Just a few things before the story:

1. I don't own SAO. Obviously.

2. The first 2 chapters are super short. I know. That's because I thought a simpler start would be more beneficial to the whole story. This isn't only bound to SAO. But also after the SAO incident. Therefore it's better to just skim through the main character. Plus, I think we all know the first few episodes of SAO and whatever happened. So if you don't, better watch the anime or read the book.

3. The titles of different chapters have different meanings. Roman numerals mean main story line. S means Shorts, which doesn't affect the story but is a little related. E means Extras and Encyclopedia, which may be some updates and full view of certain items and characters.

I: Prologue, means a short intro

"One NerveGear please." Yamada Naoki asked the shopkeeper.

"You're lucky you know, this is the last one." the shopkeeper said in a coarse voice, "They are selling like crazy."

The shopkeeper went into the backroom, and after a short while came back out with the box of NerveGear.

"I kept one for myself, know, got to test these out tonight so that I can advertise them even better than the ad companies!" he jokingly laughed, "Anyways, I'll take the money and you take the set."

"Yeah, thanks." Naoki took the box by his two hands.

NerveGear, the key to the new era of gaming. The whole world went crazy for it, lucky for him, they are for sale in Japan.

Naoki's body is rather lean, but the looks deceive the mind, that box weighs quite a bit and he is carrying it with one hand. The 17-year-old teen walked all the way home, unlocked the door, and entered the Yamada residence. His family was all out and screams at Naoki's mind to go into his room and break down the codes of the headset.

Naoki is interested in gaming, but he is even more interested in what makes a game. Every time he buys a new game from the game store, he goes to his room immediately and hacks into the codes. He did this for every single game he bought. The NerveGear and Sword Art Online is no different.

Putting down the box on the floor, and Naoki closed the door behind him using his heel. He switched on the computer and connected the blue headpiece to it.

Like a professional hacker, with a few key typing, the black coloured codes on a white canvas appeared right in front of his eyes. Everything is just as new as he thought it would be, he could decipher the codes for the most part, but some are new territory for him.

There was one particular set of codes that caught his eyes.

Respawn Timer: ∞

Microwave after Death: True

"What in the world…"

Thinking it's just an error in the console, he reached for his keyboard and typed a few words.

Respawn Timer: 10 seconds

Microwave after Death: False

"I have no need for microwaves."

Scrolling through more codes, and the rest is basics.

He disconnected the headset from the computer and switched it off. He then put on the gear and laid on his bed.

"Now, Full-Dive, let's see how you do." after that, he took a deep breath.

"Link Start."

Attention players. Welcome to my world."

The red cloaked figure announced in the town plaza. At this point, everyone found out their Log Out button went missing, and all players are grouped in the square.

"My name is Kayaba Akihiko. As of this moment, I am the sole person who can control this world. I'm sure you've already noticed, that the 'Log Out' button is missing from the main menu. But this is not a defect in the game… I repeat this is not a defect in the game. It is a feature of Sword Art Online. You cannot log out of SAO yourselves. And no one on the outside can shut down or remove the Nerve Gear. Should this be attempted, the transmitter inside the Nerve Gear will emit a powerful microwave, destroying your brain and thus ending your life… Thus, you can assume that the danger of a Nerve Gear being removed is minimal at best. I hope you will relax and attempt to clear the game, but I want you to remember this clearly. There is no longer any method to revive someone within the game. If your HP drops to zero, your avatar will be forever lost, and simultaneously the Nerve Gear will destroy your brain. There are only one means of escape: To complete the game. You are presently on the lowest floor of Aincrad, Floor one. If you make your way through the dungeon and defeat the Floor Boss, you may advance to the next level. Defeat the boss on Floor one hundred, and you will clear the game."

And as all the players realize that they are now trapped in a death game, Naoki realized he dodged a bullet.

Respawn Timer: 10 seconds

Microwave after Death: False

His logout button is missing, but he disabled the death.

He will live his life under the name Presto until someone cleared the game. And while everyone is fearing for their lives, he doesn't.

In essence, he is a God in this game.

A little smirk showed up on his face.

"Playtime."