"This will likely be our final request to you," the Dark Elf commander declared.
Previous hints had suggested an end, but his words now clearly marked the conclusion of the campaign quest on the third floor. Given their unique route with Kizmel, this might be the end of the entire campaign, though Hachiman set that thought aside for now.
"We've identified who controlled the Queen Spider," the commander continued. "Remnants of the Fallen Elves, a dark tribe that split from us in ancient times, still survive."
The final quest: defeat the Fallen Elf leader in a hidden labyrinth. With three additional NPC warriors joining them, the group of six set out, fully prepared.
This balance feels like it's meant for one player and three NPCs, Hachiman thought.
With ample manpower, Hachiman focused on scouting while the others handled combat. Within hours, they located a boss room containing a grotesque insect-like creature, part scorpion, part spider.
"Hachiman, what is that?" Asuna asked, wide-eyed.
"Not sure, but maybe a solifugid? One of the world's weirdest bugs," Hachiman guessed.
"You know the strangest stuff," she said.
"Every guy goes through a phase obsessing over 'world's top whatever' lists," he shrugged.
"Really?" Asuna said, bemused.
The awkward moment passed, and they tackled the solifugid boss. It wasn't particularly strong; Kizmel and Asuna's overwhelming power brought it down easily. Hachiman, less effective against non-humanoid enemies, took a backseat.
They pressed deeper, repeating the pattern of quick battles until they found a cabin—likely the Fallen Elves' hideout. Inside were five greenish-black elven warriors. Hachiman's group ambushed two, then fought two-to-one, finishing without casualties despite some resistance. Behind the cabin, they discovered a cave and ventured in.
At last, they confronted the Fallen Elf Commander and three lackeys, triggering the final boss battle.
"We'll handle the minions!" one NPC warrior shouted, deftly isolating them to create a one-on-one fight.
Hachiman took point. The commander was stronger than the Forest Elf from the quest's start, but Kizmel's leveled-up strength and Asuna's Chivalric Rapier changed the game. Against humanoid foes, Hachiman shone, parrying and disrupting the commander's attacks with ironclad defense. Each opening allowed Kizmel and Asuna to land devastating blows. A larger humanoid monster might have landed hits, but this foe posed little threat. After several coordinated strikes, the commander fell. The trio then aided the NPCs, swiftly eliminating the minions.
"Is this it?" Hachiman asked, picking up an item.
"Looks like it. The Fallen Elves' secret letter," Asuna confirmed.
"Here, Kizmel," she said, handing it over.
"Thank you both," Kizmel said. "This will reveal their full plans."
The six returned to the camp, earning lavish rewards for clearing the quest. Exhausted and with night falling, Hachiman and Asuna stayed at the camp.
Late that night, Hachiman stirred, sensing someone nearby. In an instance area, it couldn't be another player. Guessing Kizmel, he called out, "Kizmel?"
"Yes. Sorry for the late hour. I need to talk," she replied.
Asuna woke too. "Kizmel? What's wrong?"
In the lamplight, Kizmel stood in full armor. "I came to say goodbye."
"Goodbye? You're leaving?" Asuna asked, alarmed.
"The letter revealed the Fallen Elves plan to attack our sanctuary atop the Sky Pillar Tower," Kizmel explained.
"Sky Pillar Tower?" Hachiman said.
"Probably the labyrinth district," Asuna guessed.
"So, the fourth floor," Hachiman concluded.
"I have something for you," Kizmel said, handing them two sacred keys. "These, with the one I hold, are needed to open the sanctuary's door. I'll wait for you there."
Asuna hugged Kizmel tightly. "We'll come, I promise. We'll see you again."
Hachiman nodded. "We'll be there."
Kizmel gazed at Hachiman, then hugged him. "I tried mimicking Asuna. A human custom, right?"
Blushing, Hachiman scrambled for a question as she turned to leave. "Kizmel, about the floor boss in the tower—any tips?"
"Its attacks are mostly poison-based. Nothing else special. You two can handle it," she said.
"Thanks, Kizmel," Hachiman said.
"It was a joy to fight alongside you both," she said, then vanished into the night.
"We'll see her again, right?" Asuna asked.
"Absolutely, on the next floor," Hachiman vowed.
Swearing on the sacred keys, they went to sleep with renewed resolve.
The next morning, they visited the blacksmith to say goodbye. They might return for enhancements, but with Lisbeth's potential growth, it wasn't guaranteed. Asuna bowed deeply to the NPC. "Thank you for the amazing sword. I'll treasure it."
The blacksmith grunted, then added, "Become a warrior worthy of it."
He retreated into his forge.
Back in town, they learned from Argo that the field boss had been defeated the previous day. A meeting for campaign quest teams was scheduled, and Hachiman attended alone, letting Asuna rest.
The meeting was brief. The Dragon Knights and Liberation Squad reported no boss-related info, as expected. The group's disappointment shifted to hopeful glances at Hachiman, who spoke awkwardly.
"Sorry to let you down, but our quest had no boss info either."
The crowd deflated further, but he continued, "That said, the Dark Elf warrior we met gave us a tip."
Their eyes lit up with anticipation.
"The boss mostly uses poison attacks, so stock up on antidotes. No other special moves, so we should win easily," he relayed.
"That's it?" someone groaned.
"That's huge for prep!" another countered.
"It's something, but…" a third muttered.
Hachiman left, having said his piece.
The labyrinth raid starts tomorrow. If Kizmel's right, it might be straightforward. Still, no room for complacency.
Hachiman teamed up with Asuna, Kirito, and Nezha for the labyrinth and boss fight. The raid party totaled forty-four: eighteen from the Dragon Knights, eighteen from the Liberation Squad, four from Egil's team, and their four. The boss unleashed frequent poison attacks, but their ample antidotes neutralized the threat. As Hachiman predicted, the third floor fell far more easily than the first or second.