Chapter 57: Mixed-Stew Rabbit
Recently, Hachiman had mainly been focusing on gathering intel and hadn't participated in any boss fights for a long time. But on the current front line—the 73rd floor—the intel was unusually collected quickly. So, Hachiman decided to join the boss raid after a long absence.
"Isn't that our intel master?" A sudden voice made Hachiman instinctively hold his weapon and turn around.
It was Klein, recognizable by his signature red headband. "Haven't seen you in the boss room for three months. Didn't you go for some secret special training or something?"
"Oh, Klein, this time I just happened to finish my work early. It's a rare whim," Hachiman replied.
Since the "Smiling Coffin" incident, Hachiman hadn't met any of the raid group members because he had completely moved to behind-the-scenes work.
Among those present, only Kirito and Asuna had seen his special equipment.
Klein noticed the metal vambrace on Hachiman's arm. "Hey, Hachiman, when did you change your fighting style? That shield…"
"Ah, just wanted to try something new."
"Looks pretty unique. What's it called?"
"Acht Faust."
"Faust... I remember that means 'fist,' right?"
"The literal meaning is indeed 'fist.'"
"But it looks like a shield to me."
Later, during conversations with Agil and Nezha, similar questions repeated.
'I've had this equipment for a while... I guess I really haven't joined raids much lately. I should participate more from now on...'
Hachiman deliberately avoided using the shield and fought steadily.
He thought revealing its mechanisms would require further observation of the situation.
After the successful raid, on the way to the next floor, Hachiman ran into Heathcliff.
"Hachiman-kun, long time no see, and you've changed your fighting style?"
"Yeah, I wanted to try some different possibilities."
"That equipment is pretty rare. What's the name?"
"Acht Faust."
"A truly unusual weapon."
"Something like that."
Though feeling somewhat out of place, Hachiman was too tired to delve deeper.
As the front line advanced to the 74th floor, the morale of the raid group soared like never before.
Several days later, Kirito, who came alone to the 74th-floor labyrinth, had just defeated the Lizard King and was about to return.
When he reached the forest edge, he caught a glimpse of a snow-white creature.
'That's... a Mixed-Stew Rabbit? I'm actually seeing one with my own eyes!'
This rare animal was known for its extreme speed and never attacking proactively. Its drop—the S-rank ingredient "Mixed-Stew Rabbit Meat"—was famous for being delicious.
Kirito quietly took out a throwing needle (who would have thought it would come in handy now), held his breath, and aimed carefully.
'I have to hit it!'
The needle grazed the rabbit's ear. Startled, the creature jumped into the air, and Kirito seized the moment with a flash of his sword: "Got it!"
After opening the system item menu to confirm the precious drop, Kirito excitedly struck a victory pose. "Should I eat it or sell it... first, to Agil's shop."
Muttering to himself, Kirito headed toward Agil's store.
"No way! This is an S-rank ingredient!" Agil, the weapon shop owner, was equally shocked. "You're gonna eat it, right? Of course you are!"
"But my cooking skills might ruin such top-tier ingredients..."
At that moment, Asuna appeared accompanied by guards, probably just out shopping.
It seemed since the "Smiling Coffin" incident, the Knights of the Blood had decided to assign bodyguards to their higher-ups.
"What's wrong with you two?"
"Asuna! Your cooking skills are maxed out, right? Please help me with this!"
Kirito remembered Asuna's excellent cooking skills.
"Oh, this is stew rabbit meat." Asuna didn't seem particularly surprised and said calmly.
"Yes, Asuna, sorry to bother you. Could you help me cook this? I've never eaten it before!"
"Sure, how about at Hachiman's place?"
As Kirito excitedly grabbed Asuna's hand, the guard Kuradeel coldly interjected, "I've long heard about some guy who's pestering Lady Asuna..."
"Kuradeel, your guard duty is over today."
"But Lady Asuna!"
"I'll explain it to the captain myself," Asuna said firmly.
"Understood." Kuradeel looked regretful as he left.
Watching the unwilling guard leave, Asuna explained, "The captain insists on assigning guards, but that guy is always like this..."
"Will Hachiman mind?"
"He never shows his emotions, so I don't know what he's thinking." Asuna's tone showed some helplessness—it seemed even the noble lady had things she couldn't handle.
"Hachiman, even if something unpleasant happens, you never show it…"
"Well then, whatever happens, I'm going to his place now and see how he reacts."
"Anyway, let's get cooking first!"
At this moment, Agil interrupted impatiently.
"Hey, what about mine? One piece of meat isn't enough for four people."
"Yeah, I think three people is the limit."
"Right, Agil, see you later."
"No!!!"
Agil wailed as he chased after them.
Finally, the four gathered at Hachiman's tower-style player home.
Seeing Agil bowing at a 90-degree angle at the entrance, Hachiman smiled bitterly.
"Is that really necessary?"
"Of course! By the way, this house is amazing!"
"It's my proud work. Here's the key, come by anytime."
In the kitchen, Asuna skillfully handled two rabbit meat pieces (Kirito had supplied an extra one).
"Dinner's ready~" Asuna stepped out carrying a silver platter.
The pumpkin embroidery on her skirt swayed gently with her steps.
When the golden curry rabbit meat was uncovered, the virtual taste simulation's aroma petrified Agil on the spot.
When the fragrant dish was served, Agil was choked up, "I can die happy now…"
As Kirito sliced the meat, translucent juices gleamed amber under the moonstone chandelier.
"The last time I had this was on the 56th floor," Agil said flatly, "That day, Asuna maxed out her cooking skill, and the dish was delicious too."
"Wait!" Kirito dropped a piece of meat from his fork onto the plate. "How many dinners have you been having without me?"
Asuna sipped her tea and smiled gently. "Hachiman always finds the strangest ingredients, like Crystal Cave Fish, Lava Cheese Mushrooms…"
Each dish name Asuna mentioned raised Agil's screams an octave higher, until he finally lunged at Hachiman growling, "So you're the bastard monopolizing the top-tier ingredient market!"
During the post-meal chat, Asuna mentioned the guard issue.
"The Knights of the Blood assigned me a bodyguard…"
"For safety, that's necessary."
"But that Kuradeel guy is really annoying."
"If you don't like him, I'll talk to Heathcliff about it. No matter what, I'll help you."
Asuna watched Hachiman's reaction but saw he remained expressionless. After everyone left, the girl finally asked, "What do you really think about the guards?"
"The system itself is necessary." Hachiman stirred his tea. "As for who… haven't met him, so can't comment."
Moonlight filtered through the stained glass onto the two silent figures.
As Asuna sighed softly and got up to leave, Hachiman suddenly spoke:
"Tomorrow in the labyrinth zone, want to team up?"
"Yeah!" The girl glanced back with a smile as the door gently closed behind her in the starlight.