My SAO adventure is wrong, as expected

Chapter 68: The Dire Situation in the Lower Levels

"Ah, sorry you two, I want to stop by somewhere on the way, is that okay?" Just before reaching the Black Iron Palace, Asuna suddenly said this.

"I don't mind, but where are you going?" "I haven't been there recently, and I'm a bit worried about the church."

"Ah—now that you mention it, it's quite close from here. The church is on the way to the Black Iron Palace, so it won't take much extra time.

But even if it was far, Hachiman and Kirito wouldn't refuse Asuna's request.

Kirito, you agree?"

"Yeah."

"Thanks, you two."

After walking for a while, just as they were about to arrive at the church, Yui suddenly stopped.

"Hm? What's wrong, Yui?"

"Dad, there's a really unpleasant feeling coming from over there."

'She sensed something? But since it's in town, it should be safe. Let's go check it out.'

The three nodded to each other and walked toward the direction Yui pointed. After a few steps, they saw some figures ahead.

"Ah, that woman — she's the one we met at the church before." "And those next to her... are those soldiers?"

The woman was standing with several children, while soldiers surrounded them, seemingly negotiating something.

As the four approached, they overheard the conversation:

"If you can't pay taxes, don't think you can pass here." "We don't need the army's help at all. Why do you have the right to collect taxes?" "No money, no passage. It's that simple."

In the SAO system, if a player blocks a road, other players cannot pass. Hachiman and Kirito were about to intervene, but Asuna had already drawn her rapier and rushed forward.

"Dad! Mom, she's—" Seeing Asuna go forward alone, Yui looked worriedly at Hachiman.

"Don't worry, Yui. Mom's really strong."

"Rather, the ones who should be worried are those guys, but it's their own fault for getting themselves in trouble."

"Yeah." "I've heard the army is really rotten." "Completely corrupt."

"I heard the leader, Thinker, is a decent guy." "Probably someone from the Kibaou faction."

Mentioning the Kibaou's name, the two showed complicated expressions.

"Though I don't have any good memories with that guy, the previous Kibaou was seriously progressing." "Since being betrayed by Lind, everything changed."

"In a way, he's also a victim, but enabling this kind of behavior is unforgivable." "After being taught a lesson by Asuna, they should learn their lesson."

At this moment, Asuna glared angrily at the soldiers standing before them.

"Huh? Who are you?"

"What weapon does a woman have? Just let us protect you, but of course, that means paying protection money."

"Hahaha, this girl is trembling."

Hachiman and Kirito knew that was trembling with anger, silently praying for the men.

"Shut your mouths."

Asuna mercilessly unleashed her Linear Impact on all of them. While it didn't reduce HP, the shockwave threw the men back, and the tip of her sword pressed against them:

"So?"

"Th-that..." "Are you... the legendary Flash..."

These low-level guys naturally hadn't seen a top player before. Experiencing the strength of a clearing team for the first time, they could only tremble.

One tried to run, but was knocked back by a frontal attack.

"Hachiman!"

Hachiman stood to the side, drew his sword, and pointed at them.

"Trying to run? My lovely wife went out of her way to talk to you. You'd better behave."

"Hey, Hachiman... showing off your love in public..." "My lovely wife..."

Asuna almost lost composure but forced a stern look:

"You made my dear husband go through all this trouble. Are you ready?"

"Even Asuna..."

Though a bit shy, Hachiman calmly questioned them:

"Do you often do this kind of thing?"

"Th-this is an order from above..."

"Thinker's orders?"

"Yes."

"Tell Thinker: at the boss room on floor seventy-four, we said there wouldn't be a next time."

"Y-You're..."

"Say whatever you want. Anyway, we defeated the boss."

The men knelt down in fear and begged for mercy. The three sighed in resignation.

"If you have any complaints, come find Hachiman at the Knights of the Blood. Stop doing this, now scram."

"Y-Yes! Sorry!"

After the men fled, the rescued woman stepped forward:

"Th-thank you so much."

"No need to thank us! You're the one who frequently visits the church, right?"

"Yes, I'm Sasha. I've been taking care of these children."

"I'm Asuna of the Knights of the Blood, and this is my husband, Hachiman."

"Knights of the Blood Hachiman."

"This is Kirito, the Black Swordsman."

"Kirito, nice to meet you."

While the three listened to Sasha's story about the army's abuses, hurried footsteps sounded down the corridor.

"Sasha! I heard the army came..."

"Miss Uriel!"

A woman called Uriel ran up.

"You must be the benefactors, thank you for your help."

"Oh, Hachiman, I've heard of you."

"This uniform... could it be Silver Shadow? The long-missing strategist of the Knights of the Blood has finally appeared, it's an honor."

"Silver Shadow?" 'What's Silver Shadow?'

"I heard that uniform is famous. It's been mentioned several times."

"It's the legendary uniform recorded in the strategy guide."

"I see."

"You are the Flash Asuna?"

"Yes."

"And this is the Black Swordsman?"

"Kirito, nice to meet you."

"Oh my... three of the Four Heavenly Kings of Aincrad are here..."

"Wait, what's the Four Heavenly Kings?"

Uriel tilted her head and explained:

"Divine Sword Heathcliff, Flash Asuna, Black Swordsman, and the rarely seen Silver Shadow Dagger User. The four-man group."

"Silver Shadow... my title? The clearing team hadn't heard of it."

"Legend says they follow like a shadow, a rare strategist who can see through everything. In battle, they block all attacks, a brilliant flash blinds enemies before their heads fall. Very famous in the mid and lower-level battle guilds."

Hachiman glanced speechless at his companions, but they showed no surprise.

"Hey, you two are way too calm about this."

"Because... it basically matches the facts."

"True..."

"So this is what my image is like..."

"Well, getting praised isn't so bad, right?"

"Exactly! I've always admired you!"

Uriel, though calm, was surprisingly a fan. As she excitedly grabbed Hachiman's hand, Asuna smiled and intervened:

"Miss Uriel, Hachiman is my husband."

She took back Hachiman's arm and hugged him tightly.

"Oh, sorry! You two really are a perfect match!"

"Thank you! This is my proud husband!"

Seeing the excited Uriel, Hachiman and Kirito quickly changed the subject:

"I heard Thinker has gone missing recently?"

"Yes! Actually..."

With that intel, the five set out toward the underground labyrinth beneath the Black Iron Palace.