Mage and bow classes a staples of any fantasy MMORPG, had been boldly excluded from this game leaving only melee-based class.
Instead, an almost endless variety of combat techniques, known as Sword Skills, had been introduced.
This wasn't just a design choice—it was part of a deliberate plan to make players fully experience the sensation of real combat through FullDive technology.
Skills were diverse, ranging from life-skills like smithing, leatherworking, and sewing to everyday skills such as fishing, cooking, and even playing music. This allowed players to do more than just adventure through the vast world—they could actually live in it.
If they wanted to, and if their skill levels were high enough, they could sell their crafted items to market place and make silvers, buy a house, and even live as shepherds in the countryside instead of fighting on the front lines.
As more details about the game were revealed, the excitement among gamers only grew.
For the beta test, only one thousand testers were chosen.
It was said that over one hundred thousand people—half of all NerveGear owners at the time—had applied for a chance to experience the world's first true VRMMORPG.
Luck was the only reason I managed to squeeze through the narrow selection process and get picked.
As a beta tester, I also received an extra advantage—early access to the game before its official release, allowing me to get a head start over regular players.
The two months of beta testing felt like a dream.
At school, my mind was constantly occupied—analyzing my skill set, equipment, and items. I even spent hours on the infamous 8-Kun forums, comparing my theorycrafting to the strategies posted by SupremeOverlord.
The moment the final bell rang, I would sprint home, dive into the game, and stay logged in until dawn.
But in what felt like an instant, the beta test came to an end.
When my character was reset, I felt as if half of my real self had been cut away.
All that remained was a small beginner's gift—a token of my time in the beta, and a reminder that my journey was about to begin again.
And now—November 6, 2049.
After months of anticipation, Sword Art Online officially launched its online service at 5 PM.
Of course, I had been counting down the minutes in class, waiting impatiently for school to end. The moment the final bell rang, I rushed home, waited the agonizing 20 minutes… and logged in without even a second's delay.
When I checked the server status, over nine hundred ninety-five thousand players had already logged in worldwide and counting.
It seemed that everyone who had been waiting for this moment felt exactly the same way I did.
All over the internet, announcements flooded in—Sword Art Online had broken records with the highest pre-registrations, downloads, and sales in MMO gaming history.
Within seconds of its release, copies had sold out instantly—a phenomenon that had already started two weeks prior, creating such a massive buzz that even news outlets covered it.
Streamers were going wild, generating enough hype to make headlines.
That meant that nearly everyone who managed to get a copy was no casual player—they were dedicated gaming addicts, ready to dive in.
Klein's enthusiastic behavior only confirmed that fact.
Klein was still reading through his skill list, trying to understand the buffs abilities and effects attached to them.
Before I could guide him properly, teaching him how to use his skills and taking him to the Outer Wall of Renteia, He started begging me for help.
That was new to me.
no one had ever approached me like this before, the way he talked and joked so casually—it was almost amazing.
I was so lost for words, I didn't even know how to react.
"Ah, er, then... why don't we go to the weapon shop?" I tried to sound cool, but instead, I ended up sounding like some generic NPC.
To be honest…
I never really got along with people in real life—and in games, maybe even less so.
During the beta test, I met a few players, but I never got close enough to anyone to actually call them a friend.
We walked through the narrow alleyways of Galetia, a small marketplace tucked away in the corner of Renteia.
This was where players could buy high-damage white-grade gear and weapons, with a max damage of 9 or 10.
The NPC in charge of the shop was named Darathos.
I wondered what kind of personality he had. Would he be a grumpy old blacksmith? A shrewd merchant? Or maybe one of those overly enthusiastic NPCs who acted more alive than they should?
Around the corner, a shop was embedded within a stone structure, its aged stone bricks giving it the appearance of an old yet well-maintained establishment. The worn but sturdy walls suggested that it had stood the test of time, blending seamlessly into the cityscape of Renteia.
A large, arched opening served as both a workspace and storefront, allowing customers to walk up to the counter and browse the selection of weapons and armor. The semi-open design made the shop feel inviting, letting passersby observe the blacksmith's craft in action.
Above the entrance, a wooden signboard proudly displayed the words 'Darathos Smithing Shop', with a hammer symbol carved into it, clearly marking its purpose.
The atmosphere felt like a classic medieval blacksmith shop, but with a more urban, European-inspired aesthetic, fitting perfectly into the city's design.
Klein's face lit up, his mouth hanging open in pure amazement.
"Wow! This is incredible! I can't believe how realistic and detailed this place looks!"
His eyes darted around the shop, taking in the aged stone walls, the glowing forge, and the neatly displayed weapons. His excitement was almost childlike, completely absorbed in the atmosphere.
Yeah, of course, I'm impressed too. No matter how many times I look around in this game, it always amazes me, the interior was just as stunning as the exterior.
The shop was dimly lit, with a warm orange glow radiating from the blazing forge, casting flickering shadows across the aged stone walls. The atmosphere perfectly reinforced the traditional blacksmith ambiance, making it feel as if we had stepped into a living, breathing medieval workshop.
In the back of the room, a sturdy wooden door stood slightly ajar, possibly leading to a storage area or the blacksmith's private quarters.
Despite the confined city space, the workspace was compact yet efficiently arranged. an anvil, workbenches, and metal tools are visible, emphasizing the shop's craftsmanship. Weapons, armor, and various smithing tools were neatly displayed, giving the shop a practical, well-used feel.
The contrast between the forge's warm glow and the cool stone walls created a visually striking balance, making it clear that this was a place for players to buy, repair, and upgrade their weapons and armor.
At the counter, a shopkeeper or perhaps the blacksmith's assistant—leans forward with a welcoming, slightly mischievous grin, as if ready to negotiate or chat with a customer.
Her long, sky-blue hair cascades down her back, its silky strands catching the warm glow of the forge. Soft, modern bangs frame her face, complementing her bright blue eyes, which hold a mix of warmth and confidence.
Her fair skin and gentle smile make her appear approachable, yet there's a certain sharpness in her gaze—suggesting she's no pushover when it comes to business.
She wears a white, form-fitting top, accentuated by a brown corset-like design secured with golden clasps at the front. Over her shoulders, she sports light brown leather armor, matching the bracers on her arms, giving her the look of both an adventurer and a skilled artisan.
A brown leather belt cinches her waist, holding a small pouch on her left side and a dagger or short sword on her right—practical tools for someone working around weapons all day.
Her brown shorts, secured with a darker leather panel at the front, offer both mobility and durability. They pair seamlessly with her dark thigh-high stockings, which add contrast to her outfit.
On her feet, she wears sturdy brown knee-high boots, their slightly wider tops giving them a rugged, well-worn look—ideal for long hours at the forge or quick movement when necessary.
Atop her head rest a pair of silver goggles with brown leather straps, hinting at her role—perhaps a blacksmith, engineer, or skilled artisan. The blend of practicality and style, infused with fantasy and steampunk elements, makes her stand out as more than just a simple shopkeeper.
With a playful glint in her eye, she waves, flashing a smile.
"Hello there, my valued customers! How may I help you today?"
Klein's face flushes red, his mouth opening and closing as he stumbles over his words.
"Ah… uhm… ea… huah…."
The blacksmith's assistant tilts her head slightly, amused by his reaction. With a confident step forward, she closes the gap between us, her voice smooth and welcoming.
"We have high-quality weapons here at the shop, and we can repair any damaged gears and weapons," she says with a warm smile.
I try to focus on her words, but my eyes dart everywhere— the counter, the forge, the ceiling—anywhere but her face. My heart beats a little faster as the faint scent of metal, leather, and something sweet fills the air.
"She smells nice."
Wait.
Crap! I said that out loud!!!
The blacksmith assistant blinks, momentarily stunned. A small, awkward smile forms on her lips as she leans back just a bit, giving me a curious look.
Klein, still flustered, looks at me in pure betrayal.
"I'm Maeve! If you need help or if something catches your interest, just ask at the counter. See ya!"
With a playful wave, she turned away, leaving me standing there, completely drained.
I sighed. I didn't think I'd feel this way in a game... but right now, I just want to log out and cry.
I didn't expect they've added another NPC here, that caught me off guard.
With her delicate features, petite frame, and striking looks, Maeve could easily pass as an idol. She appeared to be around sixteen to eighteen years old by her looks.
Before I could recover, Klein stepped closer and suddenly grabs my shoulders, his face twisted, dead serious in an exaggerated look of frustration.
"Hey, Kirito, don't get ahead of yourself just because you're a beta tester!"
I forced an awkward smile, raising my hands slightly in defense.
"C—Calm down... Look over there there's a high-quality white gear"
That's what happened before we ended up forming a party and I began teaching him the basic combat of a sword skills. And which led us up in to this current situation.
"Are you done checking your skills?"
Klein had this side to him that just grew on you. And honestly, I didn't find it uncomfortable either. Thinking that I might be able to get along with him, I opened my mouth.
"So... what do you want to do? Keep grinding until you get used to it?"
"Sure! ...is what I want to say, but..." Klein's eyes flicked to the bottom right of his vision—he was checking the time.
"...well, I should log off and eat. I ordered some pizza for 6:30."
"Pretty thorough," I muttered, momentarily at a loss for words.
Klein puffed out his chest.
"Of course!" he declared proudly. "I promised to meet up with some mates in the [Starting City] soon. I could introduce you to them, and you could register them as friends. That way, you'd always be able to send messages. How about it?"
"Errr... Hmmm..." I mumbled, unsure how to respond.
I got along with Klein pretty well, but there was no guarantee it'd be the same with his friends. There was a good chance I wouldn't click with them, and if that happened... things might get awkward with Klein, too.
"Should I...?"
Sensing my hesitation, Klein shook his head.
"Ah, don't worry about it. I'm not trying to force you or anything. There'll be other chances to introduce you later."
"...Yeah. Sorry, and thanks."
As soon as I thanked him, Klein waved it off with a grin.
"Hey, hey! I should be the one thanking you. You really helped me out. I'll pay you back sometime soon... Mentally."
Klein smiled and took another glance at the clock
.
"...Well, I should log off for a bit. Thanks a ton, Kirito. See ya around."
With that, he extended his hand. In that moment, I couldn't help but think—this guy would have made a great leader in another game.
I reached out and shook his hand.
"Yeah, see you around."
We each let go, parting ways for now.
That was the point where Aincrad, or Sword Art Online, stopped being just some fun game for me.
Klein stepped back a bit, put his right index fingers, taps and scroll right.
This was the action that opened the main menu window. Immediately afterwards, there was a ringing sound and a shining purple rectangle appeared.
I moved a bit, sat on a rock, and opened my menu too. I started moving my fingers to organize the items that I'd gotten from fighting the boar.
Then...
"Eh?" Klein said in a strange tone. "What's this...? There's no log out button."
I stopped moving my fingers and raised my head at that.
"No button...? No way, look a bit closer," I said, a bit confused.
The swordsman opened his eyes wide and pushed his face closer to the menu.
The rectangular, transparent light-blue screen hovered in front of him, wider than it was tall. On the left side, a series of neatly arranged buttons displayed various menu options.
At the very bottom of the menu, there should have been a familiar button—[LOG OUT]—the one option that allowed players to leave this world and return to reality.
As I was turning my head to the inventory that listed the items I had gained over hours of fighting, Klein started speaking in an unusually high voice.
"It's really not there. You take a look Kirito."
"I told you that there's no way that it's not there..." I muttered with a sigh as I tapped on the button and scroll right, to go back to the menu screen.
The main menu window reappeared, displaying the familiar layout. To the left of the silhouette, which still had plenty of settings of the game, a long column of buttons stretched downward.
Without thinking, I moved my hand down—a motion that had already become second nature.
And then…
My body froze.
It wasn't there.
Just as Klein had said, the [LOG OUT] button—the one that had been there during the beta test, the one that had been there right after I logged in—
Had completely disappeared.
I stared at the empty space for a few more seconds, then scrolled through the menu, making sure the button hadn't just been moved somewhere else.
Klein looked up at me, his expression practically screaming, "Right?"
"...Not there, huh?"
I let out a small sigh. "Yeah, it's not there."
Even though I felt a little annoyed to admit it so easily, I nodded.
Klein, still oddly calm, rubbed his stubbled chin, thinking.
"Well, it's the first day, so these kinds of bugs can happen. The dev's are probably crying their eyes out by now with the flood of error reports," he said with a shrug.
I smirked. "Should you really be standing around like that? Didn't you say you ordered pizza?"
"Ah—crap, that's right!"
I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched him panic, flailing his arms like a man whose dinner was slipping through his fingers.
Meanwhile, I opened my overfilled inventory, the screen flashing red from carrying too many items. I tossed out a few things I didn't need and walked over to Klein.
"Argh! My anchovy pizza and ginger ale...!" he groaned dramatically.
"Why don't you just report it to the devs? Maybe they can force-log you out."
"I tried! No response! And it's already 6:25! Hey, Kirito—there's gotta be some other way to log out, right?!"
After listening to Klein—who was now waving both arms frantically—my face stiffened.
A sudden, groundless fear crept up my spine, sending a chill down my back.
"Let's see... to log out..." I muttered, deep in thought.
To return to the real world and back to my room, I have to: open the main menu, press the 'Log Out' button, and press 'Yes' on the window that popped. It was pretty simple but… aside from that method, I wasn't aware of any other way to log off.
I slowly looked up at Klein, his face towering above mine, and shook my head.
"No... there's none. If you want to log yourself off, you have to use the menu. Apart from that, there's no other way."
"That's impossible... there's got to be something!"
Klein suddenly started shouting as if he was denying my statement.
"Return!"
"Log out!"
"Escape!"
But of course, nothing happened. There were no voice commands in SAO of that description.
After Klein shouted this and that and even jumped around, I told him.
"Klein, it's useless. Even the manual doesn't have anything on emergency access terminations."
"But... this is just stupid! Even if it's a bug, I can't even go back to my room and my body when I want to!" Klein shouted with a bewildered expression on his face.
I totally agreed with him.
This was impossible. It was complete nonsense. But it was indisputably the truth.
"Hey... what is this? It's just really weird. Right now, we can't get out of this game!"
Klein gave a desperate laugh then quickly started talking again.
"Wait, we can just turn the power off. Or just pull the Gear off."
As I watched Klein move his hands as if he was trying to take off some invisible hat, I felt the anxiety returning.
"That's impossible, both of them. Right now, we can't move our bodies... our real bodies. The Nerve Gear intercepts all the signals that our brain is sending here," I tapped the back of my head, "and reroutes them to move our avatars here."
Klein slowly closed his mouth and put his hands down.
We both stood speechless for a while, each lost in thought.
To reach the FullDive state, the Nerve Gear intercepts the signals that our brain sends down our spines and translates them so that we can control our avatars in this world. So however wildly we swing our arm about here, the arm of my real body (lying on my bed right now) wouldn't move an inch, ensuring that I wouldn't hit my head against the corner of my table or anything.
But because of this function, we can't cancel the FullDive of our own free will right now.
"...So unless the bug is fixed or somebody in the real world takes the Gear off, we have to wait it out?" Klein mumbled, still a little dazed.
I silently nodded in agreement.
"But I live by myself. You?"
I hesitated for a moment before deciding to answer truthfully. "...I live with my mom and my younger sister. Just the three of us. If I don't come down for dinner, I'm pretty sure they'll force me out of the Dive."
"What? H-How old is your sister?"
Klein suddenly turned to me, his eyes sparkling with interest.
I sighed and pushed his head away.
"You're awfully calm right now, aren't you?"
His curiosity didn't waver, but I ignored it and continued.
"She's in a sports club and have no interests in games, so she's got nothing in common with people like us. But more importantly—"
I spread my right arm, shifting the conversation. "Don't you think this is weird?"
Klein shrugged. "Well, yeah… but it's just a bug, right?"
"No, I mean it's not just a bug, it's a 'can't log out bug'. It's a big enough problem to bother the operation of the game itself. Like your pizza in the real world is getting colder every second, it's an actual economical loss, isn't it?"
"...A cold pizza... That's as meaningless as hard natto!"
I ignored these meaningless comments and kept talking.
"If it's like this, the operators should take the server down and log everyone out, whatever the cause. But... it's been 15 minutes since we first noticed this and there hasn't even been a system message, let alone taking the server down. It's just too weird."
"Hmm, now that I think of it, you're right."
Klein rubbed his chin with a serious expression, intelligence sparkled in his eyes.
I started listening to Klein, feeling a little strange about talking with someone whom I'd never meet if I erased my account.
"...The company which created SAO, Argus, is a company that's famous for being considerate of its users, isn't it? That's why everyone rushed to download it, even though it's their first online game. But if they screwed up like this on launch day… well, that's a huge deal."
I nodded. "I agree. And SAO is the first VRMMORPG. If something goes wrong now, they might slap regulations on the entire genre."
Klein and I exchanged glances, both letting out a deep sigh.
Aincrad's seasons mirrored reality, meaning it was early fall here as well.
I tilted my head back, inhaling deeply—the cold, crisp air filling my lungs. Even though I knew it wasn't real, the sensation felt convincingly natural.
About 100 meters away, I could make out the light purple underside of the 2nd floor, barely visible from where we stood. My gaze followed its uneven surface, tracing the jagged edges upward until I spotted the massive tower—the Labyrinth, the only path leading to the upper floors.
Its entrance loomed in the distance, an imposing gateway to the challenges that awaited beyond.
It was just past 7:00 PM, and the thin strip of sky visible between the towering structures burned red with the fading light of sunset.
Despite the uncertainty of our situation, I couldn't help but stare in silent awe. The endless plains, bathed in the golden hues of the evening sun, were breathtaking. I found myself speechless in front of the beauty of this virtual world.
For a moment, I forgot everything.
Right after that...
The world changed forever.