Miracle Summoner

The next day, in the Crimson Wing guild base, Asuna announced in front of all members that she would temporarily step down from her position as vice guild leader and leave the guild for a while.

This unsurprisingly caused an uproar within the guild.

A vice guild leader stepping down and leaving the guild was no trivial matter for any guild. Even more so when the person in question was Asuna, the former Flash of SAO, known as the Berserk Healer in ALO, and a top-tier player who ranked in the top three in the All-Race Fighting Tournament.

Adding to this, she was not only the guild leader's in-game wife but also his fiancée in real life. Her sudden announcement was bound to stir controversy.

Even though Asuna repeatedly emphasized that this was only temporary, many members had already heard from those who accompanied Rozen and the others to the sightseeing island on the 24th Floor. They knew about the duel between Rozen's party and Yuuki, and the latter's goal of inviting a strong player to temporarily join her guild. It was clear that Asuna's departure was related to joining the Sleeping Knights.

This led to widespread concern.

After all, even though it was labeled as temporary, who could guarantee it wouldn't become permanent?

In the past, there were numerous cases where players who temporarily left their teams to join others for quests ended up preferring their new groups and never returned. Many guilds were strict about retaining core members, even temporarily, as such departures often led to permanent losses.

Given these circumstances, it was no surprise that Asuna's temporary departure raised concerns.

Especially since Asuna was a famous player with exceptional skills and stunning beauty. Many factions had already approached her in secret, hoping to convince her to leave Crimson Wing and return to her racial group, the Undine. If word got out that Asuna had left the guild—even temporarily—it was certain that they and other factions would seize the opportunity to persuade her to join.

Even worse, hostile players targeting Crimson Wing might take this chance to attack Asuna while she was without guild protection.

All these factors made the guild members uneasy.

Of course, Asuna provided assurances.

"In reality, the Sleeping Knights operate differently. For them, I am just a temporary ally. They don't need me to formally join their guild, so I won't be leaving Crimson Wing in the system. I'll simply be inactive in guild activities while helping them."

That was the arrangement.

After discussing with Yuuki and her team the previous day, Asuna agreed to help them but refused to leave the guild systemically or officially join the Sleeping Knights.

This situation was similar to when Rozen transferred from ALO to GGO. His guild profile remained intact because transferring to another game did not count as leaving the guild. Unless he handed over his guild leader role or failed to return within a month, his position as guild leader would remain unchanged.

Now, Asuna would remain a nominal member of Crimson Wing, even though she wouldn't be available for guild duties. Out of respect for the guild, she made a formal announcement to prevent operational issues.

Yuuki also expressed her understanding, even saying something peculiar:

"I never intended for you to fully join our guild, Asuna. In fact, it's better if you never do."

Yuuki's comment left Asuna momentarily stunned.

Thus, Asuna's departure was akin to Rozen's temporary transfer to GGO. She wasn't abandoning anything but was merely absent.

This alleviated the guild members' concerns.

Although some still worried that even under these terms, Asuna might end up captivated by the Sleeping Knights and decide to leave permanently, their fears were quelled when Kirito, Leafa, Lis, Silica, Klein, Agil, and Sachi unreservedly supported Asuna's decision.

"No one is allowed to spread news about Asuna's temporary leave. We must avoid unnecessary trouble," Rozen instructed, putting the matter to rest. Everyone nodded in agreement.

With the guild's understanding secured, Asuna was introduced to Sinon through Rozen. The two met and quickly became acquainted, conversing amicably.

And so, Asuna prepared to join the Sleeping Knights in challenging the 27th Floor's Floor Boss.

The challenge was set for today.

Since the labyrinth area of the 27th Floor was nearly cleared, Yuuki's team had already purchased maps of the labyrinth. Finding the Floor Boss room was only a matter of a day or two. Determined to claim the first kill, they began their exploration immediately.

Just as Asuna was about to set off, Rozen stopped her.

"Take this."

Rozen opened his main menu, performed a series of actions, and then sent Asuna a map.

"This is… the 27th Floor labyrinth map!"

Asuna was stunned.

The map Rozen handed over was far more detailed than the one purchased by the Sleeping Knights, even pinpointing the exact location of the Floor Boss room.

"How… How did you get this?" Asuna asked, bewildered.

According to the latest information, no one had found the Floor Boss room yet. Many guild scouting teams were still actively searching. How could such a detailed map exist?

Asuna thought for a moment before realizing the answer.

"You explored it yourself, didn't you?" she asked incredulously.

Indeed, this was Rozen's handiwork.

"I had some free time last night, so I cleared out the entire labyrinth, located all the unexplored areas, and even found the Floor Boss room. I went in to take a look and had a little skirmish with the boss," Rozen casually explained, leaving Asuna speechless.