Chapter 1025: Chapter 1024: Let’s Celebrate Our Victory!
Of course, in the end, Sophie and Gabriel didn’t fight.
After all, everyone is a companion, meeting often in the game... who would be heartless enough to strike?
As time ticked by, more and more invitees arrived at the scene. Some, like Black Cat, came with their families, others like Gabriel brought friends, and some like Asuna came alone. But regardless, the atmosphere was lively. Everyone gathered, with endless stories to share... it’s no wonder, since it had been a long time since they last met, and the details of the death game were not easy to share with family, meeting companions naturally meant they had no more reservations.
As for Fang Zheng... he got swallowed by the "vast sea of people," surrounded by a large group of parents.
Of course, these parents weren’t there to beat Fang Zheng up, but to thank him.
After Fang Zheng founded the Dark Moon Sword in the game, he gathered almost all the young players, providing them a safe haven. Under the Dark Moon Sword’s protection, these kids had good food and fun every day. Aside from having to attend classes and do homework, which frustrated them a bit, they faced no danger.
However, in the real world, their parents were going crazy. Many of these kids were only twelve or thirteen years old, far from self-sufficient. With the death game’s harsh settings, quite a few parents were worried sick, fearing one day to wake up to news their child had died in the game...
Yet in the end, after endless waiting, they didn’t receive bad news but rather learned their children safely returned from the death game.
At that time, naturally, these parents were overjoyed. Upon learning all Fang Zheng and the Dark Moon Sword had done from their children, they were filled with gratitude toward Fang Zheng.
Perhaps those children themselves didn’t fully grasp the significance of Fang Zheng’s actions, but these parents weren’t fools. They understood their children’s safe return was all thanks to Fang Zheng and the Dark Moon Sword. So, this time they came to the venue representing their children to express their thanks to Fang Zheng.
"No need, no need, it’s nothing, I was just doing what I could..."
"There’s no need to thank me, Ma’am, I merely did some small tasks..."
"Service to the people..."
Being surrounded, teary-eyed with gratitude by a crowd like that was a first for Fang Zheng. Once encircled, he became dizzy. He even uttered "service to the people," and after quite a while, he managed to extricate himself from the parental encirclement and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Whew... that was intense."
Fang Zheng shook his head, then walked through the crowd towards the other side. However, at that moment, a slender figure suddenly blocked his path.
"You’re Fang Zheng, right..."
"Who might you be...?"
Seeing the woman before him, Fang Zheng was taken aback. The woman looked beautiful and mature, wearing a bright, floral kimono, with black hair in two ponytails. She watched him with a playful smile, carefully observing Fang Zheng. She approached, eyes squinting, taking a close look at him.
"Hmm... quite handsome, no wonder that child took a liking to you..."
"Ma’am, may I ask who you are...?"
Fang Zheng wasn’t dumb; hearing this, he knew she must be a parent of someone. However, before he could finish his words, the woman suddenly placed her finger lightly on his lips, smiling playfully at him.
"Don’t call me Ma’am, I’m not that old yet. Call me Sister... or Sister Dear?"
"........"
Meow, meow, meow?
"Mom!!"
While Fang Zheng was bewildered and confused, Eiriri suddenly rushed over, inserting herself between Fang Zheng and the woman, glaring at the woman in front of her.
"What are you doing!"
"Hehehe..."
Looking at the scowling Eiriri, the woman revealed a calm smile, then giggled and spoke.
"Nothing much, I just wanted to see what kind of man my adorable daughter picked... Hmm, not bad, seems like my daughter has good taste."
Saying this, the woman bowed to Fang Zheng.
"Nice to meet you, I’m Little Lily Zemura, thank you for looking after my daughter."
"Hello, Ms. Zemura."
Fang Zheng quickly returned the gesture, and Little Lily Zemura raised her head, glancing amusingly at Fang Zheng, with a sly smile.
"But... such a handsome man... would be a bit wasted on just my daughter... Mr. Fang Zheng, I wonder if you have time to enjoy a cup of tea with me?"
"Mom...!?"
Upon hearing this, Eiriri immediately raised her eyebrow, while Little Lily Zemura chuckled.
"Just kidding. No need to be so serious. I’ll go greet others now, you two get along well, alright?"
Saying this, Little Lily Zemura turned and walked deeper into the crowd, while Eiriri pressed her hand to her forehead, sighing helplessly.
"Sorry, Mr. Fang Zheng..."
"It’s nothing... Hmm, your mother is quite interesting."
What else could Fang Zheng say to that?
He surely couldn’t say mother-daughter duo works well too!
"Mr. Fang Zheng."
At this moment, Kurumi silently appeared at Fang Zheng’s side again.
"It’s time now."
"Has everyone arrived?"
"Yes, everyone is here."
"Great."
Upon hearing Kurumi’s confirmation, Fang Zheng nodded, then gestured to Eiriri and made his way to the platform in the banquet hall. At the same time, the surrounding lights dimmed once more, focusing the spotlight on Fang Zheng. With this scene, the previously somewhat noisy hall gradually quieted down. Everyone turned their heads, looking towards Fang Zheng standing on the platform, while Fang Zheng stood there, gazing at the people before him.
"I believe everyone knows the purpose of today’s banquet. We successfully defeated the final boss on the 100th floor of the Palace of Red Jade and broke free from the death game, a result of our collective efforts. A united result from all of us."
Saying this, Fang Zheng raised his glass.
"The past two years were unforgettable milestones for each of us, filled maybe with partings, sadness, as well as anger and joy. But no matter what, we marched on side by side and overcame the ultimate trial together. Everyone here is our companion, your courage, your strengths accomplished this miracle! Without each and every one of your participation, we couldn’t have conquered the final boss. To everyone from Dark Moon Sword, Dark Nebula, Red Knight Order... I thank you all for fighting alongside me, I am honored to have won this final victory with you."
With that said, Fang Zheng raised his glass high.
"Then, for our companions who shared life and death, for our victory, to celebrate defeating the final boss of the 100th floor of the Palace of Red Jade... Cheers!"