2022, Tokyo, Japan.
A new-generation consumer terminal called "NERvGear", developed by the major electronics manufacturer ARGUS, had finally been released to the public.
This device allowed full-dive virtual reality to be used in ordinary online games — true cyberspace immersion at last.
Sword Art Online, or SAO, was the first large-scale VRMMO to utilize this advanced technology.
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A black-haired boy walked out of a department store, carrying an unopened NERvGear box in his hands. He was just about to head home and try it out when his phone suddenly rang.
"Seiya, did you manage to get the NERvGear helmet today?"
Seiya had barely answered the call when a frantic male voice echoed from the other end.
From the voice alone, it was clear the other person was about the same age as Seiya, probably in junior high school.
"Originally, I had no chance to buy it, but the sales assistant happened to be a senior from our school who was working part-time.
Since I was her cute junior, she helped me out by doing some behind-the-scenes work.
She even slipped me a note, saying this was her contact information and that I could call her if I needed any help.
I have to say, big companies really are different. Even the part-time staff provide such excellent service."
Hearing what his friend said, Kazuto Kirigaya couldn't help but roll his eyes.
For the sake of a junior? The service attitude of a big company? More like she slipped you her number because she liked your face!
Kazuto was speechless about the special treatment Seiya received, but he wasn't surprised. He had seen plenty of things like this happen around Seiya over the years.
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Seiya's full name was Seiya Minamoto. His parents had passed away in an accident when he was very young, and he had been raised by his grandfather — the owner of a traditional kendo dojo that Kazuto and his younger sister, Suguha, used to attend.
However, at the age of seven, Kazuto gave up kendo because he found it boring — or so he told himself.
In truth, it was because Seiya's progress had left him far behind.
Seiya, on the other hand, persisted. He perfectly inherited his grandfather's swordsmanship and carried on the Minamoto Kenjutsu-ryu tradition.
While still in his first year of junior high, he entered the national kendo tournament, defeating many second- and third-year students a year or two older than him, and ultimately winning the national championship.
Growing up with Kazuto and Suguha, the three of them could be considered childhood friends.
Aside from the slightly awkward sibling relationship between Kazuto and Suguha, Seiya's relationship with both was very good. Putting aside Kazuto, who shared similar interests, Suguha practically idolized Seiya.
After all, at such a young age, he had already won a national championship. To Suguha, a kendo-loving girl, Seiya seemed like someone born to wield a sword.
Although still in junior high, Suguha knew that Seiya had even reached the Menkyo Kaiden level in the Minamoto Kenjutsu-ryu.
Even at his age, he could easily compete in high school tournaments.
Since his grandfather's passing, the dojo had been closed. But if Seiya could achieve a good result in future kendo tournaments, coupled with his Menkyo Kaiden license, he would be fully capable of reopening and inheriting the dojo.
Not only was he handsome, but he had also won a national title at such a young age, and his academic performance was excellent. It was obvious why Seiya was so popular at school.
This was why Kazuto wasn't surprised by the special treatment Seiya received.
Besides his love-struck sister, Seiya had no shortage of admirers. Kazuto could only say that having such an outstanding friend was both a blessing and a curse.
Fortunately, Seiya was loyal and reliable. Whenever someone needed help, he would always step up. There was rarely anything he couldn't handle.
Unfortunately, having such a friend put immense pressure on Kazuto. His biggest role at school was often delivering messages and love letters to Seiya.
Kazuto hadn't given up kendo just because it was boring — deep down, he knew the pressure of always being compared to Seiya was too much.
Both boys were the same age, but Seiya's skill grew at a pace he could never match. He eventually realized he lacked the talent for swordsmanship and decided to quit.
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Of course, Seiya's brilliance didn't mean Kazuto was completely useless.
After giving up kendo, Kazuto discovered a new talent — gaming.
It was in games that Kazuto could finally compete with Seiya on even terms, and sometimes, even win.
The boy, who already loved games, now had the perfect way to regain a bit of dignity.
Sword Art Online was the first large-scale VRMMO released using the NERvGear.
Its popularity was unprecedented, and as a passionate gamer, Kazuto was naturally drawn to it.
Not only that, he was lucky enough to be selected as a beta tester, one of the first players to experience SAO firsthand.
With the full release approaching, NERvGear had become incredibly hard to get. As a beta tester, Kazuto already had one, but his best friend Seiya was worried about missing his chance.
As someone who had already seen the beauty of Aincrad and experienced the thrill of its sword battles, Kazuto couldn't help but hope Seiya would join him.
At the same time, a small part of him wanted to finally win — in a world where swordsmanship and gaming skill merged.
This time, he thought, I'll beat him — with a sword, even if it's in the game.
After all, Seiya had always been the perfect one. But in the world of SAO, Kazuto Kirigaya finally had a chance to stand as his equal.
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(End of Chapter 1)