Scene 17

It's been an entire month since the day of the launch...

...and I still have no idea what we should do.

Um... I suppose I... I should apologize.

When I originally chose a male avatar... I didn't do it because I wanted to trick all of you... I've been feeling really bad about this the whole time.

Well I'm not the least bit offended. People do it all the time.

Yeah—it doesn't bother me either.. So you were having fun with your avatar!

Really? You're not mad?

That's such a relief...

One's conduct is what truly matters. And I admire anyone who is brave enough to go after Stella—regardless of their appearance.

Yeah, yeah, all is forgiven. But what do we do now? Any plans?

I have some ideas—for starters, I think it's in our best interest to get as strong as possible.

You...want to go on raids?

No—but the future's unclear. The stronger we are, the better we can protect ourselves.

From what? Who cares what's out there? As long as we just stay in town, we'll be safe.

You can't die inside the safe zone.

True—but what happens if Kayaba decides to remove the protective barrier on a whim?

What?! Are you saying that the monsters would be able to get in here?!

I said if he did it, not that he will!

Besides...monsters may be the least of our worries...this is a death game, remember?

You mean traps?

He means players.

Wait—I don't understand... You mean people might come and attack us?!

I know that sounds awful, but there are almost 10,000 other players in here with us. Desperation can drive people to do things they'd never do otherwise, like stealing—or even...

...you know.

Oh, I really can't take this anymore...

Don't worry, Saayu.

Huh?

We're a step ahead of everybody else.

Because we were a part of the beta testing. And that will be our saving grace.