Argo

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Argo
Alias(es)	Argo of the Rat
Gender	Male
Species/Race	Player; later a Sylph in ALfheim Online
Occupation/Role	Information broker, merchant, strategy-guide publisher
Status	Alive
Affiliation	Independent

Background

Argo operates as an independent information broker during Sword Art Online. In the game's early period, he spends heavily to produce and distribute Strategy Guides, including free, useful information for other players. The cost of printing and distributing these guides leaves him short on Col despite his mercenary reputation. He also gathers dungeon-map data and distributes information that can aid the frontline. 47 64 65 188

His first significant contact with Xiang Kong follows the appearance of the Wild Boar Leader, which was triggered by a quest important to Argo. Although Xiang Kong initially blames Argo, the confrontation ends with Argo offering him free information and a Beast Trap; he later sends Xiang Kong a friend request. 42

Argo becomes intrigued by Xiang Kong because his claimed identity does not fit Argo's knowledge of Beta Test players. He repeatedly investigates his background, skills, equipment, and possible Beta Test identity, while also selling him intelligence and providing strategic guidance. 46 50 82

While investigating Baka for Xiang Kong, Argo is discovered in Waning Moon Forest. His agility allows him to briefly evade pursuit, but paralysis needles ultimately immobilize him. He refuses to disclose Xiang Kong's identity even under threat of death. Kirito intervenes first, and Xiang Kong ultimately rescues him. 130 136

Argo and Xiang Kong's relationship develops from transactional cooperation into mutual affection. They confess to each other, begin dating, and agree that Argo will not pursue Xiang Kong's real-world information, though he may ask him questions. 183 185

After Xiang Kong's apparent death, Argo grieves deeply and withdraws from school to work for a Yuuki Group company. Hearing of a player called Xiang Kong later motivates him to enter ALfheim Online as a Sylph. He is eventually reunited with Xiang Kong there. 242 255 267

Appearance

Argo is a slight, delicate-featured player who typically conceals much of his appearance beneath green headwear and a cloak. In Sword Art Online, his usual cheek whisker markings are absent. 42 46 63

• Green cloak and green hat, often with the brim pulled low. 46 63
• Golden or golden-brown curls that fall around his cheeks when his hat is raised. 63 124
• Green eyes with an intense, money-minded gleam when business is involved. 63 64
• Uses a black bandana at times. 188
• Becomes a Sylph in ALfheim Online. 255

Personality

Argo is sharp, opportunistic, and intensely conscious of the value of information. He regularly assigns a price to answers, probes conversations for useful leads, and can turn almost any situation into a potential transaction. Even so, his greed is tempered by professional credibility: he considers an information broker's reputation essential and takes responsibility when his intelligence proves wrong. 47 82 92

Behind his calculating exterior, Argo is deeply committed to helping other players survive. He bears the financial burden of publishing Strategy Guides, shares map and boss data, investigates dangerous red players, and withholds information when revealing it would endanger someone he cares about. 64 93 140 188

He is independent and difficult to dissuade once he has made up his mind. He can be teasing and manipulative with friends, but becomes visibly protective when Xiang Kong puts himself in danger. 166 186 220

Abilities & Skills

Information Gathering

Argo is an accomplished intelligence specialist whose work includes collecting, verifying, and selling player, quest, equipment, map, and boss information.

• Publishes Strategy Guides and updates them with boss information. 64 93
• Acquires and copies explored dungeon-map data. 65
• Uses an eavesdropping skill to overhear nearby conversations. 46 65
• Uses Peeping to inspect equipment quality and identify useful details. 130
• Investigates the identities and activities of players such as Baka and red-player groups. 124 130 188
• Can locate rare or specialized life-skill players through his network. 209

Keen Eye

Keen Eye is an active scouting skill derived from raising Peeping proficiency to its full value. It enhances scouting-related abilities. 185

• Used to identify the hidden entrance to the underground labyrinth beneath Black Iron Palace. 185
• Supports Argo's ability to evaluate concealed locations and suspicious details. 185

Agility and Evasion

Argo uses a full-agility build, granting him exceptional mobility and making him difficult to detect or catch. 132 133

• Can accelerate quickly enough to leave afterimages while fleeing. 132
• Frequently sneaks up on Xiang Kong despite his Search Enemy skill. 84
• Uses a special claw weapon. 133
• Possesses a throwing skill, though his damage is insufficient to meaningfully delay a boss-class opponent. 186
• His mobility is countered by paralysis effects and unfavorable terrain. 132

Sword Combat

In ALfheim Online, Argo chooses weapon combat rather than magic and retains part of his original Sword Art Online skill proficiency. 255

• Uses the Sylph race's speed advantage to develop his combat ability. 255
• Defeats a cat demon alone through evasive footwork and three rapid sword strikes. 255
• Declines party invitations while grinding independently in Phantom Forest. 255

Equipment / Items

• Special claw weapon — his Sword Art Online weapon, suited to his mobility-focused build. 133
• Corridor Crystal — acquired to travel more conveniently between the bridgehead and Black Iron Palace. 188
• Strategy Guides — printed and distributed through item shops, at substantial personal expense. 64

Relationships

• Xiang Kong / Wang Yang — Initially a client and subject of Argo's curiosity; later Argo's boyfriend. Argo protects his secrets, assists his investigations, and reunites with him in ALfheim Online. 42 140 184 267
• Kirito — One of Argo's earliest friends; he receives Argo's distress message and helps rescue him from Baka's group. 42 133 135
• Asuna — An associate who remains in contact with Argo after Xiang Kong's funeral and supports him during his period of overwork. 242 255
• Diavel — Client in the Sun-Piercing Spear transaction, which Argo mediates for 400,000 Kael. 113 123
• Baka — A hostile target of Argo's investigation who captures and interrogates him in Waning Moon Forest. 130 136
• PoH and Black — Red players involved in Argo's capture; Argo later refuses to publicly reveal their names despite Xiang Kong's demands. 132 140

Story Role / Major Arcs

Strategy Guide Publisher

Argo provides early players with guides, map data, and survival information while privately absorbing the cost of producing guides for public distribution. His work helps establish him as a trusted, though profit-minded, broker. 47 64 65

Xiang Kong's Broker and Confidant

Argo becomes Xiang Kong's principal source of information, supplying resource locations, boss intelligence, investigative services, and market advice. He mediates the sale of the Sun-Piercing Spear, though he later openly keeps 50,000 Kael from the payment. 92 113 114 124

Baka Investigation and Waning Moon Forest Incident

Argo tracks Baka on Xiang Kong's behalf, is ambushed and paralyzed, and refuses to betray Xiang Kong despite Baka's threats. The incident reveals the danger posed by red players and strengthens Argo's bond with Xiang Kong and Kirito. 130 140

Underground Labyrinth Exploration

After becoming Xiang Kong's girlfriend, Argo helps discover the entrance beneath Black Iron Palace with Keen Eye. He enters the hidden labyrinth despite the danger and narrowly escapes the Carnivorous Toad alongside Xiang Kong. 185 188

Search for Xiang Kong in *ALfheim Online*

Following Xiang Kong's apparent death, Argo eventually joins ALfheim Online as a Sylph to search for a red-haired, black-winged player. His search ends when he discovers that Xiang Kong is alive within the game. 255 267

Trivia

• Argo's friend list initially contains only Kirito and Xiang Kong. 42
• He considers a 10,000 Kael payment from Xiang Kong his most worthwhile transaction because it enables his Strategy Guide work to continue. 47
• Despite his food obsession, Argo is repulsed by Rasak's Snot Fried Rice and later refuses to return to Rasak's shop. 166 168 207
• He identifies the potential value of Enhanced Snot Fried Rice as a possible buff food before its effects are confirmed. 168