"Waahh... what a beautiful flower!"

Reaching to the designated place, Silica exclaims herself for looking at one particular flower blooming. It is the most beautiful one out of all flowers in the surrounding.

"With this, your friend will be able to resurrect."

"Yes! Really, thank you so much, Rein-san!"

Responding to her bright smile and energetic response, Rein also smiles back to her.

"You are welcome."

(I guess, I understand the feelings of lolicon a bit.)

During these two days, he finally realizes why does Silica gain overwhelming popularity with the normal players even though she herself is not strong.

In the original story, she was neglected in the later part. Rather, viewers even wondered," Ah, there was a heroine like this too, huh?"

Well, it may be natural as Kirito choose Asuna as his lover, so all other girls become some kind of extra indirectly.

Still, in Rein's opinion, Silica has its own charm, not losing compared with Asuna.

Cute, energetic, and caring even to strangers like Rein.

Not only that, with her small height feature, she becomes the icon of a little sister, which makes the male players have desires, "I want to protect her!"

As a man himself, it will be a lie if he's not affected by her. Still, it's not enough until it makes him become a crazed fan for her.

Even so, his conscience gets pricked a bit, considering the upcoming event to them.

(....I guess I still have it, huh?)

To Rein himself, it was quite a surprise. Sure, she may be a heroine in SAO, but it doesn't really matter much for Rein. it's not like he wants to be popular with the heroines too.

A story is a story, and this world is one hundred percent reality.

There's some truth to it in Rein helping Silica to revive Pina out of small kindness and responsibility.

But for her personally?

No way.

He's never a saint and will never proclaim to be. Rather, he's close to the bad guy rather than the good guy.

"....Looks like they are here."

He helped her because he could get something from it.

"Rein-san?"

Responding to her voice, Rein faces her directly to warn the upcoming danger a moment later.

"Silica, I want you to promise me one thing. No matter what, do not intervene from what I'm about to do. Can you do it?"

"E-eh? W-why so suddenly...."

"Just promise me. If not, I can't guarantee your safety anymore."

Looking at his face that is more serious than ever, Silica feels bewildered. Just a moment ago, he was smiling and all, but now he becomes cold instantly.

Even so, Silica accepts his request. During these two days, at least she knows he doesn't have any harmful intention to her.

"...I understand."

"Good."

Relaxing his stern face, he returns back to his usual smiley face.

"Well then, since we already get what we want, let's go back, shall we?"

"Yes."

With hurried footsteps, Both of them head to the entrance each with a different anticipation.

On one side, Silica is excited for being able to reunite with Pina again.

On the other hand, Rein mentally prepares himself for the soon-to-come danger toward them.

The 'bait' he had set has been bitten.

Now, he only needs to reel it up.

*******

"....Rein-san, can I ask something?"

"Hmm? What is it?"

During their travel of one hour, it was relatively peaceful. Depending on certain's point of view, it could be said both of them enjoy a nice walk after doing a picnic surrounded by beautiful nature.

Well, it is 'relatively' because Rein just one hit KOed all of the monsters coming to them without discrimination. He himself didn't get much, But Silica hugely benefits from this one trip.

She got the revival item and rode on an extremely fast bus exclusively for her. Most of all, Rein gave all of the drop obtained in this trip to her.

So she couldn't help but wonder.

"Why...are you helping me this much?"

"...."

Hearing her question, Rein couldn't help but be silent.

"I may not be a player on the front line, but I'm no fool. There is no way, for you who is one of the strongest players in SAO helping me with no purpose at all."

Rather, even if it's not her, a loving-peace idiot will still find it strange to get this much benefit but doesn't get expected to give anything at all. Personally, Silica herself think scammer won't even go this much.

At first, she did think this man did this all for her because he was...."interested" to her. But now, it was just complete nonsense and feel embarrassed for being arrogant.

Then, maybe she thought it was because he wanted "Something" related to her. However, even when she put the item on her inventory, Rein didn't react especially strange nor strike a sudden deal.

Therefore, she is completely befuddled and confused.

(It's not like he's the type that saves everyone in trouble too...)

She is quite perceptive in determining people's intention when looking at their face. Some tried to impress her, some lusted for her body which makes her feel disgusted, and some tried to harm her but failed for getting noticed easily.

And this man didn't show any of those feelings nor actions to her at all.

She knows he is aiming for something, but that 'something' is in a complete mystery covered with a veil and smoke.

"...My aim, huh?"

"Yes. If you could, would you please tell me? You already have given so much for me. Even if you don't demand something, I'll just feel burdened from it."

Unknowingly, they have stopped walking and stand in the middle of the road. Just 15 more minutes and they would reach their destination.

While looking at her serious face and determined eyes, Rein couldn't help putting a wry smile.

(Looks like she's not just a sheltered girl.)

She is not strong, but she isn't an idiot. Moreover, she has the heart to appreciate someone's kindness and wants to repay it.

If she tries to debut as an idol, maybe she could become a top star. That's his honest evaluation of Silica.

(Well, it doesn't matter much.)

After all, the prey who has come to him will explain it.

"....Fufufu, What a lovely atmosphere we have here. Trying to confess own's feeling? How romantic."

"!? Who's there!!"

Surprised by the sudden interruption, Silica immediately raises her alert level to maximum and prepare the dagger given by Rein. Compared to her old weapon, its performance is several times stronger.

Responding to her shout, the unknown third party reveals itself from the shade of the tree.

"Hello, Silica-chan~~. It's been a while. I'm glad to see you again."

A red, curly hair that reaches until her shoulder, Wearing a black tight dress that covers her whole body. It was a typical mature woman but with sharp eyes.

Hearing that nonchalant tone and seeing that amicable smile, Silica begins to grits her teeth badly.

Glad to see you?

"....How dare you, of all people say that to me!? If it wasn't for you, I won't face that danger in the forest!"

Yes, this woman in front of Silica is the one who argued on the potion distribution incident. To be precise, 'led' the situation into that way.

Originally, she would rob Silica clean the moment when she was the most vulnerable.

"Never thought you could ensnare a high-leveled player. Looks like you aren't as innocent as you look, hmm?"

But it was gone poof like smoke due to one unexpected variable in front of her.

News travels fast in SAO. Most of all, only the minority don't know the identity of this 'scary' player. Each of his action even the tiniest bit of it will alarm the players. After all, his past achievements can only be concluded as 'monstrosity'.

So, she could only take the safest and surest way.

"Wh-Wha!? What are you saying...!? We-we are not!?"

"Oh, my~~It looks like I'm not that far off. Judging from that reaction, you are just a double-face foxy girl, huh?"

"You...!!"

It is insulting. No, the more she heard the words coming from this irritating bit*h, her patience is vanishing at an alarming rate. Due to that, she takes a step forward to shut that nasty mouth for good.

"Stop."

Before somebody steps forward and stop Silica in a timely moment.

"R-Rein-san!!"

"Silica, I know it's hard but calm down. You are just getting into her pace."

"B-but! She..!"

"Do I have to repeat myself ?"

"!!"

Looking at his indifferent face, Silica instantly cools down her head. No, she is still angry but she swallowed down her frustration albeit barely while taking a deep breath.

*Fuuuh*

(....Calm down, me.)

She may be young, but she is not a fool. The reason she can survive this long despite little to above average skill only is because of her sharp perception. And that perception is ringing loudly. Something is going to be very wrong the moment she acts rashly.

Most of all, didn't Rein just said it an hour ago?

'Do not interfere with what am I about to do.'

Therefore, she takes a step back.

"....I understand."

"Good."

Because she immediately notices it. Right now, he only concentrates on one person and one only while not giving any speck of attention her anymore.

(I'm not his target anymore.)

If so, then who is?

Simple.

"Now then, let's begin the 'talk'. What brings you to this place specifically at this time, guild master of Titan's Hand, Rosalia?"

It's the villain that stands in front of them.

Responding to his question, the woman Rosalia only shrug her shoulder without any particular reaction.

"What are you talking about, I wonder? I'm just having a 'leisure' hunt on his floor. Besides, there's no way a green player like me is one of the criminal guild, much less leading them."

Hearing her answer, Rein only chuckle.

"A 'leisure' hunt, you say. Alone, without your 'friends' accompanying you? Your level is not even close enough to do solo play on this floor. I wonder, what can you 'hunt' anyway with your pathetic skill?"

*Sounds of gritting teeth*

(This as*hole...)

It's a clear and direct provocation. Seeing his face that looks down someone like a bug while saying those derogatory words is simply expressing, "You are way out of your league, idiot." Due to that, her face automatically become distorted from anger.

Moreover, he even strongly nuances the word 'friends' and 'hunt' in an obvious tone, implying its hidden meaning.

"....Tch. As expected of a player fighting a front line. Your arrogance is truly the first class."

"Maybe. Even so, at least I'm not like some bit*h who can only hide in the back and leech off others' efforts like a parasite."

"....You fricking as*hole."

Hearing that, Rosalia immediately couldn't help cursing out loud. If it reaches to this point, then even she herself notices that this guy in front of her is anticipating her arrival.

Just like what Silica suspected, Rein has a hidden agenda, which is the opportunity of catching Rosalia.

(So what?)

"....Boys, come out."

*Sounds of rustling grass*

To her, the idiot in front of her is just an arrogant player who believes in own power too much. To someone like that, she can easily overpower it by absolute quantity.

One by one, players hidings from the bushes and trees come out while surrounding Silica and Rein at the same time.

Their numbers are about 40 to 50 players heavily equipped.

"...Hah. To think, the so-called 'Silver star' Rein is just an idiot. How disappointing. I will teach you, that an individual is powerless in front of absolute numbers."

The word Rosalia spoke is not wrong. However, what she misses is that this guy could even repel 100 hundred players who stand on the front line by himself only. Well, it is an incident only the involved parties know so that's that.

Besides, compared to that group of elites, these thugs are only a little threat to Rein.

Of course, a threat is still a threat though. Moreover, if Silica is taken as a hostage, then his hand will only be tied.

So, will he give up obediently and run away?

Of course not.

"...How cute. To think, you can kill me just with these numbers."

"What did you say!?"

"Hah! Stop with that pointless bluff! What can you even do just with two people!"

True, judging from it rationally and objectively, Rein and Silica are in absolute disadvantage with no chance to win.

But they are missing another thing.

Will he step in into a trap without a plan?

No way.

"I wonder, who is truly the idiot here?"

*Snap*

Raising his right hand, he snaps his finger loudly.

The stage has been prepared.

Now, what only left is to gather the missing actors.