"Oh, I see! But why does that worry you?"
"If the Augma has a streaming function, it becomes a direct competitor to our tech. It's more portable, more 'lifestyle' oriented."
Asuna followed his logic quickly. "I see. People might prefer something lighter. That makes sense."
"Exactly," Hachiman said, satisfied she understood the business side. "That's why we can't sink all our capital into this one project. My sister probably realized that, which is why she's keeping this experiment small-scale for now."
Then, his face grew even more serious. "But there's a safety concern with AR that bothers me."
"Like what?"
"Suppose that, through my lens, you look like an enemy monster," Hachiman explained. "In AR, if I want to 'attack' that monster, I have to physically swing at it. If I swing a real punch or a prop sword with full force..."
Asuna's face went pale as she visualized the scenario. "Oh..."
"Exactly. I could seriously injure someone without meaning to. And what happens if a player does that to another person intentionally? AR carries a physical risk that VR doesn't. That's why our company is keeping AR development very limited for now."
"That's... terrifying."
"We'll find a way around it eventually. But for now—looks like Daru is here."
Hachiman sensed the heavy footsteps outside a moment before the door opened. Daru's massive frame filled the doorway.
"You're back again, Hachiman! Good to see you-o."
"Sorry to drop by again, Daru. I went to my old school today and had to drive a friend home, but the traffic got so bad I realized I wouldn't make it back to my place in time for the start of the battle."
"Don't sweat it! We're always happy to have you-o. And who is this beautiful lady?"
"Asuna Yuuki," Hachiman introduced. "She's... well, she's my official girlfriend."
"Nice to meet you, Daru-kun. I'm Asuna Yuuki."
Daru froze. "Oh?"
"Oh?" Hachiman mimicked.
"Oooooh! Could it be?! The Berserk Healer herself?!"
Asuna, now fully adjusted to the nicknames, smiled warmly. "Yes, that's me."
"I didn't even have to explain it," Hachiman noted. "As expected of a Super Hacker."
"I am intensely moved-o..." Daru said, his voice trembling with genuine emotion. "Since the three of us are here, let me say it: The Silver Shadow and the Flash, together in one room. I have to thank you."
Hachiman blinked. "The titles are fine—anyone who looks into the SAO incident knows those. But why the thanks? Did you have friends in the game?"
"This is Akihabara, Hachiman. A lot of players lived or hung out around here. You saved a lot of people I care about."
Hachiman shifted uncomfortably. "Don't worry about it. Asuna and I were just fighting to survive. Saving others was a side effect."
"Maybe so," Daru countered, "but the fact remains: you saved them. And for that, you have my sincere gratitude-o."
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"