Title: Surviving isn't Living

Story Summary: Nearly a year after the death of Korosensei, the class of 3-E have tried to turn their lives back to normal. It succeeded; for the most part. That was until by mistake, Karma accidentally pulled his friend, Nagisa, into the death game known as SAO. Well, at least the two had one advantage over Aincrad. They were almost sure that no one else had to train in an assassination classroom for a year. Karma x Nagisa

Chapter 1: Comatose

Chapter Summary: Karma just wanted to play a new game with Nagisa. He just wanted to cheer up his friend, knowing that the death of their beloved teacher was just in just a few months. He just wanted to help. But he just made things worse.

Author's Note: When will my stories end? Haha, who knows- I'm so unprofessional- Anyway, here's a new story. I've recently forced my mother to watch SAO so I'm in the mood to write about it again~ I just hope it's good and that I finish it... Anyway, please take in mind that some things might not be accurate or even correct. I've been looking up everything I can about anything about SAO. I'm re-watching the series, reading the books and light novels, looking up things on the website. Sorry if I misinterpret anything or mess up some info :'3

Also, I will try not to follow the storyline of SAO. Meaning all the events Kirito goes through in the anime and mostly the books. I will try to come up with their own situations throughout this story. Do you guys have any idea how hard it is to search up the names of swords? Not for SAO but actual swords? So for the sake of this story needing to move on (And to save myself from more research. I've been researching for two hours-), Karma and Nagisa will start off with Anneal Blades. I know this is Kirito's beginning sword and he didn't even get it from a shop. It was a monster drop on floor 50, however I'm going to make it their first swords. I don't want to follow the usual sword ideals, where Karma will get the Anneal Blade and Nagisa the Wind Fleuret and eventually the Lambent Light. Although I do think I will let Karma have the Elucidator. I'll probably give Nagisa an Alastor sword. So fair warning~ Now please, enjoy!

"I don't want to sleep. I don't want to dream, because my dreams don't comfort me."

January XX 2021, the NerveGear was announced

March 13th 2021, 70% of the moon blew up

March 8th 2022, a yellow octopus monster is trapped in a school building after holding students hostage for a year

March 13th 2022, Koro-sensei died

May XX 2022, the NerveGear went out to the market

May 24th 2022, Karma bought two NerveGears

August XX 2022, Sword Art Online Closed Beta is launched

August 31st 2022, The Sword Art Online Beta is closed

November 5th 2022, Sword Art Online sales in stores begin. Karma buys two copies

November 6th 2022, Karma's life changed forever

November 6th 2022

"Karma, I'm not really sure about this." Nagisa said to Karma as he followed the redhead into his house.

"Oh come on Nagisa, it's just a video game~" Karma closed the door once his friend was inside. Nagisa began taking off his shoes, not even looking around. He's been to Karma's house countless of times. There was no reason to study his surroundings. Yet if he knew he wouldn't see it again by dinner time like he planned, he would have took a good long look. Better yet, he would have stopped Karma from putting that damned helmet on.

"But I don't get the concept of the NerveGear. Does it really feel like you're in the game? You know I'm not a gamer, I don't understand these things..." Usually Nagisa just watched Karma play his DS. He didn't even know Karma had a NerveGear until the redhead mentioned the Sword Art Online Beta back in August. Only 1,000 people participated in the Beta but sadly, Karma was not one of them. That only fueled his desire to play the most anticipated game of the year.

Karma walked past Nagisa once he threw his coat off and pulled off his shoes. He responded to Nagisa just as he began to remove his belt and soon he would do the same with his pants. Nagisa was used to it; Karma liked changing into comfortable clothes as soon as he came home, starting with his pants. Nagisa could relate, although he wouldn't just strip in his own house so easily, even if his parents weren't home. "It feels very real." Karma started, folding his pants in his arms despite knowing he'll just throw them in a laundry basket in a few minutes. "You have to try it. Really. It's why I brought you over."

"Yeah, I know that but... I don't know. The technology seems so... advanced." Nagisa mumbled as he followed Karma down his hall.

"You can handle an experiment like Koro-sensei who can-... could move at mach 20 speed, but you can't handle the thought of being in a video game?"

Nagisa caught the slip up but he didn't mention it. It's been close to a year since Koro-sensei died, of course they'd all still be a little sensitive about the topic. Karma always insisted to Nagisa and his class that he's over it, but they all could notice the slightly higher pitch in Karma's voice and that sometimes he'd come to the meet up they had regularly at the mountain they bought with red eyes and puffy cheeks. "I guess I'll just have to wait and see." Nagisa shrugged, hoping the subject would change. Luckily Karma fulfilled Nagisa's hope after he threw his pants into the laundry basket in his room once they entered.

"So since I only got one bed, guess you'll have to lay with me." Karma smirked as he turned to Nagisa.

"Don't even Karma, I know you have a futon in your closet. I slept over here tons of times, you nugget." Nagisa pouted, drawing a laugh out of Karma.

"Way to let a guy down. Damn, friendzoned by your best friend."

"That's why you were friendzoned! We're best friends, not lovers." Karma just laughed again as a response. He pulled out the futon out of his closet and placed it by his bed.

"Really, I don't mind sharing-"

"Friendzoned, Karma. Stay at home plate, okay?"

"Oh, woe is me." Karma shrugged.

"Now can you please put some shorts on already?" Nagisa requested.

"Yeah yeah." Karma waved his hand dismissively as he went to his dresser to pull out some comfortable shorts. "While I change, why don't you do the body sync procedure with the NerveGear?"

"The what?"

Karma paused in his search for shorts and turned to face Nagisa. "There's something you have to do when you get the NerveGear. You gotta basically touch you own body, like this," He demonstrated by folding his arms, almost like he's hugging himself, and patted his own arms down to his waist. "Then you slowly pat your way down. It's so the NerveGear knows your body composition and can transfer your ideal body into the game."

Nagisa had the most confused look on his face. "O-Okay... I guess?"

"Just put the NerveGear on and follow the instructions it gives you." Karma chuckled as he continued his search for shorts. Nagisa picked up the NerveGear on the table, the one with the blue hint to it. Karma got them both NerveGear and got colored ones so they could tell the difference between their NerveGear. Just as he was about to put on the NerveGear, he heard some sirens outside. He glanced out Karma's window, watching some police cars and an ambulance speed on by. "I wonder what's going on..."

"Someone probably got stabbed over a copy of Sword Art Online. We're about half and hour late after all. The server started at 1." Karma informed Nagisa.

"Are you serious?!"

"Of course I'm serious. The server begins at-"

"I'm not talking about the server you idiot!" Nagisa got a laugh in response.

Karma began pulling on his shorts as he slowly ceased his laughing to speak. "No, I'm not serious. No one got killed over Sword Art Online. It's just a game. Now hurry up, I want to log on as soon as possible! Don't bother with an avatar, I don't want to struggle to find you."

"Do you have an avatar?" Nagisa asked as he put the NerveGear on to start the body sync procedure.

"Nah. I look like myself. I also kept my name the same. Karma, but it's in English." Karma told him.

"English? Why?" Nagisa tried focusing on Karma and the instructions given to him by the NerveGear.

"Believe it or not, but Sword Art Online isn't just for us. It was released in the U.S too. I hope your English is good, Na-gi-sa~" Karma teased the shorter boy as he watched Nagisa finish with the syncing. "Come on, let's get ready and lay down. I don't want to miss the first day of SAO."

"SAO?"

"It's short for... you know..."

"Oh! Yeah, I knew that-"

"You're so slow, Nagisa. I don't want to say Sword Art Online every time. It's a mouthfull sometimes." Karma pouted as he walked to his bed and laid down. He grabbed the NerveGear on his dresser and got ready to put it on. "Come on! I want to play already!"

"Alright alright! Geez, you're such a child." Nagisa whined as he sat down by the futon. As Karma put on the NerveGear and gave the "Link Start!" command, Nagisa took out his phone and charger. He checked his phone real quick, messaging back Kayano who sent him a quick "good luck!" for his first day of SAO. With a smile, he thanked Kayano and told her they would definitely be there for the meeting this Saturday. Then he plugged up his phone and turned it off.

Just as Nagisa put the NerveGear on, started it up with "Link Start!", Kayano responded.

"Nagisa! Have you seen the news? They said they found someone who had their NerveGear taken off while playing Sword Art Online and their brain just... fried! Nagisa, don't play yet! The NerveGea probably aren't safe?"

A few minutes passed.

"Nagisa? Did you already start? Please answer!"

2 missed calls.

"Nagisa! I'll tell Karma-kun's parents not to take off the NerveGear when they get home!"

5 missed calls.

7 missed calls.

"Nagisa... You won't believe what the news says..."

8 missed calls.

"They're saying anyone who removes the NerveGear dies."

The first time Nagisa opened his eyes in the world of Aincrad, he didn't know that this would be how he views the world from now on. It kind of looked fish eyed, like when you put glasses on for the first time, but Nagisa had a feeling he'd get used to it.

He looked down, looking at his hands that were now in fingerless gloves. Looking further down, he noticed he was wearing some small, black boots. They must be for fighting, obviously. The only other thing note worthy of his outfit was that he adorned a hide chest-plate. He knew he should probably upgrade this gear as soon as possible. He was willing to bet all beginners got this outfit, or at least something similar. Now all he had to do was find Karma and-

"Nagisa!" He turned when he heard someone call out his name. It was Karma of course. He was leaning against one of the pillars of the Warp point Nagisa was currently standing on. It wasn't turned on yet though since the second floor hadn't been opened yet. For now, it was just a spawning floor. After getting used to walking, Nagisa headed over to Karma who pushed himself off the wall. "Geez, what took you so long?"

"Sorry, I was plugging my phone up and stuff." Nagisa apologized.

"I thought you were customizing your character. I mean you can always customize it later or make a different account, but for now, let's just have some fun and go hunting. I'll show you how it all works. It's really cool." Karma smiled. Nagisa returned the smile. Karma seemed really happy that he joined him for this game... Okay, maybe Nagisa could get used to this game and the NerveGear and all that, just for Karma.

"Okay, that sounds good. I don't want to just charge off into battle." Nagisa joked, following Karma who began to walk through town, his map open so he knew where to go.

"Well, I'm sure you'll do fine. You already have special training." Karma reminded the bluenette. That's right, they had their skills from the assassination classroom. They didn't dull either. He and Karma always went out to the mountain to practice parkour and freerunning. Although they couldn't use any guns for practice, they still sparred with the rubber knives they were granted to keep. "You'll be a natural. I can already tell."

Nagisa looked around as they walked through the crowded ways of town. NPC's with their shops, players buying gear with what little starter money they had. Nagisa wondered why they weren't off buying gear like the other players. He looked back at Karma and tugged on his sleeve. Wow, he can feel even though it's a game...

"Nagisa?" Karma turned to look at Nagisa.

"Um... when are we going to get gear?" Nagisa asked, pointing to the shops.

"Nagisa, it's way to early to get gear. When we go hunting, we'll probably get drops from the mobs. Even if we don't, we'll get lots of money for the next town which will have better gear." Karma explained and continued walking.

"...I see." For once Nagisa actually did. What Karma was trying to say was that if they buy gear now then head to the next town, they wouldn't be able to get better gear because they wasted money, or rather col, on worse gear at the Town of Beginnings. "So does that mean we're going hunting now?"

"Yeah. I did some research on SAO and the packets said that although the mobs in hunting grounds do respawn eventually, after some time goes by and everyone hunts from them, the mobs slowly dwindle down until no more spawn except here and there. But by then, we'll be many floors up." Karma gave a reassuring smirk to Nagisa. "So we want to go hunting as soon as possible and get the best loot!"

"I can agree with you on that." Nagisa smiled back. "Is there anything else I should know about Sword Art Online?"

"There's no magic. Although there are potions and teleportation crystals, but I heard we don't get crystals until floor 7. So we'll have to be careful when retreating~" Karma informed his short friend.

"No magic? Then... what do we do for long range?"

"There is no long range. Just swords. There aren't even any bows." Karma told Nagisa as they neared the edge of town. "Although there are special sword skills. I searched online and asked a few of the open beta players how to do it. It's pretty simple. I'll show you as soon as we get to the field~"

"Sounds like a plan." Nagisa agreed and stretched his arms up into the air. Karma didn't mention the fact that there was no need to since one couldn't feel physical tension in SAO. Mentally on the other hand... Yes, sometimes games can get to a player. By then it was just best to back away from the game for a bit and walk around. Although Karma supposed there were things like paralysis that could make the body tense up. However that wasn't exactly the same.

The duo stopped once they made it to the edge of town. Beautiful green fields and hills close by and mountains on floating islands in the distance... The first floor of Aincrad had all terrains so the players could get used to all biomes before moving on to other floors. Whether it worked or not, it sure was beautiful indeed. "It looks so amazing..." Nagisa mumbled under his breath. Karma just silently nodded his agreement.

"Here, let's get going." Karma said, walking along the path leading out to the fields. "I really hope we don't run into any PKers."

"PKers...?"

"Player Killers. PK is short for Player Killer." Karma explained. "There are different types. The normal ones who kill other players themselves, but then there are Mob PKers. They use mobs to help kill another Player. Sometimes it backfires though."

"That's awful. Why would anyone kill someone else?" Nagisa walked closer to Karma as if someone would suddenly pop out and kill them now.

"Well, usually it's for loot... But I guess some do it for the roleplaying." Karma shrugged before giving Nagisa a thumbs up and a smirk. "But it'll be fine! You know I'll protect you~"

"My hero." Nagisa rolled his eyes and took three steps away from Karma. "How far do we have to walk?"

"Already tired?" Karma joked even though they didn't actually feel any exhaustion. "There can't be hunting grounds so close to a town since that might let a mob go into the town which would be unfair to low level players. However for the first floor, they're just a five minute walk away. Don't get used to it though~"

"Alright alright. Let's just get going already. I don't want to seem like a rookie for too long."

"A noob?"

"Excuse me?"

"It's a gaming term. A noob. It's used to label beginners."

"...I definitely don't want to be a beginner for long."

For a little while, Karma and Nagisa had been off training in the fields against small boar mobs. They were small, only up to their knees, but they really liked moving! They only had two attacks, charge and kick, and even those attacks weren't very powerful but to a low level player, it did it's damage.

Even though Karma searched up how to use the sword skill with information from other Beta players, he still haven't quite grasped the concept. Nor has Nagisa, but he had an excuse. He was new to MMORPG in general. But for Karma... it was just embarrassing. He thought he could've learned it quick! Now he looked like a noob! If only they had someone to actually teach them-

"Hey! You two down there!"

"Wha-" Nagisa turned to look at whoever yelled just as a boar charged at him. He yelped when he fell back. The boar snorted his way before trotting off as if it just won an argument. "Aww man, my health is already at yellow..."

"Heal up with a potion real quick. I'll see who's calling to us." Karma told Nagisa. There was no need to though since the person who called out jumped down the hill they stood on a moment ago.

"Hey, sorry for startling you! We just saw that you were having some trouble!" Before Karma could ask what the man meant by 'we', the player continued to speak as he held out his hand. "My name's Klein!"

Karma took in the other's appearance in an instant. Red, sloped hair over his forehead, a bandana holding it back. Cheerful grin, stubbly beard on his chin. His body language screamed 'generous' or 'kind'. Or naive, depending on how you put it. Karma thought to himself. He reluctantly raised his hand to shake the other's hand. At least he was Japanese...

"Ow- Hey!" Karma gave a soft shout when the man, claimed to be Klein (it's probably just a username), slapped his hand instead of shaking it.

"You don't feel pain, right?" Klein didn't seem surprised by the outburst though. He just smirked. "I know, it's just a habit. This guy," he jabbed his thumb in a direction behind him. "let a boar charge... there, if you know what I mean."

"...Good to know it won't hurt being kicked there then." Karma grumbled, looking at his gloved hand before pausing. This guy? Karma looked up the hill, seeing a silhouette standing at the top of the hill.

"Kirito, get down here already! I didn't take you as the shy type!" Klein urged the new player to come down.

"...I'm definitely not shy." The new player sighed and walked down the hill, tucking his sword away behind his back. It was just another beginners sword, like the ones Karma and Nagisa had. Now that he was thinking about swords, Karma noticed Klein had a different sword. He must've bought a new sword as soon as he logged in.

"Oh, it's the first time we've met other players!" Nagisa commented, standing up after his potion completely healed him. He stood beside Karma and although he was nervous to greet the new people (they might be PKers after all!), he was excited at the same time. New potential gaming buddies! And they both were Japanese! Nagisa was so glad he didn't meet anyone speaking English yet!

"Like I mentioned, I'm Klein. This is my friend." He gestured to the player standing next to him. "He was a former Beta tester so if you have any questions, ask him! He was just teaching me the concept of sword skills."

This caught Karma's attention in an instant. His eyes went over to the new arrival (Kirito was his name?), studying his appearance. He wore the starter gear too... So Karma's knowledge with waiting to get better gear was a smart idea. Unless this Beta player wasn't the brightest.

The new player cleared his throat, shifting under Karma's gaze. "I'm Kirito..."

"Nagisa," Nagisa introduced then pointed to Karma. "That's my friend Karma."

"That's a cool user name!" Klein gave a thumbs up.

"It's my real name."

"Eh? Really? Even better!" Klein cried and moved to the other side of Karma, placing an arm over the other's shoulder. He didn't seem to notice the other stiffen under his touch. "I've had this username for a while so I didn't think twice when I decided to use it." He grinned at the two. Kirito just sighed again, his hand going to hold the bridge of his nose. He could already tell what was going to happen. "So what do-" Klein suddenly cried and fell to the ground after Karma hit him down there. After a moment of writhing on the ground, Klein paused. "Oh right. No pain."

"I-I'm sorry, Karma isn't that big of a fan of physical contact!" Nagisa apologized for Karma who just smiled.

"I'm sorry for bothering you... Kirito," Karma paused, getting used to saying the name out loud. "Are you really teaching him sword skills?"

"Yeah... He practically begged me to show him the ropes." Kirito gave a slight smirk as Klein shouted "I did not!". The two in conversation ignored Klein who was now being comforted by Nagisa. "Don't tell me... you two need help too?"

"I really didn't want to ask for help, but it would very much be appreciated." Karma said to the other swordsman. "I've, or rather we've, been trying to initiate the sword skills for a while now. As you could probably see, it hasn't been going very well... Nagisa already went into the yellow. Against a boar mob."

"I remember being the same in the Beta." Kirito waved his hand, as if saying it was no problem at all. "I'm already teaching Klein, so I guess I could help you guys out. Just for now."

"Sounds good to me." Karma agreed. He didn't want to stick around other players for too long. They were pretty unpredictable, although Karma did kind of like this other player. He knew what he was doing and he was quiet. Although Karma could also notice his obvious discomfort with having more people around. Solo player perhaps? I heard those are pretty rare in MMORPG games. In RPG games in general... Well, who was he to judge? He'd probably do the same for a while if Nagisa hadn't been there. Maybe he'll play it solo for a while, relax, level up, then think of joining a guild or at least a temporary party. Sometimes, people got to into guilds and took it very seriously.

He turned to see Nagisa talking with the other redhead who seemed cheered up. "Nagisa! We're going to party up with these guys for a little bit, okay?"

"Oh, okay." Nagisa didn't mind at all. He liked the safety he felt with being surrounded by others. He already felt like he could defeat those boar mobs now! As long as someone had his back... Not that Karma didn't! He just felt safer in numbers. Kind of like when he was in the assassination class...

"Is your friend alright?" Kirito whispered behind Karma. The redhead noticed it too, the sudden shift of happiness to uneasiness on the bluenette's face. It was subtle, but Karma was used to seeing that look. That was the look Nagisa made when he thought of... let's say the past. He didn't expect someone new like Kirito to notice though.

Karma didn't respond and just walked up to Nagisa. Even Klein seemed to know something was up and stepped back. Karma slowly raised his hand as if Nagisa would flee like a wild animal if he raised it too fast. He placed the hand on Nagisa's shoulder and gave a comforting squeeze. "It's alright Nagisa. I know it's months away, but it's coming soon, isn't it?"

Nagisa didn't speak but he did nod.

"We'll visit the classroom soon, okay? How about tomorrow?"

Nagisa paused before nodding again. He shifted closer and Karma opened his arms, already knowing what Nagisa wanted. He gently hugged the smaller boy who buried his face into his chest. As the two stood in silence, holding each other, Klein leaned close to Kirito.

"Think they're an item?"

"It's not our business." Was Kirito's immediate, hushed response.

"Aww, but Ki-"Klein fell to the ground once more as he was hit again.

So much time had passed, and Nagisa didn't even notice. They spent hours with their two new friends, Kirito and Klein, learning sword skills, dodging techniques, and so on. Nagisa never knew how fun video games could be... He didn't know if he'd like basic games now. After experiencing virtual reality like SAO with the NerveGear, he didn't think he would ever downgrade now.

It was getting late though, they could tell by the setting sun in the game and the time in their menus. So the group decided to sit down on a hill and take a few moments to relax.

"It sucks that you can't use hand-to-hand combat though." Nagisa sighed, earning a hum of agreement from Karma and Kirito.

"Why would you want to get so close to mobs though?" Klein asked. "I'd totally rather have magic. Or at least a bow."

"I kind of like SAO without magic," Karma admitted suddenly. "It's refreshing... It's not everyday you see a game without magic nowadays."

"But really, being able to fight with your body would be handy." Nagisa continued. Karma knew why, and he felt the same. They were both used to hand-to-hand combat thanks to the skills they were taught in the assassination classroom. They were used to guns, knives, fighting with their bodies. While this game did require the last skill, it wasn't entirely the same.

It was quiet for a few moments until Kirito finally spoke up, having been quiet the whole time. "There are tons of special skills in SAO. Countless. I'm sure there's a hand-to-hand combat skill somewhere. Or something similar."

"Yeah! So don't give up hope guys!" Klein smiled to the other two. Nagisa returned the smile while Karma just looked ahead. Klein pouted then sighed. "Welp, it was fun hanging around you guys, but I'm starving."

"Here? I thought we don't feel hunger?" Nagisa asked as Klein stood up.

"Nah, I mean in real life! I got a pizza coming at 5:30!" He claimed.

"Pretty smart." Kirito commented. Karma wished he thought ahead like that. He should have made the two of them food before getting on the game.

"Maybe we should log out and get a quick meal, Nagisa." Karma said to his friend who nodded and stood up beside Klein. "I'm sure my parents are home now too, so I guess we should go say hi."

"Huh? Do you guys live together?" Klein asked. Kirito stood up beside the other redhead as Karma answered.

"Yup, he's my wife-" Karma stopped mid-sentence as a fist hit his stomach.

"No, he just invited me to his house since he had my NerveGear there. He's in his bed and I'm not." Nagisa made sure to make this clear, but not to the two other players.

"How cruel Nagisa... I just want to love and-" Karma stopped and held up his hands once he saw Nagisa's glare. "Hey, I'm joking, I'm joking!"

"Good." Nagisa rolled his eyes. He swung his hand in the air to pull up the menu; He wasn't a complete noob, he knew how to do that at least. He clicked on the gear and went to go hit the log out button. "...Huh?"

He heard Klein make the same sound. "Where's the logout button?"

"What do you mean? It should be right in the me-" Kirito had pulled up his own menu but when he pushed the gear button, the usual logout button wasn't there.

"Think it's a bug? It's only day one out of Beta after all." Klein shrugged. It was common for new games to have tons of bugs and glitches after release. All four of them would learn in a few minutes that it was no bug at all, but the start of a whole new Hell.

The four of them ran like their lives depended on it. They ran down the empty streets of the Town of Beginnings, away from the center where every player in SAO was currently held, panicking and scrambling around without knowing what to do. Not these four though. Three of them were just following the one person who knew what to do and where he was going.

"Kirito, wait!" Klein suddenly called out. Everyone slowed down to look at the man. He looked so lost and devastated. They all did. After what they were just told... No, they had to focus on themselves now.

"Klein? What's wrong?" Kirito asked. Klein glanced away before looking back at the other three.

"I can't leave them... The friends I mentioned before." Karma recalled Klein talking about his friends when they were relaxing on the hill, before the topic of skills were brought up and Nagisa mentioned a skill for hand-to-hand combat. "They're probably still back there... I need to go back."

And just like that, in a minute filled with goodbyes, goodlucks, and insults, the group of four was now one member less.

"Do you guys have friends to find too?" Kirito asked the other two. In all honesty, he did not want to deal with this much longer. He had to get to the next town as soon as possible. He couldn't have two people slowing him down. He barely wanted one person to tag along...

"No, we came in here alone..." As Nagisa began to speak, Karma thought back on the information they were just told.

People were dying, and people were going to die. That was the gist of it. SAO was a game, but it wasn't for playing. Not anymore. It was a death game. All due to Akahiko Kayaba... Karma's hands tightened into fists as he remembered how the developer told them he kept them here just to be able to control his own world.

Over 200 people already died... Some were killed by mobs, while others... their NerveGears had been removed from their bodies in the real world. Or at least it was attempted. The NerveGear fried the player's brain before the NerveGear could be removed. All those relatives who thought they were helping... Karma couldn't imagine what they were going through. But it didn't matter now. What mattered was survival. He had to get powerful quickly. He had to level up and get the best equipment and skills and-

Karma's eyes went onto Nagisa who was still talking to Kirito. No, his priority wasn't survival. It was Nagisa.

He pulled the boy into this game. Nagisa, who didn't even play video games was stuck in a video game.

Thanks to Karma who was just trying to get something to distract his friend. It was his fault... Nagisa could die, and it would be his fault.

"Take him." Karma suddenly blurted out, startling the two who were speaking.

"Karma?"

"Take him," Karma repeated, looking at Kirito. "Take Nagisa."

"Wha- Karma? Why are you acting like this?" Nagisa asked, looking at his friend with shock. Although when Kirito looked at Karma, he could see what the redhead was saying. Kirito was an ex Beta player. He knew his way around the game. He knew how to handle himself. Karma wanted him to take Nagisa with him and only Nagisa. He knew he didn't like big parties so he without hesitation offered to give his friend the help he needed from Kirito...

"Nagisa, party up with him." Karma said.

"No! Not until you give me a reason!" Nagisa argued. "We just figured out we're in a death game and you want to split up?"

"You won't survive long with me!" Even with Karma's quick wits, intelligence, and leadership, he didn't want to risk it. As an analyzer, he could tell Nagisa would be safer with someone with more experience. Once Karma, if Karma, gets more experience, then he'll return to Nagisa and protect him. For now, he was safer with Kirito.

"I don't care! We do just fine together!"

"Fine isn't good enough Nagisa! This is our lives on the lines now! We can't be careless." Karma growled, trying to convince his friend to just go with the other player.

"I won't leave! It's either you or all three of us!"

This made Kirito flinch. Karma caught the action and looked down. What could he do? Nagisa was stubborn sometimes... They already proved that long ago when they had their first fight.

What should he do? Karma was at a lost. Nagisa's life was his priority right now. He couldn't focus on anything else. What would be best for Nagisa? Him or Kirito? An old friend or an experienced gamer? An ex-fellow assassin or an ex-Beta tester for this death game?

"Karma please... we can train together." Nagisa spoke soft now and touched Karma's arm. When did he get close? Karma didn't ask this outloud and just stayed quiet. "All we've went through... You don't think we can do this together?"

"Nagisa..." Karma looked into the other's eyes. "I really don't want you to die. I don't want to see you shatter into tiny, blue pieces and be erased from this world and the real one."

"That won't happen if we stick together." Nagisa claimed. He took the chance to hug the redhead when he didn't respond. "Please, Karma?"

"I don't mean to interrupt..." Kirito started, awkwardly glancing away. "But we should really get going before other players gain their wits and head to the next town."

"We?" Karma finally spoke.

"Just until we get to town. You guys can discuss you business on the way but until we reach the other town... I'll let you guys tag along. I'll take you to the next town but there, we'll split." Kirito told them, opening his menu and sending a party invite to the two.

"Is there anyway we can contact you when we go separate ways?" Nagisa asked as both of them accepted the party invite. Kirito's health bar appeared in the upper left of their screens under their own health bar.

"I'll still friend you guys. I'm not that cruel." Kirito offered a small smile which Nagisa gladly returned.

"I'm sorry, we probably wasted valuable time." Nagisa let go of Karma who hummed his agreement.

"We can go now. We do need to get to the next town like Kirito mentioned." Karma said. Kirito sighed in both relief and exasperation. That's what he's been trying to explain this whole time...

"Let's get going then. Quickly." Kirito said. With a nod from the other two, Kirito nodded back. Without another moment of hesitation, the three ran off to the next town.

Since it was already sunset by the time they were all told about how they needed to beat all 100 floors to escape, it got dark pretty quick. Karma and Nagisa were pretty worried about getting caught outside with mobs. With the risk of being killed when their HP hits 0, they really didn't want to take any chances. Even if the virtual moon did provide some light, they'd rather not get stuck in the dark with creatures surrounding them. Just as Karma considered asking Kirito how far the next town was, the swordsman stopped.

"We should probably hunker down for the night." Kirito suggested. "I would usually go on by now but with the new dangers..." He doubted any other players would risk traveling at night. Not right after they were given that kind of information by the game developer. Even if people were out at night, the'd probably stick by the Town of Beginnings with the starter mobs. "Anyway, you guys should have some sleeping bags in your inventories. Everyone gets one. We'll just get off the path, but not too far. We don't want to walk into any hunting grounds."

"We're just going to sleep out in the open?" Nagisa asked, although his menu was already open and he was searching for the sleeping bag Kirito mentioned.

"I bought a tent when I got some more healing potions... I didn't buy a big one though." Kirito informed the two as he opened his own menu. "However, the tent will help give warnings. If a mob somehow comes close enough to attack, it'll have to bring down the durability first. It'll take a few hits before it'll break, and we would be ready by then. And only the party can open the tent, much like how inns work."

"Inns?" Karma repeated. "We still have a lot to learn..."

Kirito shrugged but he was smiling as he brought the tent out of his menu. It was already set up and like Kirito said, it was unfortunately small... It looked like it could barely fit two people. Could they all squeeze in?

"Maybe we should take turns?" Karma suggested as the three stared at the small tent.

"Do you think you guys would be able to stay up at hour intervals alone? It could get boring and you could accidentally fall asleep..."

"You can too!" Nagisa said to Kirito, teasing the player who looked away with embarrassment. "It'll be fine. I can take first shift if you guys want?"

"No, you should rest up first Nagisa." Karma told the bluenette who looked at Karma with a frown.

"Karma, I can handle a simple watch..."

"Yeah, but what if a mob comes? A PKer?"

"I can take care of myself!"

"We can't risk it!"

Kirito watched with tired, but amused eyes as the two bickered. Usually he wouldn't appreciate such noisy party members but he could stand this for now. Maybe because he was tired and he knew the others were tired too. In a mental way, since your actual body doesn't tire. As much as he'd like to see the show go on, he didn't want the fight to escalate (he didn't know how serious they were when it came to bickering) and in all honesty, he wanted sleep. He already had a plan in mind to get the two to agree on something. He could tell how protective Karma was of Nagisa, so this was fool-proof.

"Well, if you want to take watch first Karma, that would be great," Kirito gave a soft smirk. "Nagisa and I can just rest first and get our rest. Thanks for offering first watch."

"Come Nagisa, we're going to bed first." Karma retorted instantly, pulling the other boy into the tent.

"B-But- Uh- T-Thanks Kirito! One of us will be out in an hour!" Nagisa promised as the two entered the tent and closed it behind them. Kirito held in his laugh as he sat down by the tent. Even if there wasn't even a wall seperating them, he wouldn't hear anything they said inside. Unless he called out to them, he wouldn't be able to hear them.

Meanwhile Karma and Nagisa pulled out their sleeping bags and although it was a tight fit, they managed to get comfortable inside.

"Karma, what the heck was that? Kirito owns the tent yet we make him have first watch?" Nagisa didn't like that. They seemed rude that way!

"I don't care. You are not staying alone in a tight space like this with a stranger." Karma grumbled, turning to face Nagisa. "No way."

"Karma, nothing like that will happen. He's just not the type." Nagisa laughed softly. Karma pouted. "You don't know! Didn't you see how excited he was to share the tent with you?"

"Yeah, okay." Nagisa teased Karma who rolled his eyes and laid his head down.

"Get some sleep... we only have an hour."

"Yeah... Alright."

A few minutes later, the silence was broken. "Hey Karma?"

"Sleep is a nice thing, you know?" The redhead didn't even open his eyes when he spoke.

"Do you think we'll make it out?"

This caused Karma to open his eyes. He looked at Nagisa who seemed so worried. "...Of course we will Nagisa. It's us, remember? We always make it out just fine." Nagisa didn't look very reassured, but he didn't voice any concerns.

"...What if your parents try to remove the NerveGears?"

"I'm sure they heard the news. They're always on their phones or the tv is on." Karma assured him.

"What will happen to our bodies? What if we're in this game for weeks? Months? Even..." Years? Nagisa didn't even want to consider it. "How will we survive?"

Karma couldn't answer that at first. What would happen? "Well... first, I believe we'll go into a... you know, comatose. And who knows, maybe we'll be put in a hospital."

"How is that possible? I thought disconnecting the NerveGear from our body would kill us..."

"That's if they try to take it off our heads. The NerveGear has an internal battery so they can just transport our bodies to the hospital easily." Karma explained. "So it'll be alright, okay? I'll make sure of it. I promise."

"...Thanks, Karma." Nagisa finally smiled.

"Yeah, don't menti-"

"You guys asleep yet?" Kirito suddenly called out.

"How can we fall asleep in five minutes?!" Karma snapped. There was silence until Nagisa and Kirito laughed at his response. Yup, he was definitely not letting Nagisa stay alone with someone like Kirito!

More Author's Notes: So how has it been so far? :3 I really hope you all enjoyed! Now I have a question for you all... Do you guys want Kirito to have a big role in the story? I didn't want to involve him too much cause I feel like some people might not like that, but then again he's a good character! But don't get me wrong, even if I do involve Kirito more into the story (Whether you guys say yes or not, he'll still be mentioned a lot), it won't change my story. It might change some aspects, but I'm still not going to follow the anime through and through. I only did it for this chapter and for any major events in the future, like floor 74 when Kirito reveals his duel wielding and such~

Do you know how tempting it is to ship Kirito with anyone?

Do you know how tempting it is to ship NAGISA with anyone? Well, not really anyone but-

You guys have no idea on how tempted I am to write something about these two, let me tell you- If you guys ever want any "interactions" between the two, tell me :'D

So do you guys want Kirito to be in the story more? As basically a third main character? It's up to you guys~