"Shared storage?" Hachiman asked.
"Yeah. We're usually together, right? You take more damage and use more potions, so a shared storage for consumables would be handy," Asuna explained.
"Sounds good. I'll leave it to you," Hachiman said.
"Great! Let's take a relaxing walk today for a change!" Asuna said cheerfully.
"Sure, sure," Hachiman replied.
The twenty-second floor was a vibrant expanse of lush forests and shimmering water. The main town, Coral Village, was small but peaceful, with no field monsters spawning, making it an oasis despite being the current frontline. Though recently cleared, it already drew gathering players and tourists seeking respite.
"It's so different from other floors. So… calming," Asuna said.
"Perfect for a nap," Hachiman said.
"Same old Hachiman," Asuna teased.
"Yep," he grinned.
"You seem more yourself these days. It's nice," she added.
With the day off from raiding, Hachiman planned to laze around, but Asuna's message about a walk changed his mind. The floor's tranquil vibe made it hard to refuse, so they strolled together leisurely.
"By the way, I haven't seen Kirito lately. Something up?" Asuna asked.
"He's been hanging with a mid-tier guild on lower floors. Rumor is he might've joined them," Hachiman said.
"Really? Maybe he found a good group," Asuna mused.
"Can't imagine Kirito in a guild, though," Hachiman said.
Asuna laughed. "True."
Warm sunlight filtered through the trees, the climate gentle and greenery abundant. Hachiman felt a rare sense of calm, a true day off. Lately, he'd been investigating the shady trio from the sixteenth floor's tavern—Joe, the Dragon Knights' Morte, and the mysterious poncho figure—but had only confirmed Morte's name. The lack of leads frustrated him, making this walk a welcome break.
"Hey, Hachiman, there's a player house here!" Asuna pointed.
Tucked off the path was a cozy log cabin-style player house.
"We've seen a few for sale, but this one's got the best vibe. Super secluded," Hachiman said.
"It's so charming. I'd love a place like this someday," Asuna said.
"I could buy one now if I wanted," Hachiman said.
"You've got that much saved?" Asuna asked, surprised.
"I don't spend much," he shrugged.
"Then buy this one!" she urged.
"Nah, pass," he said.
They wandered further, spotting players fishing or gathering. Occasionally, others passed by, their eyes lingering on Asuna—her hood off, her fame drawing admiration or affection. Then they'd glance at Hachiman, their looks turning to jealousy or confusion, as if questioning why someone like him was with her.
Guess it's weird seeing a nobody like me next to a celebrity like Asuna. We don't exactly match, Hachiman thought, brushing off the stares.
Unnoticed by him, Asuna subtly pinched his sleeve each time they passed someone, an unconscious habit she'd developed. It went over Hachiman's head entirely.
"You sticking to this floor as a base for a while?" Hachiman asked.
"Yeah, for now," Asuna said.
"With more options, moving up every floor's less necessary," he noted.
"What about you?" she asked.
"Maybe I'll get a player room soon. Not a full house, but something," he said.
"I might do the same if I find a good one," Asuna said.
"Customizing a room could be fun," he admitted.
"Somewhere quiet, with few visitors," she added.
"Coral's small, so inns are limited. Check the outskirts for better rooms," he suggested.
"Yeah, inns are scarce here. I'm lucky I snagged a bath-equipped one. Gotta thank Argo for the tip. Though… she's usually busy right after a floor opens, but I always get bath room info before she starts surveying…" Asuna trailed off, puzzled.
Shit, Hachiman thought.
"If you want quiet, the nineteenth floor's practically deserted," he said quickly.
"Ugh, Hachiman, you jerk!" she laughed.
Phew, dodged that, he thought.
They continued their walk, but as the sun dipped, they returned to town, searched for decent rooms, and parted ways.
Asuna soaked in her bath, reflecting on the day. Today was fun.
The Raiders had been swamped, pushing through floors rapidly. Reaching the oasis-like twenty-second floor prompted talks of pausing to upgrade gear and level up. While Raiders rested, crafters like Lisbeth were busier than ever. Material shortages kept mid-tier guilds hunting on lower floors, thickening the player base behind the frontliners. The twenty-second floor was a haven for all.
Kirito's supposedly joined a guild. Should I think about joining one? I don't want to join the Liberation Squad or Dragon Knights, but there aren't many other raiding guilds. If Hachiman started one, I'd join in a heartbeat, but he'd probably hate the idea…
Hachiman, of course, had no plans to start a guild. Though, unbeknownst to Asuna, he'd quietly tackled guild quests in case she asked—meaning he might've agreed if she did. But that possibility never materialized.
If I joined a guild alone, would we barely team up anymore? Whatever, no point overthinking. Time to sleep, Asuna decided, drifting off.
A base, huh? Maybe it's time to seriously consider buying a room, Hachiman thought, inspired by Asuna's talk. A chuuni part of him loved the idea of a hideout. Inns felt like temporary stops, but a purchased room felt like home.
Time to find my place, he resolved.
The next day, Hachiman began his search. He favored the twenty-second floor but scoured others, finding nothing. For a break, he wandered Coral Village's outskirts and spotted a three-story tower by a lake, within the town's safe zone but utterly secluded.
"What's this? No entrance, just decor? A house up there would be cool," he said aloud.
A purchase window popped up, startling him. "No way, it's actually a house?"
A hidden base, it was surprisingly affordable. The layout—kitchen, bath, living room, four bedrooms, and a detached shed—was far larger than he needed but perfect for a secret hideout. The view was stunning, and only keyholders could see the entrance, making it an impregnable fortress. Thrilled, Hachiman began collecting furniture, indulging his inner chuuni.
-------------------------------------------------------
🚀 Want more?
📖 Unlock 20+ early chapters on my Patreon!
💖 Support me here: patreon.com/Greyhounds
🔓 Get ahead of the story today!