(With Heathcliff)
'I don't understand what Rifat is doing! By letting us fight with the boss alongside him, it is us who will get the most benefit. Is he really so kind to let us do that?' Heathcliff fell into deep thought as he tried to find out what Rifat's main motive might be.
He doesn't believe that it was out of Rifat's kindness since there are many examples in the past where he tried to suppress the Knight of the Blood oaths. Even if he is trying to present a sweet picture here, there must be some problem. That was the main thought that was going around Hethcliff's head.
'Well, there is no point in me thinking too much. Agreeing with him would be the best course of action for now. After all, there are some resources that I can only get from the boss. In the past, we would have to expend a lot of money to purchase those materials from the black markets but now that we can get a share of the loot directly which would be the best for my guild.'
'Even if there is a conspiracy behind this, it's not like he can truly hurt me as I am invincible until the players reach the topmost level in SAO.'
Upon thinking about this, Heathcliff wrote a letter back to Rifat explaining his eagerness to join the expedition against the boss. They quickly decided on a date week later to do their first expedition against the 75th-floor boss together.
…..
(With Rifat)
Rifat sat in his private room, deep in thought. He had been planning for a long time now on how to get Tozawa Misumi to open up to him, and hopefully join his harem. Rifat could tell that Misumi does have some feelings for him but she was hesitant, and he needed to find a way to break through that.
Then it hit him - a special quest is going to take place tomorrow. It is a rare opportunity to gain hidden props that would greatly benefit their guild. And what better way to complete it than with Misumi by his side? It would be the perfect opportunity to get to know her better, and maybe even spark something between them.
Rifat quickly made the necessary arrangements, gathering the supplies they would need and sending word to Misumi that he had a special quest in mind. She agreed to join him, and they set out early the next morning.
The first few days of their journey were relatively uneventful, but Rifat used the time to get to know Misumi better. He was impressed by her skills and her determination, and he found himself drawn to her more and more with each passing day. He could tell that something was holding her back and he was determined to let her overcome that.
One night, as they sat around the campfire, Rifat decided to open up the subject. "Misumi," he said softly, "I know that you're hesitant about joining my harem. But I want you to know that I care about you, and it would mean the world to me if you could fully open up your heart to me."
Misumi looked up at him, her eyes deeply looking at his features, "I know that," she said quietly. "But it's not just about me. It's about Asuna and Suguha. They're your girlfriends, and I don't want to come between you."
Rifat nodded, understandingly, "I care about them, too," he said. "But that doesn't mean that I can't care about you as well. You're special to me Misumi and I want you to know that."
Misumi was silent for a moment, thinking about all the past events that happened between them. "I know," she said softly. "And I care about you, too. I just don't know if I can accept the idea of being part of a harem."
Rifat squeezed her hand and tried to give her some warmth. "I understand," he said. "Let's take things one step at a time. For now, let's just enjoy this journey together."
The next few days passed in a series of adventures and excitement. They fought off dangerous monsters, navigated treacherous terrain, and uncovered hidden treasures. And through it all, Rifat and Misumi grew closer and closer.
As they approached the end of the quest, Rifat decided to take a gamble. He took a deep breath, then turned to Misumi. "Misumi," he said in a steady voice,
"I know I said about taking things one step at a time but I really love you too much. If we were in a peaceful society, I wouldn't mind waiting for you for years. But in this death game, anything can happen, and I don't want to regret it later on for not trying my best. So, I hope you will accept to be part of my harem if you really do have some feelings for me. If not, then I can only blame my lack of charm."
Misumi looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise no expecting him to be this direct. "Rifat," she said softly, "Are you sure? What about Asuna and Suguha?"
When he heard that question, Rifat knew Misumi has already accepted to be in his harem, so he directly took her in his arm and said while patting her head in a loving manner, "They wouldn't mind. As long as you give your consent, they would accept you with open arms.'
Misumi nodded, her face flushing with embarrassment. "I-I understand. I'll try not to be a burden on you." Rifat smiled reassuringly at her before turning his attention back to the road ahead.
As they continued their journey, Rifat and Misumi faced numerous challenges and battled fierce monsters along the way. But they worked together seamlessly, their fighting styles complementing each other perfectly.
[A/N: There will be an R-18 chapter with her after the boss fight]
…..
Time passed by quickly as the day Rifat will be officially meeting with Heathcliff finally came.
"I have heard many things about you, Heathcliff. From what others told me, you might be the strongest shield master in this game. I am looking forward to seeing you in action today." Rifat kept a standard smile on his face as he communicated with Heathcliff.
"Thank you," Heathcliff replied with the same smile, "Hearing compliments from the number one player in the game is really an ego booster. I hope I don't get too proud"
"With your skills, nobody would mind even if you are a little proud. By the way, here is the plan that I prepared for dealing with the boss." Rifat passed on a note with some drawings of a battle while explaining his thoughts.
"Since your guild mostly consists of players who bear shield, I think you guys will be the best for tanking. Of course, I know that it is a very dangerous task and you might even lose your life but after hearing about your character from others, I thought this might be the perfect job for you where you can help other players by sharing some burden as the strongest player who bears a shield."
Heathcliff's face became slightly gloomy as he quickly came to understand Rifat's main goal behind inviting him. But he had no other way than to nod his head now. If he decides to not take the tanking job or just directly leave from here, Rifat would surely spread some rumors about him accusing him of being a selfish player and a coward who doesn't want to go to the frontline out of fear for his life.
Even though it wouldn't fully make him hated among the players, the respect that they had for him until now would surely decrease a lot.