SAO - A New Matrix

-I- 

November 6, 2022 – 12:58

Apartment in Akasaka, Minato City – Tokyo

"It's time," I murmured to myself.

I conducted a last-minute inspection before going FullDive, to ensure everything was set up in my room.

NerveGear powered up, jacked to the internet, and calibrated? Check.

Internet connection? Check and stable.

PC collecting data from the session? It's in standby mode, so that's a check. I programmed it to activate on its own once I jumped into the game.

I got up from my gaming chair, leaving my machine and three screens on, and made my way to the bed. Once comfortable, I lay down and put on the electronic helmet. The NerveGear hummed to life, its light indicator glowed green as it established a connection to the SAO servers.

With a deep breath, I raised my voice and proclaimed, "Link Start!"

In an instant, the familiar boundaries of my room faded away, engulfing my vision with a whirlwind of vibrant colors. A menu replaced the next view.

[TOUCH – OK]

[SIGHT – OK]

[SMELL – OK]

[HEARING – OK]

[TASTE – OK]

Character creation data

available from the β.

Would you like to use it?

*Neo (M)

- YES - NO

- YES

Huh, what is this?

Welcome back, tester!

We thank you for your thoroughly

review of our β.

In gratitude, we have special

options only for you and

the enjoyment of your journey:

...

...

...

Oh, so they did read my full report. On the last day of the β, I sent the support team a comprehensive 30-page summary of suggestions that could improve the gameplay. Seems they deemed it valuable.

On the other hand, these are interesting choices. I thought for a moment before deciding to go for it. If they offer it, won't harm to make some use of them.

WARNING:

Any special option, once activated,

cannot be undone. Are you sure?

- YES - NO

- YES

Changes accepted.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲!

As more sparkly colors passed before my face, the menu transformed into a lively and very well-known environment for me. Even if I have extensive experience with virtual realities (technically), I can still appreciate the skill and effort of the team that developed this immersive and high-definition simulation. It's a remarkable achievement, one that will change the world as we know it, for good...or bad.

-II-

Central Plaza, Town of the Beginnings, 1st Floor – Floating Castle of Aincrad

I took a moment to stretch, testing my movement – to discard any lag – while I watched the other players gathering just as they spawn around. Once satisfied, I ran straight at the only artificial lake in the city. I leaned on slightly...and there it is: My 14-year-old true face reflected, just the same as it was in my past life. Heck, even my black hair and the fact I'm American didn't change. With so many coincidences, I can't shake off the feeling this might be a jest from some unknown all-powerful existence in the universe, that out of boredom, threw me into this parallel Earth. Will I ever discover the truth behind this twist of fate? Who knows...

I shook my head to snap out of such vain inquiry.

In this place, even if it's just until I logout, I am Neo once more. My real-life identity doesn't matter; it's what I accomplish in this world that counts. My objectives within SAO are my only business.

I dive into the menu, noting that my starting equipment mirrors the β version, most notably the familiar «Starter's Sword» hanging at my waist. I unequip it immediately. Given the new circumstances, my old gear and strategies shouldn't do anymore. I navigate into the skill set menu, inspecting in depth all the options displayed.

Mmm...not too much to choose, to be honest. These options were evidence that my gameplay will differ significantly from the average player. Perhaps the only one with these...conditions.

It will be a unique experience, for sure. I shrugged in compliance with my situation, yet I'm still committed to make the most of it. I choose the two skills I can logically work out to maximize my progress. If it gets too boring, I will just find another way. Perhaps paying somebody to do my tests would be enough.

Without further distractions, I head back to the town center. A crowd of freshly logged players were already talking to each other. I chuckled when passing by I overhear "I am back in this world!" from the side. No doubt, a β fellow crashed into the place.

Sneaking around from other players, I make my way into the market. I interact with an NPC vendor to see what's available.

...nothing for my build. True to the Beta version, the market has almost the same goods but with enticing discounts. For example: There is a decent piece of armor – for the 1st Floor standards – for 100 Col. The 500 Col players get at their first logging were more than enough to cover the full armor set. Still, it's not a good idea to go around wearing it so early in the game. Because it was there, doesn't mean it was a wise choice.

...That last was sarcasm against myself?

When I was about to give up in finding anything useful, something caught my eye.

«Hand Wraps – Gloves» – 200 Col

The cloth wraps bring no defense, but they can't be destroyed either.

Enhance any «Unarmed» attack/skill.

What does it mean 'Enhance' in this context? It will only make my attacks stronger...or...? Even if that's the case, this equipment should prove to be beneficial to me. But it will lower my defense. Even the «Starter's Gloves» bring a minimal defense bonus. The white color of the gear is quite noticeable, too. Nevertheless, my play style will most likely required to dodge far more than tanking my way through the challenges.

I added the «Foot Wraps» to the set for an additional 200 Col. They offer the same benefits, and hopefully the effects will stack each other.

I equip both, which instantly changed my avatar's appearance, while I look around a bit more. I accepted every quest available for hunting «Frenzy Boars», «Dire Wolfs», and «Ruin Kobolds» that I could find in the city, before heading to the North Gate. My grinding and new path awaits, eager to be carved behind these walls.

Today, I start anew...again.

-III-

East Field, right next to the «Town of Beginnings», 1st Floor

Three Hours later

I suppress a grunt while I stand my ground by taking damage from a «Frenzy Boar», its tusks sinking into my virtual body enough to bring me some discomfort in the form of itching. After doing some tests of how much strength these entities packed at level 2, I finished our 'clinch' with some basic foot sweep Karate kicks. The mob left behind blue shards before disappearing, no signs that even existed. My window popped up with the loot and experience from battle.

I put the grinding aside for a few minutes to explore, scrutinize, and check what others would ignore about this domain.

So far, the game has greatly improved compared to the Beta. The vivid sound effects, along with my heightened senses, allowed me to accurately guess the location of monsters even without looking at them. The OST of SAO that gives the final touch to the atmosphere of discovery and wonder...everything felt great. And this is only about the sound aspect.

They did take my input. It was good to be listened to. Or at least I wasn't the only one who complained about those aspects.

"Hyaaaa!"

My musings were interrupted by a female shout...or more like an effeminate voice?

About 10 meters from me, a player cladded in full knight bronze armor swung a one-handed hammer vertically against a «Frenzy Boar», striking it on the head. I could tell this was the opening move because, as soon as the player attempted a second horizontal strike, the boar dodged by charging at the player's midsection. The player began to panic, waving its hands in agitation at the unexpected turn of events – it shouldn't have been unexpected, though –. The boar continued its assault, hitting the knight repeatedly while being momentarily held back by the metal chest plate.

I decide to do the 'good Samaritan thing' and rush to his aid. My arms glow white as I draw an 'X' on my chest.

[Street Charge]

I used the skill that's boosted by the momentum I gain amid a run, granting me additional speed and damage. The result was a speedy side tackle that dragged the «Frenzy Boar» by a few meters across the field, while taking a lot of damage by the surprise first attack. With the two initial participants detaching from each other and getting out of «Post-Motion», I confidently finish the job with a one-two boxing move.

"Sorry if I interrupted you from leveling." I turned at the player. I couldn't meet any eyes, but the visor of his helmet was pointing towards me. "But I felt you were in a pinch."

"D-don't be!" The knight responded with a bit of delay, perhaps processing what just happened. "And yes, I was in trouble," the knight bows slightly. "Thank you!"

I can't tell if it's a guy or a girl; the voice seems a bit distorted by the helmet. That's an interesting fact.

"It's nothing." I responded in English. "First day in SAO, and not used to VR games, isn't it?" I switched back to Japanese.

"Yes, how did you know?"

From where to begin with...

"Well, there are two main reasons. First, any experienced player knows that taking a step aside just before the Frenzy Boar's tackle reaches you is all it takes to dodge it." I raise my right index finger in an explanatory gesture. "Second, you won't make any progress with that armor."

"Hah? Why not?!"

"It's a good armor set, that's for sure. Will protect you from dying unless you are hit non-stop while fighting the monsters around the «Town of the Beginnings». It can also be used by level 1 players." The same armor set that I saw in the market, 100 Col each piece. "However, the only thing that stops the general player base from putting it in use is the significant mobility debuff it imposes. It not only slows down your basic movements but your attacks too."

In SAO, you can use any weapon and equipment, no matter your level. The problem is that might you be able to equip an armor, yet if your STR attribute is low, it will only become a hindrance. You are too weak to rip the benefits of good loot. For example, almost all equipment gives some STR, AGI, or VIT boosts, but it will take effect once you meet the base requirements, like having 20 STR for example.

There were other signs that this person was a complete rookie, such as the panicking before a mere level 1 mob, but I decided to cut it to the most important aspects.

"Ehhhh..." The knight's stance slumped, displaying his disappointment. "I thought this was the normal speed." The unknown player lowers its head, looking at the grass. "And...I spend all my money on this set...and now..." Then suddenly perked up. "Wait, then why is the town selling it? And you just said it, a level 1 can wear it!"

"You need certain stats to wear the armor without suffering the debuff. " I placed my hand under the chin, considering the situation. "As for why they're selling it so early...I think it's some kind of joke from the developers. Perhaps it's their way to say 'information is precious' to the players."

Knowing the kind of person Kayaba Akihiko is, it won't surprise me that he chooses this method to convey wisdom to others.

"...Damn." The knight mumbles in final acceptance. No surprise, he (for now) was swindled at the very beginning of the game.

Mmh, I feel sad for this fellow. Maybe I can lighten his mood.

"If you'd like, as a consolation gift of welcoming, I can offer you some advice," I said.

"Advice?" He asked, intrigued.

I nodded. "I am a Beta tester. I can teach you stuff that other players will take weeks to truly understand."

It wasn't an exaggeration; I could coach players and fill them with deep intelligence, all proved by myself. For instance, during the month of the Beta, I found and exploited so many bugs in the game, that even now, the developers might not know they existed. I might as well try to replicate them and verify if Cardinal could detect them at all. The report I sent to the SAO support staff only included the most obvious and broken mechanical abuses.

"Interested?" I said as a final offering.

"V-very!" The knight nodded enthusiastically. "I'm truly starting from scratch when it comes to 'how to play.' It might take you some time."

"No problem." And I meant it. I needed a fresh player to conduct some of my tests, and this meeting might prove to be fruitful. I stepped closer and stopped about a meter away from the knight. "I am Neo. First of all, it's a good idea if you put on back your starting equipment before we start the lessons."

I noted a certain hesitation in my new recruit. His right leg was rotating so much that it might as well have been trying to dig a hole in the grasslands. Will he back down?

After waiting for a little over 30 seconds, the player began to navigate the Menu. One by one, the metal pieces were replaced by the classic Starting Equipment, with the helmet being removed last.

Then, I noticed something that took me by surprise: it was a girl. I hadn't expected to encounter anyone from the less than 10% of the population of SAO on the first day.

Her cinnamon-brown gems connected with my onyx vortexes. She had brown hair styled in a bob, along with matching brown eyebrows. If there was a characteristic that would make her unique, because she was average in height and complexion, would be the freckles on both sides of her cheeks and the white hairpin on the right side of her head.

With a small, friendly smile, she said, "I-I am Lisbeth. It's nice to meet you, Neo."

______________________________________________________

Player Logs:

1

Neo

Lvl: 1

Skill Slots: {2/2}

? [27/1000]

? [14/1000]