Sword Art Online

Time Elapsed since Players were trapped in SAO: Three weeks.

Floors Cleared: None. Players have yet to defeat Floor 1's boss, Illfang the Kobold Lord. Most remain in the Town of Beginnings (Tolbana), not daring to explore further due to fear of real death. Only a small vanguard group, made up of experienced players and some beta testers, has attempted to reach the first floor's Labyrinth. Mistrust toward beta testers and lack of coordination have prevented any significant progress. Morale is low and chaos reigns.

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Sword Art Online (SAO): The closed beta of «Sword Art Online» launched in August 2022 for 1000 players over one month. The game received excellent reviews despite its high difficulty. After the beta, only 10,000 physical copies were printed, and online sales sold out in seconds. Hardcore fans lined up for days at stores. On November 6, 2022, at 13:00, the servers officially opened. The creator trapped 10,000 players, making death in the game mean real death. Many players suffered despair, pain, and madness. Traps, lethal bosses, PK, suicides, and increasing difficulty worsened a grim outlook.

Note: The level cap for players in SAO is 250.

Beta Tester: Beta testers are the 1000 players selected from 100,000 applicants to test the preliminary version of «Sword Art Online» before its official launch. When Kayaba Akihiko blocked the logout, between 700 and 800 of them were trapped inside Aincrad. Common players resent beta testers, accusing them of hoarding privileged information and valuable resources unknown to the rest. This distrust creates a strong social divide within the game, where many consider beta testers to have an unfair advantage. As a result, some hide their status to avoid hostility or discrimination from the community.

NerveGear: The NerveGear is a second-generation FullDive helmet, created by Kayaba Akihiko and released in May 2022. It has a streamlined dark blue design with a rear pad and integrated cable. Its internal battery accounts for 30% of the total weight. Three front LED lights indicate power, network, and brain activity; if the latter turns red, the brain has ceased function. High-density microwave transceivers send false signals to the five senses and block motor commands, preventing movement during immersion. They also isolate perception from the physical world. The device can destroy the brain with high-power microwaves if HP reaches zero, if it runs out of external power for 10 minutes, if disconnected from the network for two hours, or if removed or damaged. SAO's operating system executes this action automatically.

Aincrad: Is the first «Realized World» and the setting of «Sword Art Online,» created by Kayaba Akihiko. It is a floating castle of iron and stone with a base ten kilometers in diameter and one hundred floors stacked vertically, each slightly smaller than the previous one. Each level contains two large cities, numerous towns, forests, plains, and lakes. A staircase connects each floor to the next, located behind the Labyrinth's boss room. Teleport Gates in all unlocked cities connect to each other. Climbing the outer circumference is possible, but barriers block access to unlocked floors.

Teleport Gate: Is a mechanism allowing fast travel between floors of Aincrad. It is located in the central plaza of each main settlement. It allows free teleportation to any other floor with an activated portal, after defeating the Labyrinth's boss. It has the shape of a stacked stone arch, without doors or bars; the central space distorts like a portal. It is the main means of travel, as physically traversing the labyrinths is dangerous and slow.

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Dungeon: Are labyrinthine adventure locations with monsters and rooms. In SAO, there are two types: labyrinths and sub-dungeons. Labyrinths are 100-meter towers connecting each floor of Aincrad. Their design varies: some are bulky and low, others narrow and slender. On each floor, one or more Field Bosses protect access to the Labyrinth. Inside, monsters respawn every five minutes, and there are pale blue lights. The boss room is on the highest level; upon defeating it, the stairs to the next floor open. The stairwell walls contain thematic reliefs about the upper floor.

Safe Zones: Are areas within dungeons where monsters do not enter or spawn. They are recognized by special torches in the four corners. Although it is possible to stay there for several days, the experience is uncomfortable and sleepless, as the constant footsteps and growls of nearby monsters are heard. The rooms are desolate, with stone floors and no beds, and sound filters through the open door without attenuation.

Boss Rooms: Is a huge chamber on the highest floor of each Labyrinth. It protects the doors leading to the next level with a powerful monster that does not respawn after being defeated. The shape varies: the floor 1 room is rectangular, the floor 74 room is dome-shaped. All have only two entrances, usually open, allowing retreat. However, from floor 75 onward, the door seals upon entry, preventing escape. In New Aincrad, rooms seal one minute after entry; that time allows preparation and can be canceled by pressing a stone button.

Sub-Dungeons: Are another type of dungeon in SAO, though they are not essential for completing the game. Players seeking to finish the game usually do not spend time on them, so they are mainly explored by mid-level players seeking extra experience or loot.

Anti-Crystal Zone: The Anti-Crystal Zone is a lethal and rare trap in Aincrad's dungeons. It prohibits the use of crystals, preventing teleportation or healing with them during combat. However, it allows the use of healing potions, though their effect is slower. Trapped players must defeat all enemies, face death, or escape through unconventional means. From floor 74 onward, boss rooms also become Anti-Crystal Zones.

Crystals: Are consumable items that act instantly, without gradual effect. They are divided by color: green for healing, yellow for removing debuffs, blue for individual teleportation, purple for opening group shortcuts, and white for displaying images or voice messages. They are extremely useful, but also rare and expensive, so players save them for emergencies. They have an eight-sided pillar shape.

Cor (Currency): The Cor is Aincrad's base currency. Players obtain it by defeating monsters, completing quests, or selling items. It is used to purchase equipment, potions, and other essential resources. Its amount directly influences the capacity for progress, survival, and preparation for boss raids.

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PK: Player Killing is the act of killing another player online. In SAO, it equates to real murder. Some players justify it because the game allows it, and others even deny that death in the game is real. There are those who kill for personal reasons or for pleasure. Guilds like Titan's Hand and Laughing Coffin are known for it. Damaging a green player temporarily turns the cursor orange. Repeat killers are labeled as red players or red guilds, though their cursors remain orange. An orange player can revert their cursor through an alignment recovery quest, but it is extremely difficult if they have killed several. A green player can attack an orange one without changing color, as it is considered self-defense.

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Cardinal System: The Cardinal System, developed by Kayaba Akihiko, is the management core for almost all VRMMOs in the SAO universe. It operates autonomously without external maintenance, managing resources, processes, and events within the game. It controls NPC behavior, item and currency balance, player mental state, and the generation of new missions through multiple sub-program packages.

Quests: Are events initiated by NPCs or through bulletin boards, granting rewards upon fulfilling pre-set conditions. They are classified into four main types: Collection (obtaining field materials), Elimination (defeating specific monsters), Escort (protecting an NPC to a destination), and Errand (delivering or retrieving items, including search and investigation quests). Some errand quests can be so complex they lead to floor boss fights.

Skills: Are abilities that players learn and improve through constant use. They allow handling weapons such as swords, rapiers, spears, or katanas, and unlock special attacks called Sword Skills. Passive skills permanently improve avatar stats or senses (Tracking, Listening, Night Vision, Acrobatics). Recovery and crafting skills cover secondary activities like Fishing, cooking, blacksmithing, or alchemy. Unique skills are exclusive abilities for a single player on the entire server, granted under very strict hidden conditions.

Note on Skills and Stats: Skills can be leveled up to level 100, but they require skill points granted each time the player levels up. Each level, regardless of how high or low it is, grants 10 skill points. Stats increase proportionally with each new level reached.

Equipment, Materials, and Objects Rarity Scale:

Common (White): Basic objects bought in lower-floor shops or obtained from weak monsters. They are abundant and inexpensive, ideal for beginner players. They offer no significant bonuses and are usually discarded quickly as one advances.

Uncommon (Green): Equipment with slight stat improvements, obtained as loot from common mid-level enemies or crafted by blacksmiths. It represents a player's first quality leap and begins to make a difference in combat.

Rare (Blue): Objects with low drop rates, rewards from complex side quests, or crafted with rare-quality materials. They possess notable stats and special effects that make them highly coveted among mid- and high-level players.

Unique (Purple): Objects extremely difficult to obtain. Usually, only a very limited quantity exists on the entire server. They are often tied to special events, hidden quests, or floor bosses, and grant exclusive abilities or bonuses.

Legendary (Gold): The pinnacle of rarity. Its exact method of obtaining is unknown; some rumors suggest they only appear under unique conditions never repeated. A single copy can define its bearer's power, and its possession generates admiration, envy, and conflict.

Monsters: Aincrad's monsters vary by floor and difficulty level. On the initial floors (1 to 10), basic creatures abound such as Dire wolves, sharp-tusked boars, giant bats, and carnivorous plants. On intermediate floors (11 to 40), warrior skeletons, acid slimes, harpies, minotaurs, and venomous reptiles appear. On high floors (41 to 70), we find ice demons, stone golems, young dragons, dark knights, and chimeras. On the upper floors (71 to 100), monsters are lethal: ancient dragons, fire devils, royal specters, steel titans, and unique bosses such as the Flame Warrior or the Skeleton King, which require elite groups to be defeated.

Some Floor Bosses:

· Floor 1 – Illfang the Kobold Lord: Initial boss, a giant kobold wielding an axe. Changes weapon when health drops, using first an axe and then a short sword.

· Floor 2 – Asterius the Taurus King: Main boss, a massive minotaur with a double axe. Preceded by sub-bosses Baran and Nato, taurus general and colonel respectively.

· Floor 3 – Nerius the Malignant Treant: Corrupted ancient tree attacking with roots and poison. Has high resistance and slow regeneration.

· Floor 4 – Wythege the Hippocampus: Aquatic creature half horse half sea serpent. Attacks with charges and pressurized water jets.

· Floor 5 – Fuscus the Hollow Colossus: Stone and shadow golem with a hidden core. Slow but extremely resistant and powerful.

· Floor 6 – The Irrational Cube: Geometric boss composed of floating fragments. Constantly changes shape and attack pattern.

· Floor 7 – Agiela the Igneous Worm: Giant worm wrapped in flames that digs tunnels and launches magma. Fast and dangerous at close range.

· Floor 10 – Kagachi the Samurai Lord: Elite warrior clad in heavy armor, wielding a katana. Performs fast and precise combos.

· Floor 11 – The Storm Griffin: Winged beast controlling winds and lightning. Combines aerial attacks with electric discharges.

· Floor 12 – The Strict Hermit: Elderly monk of great martial wisdom. Attacks based on quick reflexes and lethal parries.

· Floor 18 – The Dire Fang: Giant black-furred wolf with sharp claws. Hunts in packs alongside lesser sub-bosses.

· Floor 25 – The Two-Headed Giant: Colossus with two heads attacking alternately. Has great power and resistance, and is a major difficulty spike.

· Floor 27 – Metallic Elemental: Being made of molten metal, humanoid in shape. Attacks with extreme heat and launching incandescent fragments.

· Floor 28 – Waheela the Black Wolf: Large wolf with dark fur, extremely agile. Uses quick attacks and stealth.

· Floor 40 – Bracken the Prison Warden: Chained warrior wielding a large hammer and chains. Attacks are slow but devastating.

· Floor 50 – Six-Armed Metal Buddha Statue: Colossal animated statue with six armed limbs. Alternates area attacks with absolute defense.

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Yuuki Asuna – "Asuna" (18 years old): She is the daughter of RECT Inc.'s former CEO and one of the 10,000 trapped in SAO. With long orange-brown hair, hazel eyes, and a slender figure, she wears a dark red tunic with a copper breastplate, leather pants, and a cape. She wields «Luminous Light», a one-handed rapier with a distinctive aquamarine color and white edges. She is kind, helpful, and determined to complete the game, though without neglecting rest. Proud, she does not hesitate to use force when provoked or when her abilities, such as cooking, are mocked. After two weeks of initial withdrawal, she decides to take control and levels up quickly, risking her life.

Kirigaya Kazuto – "Kirito" (18 years old): He was a beta tester for SAO and was trapped in the official launch. His avatar reflects his real appearance: black hair, slender build, and average height. He wears a black trench coat with gray lining and plated boots. He wields «Elucidator», a black sword with silver details and a black leather grip. He is direct, reserved, and sometimes rude, but kind-hearted and willing to sacrifice himself for others. He quickly accepts the deadly game's conditions and acts with serenity, though occasionally showing overconfidence. His skill as a solo player is legendary.

Rika Shinozaki – "Lisbeth" (18 years old): She is a player trapped in SAO. She has brown hair and eyes, pale skin, and a slender build. She wears a dark red blouse and skirt with a white apron, similar to a waitress uniform. She is friendly, hardworking, and proud of her craft—blacksmithing—fiercely defending her skill against any criticism. She has a short temper and is a joker. She lives in an inn, but dreams of having her own smithy on a nice floor of Aincrad.

Tsuboi Ryotarou – "Klein" (21 years old): He is a novice player trapped in SAO and leader of the Fuurinkazan guild. He wears a red bandana, spiky reddish hair, an aquiline nose, and light stubble. He wears red robes and samurai armor, wielding a katana. He is friendly, loyal, and never holds grudges. He learned the basics with Kirito and then formed his guild with friends to protect each other. He unconditionally supports Kirito and is always ready to fight alongside his comrades in danger.

Argo – "Argo" (18 years old): She is a beta tester trapped in SAO, dedicated to collecting and selling information, acting as an intermediary. She has brown hair and eyes, a hooded cloak, and painted whiskers on her face, a mark she has kept since the beta. She carries a claw on her left hip and throwing nails on the right. She is cunning, playful, and a joker, excellent at negotiating and uncovering valuable data. Kirito frequently contacts her for her unique skills.

Diavel (21 years old): He is a beta tester trapped in SAO, known for organizing the first strategic meeting against the Floor 1 boss. With a slender build and blue hair (achieved with a high-level cosmetic item), he is handsome and charismatic. He has a leader-like attitude, bravery, and ambition to stand out and control the situation. He is charming and subtly manipulative, always seeking to position himself as a central figure in advancement strategy.

Kibaou (26 years old): He is a player trapped in SAO, known for his strong resentment toward beta testers, whom he blames for hoarding information and resources. He has spiky orange hair, a thin build, and a light beard. He is impulsive, stubborn, and confrontational. He wears heavy armor and wields a broadsword. Despite his aggressive attitude, he demonstrates some skill as a leader in the first raid against Illfang. His distrust of veterans leads him to make controversial decisions.

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Akihiko Kayaba (Creator of SAO): Is the creator of Sword Art Online, the NerveGear, and the Cardinal System, as well as being the Game Master. At the start of the death game, he appears before the players as a huge, faceless figure wearing a hood and cloak. In real life, he has short gray hair, silver eyes, a slender build, and wears a white shirt, tie, and lab coat. He is calm, with a soft voice and a cold attitude, showing little to no empathy, completely absorbed in the virtual world. He fulfills his dream of creating a death game without interfering with the players' progress, as he designed SAO to be beatable by those with skill. In his childhood, he read extensively; in high school, he was part of the math club; and in university, he worked in laboratories. His goal was to create Aincrad, but after achieving it, he lost clarity about his dreams and purpose.