Chapter 1869: -1828- Lay low for a while?
Everyone in the hospital room began chatting casually, filling the space with laughter.
Most of the conversation was between Asuna, Suguha, and Yuuki, while Rozen and Kirito, the two men, were left on the sidelines. However, the two were engrossed in their own discussion, ensuring the atmosphere stayed lively.
As they chatted, Yuuki suddenly seemed to recall something, her expression turning hesitant.
"What's wrong, Yuuki?" Asuna asked curiously.
Everyone turned their attention to Yuuki, noticing her hesitation.
Rozen also observed Yuuki's uncertain expression, but instead of being surprised, he chuckled.
"Why are you laughing, Aoka-nii-san?" Suguha asked, puzzled.
Rozen shrugged, walked to the bedside, and spoke directly to Yuuki.
"You want me to save the rest of the Sleeping Knights as well, don't you?"
Everyone was momentarily stunned before they realized what he meant.
Especially Yuuki.
"You figured that out already?" Yuuki looked both surprised and resigned.
But this wasn't particularly hard to guess.
It had already been mentioned that the members of the Sleeping Knights were all critically ill.
Now that Yuuki herself was cured, it was natural she wouldn't want to see her close friends pass away one by one.
"In the Sleeping Knights, besides me, Jun was also informed by the doctor that he only has a few months left. Tecchi, Talken, Nori, and Siune aren't as critical, but even they..."
Yuuki's cheerful demeanor faded as she looked at Rozen and pleaded, "So, Rozen, can you...?"
Her intentions were clear.
Everyone finally understood, collectively turning their gaze to Rozen, awaiting his response.
Rozen smiled faintly and, without much hesitation, spoke.
"No problem. As for the medicine, I still have some left. There's enough for Siune and the other four."
Rozen agreed without hesitation.
The elixirs he crafted were unique to him. No method in this world could replicate them.
On the other hand, as long as Rozen was the one making them, and if the materials could be gathered, he could produce as many as needed without issue.
Rozen had no intention of using the elixirs to disrupt this world or save everyone indiscriminately. But for those he knew personally, lending a hand wasn't something he objected to.
"Really?" Yuuki was overjoyed.
However...
"Before that, Yuuki, there's something I'd like to ask of you too. Is that alright?" Rozen looked straight at Yuuki.
This time, it was Yuuki who didn't hesitate.
"Just say it," she said firmly. "As long as it's something I or we can do, I promise we will."
There was no need to think about it.
After all, compared to saving lives, no request could possibly compare in weight.
So, whether it was one, ten, or even a hundred requests, as long as it wasn't entirely impossible, Yuuki wouldn't hesitate.
"Alright." Rozen nodded. "I'd like you and the Sleeping Knights to join the Crimson Wing."
That was Rozen's request.
"Join the Crimson Wing...?" Yuuki froze.
"Join the Crimson Wing...?" Asuna, Kirito, and Suguha were equally surprised.
"That's right." Rozen nodded, confirming his request.
Because...
"Soon, probably in the next few days, I'll be temporarily leaving here, possibly even the country. I won't be logging into the game either."
It was as if Rozen had dropped a bombshell.
"Wha... what!?" Everyone widened their eyes in shock.
But that was Rozen's plan.
"The uproar caused by the elixirs has been suppressed by Kikuoka Seijirou under the guise of national interests, but that wasn't done for my benefit."
Rozen's calm tone carried on with the explanation.
"I'm sure Kikuoka has reported everything to the higher-ups, ensuring the top levels of this country are well aware of the situation."
Given this, the government must already be abuzz over this matter.
And even if Kikuoka included their personal conversation in his report, the people at the top wouldn't necessarily be as straightforward as Kikuoka in giving up on obtaining the elixirs.
Kikuoka's straightforwardness stemmed from the fact that this matter wasn't his responsibility to handle nor his decision to make. It was up to the higher-ups, and he only needed to follow orders.
In other words, Kikuoka's decision to step back was personal. Unless the higher-ups also gave up, he wouldn't truly cease his involvement. If they wanted to pursue it, he'd be compelled to act regardless of his wishes.
And would the higher-ups abandon something as miraculous as these elixirs?
Absolutely not.
The government operates as a collective body. Even if some choose to give up, there will always be others willing to do whatever it takes to obtain them. Some may even act selfishly, disregarding others, and target Rozen in secret.
After all, acquiring such elixirs wouldn't just grant immense personal benefits but also enable the treatment of countless ailments and diseases. Who could ignore such advantages?
As previously mentioned, who doesn't experience illness or pain? Who can guarantee a life without sickness or accidents?
Among the nation's top officials, there are undoubtedly individuals advanced in age or struggling with chronic or terminal illnesses due to years of stress and exertion.
Would they stand idly by, knowing such miraculous elixirs exist? Certainly not.
Thus, within the government, debates and schemes surrounding these elixirs are bound to arise.
Previously, the technology Rozen shared at most promised societal and civilizational development, offering little personal benefit. That's why the government refrained from taking overly aggressive actions against him.
But this time, the elixirs represent tangible miracles for humanity—a landmark in medicine, capable of saving countless lives and prolonging lifespans. The stakes and benefits involved are too significant to ignore.
Even if the official consensus is to leave Rozen alone, individuals may still act in self-interest and make moves against him.
In this world, Rozen is just an ordinary high school student, lacking background or influence. Even if he revealed his full strength, the temptation might still prove too great, drawing countless reckless individuals.
Hasn't Rozen encountered such situations before?
In multiple worlds, even after demonstrating his overwhelming power, there were always those foolish enough to challenge him.
The same is likely here, especially since he has kept his abilities hidden.
So...
"I need to lay low for a while."
This was the reason Rozen offered.
But the truth was simply that Rozen felt it was time to leave this world.