Fanfiction Collection + EPub Links

Plot: A hacker's life in the virtual world.

Pairing: OCxAsada

NOTE: This novel does not really focus on the Ancraid Arc, or the Phantom Bullet Arc... It's basically a prologue for the author's next novel: Virtual War

I do not own Sword Art Online or any of the characters.

Late Start

Michael lay on his bed, his NerveGear buzzing as it started. He was in the hospital, under orders from the Japanese government to attempt to aid in ending Sword Art Online. It wasn't that he didn't want to enjoy a virtual reality video game, he just doubted he'd be much use after a year and a half of the game playing. In addition, he'd be starting as level one. He doubted there were any players below twenty six by now.

He sighed, closing his eyes before suddenly he was standing in a field. As expected, his avatar looked exactly like himself with short brown hair than hung just past the tops of his ears, bright blue eyes, and an average five seven build. His avatar had a default one handed sword and shield, as per his choice, and would soon specialize in speed, endurance, and lock-picking.

"Whoa!" Someone behind him gasped and he spun, hand twitching but he resisted the urge to grab his sword, on account of being level one. "You're...you're new! You just joined didn't you?"

"Uh, yeah," Michael nodded. "I'm Michael. I...um...came looking for a friend."

"Oh I see," the man nodded. "Name's Klein. This is my guild, Fuurinkazan."

Klein wore red samurai armor without the helmet, with his guild wearing similar attire, and held a katana.

"You're not going to be finding anyone with that gear and level," Klein continued. "Here. This should give you a head start but you'll need to work hard to level up."

Michael nodded as his inventory appeared, showing he had gotten a suit of complete armor along with a sword and shield. Once he had them all equipped, he was wearing a weaker version of Klein's armor with a plain-looking long-sword, and a rectangular tower shield that was about half his height and completely black

"Thanks," Kurai smiled. "I appreciate it. So, I guess I'll be going now. Um, which way to the next floor?"

"Next floor?" Klein blinked. "Even with better equipment you can't just start jumping floors. You'll get yourself killed!"

"I'm on a tight schedule," Michael stated. "I need to get a lot stronger as fast as I can. The higher the floor, the faster I level up. Besides, higher levels drop better equipment."

"That's true," Klein nodded. "Alright. It's about a mile that way."

He pointed and Michael nodded turning and sprinting away, glad that the only way to expend energy in the game was to use abilities. As he ran, a group of three wolves appeared and moved to attack him. The first leapt and he ducked, slashing its stomach as he passed under it. Then, he stood and slashed the second along the side. The third sprinted forward but he drove his sword down through its head. He pulled the sword back out of the ground, the bodies having all exploded into data fragments, and continued on his way. After a few minutes, he reached the path and a few moments later was on the second floor. He continued through that floor in much the same way but being a bit more careful with the enemies. It soon became apparent that the armor and sword and shield he had raised him to the equivalent of a level fifteen player. He had to smile at that. After a couple of hours, he stopped on Floor 4, already having fought his way to level four and had gained a better sword. He didn't find any better armor and doubted he would for a while.

"This isn't fast enough," Michael sighed as he sat below a tree, staring at the sky.

"You've been here for like, three hours," Klein stated stepping out from behind the tree. "I'm shocked you made it here alive."

"Thanks to your gear," Michael smirked.

"Been to a city yet?" Klein questioned.

"Not yet no," Michael said shaking his head.

"Come on," Klein said gesturing for him to follow. "It's this way."

Michael followed and after a few minutes, and two fights, they reached the nearest city and began to explore. Klein began to talk about a restaurant he knew in the city but Michael had stopped at a smith's shop.

"You sure you want to buy that?" the smith asked. "It's going to take all your money."

"I know," Michael smiled. "I'll take it."

The smith shrugged and approved the sale and Michael switched to his new sword, a Queen's Knightsword.

"Wow," Klein blinked. "Lucky find. I didn't even know you could buy that. I figured it was a quest only item."

Michael shrugged then followed Klein to a restaurant and Klein treated him to dinner.

"You going to continue?" Klein asked.

"Yeah," Michael nodded.

"Alright," Klein sighed. "I know a guy who might sell you some stuff he has but doesn't need anymore. Hopefully it'll help. He may also be able to hook you up with a better smith."

Michael nodded and waved goodbye before turning to leave.

"Tell him to meet me on level six," Michael requested.

"Sure," Klein nodded. "See you around Michael. Good luck."