Miracle Summoner

Just as Yuuki stood up, the players around her also rose to their feet in unison.

"It's so great that you could come!"

The one speaking with such an energetic voice was a petite Salamander boy with bright orange hair tied into a small bundle at the back of his head, giving him a youthful appearance.

"You arrived right on time. Thank you very much."

A deep, slow voice followed, coming from a burly Gnome standing beside the Salamander boy. He had wild, earth-colored hair sticking out in every direction and eyes narrowed into crescents as he smiled, giving his imposing frame a touch of humor.

"Phew, I was worried something might have happened. I was so nervous."

A timid voice came next, belonging to a slender Leprechaun youth with neatly parted brass-colored hair and round glasses framed in iron, giving off the impression of a studious person.

"Ha! I told you Asuna would definitely come!"

This lively, cheerful voice came from someone entirely different: a Spriggan girl with a radiant smile. Her sun-like black hair, dark skin, and gray wings made her race unmistakable, though her bold eyebrows and robust build seemed atypical for a Spriggan. Surprisingly, she was also an adorably lively girl.

"Thank goodness you made it. Sorry for the trouble we caused."

Finally, a calm and wise voice spoke. It belonged to an Undine woman with waist-length, almost white, pale blue hair. Her long eyelashes framed deep blue eyes that exuded composure. With a high nose bridge, delicate lips, and an elegantly slender figure, she exuded an indescribable sense of beauty.

These five unique individuals were Yuuki's guildmates, members of the Sleeping Knights.

The Salamander boy was Jun, a two-handed sword user wielding a massive greatsword strapped to his back, almost comically large compared to his petite frame.

The burly Gnome was Tecchi, clad in heavy armor and wielding a massive tower shield and a colossal warhammer. Though his build leaned toward the heavier side, his commanding presence rivaled even Agil, albeit with a more humorous vibe.

The timid Leprechaun youth was Talken, dressed in pearl-colored light armor and wielding an exceptionally long spear. His literary appearance masked a shy and flustered demeanor, especially when around girls, which often caught others off guard.

The radiant Spriggan girl was Nori, wearing loose, robe-like cloth armor reminiscent of a martial artist's outfit and carrying an enormous iron staff that nearly touched the ceiling—a clear sign of a staff user.

Lastly, the serene Undine woman was Siune, adorned in monk-like blue-and-white robes and a puffy hat resembling a French bread loaf. She carried a silver staff, a classic healer's weapon.

In ALfheim Online (ALO), the presence of magic necessitated specialized magic-enhancing weapons like staffs or wands. Even Asuna kept one as a backup for augmenting her magic in various ways.

Among the five, only Siune specialized as a mage, while the others primarily focused on sword skills. The team composition was well-balanced, with DPS, a tank, disruptors, and a healer, forming a mature and highly capable group.

Their talents extended far beyond mere roles.

Despite their diverse personalities, their seamless movements and adaptability hinted at their exceptional skill in full-dive gaming. Anyone with expertise would immediately recognize their prowess.

As Asuna had remarked the previous day, though Sleeping Knights was a newly transferred guild with a small roster, every member exuded the aura of a top-tier guild.

If not for her familiarity with Crimson Wing's experts and her fiancé, an unparalleled player, Asuna might have been overwhelmed by surprise.

When she first met them, she was already taken aback. If not for their amicable attitude, she might have suspected them of being elite players sent by rival guilds to lure her into a trap.

Now, Asuna couldn't help but admire them. In a game like ALO, having a guild as skilled as Sleeping Knights was remarkable.

Suppressing her thoughts, Asuna stepped forward.

"Sorry, I took a little longer than expected."

She apologized sincerely.

"It's fine!" Jun immediately waved his hand energetically. "We're just happy you came!"

"Exactly!" Nori added with a radiant smile. "We were starting to worry someone from your guild might have given you trouble!"

These two energetic members always brought a harmonious atmosphere to the group.

But they weren't the only lively ones.

"So, did your guild agree to let you help us?"

Yuuki asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she leaned close to Asuna, resembling an eager puppy craving affection. Asuna almost couldn't resist patting her head.

"Yes, everyone in the guild understands." Asuna smiled gently at the group. "Please take care of me from now on."

Her words brought wide smiles to everyone's faces.

"That's wonderful news."

Talken let out a sigh of relief.

"I can't believe they actually agreed!"

Tecchi expressed his admiration.

"Your guildmates must be very kind people," Siune added, her gentle gaze resting on Asuna.

"Mm!"

Thinking of the boy who had supported her and her caring guildmates, Asuna smiled brightly and nodded.

"They're the best companions I could ever ask for!"

Her firm declaration prompted the Sleeping Knights to exchange knowing looks, their smiles growing even brighter.

The atmosphere reached a new peak of warmth and camaraderie, rivaling even Crimson Wing's.