Scene 68

Game Master

Attention, players. I welcome you to my world. My name is Akihiko Kayaba and, as of this moment, I am in control here.

Kayaba? That's the developer...

Game Master

I'm sure most of you have already noticed an item missing from your Main Menus: the logout button.

Game Master

Let me assure you, this is not a defect in the game.

Game Master

I repeat:

Game Master

This is not a defect. This is how Sword Art Online was designed to be. You cannot log yourselves out of SAO anymore.

What?! Is he serious?!

Game Master

And no one from the outside will be able to shut down or remove the NerveGear from your head.

Game Master

If anyone attempts to, a transmitter inside the NerveGear will discharge a microwave signal into your skull, destroying your brain and ending your life.

This can't be happening...

Game Master

Despite my warning, families and friends of some of your fellow players have attempted to remove the NerveGear anyway—an unfortunate and tragic decision.

Game Master

The game now has 213 less players than when it began. They've been deleted from both Aincrad and the real world.

Game Master

The news has already spread around the globe, reporting on the situation along with the deaths so far.

Game Master

At this point, it's safe to assume the likelihood of another NerveGear being removed is minimal at best.

Game Master

I hope this brings you some comfort as you try to clear the game.

Game Master

It's important to remember the following: there is no longer any way to revive someone within the game.

Game Master

If your HP drops to zero...

Game Master

...your avatar will be deleted from the system—forever. And the NerveGear will simultaneously destroy your brain.

Game Master

There is only one way for a player to escape now. You must defeat the boss on floor 100 and clear the game.

Game Master

And last, but not least...

Game Master

I've placed a little present in the item storage of every player. Please, have a look.