"....Now, can you please say it? Surely, I have the right to know it, yes?"

When one crisis is finished, another comes down to Rein without any period of rest. Well, to be accurate it's just cleaning the aftermath.

To put it simply, many of the criminal guilds involved in this incident were locked to jail safely without any casualties. As for the subjugation members, all of them dispersed immediately like the wind, after saying a slight greeting to Rein. Although he may be the huge investor behind Diabel's guild, that doesn't mean they didn't feel anything for getting ordered as he pleases. Ironically, they can't be overbearing either as he is the saving grace for them too.

In short, it's just a money relationship, which is really dry.

Now, after parting with them, the 'victim' in this scenario is staring at him without trying to avoid eyeline nor batting her eyelid.

Currently, they are at the inn rented by both of them on the 47th floor. Postponing the resurrection of feather dragon, Silica wants to know the 'secret' first and foremost behind his action to dispel her anxiety.

The so-called silent stare is quite painful for the receiver.

Rein can only put a wry smile for her reaction, which is natural.

"How much do you want to know?"

"....To a certain degree. So I can be sure that I'm spared from this."

Which means, she wants Rein to spill everything he could so she won't be involved from this anymore but will not damage her in the future too.

"Alright, ask away."

"Is the meeting between me and Rein-san 'purely' coincidence?"

For that sharp question, Rein only nods his head calmly.

"Yes, it was purely coincidental. In the first place, if I didn't meet you yesterday, the plan will still be executed."

This time, Rein is telling the whole truth. All this time, he always focused on the big picture rather than focusing on clearing the floors only.

The enemy is not only groups of data but humans at the same time. Quite ironic for someone who is in the position of 'liberating' the humans.

But in any case, it's a certain fact that there's always be rotten apples mixing in.

Titan's Hand, Laughing Coffin, Murderer's Blood and etc.

'This is a game but it is not for playing.'

Rein doesn't know what does Kayaba really meant on saying that words, but he interpreted it like this.

"This is another world."

Cliche, but it's the best description he could give. Originally, the ultimate end for the players of this game is to beat the final boss and free from this world.

However, this goal is validated IF the players themselves desire to return.

In other words, if they don't want to go back, they will hinder the advancement of the front line players.

No matter what actions they will take.

"In the first place, I'm the main target for them. Even if you didn't join this plan, I will still be attacked by them, just in another form."

So Rein's action is truly an eyesore for them. The progression of climbing the floors, which was supposed to be full of despair, become a certain fact for it will be accomplished someday due to him.

Day by day, months by months. No matter how they looked at his achievements, they ultimately concluded that it 'is' possible to clear this game.

To them, it is something that will never be allowed.

"....Why? Why did they do something so foolish?"

"Foolish...huh. Certainly, If you think it in common sense, it is certainly foolish."

"Wh-what do you mean?"

"Let me ask you this way, Silica. Have you ever feel pressured to live in the world you lived in before? Have you ever feel burdened by the school? Does it feel stifling to live with all the eyes watching you? And.... have you ever felt that you want to be free from every laws 'restricting' you?"

"....!!"

In the beginning, she doesn't understand the underlying meaning of the question. However, the more she thought about it deeply, the paler her face become.

"..."

"Looks like you understand what I want to say."

"B-but, why would they even do so!? We are not NPC! Why would they even commit the act of murders in the first place!?"

Subconsciously, her voice becomes trembling and louder. After all, it is quite a heavy topic for a 13-14 years old girl to swallow it.

Even so, Rein didn't even change his expression nor the sound of his tone. In a way, he already experienced it beforehand.

"Silica, remember? There is no such thing as law and rules protecting us. Which means...."

"!!"

There won't be any stopper to hold them.

Of course, there is still the concept of prison to capture the 'bad' players breaking certain rules. Even so, there is one big difference between this world with another world.

Power.

That's all.

In the end, it all boils down to this.

"This may sound blunt but, rules can be held because the one who made it has the power to do so.

True, there may be criminals popping here and there for not being unable to hold their urges. But in the end? They can only do so very discreetly."

Because they are afraid.

Humans are not strong. On the contrary, they are frustratingly weak. One shot of the pistol will lead to heavy injury, diseases frequently come to their body, and mental weakness will corrode their mind.

Then, what will happen if they faced the mighty military power possessed by the government just with their bare body?

It is something lucky if the body is still intact.

"....."

"So this world is like their paradise. There's no equality, but it becomes fair and simple. Those who are stronger decide the rules."

The stability has been broken, but it becomes more....'balanced'. Excluding the overpowered Rein and game master, the player could kill other player depending on their ability gap.

"Well, that's where we come in. It's not like everyone is rotten like them. The front line players won't fall to their knees just from something like this."

It's not like Rein wished to protect and save the players. In fact, he doesn't even consider it at all. What he aimed in this operation is to set an example and tighten the leash of those scums so they can't act as they please. Then, Rein and the others could focus more on clearing this world free from worries.

"The original script was me getting surrounded by multiple monsters to show weakness. But well,....you come in."

"....So, I'm just an 'addition'?"

*Nod*

"Sometimes, perception is everything. Even if I didn't think about it, 'they' will make assumptions about it."

"Assumptions?.....Ah."

Hearing that word, Silica realizes the meaning of it. Yesterday night, both of them enjoyed a happy dinner like a couple. Then, this morning Rein decided to wait for Silica in one hour.

Concluding from these events, Rein simply wants to create a delusion.

A delusion where Rein is madly in love with Silica.

"....."

"Sorry for doing this without your permission."

"It's.....fine."

That's the only thing Silica could answer. How should she express this? Should she feel honored for a handsome guy to be 'smitten' with her? Or should she feel disgusted for Rein to trick her? Contradicting feelings are tangling with each other, making it complicated.

But still, the effectiveness is much better than the initial plan. After all, they are not that stupid to fall for the plan where Rein will get struggled just by tens of monsters while he can solo the floor boss. Instead, it is much more believable if a single guy got fallen by a 'cute' girl.

"Well, that's everything about it. You don't need to worry about this anymore. All of the members participated in this plan have signed a contract to stay silent about you. Of course, that includes me too."

".....I see."

"Anything else to ask?"

*Shakes head.*

"No. .....You already said it, Rein-san. I won't be involved in this anymore. Besides, with the Pneuma flowers, I could resurrect Pina. So...it's a happy ending, isn't it?"

A happy ending. Contrary to that bright words, her face is gloomy and dark from Rein's perspective.

(...That's all there is, isn't it?)

She was....frustrated.

Not because of Rein tricking her, not at all. In fact, if Silica looks at this calmly, she could see his consideration included too. If Rein truly separates with Silica without any form of help, then it's obvious she would die. After all, Pneuma Flower is an item too hard for her to obtain alone. In addition, Rosalia has chosen her as 'target', which makes it more hopeless.

The process itself was dirty, but the result is the best she could ever hope.

"Hahhh....."

Just...she felt disappointed with herself.

(I'm....useless.)

In her personal assessment, she's worth less than nothing. Without him, she couldn't save her partner. Without him, she couldn't save her own life.

....Without Rein, she couldn't even decide her own path.

Rein's word really sinks to her stomach.

Power.

Because she didn't have it, she has very limited options.

".....Hik."

She doesn't want to accept it.

Of course not. Who would want to admit it if the person itself is only a burden and nothing else?

But tears just keep pouring from both of her eyes. No matter how much she holds it, no matter how much she wipes it off, it still keeps pouring down like a broken dam.

Seeing her state, Rein didn't say anything. Sure, if Kirito is in this situation, maybe he could cheer her up with simple words of encouragement.

But he is not him. Moreover, that is not his style either.

(There's nothing crueler than cheap words of lies.)

To him, it is the most insulting when another person gives words of consolation to him even though that person didn't understand his suffering.

Rein knows and understands Silica's feeling better than anyone else.

Because he was in her shoes for tens of years in his past life.

So, he doesn't give 'mercy' nor 'leisure' for Silica.

Instead, he will only do one thing.

"Become strong."

"....Eh?"

Surprised, Silica raises her head. What faces her isn't a feeling of sympathy, contempt nor pity.

"If you don't want to experience this anymore. If you want to reject this way of living, then be strong. Someone powerful enough to repel those scum. Obtain the strength to decide your own life."

Taking a step forward, while gently ruffling her head, Rein continues his word.

"....Ah."

"I'm sure it will be painful. It will be much harder than any difficulties you have faced. It's fine to look back on your way. You'll definitely feel depressed to face the countless walls too high to climb. Even so, don't ever give up. Don't ever stop. Struggle with everything you got. Do whatever you can to take one step forward, no matter how small it is. No matter what happens, survive. Because...

The one who lives until the end is the ultimate winner."

It may be forcing his own way of living. However, that's how Rein was able to survive those mud filled battlefield with his life on the line. Kneeling to scums, lies that sold his conscience, and even sold his family.

It was pitiful, disgusting, and tiring.

But still, he lived.

Undeniably, he grasped his own path by protecting his own life until the end.

"....Rein-san."

"Well, that's the only thing I could say to you. You decide by yourself, Silica. ....Whatever your choice will be, I won't say anything to it. Because it's your own life."

After saying his final piece, he stops ruffling her hair and takes a step back.

This is the last thing he could do to this frail and adorable girl.

He doesn't have any more time to stop in the road for protecting her.

So this is where he and she walk each of their own respective paths.

"Goodbye, Silica. I hope....yes. I hope that you can found the power to survive on this cruel world."

Then, he turned his back to face the door of the inn.

"W-wait, Rein-san!"

"Hmm?"

Turning his head, he looks to Silica. Her face is still terrible after the tears she poured. But now, her eyes are filled with determination and gratitude toward him.

"...I will work hard. I will do everything I could! ...That's why, you too, Rein-san. Please don't give up! Reach until to the end of this game!"

He didn't say anything to that.

Even so, Silica can see it.

It's the same smile he gives when they first met.

That's enough for her.

*Kwiiik* (Opens door)

*Clack.*(Closes door)

Even if she can only look for his back, she will never forget today.

Because that man already gives her the 'power' to live in this world.

And...

"....Thank you."

The hope for the future.