A Plaza with Nowhere to Stand

Asuna looked lost when she heard Kirito's words. She didn't know anyone in this game; she had been playing Sword Art Online alone.

And ever since entering the game, she hadn't met anyone else. Aside from wanting to survive and leave this place alive, she had no other reason to keep going.

Now that she knew Kirito and Fugaku, she felt far less alone.

In truth, she was quite content with days like this, where she had people to spend time with.

She didn't really like being alone.

"I... I don't know what to do."

Asuna spoke dejectedly.

Kirito thought for a moment. "If you don't know what to do, then come with us. Oh, right, I haven't asked what level you are yet?"

Asuna answered honestly, "I'm level 20 right now."

"That's a little low, but compared to those people, it should still be pretty good," Kirito muttered.

"What did you say?"

Asuna hadn't heard Kirito's muttering clearly and asked.

"Nothing. Let's get moving. Urbus should be over there."

Kirito changed the subject and pointed toward the faintly visible houses ahead.

Asuna didn't press further and quietly followed behind the two boys.

Not long after Kirito's group left, two more figures emerged from the gate.

Within seconds, several more figures emerged.

These newcomers were precisely the beta testers from that group.

They had noticed the gate first and, after Kirito, Takuya, and Asuna, were the first to reach the second floor.

"Woohoo, awesome! I'm heading out first!"

Two of them appeared to be teammates and left together in a highly purposeful manner, heading in one direction.

The rest also got their bearings and hurried off somewhere.

Naturally, these beta testers knew where the good stuff was. Since they had arrived on the second floor ahead of everyone else, they