Zongman, Rebirth of the Heaven-Defying Kirito

Asuna looked at Sachi, who had grown taller, and was still a little worried: "Anyway, Sachi's height has suddenly increased. Quickly check if there are any abnormalities such as uncoordinated movements?"

Xiao Xing obediently stretched her arms and kicked her legs, moving her body a few times. She felt that her movements were smooth and natural, without any stiffness.

She stopped what she was doing: "Mother, there's nothing wrong... In fact, I feel like my overall physical condition is better."

Kirito stood to the side, listening to Sachi's words, and muttered to himself thoughtfully, "Just as I thought..."

When Asuna heard what Sachi said, a hint of embarrassment crept onto her face, and her eyes darted away.

Xiaoxing keenly noticed Asuna's unusual behavior and tilted her head in confusion: "Mother, what's wrong?"

Asuna looked into Yuuki's clear eyes, hesitated for a few seconds, and then said, "Um... Yuuki, could you please stop calling me 'Mother' for now?"

"Wh...what?" Xiaoxing seemed to have been struck by lightning, and took two steps back.

At this moment, all that remained in her eyes was shock and panic, as if she had heard news that the sky had fallen.

No, Xiaoxing, who is usually calm and composed, actually reacted so strongly to a change in how she is addressed.

Asuna was completely unprepared.

Looking at Xiaoxing's appearance, she felt a wave of guilt wash over her.

What exactly did this child experience in his original family?

"No! That's not what I meant!" Asuna rushed forward, explaining urgently, "I just feel... you look about my age now, and it feels a little embarrassing to call me 'Mother' anymore..."

As the story progressed, Asuna's voice grew softer.

Being called "Mother" by someone who looks to be the same age as her did feel strangely awkward, and even made her think of some kind of weird role-playing.

Xiaoxing's eyes cleared again: "Is that all?"

“That’s it!” Asuna nodded vigorously.

Xiaoxing breathed a sigh of relief and cheered up, "I understand, Mother!"

No, I think you don't understand at all.

Asuna sighed silently to herself, but in the end she couldn't get Sachi to change how she addressed him.

However, she quickly gave up on correcting it. After all, the name was just a label, and as long as Xiaoxing was happy, it didn't matter if she felt a little more shame.

If Kirito heard Asuna's thoughts, he would definitely praise her without hesitation: Motherly love is truly great!

At the same time, Xiaoxing's eyes regained their resolve: "I feel incredibly strong now, and I want to hunt even more monsters..."

"No!" Asuna interrupted her without hesitation, her tone resolute and unwavering: "Today's training and battles will stop here! The situation just now was unclear, and Sachi's safety must be our top priority!"

Xiaoxing still wanted to try, so she subconsciously turned her pleading gaze to Kirito, hoping that her 'master' could put in a good word for her.

Kirito shrugged and shook his head helplessly: "I also think we should call it a day."

Although he understood what had just happened, who could know the extent to which SAO was compatible with the Brain Burst system?

If one side's system were to crash during the battle, he would have no idea what the consequences would be.

Therefore, the safest option right now is to observe for a period of time.

Seeing that Kirito and Asuna were of the same opinion, Sachi had no choice but to nod obediently: "Okay, I understand."

The four of them packed their things and headed towards the cabin.

Back at the cabin, Sachi sat on the sofa in the living room, with Kirito and Asuna standing on either side of her.

The two men stared intently at her, scrutinizing every detail from her hair to the hem of her skirt.

The way they were acting made it look like they were interrogating a criminal, which made Xiaoxing feel a little uncomfortable.

"Father, Mother, aren't you going too far?" Xiaoxing couldn't help but speak up, trying to break the atmosphere.

Asuna shook her head with a serious expression: "When it comes to Sachi's safety, no amount of caution is too much, and this is not an exaggeration at all."

Seeing Asuna's serious expression, Xiaoxing stopped arguing and silently accepted this slightly excessive kindness.

At that moment, Kirito suddenly spoke, asking with a somewhat serious tone, "Sachi, have you regained your memories?"

Upon hearing this, Asuna instantly became excited, her eyes filled with joy. "Sachi, is this true?!"

They were even more excited than I was!

Xiaoxing gently shook her head, then nodded again: "It only restored some blurry fragments..."

Asuna was still happy for her: "Even if it's only a part, it's already amazing. If this continues, I believe you'll regain all your memories soon. That's wonderful!"

“Yes, that’s great…” Xiaoxing responded, echoing Asuna’s words.

But there was a hint of sadness in his voice, and his eyes dimmed slightly.

Half of this sadness comes from the fragments of memories she has recovered.

Compared to the days when she has her father and mother by her side, that place is not a haven at all; it is more like a laboratory or arena that imprisons her, devoid of any warmth.

The other half of her sadness stemmed from her inner fear.

She knew very well that she wasn't like Yui; she had never been a child of this place from the beginning.

If one day I really regain all my memories, will I feel distant from the 'parents' in front of me?

Kirito, noticing Sachi's expression, softened his tone and continued, "Sachi...does she remember her name?"

In my memory, my own name has always been the first thing I remember.

Xiaoxing gently shook her head: "Sorry, not yet..."

"Why should I apologize?" Kirito asked, puzzled. "It's not your fault that you can't remember the name."

Xiaoxing was stunned, her eyes filled with confusion.

Yes, why did I apologize subconsciously?

Is it because you feel you haven't met their expectations? Or is it because in the past, apologizing has become an instinctive reaction when you can't do something?

She herself couldn't explain it clearly.

Just as Xiaoxing was falling into self-doubt, a warm, large hand gently stroked the top of her head, the movement both gentle and strong.

Kirito looked at her confused eyes and said gently, "Don't worry, and don't force yourself. Whether you can regain your memories or not, this will always be your home, and we will always be with you."

Asuna quickly chimed in, "That's right, so cheer up! The Sachi we know is a steady and generous girl, she can't keep looking so downcast."

Although it appears to be a conversation between three people of similar age, their words are filled with parental love.

As Xiaoxing listened to their gentle words, her heart felt as if it had been lightly struck by something.

She thought she had hidden it well, but little did she know that they had already seen through her emotions.

Could it be that the source of all this distance... is actually myself?