November 6, 2022

Wednesday

Sword Art Online

Administrative Area: Cardinal Room

Alright, it's almost time for the launch of Sword Art Online. Time for all my blood, sweat and tears to pay off.

Observing a string of code Cardinal generated just now, I inputted a response to the game's A.I as it recorded the names of 10,000 players who have already signed up and logged on.

Inqury: Why aren't you among the other human players, Cyrus?

Cardinal questioned on a text window that popped up in front of me.

Because it isn't my job to be down there with the other players, Cardinal. Besides, there's really no reason to be down there if I have you, Elis, and the other to keep me company.

I typed in reply, leaning against the swivel chair in front of the multitude of screens that displayed events the were happening throughout Aincrad.

Rebuttal: A.I alone makes for poor company in humans' stead, Cyrus. I appreciate the notion that you are my caretaker, but you can not stay cooped up here forever.

I sighed and leaned back against the chair.

"You sound like one of my Mental Health Programs, Cardinal." I grunted out loud with a sigh.

"Master, instead of going out to meet other humans, why not go out to increase your level and sword skills. You know, play the damn game." Elis replied hotly, wrapping her slender arms around my neck with a coy smirk.

Elis really has developed as an AI over the last two years. If I wasn't her creator, I would've believed her if she told me that she was human. Her avatar was a petite fair skinned girl, who appeared about 13 or 14 in age with long bright yellow hair that reached the back of her red dress and had deep purple eyes. Her personality also developed over the years too, making her a cocky, yet calculating individual. Elis had no qualms about speaking her mind when it came to me and possessed an unquenchable curiosity for the world around her, in SAO and in the real world.

Reminder: Cyrus, Master Kayaba's announcement will begin shortly, I recommend heading to the Town of Beginnings in the very near future.

Cardinal said to me, causing Elis and I to snap our attention away from each other and over to the A.I's display screen.

"Fine, Fine. I'll get ready to head over there with Elis now. See ya later, Cardinal. Try not to cause too much of a mess without me." I responded out loud with a chuckle.

Response: I will do my best, Cyrus. As my caretaker, you are responsible for whatever actions that I carry out. Although... I do wonder what would happen if something wrong occured while you were away, dear Cyrus.

The A.I teased from the screen.

"Kayaba would have my head if you screwed something up on the opening day, Cardinal. Surely you wouldn't be cruel enough to sabotage my job with the company over mere curiosity."

Tease: I promise nothing, dear Cyrus

Cardinal replied coyly.

I sighed and gestured for Elis to follow, equipping my custom Boundary Shredder, a massive billhook cleaver with a wicked hook that curved at the end. As an administrator of Sword Art Online, I possess exclusive administrative privileges and abilities. My player screen was a different style and color than the standard menu.

The two of us approached the Teleport Gate at the other side of the large, open, white void of a room and stepped onto the gate. "Teleport: Town of Beginnings!" I shouted and a blue light enveloped the two of us.

xxx

"So, what's on the agenda, Master?" Elis asked while stretching out her arms as we walked side by side. The Town of Beginnings, Aincrad's very first floor and the start of the new players' journey, as the Floor's name implies. Being an A.I, Elis didn't really have a level, since I transported her from my NERVGEAR and into the game itself during beta testing, and since I'm part of the system administration, I began at a much higher level than the starting players, at level 10.

"Kayaba should be giving his announcement shortly. After that, we'll return to Cardinal and continue to work until my shift's over. I still owe Rei that apology before we came to work..." I replied as we strolled down the streets of the town.

I still feel pretty horrible after the incident earlier today. I haven't snapped at her like that in years now. Our relationship has been pretty strained for a long time, and the two of us have been attempting to try and mend our broken bond for several years. However, due to my reclusive behavior and being socially inept, all our attempts have been thwarted.

I was a hikikomori and had a difficult time connecting with other people, which is why I preferred the company of A.I over other humans. Yet despite all this, my wonderful little sister, Rei Ayagami never gave up on me. Although she was a shy, nervous wreck, the timid girl always checked up on me everyday, seeing if I was alright.

Elis sighed and entwines her fingers around my own, smiling reassuringly. "It's okay, Master." She said with a light chuckle as we passed the stalls of NPC vendors. "It might not seem apparent now, but we both know your sister cares about you and loves you from the bottom of her heart." She gave my hand a comforting squeeze as we walked down the shopping district of The Town of Beginnings.

I chuckled a bit at Elis' pep talk.

I really am a mess without her, aren't I?

Sighing, I pulled up my character menu and checked my messages. There was a single unopened message from Kayaba.

Cyrus,

Be sure to show up at the plaza where I'll be addressing the players for the opening announcement of Sword Art Online. I look forward to being your co-worker and I know that I can trust Cardinal in your very capable hands.

Make me proud,

Heathcliff.

Kayaba's announcement is at 16:30, which only gives us about five minutes to get there. Sighing, I motioned for Elis to follow as we make our way to Kayaba's location.

What could possibly go wrong?