"Here."
Rinko stopped at a room. Electronic key unlocked; cold air escaped. Inside: Kayaba Akihiko in glass case, peaceful. Hachiman, Kazuto, Asuna entered; Yōno, Kikooka watched from door—considerate.
No wounds; near-lifelike.
"Akihiko-san..."
"Heathcliff's face—totally different."
"Some resemblance."
Prayed Japanese-style.
"Hey Hachiman, we get it, but you got things to say? We'll step out."
Hachiman shook head: "No... he's not here. Save words for direct meeting."
"Hope we meet again."
"Yeah."
"Surely."
"Just shell here. Real him watching, amused somewhere."
They left the tomb.
"Farewells done?"
"No farewell—we talked post-clear. Me two months later."
"...Unfair."
Hachiman ignored—words wouldn't comfort now.
"Settle, discuss future."
Kikooka cheerful. To lounge; seated, relaxed.
"Drinks?"
"I'll! I'm extra—talk here, Rinko-san."
"Oh? Thanks, Asuna-san."
"Yūki Asuna, pleasure."
Kazuto introduced. Yōno, Kikooka skipped.
"Attentive girl—Hachiman's girlfriend?"
Hachiman flinched.
"Obvious? From Akihiko."
"Yeah..."
"Pre-scan, gleefully said you three plus one beat him. Wished Hachiman happiness with beloved. Details sparse—how'd you win? Not 100th, 75th? Sudden—shocked."
Rinko rapid-fired. Hachiman, Kazuto bitter smiles; waited Asuna, explained.
"Guessed Heathcliff = Akihiko from hints. Trapped 75th."
"Rough."
"Extras."
Continued: "Post-boss, halved HP via tough roles. Kirito ambushed, proved immortality publicly. Damage stopped below half—spot-on. Paralyzed all, offered 1v1: win = clear."
"Like him."
Bitter smile.
"Chose Kirito. Prepped paralysis potions—group rush planned."
"Predicted?"
"You said 'like him'—thought same."
"I see..."
Impressed by insight.
(Outsmarting Akihiko—huge. Right entrusting future. Gave contact—genius me.)
Unaware, continued: "Miscalculation..."
Kazuto flinched.
"Kirito fell for bait, big skill—read, long stun. Panicked, Asuna and I charged early."
"Sorry!"
Hachiman gentle: "Anyone else, quicker loss. You showed guts beyond system—don't worry."
To puzzled Rinko: "Asuna yelled 'Duck!' I did; she leaped, shielded Kirito, skewered, HP zero."
"Huh? But Asuna alive... Within 10 seconds?"
"Knew that. Panicked but aimed <10s."
"Why sure 10s safe?"
"Revive item: effective <10s death."
"Such item... Unthinkable deduction..."
Impressed again.
"Then?"
"Charged, let skewer pin him. Kirito stirred in stun. Heathcliff shield skill—Nezha remote hit forehead; Kirito shortest path through me, finished."
All.
Rinko speechless. Kikooka teary; Yōno clutched chest—painful retelling.
"You two nearly died."
"Saw Hachiman fall—thought end. But he'd manage if I went first..."
"Never again, Asuna. No living without you—let Kirito strike through."
"Didn't see, but Kirito saved us."
"Good job."
Kazuto teary: "Liz might stay, but losing you two—no smiles forever. Glad timed."
Trio hugged, crying memories.
Bond awed Rinko:
(No wonder Akihiko changed. Will over system—delusion, but makes sense.)
Hachiman apologetic: "Sorry... 'good' we killed..."
Rinko blinked, denied: "No! You know?"
"Defeat freed him. Separate. We aimed to kill."
"Emotion yes, but scientists: results all."
"Yes..."
"But cared my feelings—thanks."
Smiled; SAO talk ended.
"Proceed with Soleil custody?"
Rinko to Yōno: "Confirm: Hachiman future president?"
Grin: "Certain, Rinko. Contract?"
"No need. Kikooka-san, proceed. Medicuboid under Hachiman. No charges?"
"Government guarantee. Hate overseas leak."
"Deal. Pleasure, boss. Future boss."
Hachiman got tech easily; deflated, asked:
"Why trust me? First meet too..."
"Simple: Misanthrope Akihiko kept you close—so I do. Won't misuse for self, neglect me. Others untrustworthy—under you, OK?"
Stammered: "Uh... Came to use for my goal..."
"Really?"
Explained plot.
"Ahaha, startled! Scare idiot non-lethally. Fine. Worry for grandson? Decided use for him anyway."
"Uh, my goal..."
Blushing, fumbling; Asuna grinning: "Unused to praise—tsun."
"Hey..."
Kazuto: "Dereless tough—try."
"Always calm."
"Ahaha, got it. Seduction work?"
"Hard..."
"My upbringing!"
"Pity."
"Uh, Rinko-san..."
"Total tsundere. Call big sis?"
Yōno blocked: "Seat taken."
"Since one sis max? Kikooka, proceed if done. Need talk with Yōno."
"Yes, paperwork mine."
They sat, glared.
No fight!
-------------------------------
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