Sword Art Online Volume 16 – Alicization Exploding Chapter 18 – War of the Underworld 42 “……?” Renri frowned in suspicion before the girl averted her eyes this time and shook her head slightly. “I-I’m sorry. It’s, nothing…” Taking the place of the red-haired girl who continued looking down, the girl with dark brown hair who kept silent until now stepped forward and stated her name with a faint yet firm voice. “We apologize for not introducing ourselves earlier. We belong to the supply unit, I am Novice Trainee Ronye Arabel and this is Novice Trainee Tiezé Shtolienen. And this is… Elite Swordsman- in-training Kirito. «Kirito». Renri let out a soft voice from the immense shock of hearing that name. He knew him. Was he not one of the mere two rebels who cut through the Central Cathedral half a year ago? He was the very one who Renri was thawed to intercept, the one who he missed out on engaging due to his late awakening. That meant this skinny swordsman was the one who defeated the highest minister, Administrator? Was that missing right arm a relic from battle? Renri drew his right foot back, feeling a pressure that he could do nothing about from the youth who kept quiet with a hollow expression. Showing no sign she noticed that movement, the small girl who seemed to be named Ronye continued in a tone tinged with resolve. “Erm… I have no opinion regarding your circumstances, esteemed knight. While we do belong to the Defense Army, we, too, remain here in the back without engaging at the front lines. …That said, that is currently our responsibility. We are tasked to protect this man at all cost from Knight Alice…”