We Will Definitely Succeed!

)

Aincrad, Floor 55...

Wu Yan and Asuna led Yui by the hand to Sachi, then placed Yui's hand in hers.

"Sachi, please look after Yui for now..."

Sachi nodded firmly, pulling Yui into her arms as she said softly, "Don't worry, Brother. Yui and I will wait here for news from you..."

"It had better be good news!" Shion raised her tiny fist. "If it's bad news, I'll hate you for the rest of my life!"

"Don't worry..." Wu Yan smiled and ruffled Shion's hair into a bird's nest. "It won't take long..."

"Brother Wu Yan..." Silica hugged Pina tightly, gritting her teeth as she stared straight at Wu Yan, Asuna, Kirito, Keita, Klein, and Agil. Fighting back tears, she shouted, "Do your best! You have to come back safely!"

Wu Yan and the others exchanged smiles. They said nothing, only nodding at Silica with utter determination. Watching the six of them standing in a row, Liz, Sachi, Shion, and Silica all felt a faint ache in their hearts...

Nothing was more agonizing than watching the people beside you risk their lives while you sat at home waiting for news...

Liz stepped forward and came before Kirito. Rarely gentle, she helped straighten his collar. "We said we'd meet again in the real world. If you dare break that promise, I'll chase after you and beat you senseless!"

Hearing Liz's roundabout declaration that they would live and die together, Kirito's body trembled, and his dark eyes suddenly sharpened.

Even if it was for Liz's sake, he absolutely could not lose!

"Dad, Mom..." Yui took Wu Yan and Asuna's hands, one in each of hers, and pressed them against her cheeks. Closing her eyes, she wore an utterly peaceful expression.

"I'll keep waiting for the day I can see you again!"