After several hours of discussion among the core players of 'Dawn', a detailed plan to conquer the 100th floor was finally formulated.
The first task was assigned to Argo, who was responsible for contacting the former guild members of Heathcliff.
These members were being coerced into carrying out the mission, and Argo's goal was to convince them to join forces with 'Dawn' in an act during the upcoming attack in a few days.
The reasoning behind this approach was that the system behind this game couldn't detect whether someone was truly giving their all in a fight.
So by collaborating with the coerced guild members in an act, 'Dawn' aimed to minimize casualties on both sides and increase the chances of success in conquering the 100th floor.
Kirito and several other elite players were assigned the task of dealing with the red players, who had committed murder within the game. Given the heinous actions of the red players, Rifat had no plans to show them any mercy during the attack.
Rifat himself, on the other hand, would lead the most skilled players of 'Dawn' directly to the boss room to confront Heathcliff. Since they already knew the location of the boss room, Rifat saw no need to waste his time and resources on fighting the regular mobs in the area.
That's the general plan for now. However, it might need to be further adjusted based on the evolving situation during the raid. Flexibility and adaptability were crucial in ensuring the success of the mission.
The raid was scheduled to take place in three days' time, in the morning.
During this period, Rifat focused on gathering the essential supplies and equipment required for the mission.
Additionally, he intended to reach out to players who were not part of the 'Dawn' guild and encourage them to join the raid.
The reason behind this recruitment effort was the unique nature of the final floor. Rifat and party has never faced this kind of floor before, making it unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
In such circumstances, having a larger force would provide an advantage. If their original plans failed, Rifat believed that overwhelming Heathcliff with sheer manpower would be a viable strategy to defeat him.
...
On the eve of the battle, Rifat found solace in the presence of Asuna, holding her hand as they watched the sunset from an open space surrounded by lush green fields.
Aware that the following day would bring challenges and hardships, Rifat dedicated the entire day to spending quality time with his girls, aiming to provide emotional support and comfort to them.
While enjoying the cool breeze brushing on their skins, Asuna looked at Rifat with a worried expression and asked, "Rifat, do you think we will be able to defeat Heathcliff tomorrow?"
Feeling her concern, Rifat gently squeezed her hands, offering reassurance. He spoke with unwavering confidence, "There's no need to worry, Asuna. Tomorrow will be a successful day. No matter how strong Heathcliff may be, we are destined to defeat him in the end."
Despite hearing Rifat's reassuring words, Asuna's face still reflected lingering worry. With a hint of concern, she expressed her feelings, "I understand and trust you, but I can't help but feel anxious. You're the only person in this world who has given me so much freedom and happiness. Before I met you, my life was filled with despair. If I were to lose you in this game, I don't know how I would cope..."
Asuna's voice choked, and tears welled up in her eyes. Overwhelmed by her emotions, she clung to Rifat tightly, as if fearing that losing her grip would mean losing him too.
Rifat gently lifted Asuna's chin, ensuring their eyes met, and spoke with sincerity, "I appreciate your deep concern for me. However, if you believe that an AI could actually end my life, then you're underestimating me greatly."
"I promise you, we will all make it through tomorrow unscathed."
Rifat tenderly wiped away the tears from Asuna's face, offering her comfort in his touch.
Upon hearing Rifat's sincere voice, Asuna managed to regain some composure, her tone turning serious as she spoke, "I truly hope you will keep your promise. If anything were to happen to you, I cannot bear the thought of continuing without you. I'm certain the other girls feel the same."
Rifat, sensing the depth of Asuna's emotions, chose not to respond with words. Instead, he let his actions speak for him.
With a smile lighting up his face, he closed the distance between them, his hand gently cupping her cheek as he leaned in. Their lips met in a fervent kiss that conveyed both their love and determination.
As they finally broke apart, their breaths mingling, Rifat whispered softly, "I promise you, Asuna. I will do everything in my power to ensure our victory tomorrow. I won't let anything happen to me or to any of us."
As they made their way back home, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Their affectionate gestures grew bolder, fueled by a shared understanding of the impending battle.
Behind closed doors, they surrendered to their desires, their bodies becoming one in a passionate embrace.
Throughout the night, their intimacy continued to intensify, their connection deepening with each passing moment. Their hands explored every inch of each other's bodies, their kisses growing more fervent, igniting flames of desire.
They lost themselves in the intensity of their love, seeking solace and strength in each other's arms.
In the midst of their passionate union, time seemed to stand still. They were fully present in that moment, cherishing the bond they shared and drawing strength from their love.
It was a night where worries and uncertainties melted away, replaced by a powerful connection that reminded them of the purpose they fought for.
As the night wore on, their bodies entwined and their souls entangled, they found solace in each other's embrace. In those tender hours, they sought comfort and reassurance, letting their love become a shield against the impending challenges.
Their passionate night served as a reminder of the love and support they had for one another. It was a reminder that, no matter what the future held, they would face it together, drawing strength from their unwavering bond.
###########
[A/N: I have three announcements to make.
Firstly, I want to inform you all that I have decided to start posting this story on Patreon. To ensure the best reading experience for my patrons, I have begun the process of editing the earlier chapters, addressing any grammatical errors that may exist. Once the editing is complete, I will provide updates accordingly.
Secondly, I have received valuable feedback from a recent review that highlighted certain areas for improvement in my writing. Specifically, it was pointed out that the characters may appear one-dimensional and the development of romance feels rushed.
I genuinely appreciate this feedback and I wholeheartedly agree that these aspects need improvement. Moving forward, I will strive to enhance my writing to create more depth in the characters, as well as pacing the romance more effectively.
Lastly, I would like to inform you that I have made the decision to no longer include explicit R18 content in my writing. This means that, going forward, I will not delve into explicit details of intimate actions, similar to how I have handled this chapter.
One of the reasons behind this decision is that I personally struggle to write such scenes due to my lack of personal experience in that regard.
I understand that this may result in some readers choosing to discontinue following the story, and I respect that decision.
For those who choose to stay despite this change, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your continued support means a great deal to me.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to those of you who take the time to comment and offer power stones. Your engagement and encouragement have been instrumental in keeping me motivated to write and publish new chapters.
Thank you all for your understanding and support. Have a great day.]