Miracle Summoner

In this world, Rozen originally had two plans.

One was to save Asuna and make up for the regret he felt when he left before.

The other was to treat this as a period of rest, waiting for the transformation brought by the foreign magic to complete before considering leaving.

If it weren't for these, Rozen wouldn't have spent nearly a year idling in this world, simply waiting for the foreign magic's transformation to finish.

But now, Rozen had changed his mind.

And he had done so after meeting Yuuki in the real world.

Seeing Yuuki lying in a sterile room, Rozen couldn't help but recall his past self and, more importantly, Mash.

"Is that girl still lying in a sterile room right now?"

At the thought of this and seeing Yuuki's heartbreaking state, Rozen felt an overwhelming urge to see Mash.

Logically, Mash's current condition shouldn't be too bad. Plus, given Rozen's ability to choose timelines with minor deviations, there shouldn't be any major issues. Mash likely wouldn't be in as dire a state as Yuuki. Still, after seeing Yuuki's condition, Rozen couldn't help but want to go back and check on her.

Thus, Rozen had been planning to leave ever since healing Yuuki.

The issue with the miracle drug was just a convenient excuse Rozen gave to everyone, to avoid them worrying about his sudden disappearance.

Otherwise, how could someone like Rozen, a unique existence in the world, be afraid of others causing trouble for him?

Lying low?

If anyone should be lying low, it would be others avoiding Rozen, this unparalleled "monster." How could it be the other way around?

However, Rozen genuinely didn't want to go against ordinary people or deal with those ignorant troublemakers. Leaving directly and letting them find no target was indeed a good way to handle things.

Rozen wasn't worried about anyone targeting his family or Asuna. Unable to locate him and intimidated by the Yuuki family's influence, others wouldn't dare recklessly harm Rozen's family—at least not in the short term.

And when Rozen left this world, no matter how long he spent in another, he could always return within a few months' time difference.

With this in mind, Rozen felt confident enough to announce his departure.

The only problem was the foundation he had built in ALfheim Online.

Even though Crimson Wing was filled with skilled players, without Rozen for several months, there might not be major issues, but small problems were bound to arise.

Thus, before leaving, Rozen wanted to recruit as many experts as possible to safeguard Crimson Wing.

"Sinon has already joined Crimson Wing, and if the six top-tier players of Sleeping Knights, including Yuuki—who has strength comparable to Kirito and Asuna—join as well, I'll feel completely at ease."

Rozen shared his thoughts with Yuuki.

"So, I hope the members of Sleeping Knights can all join Crimson Wing. What do you think?"

Hearing this, Asuna, Kirito, and Suguha fell silent.

"Rozen..."

Asuna looked at Rozen, opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately chose silence.

Kirito and Suguha were the same.

As for Yuuki...

"...Alright."

After a moment of silence, Yuuki smiled again and agreed.

"I'll join Crimson Wing, and I believe Jun and the others will too."

She made her promise.

But...

"Are you really okay with this?" Rozen confirmed once more.

After all, the Sleeping Knights, with Yuuki as their leader, weren't an ordinary guild.

It was once a source of spiritual support for Yuuki and her companions. Its first leader was Yuuki's twin sister, Konno Aiko, who passed away. Yuuki inherited the position after her. For someone like Yuuki, Sleeping Knights must hold a special place in her heart.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have hesitated, however briefly, before agreeing, even though her earlier tone seemed resolute.

The fact that Yuuki momentarily hesitated said volumes about her attachment to the Sleeping Knights.

However...

"We were already planning to disband the Sleeping Knights and let it complete its original mission."

Yuuki spoke lightly.

"Now that we've all been given a second chance at life, letting the Sleeping Knights become a cherished memory and sleep forever in our hearts feels just right."

Yuuki had already decided to embrace the future she had once longed for countless times.

As for the Sleeping Knights, it was founded to help terminally ill patients build bonds with each other. Now, with some members having passed away and others given a chance to live on, they were no longer "knights destined only to sleep." Letting the guild's mission end here wasn't as difficult to accept as it once might have been.

Moreover...

"We've already learned a lot about Crimson Wing—its sense of camaraderie like ours and its lively atmosphere are very appealing. Joining this guild will undoubtedly give us experiences different from those of the past."

Yuuki's words echoed in everyone's ears.

"And besides, if we join Crimson Wing, we can continue adventuring with Asuna and even with Kirito and Suguha. Everyone will look forward to that."

Yuuki's voice brought smiles to everyone's faces.

"I'm really looking forward to adventuring with Zekken and the Sleeping Knights too."

Kirito's expression showed genuine anticipation.

"Me too! Me too! I still haven't avenged my defeat in our duel on the 24th floor's tourist island! If we could have another match, that would be amazing!"

Suguha voiced her competitive thoughts.

"You're welcome to challenge me anytime," Yuuki replied cheerfully.

The atmosphere in the hospital room became lively again.

Asuna, too, wore a gentle smile, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

Yuuki and her companions joining Crimson Wing was something that made Asuna genuinely happy as well.

However, Asuna still turned her gaze to Rozen.

"So, when are you leaving? Where are you going? And how long will you be away?"

Asuna finally asked the inevitable question.

Rozen scratched his cheek.

"I'll probably leave in the next few days. As for where, I haven't decided yet—likely abroad. As for how long, maybe a few months should be enough."

Hearing this, everyone let out a sigh of relief.

"A few months, huh?"

Kirito nodded.

"That's not too bad. I thought it might be several years."

Suguha patted her chest in relief.

Even Asuna relaxed, though a hint of reluctance still lingered in her gaze.

"Make sure to come back soon," Yuuki teased. "Or else I'll take your position as guild leader."

Hearing this, Rozen chuckled.

And thus, the matter was settled.