Black Iron Palace.
In the SAO game, almost no players knew about this place. It was a mysterious area located beneath the Town of Beginnings on the first floor.
Unlike the original Sword Art Online storyline, the location of the Black Iron Palace was not occupied by the guild nicknamed "Army," but instead belonged to the territory of the Star Flame guild. During a period when many things had changed, members of the Star Flame guild discovered the location of the Black Iron Palace in advance. However, not many players explored it. Even within Star Flame, few were interested in developing this underground area. Eventually, they simply listed it under the guild's jurisdiction and left it at that.
After all, as the number one guild in SAO, Star Flame had already cleared nearly thirty floors of the game. Compared to those floors, which had more abundant resources, quests, and monster areas, the Black Iron Palace—with a difficulty equivalent to the sixtieth floor—offered little in the way of special rewards. It was not necessary to clear it in order to beat SAO. How many players would be interested in developing such a useless place?
However, this time, Morin brought Asuna and Yui to the entrance of the area controlled by the Star Flame guild that led to the Black Iron Palace.
---
"Guild Leader, are you sure you do not need us to come with you? You are even bringing little Yui..."
Beside an inconspicuous stone house, a player from Star Flame's management looked at Morin, Asuna, and Yui, their expression filled with confusion and disbelief.
Morin and Asuna did not worry the surrounding players at all. Even though the Black Iron Palace was as difficult as the eighteenth level of hell for first-floor standards, it was completely beneath the notice of two top ten clearing group powerhouses. In fact, if the Black Iron Palace had any worthwhile profits or benefits, and if clearing Aincrad's floors was not more important and rewarding, the Star Flame guild would have organized expeditions into the Black Iron Palace long ago.
But what was the deal with the guild leader and the Black Swordsman taking little Yui, the guild's recent mascot, to clear the Black Iron Palace?
No matter how slow the Star Flame players were, they were not blind. They clearly saw that Yui was a beloved figure, and they could not imagine what combat power she could possibly have beyond being adorable.
"Hmm, there is something important that requires bringing little Yui along."
Facing these players, Morin had no interest in explaining much and only offered a few vague words.
"Yes, Guild Leader."
Although they were puzzled by the actions of Morin, the Black Swordsman, and the guild mascot, after Morin spoke, the dozen or so players who had followed them exchanged looks and nodded in understanding.
After all, for the players of Star Flame, Morin's leadership had proven itself time and again. Not to mention, the famous Black Swordsman was going too, and even little Yui had no objections. What more could they say? They could only watch obediently as their guild leader took Asuna and Yui and stepped into the Black Iron Palace.
"Yui, be careful and stay close to Mommy, okay."
"Asuna, we might encounter enemies later. We can manage, but Yui must be protected."
"Understood, Daddy."
Under the gazes of a group of Star Flame players, Morin led the way at the front, while Asuna held Yui's hand and followed behind, entering the Black Iron Palace almost as if they were on a family trip.
---
"Haaah"
"Clang"
"Bang"
"Yui, be careful"
"Go Daddy, go Mommy"
In the black metallic passageway, Morin and Asuna rapidly cut down the monsters that appeared before them, while Yui stood safely behind, cheering them on.
As the main attacker, Asuna moved swiftly, arcs of silver light tracing beautiful curves through the air as her rapier pierced through the black lobster men, rock men, and skeletons that rushed toward them. No matter the monster type, one slash from Asuna's rapier turned them into countless fragments.
The vast majority of monsters could not even get past Asuna before disintegrating into loot and materials.
Occasionally, when a few monsters slipped through the gaps created by their overwhelming numbers or slightly longer distances, they would face Morin. Calm and steady, Morin would use his shield to bash their faces, stunning them before delivering a few swift thrusts of his sword to their vital points, finishing them off.
In less than a minute, a swarm of three-digit monsters had all turned into Cor, materials, and equipment. Both Morin and Asuna wore relaxed, natural expressions, showing no signs of strain.
"Daddy and Mommy are so amazing"
Seeing the last monster fall, Yui ran over to Morin's side, grabbing his arm while waving happily at Asuna.
"Good girl. Yui, make sure you do not wander too far, okay."
Asuna sheathed her rapier and gently hugged Yui, rubbing her cheek against the little girl's before letting go.
She glanced up at the dark and gloomy labyrinth that surrounded them and then turned to Morin, whose calm expression did not waver. Unable to hold back her curiosity any longer, she finally asked, "Morin, how are you sure that Yui's experience is connected to the Black Iron Palace? I do not recall the guild ever exploring it in detail."
"Asuna, I cannot explain it clearly for now, but Yui's memories are definitely hidden in here."
Faced with her question, Morin gave a wry smile but could only answer softly.
Of course, Morin could not tell Asuna the full truth: that he knew the original storyline of Sword Art Online, that he had replaced "Sugou Nobuyuki," and that he was aware Yui was an AI program connected to SAO's core systems, and that the Black Iron Palace was closely tied to the management program of the entire game.
Whether Asuna would even believe him was another question entirely. Besides, Morin had no intention of revealing spoilers. Who knew if Kayaba Akihiko, still hidden under the identity of Heathcliff, was secretly observing them.
"...I understand. Morin, then let me and Yui see what lies ahead together."
Seeing Morin's somewhat troubled look, Asuna, who had spent so much time with him, did not press further. Instead, she gave him a bright, supportive smile.
Not only did Asuna have no doubts, but even little Yui looked up at Morin with complete trust. She had no questions either. Asuna, as his closest companion, would never doubt Morin's intentions, and Yui truly regarded Morin as her father, believing in every decision he made.
"Of course. Once we reach the depths of the Black Iron Palace, we will find the answers we seek."
Morin gently squeezed Asuna's and Yui's hands, his words carrying deeper meaning. Then he swung his sword and raised his shield, leading the way forward into the darkness.
"For now, let us clear the path ahead."
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Need More Chapters
Every 500 Power Stones
1 Bonus chapter.
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