"Hey... who're you?"
Klein, who had been also staring at his mirror, fell backwards. We both looked at each other and shouted at the same time.
"You're Klein!?"
"You're Kirito!?"
The man in front of me said the same words came out of both of my mouth.
Then I was gripped by a sudden foreboding and realized what Kayaba's present, the Hand Mirror, meant.
I raised the mirror in a rush, and the face stared back at me.
Kirito's world collapsed.
His fingers trembled, his breath hitched, and then, all at once, the weight of his own existence shifted. His mind screamed that the mirror reflection, was someone else, someone he really knows staring back to him...
A black hair lay neatly over the head, two weak-looking eyes could be seen beneath the slightly long hair, and a delicate face that made people mistake me for a girl even now when I go out in casual clothes with my sister.
The calm face of a warrior that Kirito had even a few seconds ago was no longer there. The face that was in the mirror...
No.
Not someone else.
Himself.
Not the confident swordsman he had built, the virtual warrior he had shaped over countless hours of creating. Not the cool, controlled version of himself that had carved through dungeons and outmaneuvered enemies. No—this face was his, the real one.
His breath came in shallow gasps. His hands clutched at his chest, at his arms, at his face, as if trying to prove that this wasn't real. But it was. The sleek, defined form of his avatar had vanished, leaving behind the frail, awkward, ordinary boy he had hidden away. The one he had locked behind a keyboard, behind the walls of every MMO he had ever played.
Panic swelled in his throat.
"Ah... it's me..." he whispered, barely recognizing his own voice.
Our voices had changed too. Perhaps the voice modulators had stopped working.
He looked at his reflection again, his mind screaming in denial. This wasn't who he was supposed to be here. This world, this game, a place where he wasn't the quiet, loner kid struggling to speak to others, the boy who shrank away from the real world.
Kirito's fingers curled into fists, his nails digging into his palms. He had built something for himself here. The Kirito who was fast, strong, capable. Who could take on the world without hesitation. Who mattered.
But now?
Now he was just Kazuto.
A boy. A nobody.
He swallowed hard, fighting the overwhelming weight in his chest. It felt like standing at the edge of a vast, endless void.
Kirito felt small. Powerless.
The mirrors fell from our hands and hit the ground. Then were destroyed with a soft, smashing sound and turns to polygons.
When I looked around again, the crowd was no longer filled with people who looked like characters from a fantasy game. A bunch of normal looking teenagers and out of shape middle aged men and old people had now taken their place. Their shining armor and elaborate robes looked out of place, it was like something you'd see if you gathered a bunch of people in real life, like a cosplayer lost at a convention venue. Distressingly, even the sex ratio had changed, this had never felt more artificial... or more real.
How on earth was this possible? Klein and I, and most probably all the players around us, had changed from the avatars that we'd created from nothing to our real selves. The texture itself was almost frighteningly accurate. It was as if the gear had a full body scanner on it.
—Scan.
"...Ah, right!"
I looked at Klein and forced the words out.
"There are high density signal sensors in the NerveGear covering our whole head. So, it can tell not only how our brains look, but our faces..."
"B-But, how can it know what our bodies look like.... Like how tall we are?"
Klein said more silently glancing from side to side at our surroundings.
The average height of the players, who were now looking at their own and others' faces with various expressions on their faces, had been noticeably reduced after the change.
I, and most probably Klein too, had set the height to equal that of my height in the real world, but most players seemed to have made themselves taller by about ten to twenty centimeters.
That wasn't all. The actual build and the girth of the players had become larger too. There was no way that the NerveGear would have been able to know all this.
Klein was the one who answered this question.
"Ah... wait. I bought the NerveGear just yesterday so I remember. There was a part of the set-up... what was it called, calibration? Well anyway, during that bit you touched your body here and there, maybe it was that...?"
"Ah, right... that's what it was..."
Calibration was where the NerveGear measured how much you had to move your hand to reach your body. This was done to reproduce the sense of movement accurately within the game. So, to say, it was almost as if the NerveGear had data about our exact body shapes saved inside itself.
It was possible, making all the avatars of the players a perfect replica of themselves. The purpose of this was also almost too clear now.
"...Reality," I muttered. "He said that this was reality. That this avatar... and our HP was our real body and our real life. In order to make us believe this, he's produced a perfect copy of us...."
"But...But y'know Kirito."
Klein scratched his head roughly and as he shouted.
"Why? Why the hell's he doing something like this...?"
I didn't answer that and pointed upwards past our heads.
"Wait a moment. Most likely, he'll answer that in a bit anyway." Kayaba didn't let me down. A few seconds later a voice, sounding almost solemn, sounded from the blood red sky.
"You will all most probably be wondering. Why... Why am I, the creator of both the NerveGear and SAO, Kayaba Akihiko— doing something like this? Is this a sort of terrorist attack? Is he doing this to ransom us?"
It was then that Kayaba's voice, which had been emotionless up to now, seemed to show some signs of emotion. Suddenly the word empathy passed through my mind, even though there was no way that would be true.
"These are not the reasons why I am doing this. Not only that, but for me, there is no longer a reason or a purpose in doing this. The reason is because... this situation itself was my purpose in doing this. To create and watch this world is the only reason I have created the NerveGear and SAO. And now, everything has been realized."
He paused for a moment then continues
"As of this moment, I am implementing two new adjustments to the game's mechanics. These changes will take effect immediately."
Murmurs broke out—nervous, confused, and wary.
"First, the pain absorption threshold will be increased from three percent to ten percent. This means that injuries and attacks will now register with greater intensity. You will feel them more clearly. This is to further enhance the realism of the combat."
A stunned silence followed. Then, an explosion of outrage.
"What the hell?!"
"That's insane!"
"Why do we need to feel more pain?!"
But Kayaba's voice droned on, indifferent to the protests.
"Second, a new fatigue system will be implemented. Players will now experience exhaustion based on their actions. Combat, running, you will feel it from your body itself. Overexertion will now result in slower reactions, physical collapse, and—if ignored—eventual unconsciousness. You will no longer be able to grind indefinitely without rest. This is to better simulate the human realism of this world."
The reaction was immediate, players screaming, others swearing, some simply frozen in disbelief. Resounding loudly through the plaza.
"It's a joke right...? The hell is this? It's a joke right!?"
"Stop kidding around! Let me out! Let me out of here!"
"No! You can't! I've got to meet someone soon!"
"I don't like this! I'm gonna go home! I want to go home!!!!!!" Yells. Clamors. Shouts. Curses. Begging. Screaming.
Kirito's stomach turned. "This changed everything."
Even the danger, skilled players could push through by optimizing efficiency. But if human exhaustion was now a factor, it meant they could no longer play like a gamers. They had to live like real warriors—sleep, eat, recover. Those who ignored it... would become liabilities.
Klein let out a sharp whistle, shaking his head. "Damn it! how do you think we can finish this stupid game!"
Kirito exhaled slowly, his mind already racing through the implications.
Klein gave a strained chuckle. "... but ten percent pain? That's mess up! You'll make people go crazy!!!"
Kirito nodded. That part worried him the most.
The three percent pain had been tolerable, it was enough to make other players be uncomfortable. But ten percent? That meant every cut, stab, and broken bone would feel that much closer to reality. People would hesitate.
And hesitation got you killed.
While Kayaba announcing.
A couple of players jumping on the walls' other's dashing on the building rooftops, a sense of desperations and a rebellion, few of the players refuse to accept their fate and try to fight back.
finding any advantage over the red-robed figure hovering in the sky.
A spear-wielding player rushes at the building rooftop burst into the sky
He has a cool and composed demeanor, exuding a mix of mystery and confidence. His dark brown, tousled hair gives him a rugged yet stylish look, complementing his sharp gaze and slightly serious expression.
He wears a long, high-collared dark blue coat with red circular accents running down the chest. The coat has a split front design, allowing for better mobility, and features a fur-lined shoulder guard on his left side, adding a touch of both sophistication and combat readiness. His arms are wrapped in bandages, hinting at past battles or a hardened warrior's life.
His arms are protected by a black leather pauldron with gold insignias, strapped securely across his chest, reinforcing his fighter aesthetic with a disciplined yet roguish edge. A black crossbody belt and a pouch are attached to his waist, giving him a tactical and functional look, likely for carrying small tools or supplies. He also wears fingerless gloves, further adding to his combat-experienced persona.
He wields a sleek, black spear with gold details, and the spearhead is a beautifully crafted silver star-like design, signifying that it might be enchanted or specially crafted. The second spear strapped to his back suggests that he is either a master of polearm combat or has multiple fighting styles at his disposal.
His roar splitting the air, from the side, screaming—"YOU BASTARD!! Ultimate skill—[Lightning Penetration]!".
His body blurred, closing the distance in an instant. A spear crackling in the air with violet electricity lunged straight for Kayaba's chest.
Right behind at Kayaba's back, a muscular warrior wielding a large battle axe, jumps so high that he passed above Kayaba's head.
He has a rugged and fierce appearance, with a blue sleeveless shirt that reveals his powerful arms and broad shoulders. A tattered green cloth hangs from his waist, secured by a sturdy belt with a metallic buckle, giving him a rugged, battle-worn look.
His pants are dark, loose-fitting, and practical for combat, contrasting with his bandana-wrapped head, which suggests he may be a seasoned fighter or mercenary. His expression is intense, with gritted teeth and furrowed brows, showing determination and aggression as he charges.
The warrior's battle stance is dynamic, with one arm raised, gripping his axe tightly, and the other arm poised for action, indicating he is either mid-attack or preparing to strike. His large, broad-bladed axe is a weapon of brute strength, reinforcing his role as a powerful frontline fighter who relies on raw force rather than finesse.
The battle-axe-user swung down with all his might a from high above at Kayaba, "Haa! Ultimate skill [Earthshaker Smash]!!!"
As the axe-wielding warrior roared, his blade carved through the air with such force that the wind howled. The sheer force of his downward strike could shatter boulders.
And a blue-haired player leaped from the clock tower, has a classic warrior aesthetic with a refined yet rugged edge. His medium-length hair, tied into a low ponytail, gives him a more traditional, almost samurai-like appearance. His sharp green eyes and confident yet calm expression suggest that he is both skilled and composed in battle.
His attire consists of a white, long-sleeved, collared shirt tucked into loose-fitting dark blue pants, giving him a balance between mobility and style. A thick brown belt with multiple straps holds his sheathed sword, emphasizing his role as a swordsman. His metal shin guards and pointed armored boots further reinforce his combat-ready look, while also suggesting that he has noble or knightly influences.
The defining feature of his, is the black cloak draped over his left shoulder, fastened with a silver brooch. This adds an air of mystery and authority, making him look like a lone warrior or a wandering knight. His gauntlet-like gloves and fingerless design indicate practicality in combat while maintaining dexterity.
Overall, his design blends medieval European and samurai influences, making him stand out as a versatile and honorable swordsman—perhaps a knight-errant, mercenary, or a noble warrior. His simple yet effective outfit suggests he values functionality over excessive armor, likely relying on skill and agility rather than brute force in battle.
He jumps so high
But it's not high enough to reach Kayaba.
Then—
He shouts, his voice rang out.
"Special sword skill [Crimson Wave]", A colossal arc of fiery lava erupted from his blade, searing the air itself like a big wave that can disintegrate everything, and then followed up with another skill. "Ultimate skill [Phoenix]" it's a big blazing Fiery phoenix emerged, screeching as it dived for Kayaba.
The attacks converged.
A spear of lightning.
An axe strike to break the earth.
A beast of fire combined with a wave of burning lava, ready to consume.
And then—
The skills stop mid-air, inches from Kayaba's robe—a ripple effect distorts the air, like a ripple spread outward—like a droplet in still, it's like a water rejecting a stone.
The lightning spear deflected away at the last second and strikes a building, in an impact the building wall collapse.
The shockwave of the axe hung in the air; the skill banishes. Not even touching Kayaba in the back, knocking him away.
The fiery phoenix and the wave of burning lava withered into nothingness, like a candle snuffed by an unseen force.
The players stagger back, stunned.
One player in the crowd, a dagger-user, took a half-step back. His breath hitched. "No... this isn't right—" But his voice was lost.
They fall and landed on their feet, looking high above, distorted as they saw a horizontal screen.
A system notification popped up before them.
[Immortal Object]
"No damage at all to kayaba's Hp."
Kayaba didn't move nor react. He didn't even turn to face them, his response cold and uncaring.
Without turning to them, he simply stated. "It is meaningless to resist. You may strike as much as you like, it will not change your fate."
He slowly turns his head, his deep, empty voice void of concern.
"The only thing, that can release you all is reaching the 100 floor."
Silence.
A wave of murmurs spreading through the crowd.
A sword slipped from one player's grasp, clattering onto the stone pavement. No one spoke. The weight of realization settled over the crowd like a suffocating fog, realizing they were completely powerless.
The crowd erupts into chaos.
Some collapsed to their knees, trembling, their weapons slipping from their grasp. Some screamed in denial, beating their fists against the ground. Some turned and ran, as if they could still wake up from this nightmare.
Klein grips his sword, his hands shaking, tis voice was barely a whisper. "T-That's... impossible..."
Kirito just stares. Not in shock, but realization.
The people that had changed from game players to prisoners in a matter of minutes crouched clutching their heads, waved their arms about, grasped each other or started to swear loudly.
In the midst of all this noise, my mind became strangely cool again.
"This... is reality. "
What Kayaba Akihiko had declared was all true. If that was the case, this was all to be expected. It'd be strange not to expect it. This genius was one side of Kayaba that made him alluringly attractive.
Now I can't return to reality for a while—perhaps a few months or maybe more than that. During this time, I can't see my mother or sister nor talk to them. It was possible that I would never get the chance. If I died here— I died in reality.
The NerveGear, once a game machine, is a lock to this prison and a tool of death that will fry my brain.
Then after a short pause, Kayaba's voice, now emotionless again, and spoke.
"...Now, I have finished the official tutorial. Players—I wish you luck. Now, Sword Art Online... Begins."
Right After Kayaba's Cold Last Words...
This last sentence trailed off with a faint echo.
The crowd is stunned as he finishes speaking. The players who attacked him stumble back, still in shock.
Silence falls. The realization starts sinking in—there's no way out.
Then—A Sudden System Announcement Appears
[System Message: Player Redistribution in Progress.]
[Teleportation Initiated.]
A bright light suddenly swallowed everything in the plaza, every player is disappearing one by one.
Kirito felt his body stretching—like his very existence was being unraveled into a thousand glowing fragments. A sharp ringing noise pierced his ears, drowning out every thought.
Then—
While this happening, the huge robe rose soundlessly and started sinking, hood first, into the system message that covered the sky, as if melting.
Its shoulders, then its chest, then its two arms and legs merged into the red surface, and then a final red stain spread briefly. Right afterward, the system message that had covered the sky disappeared as suddenly as it appeared. Then, he vanishes in a flash of red light.
Someone screams: "W-Wait! What's happening!?" as everyone disappear and some reaching for each other, trying to hold on.
Klein reaches out towards Kirito; his voice barely reached him over the roar of the teleportation surge—but before he can grab him— his fingers just inches away—before everything shattered into light.
Kirito barely reacts. "Klein!!!"
A Blinding Flash. The World Spins.
The last thing Kirito sees before vanishing is Klein's outstretched hand, frozen in shock.
The entire plaza erupts into chaotic teleportation effects and everyone vanishes.
A force yanked him off his feet, his stomach lurching as if he'd been thrown into free fall. The wind howled in his ears—no, there was no wind, but he could feel something rushing past him, warping and shifting.
The light fades, the moment Kirito lands somewhere completely new. The teleportation ended with a jarring snap, his knees buckled and tumbles forward, regaining.
His balance barely caught himself before face-planting into the ground, hid eyes adjusting to surroundings.
An enchanted forest bathed in soft, ethereal light. Towering trees with twisting branches form a natural archway, their thick, moss-covered trunks adding to the forest's ancient and mystical atmosphere. The dense foliage overhead filters sunlight, casting a dappled green glow on the soft, overgrown path below.
A tiny golden orb of lights, resembling fireflies or floating wisps of magic, drift lazily in the air, illuminating the shadows with a delicate shimmer. Some of these glowing specks seem to cling to the trees and vines, giving the impression of an enchanted realm brimming.
In the foreground, pale mushrooms with speckled caps emerge from the undergrowth, adding a fairytale-like charm. Their delicate forms contrast with the lush green leaves and creeping vines, which weave together to create a landscape both wild and beautiful.
A mysterious, inviting path leads deeper into the heart of the forest, fading into a soft haze of warm green and gold, hinting at hidden wonders or secretive creatures just beyond sight. The entire scene exudes a sense of mystical serenity, as if this is a place where nature and magic coexist in perfect harmony.
He's alone. No player on sight.
The grand plaza is gone.
The noise, the panic, the thousands of players—all gone.
A grassy field stretches endlessly around him.
A single brown boar wanders nearby, sniffing the air.
Kirito exhales, his breath shaking, gripping his sword.
The sound of the wind blowing above the forest and the ambiance that came softly to my ears.
The game had returned to its normal state, apart from the fact that a couple of rules had been changed.
The first words of the new world
"...W-where am I."