Summary: After Alfheim Online, defeating the Fairy King and reuniting with Asuna. Kirito thought it was over and all was left was to face his new enemy, life. However, his enemies from SAO returns and they are on the loose. But that enemy can only be found in a world of chaos and everlasting war. Auraxis. On such scale, can Kirito truly hope to find this enemy in the sea of red, blue and purple. PSO instead of GGO.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC.
Warning: This story might contain very mature themes such as f'bombs, insulting meme's, wrong spelling, grammatical errors and suggestive themes.
"Talk"
'Thought'
*SFX*
"[Radio]"
/
Chapter 1: The World of War.
It's been a year since the first VRMMO game Sword Art Online was cleared and many more digital online worlds were created since an unknown anomaly released the Seed to the public. Many then gaming industries used this chance to create profit, especially those creators from the United States. VRMMO became more diverse, harder, unfair, creative and chaotic.
One such chaotic game however is Daybreak Industry's Planetside Online. Currently live inside the said VRMMOFPS in a bar, players wearing the same colors of purple in a wide variety of camouflage and armors were watching a live stream of 'This Month's Top Players' which featured three different players who earned the highest team-score of their respective sides in the 'Alert War'. Zexceed had blue hair, eyes shielded with violet shades and wore a long dark purple sleeveless coat, followed with black arm guards, knee pads and boots, he represented the Vanu Sovereignty. Crimson Wind had a red Mohawk cut and combat goggles covering his eyes, his body hid behind a long cloak of grey with red trims, he represents the Terran Republic. The other who represents the blues unfortunately was not present but the streamed still continued, the New Conglomerate.
"The idea that the VS weapons are overpowered is merely an illusion. Sure we have point-seventy-five multipliers in our LMG's, great accuracy and no bullet drop. If you were good at those two things, you were good. Until now, anyway but the past is the past. Those who spent their Certs prioritizing weapons before your character classes for the past few months, never leaves the bedroom simply buying attachments and whatnot…sucks to be you." Zexceed said with a smile of arrogance and superiority towards the camera.
Most of the players in the bar groaned in annoyance or frowned in disdain for Zexceed, as he had been spreading rumors of the VS being the option for weapons, thus new players instantly joining to their side thinking they could win every skirmish and Alert War. That was far from true when they realized it, true the VS had good, if not the best weapons but that doesn't mean having the best actually gives you the favor in earning victory. Individually though, even a VS's starter weapon can stand its ground against the strongest of opposing side weapons. Or so, that's what they were led to believe. (AN: Not true though, I think TR has the best starters weapons).
"Wow, so bold! But that's we would expect from the top player of the most hardcore VRMMOFPS, Planetside Online!" Exclaimed the smiling host who cosplaying an orange cat.
"Well, I may only get one chance in my life to be on MMO Stream…" Zexceed stated.
"Huh? Aren't you aiming to participate in the next Alert War?"
"Of course. If I'm going to enter, I'll play to win again."
"Hmph…But you know Zexceed-san…" Dark Wind begun with a deep badass voice. "I believe it is US that won. Granted, you did win the title of 'Best Player' in the last Alert War but the point of that war is to achieve the designated objectives given to us, not getting the most kills. If this tournament would have been competitively solo, I would give you my respect but no its not, it's about tactics and teamwork and that's why the Terran Republic won the last two alerts because we were good with those two aspects. I'll also have to point out that every alert will never be the same as there will always be a change of tactics and random encounters. Doing the same won't be a guaranteed victory, don't chalk your victory to your reputation." Crimson Wind calmly stated which would make some streamers in awe.
"I'll admit, you won Esamir thanks to your hard-role-playing and very competitive commanders but it doesn't matter who wins or lose the alert, the result is indicative of the broad trends within PSO, the snowball effect will still favor the VS and I won by playing in my best at my own. You are a TR player Crimson Wind-san so I can understand why you'd want to deny it. After all, you have very low rate weapons and pops, it's not surprise you'll lose from overwhelming power." Zexceed arrogantly retorted making Crimson Wind etch a frown.
'I'll show you low rate, you spandex gay shit' Crimson Wind mentally cursed at the VS player next to him.
"It's true that, until now, the strongest strategy has been to get the best weapon you can earn to buy. But Crimson Wind-san is right about one thing, which the balance of battle changes all the time depending on the players. You need to constantly predict the future when you spend your Certs. It's not wrong to assume. It was then that Players were in solos, knowing nothing but to increase battle rank, earn Certs and Kill. But until now, Players are now more dependent to their commanders, teammates and vehicles. It's not the weapon that makes you strong but your real-world logic and intelligence itself."
'Intelligence to manipulate minions.' Zexceed thought as he smirked.
"Tsk, Zexceed used to talk about how overpowered is the VS are. I can't believe I listened to him." A male player wearing Heavy Assault Armor stated with disdain as he watches Zexceed on the screen above.
"And now look at us, we got the biggest pop but we're a laughing stock for others while Zexceed and the high-levels are taking all the attention and credit." A nearby player added sharing his displeasure.
Suddenly, a hooded player stands up from its spot and starts walking towards the center of the bar then stopping just below the screen. This gained attention of the nearby players, raising their eyebrows or tilting their heads as the players takes out a Black camouflaged NS pistol and pointed it to the screen, as if aiming to kill Zexceed.
"Zexceed…False victor…You will now be judged by true power!" The player stated with a dark robotic voice. The bystanders who heard this merely snickered at the player's dramatics. Unfazed by the attention, the player shoots a bullet towards screen leaving a crack mark in between Zexceeds eyes.
"So now you know…In the end, it depends on the player to decide what's more impor-" All of the sudden, Zexceed started choking freezing the players watching the stream. Zexceed begun to clutch his chest and fell, before he could hit the ground he disappeared due to connection error, stunning the audience.
"Oh my…Looks like we lost the connection. It should be back in a second, so don't touch the dial." The host said with a carefree voice oblivious to the shock that invaded the bar. Much more to everyone's shock, the cloaked player started pointing his guns in their directions.
"This is true power! True strength! Fools…Remember this name and fear!" The player then pointed upwards making his final declaration.
"Death Gun!" he exclaimed before releasing hissing steams from his metallic teeth's.
\
Ginza - Japan
In the bustling streets of Ginza, Kirigaya Kazuto aka Kirito stood in the front of a high-class hotel as he happily reads a message from his lover with a smile on his face. It's was still 4 hours before the start of their planned date and he was very early out for a reason. He is going to meet a certain unwanted acquaintance. Entering the hotel and making his way to the restaurant by elevator, he was then greeted by a waiter in the receptionist encounter.
"Welcome." The waiter politely said with a bow.
"Anything with a Kirigaya Kazuto or Kikuoka Seijirou?" Kazuto asks.
"This way please." The waiter nodded and gestured to his right before Kazuto started following him to the entrance then was greeted in a rather awkward moment.
"Here, Kirito-kun!" Kazuto groaned at this as he saw a man in glass Kikuoka in the corner waving his hands with a big smile in his face, gaining most of the other tables attention. Kazuto sweats in annoyance then awkwardly walks to his table and takes a sit.
"I'll pay, so order anything you want."
"I'll do that then. Thank you very much." Kazuto coldly said openly showing his displeasure at meeting him. Kikouka saw this but didn't mind at all.
"Oh don't be so formal. Just talk to me like you would in ALO."
"S-sure…Then I'll have…" Kazuto trails as he scans over the menu. Surprised at the prices of the deserts, he took his time choose.
"Um…I'll have the parfait au chocolat, framboise mille feuille and hazelnut latte." Kazuto ordered his voice struggling to correctly speak the following. The waiter merely listed it down and left.
"Sorry to bring you all the way here, Kirito-kun." Kikuoka apologized.
"If you really were, don't bring me all the way here to Ginza and also…" Kazuto leaned and whispered. "Don't call me by that name in front of others."
"Hm? You're so cold…After you woke up in the hospital a year ago, I was the first person to visit you." Kazuto just stared in response.
'He's right. He was my first visitor after I woke up. The leader of the response team. Kikuoka Seijiro of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Telecommunications Bureau, Advance Communications Networks, Promotion Division Section 2, aka The Virtual Division.'
"Well, what else do you need? I told pretty much everything there was to know about SAO." Kazuto said. Kikuoka closed the menu on his hand with a loud clap startling Kazuto a bit.
"I want to discuss something else today." Kikuoka grabs a pad from his suit case and giving it to Kazuto.
"Look at this." Kazuto looks at the picture of a brown haired middle-aged man.
"Who is this?" He asks giving the pad back to Kikuoka.
"Hm., last month, on November 14th…The landlord of a Nakano, Tokyo apartment building smelled something while cleaning. She got worried and opened the electronic lock on the door, and discovered the body of this man, Shigemura Tamotsu, age 26. He'd been dead for five and a half days. His room was messy but hadn't been ransacked. The body was on bed and on its head…" Kikuoka trailed off anticipating Kazuto to finish it for him.
"An Amusphere." Kazuto guessed with narrowed eyes.
"Exactly…Given the possibility of foul play, an autopsy was held. The cause of death was acute heart failure."
"Heart Failure? Why?"
"We don't know."
The waiter then arrived with their orders and placed them on their table.
"Here you are." He said before leaving the two. Kikuoka continued.
"Given the time of death and the low probability of a crime, a thorough autopsy was not conducted. But he logged in for two full days without eating anything."
"That isn't so unusual. What's so special about this case?"
"The game he had installed was Planetside Online. Do you know it?"
"Sure…One of the most successful American VRMMO games in Japan."
"According to forums, in a single player based score, he had won a tournament in Planetside Online, PSO for short, that was held in October to lock down a continent and determine the best empire. His character was a Vanu Sovereignty Heavy Assault named Zexceed."
"Then he was playing PSO when he died?"
"No, he was appearing on a program called MMO stream, as his Zexceed avatar. We knew the time from the logs. And this hasn't been confirmed, but another player wrote on their blog that something strange happened in PSO during his heart attack."
"Strange?" Kazuto asked with mouth full of cake.
"At the exact same time this was happening, a player was acting strangely in a bar. He screamed something about judgement at the TV Zexceed was appearing on and fired his gun. One of the players watching this happened to have an audio log running and uploaded the file to a video site. The file contains a counter in Japan Standard Time. The shot was fired at the TV at almost the same time Shigemaru started choking."
"That's just a coincidence." Kazuto dismissively said taking another bite from the delicious cake.
"There was another one."
"What?" Kazuto asked surprised nearly choking his food.
"This one happed in November 28th. Somewhere in Saitama City, Saitama. Another body was found in a room in a two story apartment. A newspaper man looked inside and saw a man lying on a futon, wearing an Amusphere, another horrible smel-"
"*couch!*cough!" A loud fake cough came from an old woman behind Kazuto and looks at them. It seems most of the customers are glaring at them due to their discussion of corpses.
"Anyways, the cause of death is another heart failure. He was also a highly skilled PSO player. His character was a Vanu Sovereignty Light Assault named Lightly Salted Tarako? He was playing the game at the time. He was meeting with some of his fellow Outfit, something like a Guild in a Hossin Warpgate. When he then shot by another unknown player."
"Was it the same guy as Zexceed's?"
"Probably, he said the same thing about power and judgement and used the same character name."
"What is it?"
"…Death Gun…"
"Death Gun…"
"You sure it was heart failure?"
"I am sure."
"There wasn't any damage to their brains?"
"I wondered that as well."
"I spoke to the coroner who handled the autopsy and they said there was nothing wrong with their brains. The Amusphere has a different power emission, something that differs from the Nerve Gear that could fry a brain. Developers were so insistent on that."
"You've done your homework Kikuoka-san, all this time for something that seems like nothing more than a coincidence and rumor." Kazuto said with suspicion in his eyes.
"Well, I'm ninety percent sure its coincidence or someone's making it up. Do you think its possible Kirito-kun?" Kikuoka then leans his to his arms.
"To stop someone's heart from a bullet within a video game?" Kikuoka asks. Kazuto shivered at the thought as he imagined getting killed from another Death Game, shaking his head in denial.
"I don't think so, but assuming this Death Gun should send some kind of signal to the victims Amusphere…some sensation to stop their hearts…touch, smell or sound…huh?" Kazuto looks up to see Kikuoka smiling at him.
"Wait a minute, you already looked into all of this didn't you? Then there shouldn't be anything left to do. You just want enjoy your time messing with me."
"No, no, no. I'd never do that to you, Kazuto-kun. But I admit I do enjoy talking to you." Kikuoka said waving his hands in dismissal.
"I'm leaving but here is my conclusion." Kazuto said standing up.
"Stopping a player's heart from within a game is impossible! Every evidence is coincidental and unrelated to the case. Good day!" He turned to leave.
"Wait wait! You can order another slice of cake. Just stay for a while." Kikuoka begged stopping Kazuto from walking further.
"I'm relieved to hear you say that aloud, I was thinking the same thing. These two deaths weren't caused by gunshots from the game. So I'd like to ask you…will you log in to Planetside Online." Kikuoka asks as Kazuto stares with a deadpan look.
"Why don't you just say it Kikuoka? Go get shot."
"Well…" Kikuoka scratches his neck.
"No way in hell! What if something happens to me?!" Kazuto stated in anger before turning to leave only to be stopped by Kikuoka's grip on his knees.
"Didn't we just agree that that was impossible and it looks like Death Gun has pretty strict criteria for his targets." Kazuto stopped struggling as he looks back at the government agent.
"Criteria?" Kikuoka nodded. Kazuto sits back and orders another cake.
"Zexceed and Lightly Salted Tarako were renowned top level players. In other words, he won't shoot you unless you're good."
"Impossible…PSO isn't that easy of a game! It's filled with both noobs and pros." Kazuto said.
"That's it!" Kikuoka points a finger at Kazuto.
"What does it mean to be pro?" He asks Kazuto.
"Just what it sounds like. Planetside Online is the only VRMMO that lets exchange in game money for real money. Basically, you take the money you earn in-game and exchange it for real cash. The pro's are the ones who can earn money in a month. A top player can make from about 200,000 to 300,000 yen a month. For that reason, the pros commit more time in game than in real life. I just can't log in and match them." Kazuto states finishing with his slice of cake and coffee.
"Find someone else."
"Wait, wait… I don't have anyone else! If you don't think you can fight pros, I'll pay you to cooperate with the investigation. This much." Kikuoka offers stretching three fingers from his right hand. Kazuto gulps at the offer and turns his gaze from him.
"W-Why is this such a big deal?" Kazuto asks.
"It's just another internet horror story."
"You see, my bosses are worried about this. The effects of full-dive to the human body are the single biggest focus of research today. I want to know what's really going on be they start trying restrict the technology. I want to be sure. How's that for a reason?"
"Why not ask the administrators then."
"Daybreak is an American gaming corporation that rivals EA. All their contacts are confidential and the CEO is strictly undisclosed. Since the Seed went in public, all kinds of shady virtual worlds have popped up. Which means the only to get the truth is to make contact with them within the game. Of course we'll take safety precautions and I won't tell you to get shot. Just make a report about your impressions and judgment. Will you go?"
'It's been a year since Aincrad, four thousand people have died in that game and I left that fact behind mee. Yet, someone continues to remind of it. People still seems to die from VR and I'm being called again…' Kazuto internally says having flashbacks from the Death Game.
"…Fine, I will go."
/
PSO - Indar - The Crown
Inside the virtual world of Planetside Online, somewhere in the desert wasteland of Indar. The heat of the sun invaded the wasteland and those in shadows are spared, despite being virtual, you get the sensations of heat and tension in the air. One particular squadron of TR soldiers is currently having this experience, On-guard and watchful of their surroundings as they travel through the harsh deserts of Indar.
A lone figure was in prone in between brown two rocks remain watchful this squadron reds from high above and afar. Closing in for a good look, its eyes open revealing azure-flaming eyes. This figure had blue hair had customized combat attire which is a green and blue combat jacket and white jump suit, having a feminine figure proves that this figure is a female avatar. Her fingers are gently connected to a trigger that belonged to a scoped infantry rail gun, balanced with a bipod.
"[I'm in position]"
"Roger. Enemy hasn't changed course or speed. Distance is 400 meters from your position, 1500 for me."
"[That's pretty far. Can you do it?]"
"I'll be fine."
"[Okay, fire when ready.]"
"Roger."
'This tension, this unease, this terror. 1500 meters? That's just like tossing a wad of paper to wastebasket.'
Her scopes crosshair glued into a rather unlucky TR soldiers head.
"Yes…compared to that time…" Holding her breath, confident with her aim, faithful to her bullet, she pulled the trigger.
*BANG!*
Releasing the loudest sound a sniper rifle can ever produce, a sound comparable with a cannon's. The bullet travelled for moments before momentarily between penetrating through the skull of the target leaving only but a limp digital corpse on the ground.
"Next…" The sniper said.
/
*BOOM!*
"Sunderer 300 meters southwest. Get a clear-shot damn it!"
"…Target on sight!"
"Fire!"
*BANG!...BOOM!*
"Magrider destroyed. Driver, move up!"
"Ha! Where's your papa Vanu now!" The Gunner yelled in glee and excitement.
Meanwhile in the same continent, far from the sniper's location. A battle between purples and blues was taking place for one of the three most important bases in Indar and in the game, an Amp Station. The seas of blues were entrenched in the perimeter desperately trying to hold off the purple onslaught but the attack proven were all for naught when reinforcements came in the form of Vanguards as the VS stood surrounded by a counter blitzkrieg as NC Infantry followed not far from behind.
One Vanguard however stands out of the many, this one had more intimidating customization and garnered more attention from the enemy for its decal that they recognized made them shiver in fear every time they see it, a silver winged Tiger logo.
The decal is owned by an important figure, one with short silver hair and also blue eyes, a face held with strength and confidence. He stood uncaringly on top of the Vanguard helmetless with binoculars in his hands as he assessed the battle.
"[Tank Platoon Commander this is RougeRanger, Identify yourself!]"
"This is BlueTiger, at your service lads. Hope we weren't late."
"[You don't fucking know how glad I am to see MBT's on our side. I owe you guys a drink.]"
"Party later, how's the situation?"
"[We just recaptured the point and repaired the SCU, my platoon can defend the entrances but the spandex's will keep coming if you don't find those sunderers. Magriders got us trapped from the gates so we can't pull armor.]"
"Copy that." He switched comms to his platoon.
"Alright platoon, the blueberries will hold out the Amp Station as long as they can, ours is search and destroy, first priority are VS-sundie's and second Magriders! Stay close to your squad and don't stop, move out!"
"[Roger!]" The Platoon members acknowledged in unison.
Mere seconds ago, the NC players were desperately trying to defend the Amp Station and spite their vigilance, they were overpowered instantly due to overpowering numbers of VS players participating in the attack. Being outnumbered 3 to 1, the NC held off the VS in the walls with turrets and stationary vanguards and skyguards for 2 full hours before the generator finally got destroyed giving access to VS sundies and Magriders to storm the base and flank the defending NC players.
Then it turned around with the arrival of BlueTiger as scores of Vanguard followed his own. And it didn't even took an hour to repel the attack at their arrival. Minutes later, the attackers number were being slowly pushed from inside the base.
"Target 11 o'clock, enemy sundie!" BlueTiger said.
"Identified!" The gunner replied.
"Fire!"
*BANG!* The Vanguard fired off another round. The slug punched through, destroying the Sunderer in the process. The infantry following mopped up the rest of the stragglers that survived the explosion.
"I think that's the last Sundie." A nearby NC Light Assault said who seemed to be a squad leader.
"{We have successfully defended the facility}" Was called out to every defending player. Upon hearing the announcement.
The relived cheers of NC players can be heard all over the base, as they charged out from their trenches and barricades wanting to return the favor to the VS that trashed it.
"Alright alright! Don't get too excited, I want vanguards to sweep the perimeter, the rest clear out the remaining enemies in the base." BlueTiger ordered in the comms.
"You heard him boys, gets those barneys out of our turf." The NC Squad Leader said before being followed with "Affirmatives" from the rest. BlueTiger hopped off the Vanguard and leaned his back in the side armor wanting some rest. He turned to see both the driver and gunner hopping from the Vanguard and land beside him though the Gunner instantly ran off to join the fight.
"Nice leadership." The driver commented.
"Nice driving skills. How long have you been playing?" BlueTiger answered back wiping off virtual sweats off his avatar's face.
"Well since the start but I got hooked up with driving MBT's 3 months ago."
"3 months, with that skill? I'm just glad you ain't TR."
"Lucky you I guess… Haven't you been formerly TR?"
"…I was…but it's nice change of atmosphere, I have my reason."
"*chuckle* Like what, you have a girlfriend in this side." He joked with chuckle. BlueTiger looked at him and smiled.
"Wait, you serious?" The driver asks in disbelief.
[END]
/
AN: And that wraps up the first chapter of my new story in months. As you already have noticed, GGO is replaced with PSO. I've seen AU stories where SAO is replaced with something and I thought how about I changed GGO but still with Guns. There will be not much KiritoxAsuna or SinonxOC scenes as I will be concentrating on character story and development and fighting which will be challenging, romance is just minor.
Reminder, Planetside Online is loosely similar to Planetside. The differences will be explained in the later chapter as Sinon and the OC will introduce Kirito with the mechanics. It's in VR so there will be changes from the actual FPS Game IRL.
Also to those players who might been offended, this story is not biased. I will admit that the game is broken, I believe the empire's are balanced in some aspects. I do not hate the VS nor other two. It's just for the sake of shits and giggles. And as might you guessed, it is obvious Kirito will be joining the rebels and Death Gun is wearing spandex, I'll just hope this story will go well.
So I hope enjoyed and I hope to again see you in the next chapter. Please do review as I will need advice and suggestions if I am to finish the story and done fuck it up. Have a nice day readers.