My SAO adventure is wrong, as expected

Chapter 74 – A Stroll for Two

"Asuna, want to go out for a walk today?"

"Sure! I've been feeling kind of lazy lately. Let's go out and take a stroll today!"

After seeing off Argo and Silica, at Hachiman's suggestion, the two decided to take a long-overdue walk on the 22nd floor.

This floor, surrounded by forests and flowing water, still retained a tranquil atmosphere. Even though the frontlines had already reached the 75th floor and many towns had opened up, this place still drew a large number of visitors.

"Mmm~ The weather feels so nice today."

"Yeah. Since we've been living here for a while, we've gotten used to it, but going out like this helps you really appreciate how great this floor is."

"But there's something I'm a little worried about."

"Hmm? What are you worried about?"

"If we get too used to this eternal-spring climate, will our bodies still be able to handle the four seasons of Japan once we return to the real world?"

"Ah... True. In SAO, the only way to experience seasonal changes is by moving between floors."

"Even we, who've moved through many floors and experienced various climates, feel that way. People who've been stuck in the Starting City this whole time will probably have an even harder time adjusting during rehabilitation."

Chatting idly, the two strolled along at a relaxed pace.

"Ah, Hachiman-kun, there's a pretty river over there! Looks like there are people too, but I can't see very clearly."

"Here, Asuna, I'll lift you up so you can get a better view."

"I might be a bit heavy, you know?"

"Asuna? Heavy? Not at all — you're light as a feather!"

"R-really?"

"If I were trying to lift you with one hand, yeah, I'd need to worry about my Strength stat. But just carrying you on my shoulder? No problem at all."

"Okay then… I'll take you up on that."

Hachiman lifted Asuna onto his shoulder, and she looked again toward the river.

"Wow! So high up!"

"How is it? Can you see clearly?"

"Yep! Looks like those people by the riverbank are fishing."

"Fishing, huh... Want to try it ourselves next time?"

"Sure! Let's ask Lis to make us some fishing rods."

"She can make those too?"

"I think she helped Klein with that before."

"Klein fishes? Alright, let's go ask Lis next time."

The two of them walked toward the river.

Noticing them, the fishermen by the river waved. Asuna happily waved back, and Hachiman, a little shy, also waved. One of the fishermen, a middle-aged man, surprised Hachiman — someone that age was playing this game?

"Hello there, out for a walk?"

"Yes! We just got married recently and thought we'd come out for a stroll today!"

"Is that so? Congratulations."

"Thank you!"

Hachiman found the man's face and voice somewhat familiar. After studying him closely, a name suddenly came to mind.

"Um... could it be Mr. Nishida?"

"Huh? Hachiman-kun, do you know him?"

"Hm? Hachiman... Hachiman-kun? Could it really be you?"

"Yes, long time no see, Mr. Nishida!"

They had met a few times in the real world — back when Hachiman was working part-time in the cafeteria, he had encountered this man, who worked for a communications company doing line maintenance.

"Mr. Nishida, what are you doing here? Weren't you in line maintenance?"

"Ah, I just wanted to see the results of the system I helped maintain with my own eyes, so I logged in."

"I see..."

"I've mostly been staying in the Starting City, but I heard there were no monsters on this floor, so I finally worked up the courage to come. I didn't expect to find such a beautiful river — I couldn't resist trying some fishing."

"I remember you once said you loved fishing."

"Yeah, I planned to just wait out the game in the Starting City, but I couldn't suppress my fisherman's blood!"

"Haha, I get that."

Mr. Nishida laughed heartily, and Hachiman introduced Asuna to him.

"Mr. Nishida, this is my wife, Asuna."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Nishida."

"You just mentioned you're newlyweds — are you happy together?"

"Yes!"

"Of course."

"That's wonderful. I'm glad the work I was part of didn't bring misfortune to anyone."

"Mr. Nishida..."

"Haha, today's really a good day. I got to reunite with Hachiman-kun and see you both so happy. Now all that's left is to wait for the game to be cleared."

"We're part of the Knights of the Blood Oath now — just on a break at the moment."

"The frontlines... Ah! Then Asuna-san must be Flash Asuna?"

Asuna, embarrassed to be called "Flash," shyly nodded.

"And the player who's always with her on the frontlines… could that be you, Hachiman-kun? The Silver Shadow?"

"Wow, even Mr. Nishida knows that title? I only recently heard about it myself."

"I just heard it in passing."

"Anyway, we're definitely going to clear this game. So, Mr. Nishida, please enjoy fishing to your heart's content."

"But leaving the fighting all to you two..."

"We can only fight at full strength because there's someone to protect. And the smiles of those we protect give us the most motivation."

"That's right! My husband is amazing, so don't worry, Mr. Nishida!"

"I see... Then, Hachiman-kun, Asuna-san, I'll leave it to you."

"Leave it to us!"

With tears in his eyes, Nishida firmly shook both of their hands.

They smiled back at him.

"Oh, Mr. Nishida, is this a good spot for beginners to fish?"

"Absolutely — this is where I started too."

"We were just talking about trying it."

"Perfect timing. I've got a beginner's rod I can give you."

"Really? Thank you so much!"

Mr. Nishida took a fishing rod out from his inventory. Under his guidance, the two of them enjoyed the fun of fishing.

After catching a few fish and taking a break, Mr. Nishida pulled out a particular item.

"This is a campfire-style cooking tool. Normally you'd just sell the fish, but now you can do this… look."

"Wow, it's really like grilling fish over a real campfire!"

"I just bought it with the money I saved from selling fish. It has a great atmosphere, right?"

"Asuna, it's time to show that."

"Yep — time for the secret weapon."

"Secret weapon?"

"Mr. Nishida, Asuna's Cooking Skill is maxed out."

"Really? Asuna-san is good at cooking? Hachiman-kun, you married well."

"Exactly — she's my pride and joy!"

Blushing, Asuna began to cook. She pulled out seasonings from her inventory and, after a few moments of prep, offered Nishida a grilled fish.

"Please enjoy."

"Thank you… This is…!"

"It's soy sauce!"

"Soy sauce... It's really soy sauce… It's delicious…!"

Tears streamed down Nishida's cheeks as he devoured the fish — the taste of soy sauce was immediately impactful.

"Asuna, we still have soy sauce and miso in stock, right?"

"Mr. Nishida, we'll give you some of these seasonings."

"Really? Thank you so much!"

"Just consider it a little gift."

Mr. Nishida insisted that freshly-caught and freshly-cooked fish tasted best, so the three of them enjoyed their catch together.

They continued fishing until sunset. After exchanging contact info, they promised to meet again.

"Today was so much fun."

"We totally lost track of time."

"I kind of want to try real fishing after we return to the real world."

"Asuna, can you handle baiting worms?"

"..."

"I'll do it for you. We'll give it a try when the time comes."

"Returning to the real world..."

Asuna suddenly showed a worried expression.

"Hachiman-kun… will you still stay with me after we return?"

"Of course. No matter how hard it gets, I'll definitely come see you. If I have to, I'll even study math seriously — I swear I'll become a man worthy of you."

That answer brought a wide smile to Asuna's face.

"We still need to exchange contact info, huh."

"Ah… I completely forgot my phone number and email… I barely used it before."

"I don't remember mine either. We'll need to figure out a way to stay in touch."

"Let's talk to everyone about it."

Just then, Argo sent a message.

After reading it, Hachiman smiled at Asuna and said:

"Get ready, Asuna. Our hot spring trip starts tomorrow!"