Sword Art Online thingy that I don't really know what to call anymore

by XyloFidi

Ryuichi Akamatsu is a man shrouded in shadow. His parents were robbed and killed when he was young and was given fatal injuries that left him with many scars. He uses video games to escape from the reality. The only problem being, that he chose the wrong video game. Ayyyy, thankz fo reading this thingy... I guess? I dun' own Sword Art Online.

1. Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

October 31st, 2022

Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

"Thank you for your purchase…" The usually cheery and energetic cashier says as I exit the door. I raised the game case in my hand to take a look at it. 'Sword Art Online' it reads in large, light blue characters. Finally got my hands on it after waiting two hours. Man, you have no idea how long that line was. I notice in the glare that my reflection is showing on the glossy plastic. Eyepatch on my right eye and a scar running down my left serve as a constant reminder. This is exactly why I use video games to escape… Escape the cruel reality. The reality that is real life.

I hop on my scooter, start the engine, I place the helmet on my head, and I pull my right hand back and the vehicle accelerates. I take a turn left out of the parking lot and onto the freeway. I drive down the street, take a few turns and come upon the old, cheap, beat up apartment building that I call home. I put down the kickstand and place my helmet on the handlebars. I take my keycard out of my pocket and walk up the stairs. I continue walking until I reach the end where my room is. 'Akamatsu' reads the letters on the door indicating who lives here. I scan my keycard on the electronic door lock. I pull the handle and the door swings open.

It's pathetic, really. Trash lying around in various places, messy futon, and a sink filled with dirty dishes. I need to get this place cleaned up soon. It'll be a big problem if I don't. But not now, I have a new game to test out. I walk over to my desk, careful not to step on anything that will possibly stain or damage my indoor slippers. I notice the picture frame on my desk. My mom and dad sit down on a bench, with me as a child sitting in their laps. Another reminder. One to remind me of the happiness I've lost. They're gone. Robbed and killed when I was young. I was with them. That's how I got these scars. Some cold, heartless bastard did this to me. Now that I think about it, this picture was taken not long before it happened.

I take the game case out of my bag. I remove the plastic covering the case and open it. A small circular object with a USB input attached to it. I take it out of the case. I pick up my Nerve Gear out of the bag and plug in the necessary plugs. I then insert the game into the slot placed on the side of the Nerve Gear. I place the Nerve Gear on my head and lie down on the futon.

"Link start!"