aincrad, 22nd Floor, Forest Cottage

Inside the small wooden house, Rozen busied himself with cooking.

"Yui, take these out as well," Rozen called from the kitchen as he finished plating another dish.

"Got it, Papa!"

Yui immediately ran in from the living room.

This time, she wasn't in her usual Navigation Pixie form but had taken on her childlike humanoid appearance. Dressed in clothes Asuna had carefully selected and even sewn for her—a cute knit sweater paired with a pleated skirt—Yui resembled an adorable elementary school girl.

"Gu!"

"Gu!"

Saichou and Hanachou flew in alongside Yui, carefully carrying plates of food out to the dining area.

Rozen, meanwhile, continued cooking without pause.

Due to their frequent dates and cohabitation within the game, both Rozen and Asuna had learned the Cooking skill to turn the rare ingredients they obtained during adventures into delicious meals, making their in-game lives more enjoyable.

As a result, both of their Cooking skills had reached very high proficiency levels. Asuna, in particular, had fully mastered the skill back in SAO, and after transferring her character data to ALO, the proficiency carried over. Rozen wasn't far behind, nearing mastery himself.

Thanks to this, preparing a meal was hardly a challenge for Rozen. Moreover, cooking in SAO and ALO was significantly simplified compared to real life—cutting ingredients, for example, only required tapping on them with a knife, and cooking took mere minutes.

Despite having only just returned home, Rozen had already prepared nearly ten dishes.

Naturally, drinks and spirits were prepped in advance, and the living room furniture had been stowed away, replaced by a long wooden table and plenty of chairs.

Now, Yui, along with Saichou and Hanachou, bustled about, setting the table with an adorable determination.

Before long…

"I'm back!"

A familiar voice called out as Asuna opened the door and stepped inside.

Following her were six figures.

"Woooow…"

The Sleeping Knights marveled in unison at the warm and cozy atmosphere of the wooden house.

"So this is Asuna's home?"

Yuuki's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she glanced around.

"So warm and inviting!"

Jun expressed his thoughts directly.

"Not bad!"

Tecchi nodded approvingly.

"S-sorry for intruding…"

Talken looked hesitant and shy.

"Ha! It didn't disappoint!"

Nori laughed cheerfully.

"It's truly a lovely place."

Siune's gaze was soft and serene.

The group clearly adored the little house, showing no signs of disappointment despite its simplicity.

However, what happened next left them utterly stunned.

"Welcome back, Mama!"

With a radiant smile, Yui emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming dish to greet Asuna.

"I'm back, Yui-chan."

Asuna returned the smile, gently patting Yui's head.

And the Sleeping Knights…

""""M-Mama!?""""

The group was collectively dumbfounded, their eyes widening in shock.

The air fell silent in an instant.