As the sun cast its warm embrace upon the floors of Aincrad, I found myself completely immersed once again, a few weeks having passed since my initial foray into the brilliant world of Sword Art Online's beta test.

A solitary figure, I ventured forth, delving deeper into the heart of the virtual labyrinth. The 5th floor of this enigmatic world awaited my arrival, cloaked in design reminiscent of ancient ruins.

Stepping foot onto the hallowed ground, I was enveloped by a tapestry of grandeur and decay. Moss-covered stone walls stood sentinel, their weathered visages revealing the passage of countless eons. Shafts of ethereal light pierced through the cracks, casting an otherworldly glow upon the forgotten relics that adorned the corridors.

Amidst the enigmatic ruins, a myriad of creatures awaited me, each a window into the twisted imagination of Sword Art Online's creators. Mummies, their desiccated bodies wrapped in tattered bandages, shuffled with an eerie grace, their hollow eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light. Wraiths, ethereal spectres trapped between the realms of the living and the dead, whispered haunting melodies that sent shivers down my spine. And amidst the darkness, aqua slimes slithered with a deceptive fluidity, their gelatinous forms shimmering with an iridescent glow.

I was going solo again, the weight of solitude pressing upon me as I ventured deeper into the labyrinthine depths of the dungeon. Beads of sweat formed upon my brow, a testament to the arduous path I had chosen.

I was determined to master my unorthodox weapon-switching technique, pushing the boundaries of my skills with every passing moment.

Suddenly, the eerie silence was shattered by the haunting moans of three mummies and the ethereal wails of three wraiths. A formidable group had emerged, ready to test the mettle of this lone warrior. My heart quickened, adrenaline surging through my veins as I prepared to face my opponents head-on. Truly, full-dive was somethin' else.

Without hesitation, I leaped into action, my mind a whirlwind of observations and intuitions. Every few seconds, I seamlessly transitioned between weapons, orchestrating a symphony of lethal precision.

As the mummies lurched forward, their bandaged fists swinging towards me, I swiftly kept my distance, twirling my long halberd, its razor-sharp blade cleaving through the stale air with a resounding swish. And when the monsters went on the offensive, my fingers naturally spun through my menu like lightning, unequipping my halberd to parry their attacks with my shield, the clash of metal against hardened bone echoing through the chamber.

As the mummies and wraiths closed in, I maneuvered deftly, my agility akin to a dancer's. A dagger materialized in my hand from within my menu, finding its mark with unerring precision. With each calculated strike, the enemies faltered, their ranks thinning under the relentless assault.

But the battlefield was fluid, and adaptability was key. The mummies, resilient in their decayed state, lunged forward with renewed vigor. In response, I withdrew a whip from my arsenal, its serpentine form snaking through the air, ensnaring the mummies' limbs and impeding their advance.

With a swift motion, I cracked the whip, commanding the forces of momentum to send them sprawling to the ground.

With the mummies momentarily subdued, I seized the opportunity to switch tactics once more. My hand closed around the hilt of a shining sword, its blade gleaming with the promise of victory. With sweeping arcs and deft thrusts, I carved a path through the remaining enemies, the dance of steel and flesh rendering the chamber a battleground of ferocious elegance.

Amidst the chaos, my mind whirred with thoughts and fleeting observations. Switching weapons granted me an edge in every scenario, as if I held the very paragon of adaptability in my hands.

As the final enemy fell, their forms dissipating into the aether-like shards of holographic glass, I stood amidst the aftermath. Sweat-soaked and breathless, I reveled in the triumphant satisfaction of another hard-fought victory. The cacophony of battle gave way to a moment of respite, the world around me slowly returning to its silent slumber.

That was a close one! My HP suffered quite a bit. Those mummies and wraiths packed quite a punch, and my multi-tool extravaganza saved my sorry hide once again. One mistake and it could've been over, after all, Sword Art Online uses a Vital Combat system. When you tank a hit beyond a certain threshold of damage, you enter this state called In Combat for a couple of seconds.

During that time, your regeneration slows down to a snail's pace, leaving you effectively regen-less before returning to its normal pace. Keep taking hits and your regeneration means nothing. Either you dodge and parry attacks in sequence, or you'll have to wait until after the battle to regenerate. It's a pretty intuitive way of rewarding skilled players, not to mention, it adds real value to your Vitality stat, not only increasing your regeneration speed, but also decreasing the amount of time you'd stay In Combat.

I find a remote little corner to slump into, my virtual body aching and craving respite. With my breath finally steadying, and my stamina and health on the mend, I know it won't be long before I'm ready to continue. Aincrad's a world brimming with peril, but also with boundless opportunities for growth and achievement.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the adventures yet to come, ready to rise again from this momentary respite and continue my ascent.

Still sitting in a corner of the dungeon walls, I opened my inventory and retrieved a humble bread snack, a relic from the first floor's bustling market. The soft, golden crust crumbled beneath my touch, releasing a tantalizing aroma that enveloped my senses. I took a bite, savoring the delectable blend of flavors that danced upon my tongue.

With each morsel, I could feel the energy surging through my body, revitalizing my weary muscles and replenishing my spirit.

The bread was a symbol of my determination and perseverance, the fruits of my labor. It was a reminder that in this realm of virtuality, where danger lurked at every turn, even the simplest pleasures could hold immense power.

As I finished my snack, a lingering sense of contentment washed over me. With renewed vigor, I rose from my hiding spot, ready to resume my journey through the dungeon's treacherous corridors. Unlike most players, who would close their menus after a battle, I kept mine open, a constant companion and a symbol of readiness.

This game was tiring, and seriously adrenaline pumping sometimes… or maybe a lot of the time. But hey, at least nothing happens when you die. I just wish physical activity here would count as a workout in the outside worl—

Footsteps?

The echoes from the footsteps reached my ears, causing my heart to skip a beat. My instincts sharpened, ready to face the imminent threat of a lurking monster. But then, to my surprise, I heard the sound of a voice, human and faltering. Curiosity mingled with caution as I hid myself, remaining motionless, keenly attuned to the words being spoken.

With bated breath, I listened, eager to learn more, prepared to adapt and react as the situation demanded. In this ever-evolving world, vigilance and strategic thinking were my greatest allies. And so, I waited, poised to emerge from the darkness and face whatever lay beyond the corner, be it friend or foe.

As I observed from my hidden vantage point, my eyes fell upon a figure that commanded attention.

Standing tall and emanating an air of enigmatic prowess, a player was engaged in combat with a couple of monsters. His avatar exuded an aura of power and grace, from the imposing stature to the distinctive lavender-purple chin beard and flowing hair that mirrored the same ethereal hue. Fortunately, he had his username set to visible.

「 Mito 」

In his presence, it was clear that he was a force to be reckoned with. Adorned in tall boots and donning a billowing white cape, he moved with an unsettling elegance that defied the limitations of the digital realm. It was as if his very being transcended the confines of the virtual world, radiating an undeniable magnetism.

With a flourish of his weapon, a menacing scythe, Mito unleashed a display of attacks that bordered on the sublime. His movements were a tapestry of fluidity and precision, each swing and parry executed with the utmost finesse. It was a sight to behold, as if witnessing a masterful dancer gracefully twirling through the storm of battle.

The scythe became an extension of his being, an instrument of devastation wielded with such mastery that it seemed like an extension of his very soul. The blade sliced through the air with a deadly grace, its lethal arc leaving trails of ethereal light in its each swing, he weaved through the mummies' attacks, his body a symphony of flexibility and agility.

As he deftly maneuvered amidst the onslaught, Mito's strikes landed with calculated precision. The scythe became the embodiment of his will, a conduit through which he channeled his determination and expertise. In a seamless display of dexterity, he decimated the group of five mummies as effortlessly as a gentle breeze dispersing a cluster of fallen leaves.

The mummies, once formidable adversaries, crumbled before his might, their animated forms disintegrating in a flurry of particles. It was a dance of destruction, a ballet of battle that left me awe-inspired and humbled.

The elegance with which Mito dispatched his foes was unlike anything I had ever witnessed, a testament to the heights of skill attainable within this digital realm. With a sense of awe tinged with a hint of envy, I muttered under my breath.

"So that's what a real top player looks like."

As Mito sheathed his scythe, a quiet reverence filled the air. The battlefield fell silent, save for the echo of his footsteps as he strode away, leaving behind a trail of lingering admiration and a newfound resolve within my heart.

Inspired by his performance, I knew the path to "pro" was challenging, but not unattainable. With each step forward, I would strive to bridge the divide and carve my own legacy within this digital realm of limitless potential.

As Mito prepared to depart, a fleeting impulse surged within me, urging me to reach out and engage in conversation. Questions bubbled to the surface of my mind, eager to seek insight from an esteemed player. Yet, despite the burning curiosity that coursed through my veins, an inexplicable hesitation gripped me.

I found myself caught in the grip of uncertainty, my voice lodged in my throat like a captive bird yearning for freedom. The weight of apprehension settled upon my shoulders, urging me to remain silent and let this opportunity slip away.

A myriad of reasons swirled in my mind, but in the end, Mito's figure receded into the distance, a sense of missed opportunity tinged the air. It was a bittersweet feeling, a mixture of regret and acceptance. I watched as they disappeared from sight, oblivious to my presence, their footsteps fading into the recesses of the dungeon.

With a resolute sigh, I accepted my decision, finding solace in the knowledge that my time would come. I would continue forging my own path, honing my skills and seizing opportunities as they presented themselves. The vast expanse of this virtual realm held countless surprises and encounters yet to be unveiled, and I was resolved to embrace them with an open heart.

I stepped out from my hiding spot with newfound determination, embarking on the next leg of my journey, ready to face the challenges that awaited. In this realm of digital wonders and untold dangers, I remained an enigma, silently navigating the trials that lay ahead, ever vigilant and ever curious.


A few more weeks had passed, and September of 2022 had arrived, marking a month since the conclusion of the beta test. Reflecting upon my progress, I acknowledged that I had surpassed the expectations of the average player, venturing deeper into the game than most. However, the heights I had reached paled in comparison to the luminaries of this virtual realm, and my name remained but a whisper in the winds of recognition.

I scoured the online forums, where rumors and discussions were swirling with fervor. As I delved into the virtual conversations, a particular name caught my eye, standing out amidst the sea of aspiring champions. No, not the black-haired swordsman who had been the first to reach the tenth floor, rather, the individual in second place—Mito.

The memory of that encounter in the depths of the dungeon resurfaced, a vivid recollection etched into the fabric of my being. The way he so effortlessly dispatched enemies, his flurry of attacks akin to a mesmerizing dance, had left an indelible mark on my experience with the game.

With each passing moment, my resolve solidified, and my determination grew stronger. I eagerly awaited the launch of the full game. But man, the full game won't be released until the end of October. Guess I'll have to be patient and suck it up for now. It's a bummer, but hey, life goes on.

Speaking of which, school is starting up again. In Japan, we follow a three-semester system, with breaks in between. So, with September rolling in, it officially marks the end of summer break. Time to dust off those textbooks and get back into the grind.

But you know what? Despite the impending return to classes and all, I gotta say, I'm pretty satisfied with how my summer went. I mean, I got to experience the SAO beta test, explored the unreal world of full-dive virtual reality, and even made some decent progress in the game. It was a blast, and I'm grateful for the memories I made.

Sure, I didn't reach the same lofty heights as those players at the top or anything, but that's okay. I'm not in a rush. There's still so much to discover and achieve once the full game launches. I'll take it one step at a time, honing my skills and pushing my limits. And so, summer may be over, but the excitement still lingers.

As I lay in my bed, contemplating the passing of summer and pondering the deeper facets of life, my mind wandered to the realm of academics. When it came to school, I had a knack for getting decent grades without that much effort.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's not like I put in absolutely zero effort. I had to do some work, but I managed to maintain a barely-acceptable degree of "excellence" with the bare minimum of effort.

I wasn't the type to bury myself in books, burning the midnight oil, nor was I some prodigious genius blessed with innate brilliance. Nope, I was just your average smart kid, navigating my way through the education system.

My approach to life mirrored this nonchalant attitude. I exercised to keep myself fit and healthy, indulged in the captivating worlds of manga and light novels, but in the grand scheme of things, I felt like a mere speck in the universe. Almost as if I were invisible, blending into the background of bustling existence. I drifted along, like a fragile petal carried by the whimsical winds of life.

As I sat there, lost in contemplation, I couldn't help but wonder if this was truly what I wanted. It's something I've been noticing a lot lately. So many people out there are chasing after this idea of a "good, decent life," but do they even understand what it means?

It's like they're just going along with the flow because it's what everyone expects of them. But seriously, how many of them have really taken the time to think it through? How many of them can explain why every other possible lifestyle, out of billions, isn't the right fit for them? How can they ever find real fulfillment if they don't even know themselves?

And you know what? I bet it's even worse for my generation. We're caught up in this crazy whirlwind of life, always on the move, always connected. It's hard to find a moment of peace and quiet to really reflect on these things. I've thought about it—a whole lot, actually—but I still haven't come up with a solid answer that I can truly call my own. I'm beginning to wonder if I ever will.

It's crazy, isn't it? Modern conversation can be so surface-level, lacking so much depth and substance. How often do you come across friend groups engaging in discussions about the intricacies of the human condition? Theoretically, it's a topic that holds so much potential, considering literally all of us are experiencing this journey called life. Yet, it seems like people haven't taken any time at all to explore it, to dive into the depths of their own thoughts and share their insights. And that frustrates me to no end.

But it doesn't have to be all heavy and serious either. Even within the realm of something as seemingly casual as anime or manga, you can find avenues to delve into different aspects of what it means to be human. It's about going beyond the superficial and engaging in conversations where people learn about life and more importantly, about themselves.

It's a thought that often crosses my mind. When someone says, "I love this" or "I love that," how can their words hold any weight if they haven't taken the time to understand themselves, to understand what "I" even means? It really is quite the interesting question that challenges the depth of our emotions and the authenticity of our experiences.

Still... am I the only one who thinks about these things? Am I the only one craving these kinds of discussions? That can't be it. So why are there so few people willing to discuss it?

Oh well, in the meantime, while I wait for something life-changing to happen, I can at least find solace in the anticipation of escaping reality with the release of Sword Art Online. It's mere escapism, I know that; a chance to immerse myself in a virtual world that holds its own set of adventures and challenges, but I can't help but be drawn to SAO.

And so, as I close my eyes and surrender to sleep, my mind drifts between thoughts of missed opportunities, embarrassing memories, and the excitement of the upcoming SAO release.

Tomorrow is a new day.