"Relax, this must just be a bug in the game. Once the admins notice it, they'll definitely fix and adjust it."
Some players were panicked and restless, but there were also those who remained calm. Among the crowd, there were even people claiming to be beta testers, saying that this situation was probably just a technical adjustment, and urging everyone to stay calm.
"That's impossible. A phenomenon-level game like SAO could never have such a simple bug.
And besides, during the beta, nothing like this ever happened."
Compared to the more collected players, Kirito felt his uneasiness growing heavier with each passing second.
"Then maybe it's just like I said—it's a grand opening ceremony prepared by the developers.
They probably wanted to surprise the players, which is why it wasn't mentioned in any announcement."
Before Seiya or Kirito could respond to Klein's words, someone else answered his question for them.
A crimson, brick-like system message suddenly spread across the plaza, enveloping the area in an instant.
And then—a massive, reaper-like figure clad in a blood-red robe appeared in midair, its face completely obscured.
"This is indeed a grand ceremony prepared for you all. But it isn't the welcoming ceremony you imagine—it's a true death invitation.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kayaba Akihiko, the developer of this game.
I'm sure many of you have already noticed—your logout button has disappeared.
And I must tell you, this is the real rule of SAO: players cannot log out of their own accord.
If someone from the outside tries to forcibly disconnect you, the NerveGear will release a powerful burst of microwaves, instantly destroying your brain.
The only way to leave is to clear all 100 floors of Aincrad—defeat the final boss, and beat the game."
Many players naturally refused to believe Kayaba's words, but he quickly revealed irrefutable proof.
He stated that 213 people had already died because they removed their helmets against warnings.
And their deaths had already become headline news in the real world.
Seeing the broadcasted news projection, the players who still had doubts immediately lost their nerve.
"So as long as we clear all 100 floors, right?"
Clearing 100 floors of Aincrad was no small feat. During the beta, the highest anyone had reached was only the 8th floor.
But the beta tester who asked the question wasn't discouraged.
He knew very well—players in this world were like a Fourth Calamity. No matter how hard a dungeon was, with their "immortality" it was only a matter of time before it was conquered.
And now, with far more players than in the beta, clearing 100 floors would only take, at most, about a year.
"Of course. That much I can promise you—clear all 100 floors, and I'll let you return to your original world.
But keep this in mind—if your HP bar hits zero, the helmet will still fry your brain."
Hearing Kayaba's words, even the confident beta testers completely lost their composure.
"What the hell! That's basically a death sentence!"
"Exactly! Die in the game and you die in real life? Isn't that just forcing us into a one-life-only run!?"
The crowd's angry curses didn't faze Kayaba in the slightest. He simply continued speaking in his calm, deliberate tone.
"That's why I said—this is a real death game.
If you only approach this with a casual gamer's mindset, then what would be the point of trapping you here?
Well then, before I leave, let me give you a little gift. I wish you all… happy gaming."
As his words faded, the massive reaper calling himself Kayaba vanished into the sky.
Moments later, every player in the plaza found a mirror in their hands.
As the mirrors reflected their images, every player's in-game avatar reverted to their real-life appearance.
Handsome hunks instantly turned into chubby otakus. Many delicate, adorable "anime girls" suddenly transformed into scruffy, unkempt men. It was a massive "online romance gone wrong" reveal.
Kirito and Klein weren't exceptions either. One became a youthful-looking boy, while the other turned into a weary, middle-aged salaryman.
Meanwhile, Seiya kept fiddling with his mirror—but his appearance remained completely unchanged.
Kayaba's mirror seemed to be a one-use item, disappearing after activation. Its effect was obvious.
Since Seiya had entered the game using his real appearance, the "Mirror of Truth" had no effect on him.
Looking at the mirror, Seiya recalled how Kayaba had also supposedly slipped into the game with an alternate account.
That raised an interesting question: if he gave Kayaba this mirror later, would it expose the man's true face?
Compared to the many players who instantly suffered "social death," Kirito and Klein's transformations were still within an acceptable range.
But when Klein saw Seiya's unchanged face, he couldn't help but stare in shock. "Wait… why didn't you change back to your real appearance?"
"That is his real appearance. Seiya never modified his character model when he entered the game," Kirito explained.
Klein instantly felt crushed. "No way—that's so unfair!
If I'm not mistaken, you said Seiya was the kendo tournament champion, right?
Being young and talented is one thing, but he's even better-looking than the face I customized! How the hell is that fair!?"
Watching Klein's devastated expression, Kirito walked over, patted his shoulder, and said he completely understood how he felt.
After all, that same feeling—Kirito had been suffering it for years!
"More importantly, don't you think we should be focusing on something else right now?
Like that grinding spot I showed you earlier—limited beginner resources are going to get snatched up fast."
Seiya's words made Kirito pause, then nod quickly. "You're right. The starter village resources are limited. If we don't hurry, others will get there before us!"