Hi, Kuroyuki Kusumi here, after what's been around.. a two year hiatus. To those who've been reading and anticipating where the story would go, I'd like to apologize. BUT!! Before any wrong ideas and conclusions are made, I am NOT discontinuing the series or moving on, so don't worry lol.

"Ok, so what's been happening then? Life? Writer's block? A different story in mind? What's really UP, Kuroyuki..?"

Well, to those who asked something along those lines, I'll tell you. Straight up, no loose ends. Just like that.

So, a few things. For one and probably the foremost of it all? I looked back at the SAO portion of the story and found that I was IMMENSELY dissatisfied with just.. everything. Actually, this whole time, I've had a backlog all the way up to the ending of Fairy Dance/Lost Song. Yep, that far.

"Wait what!? So, will you release it all? What about S1's 2.5 and Chapter 1 remake?"

Well, no. Keep on reading though, I'll explain why. My reasoning for not doing this lies in my dissatisfaction for most choices I made. So seeing as that's the reason, I'll fix it and make it right. Not with quantity, but with quality all the way through.

I am REWRITING and redoing "Scarlet World Online", from the beginning and with MAJOR changes as well as improvements. Chapter 1 will be coming possibly on New Year's day, or my birthday towards the end of January.

"Woah... Whaaaaaattttt!? So wait, is this just a sudden realization.. or have you been contemplating over this for awhile now?"

I've been considering a full-scale rewrite since I'd started even working on AW's portion. But, that would beg the question as to why I waited all the way until 2024 to announce just about anything, wouldn't it?

Which gets us to my other reasons on why I just disappeared. My second reason had to do with a great deal of college (I happen to be on my potential last year, lol) and also a bigger house these days. Interpret this how you want, but I am currently a man with four rings in hand. Four, my friends. Four simultaneous ones. No kids, don't worry lol.

So, in a way, kind of life... But also? A major bout of writer's block. Now remember when I told you guys I played through "Myosotis" and "Matricaria" of SAO AL? Well, just last year around this time, Last Recollection released. I was heavily disappointed in it, especially with it claiming to be the definitive ending of the SAO gameverse. And honestly, it kind of discouraged me for awhile. Fractured Daydream had the same effect on me, just in case you're wondering too.

And finally, my fourth and greatest reason even above my dissatisfaction with this story.

"Greatest? What's up Kuroyuki..? Should we be worried? You're cool, right!?"

Yes, I am. I'm fine, lol. As for what this reason is though? It's myself, or rather.. it WAS me. I felt as if my writing could be elevated to a level almost unrecognizable to even some stuff seen here. And the fact that I'm here writing this now and you're seeing this at whatever point means only but one thing.

I feel as if I've reached that level after around two years. I feel heightened. Now, I'll try not to sell the bag with these words, but I'm confident.

Almost every passing day, I've been practicing and basically training with other alternative stories between friends with constructive criticism and even helping hands at points. Hell, I may even introduce you guys to some of those stories somewhere later down the line, no promises though.

But with all of this said and out in the open? Yeah, you can say that I'll be back whenever Chapter 1 of the rewrite comes out. Remember, New Year's or towards the end of January.

"Nice, nice... But uh.. what about the old chapters Kuroyuki? Do they stay for reading?"

They will, but not forever. When the full rewrite hits, they're gone or archived at best. So, catch them while you can! And also a few more ground rules or more like expectations for the story before I sign off here.

1. We'll be going full SAO until the very, VERY end. The end being not Last Recollection which ends at War Of Underworld, but either Unital Ring or I'll make a ending as I see fit for it.

This applies to AW as well. No more switching, meaning seasons will be much longer and have a lot depth. Especially Aincrad, even though I lowkey hate it lmao.

2. The MCs/OCs will be mostly similar to before, as it still focuses around Shura and Umbra. But DO be on the lookout for chapters or mid-chapters where we switch POVs. We'll be jumping POVs a lot, with our prevalent characters especially. I feel that it's needed and should've been in way sooner.

3. As for Millennium Twilight of the SAO gameverse? It isn't going to be adapted here, as it'd complicate a lot of things down the line, but I'll see if I'm able to maybe try something similar in AW's portion.

4. I'll treat SAO's skill and stat system in a relatively simple way, as to experiment with how the fights go and what not. Don't worry though, I'll try and lay low on the cheat skills if possible (though I think most weren't exactly that bad imo, let me know what you thought about them, I'm curious).

Anyways! This has been a wonderful trip down update and memory lane, and I hope to see you? At the re-release of "Scarlet World Online!"

Written on 10/09/24. A thank you for staying along for the ride! Kuroyuki Kusumi, signing out! Bye bye and until the next now!