Miracle Summoner

In that fleeting moment, two gazes intersected.

One gaze came from the sky.

The other from the ground.

The gaze from the sky belonged to the player who was launching a relentless assault.

The one from the ground naturally belonged to Rozen.

Rozen clearly saw who this person was.

It was an Imp.

A slightly petite figure with a skin tone characteristic of Imps—an almost milky white with a faint purplish tint. Long, straight hair shone with a lustrous deep purple-black, and the figure was dressed in obsidian armor paired with a feminine top and a flowing blue-purple skirt. A slender black scabbard was strapped to the waist.

The Imp had a small face, dimpled cheeks, and a slightly upturned nose. Her large, sparkling eyes gleamed like amethysts, and her dark hair was adorned with a red hairband. On top of her head sat an adorable strand of hair sticking up, giving off an air of youth, vitality, and exuberance.

This was "Zekken."

Rozen was certain—this person was undoubtedly "Zekken."

It wasn't just Rozen; everyone else could tell as well.

At this moment, the figure moved through the air with astonishing agility. Whether it was turning, ascending, diving, or curving, her movements were as refined as if she had years of in-game experience. While launching fierce attacks on her opponents, her form resembled a soaring bird—graceful and nimble. One glance was enough to reveal her extraordinary skill.

What was even more impressive was her swordsmanship. It was like a whirlwind—sweeping through opponents with remarkable control and elegance. Such dexterity and mastery surpassed even the likes of Kirito and Asuna.

Such a skilled player could only be "Zekken."

The problem was…

"A… a girl?!"

Asuna was stunned upon seeing "Zekken" in person.

Indeed.

The legendary "Zekken" was a girl—a cute, energetic, and spirited girl.

This was not something Asuna had expected, nor had Rozen.

Even Kirito, who admitted inferiority to this swordsman, didn't anticipate this—a surprise that left everyone dumbfounded.

However, while Rozen was slightly taken aback, he wasn't as shocked as Asuna.

This was because Rozen could clearly discern the strength radiating from her gaze. It was as steadfast as Asuna's, yet it also held an unshakable darkness and depth that others couldn't fathom.

Simultaneously, Rozen felt an extraordinary aura emanating from her.

It was the kind of presence unique to players who fully immersed themselves in virtual worlds, treating everything in these worlds as if they were real—a characteristic seen only in former SAO players.

This realization made Rozen's eyes flicker.

"Could 'Zekken' also be a former SAO player?"

Rozen finally understood why Kirito hesitated when mentioning "Zekken."

This player undoubtedly harbored secrets unknown to others.

The presence she exuded was even more intense than that of Laughing Coffin's XaXa. She had clearly become one with the virtual world, treating it as not just a second world but as her true reality.

This reminded Rozen of something Kirito had said in their guild.

"Have they completely become residents of this world…?"

With this thought, Rozen's expression grew more serious, shedding his initial excitement.

Meanwhile, the girl in the sky, gazing at the boy leading countless players atop the hill and drawing countless murmurs of admiration, reverence, and awe, also showed a glint of curiosity in her vibrant eyes.

"Could he be…"

As if realizing something, the girl broke into a big smile and turned to face her opponent.

"Hah!"

The next moment, the girl let out a spirited shout, her wings flapping forcefully as she charged forward.

Her speed exceeded even her previous moves.

"Sorry, this ends now."

With a voice youthful yet brimming with boyish energy, she made her proclamation and raised her weapon.

It was a sword, completely pitch-black. Its blade was exceptionally thin—almost like a rapier—making it appear agile and lightweight.

Clearly, the girl was a single-handed sword user.

In other words…

"The legendary eleven-hit Original Sword Skill of 'Zekken' is a single-handed sword technique?"

Rozen's eyes lit up, and he smiled.

Simultaneously, the girl's sword gleamed like a flash of light as it thrust at her opponent. The speed was such that, as Leafa had once described, even normal attacks seemed no different from Sword Skills.

Clang, clang, clang…!

The girl's successive thrusts forced her opponent into a hasty defense, blocking the first three strikes.

But that was as far as it went.

The fourth thrust broke through the opponent's guard, landing a direct hit.

Boom—!

As if detonating an explosion, her opponent was sent flying.

"Arghhhhhh!"

The other player let out a wail as they were knocked out of the air, crashing hard into the ground and raising a cloud of dust.

In that instant, a purple system window appeared, announcing the end of the duel and declaring the victor.

The victor: "Yuuki."

"Yuuki…"

Still recovering from her shock at "Zekken" being a girl, Asuna subconsciously read out the name displayed on the window.

—"Yuuki."

This was the name of "Zekken."

"Heh!"

Accompanied by a lively voice, the girl named Yuuki gracefully descended from the sky, landing lightly before flashing a radiant smile at everyone around.

"Too bad, it's my win again."

Yuuki, with an irresistibly likable tone and demeanor, smiled boldly.

The crowd erupted into a buzz.

"As expected, another win."

"That's 'Zekken' for you."

"Absolutely unbeatable."

"It seems that even top-tier players can't keep up."

"She must be at least on the level of General Eugene."

"Ahh, still no sign of the eleven-hit OSS…"

Voices of various kinds echoed from all around.

Even Kirito, Leafa, Liz, and Silica chimed in.

"See? She's strong, isn't she?" Leafa shrugged.

"Her opponent just now was a Top 24 finalist from the last tournament, right?" Liz remarked, recognizing Yuuki's defeated opponent.

"And yet they lost so easily…" Silica marveled.

"As expected…" Kirito muttered to himself without further comment.

"She's really strong, Mama," Yui, perched atop Asuna's head, reminded her.

"Indeed…"

Finally coming back to her senses, Asuna looked at Yuuki with a serious expression.

Rozen, meanwhile, had been watching Yuuki all along.

And once again, their gazes met.

"Hehe."

As if delighted and intrigued by Rozen's presence, Yuuki smiled.

"Are you next, big brother?"

Yuuki directly set her sights on Rozen.