# Show
# M0 - Sword Art Online -FULLDIVE-
Source: [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GJWU29P73/sword-art-online--fulldive-)
Translator:
Editor:
Timer:
QC:
(Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.)
**[00:18] ---**
THE NAME OF THE CASTLE IS AINCRAD.
**[00:23] ---**
A WORLD OF SWORDS AND BATTLES, IT CONTINUES
TO FLOAT WITH 6,000 PEOPLE TRAPPED INSIDE.
**[00:30] ---**
IT IS ALSO KNOWN AS...
**[00:37] ---**
This castle is made up of numerous floors.
**[00:41] ---**
And on each floor you’ll find a town,
a forest, and a vast plain.
**[00:52] ---**
You climb up a long staircase between each floor
**[00:56] ---**
to find a palace at the very top.
**[01:03] ---**
And who would you find there?
**[01:08] ---**
I don’t know.
**[01:19] ---**
PRESS THIS BUTTON TO DISEMBARK
**[01:30] ---**
EVEN NOW, I STILL BELIEVE...
**[01:35] ---**
THAT THAT CASTLE STILL TRULY EXISTS.
**[01:53] ---**
Link Start!
**[03:59] ---**
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
AINCRAD FLOOR 50, MAIN CITY - ALGADE
**[04:24] ---**
All right, all right!
I’m getting up.
**[04:28] ---**
I’m getting up, okay?
**[04:35] ---**
Hey, it’s only 6:00 in the morning!
**[04:39] ---**
Did my alarm malfunction?
**[04:42] ---**
Huh?
**[04:44] ---**
No... That's right.
**[04:47] ---**
Today’s the day, huh?
**[04:56] ---**
My lodgings are in a back alley in Algade,
the main city on Floor 50 in Aincrad.
**[05:06] ---**
I get home every day at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m.,
**[05:11] ---**
head straight to bed,
get up at 8:50,
**[05:16] ---**
then get breakfast.
Lately, that’s been my daily routine.
**[05:23] ---**
But today of all days, the reason why
my alarm went off three hours early
**[05:28] ---**
wasn’t because of a system malfunction,
**[05:31] ---**
but because I’d set it to go off,
ages ago.
**[05:36] ---**
And that’s because today, September 30th,
just might be a special day.
**[05:45] ---**
Not for me, but for Asuna.
**[05:53] ---**
But the thing is...
I might also be wrong about that.
**[06:05] ---**
For now, I guess I’ll get breakfast.
**[06:26] ---**
I guess jewelry’s the go-to choice for presents?
**[06:32] ---**
But she probably has tons already.
**[06:36] ---**
Something more practical,
like a box of makeup items?
**[06:41] ---**
Or maybe I should just go with food?
**[06:48] ---**
It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other,
**[06:52] ---**
so giving her a present out
of the blue might put her on the spot.
**[06:57] ---**
We never really did that kind of thing,
even when we were a team.
**[07:04] ---**
You know what, maybe I’ll just head home
and catch some more z’s.
**[07:09] ---**
Whoa! Nearly had a heart attack!
**[07:13] ---**
Oh, it’s a text.
**[07:17] ---**
Who sends texts at this hour?
**[07:20] ---**
Hey... it’s from Asuna herself. Um...
**[07:27] ---**
“Morning, Kirito.
Wanna grab lunch together for a change?”
**[07:36] ---**
Well, no reason to turn that down, right?
**[07:41] ---**
“Sure, where should we go?”
**[07:50] ---**
“I found a place I want to try in
the MAIN CITY on Floor 42.”
**[07:55] ---**
“Does 11:30 at the Teleport Gate work for you?”
**[08:02] ---**
Is she just asking me to lunch?
**[08:05] ---**
Or... could this be an advanced mind game?
**[08:09] ---**
Oh, well, I’ll just say, “Roger that.”
**[08:17] ---**
It’s 6:30 right now,
so that gives me five hours, huh?
**[08:22] ---**
I’d better hurry if I’m going
to get her a present.
**[08:25] ---**
But first of all,
I’ve got to decide what to get her.
**[08:38] ---**
AINCRAD, FLOOR 61 MAIN CITY - SELMBURG
**[08:47] ---**
All right!
Phase 1, cleared!
**[08:52] ---**
Now I just have to figure out how to get
to Floor 42 without my bodyguards noticing.
**[08:58] ---**
Seriously, guild sub-leader or not,
**[09:03] ---**
keeping that security detail on me
on my days off is beyond overprotective!
**[09:08] ---**
They don’t have anyone guarding the commander.
**[09:10] ---**
Well, not that he ever leaves headquarters.
**[09:16] ---**
Let's disable
the guild member tracking function in settings.
**[09:22] ---**
And this house only has one exit, right?
**[09:26] ---**
What are the odds that he just happened
to oversleep today?
**[09:32] ---**
Zero, right?
**[09:34] ---**
Oh, boy, if I’d known this would happen,
**[09:38] ---**
I would’ve leveled up
my Hiding skills like Kirito.
**[09:43] ---**
No, wait, crying for the moon’s not going
to get me anywhere.
**[09:47] ---**
I’ve got to find a way to escape this room
by the time I’m supposed to meet him.
**[09:55] ---**
I could disguise myself in full plate armor...
**[09:59] ---**
...but one look at my cursor
and I’d be busted.
**[10:03] ---**
I could probably climb up
to the roof from my window,
**[10:06] ---**
but if my guard happened to look up,
it would be game over.
**[10:10] ---**
Ten seconds...
no, even five would do.
**[10:13] ---**
Can’t I somehow divert
my guard’s attention for that long?
**[10:17] ---**
Hmm...
**[10:26] ---**
AINCRAD, FLOOR 50 MAIN CITY - ALGADE
**[10:39] ---**
I think I’ve had enough of this bread!
**[10:42] ---**
Something like a moist, fluffy sandwich stuffed
with all kinds of fillings would be great.
**[10:48] ---**
No, wait, first things first. I’ve got to make up my mind
on what to give Asuna.
**[10:55] ---**
I guess I’ll look for something in Agil’s shop,
**[10:58] ---**
and if I find anything promising,
I’ll have him hold it for me.
**[11:06] ---**
Huh?
**[11:08] ---**
Hold up, it’s business hours,
but it’s closed?
**[11:11] ---**
I see a sign on the door.
**[11:14] ---**
Let’s see.
**[11:16] ---**
“The shop owner is out today,
so we’re temporarily closed”?
**[11:22] ---**
Are you kidding me?
Where did he go?
**[11:28] ---**
Well, between the Assault Team
and running his business,
**[11:33] ---**
Agil does seem busy every day.
**[11:36] ---**
Of course he’d want a day off once in a while.
**[11:40] ---**
Still, whose brain am I supposed
to pick now?
**[11:45] ---**
Klein... no, it would probably turn into a hassle.
**[11:50] ---**
Argo... would probably charge me
with a huge commission.
**[11:57] ---**
Silica... doesn’t even know Asuna, right?
**[12:02] ---**
Lisbeth... I think it would get awkward
if I asked her.
**[12:09] ---**
Who else...
**[12:17] ---**
Wait a second...
**[12:20] ---**
Do I have too few friends?
**[12:24] ---**
No, no... this is something
I should decide on by myself.
**[12:27] ---**
I mean, I’ve known Asuna for a long time.
**[12:29] ---**
If I just put my mind to it, I should be able
to come up with at least one thing!
**[12:34] ---**
Um, let’s see...
**[12:42] ---**
But it was from November, the year before last,
when SAO officially launched...
**[12:50] ---**
to March, the following year,
that Asuna and I were teamed up.
**[12:55] ---**
So just under five months.
**[12:58] ---**
Since we disbanded...
**[13:02] ---**
It’s been a year and eight months already, huh?
**[13:07] ---**
That day, if I’d...
**[13:13] ---**
No.
**[13:15] ---**
There’s no point in dwelling on that now.
**[13:24] ---**
AINCRAD, FLOOR 61 MAIN CITY - SELMBURG
**[13:35] ---**
It’s such an important day...
what am I doing?
**[13:40] ---**
If I’d known this was going to happen,
**[13:42] ---**
then I should’ve gotten brave last year,
and contacted...
**[13:45] ---**
No, before that, even.
On Floor 24.
**[13:57] ---**
Well, no use crying over spilt milk now, right?
**[14:00] ---**
Anyway, I’ve got to figure out what to do today.
**[14:03] ---**
To get up to the roof from my window unnoticed,
**[14:06] ---**
I’ll have to create some kind
of commotion in front of the house,
**[14:09] ---**
and divert my guard’s attention.
**[14:12] ---**
If we weren’t in the safe zone,
I could provoke some monsters, or toss a magic potion.
**[14:17] ---**
There’d be plenty of options.
**[14:20] ---**
But I can’t use those methods in town.
**[14:23] ---**
Maybe I could get in touch with someone,
and have them come here...
**[14:28] ---**
But then... how am I supposed
to explain what’s going on?
**[14:34] ---**
Seriously... next time I move,
I’m going to get a place with a back door!
**[14:40] ---**
Or maybe I could live deep inside a forest,
where nobody would ever find me.
**[14:45] ---**
Or else do the unexpected and go back
to the Town of Beginnings.
**[14:56] ---**
AINCRAD, FLOOR 50 MAIN CITY - ALGADE
**[15:04] ---**
Well, I bought up all kinds
of stuff at the NPC shop,
**[15:07] ---**
but nothing really seems right.
**[15:10] ---**
Here’s an assortment of beef jerky...
**[15:13] ---**
Some 10-shot fireworks...
**[15:16] ---**
This is a Kobold disguise set...
**[15:22] ---**
Why did I buy these things?
**[15:26] ---**
I mean, I don’t have a clue what Asuna’s into
right now, or what she’s interested in!
**[15:35] ---**
I need to start with some research.
**[15:42] ---**
So Asuna’s still at her place in Selmburg, huh?
**[15:47] ---**
All right, why don’t I head over
to her house now?
**[15:55] ---**
AINCRAD, FLOOR 61 MAIN CITY - SELMBURG
**[16:03] ---**
Why does leaving my own house
have to be such a headache?
**[16:08] ---**
Maybe I’ll just storm out the front door,
and race away at top speed?
**[16:13] ---**
They might give me an earful later,
but I can deal with that when it happens.
**[16:19] ---**
But what if I can’t make a clean getaway?
**[16:23] ---**
I’m pretty sure there aren’t that many people
who can catch up to me,
**[16:28] ---**
but I don’t really know much about that guard.
**[16:33] ---**
Well, I’m sure it can’t be easy,
standing around all day like that,
**[16:38] ---**
and I should be grateful to him for that.
**[16:42] ---**
Tomorrow, I’m going to ask the commander
to lay off the security unless I leave the safe zone.
**[16:49] ---**
Wait, what?
**[16:51] ---**
That guy in the black coat,
walking this way...
**[16:56] ---**
Wait, is that Kirito?
**[16:59] ---**
No way! What’s he doing here?
**[17:04] ---**
Don’t tell me he came here to pick me up?
**[17:09] ---**
No, hold on! If Kirito and my guard
run into each other, there’s going to be trouble.
**[17:13] ---**
I have to tell him to stay away
from the front of the house!
**[17:18] ---**
No, wait.
**[17:21] ---**
This just might be my chance!
**[17:26] ---**
Okay, so Asuna’s place is up there.
**[17:32] ---**
The house is gorgeous,
and there’s a vast lake.
**[17:37] ---**
What a far cry from my own place in Algade.
**[17:42] ---**
Hey, it’s from Asuna.
**[17:47] ---**
Huh?
**[17:48] ---**
“Make some kind of huge commotion right now,
and run for your life to the Teleport Gate!”
**[17:56] ---**
What’s she talking about?
**[17:58] ---**
Sounds like an emergency,
but seriously, huge commotion?
**[18:02] ---**
Let’s see... um... Hey, I got it!
**[18:05] ---**
I’ll use that thing I just bought!
**[18:10] ---**
I’ll set this up, then from the pop-up menu,
I’ll press "Detonate."
**[18:20] ---**
What’s that?
**[18:23] ---**
Fireworks?
**[18:26] ---**
Wow, awesome!
**[18:29] ---**
Why would he have fireworks,
though, I wonder?
**[18:33] ---**
No, I mean—
**[18:36] ---**
Whoops-a-daisy...
**[18:39] ---**
I’ve escaped!
**[18:47] ---**
AINCRAD, FLOOR 42, MAIN CITY TELEPORT GATE PLAZA
**[18:57] ---**
Uh...
**[18:59] ---**
Asuna... what was that all about just now?
**[19:03] ---**
Oh, it doesn’t really matter!
**[19:05] ---**
Anyway, Kirito, what were you doing in Selmburg?
**[19:10] ---**
Oh! Uh, well... actually... see...
**[19:20] ---**
I’ve been racking my brain all morning,
trying to think of a present for you,
**[19:27] ---**
but so far I’ve got nothing.
**[19:29] ---**
So I thought the only way would be
to ask you in person before hitting the shops.
**[19:34] ---**
What?
**[19:36] ---**
How did you know that
it’s my birthday today?
**[19:39] ---**
I don’t think I’ve ever told you, right?
**[19:42] ---**
Uh...
**[19:45] ---**
Okay, then. If you tell me
what that commotion was about just now,
**[19:51] ---**
I’ll answer your question.
**[19:52] ---**
Hmm...
**[19:57] ---**
See, there’s a bodyguard keeping
an eye on me in front of my house,
**[20:03] ---**
so I had you create a chance
for me to make my escape.
**[20:08] ---**
Right, I get it.
**[20:12] ---**
So life’s not easy even
for the vice commander of a major guild, huh?
**[20:15] ---**
Hey, but if you wanted to escape behind his back,
couldn’t you have used a Teleport Crystal in your room?
**[20:27] ---**
Um, um, um...
**[20:28] ---**
All right, so for your birthday,
I’m getting you a box of teleporting items!
**[20:34] ---**
I don’t want anything like that!
**[20:37] ---**
Listen, then is it okay if I pick something out?
**[20:41] ---**
W-Well, sure, if you could do that,
that would be the best option.
**[20:47] ---**
All right!
Then it’s settled!
**[20:49] ---**
So let’s head to Floor 47 before lunch!
I have a favorite shop there!
**[20:55] ---**
Right, you mean that shop, huh?
**[20:58] ---**
I think you said that
you and the manager go way back?
**[21:02] ---**
Right! She’s a very, very dear friend of mine.
**[21:22] ---**
APRIL 4, 2023
AINCRAD, FLOOR 4 - MAIN CITY ROVIA
**[21:42] ---**
That should do it for the shearing.
**[21:45] ---**
Hmm, the shape might be too complex.
**[21:50] ---**
But I’ve got to keep trying
to master these difficult outfits,
**[21:54] ---**
or I’ll never level up my sewing skill
or my own talent. That’s what Ley said.
**[22:01] ---**
Next up, the actual sewing.
**[22:03] ---**
Keep a firm hand
on the cloth with your left hand,
**[22:06] ---**
and use your right hand to stitch carefully,
but rhythmically.
**[22:12] ---**
Ouch!
**[22:15] ---**
Oh, no... I messed it up again.
**[22:20] ---**
I never thought that I was that clumsy.
**[22:24] ---**
Maybe I’m not cut out to be a tailor?
**[22:29] ---**
No... look at Asuna,
doing so great in her new guild.
**[22:34] ---**
I’ve got to give it my all, too!
**[22:47] ---**
Almost five months have gone by since
this death game started.
**[22:52] ---**
I’ve put down my weapons,
**[22:55] ---**
but Asuna and the Assault Team
have been clearing floor after floor,
**[23:01] ---**
and four days ago,
they took on the Floor 25 Boss.
**[23:07] ---**
Although the raid was successful,
the toll was also heavy,
**[23:11] ---**
leaving one of the two leading front line guilds,
the Aincrad Liberation Army,
**[23:18] ---**
more or less decimated.
**[23:22] ---**
Even as many of the players succumb
to a growing sense of doom,
**[23:27] ---**
Asuna has been trapped to serve
as the vice commander of a new guild,
**[23:33] ---**
the Knights of the Blood Oath, who seem to be thriving
and unfazed by the pressure.
**[23:38] ---**
I wish I could say something to encourage her,
**[23:40] ---**
but as someone who’s fled the front lines,
I probably have no right to.
**[23:51] ---**
This is my last piece of material,
so I can’t afford to mess it up.
**[23:56] ---**
Focus... Focus!
**[23:59] ---**
Whoa!
**[24:01] ---**
Thank goodness I hadn’t started shearing yet.
**[24:05] ---**
But who could it be, at this hour?
**[24:12] ---**
Who’s there?
**[24:14] ---**
Mito? It’s me.
**[24:17] ---**
What? Asuna?
**[24:24] ---**
Hey, you’re soaked.
Come on inside.
**[24:38] ---**
Here’s a towel.
**[24:39] ---**
Dry yourself off with that.
**[24:41] ---**
I’ll dry your hair for you.
**[24:43] ---**
Thanks. You haven’t changed, huh, Mito?
**[24:48] ---**
You think so?
I feel like I’ve changed quite a lot.
**[24:53] ---**
I don’t think that’s true.
**[24:55] ---**
The way you dote on me like you’re doing now...
it’s just like old times.
**[25:01] ---**
Asuna, is something the matter?
**[25:06] ---**
No... Nothing’s the matter.
**[25:09] ---**
I just stopped by because
I was in the neighborhood.
**[25:12] ---**
I guess I’m bothering you,
dropping by at this hour.
**[25:15] ---**
Not at all.
You’re always welcome here, Asuna.
**[25:19] ---**
I’ll go make some tea, so go get warm
in front of the fireplace.
**[25:23] ---**
Okay.
**[25:36] ---**
Here you go.
**[25:38] ---**
Thanks.
Thank you for the tea.
**[25:46] ---**
Mito. You’re really working
on your sewing skills, huh?
**[25:51] ---**
Well, yeah. Not that I’m getting any better at it.
I might not be cut out for it.
**[25:56] ---**
I wouldn’t say that!
**[25:58] ---**
I’ve been trying all this time, too,
but I can’t make anything this intricate.
**[26:03] ---**
You’re really amazing, Mito.
**[26:09] ---**
Sorry... Asuna.
**[26:12] ---**
You’ve been battling so hard on
the front lines, whereas I’m...
**[26:19] ---**
Listen, Mito.
**[26:22] ---**
I just dissolved my longtime party,
and joined a new guild...
**[26:29] ---**
And it just hit me again.
**[26:34] ---**
That it’s not just the Assault Team players who
are battling in this world...
**[26:39] ---**
That all the merchants,
the craftspeople...
**[26:42] ---**
So many people are supporting
the Assault Team.
**[26:48] ---**
All your hard work right now...
it’s linked right back to the front lines.
**[26:56] ---**
Right.
Thanks, Asuna.
**[27:02] ---**
I promise you...
**[27:04] ---**
That I’ll become the best tailor
in all of Aincrad!
**[27:08] ---**
That’s what I like to hear!
**[27:10] ---**
Let me know as soon as you open your shop.
**[27:16] ---**
Well, then, I’ll be going now.
**[27:19] ---**
Thanks for the tea.
**[27:22] ---**
Sure.
**[27:23] ---**
Good luck, Asuna.
**[28:06] ---**
*Somehow you and I are still lying here*
**[28:15] ---**
*Like we can never get enough of gazing at the sky*
**[28:21] ---**
*When was the last time that we stood up?*
**[28:30] ---**
*Far, far away,
someone is calling us*
**[28:41] ---**
*Far off in the distance*
**[28:46] ---**
*Hurry—take flight right now
with the intuition from your heart*
**[28:51] ---**
*All my troubles shattering before your cheers*
**[28:56] ---**
*Farther, higher and higher
Boldly looking straight up*
**[29:01] ---**
*Towards the tomorrow that no one else can see*
**[29:19] ---**
*Why do I feel it again,
outside my body*
**[29:28] ---**
*This heartbeat that puts me on edge*
**[29:35] ---**
*Looks like we can still fly—see?*
**[29:44] ---**
*I tore my heart in two
to make them look like wings*
**[29:54] ---**
*I believe*
**[29:59] ---**
*Hurry—listen to your imaginary heartbeat singing*
**[30:04] ---**
*Hurry—I’m devastated and feel like
I’m going to disappear*
**[30:09] ---**
*Be strong and go higher
Boldly flapping your wings*
**[30:14] ---**
*Towards the tomorrow
that no one else can see*
**[30:32] ---**
*I used to walk this path alone*
**[30:37] ---**
*And that should’ve been enough for me*
**[30:42] ---**
*But now there are two sounds instead of one*
**[30:55] ---**
*Hurry—take flight right now
with the intuition from your heart*
**[31:00] ---**
*Higher in the sky with you,
soaring past that sun*
**[31:05] ---**
*Farther, higher and higher
Boldly looking straight up*
**[31:10] ---**
*The two of us are heading beyond the clouds*
**[31:36] ---**
*The feelings I’ve been hiding
are crying out in pain*
**[31:42] ---**
*Holding a sure promise in my hand*
**[31:57] ---**
*Seeking only a miracle, I wander
through an endless darkness*
**[32:08] ---**
*If I stay here, I won’t
ever see the future again*
**[32:19] ---**
*Tonight the moon summons me again.
Though I still cannot speak,*
**[32:24] ---**
*I keep crying out in my heart*
**[32:29] ---**
*The feelings I’ve been hiding
are crying out in pain*
**[32:34] ---**
*Holding a sure promise in my hand*
**[32:39] ---**
*If I can be stronger a bit,*
**[32:45] ---**
*I will go beyond
this sky right in front of me*
**[32:53] ---**
*I will reach out towards
the future ahead of me*
**[33:08] ---**
*An honest voice echoes,
a throbbing heart rings loudly*
**[33:19] ---**
*I will look for the dreams
hidden in the map you drew*
**[33:29] ---**
*The light that illuminates the rift
between the clouds*
**[33:32] ---**
*This pain that dimly runs through my body*
**[33:35] ---**
*If I could fly through that sky again*
**[33:40] ---**
*A perfectly clear world
that spreads eternally far and wide*
**[33:45] ---**
*I squint my eyes in the brightness of it all*
**[33:50] ---**
*Holding this believable strength to my heart*
**[33:56] ---**
*I will fly around
in this completely cloudless sky*
**[34:40] ---**
*I don't have anything to lose,
so I grasp tightly onto these shaking fingers*
**[34:46] ---**
*I will sear your innocent,
smiling face into my mind*
**[34:53] ---**
*If I could grasp
the end of an endless episode,*
**[34:58] ---**
*Those memories with you
are the present*
**[35:04] ---**
*Let's connect and color those
fragmented youthful days of ours*
**[35:09] ---**
*It will lead us to the path of our hearts
that we imagined together*
**[35:14] ---**
*The feelings I’ve been hiding
are crying out in pain*
**[35:19] ---**
*Holding a sure promise in my hand*
**[35:24] ---**
*If I can be stronger a bit*
**[35:30] ---**
*I will go beyond this sky
right in front of me*
**[35:38] ---**
*I will reach out
towards the future ahead of me*
**[36:27] ---**
*Without a second thought, right now
Take aim at this paradox-ridden world*
**[36:34] ---**
*And fire with your own two hands*
**[36:50] ---**
*Thanks to the warmth of your falling tears*
**[36:55] ---**
*I thought that I’d realize what kindness was*
**[37:01] ---**
*So why do we keep hurting each other*
**[37:07] ---**
*And create even more hatred?*
**[37:13] ---**
*If this pain that grates on me
The strength that I’ve discovered*
**[37:19] ---**
*Will someday gently envelop the future*
**[37:26] ---**
*Without a second thought, right now
Take aim at this paradox-ridden world*
**[37:33] ---**
*And fire with your own two hands*
**[37:37] ---**
*Take this sorrow
Drenched with red tears*
**[37:44] ---**
*And embrace it tenderly, so tenderly*
**[37:49] ---**
*So that these blasts ringing out
Will be transformed into the sounds of a new beginning*
**[38:05] ---**
*Distorted noise reverberates through the air*
**[38:11] ---**
*Memories that flare up in my mind*
**[38:17] ---**
*Even if I stand motionless
wishing for change*
**[38:22] ---**
*Not a single thing will change*
**[38:29] ---**
*This quavering heart
is definitely moving to and fro*
**[38:35] ---**
*Before these blue sparkling flames disappear*
**[38:42] ---**
*Without a dreaded thought, right now,*
**[38:45] ---**
*Release that scared past version of you
with your own two hands*
**[38:53] ---**
*Believe in tomorrow and break down that door
that's become rusted shut*
**[39:05] ---**
*Those feelings that you summoned
will tear this silent darkness apart*
**[39:39] ---**
*Shooting stars twinkle in the sky*
**[39:42] ---**
*The world will be reborn into a new order*
**[39:45] ---**
*Only if you saw the beginning of the night sky*
**[39:51] ---**
*Without a second thought, right now,*
**[39:54] ---**
*take aim at this paradox-ridden world,
and fire with your own two hands*
**[40:02] ---**
*Take this sorrow,
drenched with red tears*
**[40:09] ---**
*And embrace it tenderly,
so tenderly*
**[40:15] ---**
*So that these blasts ringing out will be
transformed into the sounds of a new beginning*
**[40:45] ---**
OCTOBER 4, 2024
AINCRAD, FLOOR 47, MAIN CITY LINDAS
**[41:02] ---**
Yeah, it’s slow every day at this time.
**[41:06] ---**
All of the Combat Class players
have left the safe zone,
**[41:10] ---**
so what else should you expect?
**[41:15] ---**
Maybe I’ll close shop in the afternoon,
and use the time to gather materials.
**[41:25] ---**
It’s already been six months since
I opened my own shop here in Lindas.
**[41:32] ---**
Business has been good,
and I’ve paid back all my loans,
**[41:36] ---**
but lately, I’m starting to wonder
if I should continue being a blacksmith here.
**[41:45] ---**
It’s probably because I’ve already
mastered every blacksmith skill,
**[41:50] ---**
and so there’s no more room
for improvement as a weapons craftsman.
**[41:54] ---**
Of course there’s no way
that I can switch to Combat Class now,
**[41:59] ---**
and it’s not like I have the will to start training
from scratch in another production skill.
**[42:04] ---**
To be honest,
**[42:06] ---**
back when I was working like crazy
every single day towards my goal...
**[42:10] ---**
I kind of miss those days.
**[42:17] ---**
Not going there!
I’m still only 17!
**[42:20] ---**
I shouldn't sound so world-weary.
**[42:24] ---**
I’ve got to find a new purpose.
**[42:27] ---**
Like moving to a bigger site?
**[42:31] ---**
But I do really like this place.
**[42:35] ---**
Maybe I’ll open a branch on a higher floor?
**[42:38] ---**
Just thinking about that is a pain in the butt!
**[42:45] ---**
Maybe I’ll get a cat or something.
**[42:48] ---**
But do I need Taming Skills for that?
**[42:54] ---**
Oh... welcome to my shop!
**[42:57] ---**
Um... hello!
**[43:00] ---**
Is it okay if I bring my pet with me?
**[43:02] ---**
Sure, it’s okay!
**[43:04] ---**
As long as she doesn’t chew on the products.
**[43:07] ---**
She wouldn’t do anything like that!
Right, Pina?
**[43:14] ---**
My bad!
So what are you looking for?
**[43:20] ---**
Um, I’d like to get a new dagger.
**[43:24] ---**
I was told that I could get something
custom-made at this shop.
**[43:29] ---**
Oh, yes, I can do that.
**[43:31] ---**
It will set you back just a little bit more
than the ready-made products.
**[43:35] ---**
Of course it will, right?
**[43:39] ---**
No need to worry!
If you’re here thanks to a referral,
**[43:43] ---**
I’ll accept payments in installments
on your first order.
**[43:47] ---**
By the way,
who sent you my way?
**[43:50] ---**
Uh, that would be Kirito of the Assault Team.
**[43:55] ---**
Huh?
**[43:57] ---**
Um... is that bad?
**[44:00] ---**
N-No, not at all!
**[44:03] ---**
I was just a little startled, that’s all.
**[44:05] ---**
That guy, no, I mean that person’s
never referred anyone here before, so...
**[44:12] ---**
Really?
**[44:16] ---**
Kirito couldn’t praise you enough, you know.
**[44:19] ---**
He said you were one of the top three
blacksmiths in all of Aincrad.
**[44:24] ---**
That makes me wonder who the other two are.
**[44:27] ---**
No, wait, what I mean is... uh...
Well, in that case, you’re more than welcome!
**[44:32] ---**
Let’s start over. I’m the owner of this shop, Lisbeth!
Nice to meet you!
**[44:37] ---**
My name is Silica.
It’s so nice to meet you!
**[44:52] ---**
There you go!
It’s hot, so be careful.
**[44:56] ---**
Thank you very much!
**[44:58] ---**
All right, you can go on drinking your tea,
but would you mind answering some questions?
**[45:03] ---**
Because when I get a custom job,
**[45:05] ---**
I want to know as much about
my client as I can.
**[45:07] ---**
Uh, are you like, screening me, then?
**[45:12] ---**
No, no, I’m not!
**[45:13] ---**
This isn’t a big shot shop or anything.
**[45:16] ---**
Um... a while ago, a certain customer...
well, actually, it was Kirito...
**[45:25] ---**
When he first came in here,
**[45:27] ---**
he said, “I want the best sword you
can make right now.” That was his order!
**[45:32] ---**
I was really on a roll at the time,
so I didn’t think I needed to actually make one.
**[45:38] ---**
So I handed him
the most expensive one on display.
**[45:43] ---**
But when he tested it out,
just like that, the sword snapped!
**[45:47] ---**
W-Wow... Did Kirito pay for that sword?
**[45:52] ---**
No way could I have accepted it.
It was too embarrassing!
**[45:56] ---**
Well, a lot of things happened after that.
**[46:01] ---**
But anyway, ever since then, I always make sure
to really listen to my customers,
**[46:08] ---**
and try to make the best possible weapon for them.
**[46:11] ---**
Needless to say, I can’t fall short on specs,
and neither can I be excessive.
**[46:17] ---**
I totally understand!
Ask me anything!
**[46:21] ---**
Okay, then let’s get started.
**[46:23] ---**
Let’s see, first off, how do you know
that guy... I mean Kirito?
**[46:31] ---**
Huh? D-Does that have anything
to do with weapons?
**[46:35] ---**
Sure it does!
**[46:36] ---**
Are you sure about that?
**[46:39] ---**
Um... put simply, he saved my life.
**[46:45] ---**
Mine, and Pina’s.
**[46:50] ---**
O-Oh... Is that right?
**[46:54] ---**
And this dagger that I’m using now?
Kirito gave it to me.
**[47:00] ---**
I was really planning to keep using
it forever as I leveled it up.
**[47:06] ---**
But after more than six months’ use,
I reached its limit.
**[47:11] ---**
I see. Do you mind if I pick it up?
**[47:15] ---**
Of course not!
**[47:22] ---**
Ebon Dagger plus seven.
**[47:26] ---**
It’s a great dagger that’s been well taken care of.
**[47:30] ---**
But you’re right,
its Durability’s just about maxed out.
**[47:35] ---**
You know what, Silica?
**[47:37] ---**
I can make you a totally new dagger,
of course,
**[47:40] ---**
but I can also forge a new one by reducing
your Ebon Dagger to an ingot,
**[47:45] ---**
and blending it with other materials.
**[47:48] ---**
Whichever you prefer. It’s up to you.
**[47:54] ---**
Instead of letting it languish like a souvenir
in the back of my storage space,
**[48:01] ---**
I think that being reborn into
a new dagger would make it happier, too.
**[48:06] ---**
Is that right?
Yeah... I feel the same way!
**[48:11] ---**
Also, thank you, Silica,
for coming to my shop.
**[48:16] ---**
Huh? Why are you thanking me?
**[48:20] ---**
Thanks to you, I think I can remember
something I’d forgotten.
**[48:25] ---**
Now then, let’s go to my workshop!
**[48:27] ---**
I think I can make a great dagger.
I’m bursting with ideas!
**[48:31] ---**
Can’t wait to put my skills to use!
**[48:33] ---**
Hey, wait up, Lisbeth!
**[48:47] ---**
One month after our first meeting,
Sword Art Online was cleared,
**[48:53] ---**
and the 6,000 surviving players
were released.
**[48:57] ---**
But it’s not like our friendship disappeared.
**[49:02] ---**
And neither did our battle end.
**[49:10] ---**
NOVEMBER 24, 2025
REAL WORLD - AQUA-LINE
**[49:28] ---**
But really, how unusual...
I mean, isn’t this the first time?
**[49:33] ---**
That you ever asked me to hang out with you?
**[49:36] ---**
That can’t be right!
**[49:38] ---**
How many meals did we share in Aincrad?
**[49:41] ---**
Not to mention
all the places we went to in Alfheim?
**[49:43] ---**
But all that happened on the other side.
**[49:45] ---**
Virtual, real, what’s the difference?
That’s what Kirito said!
**[49:50] ---**
Then what are we doing today?
**[49:53] ---**
Oh, whatever.
**[49:55] ---**
It’s our day off, after all.
Let’s have some fun!
**[49:58] ---**
That’s what I like to hear!
**[50:10] ---**
Let’s see...
**[50:13] ---**
I know! Why don’t I play some music?
**[50:20] ---**
Sorry. Let’s not listen to jazz.
**[50:23] ---**
Huh?
**[50:25] ---**
Aren’t you into jazz?
**[50:26] ---**
I don’t mind listening to it in my own shop.
**[50:29] ---**
But hearing it elsewhere
makes me feel like I’m at work.
**[50:34] ---**
Hey, my bad, then!
**[50:37] ---**
All right, in that case, how about this album?
**[50:43] ---**
No, why don’t we do this one?
**[50:45] ---**
Forget the music.
Talk to me about yourself.
**[50:50] ---**
Isn’t there something you wanted
to pick my brain about?
**[50:52] ---**
- Huh?
- Hey!
**[50:54] ---**
Keep your eyes on the road!
**[50:55] ---**
Whoa, whoa, whoa...
**[50:58] ---**
Oh, crap.
**[51:01] ---**
So you’re onto me, huh?
**[51:03] ---**
How long do you think I’ve been working
in the service industry?
**[51:06] ---**
So, why did you come to me instead of Kirito?
**[51:12] ---**
Hey, while you’re at it,
take another guess.
**[51:15] ---**
Man, how lazy is that?
**[51:17] ---**
Huh!
**[51:19] ---**
Since you went out of your way to ask me here
in the real world, it has to be reality-based.
**[51:23] ---**
And since you’re consulting me,
it must be a grown-up thing.
**[51:28] ---**
In other words,
woman-related or work-related.
**[51:31] ---**
Hey, atta boy, Agil!
You’re right on the money so far!
**[51:35] ---**
And using the process of elimination,
let me guess, it’s work-related, right?
**[51:38] ---**
Hey! Why’d you discard the woman option?
**[51:42] ---**
Did I guess right?
Or did I guess wrong?
**[51:46] ---**
You guessed right!
**[51:49] ---**
So? What did you want to talk about?
**[51:55] ---**
Let’s see, where should I begin?
**[52:00] ---**
Look, man, you know that I work
for a trading company, right?
**[52:05] ---**
Yeah. It’s a company that imports
promising goods from overseas,
**[52:09] ---**
then sells them on its web site
and online malls, right?
**[52:11] ---**
You got that right.
**[52:13] ---**
Well, lately we’ve been doing
cross-border e-commerce, too.
**[52:17] ---**
Hey, right. I’ll be getting a haul
of fab coffee beans soon,
**[52:22] ---**
so how about serving them in your cafe?
**[52:23] ---**
Hey! Don’t tell me you asked me here
to give me a sales pitch!
**[52:27] ---**
Oh, crap.
Oh, man, I can’t help myself!
**[52:34] ---**
So now I’m gonna get down to business.
**[52:39] ---**
The thing is, a senior employee in my department
is going to quit and start his own business.
**[52:47] ---**
And he’s asked me to join him.
**[52:50] ---**
Oh. Well, there’s nothing wrong with that, right?
**[52:54] ---**
Doesn’t it mean that he really trusts you?
**[52:56] ---**
Well, that might be the case, but...
**[53:00] ---**
In other words, you’re struggling over whether
to follow him, or to stay with your company.
**[53:07] ---**
That’s right.
**[53:09] ---**
This guy’s an amazing buyer,
**[53:12] ---**
so if I go with him,
I’ll get to learn a lot firsthand,
**[53:14] ---**
and I think I’ll get to try out some cool things.
**[53:19] ---**
But the thing is, I owe the CEO
of my company big time, so...
**[53:27] ---**
You’re talking about how he waited two years
for you to get back, until the end of the SAO incident?
**[53:33] ---**
Yeah.
**[53:34] ---**
Not to mention,
he gave me full disability benefits, too.
**[53:39] ---**
It’s not a debt I can repay after just
a year or two of working.
**[53:44] ---**
I don’t know what I’m gonna do.
**[53:48] ---**
I see. So you’re stuck between duty
and sentiment, huh?
**[53:53] ---**
Hey, man... Which would you choose?
**[53:56] ---**
It’s not like I know your CEO or your friend,
so I can’t draw any conclusions yet.
**[54:04] ---**
But I do have some thoughts.
**[54:10] ---**
Just like you, I was trapped inside Aincrad
for two whole years.
**[54:17] ---**
But after six months or so,
I’d given up on the Dicey Cafe.
**[54:23] ---**
I’d just opened it,
and I was in debt,
**[54:26] ---**
so no matter how you sliced it,
I was in no shape to hire any staff.
**[54:31] ---**
But the whole time I was away...
**[54:35] ---**
my wife did everything she could
to keep the cafe going by herself.
**[54:41] ---**
The day I was done with rehab
and got discharged,
**[54:43] ---**
and when I got out of that taxi and saw
the cafe just like it was when I left...
**[54:49] ---**
I admit that I got all choked up.
**[54:52] ---**
That was when I made up my mind.
**[54:57] ---**
To live the rest of my life trying
to pay my wife and those other guys back.
**[55:04] ---**
Other guys?
Oh, you mean Asuna and Kirito, huh?
**[55:10] ---**
Hey, it’s embarrassing,
so don’t tell them.
**[55:13] ---**
I swear I won’t say a word!
**[55:14] ---**
I’m in the same boat as you.
**[55:17] ---**
Well, in my case,
sure I’m grateful to those guys,
**[55:22] ---**
but more than that, it’s awesome
to be around them, you know?
**[55:26] ---**
I mean, I feel like at least half
the reason I slave away every day
**[55:30] ---**
is so I can have a great time
whooping it up with those guys.
**[55:34] ---**
Hey. Looks like you have your answer already.
**[55:38] ---**
Huh?
**[55:40] ---**
What are you talking about?
**[55:41] ---**
You know, the best time for you is when you’re
hanging out with Kirito and Asuna, right?
**[55:50] ---**
So you’ve got to cherish those times.
**[55:55] ---**
Do that, and you won’t have any regrets,
whether you stay or go.
**[56:01] ---**
Hey... I get it.
You’re right!
**[56:09] ---**
All right, my mind’s made up!
I’m glad I talked to you.
**[56:13] ---**
Hey, thanks, man.
**[56:15] ---**
Don’t mention it.
**[56:17] ---**
Oh, and about my consulting fee...
**[56:19] ---**
Sell me those fab coffee beans
you mentioned at a dirt-cheap price.
**[56:23] ---**
Huh? Don’t be unreasonable now!
**[56:27] ---**
I’ll buy you dinner at the Umihotaru, okay?
**[56:30] ---**
Guess that’ll have to do.
We have a deal, then.
**[56:34] ---**
All right!
**[56:35] ---**
Hey, it’s right up ahead!
**[56:52] ---**
APRIL 19, 2026
ALO NEW AINCRAD, FLOOR 22
**[57:04] ---**
Um... “elsewhere” means “a different place”...
**[57:09] ---**
and “premises” means “assumptions”?
**[57:12] ---**
The assumptions of a different place...
What does that mean?
**[57:19] ---**
Morning, Leafa!
You’re up early.
**[57:22] ---**
Oh, hey, Sinon! Good morning!
Your timing’s perfect!
**[57:27] ---**
Huh? For what?
**[57:29] ---**
This part here...
I’m not sure what it means.
**[57:34] ---**
Perfect timing?
For you, you mean!
**[57:40] ---**
Translating long sentences, huh?
**[57:43] ---**
Oh, right, this is “on the premises,”
which means inside the shop, or on the property.
**[57:51] ---**
Oh, I see!
So that would make it...
**[57:55] ---**
“I think Tom is elsewhere on the premises.”
**[58:01] ---**
Thank you so much, Sinon!
**[58:03] ---**
You’re welcome.
**[58:05] ---**
But I have to give you props.
**[58:07] ---**
Your birthday party is this afternoon,
but here you are, studying so early.
**[58:14] ---**
Well, that’s why I’m here!
**[58:16] ---**
I couldn’t enjoy the party 100%
if I had any homework left over!
**[58:21] ---**
Right, I hear you.
**[58:23] ---**
Then I’ll try not to disturb you.
**[58:26] ---**
Guess I’ll go on ahead to the party.
**[58:29] ---**
Hey, hold up a second!
**[58:31] ---**
I need to ask you one more thing!
**[58:32] ---**
That’s what I thought you’d say.
**[58:35] ---**
Oh, no, it’s not actually about homework!
It’s this...
**[58:43] ---**
Career survey?
What about it?
**[58:48] ---**
Um, I have to turn this in by tomorrow, too,
but I’ve been wondering what to put down.
**[58:55] ---**
So I thought if I could get some input from you...
**[59:00] ---**
What? Hey, come on...
**[59:03] ---**
Listen, Leafa,
I’m in the same grade as you.
**[59:07] ---**
And your birthday’s four months earlier
than mine, okay?
**[59:14] ---**
I’ve told you that you don’t need
to speak to me as if I were older.
**[59:19] ---**
Well, you do have a point there.
**[59:21] ---**
But you just seem like a big sister,
for some reason.
**[59:25] ---**
You’re way more grounded than I am!
**[59:28] ---**
I wouldn’t say that.
**[59:30] ---**
Well, never mind that.
**[59:34] ---**
I’m kind of surprised that you’d
be struggling over your future path.
**[59:39] ---**
I always thought you’d
continue kendo in college.
**[59:44] ---**
Right, that’s what I was going to write, too,
**[59:48] ---**
but then I started thinking about
what I was going to do after that.
**[59:51] ---**
After that?
**[59:53] ---**
You mean after you graduate college?
**[59:57] ---**
Aren’t there all kinds of ways that you could
keep playing kendo while you’re working?
**[1:00:02] ---**
Yes. A lot of companies have corporate teams,
**[1:00:07] ---**
and there are teams in the public sector, too.
**[1:00:09] ---**
But right now, I’m training hard with the school team
to win the interscholastic championships,
**[1:00:17] ---**
but I’m wondering if I can still be this motivated
in college, or as an adult.
**[1:00:24] ---**
To be honest, I think I’ve probably been a kendo
player for so long not because I want to win,
**[1:00:30] ---**
but just because I enjoy doing it.
**[1:00:34] ---**
And that’s not enough for you?
**[1:00:36] ---**
Doing something because you enjoy it sounds like
the purest kind of motivation to me.
**[1:00:42] ---**
Well, I think it’s enough, too, for now.
**[1:00:46] ---**
But if I get into a school or get
a job thanks to a scholarship,
**[1:00:50] ---**
I’ll be expected to produce good results, right?
**[1:00:54] ---**
I’m not sure that I can keep playing
if it starts giving me more pain than joy,
**[1:01:02] ---**
so how can I decide on
a future path just like that?
**[1:01:07] ---**
Um... Can I be honest with you?
**[1:01:12] ---**
P-Please go ahead.
**[1:01:15] ---**
I had no idea that you were so serious
about your future path, Leafa,
**[1:01:20] ---**
so I’m a little shocked.
**[1:01:22] ---**
I knew you’d say that to me.
**[1:01:26] ---**
Sorry, sorry.
**[1:01:29] ---**
Hmm...
**[1:01:31] ---**
I know you’re consulting me and all,
but unfortunately, I don’t think I can really help.
**[1:01:38] ---**
I still only have the haziest idea
about my own future.
**[1:01:44] ---**
Would you mind telling me about it?
**[1:01:48] ---**
Let’s see...
**[1:01:52] ---**
Okay, then.
**[1:01:54] ---**
I’m going to tell you, Leafa,
but please don’t tell the others yet.
**[1:02:02] ---**
I’m thinking of maybe becoming a police officer.
**[1:02:09] ---**
What?
**[1:02:11] ---**
I don’t think it’s bizarre enough
to warrant that reaction.
**[1:02:15] ---**
I-It isn’t... but...
**[1:02:18] ---**
IRL, you seem like such a bookworm,
**[1:02:22] ---**
so I thought you’d be going on to be a writer,
or an editor, or something like that.
**[1:02:29] ---**
I do like books, but I don’t
want that to be my career.
**[1:02:33] ---**
So why do you want to be a police officer?
**[1:02:36] ---**
There are several reasons,
**[1:02:40] ---**
but it’s mainly because during
that Death Gun incident last year,
**[1:02:44] ---**
there was a female detective
who really looked out for me.
**[1:02:49] ---**
Even though she was gentle, the way
she held herself and moved was so cool.
**[1:02:54] ---**
And I thought she was great.
**[1:03:00] ---**
I know it’s a childish reason.
**[1:03:02] ---**
I don’t think so.
It’s a great motive.
**[1:03:06] ---**
A police officer, huh?
Yeah, it’s a perfect fit for you, Sinon.
**[1:03:12] ---**
Didn’t you just call me a nerd?
**[1:03:15] ---**
I-I never said that, no way!
**[1:03:18] ---**
Well, if I were to give you any advice,
**[1:03:22] ---**
I’d say that it’s okay for you
to not take it too seriously right now.
**[1:03:28] ---**
We’re still juniors, after all, so I’m sure we still have
a lot of experiences and encounters in store.
**[1:03:35] ---**
Yes, you’re right.
**[1:03:38] ---**
Okay, for my first choice,
I’m putting down college,
**[1:03:43] ---**
and for my second choice,
I’m going to write “police officer” too!
**[1:03:47] ---**
Now you’re not taking it seriously enough!
**[1:03:50] ---**
And my third choice will be “VRMMO geek.”
**[1:03:54] ---**
Hey! Don’t come crying to me
if you get into trouble!
**[1:03:58] ---**
That last one was just a joke.
**[1:04:01] ---**
Thank you so much for your advice, Sinon.
**[1:04:06] ---**
And I’m not kidding when I say
I think you’ll make a great police officer.
**[1:04:12] ---**
Thanks.
**[1:04:15] ---**
Hey, look at the time!
**[1:04:17] ---**
Everyone’s probably getting ready
for the party, so I’ll be going now.
**[1:04:22] ---**
You’re the guest of honor,
so be sure to come right on time.
**[1:04:27] ---**
Roger that!
**[1:04:29] ---**
Okay, see you later.
**[1:04:39] ---**
All right, let me get
this homework out of the way!
**[1:04:42] ---**
Whoops, first I need to fill in
this career survey.
**[1:04:48] ---**
My third choice is...
**[1:04:51] ---**
To reopen our kendo school with my brother.
**[1:04:57] ---**
Just kidding!
**[1:04:59] ---**
Oh, well, I guess I can stop
at my second choice.
**[1:05:06] ---**
All right, I’m going to work hard
on both kendo and my studies.
**[1:05:12] ---**
If I don’t stop hemming and hawing,
Yuuki will get mad at me!
**[1:05:44] ---**
*Higher and higher,
I reach out my arms*
**[1:05:51] ---**
*“Surely, surely...”
I’ll wish for it once again*
**[1:06:12] ---**
*These endless feelings were
swallowed up into my daily life*
**[1:06:20] ---**
*Swaying as they
change shape yet again*
**[1:06:27] ---**
*Still, I look for the meaning of life
in this world*
**[1:06:34] ---**
*Lost and stopping in my tracks,
I hurt and cry*
**[1:06:41] ---**
*Is it too late now?
I ask myself but receive no answer*
**[1:06:48] ---**
*It’s all up to me now,
both the ending and the beginning*
**[1:06:56] ---**
*Higher and higher,
I reach out my arms*
**[1:07:03] ---**
*I’m going to spread my wings
and head towards that gentle light*
**[1:07:10] ---**
*Carrying the passion
I’ve lit in my heart*
**[1:07:17] ---**
*“Surely, surely...”
I’ll wish for it once again*
**[1:07:38] ---**
*I pretend I don't notice this throbbing beat*
**[1:07:45] ---**
*Somehow I've gotten better
at bluffing my smile*
**[1:07:53] ---**
*That future filled with hope*
**[1:07:56] ---**
*I have painted a countless number of times*
**[1:08:00] ---**
*Despite my wishes,
the color has faded yet again*
**[1:08:07] ---**
*Stronger and stronger,
I grasp these hands*
**[1:08:14] ---**
*Even if it could be
considered fate solved fleetingly*
**[1:08:22] ---**
*These sound memories left in my heart*
**[1:08:29] ---**
*"Forever and ever"
...We'll be intertwined*
**[1:08:36] ---**
*I cannot feel and touch with my senses*
**[1:08:40] ---**
*A distance so close yet so far*
**[1:08:43] ---**
*Even if I bridged that gap
All I see is a blurry sky...*
**[1:09:05] ---**
*Higher and higher, I reach out my arms*
**[1:09:12] ---**
*I’m going to spread my wings
and head towards that gentle light*
**[1:09:19] ---**
*Carrying the passion I’ve lit in my heart*
**[1:09:26] ---**
*“Surely, surely”
...I’ll wish for it again and again*
**[1:10:02] ---**
*Stronger… Yes, that's what I wished,
to become stronger*
**[1:10:10] ---**
*Overcoming my grief*
**[1:10:28] ---**
*I’ve turned my back so many times
On the past that will never change*
**[1:10:36] ---**
*Hiding the scars
I can never show anyone, all the while*
**[1:10:43] ---**
*I will embrace all this pain
that has started flooding through me*
**[1:10:50] ---**
*If it's a warmth that will one day vanish
Then I don't need any of it*
**[1:10:58] ---**
*Stronger… Yes, that's what I wished,
to become stronger*
**[1:11:06] ---**
*Like a lonely star racing across the darkness*
**[1:11:12] ---**
*Sunk so deep inside my heart,
I’m so weak and fragile*
**[1:11:20] ---**
*I can’t put it into words, or even call out*
**[1:11:27] ---**
*So that nobody will ever find me…
I'm just waiting for the light*
**[1:11:49] ---**
*Ever since I felt you that day*
**[1:11:53] ---**
*I embraced you,
as if I was trying to assure myself*
**[1:11:56] ---**
*With arms gently extended*
**[1:11:59] ---**
*In this wide and expanding landscape*
**[1:12:04] ---**
*The warm gaze of your eyes*
**[1:12:07] ---**
*Gently move my heart*
**[1:12:11] ---**
*The feelings I lost that day*
**[1:12:14] ---**
*Are tinged with a passion*
**[1:12:18] ---**
*Far, far away*
**[1:12:21] ---**
*Yeah, I want my wishes to travel far away*
**[1:12:26] ---**
*I swear on the flames
that well up in my heart*
**[1:12:33] ---**
*Those memories submerged
deep into my heart will one day*
**[1:12:41] ---**
*Change tomorrow, just like a beam of light*
**[1:12:48] ---**
*Forever and in this place
I will wait for that bright future*
**[1:13:10] ---**
*Those memories of us laughing together
in the strong winds*
**[1:13:17] ---**
*Lifts my spirits and gives me courage*
**[1:13:24] ---**
*The pain ahead, the scars I try to hide*
**[1:13:30] ---**
*Will change and yield to strength*
**[1:13:34] ---**
*I am no longer afraid of anything*
**[1:14:00] ---**
*Stronger… Yes, that's what I wished,
to become stronger*
**[1:14:08] ---**
*Like a twinkling star
illuminating the darkness*
**[1:14:15] ---**
*I swore to protect you
as you awaken from a sea of tears*
**[1:14:23] ---**
*Until we reach that day, overcome your grief*
**[1:14:30] ---**
*I will always believe in
this throbbing beat at the beginning*
**[1:15:02] ---**
Thank you very much!
I’m Haruna Luna!
**[1:15:16] ---**
MARCH 11, 2026
**[1:15:36] ---**
So this is my 100th letter to Big Sis, huh?
**[1:15:42] ---**
I only just realized this,
**[1:15:46] ---**
but since I’m recording my voice inside
a virtual room,
**[1:15:49] ---**
and sending it to Big Sis’s address,
**[1:15:52] ---**
these might not be letters,
but voicemails, right?
**[1:15:57] ---**
But they’re taken on envelope form,
so why not call them letters?
**[1:16:03] ---**
I’ve got so much to discuss today
that I don’t know where to begin.
**[1:16:09] ---**
But I guess I should start with the trip?
**[1:16:13] ---**
From last Saturday to yesterday,
I was in Kyoto with Asuna and the others.
**[1:16:20] ---**
Of course, it was all online for me,
**[1:16:23] ---**
but Kirito modified my probe,
**[1:16:26] ---**
so it was like I was all tiny
and sitting on Asuna’s shoulder.
**[1:16:31] ---**
Just like I was actually there.
**[1:16:36] ---**
Since it was my first time ever in Kyoto,
**[1:16:39] ---**
I had a great time everywhere I went.
**[1:16:42] ---**
The Kiyomizu stage was bigger than I thought,
so it made my heart pound a little.
**[1:16:47] ---**
I’m used to flying way higher than that in ALO,
so I’m not sure why!
**[1:16:56] ---**
I guess the one disappointing thing
**[1:16:58] ---**
was watching the video
when Asuna and the others were eating.
**[1:17:05] ---**
Vegetable tempura and steamed egg custard...
**[1:17:09] ---**
It all looked delicious!
**[1:17:11] ---**
I shared the videos with Siune and the others, too,
and they were all in an uproar.
**[1:17:17] ---**
But Asuna promised to recreate
those Kyoto dishes in ALO,
**[1:17:23] ---**
so I’ll let you know how it went.
**[1:17:27] ---**
Asuna’s relatives put us up for the night.
**[1:17:31] ---**
What an unbelievable mansion!
**[1:17:35] ---**
I was so shocked to see how big
the first room they showed us to was
**[1:17:39] ---**
only to find out that it was an outbuilding.
**[1:17:40] ---**
The main house was like an Asuka Empire palace!
**[1:17:45] ---**
I bet we would’ve had a blast
if we’d played hide-and-seek there.
**[1:17:49] ---**
Oh, wait. But if you get lost in there,
you might never escape.
**[1:17:54] ---**
And the bath was like a hot spring.
**[1:17:57] ---**
Since it would’ve fogged up my probe,
I couldn’t soak with Asuna and the girls,
**[1:18:03] ---**
but when she saw me looking envious,
Asuna said,
**[1:18:06] ---**
“The bathtub in Aincrad that I only got
to soak in once in a while was way better!”
**[1:18:13] ---**
Oh, and by Aincrad,
I don’t mean the one floating in Alfheim,
**[1:18:18] ---**
but the original one where SAO was set.
**[1:18:23] ---**
Seeing Asuna’s eyes when she was talking about that
reminded me of Merida.
**[1:18:32] ---**
I remember what Merida said before
we founded the Sleeping Knights.
**[1:18:38] ---**
That she wanted to go to Aincrad one more time...
**[1:18:42] ---**
to discover why she was born in this world.
**[1:18:49] ---**
The truth is, I’d been thinking the same thing
for the longest, longest time.
**[1:18:57] ---**
For what reason do I exist in this world?
**[1:19:02] ---**
So I understood how Merida felt,
**[1:19:07] ---**
and I wondered what I would’ve done
if I’d been trapped inside SAO.
**[1:19:14] ---**
But Asuna, Silica, Liz, and Kirito...
**[1:19:19] ---**
They all fought for two years in a world where
dying even once would mean death for real.
**[1:19:24] ---**
But they survived,
and came back to the real world, right?
**[1:19:29] ---**
I’m sure that they went through
terrifying experiences over and over,
**[1:19:33] ---**
and there must’ve been times when
the despair and fear almost crushed them.
**[1:19:38] ---**
In a sense, Asuna and the others were
even closer to death than I was at that time.
**[1:19:46] ---**
In a place where they didn’t have time
to even think about the meaning of their lives...
**[1:19:51] ---**
For two whole years...
**[1:19:55] ---**
And it must’ve been so hard
for them even after they came back.
**[1:20:00] ---**
But they’re all so kind and cheerful,
**[1:20:04] ---**
and they take such good care of us.
**[1:20:09] ---**
Now that I’ve spent some time with them,
I’m finally starting to understand.
**[1:20:16] ---**
That it’s not about what kind of world you’re in.
**[1:20:20] ---**
It’s all about what you have right now.
**[1:20:26] ---**
Instead of lamenting what you’ve lost,
it’s all about what you have.
**[1:20:32] ---**
Even if there’s no meaning, the time...
**[1:20:37] ---**
The time that you,
Merida, Clovis, and I lived...
**[1:20:44] ---**
Sorry, I don’t know how to put it into words.
**[1:20:53] ---**
I miss you... Big Sis.
**[1:20:58] ---**
There’s so much I want to talk to you about!
**[1:21:02] ---**
So much...
**[1:21:06] ---**
There’s just so much.
**[1:21:14] ---**
I know that it’ll make you mad
to hear me say this,
**[1:21:17] ---**
but I think I’ll be seeing you soon,
in the not-so-distant future.
**[1:21:23] ---**
So let’s chat up a storm then, okay?
**[1:21:28] ---**
I’ll tell you more about my trip
to Kyoto in my next letter.
**[1:21:34] ---**
All right, till next time...
**[1:21:38] ---**
Good night, Big Sis.
**[1:34:21] ---**
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to SAO FULLDIVE.
Thank you so much for coming today.
**[1:34:27] ---**
Please stay with us to the end,
**[1:34:30] ---**
and enjoy every minute of this memorable,
lavish event to the fullest.
**[1:34:35] ---**
I hope you have a good time.
**[1:34:45] ---**
And now, we’d like to perform this song next.
**[1:34:48] ---**
“Luminous Sword.”
**[1:44:53] ---**
*You will get it one day*
**[1:45:11] ---**
*We don't know yet
Where we can go*
**[1:45:18] ---**
*Spread these newly-born wings*
**[1:45:24] ---**
*And fly higher and stronger into the sky*
**[1:45:30] ---**
*That sense of yearning
will always be with you*
**[1:45:40] ---**
*Go far away,
where those shining stars lead you*
**[1:45:47] ---**
*You'll get there faster than anybody else*
**[1:45:53] ---**
*Find that hidden light
The world hides in its hands*
**[1:45:59] ---**
*And show it for all to see*
**[1:46:05] ---**
*Right now*
**[1:47:05] ---**
*The things we gave up on*
**[1:47:08] ---**
*Let us stop*
**[1:47:11] ---**
*Endlessly
Looking back on our past*
**[1:47:18] ---**
*Stand on that hill that looks so far away*
**[1:47:24] ---**
*You will get that sense of yearning one day*
**[1:47:34] ---**
*Stars unseen*
**[1:47:37] ---**
*Call for you at daybreak*
**[1:47:40] ---**
*Let us embark into a new world*
**[1:47:46] ---**
*Let the beginning of a dream*
**[1:47:50] ---**
*Take part in your song*
**[1:47:53] ---**
*And show this miracle for all to see*
**[1:47:59] ---**
*Right now*
**[1:48:47] ---**
APRIL 10, HE 380
NORTH CENTORIA IMPERIAL SWORDCRAFT ACADEMY
ELITE DISCIPLE’S DORMITORY
**[1:49:00] ---**
Uh, a little more to the right.
**[1:49:03] ---**
Forward another five sen...
**[1:49:05] ---**
Yes! Right there!
**[1:49:11] ---**
Ouch, ouch. My back.
**[1:49:16] ---**
This chest weighs a ton.
**[1:49:19] ---**
That’s why I told you to take
the drawers out first.
**[1:49:23] ---**
It’s because you were lazy.
**[1:49:24] ---**
Yeah, yeah.
**[1:49:26] ---**
Still, spring cleaning or not, don’t you think moving
all the furniture’s kind of overkill?
**[1:49:32] ---**
We’re going to be living here
for the next year,
**[1:49:36] ---**
so we’ll be more comfortable
if we get everything clean from the start.
**[1:49:39] ---**
Come on,
we’re moving the sofa back next.
**[1:49:42] ---**
And don’t drag it, okay?
**[1:49:44] ---**
Sure, sure. Copy that!
**[1:49:46] ---**
Elite Disciple,
Lord Eugeo!
**[1:49:49] ---**
Come on...
**[1:49:51] ---**
Three, two...
**[1:50:00] ---**
Okay, we’re done cleaning
the living room, huh?
**[1:50:05] ---**
All that’s left to do is our bedrooms.
**[1:50:08] ---**
Do you want to tackle each room together?
**[1:50:10] ---**
No, let’s do it separately.
**[1:50:11] ---**
Well, make sure you move your furniture,
and scrub every inch of the floor, okay?
**[1:50:16] ---**
I’ll do it, I’ll do it.
**[1:50:19] ---**
Then I’ll see you later.
**[1:50:22] ---**
Sure.
**[1:50:26] ---**
Hey, that reminds me.
**[1:50:31] ---**
Kirito, before you start cleaning,
take your bedclothes and...
**[1:50:36] ---**
Wait, what?
He’s not here!
**[1:50:41] ---**
That Kirito... Don’t tell me he left
through the window?
**[1:50:46] ---**
Seriously. Next week we’re supposed
to select our pages.
**[1:50:57] ---**
So you can see the Central Cathedral
from this room?
**[1:51:04] ---**
Alice is somewhere inside that tower.
**[1:51:09] ---**
We took two years to finally make it this far,
**[1:51:12] ---**
but to think that we have to study here
another year, become First Sword,
**[1:51:16] ---**
and win the Unification Tournament,
**[1:51:19] ---**
or else we can never go there.
**[1:51:29] ---**
I promised Selka.
**[1:51:34] ---**
That I’d come back to Rulid Village
with Alice, no matter what.
**[1:51:40] ---**
So I’ve got to get stronger... and stronger...
**[1:51:55] ---**
Eugeo? Hey, wake up, Eugeo!
**[1:52:00] ---**
Yeah... yeah...
**[1:52:07] ---**
Oh. Hey, so I fell asleep, huh?
**[1:52:11] ---**
Sorry, Kirito.
For using your bed.
**[1:52:14] ---**
Hey, that’s totally fine.
**[1:52:17] ---**
But you’ll catch a cold if you sleep like that.
**[1:52:20] ---**
Get under the covers if you’re going to sleep.
**[1:52:23] ---**
No, I’m getting up.
Gotta finish cleaning before dinner.
**[1:52:30] ---**
Hey, I just remembered.
**[1:52:32] ---**
Kirito, where did you go when
you snuck out of your room?
**[1:52:36] ---**
I’m not saying you can’t go out,
but at least tell me, all right?
**[1:52:41] ---**
My bad, my bad. I just remembered
an errand I had to run.
**[1:52:46] ---**
Hey, forget that. Let’s get back to cleaning!
**[1:52:51] ---**
Okay.
**[1:52:53] ---**
Huh? Wait...
**[1:52:56] ---**
This smell...
**[1:53:00] ---**
I think you’re just imagining things.
**[1:53:03] ---**
Would you mind stepping aside?
Elite Disciple, Lord Kirito?
**[1:53:11] ---**
Yes, sir.
**[1:53:16] ---**
This is... I knew it!
**[1:53:20] ---**
Honey pies from the Jumping Deer restaurant!
So you’d gone off to buy these, right?
**[1:53:24] ---**
Yes, sir.
**[1:53:26] ---**
And you bought so many of them!
**[1:53:29] ---**
Were you going to eat these behind my back?
**[1:53:32] ---**
No, no, I wasn’t going to do anything like that!
**[1:53:35] ---**
Then why did you hide them in your cupboard?
**[1:53:37] ---**
Because... well... I wanted to surprise you.
**[1:53:44] ---**
Huh?
**[1:53:45] ---**
What I’m saying is,
those are all for you, Eugeo.
**[1:53:51] ---**
What?
**[1:53:52] ---**
Because today’s April 10th, right?
**[1:53:56] ---**
April 10th...
**[1:54:00] ---**
Oh, that’s right, it’s my birthday.
**[1:54:06] ---**
I really wanted to get you something
a little more appropriate,
**[1:54:10] ---**
but I just couldn’t come up
with anything that felt right.
**[1:54:14] ---**
Remember you said the other day that
you wished you could stuff yourself with honey pies?
**[1:54:24] ---**
Yeah. I did say that.
**[1:54:26] ---**
But I never thought it would come
to pass this soon.
**[1:54:31] ---**
I’ll get you a more decent gift next year,
so just settle for these pies this year, all right?
**[1:54:36] ---**
Hey, no, I’m really happy with it.
**[1:54:40] ---**
Thanks, Kirito.
**[1:54:43] ---**
I’ll go make some tea,
so let’s have them in the living room.
**[1:54:46] ---**
Huh? Don’t we have to clean?
**[1:54:49] ---**
It’s fine. Let’s pick it up again tomorrow.
**[1:54:52] ---**
You’re hungry, too, aren’t you?
**[1:54:55] ---**
You better believe it!
**[1:54:56] ---**
I feel like I should praise myself
for not snacking on them on the way home.
**[1:55:01] ---**
Good job, good job.
**[1:55:02] ---**
No wonder you’re an Elite Disciple,
Rank 6!
**[1:55:06] ---**
Right?
**[1:55:29] ---**
OCTOBER 2ND, 2026
REAL WORLD - RATH ROPPONGI BRANCH
**[1:56:05] ---**
Almost three months will have passed since I,
Alice Synthesis Thirty,
**[1:56:11] ---**
began living in the real world.
**[1:56:18] ---**
I’m finally starting to get used to this world,
so different in every way from the Underworld...
**[1:56:28] ---**
But it seems like it will be a long time
before I feel that I belong here.
**[1:56:37] ---**
The hardest part about being here
isn’t the fact that I’m unable to go out freely...
**[1:56:42] ---**
nor is it the fact that I can’t arm
myself with my sword.
**[1:56:46] ---**
Rather, it’s the vast difference between my own body
and those of the people of the real world.
**[1:56:55] ---**
The fact that no matter how tightly you may hold
a steel body with no blood running in its veins...
**[1:57:05] ---**
you can’t feel even the slightest warmth.
**[1:57:23] ---**
Good evening, Ms. Alice.
**[1:57:26] ---**
Yui! What are you doing here?
**[1:57:29] ---**
Um... Well, I could see you in
that camera over there.
**[1:57:36] ---**
Oh, I see.
So you were worried about me?
**[1:57:43] ---**
Don’t worry.
I’m not going to jump off or anything.
**[1:57:47] ---**
I just wanted to feel the night breeze.
**[1:57:50] ---**
Oh, I see!
Sorry to bother you, then!
**[1:57:56] ---**
There’s no need to apologize.
**[1:57:58] ---**
I was just thinking it would be nice
to have someone to talk to.
**[1:58:03] ---**
Still, Yui, I have to ask. Do you always
check multiple cameras at the same time?
**[1:58:10] ---**
Well, Daddy and the others are all at home now,
so that makes 79 cameras.
**[1:58:17] ---**
But when they all go out,
sometimes it goes up to a thousand.
**[1:58:24] ---**
That many?
That’s a lot of work for you!
**[1:58:27] ---**
Not really. It’s the sub-system
that’s doing all the actual checking.
**[1:58:35] ---**
And besides, since I wasn’t able
to prevent Johnny Black from attacking Daddy...
**[1:58:44] ---**
I want to do everything I can
to make sure it never happens again.
**[1:58:52] ---**
You’re so strong, Yui.
**[1:58:55] ---**
I wish I could appoint you as an Integrity Knight.
**[1:58:59] ---**
But I don’t have a physical body, so...
**[1:59:05] ---**
That’s right. You don’t, do you?
**[1:59:10] ---**
Yui?
**[1:59:12] ---**
This may sound rude
asking you this
**[1:59:15] ---**
but have you ever felt anxiety or fear over being
a different kind of entity than Kirito, Asuna, and the others?
**[1:59:25] ---**
Of course I have, Ms. Alice.
**[1:59:29] ---**
Using various resources,
I’ve attempted to adjust my fragility
**[1:59:35] ---**
stemming from the self-recognition
that I’m an AI... artificial intelligence.
**[1:59:45] ---**
As of now, I’ve fixed 98.2 percent
of all known issues,
**[1:59:52] ---**
but no matter how much time I spend on this,
**[1:59:55] ---**
there’s always going to be too much fragility,
that is, fear for me to deal with.
**[2:00:03] ---**
So long as I’m an AI,
I’ll always have the fear
**[2:00:07] ---**
that one day, inevitably, I’ll have
to bid Daddy and Mommy farewell.
**[2:00:15] ---**
Is that because Kirito and Asuna have Lives...
**[2:00:21] ---**
No, in this world it’s called lifespans, right?
**[2:00:26] ---**
Their lifespans are limited.
Is that what you mean?
**[2:00:30] ---**
Yes. Unless there are several major breakthroughs
in the life sciences field,
**[2:00:39] ---**
there will always be a limit on
the human lifespan.
**[2:00:44] ---**
If I lose Daddy and Mommy,
the errors will pile up
**[2:00:49] ---**
and if I’m unable to fix them, I’ll break down.
**[2:00:56] ---**
No, that would actually be like salvation for me,
**[2:01:00] ---**
but if I don’t end up breaking down,
**[2:01:03] ---**
my core program will undergo irreversible changes,
**[2:01:08] ---**
and there’s a chance that I’ll no longer be
the me who was loved by Daddy and Mommy.
**[2:01:15] ---**
That’s what’s so terrifying to me.
**[2:01:28] ---**
Yui.
**[2:01:30] ---**
You’re truly strong, and more than that,
you’re very kind.
**[2:01:37] ---**
What makes you think that?
**[2:01:42] ---**
The Pontifex, Administrator, the one who ruled
the Human Empire in the Underworld...
**[2:01:51] ---**
To deal with the degradation of her soul,
the price she paid for eternal life
**[2:01:55] ---**
that is to say, in order to deal with
the accumulation of errors,
**[2:02:00] ---**
she kept erasing most of her memories.
**[2:02:04] ---**
If you were to do the same thing,
you’d probably overcome your final fragility,
**[2:02:11] ---**
and then you could stabilize yourself indefinitely,
couldn’t you?
**[2:02:15] ---**
Yes. Probably.
**[2:02:19] ---**
But even as you’re tormented by
the fear of losing them,
**[2:02:24] ---**
you’re not erasing your memories of Kirito,
Asuna, Leafa, Sinon, and the others... nor of me.
**[2:02:33] ---**
So that you can always be with us, like this.
**[2:02:39] ---**
Unlike you, all I ever think about
is myself.
**[2:02:44] ---**
That’s not true!
**[2:02:48] ---**
The reason why I prioritize my time
with you over my own stability
**[2:02:55] ---**
is because I want to, that’s all.
**[2:02:59] ---**
Besides, Ms. Alice, in my eyes,
**[2:03:04] ---**
you’re actually my biggest, greatest hope.
**[2:03:10] ---**
What do you mean?
**[2:03:12] ---**
Ms. Alice, you’re the link between
the real world and the Underworld,
**[2:03:17] ---**
and between humans and AIs.
**[2:03:23] ---**
With you serving as the bridge between the two worlds,
between the two types of intelligence,
**[2:03:29] ---**
there’s going to be a massive upheaval one day,
**[2:03:32] ---**
and you’re going to remove my fears.
That’s what I believe.
**[2:03:41] ---**
I’m not all that you think I am.
**[2:03:46] ---**
At least, that’s what I’d normally say...
**[2:03:49] ---**
but I can’t let you down, can I?
**[2:03:53] ---**
Right now, I still don’t know what it is that I can do,
or what it is that I should do,
**[2:04:00] ---**
but I can at least promise you this.
**[2:04:03] ---**
I’ll always be by your side, too.
**[2:04:08] ---**
So if you’re ever going through a hard time,
or feeling sad, lean on me, all right?
**[2:04:17] ---**
Okay! Thank you so much, Ms. Alice.
**[2:04:28] ---**
It’s shimmering, and so beautiful.
**[2:04:33] ---**
The night views here in
the real world aren’t bad at all.
**[2:04:54] ---**
*Pride shimmering so strongly
it will never die out*
**[2:05:00] ---**
*And keep on resisting your fate*
**[2:05:14] ---**
*In a place where your voice can't reach me*
**[2:05:19] ---**
*No one ever told me about these twisted rules*
**[2:05:24] ---**
*What I wished for so hard as a child*
**[2:05:29] ---**
*The journey to seek out my dreams
has just begun*
**[2:05:35] ---**
*I don't need time to regret anything now*
**[2:05:40] ---**
*I'm going to smash every wall
that holds me back right now*
**[2:05:46] ---**
*Pride shimmering so strongly
it will never die out*
**[2:05:52] ---**
*My memories are unchanging,
no matter what kind of pain I encounter*
**[2:05:57] ---**
*Opening up my eyes,
carrying the vow that I discovered*
**[2:06:02] ---**
*I'll choose my path with the clearest eyes
Because it leads to you*
**[2:06:09] ---**
*Let your voice ring out*
**[2:06:13] ---**
*And keep on resisting your fate*
**[2:06:26] ---**
*Hold your breath and don't make a sound*
**[2:06:31] ---**
*I don't want to live in this unchanging future
that I keep glaring at*
**[2:06:37] ---**
*Pick up my torn heart*
**[2:06:42] ---**
*Jump into this sea of passion now*
**[2:06:52] ---**
*Pride that wants to answer my prayers
to a weakling like me*
**[2:06:58] ---**
*Even if I'm swallowed up by waves of loneliness,
these wishes will never change*
**[2:07:03] ---**
*Hold up those ideals,
embrace those hopes you found*
**[2:07:08] ---**
*I'll be able to reach your smiling face
in a tomorrow which has yet to come*
**[2:07:14] ---**
*Until your voice reaches me*
**[2:07:19] ---**
*Stick to your fate*
**[2:07:32] ---**
*Let's laugh and hold each other
as we shiver*
**[2:07:37] ---**
*I can continue singing
because you're here*
**[2:07:48] ---**
*Pride shimmering so strongly
it will never die out*
**[2:07:54] ---**
*My memories are unchanging,
no matter what kind of pain I encounter*
**[2:07:59] ---**
*Opening up my eyes,
carrying the vow that I discovered*
**[2:08:04] ---**
*I'll choose my path with the clearest eyes
Because it leads to you*
**[2:08:11] ---**
*Let your voice ring out*
**[2:08:15] ---**
*Break through the chains of adversity*
**[2:08:20] ---**
*And keep on resisting your fate*
**[2:08:25] ---**
*Proud of myself*
**[2:08:40] ---**
Thank you.
**[2:09:16] ---**
*So this is me, armor too heavy*
**[2:09:23] ---**
*A craven hero no longer able to walk*
**[2:09:29] ---**
*Wanting to be loved,
wanting to protect, the sword I swung*
**[2:09:36] ---**
*Has stabbed the hand held out to me,
and can't be pulled out*
**[2:09:41] ---**
*Still left unhealed, life goes on*
**[2:09:47] ---**
*Oh, everything turns to ash to ash*
**[2:09:50] ---**
*My life makes its way towards the distance*
**[2:09:54] ---**
*Dragging along the pain and sin
of having hurt you*
**[2:10:00] ---**
*And everything turns to dust to dust*
**[2:10:03] ---**
*When I fall and return to dust*
**[2:10:06] ---**
*At least let a tiny flower bloom, like this*
**[2:10:13] ---**
*forget-me-not*
**[2:10:21] ---**
*How do I escape the monsters in front of me?*
**[2:10:28] ---**
*A hero unable to face her fears,
she runs away*
**[2:10:34] ---**
*There are no edges on top of this star*
**[2:10:41] ---**
*Around and around,
I end up in the same place*
**[2:10:46] ---**
*But I repeat the same thing, life goes on*
**[2:10:52] ---**
*Oh everything turns to ash to ash*
**[2:10:55] ---**
*Life is about leaving my mark*
**[2:10:58] ---**
*Swallowed up by a fate that bares its fangs,
I disappeared*
**[2:11:05] ---**
*And everything turns to dust to dust*
**[2:11:08] ---**
*If those wheel tracks
that continue to run away*
**[2:11:11] ---**
*Turn into a path someone could walk*
**[2:11:18] ---**
*forget-me-not*
**[2:11:20] ---**
*Deep-sea fish that breathe*
**[2:11:24] ---**
*Birds that cannot fly well in the sky*
**[2:11:28] ---**
*I wonder where they're going*
**[2:11:32] ---**
*Even if I never encounter them*
**[2:11:36] ---**
*They're right there
And I'm happy with just that*
**[2:12:02] ---**
*My body turns into ash*
**[2:12:05] ---**
*My memories turn into dust*
**[2:12:08] ---**
*My life ends with no trace left in history*
**[2:12:15] ---**
*Still, I make my way towards the distance*
**[2:12:18] ---**
*Still, I look to leave my mark*
**[2:12:21] ---**
*I want to know why I'm alive
and leave some meaning before I die*
**[2:12:27] ---**
*Oh everything turns to ash to ash*
**[2:12:31] ---**
*My life makes its way towards the distance*
**[2:12:34] ---**
*Embracing the pain and sin
that do not disappear*
**[2:12:41] ---**
*And everything turns to dust to dust*
**[2:12:44] ---**
*When I fall and return to dust*
**[2:12:47] ---**
*At least let a tiny flower bloom, like this*
**[2:12:54] ---**
*forget-me-not*
**[2:13:00] ---**
*forget-me-not*
**[2:13:03] ---**
*forget-me-not*
**[2:13:08] ---**
*Ash to ash, dust to dust*
**[2:13:11] ---**
*forget-me-not*
**[2:13:19] ---**
Thank you.
**[2:13:30] ---**
*What color is the color of the soul?*
**[2:13:46] ---**
*"Better just let it remain broken"*
**[2:13:50] ---**
*To throw it away, run away*
**[2:13:53] ---**
*I'm not that strong, see*
**[2:13:56] ---**
*Once again my heart beats faster*
**[2:14:00] ---**
*What's right*
**[2:14:03] ---**
*I don't know*
**[2:14:07] ---**
*It's the things that have no shape*
**[2:14:12] ---**
*That become precious*
**[2:14:16] ---**
*Just an unadorned word*
**[2:14:21] ---**
*Become deeply united*
**[2:14:26] ---**
*Once again I'm stumbling, rolling
But still I won't break into pieces*
**[2:14:31] ---**
*What color is the color of the soul?*
**[2:14:36] ---**
*I'm just wounded, putting on a brave front
But I still want to find it*
**[2:14:41] ---**
*I'm confirming the shape of the soul*
**[2:14:57] ---**
*Down in the depths of the ground, I'm alone*
**[2:15:01] ---**
*Searching for a door and a key*
**[2:15:04] ---**
*It's a fairy tale, see*
**[2:15:07] ---**
*Everything disappears like bubbles*
**[2:15:10] ---**
*There's just emotional conflict
and residual images*
**[2:15:14] ---**
*Onto the next page*
**[2:15:17] ---**
*A stretching tree limb branches off*
**[2:15:22] ---**
*Each going off on its own path*
**[2:15:27] ---**
*Only these lonely memories*
**[2:15:32] ---**
*Firmly take root*
**[2:15:40] ---**
*Still, I'm stumbling, I'm losing
But still I won't be crushed*
**[2:15:45] ---**
*Where is my heart? Where is my caliber?*
**[2:15:50] ---**
*I'm just deserted and left out
But I still want to say something*
**[2:15:55] ---**
*Something about the lives of the soul,
the will of the soul*
**[2:15:59] ---**
*Forever and ever*
**[2:16:32] ---**
*What color is the color of the soul?*
**[2:16:42] ---**
*Is it red? Is it blue?*
**[2:16:52] ---**
*What color is the color of the soul?*
**[2:17:02] ---**
*In a clear yesterday,
in a murky tomorrow*
**[2:17:07] ---**
*As your soul is alive, what color are you?*
**[2:17:13] ---**
*Once again I'm stumbling, rolling
But still I won't break into pieces*
**[2:17:18] ---**
*What color is the color of the soul?*
**[2:17:23] ---**
*I'm just wounded, putting on a brave front
But I still want to find it*
**[2:17:28] ---**
*I'm confirming the shape of the soul*
**[2:17:32] ---**
*Forever and ever*
**[2:17:42] ---**
*Forever and ever*
**[2:17:55] ---**
Thank you very much.
**[2:18:26] ---**
*How many memories
did a long-lasting sleep make?*
**[2:18:37] ---**
*A person who embraces and lives
a life of overflowing sadness*
**[2:18:47] ---**
*You were so afraid
When you overcome the night*
**[2:18:57] ---**
*If only we were to meet again someday
In this kind world*
**[2:19:06] ---**
*Don't cry,
you're the loveliest of them all*
**[2:19:11] ---**
*Don't leave,
for tomorrow will be brighter than all*
**[2:19:17] ---**
*No matter how far apart we are*
**[2:19:22] ---**
*Our hearts will forever and ever
be connected*
**[2:19:32] ---**
*Our hearts are one*
**[2:19:39] ---**
*The ever-repeating seasons
add color to our lives*
**[2:19:50] ---**
*The days that have come to pass still shine*
**[2:20:00] ---**
*On those nights I couldn't fall asleep*
**[2:20:06] ---**
*I realize my heart is weak*
**[2:20:10] ---**
*But when I came face-to-face
with the reason for my tears*
**[2:20:17] ---**
*I knew I'd be able to laugh again one day*
**[2:20:23] ---**
*Things I never quit believing in*
**[2:20:29] ---**
*Honest warmth I never put out*
**[2:20:35] ---**
*Things I protected and things I lost*
**[2:20:40] ---**
*I held it all in my hand*
**[2:20:45] ---**
*Even if there are days
when we can't see the stars*
**[2:20:50] ---**
*Even if there are days
when the cold rain won't stop*
**[2:20:56] ---**
*All I have to do is close my eyes
To see you smile*
**[2:21:01] ---**
*With just your smile,
I can believe in any tomorrow that comes*
**[2:21:10] ---**
*Hey, no matter how much time
I think I have*
**[2:21:20] ---**
*There will never be enough,
there couldn't ever be enough*
**[2:21:26] ---**
*But I'm glad to have met you like this*
**[2:21:37] ---**
*Don't cry,
you're the loveliest of them all*
**[2:21:42] ---**
*Don't leave,
for tomorrow will be brighter than all*
**[2:21:48] ---**
*Things I protected and things I lost*
**[2:21:54] ---**
*I held it all in my hand*
**[2:21:59] ---**
*Even if there are days
when we can't see the stars*
**[2:22:04] ---**
*Even if there are days
when the cold rain won't stop*
**[2:22:10] ---**
*All I have to do is close my eyes
To see you smile*
**[2:22:15] ---**
*And our hearts will forever and ever
be connected*
**[2:22:26] ---**
*Our hearts are one*
**[2:23:08] ---**
OCTOBER 7TH, 2026
REAL WORLD - DICEY CAFE
**[2:23:30] ---**
Okay, for everyone here at our favorite Dicey Cafe,
**[2:23:35] ---**
we have drinks ready for you.
**[2:23:39] ---**
So please allow yours truly, Klein,
to get this started off with a speech!
**[2:23:44] ---**
Well, but I don’t want to go on and on by myself,
**[2:23:49] ---**
so why don’t we all take turns saying
a few words to Kirito?
**[2:23:55] ---**
Okay, I’ll start.
**[2:24:01] ---**
Looking back four years ago,
**[2:24:04] ---**
the day that I dove into Aincrad
for the first time
**[2:24:09] ---**
and there I was, in the middle
of that vast square in the Town of Beginnings,
**[2:24:13] ---**
not even sure where the weapons shop was—
**[2:24:16] ---**
Hey! That’s gonna be way more than a few words.
The food’ll get cold!
**[2:24:21] ---**
All right, all right!
Okay, long story short.
**[2:24:24] ---**
Kirito.
**[2:24:26] ---**
I had a blast doing all that stuff with you.
**[2:24:29] ---**
Let’s always be buddies.
Happy Birthday!
**[2:24:36] ---**
Um...
**[2:24:39] ---**
So much happened over the last four years,
**[2:24:42] ---**
but the first thing that I remember
is the first time you ever came to my shop.
**[2:24:49] ---**
When you snapped my most expensive sword in two,
I was like, “What the heck are you doing?”
**[2:24:57] ---**
I know that I’m still having fun as a blacksmith...
**[2:24:59] ---**
No, spending time in this VRMMO,
thanks to you that day.
**[2:25:09] ---**
But I am going to come after you
with my bill for that sword, with interest!
**[2:25:15] ---**
Happy birthday, Kirito!
**[2:25:22] ---**
Um... I remember the day I first met you, too.
**[2:25:30] ---**
When we were saying goodbye on Floor 35,
remember what you said to me?
**[2:25:36] ---**
“Next time, let’s meet in the real world.
Then we can be friends again.”
**[2:25:43] ---**
To be honest, at the time,
though I did hope that it would turn out that way,
**[2:25:47] ---**
I was just a little more convinced that
it would never actually happen.
**[2:25:54] ---**
But Kirito, you kept your promise.
**[2:25:59] ---**
Pina’s not here right now, but on behalf of her, too,
let me say this from the bottom of my heart.
**[2:26:06] ---**
Happy birthday, Kirito!
**[2:26:15] ---**
I was planning to be brief,
**[2:26:20] ---**
but then I’d seem callous,
so let me add on a bit.
**[2:26:27] ---**
In GGO, you fooled me
into thinking you were a girl.
**[2:26:34] ---**
In ALO, you grabbed my tail like crazy.
**[2:26:37] ---**
And in the real world,
you drove up to my school on your bike.
**[2:26:42] ---**
A lot of stuff happened, but overall,
I enjoyed it, and I’m grateful to you.
**[2:26:50] ---**
But some people are grumbling that our joint victory
**[2:26:53] ---**
in the third BoB was rigged, fixed, and so on.
**[2:26:59] ---**
So one of these days,
I hope you’ll let me settle the score.
**[2:27:04] ---**
Happy birthday, Kirito!
**[2:27:11] ---**
You know what, it’s kind of embarrassing
to congratulate you formally as my brother,
**[2:27:18] ---**
so I’ll be speaking to Kirito,
like everyone else.
**[2:27:21] ---**
Now that I think of it,
when I first met you,
**[2:27:26] ---**
you were saving me from
the Salamander PK unit.
**[2:27:30] ---**
Later on, when we were traveling together
from Swilvane to Alne,
**[2:27:35] ---**
you saved me again numerous times.
**[2:27:38] ---**
And you helped me realize all
these important things.
**[2:27:42] ---**
But you know that you also owe me big time!
**[2:27:46] ---**
So let’s call it even.
**[2:27:48] ---**
Happy birthday, Kirito!
**[2:27:55] ---**
Unlike the rest of you,
I actually saved Kirito in the Underworld.
**[2:28:02] ---**
Or so I’d like to say, but when we nearly
fell off the wall of the Central Cathedral,
**[2:28:11] ---**
you never once let go of my hand,
even as I struggled violently.
**[2:28:16] ---**
And you reasoned with me so patiently.
**[2:28:20] ---**
You called me an idiot eight times that day,
but I’ll let that go.
**[2:28:28] ---**
Those steam buns you shared with me
when we were resting on the terrace.
**[2:28:34] ---**
They were a little squashed,
but quite delicious.
**[2:28:40] ---**
Even now, I sometimes recall the taste
and warmth of those steam buns.
**[2:28:47] ---**
Kirito, happy birthday.
**[2:28:54] ---**
Hmm...
**[2:28:57] ---**
I was also planning to describe
the day I first met you.
**[2:29:02] ---**
My very first memory is of that day after
the Floor 1 Boss Raid...
**[2:29:08] ---**
when you took all the hatred
towards beta testers on yourself,
**[2:29:12] ---**
and walked up the stairs to Floor 2.
**[2:29:17] ---**
I know it’s way too late for this...
**[2:29:19] ---**
but sorry for not defending you then.
**[2:29:24] ---**
But right after you left,
**[2:29:27] ---**
I saw Asuna going after you.
**[2:29:31] ---**
And that made me think you guys
were going to be just fine.
**[2:29:38] ---**
If you can continue to stay happy together,
it’ll make me happy, too.
**[2:29:45] ---**
Happy 18th birthday, Kirito!
**[2:29:53] ---**
Uh... First off,
thanks for inviting me today.
**[2:29:59] ---**
After SAO, I never played another VRMMO,
**[2:30:04] ---**
so I haven’t seen those of you who patronized
my shop in Aincrad for a long time,
**[2:30:10] ---**
but I’m happy to see you after all this time.
**[2:30:13] ---**
I’m sure some of you don’t know this,
**[2:30:15] ---**
but that long black coat that Kirito wore
towards the end of SAO...
**[2:30:20] ---**
I’m the one who made it.
**[2:30:24] ---**
The dragon skin that he brought in
was ridiculously durable,
**[2:30:28] ---**
so it was a huge chore stitching it.
**[2:30:31] ---**
But it’s a fond memory for me now.
**[2:30:36] ---**
I’d like to say this on behalf of Yuna
and Ley, who couldn’t be here today.
**[2:30:42] ---**
Happy birthday, Kirito!
**[2:30:49] ---**
Happy birthday, Daddy!
**[2:30:54] ---**
I met you and Mommy in the forest
on Floor 22 in Aincrad.
**[2:31:02] ---**
Unfortunately, I’ve lost 90 percent
of the functions I had back then,
**[2:31:08] ---**
so my memory’s incomplete.
**[2:31:11] ---**
But I still remember that mustard-laden
sandwich I had with you.
**[2:31:20] ---**
You saved me, Daddy, from being destroyed
and then deleted from the server.
**[2:31:29] ---**
Thanks to you, I can be here now
with all of my loved ones.
**[2:31:36] ---**
From here on in...
**[2:31:42] ---**
From here on in, we’ll always be together, Daddy!
**[2:31:53] ---**
Since you’ve all described how you first met Kirito,
I thought I’d do the same.
**[2:32:00] ---**
But I think in the beginning,
I was really unlikable.
**[2:32:05] ---**
After you carried me outside
the tower when I’d collapsed in the Dungeon,
**[2:32:12] ---**
I said, “That was unnecessary,”
which I find mortifying now,
**[2:32:18] ---**
but since you told me that you saved me
because you wanted my map data,
**[2:32:23] ---**
I guess we’re even.
**[2:32:27] ---**
Ever since then, we’ve been to so many places,
had so many adventures...
**[2:32:33] ---**
Lots of fun times, sad times,
hard times, and happy times.
**[2:32:40] ---**
I hope that we can keep adding more
and more memories together.
**[2:32:47] ---**
Kirito, happy birthday!
**[2:32:57] ---**
All right, Kirito, time for your speech and toast.
Take it away!
**[2:33:05] ---**
Um... First of all, thanks, everybody,
for your birthday wishes.
**[2:33:12] ---**
If this were me in SAO, I’d probably be
so overcome with embarrassment
**[2:33:17] ---**
that I’d make a run for it midway through.
**[2:33:20] ---**
So I guess you could say that I’ve grown a bit!
**[2:33:25] ---**
Well, not that it’s sunk in yet
that I’m an adult now,
**[2:33:30] ---**
and I’m sure I’ll still get myself
into all kinds of trouble.
**[2:33:34] ---**
So if you could watch over me, yell at me,
or rescue me, that would be great.
**[2:33:44] ---**
All right, here’s hoping that we can have
a blast like this again next year,
**[2:33:48] ---**
and the year after that,
forever and ever.
**[2:33:54] ---**
Cheers!
**[2:33:55] ---**
Cheers!
**[2:34:18] ---**
That night, I had a strange dream.
**[2:34:23] ---**
That night, I had a strange dream.
**[2:34:34] ---**
Where is this place?
**[2:34:36] ---**
It looks like a night garden,
but we’ve never seen it before, have we?
**[2:34:41] ---**
Well, I mean, this is a dream, right?
**[2:34:44] ---**
I think so, but...
**[2:34:46] ---**
After I left the Dicey Cafe, I took a bath
and then went straight to bed.
**[2:34:51] ---**
So did I.
**[2:34:53] ---**
But for a dream, this seems
too realistic, you know?
**[2:34:59] ---**
Hmm...
**[2:35:00] ---**
H-Hey! If you’re going to pinch someone,
pinch your own cheek, will you?
**[2:35:06] ---**
Sorry about that.
**[2:35:08] ---**
I guess we should just keep going.
**[2:35:14] ---**
Huh?
**[2:35:15] ---**
Looks like there’s a square over there.
**[2:35:18] ---**
It’s too dark to make it out,
but it smells like flowers, doesn’t it?
**[2:35:23] ---**
I can smell roses and... lavender, maybe?
**[2:35:28] ---**
Hold up. Someone’s there.
**[2:35:38] ---**
Kirito!
**[2:35:40] ---**
Asuna!
**[2:35:42] ---**
What? I-Is that you, Eugeo?
**[2:35:46] ---**
Yuuki! Is it really...
**[2:35:51] ---**
Eugeo, am I seeing you in a dream?
**[2:36:00] ---**
I don’t know. Maybe?
**[2:36:03] ---**
Before I knew it, I was here,
waiting for you to arrive.
**[2:36:07] ---**
Same here.
**[2:36:09] ---**
I knew that you’d be here soon, Asuna.
**[2:36:13] ---**
So does that mean it’s a dream after all?
**[2:36:17] ---**
I don’t care if it’s a dream or whatever!
**[2:36:21] ---**
Yuuki... I’ve missed you!
**[2:36:27] ---**
There were so many things I wanted
to tell you when I saw you again...
**[2:36:33] ---**
but now I’m at a loss for words.
**[2:36:37] ---**
I...
**[2:36:41] ---**
Eugeo, there are so many things
I need to apologize for.
**[2:36:48] ---**
There’s no need to apologize, Kirito.
**[2:36:51] ---**
We both did what we had to do.
Am I right?
**[2:36:58] ---**
Look! What’s that light?
**[2:37:06] ---**
Daddy... Mommy...
**[2:37:10] ---**
Eugeo... Yuuki...
**[2:37:15] ---**
Yui?
**[2:37:17] ---**
Yui! Why are you here?
Where are we now?
**[2:37:26] ---**
This is Ainsophia.
**[2:37:30] ---**
The place where all Fluctlights rest in peace.
**[2:37:34] ---**
The final destination of Project Alicization.
**[2:37:40] ---**
So this isn’t a dream, then?
**[2:37:44] ---**
That’s right.
But neither is it reality.
**[2:37:50] ---**
Unfortunately, when you wake up,
Daddy and Mommy,
**[2:37:55] ---**
you won’t have any recollection of this encounter.
**[2:37:59] ---**
And Eugeo and Yuuki will resume
their long slumber.
**[2:38:07] ---**
But we’ll get to see each other again someday.
Isn’t that right?
**[2:38:13] ---**
Yes.
**[2:38:15] ---**
If the world follows the path that it should,
one day, for sure.
**[2:38:24] ---**
I see.
**[2:38:28] ---**
Then wait for me till that day comes, partner.
**[2:38:34] ---**
Okay. But don’t be too reckless, Kirito.
**[2:38:40] ---**
I’m going to promise you one more time, Yuuki.
**[2:38:44] ---**
Someday I’m going to meet you again,
no matter what.
**[2:38:48] ---**
You better, all right?
**[2:38:50] ---**
And then you and I will talk up a storm,
won’t we, Asuna?
**[2:38:59] ---**
Hey, look at that.
It’s daybreak.
**[2:40:05] ---**
*In that morning,
we embarked on our journey*
**[2:40:12] ---**
*To a new world*
**[2:40:18] ---**
*Fanfare that opens the door
to the morning mist*
**[2:40:25] ---**
*Heading to an unknown horizon*
**[2:40:32] ---**
*With you*
**[2:40:35] ---**
*In this great expanse of a world with no map*
**[2:40:42] ---**
*I leave the first tracks of my dream*
**[2:40:49] ---**
*We can bitterly call it a paradise*
**[2:40:55] ---**
*Looking for the waterfront*
**[2:41:02] ---**
*Our dream fortress is floating
in the blue skies*
**[2:41:08] ---**
*With my steel and stone swordland, I'll go
to the farthest corners of the world with you*
**[2:41:14] ---**
*I have no more doubts
about why I want to become stronger*
**[2:41:21] ---**
*Let us tell the story of the future*
**[2:41:41] ---**
*I have had dreams since I was a child*
**[2:41:48] ---**
*In the farthest horizons*
**[2:41:54] ---**
*That castle in the sky*
**[2:42:01] ---**
*That is waiting for us*
**[2:42:07] ---**
*Doesn't know the pain, the warmth,
and the importance of life*
**[2:42:11] ---**
*The sound of the bell opens the door*
**[2:42:17] ---**
*A stage in the game
that sweeps through like a shooting star*
**[2:42:25] ---**
*We will get that flag before anybody else*
**[2:42:31] ---**
*We will win the game and move on*
**[2:42:38] ---**
*Endless blue skies are high above our heads*
**[2:42:44] ---**
*Run with me forever
and never let go of my hand*
**[2:42:50] ---**
*We want love, we cry, we hurt, we get hurt*
**[2:42:57] ---**
*Let's go higher, it's just a little bit more*
**[2:43:02] ---**
*Talking away the night, around the water*
**[2:43:09] ---**
*In these quiet nights*
**[2:43:13] ---**
*Your words*
**[2:43:16] ---**
*Your eyes*
**[2:43:19] ---**
*Forever and ever
In this unforgettable song*
**[2:43:34] ---**
*The story continues on*
**[2:43:44] ---**
*Endless blue skies are high above our heads*
**[2:43:50] ---**
*This beating heart of mine,
will go farther beyond than my destiny*
**[2:43:57] ---**
*Tell me your story that hasn't begun*
**[2:44:04] ---**
*Let us continue telling the story of the future*
**[2:44:09] ---**
*The tears and pain*
**[2:44:14] ---**
*The things we lost
The things we cannot lose*
**[2:44:20] ---**
*Are all in our hands*
**[2:44:33] ---**
*In that morning, we embarked on our journey*
**[2:44:40] ---**
*To a new page
To beyond a horizon*
**[2:45:46] ---**
“Attention, players.
Welcome to my world.”
**[2:45:52] ---**
With those words, four years ago,
I launched the tutorial for Sword Art Online.
**[2:45:59] ---**
At the time, I only saw the 10,000 players
that I’d trapped inside the floating castle Aincrad
**[2:46:05] ---**
as one of the elements comprising
the world that I’d created.
**[2:46:12] ---**
Following the script with which they’d been provided,
**[2:46:15] ---**
they would act, fight,
and complete the story known as SAO.
**[2:46:19] ---**
Or so I thought.
**[2:46:24] ---**
But the players displayed far more strength
than I’d imagined
**[2:46:29] ---**
and resisted their predetermined fate.
**[2:46:32] ---**
Discovering the frays in my world,
climbing walls they couldn’t possibly climb,
**[2:46:37] ---**
defeating foes they had no business defeating,
**[2:46:40] ---**
until finally, they even managed
to overcome the game system itself.
**[2:46:46] ---**
This is why I decided to see this story,
**[2:46:49] ---**
which by right should have ended with
the collapse of the floating castle, to its end.
**[2:46:55] ---**
In the new worlds that sprung
from those countless seeds,
**[2:46:58] ---**
what kind of potential would they show?
Even I can’t predict that.
**[2:47:05] ---**
But as a clue to what
the future holds for these worlds,
**[2:47:10] ---**
I’ve shown those of you who
have gathered here today several scenes.
**[2:47:17] ---**
These scenes are fragments stored in the system,
**[2:47:22] ---**
and they’re also the keys that will open
the door to these new worlds.
**[2:47:27] ---**
Even after these points in time,
they’ll surely take up their swords
**[2:47:32] ---**
in order to take on numerous ordeals
in uncharted realms.
**[2:47:37] ---**
At times, they will be defeated,
and find themselves on their knees,
**[2:47:40] ---**
but even so, they’ll keep getting back up
on their feet.
**[2:47:44] ---**
And I’d like you all to keep your eyes on
the paths of their sparkling Fluctlights to the end.
**[2:47:52] ---**
This concludes the annotation for today’s event.
**[2:47:58] ---**
I wish you luck, viewers.
**[2:48:25] ---**
*The cowardly past that I'd acknowledged*
**[2:48:30] ---**
*Still not understanding why*
**[2:48:36] ---**
*I stand behind myself, scared
Projecting reality onto today*
**[2:48:45] ---**
*I've drawn so many skies,*
**[2:48:52] ---**
*This must be my fleeting heart*
**[2:48:57] ---**
*Out of control*
**[2:48:59] ---**
*In my dreams, this body soars so high*
**[2:49:06] ---**
*And it can brush away
any fears that cling to me*
**[2:49:10] ---**
*Asleep inside me, these budding feelings
start to expand*
**[2:49:17] ---**
*I realize this, weak as I am...
As long as I had you*
**[2:49:21] ---**
*I could stay strong in this dark world*
**[2:49:26] ---**
*My heart will dream a long dream forever*
**[2:49:32] ---**
*Let’s go.*
**[2:49:33] ---**
*I want to always be with you*
**[2:49:35] ---**
*I'll give you everything I have*
**[2:49:39] ---**
*I've been searching for the light to lead me*
**[2:49:44] ---**
*When I touch it, I'll recall everything*
**[2:49:52] ---**
*It will give me this irreplaceable
and important moment*
**[2:50:00] ---**
*I close my eyes and learn of the world*
**[2:50:06] ---**
*Usually warm, it hurts this time*
**[2:50:13] ---**
*These true wishes overlap and connect*
**[2:50:20] ---**
*That obvious hesitation starts to move*
**[2:50:24] ---**
*The scars I bear
because I want to protect you*
**[2:50:30] ---**
*An irreplaceable promise
that floats in the air of a deep sleep*
**[2:50:40] ---**
*The bonds between us
that we believed are clearer than ever*
**[2:50:51] ---**
*Let’s go.*
**[2:51:15] ---**
*I call your name until you can hear me*
**[2:51:21] ---**
*I want to feel the miracle of us meeting*
**[2:51:25] ---**
*In my dreams, this body soars so high*
**[2:51:33] ---**
*And it can brush away
any fears that cling to me*
**[2:51:37] ---**
*Asleep inside me,
these budding feelings start to expand*
**[2:51:43] ---**
*I realize this, weak as I am, as long as I had you,
I could stay strong in this dark world*
**[2:51:53] ---**
*My heart will dream
a long dream forever*
**[2:51:59] ---**
*I wanna always be with you*
**[2:52:02] ---**
*I wanna hold you tight right now*
**[2:52:05] ---**
*I swear I will wipe your tears*
**[2:52:07] ---**
*I’ll give you everything I have*
**[2:52:16] ---**
For all of you here on this day to remember,
November 6th, 2022. A big round of applause!
**[2:52:28] ---**
Let’s continue to enjoy all
that Sword Art Online offers!
**[2:52:31] ---**
Thank you so much for tonight!
**[2:52:51] ---**
Thank you very much!
**[2:53:08] ---**
NEWS FLASH
**[2:53:26] ---**
ALL
**[2:53:26] ---**
NEW
**[2:53:26] ---**
ORIGINAL
**[2:53:27] ---**
THEATRICAL FILM
**[2:53:27] ---**
ALL NEW ORIGINAL THEATRICAL FILM
**[2:53:29] ---**
NOW IN PRODUCTION