-35th Floor, Forest of Wandering.-

Life only has one chance.

Of course, it will be a different story for a mystical cat with nine lives or other supernatural beings.

But human only has one.

Sword Art Online is the same.

There is no facility to resurrect the players' life when they are dead.

However, there existed a resurrection item.

Just for once, if the player' hit point has reached zero, the item could be used to revive one time.

The source of the mystical item in this hellhole is from one event boss.

Nicholas The Renegade.

After 9 months from the first-floor boss fight, Christmas Eve has also come to this world.

It is an event exclusively for official games, so even normal players could chase it with their guild member since the beta-testers nor info broker couldn't monopolize it.

In this romantic day, instead of couples nurturing their love together,

Players are sharpening their weapons for the battlefield.

******

"...This is insane." (???)

"Don't say it. It just makes us more depressed." (???)

In the middle of snowing forest, a huge number of players are gathering for the upcoming event.

The groups are separated based on their guild but all of them have a common factor.

"....*sigh* All of these are the clearing guild, you know?" (???)

"That just shows how valuable the item is." (???)

Of course, the person who sighs is also one of the clear guild members.

In fact, he is the leader of the guild he lead and one of the few friends for the loner protagonist.

"...Klein, are we still going to do this?" (???)

"let me think for a bit." (Klein)

Fuurinkazan.

(Note:https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/swordartonline/images/1/1d/Fuurinkazan.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/700?cb=20161201171751. This is the guild.)

That's the guild name led by Klein and his guild member.

Although the numbers are only 6, each of them is an elite who have experienced numerous battles.

Even so, they are just ants in front of the true army.

Divine Dragon alliance.

(Note:https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/swordartonline/images/7/70/Divine_Dragon_Alliance_Members.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/700?cb=20161201171621.)

Army.

(Note:https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/swordartonline/images/4/4b/ALF.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/700?cb=20120831111605.)

Lastly, Knights of The Blood.

(Note:https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/swordartonline/images/5/53/KOB_members.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/180?cb=20140503110453.)

Each of them has also come to this place, bringing tens of guild members heavily equipped with no exception.

"...Chi. Even the Army has come, huh?"

Actually, the Army is close to the military guild that oversees the entire players instead of clearing the floor.

In the past, they sustained huge casualties from fighting the floor boss so they retired.

But they still come here, because the resurrection item has lit their greed.

Klein's chance to get the item is very slim.

He only comes here for a small hope of getting the item.

But seeing this scene, he already felt fortunate if the situation won't lead to a battle royale.

"Fuuhh...." (Klein)

(No choice, this time we have to turn back.)

He does want the resurrection item, but if it led to losing his and his guild members' life, then there's no meaning to it.

In other words, it's just putting the cart before the horse.

Of course, right now the situation is still stalemate but it's simply a volcano before eruption.

Therefore, he immediately chooses the decision to flee rather than getting involved.

Facing the members, he voices out his command.

However,

"Guys, let's pull back. There's no need to--" (Klein)

"Oh, looks like we made it in time." (???)

One person's voice trail off his command.

*Shruk* *Shruk* *Shruk* (Sound of walking in snow.)

Looking at the source of the voice, Klein looks toward the person...

Which makes his eyes open widely.

"...No way!?" (Klein)

Silver hair that is glowing in the night, golden iris eyes that is shinier than any jewel, a perfect face that could beat any man alive, and overall black uniform contrasting his white skin.

In this world, there's only one guy who matches all of the characteristics.

"The Silver Star, Rein!" (Klein)

With a smile, The Supreme spokes to everybody in this place with his clear and serene voice.

"Good evening everybody. Mind if we join the party?"

******

*Chatter* *Chatter* *Chatter.* (Players chatting to each other.)

"...Crazy. He's participating too?" (The Army's Player)

"Damn! This is going to be tough." (Dragon Alliance's Player)

"This is bad..." (Knights of the Blood' player.)

Each of the guilds' reaction ranges from surprise, fear, and admiration.

Even Klein himself feels shocked meeting this person.

However, their reactions are natural.

If players are given the question,

"Who is the strongest player in SAO?"

They will definitely answer it with no ounce of hesitation.

"Of course it's the Silver Star, Rein!"

In this nine months, players could progress until 54th floor for only a year due to this individual only.

Why?

Because he cleared the floor boss alone.

It is not a comparison nor a joke but Rein really cleared the floor boss by himself.

Moreover, that number is not just one or two but fifteen in total.

That's not all.

Familia Myth.

Compared to every guild in here, it only has 4 members. Rather than a guild, it is closer to a team.

But every member shines brighter than any of them.

The Black Swordsman, Kirito.

Weapons Merchant, Agil.

The Flash, Asuna.

Lastly, their guild master, Rein.

With their help, they cleared another ten floors without relying on other guilds.

Amazing is not enough to describe their impossible achievements.

Legend.

That's how much impeccable they are.

As for the rest, other clearing guilds subjugated it but they were present most of the time, becoming the backbone for each and every fight.

Therefore, he already becomes the most popular figure in SAO.

Every player in this world definitely knows this heroic existence.

That is why all of them have become tense immediately.

Because a very strong competitor has just joined the fray.

As for Klein, he becomes excited for meeting the idol he always admires.

"O-Ohhhh!! It's my first time meeting him!" (Klein)

"Hmm?" (Rein)

Hearing the sound of loud exclamation, Rein faced toward the guy.

(Oh. Looks like he's here too.)

Seeing him, Rein greet Klein with a faint smile.

"Nice to meet you, Klein-san. I guess it is the first time we meet." (Rein)

"E-eh!? Y-You know my name sire!?" (Klein)

*Nods*

"Yes, one of my guild members introduced about you. He said that you are the first friend he made in here."

Rubbing his nose, Klein feels happy for hearing the word, 'friend.'

Sometimes Kirito's action could be misunderstood but he is still a kind boy who cares for his surrounding.

"Hehe, that guy..."

[Ping.]

[You have a mail.]

"Hmm? Excuse me, I have a message to look at." (Rein)

*Pring* (Rein opening his interface.)

After opening his message box, the sender was Asuna.

[We have just arrived- From Asuna.]

"Oh, looks like they finally come."

"They?...Ah!" (Klein)

Hearing their conversation, not only Klein but every player in this place noticed it.

The second sentence Rein said was not 'I' but 'we.'

That means, he doesn't come as a solo.

*Shruk* *Shruk* *Shruk*

"...Whew, Kirito-kun. How many times I have to tell for you to understand? Don't ever do things in the last minute." (???)

"So-sorry. But you see Asuna, it's a rare monster so I can't just let it go..." (???)

" *sigh*... You always say that."

"Now, now. Give him a break ,Asuna. At least he remembered the promise." (???)

"Don't spoil him too much Agil-san. Later he will do it again, you know?"

Multiple footsteps are coming from the direction Rein has come from.

While they are walking, there is the sound of scolding from a young girl while the boy could only answer meekly to that. As for the third one, the big guy in his thirties acts as their mediator.

Rather than subjugation party, their conversation is like a family going to a picnic.

Facing to that direction, Rein greets his most trusted friends with a bright smile while waving his right hand.

"Everyone, I'm over here!" (Rein)

Responding to his call, the three of them also look to his direction and answer with a smile too.

"Rein, sorry for the delay!" (Kirito)

"I'm sorry Rein. It took us a while to drag Kirito-kun." (Asuna)

"Ou! We all three have safely arrived." (Agil)

While saying so, all of them headed toward Rein with light steps.

It is the full gathering of the strongest guild.

*****

-11:56 P.M, 24th December-

"Everybody. I have a proposal." (Rein)

After Rein has gathered with his guild members, he spoke loudly to all of the players who are in full tense mode.

Hearing his words, everybody pays attention to his next words.

"Why don't we take turns for defeating the boss?"

After 4 minutes, it will be the start of the Christmas event.

Which means, it will be a harsh battle of who comes first without rules.

True, his teams are strong but there's always the word WHAT IF.

He doesn't want to take unnecessary risk.

So he changes the stage into more reasonable ones.

"If we just fight the boss with every player in here, there's going to be casualties and conflict between each other. Therefore, let's take turns with a clear time limit."

*Chatter* *Chatter* *Chatter*

"...That's true." (The Army's Player)

"Wouldn't want unnecessary damages to our equipment too." (Blue Dragon Alliance' Player)

"...But, who would take the vanguard?" (The Knights of Blood)

Their suspicions and reluctance are correct.

If they truly follow Rein's proposal, then the first guild will be the losing end of the stick.

Event Boss is not just some slime that can be defeated with a single slash.

But Rein who already know this beforehand ease their worries instantly.

"Don't worry. Since we are the ones who say it, we will also be the first one."

While raising his right palm openly, Rein gives the time limit clearly.

"5 minutes. Each guild, including us, will have 5 minutes to fight the boss. Any objections?"

*Shiin* (Silence)

"I'll take that as yes then."

5 minutes is not short but not that long either.

If they think by common sense, no matter how strong they are, it is impossible to defeat the boss in that short time.

....If they really are players who move with common logic.

Kirito, Asuna, and Agil put a wry smile after hearing Rein's proposal who will take "the short end of the stick."

"...Haha, he's really the scariest gambler I have seen." (Kirito)

"Fuuhh...Even now, I still feel thankful that I didn't get to his bad side." (Agil)

"Since he's our guild master, it makes us reassuring though." (Asuna)

Rein, who listen to their conversations look back, only facing them with a smile while putting one finger on his mouth.

"Shhh~~~" (Rein)

(Don't let the cat out of the bag.)

Responding to his actions, all three of them could only shake their head with a bitter smile.

As for Kirito, he only let out the OK sign with his hand.

They already discussed this beforehand so they won't object to his 'reckless' plan.

In any case, the deal has been made safely.

*Shwing* (Rein taking out his one-handed sword.)

"Now then, let's begin." (Rein)

[5...4....3....2...1...]

[0.]

[Ping!]

[The date has been changed.]

[The Event Boss, Nicholas The Renegade has appeared!]

*BANG!*

In the center of the players, a thin giant dressing as Santa Claus is carrying a sack and ax in each of its hands.

Rather than Santa, it's closer to ghost appeared in a horror movie.

"ROARRRRR!!!" (Nicholas)

"Fuuhh..." (Rein)

"Rein, do your best." (Asuna)

Seeing Asuna's worried face, Rein only smile reassuringly to her.

"Don't worry."

Because this kind of obstacle is too small to be considered as a threat.

*Dash!*

*KLANG!*

The Holy Fight for gaining one extra life has just begun.