If we were to say which players had contributed the most to the overall game progress in SAO so far—
Then without doubt, "the Rat" and "the Saint" would be at the top of the list.
The Rat, Argo, was also a beta tester, but her specialty was intelligence dealing.
Beyond exclusive information, she had compiled a complete beginner's guide—detailing key notes and beta knowledge—and distributed it freely to all players.
Because Argo's work revolved around information, and her whereabouts were always mysterious (no one even knew what she looked like), she had earned the nickname "the Rat."
As for "the Saint," he was the other player mentioned in Argo's guide.
According to her, new players could always borrow money from the Saint.
The loan came with steep interest—over 30%—but repayment could be delayed to much later.
And why, with such high interest, was Seiya still called "the Saint"? The reason was simple.
The repayment terms were extremely generous, and Seiya never refused anyone. Though the interest seemed high, the risk he shouldered was massive.
If a borrower died, he lost everything.
And if they survived to pay him back later, he only earned 30% profit.
Others gambled for one-to-one odds. Seiya gambled for either total loss—or a mere 30% gain.
Given how disproportionate the balance was, many considered it a losing business.
Yet for new players with no resources at all, Seiya's loans had drastically improved their survival chances.
For this reason, he was nicknamed "the Saint."
Still, since SAO's first floor didn't allow players to open shops, Seiya's so-called "Wenren Trading Guild" was just in its fledgling stage.
Anyone who wanted to borrow from him had to find him by sheer luck, which meant many knew of the Saint but had never actually seen him.
In Argo's guide, it was clearly stated: the Saint was a public-test player, not a beta tester.
Most assumed he must be some kind of genius entrepreneur in real life—how else could he amass enough wealth in such a short time to lend out so freely?
Whatever the motives of "the Rat" and "the Saint," their contributions had undeniably reduced SAO's death rate.
Without the beginner's guide and the loans, the death toll after one month might not have been a thousand… but two thousand, or even more.
At this moment, Kibaou, standing beside Diavel, felt his face burning with shame.
He had mocked Seiya earlier, accusing him of being a selfish beta tester—never imagining that he was actually the famous "Saint"!
And according to the guide, the Saint wasn't even a beta tester—he was a public-test player, making Kibaou's accusations completely baseless.
"All right, everyone. You've all seen it yourselves. Even the famous 'Saint' has joined our raid group. Surely that gives you more confidence in our plan?
No time to waste—let's form parties with those we're familiar with, just as we agreed earlier."
The blue-haired Diavel, ever calculating, seized the chance to reinforce his leadership. By pointing out Seiya's presence, he bolstered morale while binding himself closer to the Saint's prestige.
Meanwhile, the socially anxious Kirito nearly groaned aloud.
To join the raid, players had to form parties first. Naturally, he turned toward his only real friend—
But the scene made him want to swear.
"Seiya, join our party! We'll definitely work well together."
"Little brother Seiya, come with us! My sister and I are just looking for a strong leader to guide us."
"..."
Kirito watched as players flocked around Seiya like stars circling the moon.
He nearly cursed out loud.
He had thought Seiya's popularity was just a real-world thing. Who could have guessed that even in this game, the guy was still as damn popular as ever?
Kirito was a hardcore gamer, a veteran otaku. And Seiya? Aside from being a little rich, a little handsome, and a little quick to learn—what else did he have over him!?
Yet here he was, a supposed top-tier player, sitting ignored while this "newbie" was being showered with attention.
Soon, though, Kirito noticed he wasn't the only loner.
Not far away, a cloaked figure in ragged robes sat in silence, giving off the same antisocial aura as himself.
Figuring that "fellow introverts" might as well band together, Kirito took the initiative.
Ding! [Player Kirito has sent you a party invitation. Accept?]
Ding! [Player Asuna has joined your party.]
Seeing the acceptance message, Kirito let out a sigh of relief.
But when he glanced at the party list and saw the name "Asuna," he hesitated. A female player?
Just as he tried to think of something to say, his new teammate spoke first.
"Was what they said earlier true?"
Kirito: (…???)
"I mean… what they said about any new player being able to borrow money from the 'Saint.' Is that real?"
The voice from under the cloak was indeed that of a young girl. From her words, Kirito quickly guessed she was also a public-test player—likely a total newbie, just like Seiya had once been.
"You're thinking of borrowing from Seiya? Oh, it's true. That guy does have principles, I'll give him that.
But trust me—knowing his personality, he never lifts a finger without profit. Unless you absolutely need it, don't borrow from him. It's a trap."
After years of friendship, Kirito knew Seiya inside out. He wasn't some villain, sure—but he was no true "saint" either. If Seiya was lending money, he definitely had some hidden way of making it worth his while.
"Hey, hey, hey! We're supposed to be brothers, thick as thieves, bonded like family! I turned down so many party invites just to team up with you—
And now you're backstabbing me like this, just to flirt with a girl? That's seriously low, Kirito-kun."
(End of Chapter)