"Which side is real?"
This question really confused Asuna.
If it had been in the past, she would have answered this question without hesitation.
"The real world is real, and everything in this world is fake."
This is an idea that has been held before.
After all, in this world, everything you can see is just an imaginary object composed of data. The body you control is just a virtual body, including the food you eat, the materials you touch, and the things you feel. They are all things that have been set in advance and are transmitted directly to the brain through the helmet. The body in the real world that is currently lying on the bed has not touched anything at all.
Therefore, in this world, everything is false and only death is real.
In the past, Asuna had always thought like this.
However, at this moment, when Luo Zhen asked this question, the first thing Asuna recalled was the battle she saw in the first defensive layer boss battle.
In that battle, Luo Zhen and Kirito jointly fought against the kobold lord Irfan, showing infinite passion and belief.
After that battle, Asuna realized that death was not the only real thing in this world.
Even if the body is fictitious, the spirit, soul, and will are still their own.
That's why Asuna longed for that battle.
Yes.
Asuna yearned for it.
Because that is the only real thing Asuna has seen in this world besides death.
In view of this, Asuna wanted to fight, and she wanted to give up the self-destructive thoughts of seeking death in the past. Instead, she began to have faith and make conquering the game her everything, regardless of the obstacles along the way, let alone the opinions of others. Keep going.
This is Asuna's battle.
At least, Asuna thought she had finally gained something real in this world.
That's faith.
Completely conquer this game, return to the real world, and use everything available to achieve the goal.
This is what the man in front of her taught Asuna.
However…
"The so-called things that can be used don't mean things that can be used for anything as long as the purpose is achieved, but things that can be used within the allowed range, right?"
This is what Luo Zhen said to Asuna a year ago after the duel with Heathcliff.
To be honest, Asuna still doesn't know what this sentence means.
But there was only one thing that Asuna was certain of.
That was the belief that he relied on to continue to survive in this world. The man who taught him this very important thing did not recognize it.
This made Asuna feel inexplicable emotions burning in her heart while she was silent.
"Since you don't agree, then I will show it to you properly."
With such an idea, Asuna began to put all her efforts into the strategy, and frequently quarreled with Luo Zhen in strategy meetings.
Luo Zhen always denies his own opinions on the grounds of being excessive.
For example, when dealing with a defensive boss with thick health and high defense, Asuna proposed that all players be equipped with weapons with high attack power and high burst. Of course, players should be allowed to free up a skill slot for those who have not learned such skills. Players with weapon skills give up a skill that they have practiced for a long time, but the skill composition of top players has already become a very important strength. If they give it up, it will definitely affect their future strength.
For another example, when conquering the maze area, Asuna also suggested that a rapid advance should be made when the difficulty is under control and used to it, which can speed up the speed. It doesn't matter if it increases consumption and fatigue. Anyway, there won't be too much danger. But they ignore that accidents may occur at any time in the game world, and increasing fatigue in vain will only increase the risk of accidents.
Things like this have happened many times. Every time Asuna raised similar opinions, Luo Zhen would object without hesitation.
However, Luo Zhen is the leader of the strategy team. He has maintained a clean record so far. Players naturally obey his orders. If he objects, it will be useless even if Asuna is so powerful.
In other words, Asuna has still not been recognized by Luo Zhen.
Now, one year has passed.
Although Asuna hasn't given up on showing off her thoughts, she can't help but think so.
“In the real world, have I ever had such a strong need to express myself and get into a heated argument with someone?”
The answer is, of course, no.
In the real world, Asuna only followed the arrangements of her parents, mechanically improving her knowledge and living her own life. Even her life had been arranged properly, and she accepted it mechanically. , just be the version of yourself that others expect.
There was no room for Asuna's own will to intervene.
On the contrary, in this world, Asuna took up weapons with her own will, gained faith with her own ideas, and fought in her own way. Let’s not say whether this is right or wrong, but Asuna Undoubtedly, I have gained many things and experiences in this world that are not available in the real world.
In this case, which side is the real one
Is it a boring reality
Or is it an illusion that enriches passion
Thinking of this, Asuna couldn't help but look at Luo Zhen.
I saw that Luo Zhen was still looking at the rainbow in the distant sky. His eyes showed no deep hatred for the world that imprisoned him, but only pure appreciation and acceptance.
Seeing this, Asuna understood.
For Luo Zhen, no matter which world is real.
after all…
"Living is a kind of enjoyment in itself, don't be picky."
Luo Zhen said such words lazily, which made Asuna start to think involuntarily.
(What kind of things has this person experienced to have such thoughts?)
It must be an unimaginable thing that makes people think that life is great and they are satisfied, right
"Okay." Luo Zhen stood up, patted the dust on his body, and said, "I'm leaving. The weapons matter has not been resolved yet."
"Weapon?" Asuna was startled for a moment, then remembered that Luo Zhen had been holding a weapon in his hand.
Looking at the weapon, Asuna immediately understood.
(Does he want to change his main weapon?)
Things are different now. Asuna is no longer the novice gamer she was back then. With just one look, she can tell that the weapon in Luo Zhen's hand is not made by a player. It has been strengthened to the limit and is facing the possibility of being eliminated. crisis.
(So, was he just thinking about this here?)
Asuna thought Luo Zhen was really lazy here.
This made Asuna feel a little guilty in her heart.
then…
"You want high-performance weapons, right?"
Asuna blurted out such words.
"If you don't have a blacksmith you're familiar with, I can introduce you to one."