If I was already one of the most advanced players in Sword Art Online, now the situation will change after this promotion announced today in physical stores, where the game will be very affordable and the vast majority will have access to the virtual world.
Well, competition won't bother me at all... at least my helmet was still intact on my bedroom desk. You know what's amazing about all this? I love it when the light reflects off the helmet. It looks like a scene from a movie showing a valuable object at the beginning of a journey, doesn't it? Great NerveGear.
Leaving the house and quickly locking the door with a loud bang, I walked down the city sidewalk watching the movement of many people running home with Nevergear boxes. It was the big day: the official Mega Offer for Sword Art Online, the most anticipated MMORPG of all time... at the MOST AFFORDABLE PRICE.
Sales were booming, which surprised me a lot since it was rare for a game that had just been released nationally to have a 50% discount in the MMORPG segment.
But unlike most, I had an advantage — I was one of the thousand players who participated in the closed beta and haven't stopped since, and that would put me one step ahead of the crowd that is about to enter the world of SAO for the first time after this offer.
Taking a break from watching the others run around, I decided to visit the bakery to buy some simple breakfast and eat on the way. Opening the door of the fancy establishment filled with products, I went to the nearby counter and asked:
"Two cheese breads, please." I asked as I placed my cell phone on the counter and waited to be served.
The clerk handed me two fresh rolls, and I went to the cash register, paid, and left with a slight smile on my face. The city was in a pleasant mood today. Everyone seemed excited about the imminent entry into the virtual world... a world I could call home.
I started eating one of the rolls as I walked down the sidewalk toward my house.
"It's been a long time since I've had bread this fresh. It wasn't stale today, holy shit... it was awful eating stale bread." I thought, feeling happy and relieved that the bread wasn't rock hard today.
Minutes later, I arrived at the door and knocked gently but firmly.
My mother opened the door and looked at me with that "suspicious mother" look on her face.
"Did you turn into Batman, Reno? Not only did I not hear the door, but you're already back with bread!" muttered my mother, Theresa, a little annoyed by my silent departure.
I went inside as if nothing had happened, still eating the bread, trying to avoid a lecture from her... after all, I'm an adult now.
"Aren't you going to say anything, Reno?" She gave me that look that only mothers know how to give.
"Ugh, okay, sorry, Mom... next time I'll let you know, okay? I don't know why you get like this, I'm not a kid anymore."
I apologized, knowing I had messed up. But I also couldn't just stay silent without questioning her thoughts about me.
As I walked down the stairs, she spoke to me from behind.
"You may not be a child, but I worry about you, son... and I won't stop you from leaving the house, okay? Just let me know first."
Stopping in front of the door with my hand on the doorknob, I just nodded silently and went into my room.
"He's growing up too fast... Not even his father would try to correct him now, he knows he's maturing." Theresa ran her fingers through her blonde hair, probably thinking, as always... and her green eyes were always downcast.
I looked around the room and realized that the horrible smell of rotten eggs had finally disappeared. The room was clean and free of debris. Finally!
A sign that my mother had cleaned up Jully's mess.
Sighing slowly, I picked up my << NerveGear >> helmet and started connecting the cables.
I lay down on my back on the bed, took a deep breath, and said the words I had been waiting to say for so long:
"Link Start."
Instantly, several pop-ups began to appear before my eyes. I typed in my nickname and password to log into my main account and save the login information on the device.
Everything around me was covered in rainbow-colored lights as my account data and history loaded.
Seconds later, there I was—standing in << Starting City >>. Players from all over were gathered there. Newbies, veterans, all ready to experience a new era... apparently a lot of crazy people had already logged in after the offer they bought.
I looked at my hands and smiled slightly, feeling at home again.
The feeling was indescribable regardless of the day. I was back in my favorite MMORPG! And prepared daily to evolve here, just like in the old days at the beginning of the closed beta.
"I'm finally back in town. Let's do this!"
On the way, I saw several players starting their adventures. Different classes were scattered everywhere: merchants, warriors, alchemists, blacksmiths, and swordsmen.
A real hive of players with virtual ambitions... and a lot of newbies too, I can't forget to mention that.
But as I ran, distracted by the scenery I see every day, I accidentally bumped into someone hard. We both fell to the ground at the same time.
"Ouch! What the hell was that?!" I muttered, rubbing my forehead to ease the pain.
I looked up and saw that the guy was also getting up. And then I realized... he was one of the other SAO beta testers.
"Sorry, man, I didn't see you coming." Apologizing for my clumsiness, I reached out to help him up.
He accepted my help and gave me a slight smile.
"It's okay, just be careful next time."
We got up, dusted ourselves off, and greeted each other.
"By the way, my name is Reno. What's yours?" I greeted him politely as I noticed his resemblance to a black swordsman.