After returning to the village of 【Horuka】, Xia Yan and Kirito headed towards the ‘Toughened Sword’ quest NPC.
When the two entered the NPC's house, the question mark above the head of the quest-giving NPC had already turned into an exclamation mark.
Xia Yan stepped forward first and talked to the NPC, handing him the quest materials.
After going through a mechanical dialogue procedure, the NPC turned around and went back into the room, taking out a long sword with a red scabbard.
Although it looked a bit old, just looking at the exterior, one could tell the difference from the single-handed swords sold in stores.
This was the reward for this quest - the Toughened Sword.
After Xia Yan completed the quest, Kirito also handed in his quest and obtained the Toughened Sword as well.
“Not bad stats.”
Xia Yan immediately equipped it, replacing the bronze sword that had already lost a lot of durability.
“We don’t have to worry about weapons for a while.”
Kirito also quickly equipped it, smiling and saying: “After reinforcing it, the Toughened Sword will be fine even if we use it to the third level.”
“However, there is no blacksmith NPC with reinforcement function in 【Horuka】, we need to go to the next district.”
Kirito was a little moved.
“Forget it, we’ve been busy all day. I want to go back to the inn and get some sleep, it's not urgent anyway.”
Xia Yan shook his head.
“I’m also a bit tired, let’s talk about it tomorrow.”
Kirito nodded. As a closed beta tester, he knew that if his mental state was not focused, he could be easily ambushed by monsters.
The two left the NPC’s house and went to the inn.
...
In the lobby on the first floor of the inn.
Asuna sat in a position by the window, opened her game system menu, and stared intently at the content on it.
“Asuna.”
Seeing the focused girl, Xia Yan called out softly.
“Yan.”
Seeing the two enter the inn, the tension on Asuna's face visibly eased. She got up from her seat and put on a relaxed smile.
“I’ll go up and sleep first.”
Kirito’s tone was sour. He immediately paid the innkeeper NPC at the front desk, then went upstairs to sleep.
No matter where he was, dog food was hard to eat, especially since he didn’t want to be a light bulb here.
Xia Yan waved his hand, urging Kirito to leave.
“Why aren’t you sleeping yet?”
Xia Yan walked over.
“I’m not particularly sleepy.”
Asuna looked away nervously under Xia Yan’s gaze. She quickly closed her game system menu.
While Xia Yan and Kirito were on their quest, Asuna kept staring at her friends list.
One way to determine if Xia Yan was safe was to check the status on the friends list.
Fortunately, Xia Yan’s name was always lit, indicating that he was safe.
However, unable to know Xia Yan’s specific situation, Asuna was still very worried.
Xia Yan was the first friend she had made in the game. Although she was asked to be his chef as soon as they met, Asuna was still very concerned about his safety.
So she stayed in the inn lobby alone, wanting to know Xia Yan’s situation as soon as possible.
“Then I’ll go to sleep first, I’m sure we’ll have a lot to do tomorrow.”
Xia Yan nodded.
“Okay, let’s go back to the room.”
Asuna said.
“Back to the room? I’m still a minor!”
Xia Yan looked at Asuna in surprise.
“I’m a minor too.”
Asuna was stunned for a moment, then immediately realized, her face flushed as she retorted, “Don’t think about it in an H way!”
“But what you said, it’s really hard to make me not think in another way.”
Xia Yan shrugged, “Besides, if you didn’t think in another way, how would you know so quickly?”
“I mean, we go back to our own rooms to sleep, not for you to be in the same room with me.”
Asuna glared at Xia Yan, blushing and refuting loudly.
“Being tsundere isn’t a very good attribute.”
Xia Yan said confidently, “Generally, what you say subconsciously represents your true inner thoughts. What you’re saying now is fake.”
“Who is tsundere?!”
Asuna was even more ashamed, “You’re misinterpreting me!”
“I thought it was just me who was lusting after you, but it turns out you’re the real hunter. Unexpected, you’re a handsome guy with such a deep routine.”
Xia Yan looked full of amazement.
“You’re talking nonsense again!”
Hearing Xia Yan’s words, Asuna’s face turned even redder. She didn’t know whether she was angry or embarrassed by Xia Yan’s direct words.
“Fine, one room, right? If you dare come, then come.”
Seeing Xia Yan’s teasing smile, Asuna took a deep breath, sneered and said.
Asuna turned and went upstairs, not forgetting to give Xia Yan a provocative look.
Xia Yan was amused. Originally, he was just joking, but since that’s the case, he was happy to go.
Of course, it was just one room.
It was basically impossible to do anything extra.
In SAO, players have a harassment protection measure. Once activated, it will send the other party directly to prison.
Although Asuna didn’t resist Xia Yan, she wasn’t familiar enough with him to disable the harassment protection. After all, they had only known each other for less than a day.
Xia Yan went upstairs and went into the room with Asuna.
“Why did you really come in?!”
Asuna looked at Xia Yan nervously, her heart pounding.
So far, besides her family, Xia Yan was the first boy to be in the same bedroom as her.
“Didn’t you invite me?”
Xia Yan looked puzzled.
“I......”
Asuna was speechless.
“Now this is the first lesson, never provoke your owner casually.”
Xia Yan teased with a smile.
“Who’s a pet?!”
Asuna said indignantly.
Xia Yan looked at Asuna suggestively, not saying a word.
Asuna felt like she was going to vomit blood. She wanted to kick Xia Yan out, but she couldn’t say it, so she could only stand there dumbly, sulking.
“Forget it, sleep if you want to, anyway, nothing is going to happen.”
Asuna snorted, giving up struggling, then took off her gear and lay down on the bed, ignoring Xia Yan.
Of course, there was another important reason that Asuna didn’t say.
Because, when Xia Yan was around, Asuna could feel an unprecedented sense of security, allowing her to relax completely.
After all, he was the only person she could rely on in this game.
Seeing that Asuna didn’t react, Xia Yan lost his teasing mood. He also took off his gear and lay down on the other side.
......
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