Author's Notes

Welcome again guys. I see that this fic is already rather popular with only 5k words out. I'm also glad to see familiar guys following this fic from the other stories I've posted.

Anyway, this chapter is going to introduce a foreshadow of what crossover this is. I'll let you on a hint. There is actually three worlds with a crossover with this one.

This chapter will also show the MCs true situation while giving the outside world enough development for future reference.

Comment any changes of additions I should make.

Thank you all for reading.

-10/13/2021

Arc 1-2

A scent hits me.

My nose twitches to take in the air. Eggs with a side of toast drifts into my room. A side of fresh orange juice could be made out in the aroma.

The rays of sunlight filter into my room. Between the blinds the glare of the sun stirs me from rest.

As my eyes gradually open, I am interested in what we are going to have for breakfast. The first meal of the day, may be a good indicator of what to expect in the future.

After all, if Sugu is the one making it, it will tell me a bit of her personality I have yet to see.

I rise from the bed. On my knees I stretch like a cat. I pop my back as my legs dangle over the edge.

More cracks sound out. I stand for a full stretch to get the blood moving.

The following pops end with a satisfying snap. I feel ready to leave the room and see what I'm having for breakfast.

Out of the bedroom, I made my way through the hall. Around the corner I enter the modern kitchen which has expensive granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

A girl is standing with her back facing towards me. I took a moment to appreciate the figure

Short black hair is cut slightly past the shoulders. A matching pair of hair-clips hold her bangs behind her ears. A short mini skirt barely covers her thighs with a purple sweatshirt fitted snugly to her modest frame.

At 5' 6'' Sugu made an attractive figure. However as she turns, her eyes are what truly drew me in.

A dark blue pair met my gaze. I look away and notice she is wearing a plain apron with a skillet in hand.

Seems like my question of 'who is cooking' has been answered.

"You're awake?" Sugu perks up. "I'm glad you're looking so much better.. Sorry that I didn't wake you up sooner… I thought you'd appreciate sleeping in."

"Ah, don't worry about it." I'm glad she didn't notice my earlier stare. "So, what are we eating?"

I almost missed the faint blush on her face. Though, maybe it was due to me catching her off guard.

"Uh, well I've already made scrambled eggs with some salt and pepper. Right now I'm toasting the bread for some grilled cheese." She fidgets in place. "Though… If you don't want any, I can make something else."

Wow, she has it bad. I feel more awkward than guilty since I'm working with no context at all.

However, I can't just stand here like an idiot.

I walk up and wrap my arms around her in a tight embrace. I tried to hug the anxiety away.

"Don't worry Sugu. I'm a simple guy who enjoys grilled cheese and eggs in the morning. Thank you for cooking, sis."

"R-really?!" She is slightly astonished.

"Mh. Yes. I believe I know myself the best." I release my hold with a slight grin on my face. "And by the way, where is 'Mom' and 'Dad'?"

I have yet to see them so far.

"Did you forget? They went overseas for a business trip last week." She sets the pan down. "Do we need to head to the clinic to make sure you're not concussed?"

"Uh no, no I'm good. I just forgot, but thanks for reminding me…"

Thankfully, it seems I'm better at fibbing than I gave myself credit for. Sugu didn't appear to question me further.

However, this new knowledge is like a stereotypical trope. Honestly, it felt like I'm in some sort of Anime at this point.

Man, wouldn't that be awkward?

"Sorry If I made you worry though." I added.

I back away to give her room. She finished cooking our breakfast and went ahead to set the table up. I stand back to watch her as I have nothing else in mind.

Eventually, she walks up to me. Her hand rose to meet my forehead as she rubbed my wound.

"Oh Kazuto." She mumbles. "I worry for you sometimes. Learn to take it easy. Okay?"

She steps back and beckons me to sit down.

I follow her lead as she prepares our plates. I found the remote and turned the T.V. on.

The news is rather interesting.

It isn't everyday that the local coverage is about a major terrorist attack which happened in the neighborhood. Apparently, some individuals struck the core of Tokyo over a month prior to my arrival.

On air, is the memorial service for the fallen. The victims who succumbed to the sudden attack on Japan's soil. The horrific event in Tokyo where unidentified individuals stormed the Capital and murdered thousands before vanishing from sight.

A list of faces scroll across the screen at the end of the broadcast. Labeling those who were killed and those that are still missing.

It's unnerving to see this.

Honestly, I thought my life was bound to be a rather average and peaceful one. I was not expecting something like this to be shown on my first day in this world.

I dare not imagine the repercussions of this. A Great War could be on the horizon for all I know. I really hope this attack is a one off thing and not part of some sort of greater conspiracy.

I'm perfectly fine as I am. I'd rather not be forcibly drafted in the future as even my own luck couldn't possibly be that bad.

Right?

"Those poor people." Sugu whispers. "I wish whoever has done this is brought to justice."

At least my 'sister' has here own idea over this.

"Do you know anything else about it? I can't imagine that they still haven't found the perpetrators of this incident."

"No." She responds with a slight shake. "The media has yet to find any traces. It's almost as if the terrorists disappeared into thin air. I hope they will be found and brought forth to answer for their crimes."

That is mildly worrying. Terrorists don't usually vanish unless there is a massive cover up under way.

However, I still nod in agreement. I'm not in any position where I can make a noticeable difference if the only thing I can do is guess the real intent behind the scenes.

Also, this is literally my first day after being transmigrated. I have bigger concerns than the upcoming apocalypse which may or may not occur.

Eventually, the news changes tune.

At the front of the Imperial Palace appears a middle aged man. A JSDF Ranger of the Special forces who introduces himself as Youji Itam.

The man is poorly groomed, borderline slobbish for such an important speech he is giving. The guy is in military fatigues on a stage surrounded by heavily armed troops and helicopters on standby in the background.

Itam is at a military base which is on high alert. However, the location given by the anchor is odd to say the least.

It makes no sense why the Japanese Government would have made a base of operations in the middle of Tokyo.

The Japanese Self-Defense Force, better known as the JSDF has taken over the matter of the terrorist attack. They are currently allowing Itam to give a speech on their behalf. An update of the current crisis and what they're doing to counter it.

The speech ends and the reporters start to ask their own questions.

At this point, things became interesting.

"Youji, is it true the Prime Minister promoted you?"

"Mhh Yes?"

"Then, it would be right to assume the rumors are true." Itam isn't able to follow along. "That you're leading the Third Recon Team?"

Itam's face changes from aloof to cautious. "I'm afraid I can't answer that."

"Why not? Is there something the government doesn't want us to know?" I have to give props for her courage. "Why is it, that the area of the attack is under lock down? Why is the Prime Minister mobilizing the JSDF?"

"I'm sorry, madam. I can't answer you. Please allow the others to ask their questions."

She tries to ask again, but troops mobilize on her position. They cut her mic and refuse any chance for her to ask again.

Itam sighs in relief and scratches his beard. The middle-aged man pretends nothing occurred and carries on with the interview.

This should've been very worrying. However, the man simply looks that unreliable to get a straight answer out of him.

The guy's mere appearance seems to have some sort of special effect in making the suspicious behavior of the JSDF appear bland and 'normal'.

Honestly, the military did a good job in choosing their figurehead. Even I found it difficult to see past his facade.

I have to give props to them in finding such a guy to take care of the media.

Though I do have my own questions.

What exactly happened in Tokyo? And what is the Third Recon's mission?

Why the hell is this old man so average? Why does it seem like he has some sort of aura that screams 'nothing suspicious here'?

Sugu turns the T.V. off as the hypnosis is broken. Thankfully, I can rely on her to bring me back from whatever rabbit hole I found myself in.

"I can't watch anymore of this. So much for the status update."

Reality returns to normal as I agreed.

"Yeah… I wish we had some answers by now."

Mostly, I want to know why Itam looks familiar to me. It seems like I saw him before.

"Me too.., Well anyway Kazuto I have some good news though." Sugu smiles at my confusion. "There is a special delivery which came in today for you. Do you want to know what it is?"

"Huh? Um, I mean sure?"

A slight smirk rests upon her lips. "Oh you're going to be so excited brother. I know how much you looked forward to the up and coming game console this year. And I'm happy to say that the Nerve Gear has finally arrived in the mail today!"

My heart drops. I couldn't stop my mouth from opening.

My eyes widened as I hastily asked, "A-A Nerve Gear?"

"Yep!" Her face causes my heart to reset. "I know you've been waiting forever for the preorder to come in. And I had a call from one of the developers last night. He managed to get you a slot in the early release of Sword Art Online!"

Shock came and overflowed my system. Dull pain acts up as I hold my brow.

"S-Sword Art Online?!"

A chill builds. I felt the world closing in on me. If I didn't feel my own heart pounding, I would've thought this was a bad dream.

"Hey? Are you alright brother?" She reaches over to massage my hand. "Is the headache back again? Maybe, you shouldn't try it out then…"

Though her concern is unwarranted, I appreciate it non the less. However, this is also a chance for me.

I can actually experience one of my childhood dreams.

"I'll… go grab it. I was just thinking how great you are Sugu." I cheesily said. "I don't even know how to thank you for getting me in on the early Beta Release."

If my unease has yet to be seen, then her apparent switch in attitude is warranted. She stands up and pulls me into a bear hug.

"Awh. You're so cute sometimes." She coos. "Don't let me keep you waiting then."

She ushers me off as she stands beaming from my thanks.

I rush away in mild panic to see it with my own eyes. To know for sure what kind of mess I found myself in.

At the front door is a package resting on the table. An image of the infamous Nerve Gear is on the cover. And my fears came true.

Next to the logo is a special serial code to join the up and coming release.

Sword Art Online.

A game which leads to the death of tens of thousands.

And its appearance confirms my suspicions.

I was not only transported into a foreign body, but a whole new world too. I just knew this scenario I was in seemed too fishy to be a mere coincidence. There was indeed a catch which I failed to pick up on until now.

Whatever brought me here must be enjoying itself at my own expense.

Was it too much for me to ask for a peaceful restart? However, I knew better than to ask for it at this point.

After all, this world is no longer the Earth I knew of. Instead, it is the prelude to the infamous world of Sword Art Online.

A famous Anime with a unique scenario.

Of what could possibly go wrong in a virtual world, if a crazed GM is given complete control over the minds of the players?

Everything is the answer. What could go wrong, will go wrong.

The sole reason this story didn't end in a complete massacre is due to the sheer plot armor of the protagonist. Somehow the guy manages to divert death itself and claim the life of the GM in return.

The amount of BS involved in the entire story is overwhelming to say the least.

"However, what can I do?"

The temptation is there. It beacons me to check this world out for myself. However, I knew better since I lack the means to utilize the same plot of the show.

But I couldn't resist.

The long forgotten dream of my youth has overpowered my will. Since I'm in some sort of isekai already, I should at least follow through with the full experience.

Even if I find myself trapped in the virtual world…

"I already died once… Dying a second time wouldn't be so bad… At least this is only the Beta Release."

If I recall, the death game only starts during the official release. The week I have before then shouldn't be prone to hidden dangers.

"A little sneak peek shouldn't harm me. I just want a glimpse, a taste of what virtual reality could potentially be. Only to sate my curiosity."

I have fully given myself over to temptation. I kept telling myself I will not fall into the sinister trap of SAO. That the game director can not harm me.

However, I knew of the possibility where this road will lead to. And surprisingly, I am not afraid.

I moved the box to my room. I untangle the head set and read the warning label.

"Severe risk of seizures, strokes, electrocution… and death?"

Wow. If I didn't know better, I would assume this warning label is practically giving people a hint as to what is to come.

If sudden brain damage isn't enough of a deterrent, then microwave radiation interfering with your brain chemistry should have definitely raised a red flag.

How this passed the safety inspection of the government, I do not know. However, if I dig any deeper, I might seriously doubt my own security.

First terrorists, now a death game.

Well, Kayaba Akihiko does have a brilliant mind after all. Him maneuvering his way to the open market should be a given for his role as the main villain.

Though as he is the antagonist while being this resourceful is very off-putting for me to realize. It may be for the best if I do not say a single word of my future knowledge while inside of the game.

I would rather not end up on the bad side of the brilliant game designer who will inevitably end up as the Game Master. That is a quick way to return to Hades.

At the base of the helmet, I open a compartment. A port appears at the back to connect it to the outlet to power the Nerve Gear.

Luckily or in my case, unluckily SAO is already preinstalled.

Fate must be at work here.

"Well, no sense in letting myself wait." I check the time. "I have at least a few hours before the servers close for maintenance."

With four out of six hours left, I should be able to make a fair bit of progress. There is a lot for me to try out in this virtual experience.

I can hardly wait.

I hurry and plug the adapter in and lay down on my bed. My own giddiness of seeing a real marvel of technology overshadows the previous concerns I had.

Nerves flare in anticipation as a blur of colors overtake my mind.

[Please Enter Your Name: - - -]

Post Notes

Well, I hope you guys figured out the crossover. It won't play a part until after SAO first season is over. I have the system introduced in the next chapter. After that, I will most likely have a majority of the first arc covering the first floor and the MC gaming the system.

Second arc has yet to be written. Though the plan is to speed run most of SAO. Mainly due to this story being a multiverse fic and staying over 100K words in one world is a bit lame.