"Emergency meeting today. Sorry for the short notice."
Hachiman opened the urgent gathering. Yukino followed, briefing the group on the upcoming ALO update. Half were shocked, half nodded, already aware.
"We shouldn't pry beyond public info, even from allies like Soleil or Argo, so they're not here. I've notified them, though. Since we've got plenty of SAO experts, let's discuss."
Everyone nodded at Hachiman's explanation.
"First, let's review the known details."
Hachiman listed key points:
No flying in Aincrad.
Maps remain unchanged.
No sword skills.
Magic is fully usable.
He added a speculation:
"About floor bosses, ALO's skill caps mean higher floors won't always have stronger enemies. With maxed skills, strength plateaus beyond equipment. Magic makes some fights easier—SAO relied on items for healing, using 'switch' tactics to rotate front and back lines. Healing magic eliminates that hassle. It's huge."
"Switch!" Komachi suddenly shouted.
Everyone looked puzzled. Komachi grinned, explaining:
"When Asuna came to wake big brother, she yelled 'Switch!' to rouse him!"
The SAO veterans gave Hachiman and Asuna deadpan stares. The two averted their eyes.
A stifled laugh came from Kirito.
"Hachiman still reacts to that word, huh? I get it."
Lizbeth suddenly shouted, "Kirito, Switch!"
Kirito instinctively stepped back, hand reaching for a nonexistent sword. Realizing his reflex, he grimaced as Lizbeth smirked.
"You're no different, Kirito."
"Not fair, Liz!"
Kirito protested, but the damage was done. Klein and Egil laughed, though they'd nearly reacted too. They were lucky Lizbeth only called Kirito.
Yukino calmly redirected: "So, entering Aincrad—what's our goal?"
"Information gathering and securing a base," Hachiman replied.
"Any ideas for a base?" Yukino asked.
"Leave it to me and Asuna. We'll lock it down."
Hachiman pictured a certain inn. Asuna and Kirito, knowing it, smiled nostalgically.
"For roles: Kirito, lead combat intel."
"Got it!"
"Team: Leafa, Komachi, Iroha, Yuiyui, Yumi, Recon, and Mebius-san."
"What's the logic?" Kirito asked.
Hachiman explained:
"Leafa's versatile, handling combat and healing. Komachi and Recon scout Aincrad's vibe. Iroha tests magic, Yuiyui tanks, Yumi gauges her limits safely. Mebius-san heals."
"Got it," Kirito nodded.
Hachiman assigned Yukino, Egil, Klein, Lizbeth, and Silica to city exploration, joined by him and Asuna after securing the base.
"Why me for the city?" Yukino asked.
"Veterans might miss things. Yukipedia's fresh perspective is perfect."
"Don't call me that, Hachiman-kun… though it's nostalgic."
No objections arose, so the topic closed.
"Next, the guild. Aincrad's return sparked some ideas."
Hachiman shared:
"On Aincrad's 22nd floor, we had a 'secret base.' You'll see why when we get there. I propose making it our guild's home and founding the guild then."
No one objected; the idea was accepted.
"For activities, our ultimate goal is clearing Aincrad's 100 floors. Short-term, reach the 22nd floor, establish the guild, and balance Aincrad and Yggdrasil quests. Play enjoyably with whoever's available."
"Fun's the priority," Kirito agreed.
Everyone echoed the sentiment.
"All activities are optional to avoid real-life conflicts. Voice any concerns or guild ideas."
The group approved, and the meeting was wrapping up when someone burst in.
"Ta-da! Soleil arrives!"
"Soleil-san…"
"Soleil-neesan!"
Soleil, having rushed her work, barely made it.
"Phew, just in time!"
"We're about to wrap up," Hachiman said.
"So, what'd you discuss?"
Hachiman summarized. Soleil declared she'd join the city exploration team.
"I know little about Aincrad—Argo handles most of it. Plus, I want to see the world you all lived in."
Her words reminded Hachiman of a hospital-room conversation:
'I considered playing SAO. When I heard you were trapped, I wondered why I didn't join. We could've adventured together, helped each other, and returned to reality…'
Thus, Soleil joined the city exploration team.
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
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