Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online
Aincrad. First Floor. The Town of Beginnings.
Since thousands of players were trapped within Sword Art Online, the initial panic has given way to a heavy, crushing realization of reality. The logout menu has vanished, and death in the virtual world now means death in the real one. The only way to find freedom is to clear all one hundred floors of the floating castle.
By evening, the Town of Beginnings is teeming with players. In the taverns, people discuss loot, trade rumors about monsters, and argue over when someone will finally dare to challenge the first-floor boss. Suddenly, one of the patrons rises from his table. A young man in blue armor with a sword at his hip scans the crowd, his gaze burning with determination.
— Listen! We can't stay on the first floor forever. While we sit here, people continue to die. Someone has to take the first step!
— And what are you proposing? Gathering a mob and sending them to the slaughter? We don't even know how strong the boss is!
— That is exactly why I am forming a party. We have scouted the labyrinth and can reach the boss chamber. If we act together and stick to a shared tactic, we have a chance. I need volunteers who are ready to fight shoulder to shoulder.
A murmur ripples through the tavern. Some players exchange doubtful glances, while others are already discussing equipment and combat skills. Klein sits at one of the tables, listening intently to the conversation. A short distance away sits a black-haired youth in a black cloak—Kirito. He silently studies a map of the first floor, occasionally glancing toward Diabel.
You possess an advantage that those around you do not know. You were a SAO beta tester and managed to study many of the game mechanics, monster patterns, and the layout of the early floors. You know more about the upcoming opponent than most of those present, though some details may have changed since the official launch.
— If anyone knows anything about the boss or its attacks, now is the time to speak up. Any information could save our lives.
Kirito looks up from his map and turns his gaze toward the crowd, clearly interested in any potential intel. Diabel scans the tavern, waiting for someone to respond.
— Well? Who is ready to join the raid? Or perhaps, among you, is there someone who knows something vital about the first boss?