"Attention players. Welcome to my world."

Everyone looked up as the cloaked figure began talking.

"My name is Kayaba Akihiko. As of this moment, I am the sole person who can control this world."

Kayaba Akihiko. The creator of the NerveGear, and the conductor of this incident.

"I'm sure you've already noticed that the logout 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."

Shock and disbelief are reflected in everyone's eyes as they process the information given to them. That was only the first, as the second announcement is the true harbinger of chaos.

"You cannot log out of SAO yourselves. And no one on the outside can shut down or remove the NerveGear. Should this be attempted, the transmitter inside the NerveGear will emit a powerful microwave, destroying your brain and thus ending your life."

None were willing to believe such an event was happening because all they wanted to do was pass time, have fun, and most of all, enjoy the game.

"Unfortunately, several players' friends and families have ignored this warning and have attempted to remove the NerveGear. As a result, two hundred and thirteen players are gone forever, from both Aincrad and the real world."

It was then that reality hit, and they realized that this—Sword Art Online—was not just an ordinary game.

"As you can see, news organizations across the world are reporting all of this, including the deaths. Thus, you can assume that the danger of a NerveGear being removed is not minimal. 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 NerveGear will destroy your brain. There is only one means of escape. To complete the game. You are presently on the lowest floor of Aincrad, Floor 1. 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 100, and you will clear the game."

Shouts began arising, and all held one of the three messages.

The question of whether they heard it correctly or not.

The denying of the truth in front of them.

And last but not least, the ones who gave up right at the start.

"Finally, I've added a present to your item storage. Please see for yourself."

In the inventory of every player, a mirror appeared. The moment the players took it out, every person lit up, and their true faces were revealed.

"Right now, you're probably wondering, "Why?" Why would Kayaba Akihiko, the developer of Sword Art Online and Nerve Gear, do all this? My goal has already been achieved. I created Sword Art Online for one reason. To create this world and intervene in it."

"And now it is complete. This ends the tutorial for the official Sword Art Online launch. Good luck, players."

With those as his final words, Kayaba Akihiko faded away.

Sorry about this not being at least 1,000 words. My brain wasn't working. :(