The end of the SAO death game and the successful escape of over eight thousand surviving players once again caused a global sensation.
Over a year ago, Japan's first virtual game, SAO, had suddenly transformed into a death game. Ten thousand players were trapped, and a large number of player deaths quickly followed. The incident dominated global news, even occupying all ten top spots on the world news charts.
However, after nearly a year and a half, the intensity of attention around the SAO incident had long since faded. Aside from the concerns of families of those still trapped and governments' increased scrutiny of virtual games, even the once fiery topic of Kayaba Akihiko's transformation from scientific genius to super terrorist had cooled with time. Instead, the news had returned to the usual subjects of national games, celebrities, and financial markets. Most ordinary people, detached from events that did not affect them personally, had naturally moved on.
But the sudden closure of SAO, freeing the thousands of trapped players, reignited a worldwide media frenzy. The world once again turned its eyes to the death game, and many international outlets rushed to interview the newly awakened players. Tales of life and death struggles and the legends born within the game became hot topics once again.
Morin had no interest in becoming part of the media spectacle. The hospital he was recovering in did not disclose patient information and refused direct media interviews unless a patient personally consented. Morin had no desire to become the face of the tragedy and quietly declined all requests.
Thus, he spent nearly a month leisurely recuperating in the hospital. Once his body had recovered enough for him to eat normal meals, walk, and handle daily activities, he finally received the doctor's permission to leave.
—
One month after SAO's closure, inside a prestigious private hospital in Tokyo.
In a facility ranked among the finest in Tokyo and even Japan, Morin stood in a small waiting room just outside a luxurious private ward. Here, he came face to face with Yuuki Shouzou, Sugou Nobuyuki's former superior and adoptive father, who had agreed to meet him.
"Morin, why did you come? Shouldn't you still be resting?" Yuuki Shouzou asked, his tone filled with rare warmth.
Though known for his stern and commanding presence, Yuuki Shouzou showed a markedly different attitude towards his adopted son. His voice carried genuine concern, almost fatherly.
In Yuuki Shouzou's eyes, Morin was still a talented young man, full of promise. Had it not been for the disaster of SAO, the ALO virtual game project Morin had been spearheading would likely have launched successfully by now. He did not blame Morin for what happened and had even visited him several times during his hospitalization.
Seeing the young man who still looked slightly frail after a year of entrapment, Yuuki Shouzou showed no anger or disappointment, only compassion.
"Uncle, I came to visit Asuna," Morin said after giving a slight bow, feeling a little awkward.
"Asuna?"
Yuuki Shouzou's expression shifted slightly, his gaze growing a bit sharper.
More than a year ago, he had been aware that Morin had shown interest in his daughter, Yuuki Asuna. However, Asuna herself had been lukewarm towards him back then, often brushing aside the topic with casual remarks like "not interested" or "maybe after high school." Respecting his daughter's wishes, Yuuki Shouzou had not pushed the matter.
After all, Asuna was still young and had no shortage of suitors. There had been no rush.
Then came the catastrophe of SAO.
Yuuki Shouzou remembered vividly the shock he felt when he learned his precious daughter had been trapped in the death game. His adopted son Morin had been caught in it as well. Business suffered heavily from the collapse of confidence in virtual gaming, and Yuuki Shouzou had spent over a year painstakingly recovering both his family and his career.
Following SAO's end, while he and his wife celebrated Asuna's survival, they also noticed something subtle. During her recovery, Asuna spoke of Morin often, far more than they had expected. Her feelings had clearly changed.
And now, here was Morin, barely recovered himself, coming directly to see Asuna.
Yuuki Shouzou studied him for a long moment, emotions flickering in his eyes. Despite the sour feeling in his chest, he finally pointed toward the ward.
"Go ahead. Asuna is resting right now."
His voice carried a tinge of reluctance, as though surrendering something precious.
"But," he added, voice turning colder, "if you ever make her cry, I will absolutely not forgive you."
"Yes, yes. I understand. I will go now," Morin answered quickly, choosing not to argue. He respectfully nodded and headed toward the door of the ward.
—
The moment the door clicked open, a familiar voice called out.
"Who's there? You... you bastard, you finally decided to show up?!"
Yuuki Asuna turned her head sharply from the living room couch where she had been resting after some light exercises. Upon seeing Morin, her eyes widened, and then her small fists clenched in a gesture of adorable outrage.
For nearly a month, she had only spoken to Morin through brief phone calls. She had missed him terribly.
"Asuna... I finally see you again," Morin whispered.
Without another word, he quickly crossed the room and pulled her tightly into his arms.
Asuna gasped in surprise, her anger vanishing in an instant as she melted into his embrace, her hands clutching at his back as if afraid he might vanish again.
The long, painful separation was finally over.
And with it, a new beginning had quietly arrived.
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Try Other Fics I Have
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