December 22, 2022. 10:19 AM – Rovia, Floor 4

  Silver had reached the fourth floor the day before, following the quest's instructions that directed him to Rodglan. There, he reunited with Veget's group and decided to temporarily join them.

  They were still four: after Lank's death, Miwa had flatly refused to replace him. The rest of the team then discovered a side of her they hadn't seen before—stubborn, firm, impossible to sway.

  Before the battle against the third floor boss the day before, —one Silver didn't take part in— Veget had tried to add two new players to the party. He didn't like being the only tank and trusted that Silver wouldn't always be around.

  But the attempt ended in a confrontation: Miwa lashed out at him with fury for wanting to "replace" her fallen friend. Words escalated until she threatened to leave the group, knowing her brother and HappyGoose would follow her. In the end, she imposed her will.

  When Silver finally rejoined them, Miwa was the first to react. She ran up to him and hugged him so tightly it felt like years had passed.

  —Finally, you're here!

  —Been... a little busy lately.

  —You're coming with us to the boss room this time, right? —she asked, half-pleading, half-demanding.

  —That's the plan —he answered with a smile.

  —That doesn't sound convincing. We need you, you know?

  At that moment, HappyGoose walked over, frowning dramatically and faking a cough. Silver immediately let go of Miwa. She shot Goose a look that promised thunder, but said nothing.

  —So you're really joining the raid? —Veget asked, serious.

  —Yes. I'll be staying here for a few days anyway to complete my quest.

  —And if you finish before the raid?

  —I'll stay regardless. Though I don't know if Goose will like that —Silver replied, casting a glance at the chubby boy.

  —If he doesn't like it, he can leave —Miwa interjected, smiling with mischievous glint.

  —I'm staying wherever you are, Miwa-chan —Goose said deadpan, as if he meant it.

  Silver couldn't help but laugh. That warm feeling surprised him every time he was with them. Since coming to Aincrad, he hadn't built many friendships; his first parties on Floor 1 had been disasters. But this group was different.

  Even so, his priority remained the quest.

  —Do you know where Rodglan is? I need to get there.

  —Doesn't ring a bell. This floor only opened recently. Did you update your map? —Ryuho asked.

  —I did —Miwa jumped in—, but there's no such town marked. Maybe someone found it and hasn't shared. Give me some time, I'll ask around.

  Before Silver could reply, she winked at him playfully and went off to talk to other players.

  HappyGoose started to follow, but Ryuho stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder.

  —Give her space —he said calmly, but with authority.

  Goose stared for a moment, then sighed.

  —Whatever you say, Ryuho-nii.

  —Remind me again why I haven't killed you yet?

  —Because you know no one else in this damn tower will ever care for your sister the way I do. And because I'm an excellent cook.

  Laughter broke out all around. But even with the joke, Goose's eyes never left Miwa. She spoke with overflowing energy, drawing smiles even from players who'd first seemed intimidated by her unstoppable presence.

  December 22, 2022. 1:38 PM – Coastal Zone, Floor 4

  —Switch!

  As soon as Silver called it, Ryuho and Miwa rushed the Rusted Cooper Lobster.

  The monster was nearly two meters long, a giant prawn with a metallic, corroded shell the color of dull copper. Its body creaked like old iron whenever it moved, and its jagged pincers could tear through leather or wood armor with ease. Red eyes glowed like embers, and its long antennae crackled faintly with static electricity.

  The Lobster snapped its pincers, retreating a step as its eyes glowed brighter. Silver had managed to corner it against the beach, but the beast still refused to fall.

  Ryuho stepped forward, intercepting the descending strike of a massive pincer. His sword caught it, deflecting with a wide arc, but the impact drove him back several steps, leaving Miwa exposed.

  —Careful! —Silver shouted as the other pincer lunged at her.

  Without thinking, Ryuho spun and blocked again, his blade ringing under the force. His HP dropped slightly.

  Miwa bit her lip. If she kept hesitating, her brother would keep taking the hits. With quick, dancer-like steps, she slipped around the creature's flank while it was locked against Ryuho's weapon.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  —Now! —Silver called, slashing at the monster's side to keep its attention.

  Miwa didn't hesitate. Her daggers flared blue as she unleashed Twin Slash, carving an "X" into the joint between carapace and flesh.

  The Lobster let out a metallic screech, its HP flashing red, before shattering into fragments of light.

  Miwa exhaled, sheathing her daggers.

  —See? I can cover you too.

  Ryuho brushed the sand from his clothes, grumbling.

  —Just don't suffocate me next time.

  A system notification popped up. Miwa squealed.

  —Finally, level 19!

  —Well done, kid —Ryuho said warmly.

  —You've gotten really good with those daggers —Silver added, smiling.

  —Hehe, I've been practicing. Even if nii-san won't let me at the front, I can't depend on others either.

  Ryuho ruffled her hair gently before turning back to Silver.

  —You've really improved with that shield. Just weeks ago you didn't even use one.

  —Yeah. It's helped a lot. Especially when you fight alongside someone with little defense.

  —Eeeeh? —Miwa leaned in, hands on hips—. You, mister "I don't trust anyone so I solo everything," have been fighting with someone else?

  —Not like I planned it. The conditions just... happened. —Silver raised his hands in defense.

  —And do those "conditions" happen to have a name? Male or female? —Miwa asked with a sly grin.

  Silver averted his eyes. The silence was louder than words.

  —Pretty, then? —she pressed, eyebrow arched, grin sharpening into a trap.

  Silver opened his mouth, shut it again. No words came out.

  —Prettier than me? —the girl pressed even more, leaning closer. She removed her glasses and fixed him with her deep blue eyes.

  Was Yuiha prettier? If Miwa had been at his university, she'd have been one of the most popular girls on campus: bubbly, sociable, effortlessly charming. Yuiha wasn't like that. But she had something else, something he couldn't explain—something that haunted his thoughts when he was alone.

  When he came back to himself, Miwa's face was inches from his, her expression darkening at his silence—which was an answer in itself.

  —Leave him alone.

  Ryuho's deep voice cut the tension. He grabbed his sister by the back of her cloak and pulled her away from the poor boy. Silver's eyes betrayed his relief.

  —Let's keep moving. We're only halfway to Rodglan —Miwa said without looking at either of them.

  The group pressed on along the coastal path, felling more Rusted Cooper Lobsters as they went, their coordination smooth despite the awkward moment lingering in the air.

  December 22, 2022. 3:02 PM – Rodglan, Floor 4

  Rodglan was a modest settlement, built atop a gentle rise a few kilometers from the sea. On clear days, one could see the blue line of the horizon and hear the faint roar of waves. Yet the breeze carried more of pine and damp earth than salt.

  Its houses, built of pale wood and gray stone, clustered along narrow, crooked streets, surrounded by gardens and low fences. Life revolved around the central square, where merchants sold smoked fish, fresh fruit, and basic gear.

  Unlike bustling ports, Rodglan radiated quiet, almost isolation. It wasn't a harbor, but a crossroads, linking inland villages to the coast. A place to rest and resupply rather than linger.

  Silver had asked most of the NPCs, but no one knew the name Masao Horiyima.

  Until he found an old man rocking on a creaky chair. When asked, instead of shaking his head, the man fell into a heavy silence. Silver pressed.

  —Sir, do you know Masao Horiyima? I was asked to deliver something.

  The old man narrowed his eyes, suspicion flaring. After a long pause, he returned a question.

  —Who asked you?

  —I don't know his real name. Only that he was known as Warden's Lieutenant.

  The old man's composure shattered. He sprang to his feet.

  —Who are you!?

  —My name is Silver. But... he called me "Heir of the Vow."

  The man collapsed back into his chair as if his legs had given out.

  —Do you have proof? —he whispered.

  Silver hesitated. The quest had begun with the shield. He opened his inventory, withdrew the Aegis, and handed it over.

  The man's hands trembled as he traced the lion engraving. Tears streamed down his cheeks.

  —My boy... I never thought I'd see you again... —he murmured, speaking to the shield like it was a lost son.

  At last, he lifted his gaze, eyes wet but steady.

  —What did he entrust to you?

  Silver took out the two broken armor plates. The old man received them reverently, muttering inaudible prayers. Then he stood.

  —Come with me, Heir.

  Inside the house, he lifted a floorboard, revealing an ancient chest. With careful hands, he opened it and drew out a shining armor: light, forged of blue and silver steel, balancing defense and mobility. The breastplate gleamed like polished mirrors, and at its center, a lion's engraving matched the Aegis.

  [You have obtained: Warden's Tempered Plate]

  [Quest completed: Warden's Resistance]

  Warden's Light Plate

  Defense: +25

  Stun Resistance: +10%

  2-piece bonus: +20% Paralysis Resistance, +20% Poison Damage Reduction

  The result surprised him. The armor felt too flashy for his style, but he thanked the old man sincerely and turned to leave.

  Before he crossed the threshold, the man's voice stopped him.

  —I trust you'll also find the Warden's Stride. Please... when you do, let me see them all one last time.

  Silver smiled faintly.

  —Of course. Once I complete the set, I'll be back, old man.