(One year later)
Akiri is currently in his room sleeping on his bed. Moments later, his alarm clock starts to go off. He opened his eyes and yawns while stretching his arms. He then lifts himself using his arms and got onto his electric wheelchair that was right beside his bed.
Once on his wheelchair, he pushes the joystick on the right armrest and a high pitched sound of the electric motors can be heard. He began to head downstairs to the dining area for breakfast. Once at the dining area, he saw that his butler is putting a tray of food on the table.
Alexander: Your breakfast is on the table sir
Akiri: Okay. Thanks Al
After breakfast, he went over to the patio to overlook the huge backyard. It was the next best thing besides going for a run.
His phone then started to ring. He pulled out the phone from his pocket and saw that it was a friend that he made while playing online games. He then answered the call.
_________________________________
[Kirito] Dude, today's the day!
[Akiri] Yeah, I know
[Kirito] You already got your NerveGear right?
[Akiri] Yeah, all set up and ready to go. Where should we meet?
[Kirito] There should be marketplace area near the spawn point, we'll meet over there
[Akiri] Got it
[Kirito] You better not be late. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Only 1000 people get to play the beta. If you're late, they might give your invitation to someone else
[Akiri] Yeah, yeah. Is your username gonna be the same?
[Kirito] Yup! And your's?
[Akiri] The same
[Kirito]Cool. Now you better get going
[Akiri] Whatever, man
______________________________
He sighs, ended the call and puts his phone back in his pocket. He then starts to make his way to his gaming room. The room was slightly smaller than his bedroom, but was still bigger in size than standards. On one side of the wall, there is his gaming computer setup with three curved monitors on a huge desk. On the other, a queen sized bed specifically set up for VR.
He wheeled himself over to the bed, lifts himself off his wheelchair and layed on the bed. He then grabbed the NerveGear headset from his nightstand beside him and puts it on. He then closes his eyes. He took a deep breath and muttered the words.
Akiri: Link start!
His vision is flooded with bright lights. He is then met with a screen to type in a username. He just puts in his real name. He can't be bothered to think of a username since every username that he thought of were already taken. After typing in his username, he is then taken to a character customization screen. He spends a good amount of time making his avatar, making it looks like just the way he wanted to look. After he was satisfied with his creation, he presses the confirm button and was immediately met with a welcome screen.
Welcome to
Sword Art Online !
(Akiri POV)
When I opened my eyes, I was amazed of the sense of realism. The sounds, the smells, it feels and looks exactly like real life. I looked around to see that I am standing in the middle of a big medieval style town.
Akiri: (thoughts) I... I'm standing up. I'm actually standing up!
I carefully took a step forward and I lost my balance. I quickly put my hand on a wall to support myself. I took a deep breath. I then slowly took a step forward, and another step, and another until I am running at full speed with a huge smile on my face.
As I ran and leaped through the streets of the town, I was overwhelmed with different feelings. The feeling of the wind through my hair, the feeling of freedom. No more restraints, no more limitations. Feelings that I haven't felt ever since that day. After a few moments, I decided to stop and try opening the menu.
Akiri: (thoughts) Now if I remember reading the game manual, the menu can be opened by...
I then swipe my hand down and the menu appears in front of me.
Akiri: (thoughts) Let's see here... Level one, zero EXP, default armor, default equipment...
I smiled and closed the menu.
Akiri: (thoughts) Looks like I got a lot of work to do. But before that, gotta meet up with Kirito.
I then started to make his way to the marketplace to find my friend. Once I arrived, I saw that it was already filled with people looking around the different stalls that sells many kinds of items. I then widened my eyes as I realized something.
Akiri: (thoughts) How the hell am I gonna find him in this crowd?
A few hours have gone by as I was trying to find Kirito. I eventually decided to give up and I walked away form the marketplace. After a few minutes walk, I find myself in a field area with giant boars scattered all around.
I then equipped my default starter sword.
I smirked and ran straight towards it. the boar the notices me and started to dash towards me.
Akiri: Here goes!
I tried to activate a sword skill, but nothing happens. I stopped and looked down towards my sword.
Akiri: Huh?
I then looked up to see that the boar is right in front of me and it headbutts me right in the gut, sending me flying backwards and lowering my HP. I then hit the ground with a loud thud.
Akiri: Dang it!
???: Ha! ha! ha! That's a big oof right there!
I looked towards the voice to see that it was a guy with black hair and black eyes.
???: That was the most hilarious thing I have ever seen!
Akiri: Oh, shut up
???: Sorry, sorry. Here
He then offers a hand to me. I then took his hand and he pulled me up.
???: Hey, the name's Kirito
Akiri: Wait, Kirito?!
Kirito: Uh, yeah?
Akiri: It's me you idiot! It's Akiri!
Kirito: A-Akiri?
His eyes widens and he tries to run away, but I grabbed his sleeve before he could.
Akiri: Where the hell were you?! I looked for you at the marketplace for hours!
Kirito: W-what do you mean? I-I was also looking for you
Akiri: No you weren't! I didn't remember seeing you while I was looking
I looked at him and I noticed he is not using the default clothes and equipment. I then narrowed my eyes at him.
Akiri: How did you get those?
Kirito: U-Umm... It's the uh... pre-order bonus?
Akiri: THERE IS NO PRE-ORDER BONUS!
Kirito: Okay, okay. I lied about meeting you at the marketplace
Akiri: What! Why?!
Kirito: It's just, *sighs* in every other game we play, you always had the better gear. I just wanted to be ahead of you for once...
Akiri: So that makes it okay for you to lie to me and have the advantage by getting a head start?
Kirito: I'm sorry, okay?
I just pinch the bridge of my nose while letting out a sigh.
Akiri: Unbelievable
Kirito: Look, I'll make it up to you. I'll help you with the basics and help you farm until you reach the same level as me
Akiri: You know you wouldn't have to do all that if you didn't lie to me in the first place
Kirito: I know, I know
(Timeskip)
Currently, me and Kirito are heading back to the town after have just done some farming by killing the same enemies over and over again for a couple of hours. As we were walking, Kirito decided to break the silence.
Kirito: You were amazing back there. You move so quickly, I barely managed to follow your movements. I noticed that you use your environments to your advantage.
Akiri: Oh, I... used to do parkour a lot...
Kirito: Used to? Why did you stop?
Akiri: I don't want to talk about that...
Kirito: Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to-
Akiri: It's fine
Once we arrived at the Town of Beginnings, we saw that it was getting late and I decided to log out.
Kirito: Oh, you're logging out? I guess it's gonna be a goodbye for now
Akiri: Yeah, let me know when you wanna meet up again. and you better not lie to me next time
Kirito: Okay, I got it. Well, I'm just gonna stay for a while longer
I just smiled and nodded. I then opened the menu and went to the settings tab. I pressed the log out button and I was quickly logged out.
I opened my eyes to see that I was in the gaming room. I took off the NerveGear and put it on the nightstand. I then lifted myself up and got onto my wheelchair. Suddenly, I heard the door knock and it opens. I saw that Alexander had walked into the room.
Alexander: Sir, you have a visitor
Akiri: Who is it?
Alexander: It's Miss Asuna
Akiri: Asuna?
I pushed the joystick on my wheelchair and started to make my way to the living room. Once I made it there, I saw her sitting on the couch drinking some tea. She notices me and smiles sweetly at me.
Asuna: Hey, Akiri
I smiled back at her and went closer to her.
Akiri: Hey, Asuna. What brings you here?
Asuna: The usual
Akiri: Huh?
I then noticed that there was a travel bag right next to the couch.
Akiri: You're staying here again?
Asuna: Yep
Akiri: I told you, you don't have to look after me anymore
Asuna: And I told you that I'll be looking after you every summer vacation
Akiri: *sigh* Alexander, take Asuna's luggage and prepare the guest bedroom. Oh, and could you bring me my guitar?
Alexander: Right away sir
Alexander took Asuna's travel bag and heads upstairs.
Asuna: So, how are you?
Akiri: I've been okay. Just got done playing the beta for SAO
Asuna: Really? How did you manage to get in?
Akiri: I have my ways
Asuna: How about your surgery?
Akiri: I should be getting it in three more months
Asuna: That's great! You'll finally be able to walk again
Akiri: Yeah, I can't wait
Alexander walked in to the room, carrying Akiri's guitar.
Alexander: Here you go sir
Akiri just nodded and puts the guitar on his lap. Alexander then walked out of the room
Akiri: I've been practicing a lot. Wanna here me play
Asuna: Of course
Akiri smiled and started to play.
Asuna: You've gotten better. That was beautiful, and your voice sounded so soothing
Akiri: Thanks
He then played a couple more songs until It was time for dinner.