Dark Realities
Straight up, Cover Photo not mine and nor is it the main character/OC/Self-Insert. It's a temporary placeholder until I find a picture that's kinda or pretty much the OC. I'd draw it myself, but I suck at drawing. Besides, it's pretty neat.
Anyway, only reason this is M is because I swear. I swear a lot. So yeah, enjoy!
The Nervegear. Created by Kayaba Akihiko, he successfully created the first full-dive machine allowing for his game, Sword Art Online, a VRMMO game, to be released to the masses. To say that I'd been waiting patiently for this day would be an understatement; I've been losing sleep and practically dying waiting for this.
Checking my small apartment, I felt myself smile, knowing that soon I would be out of this reality, no longer confined to the unspoken rules of society that kept me bound. I felt bad for my neighbor/best friend, but I know that she'd forgive me for this.
Still, I'd rather face her anger then listen to her recite bastard Shakespeare again. Seriously, who the hell teaches that at a Japanese School?
Tick
Tock
Tick
Tick
"Only five more minutes, huh." My voice was somewhat dry, but I didn't care. Looking down at the Nervegear resting on my legs, my lips curled as I ran my finger down the side of the bulky helmet, contemplating the first thing to do when I finally joined the world of SAO.
By no chance was I a beta-tester. Hell, my luck would cause Ragnarok before that happened! No. However, I had taken precautions to prepare myself.
I lovit , lovit, lovit, lovit love~
Ahh, Marian Hill… Your music always makes me feel better. Well, that's my alarm.
Grabbing the Nervegear, I placed it over my head, not bothering to check if everything was connected properly. Getting myself comfortable in my shabby bed, I sighed in relief.
"Heh, sorry. Hope you can forgive me for this."
Closing my eyes, I waited patiently, the sound of the clock hands moving making me relax.
Tick
Tock
Tick
Tock
Tick
Toc-
"Link Start!"
A kaleidoscope of colors erupted out of nowhere, making me wince as it assaulted my eyes before disappearing as quickly as it had appeared. Soon, I was brought to a null void, the entire space around me completely grey, fluctuating in ripples before a white menu popped up.
Character Creation Menu
Please create your avatar
"So, that's essentially me?" I walked towards the model avatar standing on a pedestal, a frown forming as I inspected myself.
Somewhat-tall, average-looking with unruly black hair, I smiled slightly at my appearance.
"Alright, time for a makeover."
Reaching towards my face, I grinned as I made my jawline more prominent with my hands before changing the rest of my face so I looked like Chris Hemsworth but as an angsty, teenage kid with black hair. Happy, I clapped my hands together before I tested out my new character.
Taking a single step off the pedestal, I grinned as I felt my jaw. Without hesitation, I started to jog around before sprinting, enjoying the feeling of my muscles pumping without them burning. With ease, I performed a cartwheel before turning it into countless backflips.
Breathless, I couldn't help stop the feral grin that spread out onto my face.
"Hell yeah."
In what I can only describe as an explosion of blue light/bullshit, I shivered as I felt my body reform into a massive plaza. Quickly, I checked my own body before sighing with relief as I absentmindedly ran my fingers through my hair.
"Sword Art Online," I said softly. Feeling a cool breeze brush through my hair, I knelt and felt the cool, hard stone underneath my fingerless gloves and sighed. Straightening up, I walked out of the plaza, ignoring the chattering of excited players as I made my way towards one of the various stalls in the [Town of Beginnings].
Thud
Thud
Thud
Feeling somebody brush past me, I glanced at the tall player that had brushed past. Seeing his retreating form, I made my way towards the NPC before ignoring his interactions, opting to open the menu instead to buy some gear then listen to the realism of the virtual world.
"Lets see… Straight sword, Two-Handed-Greatsword, Mace, Spear, Bow, Dagger…" Rubbing my chin, I sighed. "I've always had an affection for Scythes… Lets go with a polearm for now." Selecting a PoleArm, I felt a balanced weight materialize on my back and smiled.
Turning away from the vendor, I made my way down the pathway with ease, whistling as a flock of birds circled the plaza, their pleasant chirps mixed with the noise from the plaza and the coarse voices of the NPC vendors. From brick houses that stood proudly to wooden shacks, I laughed.
"Who knew that a virtual world could feel so real?" I said aloud as I descended down stairs, my simple boots worn and comfortable. Swiping downwards, I admired my menu before opening my two empty skill slots. Selecting the [Polearms] combat skill, I chose my second skill to be [Acrobatics]. Reaching behind, I grasped the handle of my polearm as I settled into a light jog, making my way towards the fields.
Usually, I'd have no idea on where to go, but since the beta, I'd been reading up and watching any bit of information I could get my hands on. Darting into a nearby alleyway, I grinned as I passed by an elderly woman knitting something before coming out the other side. Bringing my left foot down hard, I pivoted on the spot before erupting into a sprint, the air pushing hard against my face as I managed to pull my [Basic Spear] out from its sheath, its handle a pale blue and the spear tip shiny.
"Watch it!"
"Gyaa!"
"Sorry!" I shouted on reflex as I slowly made my way closer and closer to the main exit, my focus only on one thing as I continued to pass through groups of NPCs and players.
Passing through the large archway after a solid minute of running, I felt something inside me vanish; probably the safety barrier thingy I read about. Without hesitation, I continued sprinting forwards as blue particles created a column of light before dispersing, leaving behind my first test subject.
Grinning, I leaped forwards with my spear in my right hand. Still airborne, I brought my weapon and pointed it downwards as I descended, grunting with the effort.
"Sqqquuuueee!"
As the dust cleared, I coughed before stepping out of the cloud I made. Gripping my spear with both hands, I waited patiently as I heard the Frenzy Boar squeal.
"Come and get me," I muttered as I circled the beast. Moving slowly, I deliberately dragged my feet, trying to lure the mob into attacking. It worked. Problem? I didn't expect it to work.
As the mob charged forwards, I froze, paralyzed in fear. Gritting my teeth, my eyes widened as I was reminded about how real the game would be. How every sense is replicated, how merely running can make you breathless, how-
"Sccrreee!"
My grip tightened as I moved subconsciously, avoiding taking majority of the damage. As the mob charged past, it clipped my leg, sending me spinning away.
"Well, that went well," I said dryly as I inspected my wound. Red pixels slowly dissipated into the sky as I touched the gash in my leg, confused at the null feeling where my leg should be. Ignoring it, I shook my head as I raised my spear, the boar already charging once again.
Waiting, I let out a small sigh as I focused, everything else fading into a blur as I examined my prey. Rough blue fur, glowing red eyes, tough durable tusks… Alright, that should be enough.
"Fuck. You." Sidestepping, the boar tried to change direction but failed as I thrusted forwards, the tip of my polearm piercing through the side of its ribs with ease. With a squeal of pain, I nearly froze in shock again before frowning as I twisted, ripping apart the mob's insides before shattering into blue and green polygons. Twirling the polearm absentmindedly, it slipped from my grip and I fumbled, barely managing to grab it before sighing with relief.
Looking around, I planted the butt of the weapon firmly into the ground before looking around. Blades of deep-green grass swayed in the gentle wind, warm sunlight caressing the deep-sea forest that kept its secrets hidden in darkness. Countless hills littered the area surrounding the [Town Of Beginnings] with fields of simple flowers and ingredients mixed in with rolling hills.
Swiping open my menu, I made my way towards the options before turning my music down to the lowest setting, increasing my SFX, Voice and environmental before closing it. Lifting the polearm up until it rested on my shoulder, I smiled.
This was it. This was what I had been searching for for all these years. An escape from reality, a way to escape the dull, greyscale life I lived. If I could, I would live here all my life, but then…
"No," I muttered under my breath as I looked down and clenched my hand, my grip so tight I nearly inflicted damage on myself. "I won't leave you…"
Raising my head, I eyed my health bar and sighed. May as well get some combat training in. Lifting my spear, I rested it on my shoulder as I turned around in search of more mobs to kill. If I keep freezing up and losing control like that to just a boar, then how the hell am I supposed to fight a Floor Boss?
Hours in and I felt great. In the real world, I had asthma, limiting me from certain activities at times, and yet I was one of the more active people in sports. Makes sense, doesn't it? Oh shit. Probably shouldn't lose myself in thought when I'm fighting.
Swiping horizontally as I shook my head, I took a step back as the Frenzy Boar charged before hopping backwards. As it stumbled, I grinned as I raised my spear to my waist, gripping it firmly with both hands as the tip began to glow a faint orange.
I was using a sword skill known as [Thrust], one of the starting sword skills available for spear users. Waiting, I felt energy boil uncontrollably inside of me as I waited for the boar to approach.
"SCCRREEE!"
"Suck it." Smiling, I felt the system take over my body as I thrusted forwards, leaving behind a faint shimmer of glowing, orange particles as the spear tip pierced the ]Frenzy Boar\ between its tusks. Frozen in place, I watched as it squealed once before freezing, an explosion of sapphire and emerald polygons erupting from its glowing body.
Lifting the spear one-handed, I let it rest on my right shoulder as I sighed, smiling at the beautiful world around me.
"This is just so... beautiful," I said softly, gazing at the first floor. The sun was slowly sinking, sending out hues of yellow, orange, pink and red that mixed together, lighting the cascading mountains in the distance, rolling hills, forests and Town of Beginnings with its warmth. Pools of water reflected the light as trees swayed with the gentle breeze that caressed everything in the wild. I couldn't help but smile.
Glancing behind me, I watched as a small group of birds chirped as they flew over a small cliff overlooking the [Town of Beginnings].
"So realistic," I said aloud without meaning to. Instantly, I realized how stupid I sounded and sighed.
Oh well, nobody heard that so it's fine.
CHING!
Fuck! It's that late already? Shya ma ferose de masen!
I have no idea what I just said.
Strapping the spear to my back, I began run through the glades of grass, a gentle breeze tempting me to stay behind.
Heh, sorry, but as nice as you are, I've gotta go. My punishment is definitely going to be bastard Shakepeare. I can feel it in my veins.
ZHIN!
"SQQQQUUUUUUEEEE!"
I stopped running and watched as a player with black hair let out a cry, flying backwards as the boar snorted.
. . .
Well, I mean, it's free game, right?
. . .
Ahh fuck it. Who cares about kill-stealing right now?
Stepping forwards, I brandished my spear before activating [Thrust]. With one single strike, the boar squealed before dying.
I sheathed my spear and turned arou-
POM!
Well, that's new.
I rubbed my face as the player rubbed her fist, an annoyed expression on her face.
"That's," she said simply, "is for stealing my kill."
I sighed as I stood up, brushing off dirt.
"You looked like you were having trouble," I said as I stretched. "I cam compensate for the col and materials if you'd like me t-"
"Sure. Hand them over."
I blinked.
"Alright. Here you go."
Opening my menu, I materialised the boar leather and col before handing it over.
"Sorry about the kill steal," I said as she accepted the items. I tried to avoid looking anywhere else but her face. "You looked like you were struggling an-"
"Are you saying that I'm useless?" She snapped back.
I bit my tongue. Wrong words dumbass.
"What I meant," I said through gritted teeth. "Is that you seemed to be in a pickle, so I stepped in. Do you even know how to use sword skills?"
"...yes..."
. . .
"Prove it."
"..."
I sighed.
I can help her or log out... Fuck it, I'm already in deep shit wit-
. . .
Five minutes won't hurt.
"Would you like me to show you how to use sword skills?"
ZHIN!
Fuck everything.
I hopped backwards before poking the thin red line on my chest.
"Was that really necessary?"
The player held her dagger tightly, eyes narrowed.
"I know how to use sword skills."
"Then prove it."
I managed to pull out my spear and block the leaf green attack from the player.
"Okay, fair enough."
ZWHISH!
Okay, you can stop now.
ZWHISH!
Okay, fuck this.
Stepping to the side, I swung the blunt end of the polearm and knocked the player back. My cursor remained green.
"We done yet? I kinda need to log out and apologise to my friend. She'll kinda kill me if I don't see her soon."
I sighed as the player regained her footing, weapon out and wary.
"How do I know that you're not lying?"
I deadpanned. "Cause I'm not a womanising scumbag and actually need to get back. Gaming isn't my number one priority, you now."
As of now, I can tell you a few things about the female body I will always appreciate. However, one thing I do NOT appreciate is when a female decides to latch onto the closest object and bury them in their chest. It's either that or Kayaba is fucking around with me. Seriously, what the hell. Forcing a teleportation and then making me teleport into a girl's chest? If Kayaba's a perve then I'm Satan. Or God. Or Jesus Christ. Whichever one.
SLAP!
"Enjoying yourself, perv?"
I felt my burning as I glared at Ashley, the girl's face burning red as she held her chest protectively.
"Well, I'm sorry, but I didn't exactly ask to be buried in your fucking boobs! Seriously, fuck you teleportation system"
"Better be perv."
"Oh, great. Now I'm receiving an apology for something I didn-"
SLAP!
Okay, I deserve that one.
Rubbing my face from two slaps, I realised that I was in the plaza in the [Town of Beginnings] with what looked like the other 99.99% of players. Yes, I am the other 0.000001%. Don't ask me who the others are, I don't know. Also, this does not look like 10,000 players. And how is this plaza holding all of us?
Ding!
Noticing something red, I looked up at the sky and grinned.
"Well, isn't that one hell of an entrance."
Ashley ignored me. Probably a good thing.
Watching the red hexagons spread out faster then a wildfire, I nodded in appreciation at the blood droplets dripping off the hexagons. As the hexagons covered the plaza in a dome, the words 'SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT' flashed once before a massive, cloaked figure appeared out of nowhere.
Now, I've had my fair share of bullshit happen in my life, and most of it was game related as well, but this I wasn't expecting.
Hell, no one was.
Not even me
. . .
Kayaba Akihiko
. . .
. . .
Oh, you are one crazy son of a bitch.
. . .
. . .
People have died already?
. . .
. . .
. . .
So, it's the real me in here now?
. . .
. .-
CCRRAACCCKKK
. . .
. . .
I don't know if I should be mad or happy.
I've escaped the world I hate.
But I've left behind-
Kayaba...
Should I kill you?
Should I applaud you?
I... I don't know.
Y-You- what are you doing?
Why are you dragging me out of the plaza?
. . .
. . .
We're at the gate to the fields?
SLAP
"Snap out of it!"
She... slapped me?
SLAP
"Oi! Are you even in there!"
...tears... in her, eyes?
. . .
. . .
SLA-
Thud
I let the girl's wrist fall from my grip. Slowly, I breathed, regaining control over my thoughts.
. . .
. . .
That was scary, losing control like that.
"Hey, don't cry," I muttered. I went to wipe away her tears but hesitated before dropping my hand. "If you keep a clear head, you'll be fine."
"Funny, coming from the guy who was stuck in a trance!"
Can't argue with that.
I grunted in response before looking out towards the fields.
"Alright," I said softly. "You probably hate me or something, but mind if I ask you a question?"
She nodded her head slowly.
"Do you have any friends in game you can stick with?"
"...no..."
Great, just great.
"Alright, you seem like a capable player." I pointed towards the fields as a crimson-purple hue exploded outwards, coating Aincrad in a glorious sunset. "I'm heading to the closest town, and I need to leave now if I want to make it. You coming?"
The now short-haired blonde girl wiped away her tears and sniffled. I feigned ignorance at her state and made sure to not look her way.
"I'm not stupid," she muttered. "I made sure to read up on the game before playing." She stood up and looked me in the eyes.
. . .
...don't... ...make... ...jokes... ...about... ...her... ...h-
"Look, after what that jerk Kayaba said... I'm willing to party with you for now, even if I dislike you."
"Okay."
"An- wait, that's it?"
I shrugged. "Sure. I'm not a jerk like other guys, and it'd be nice to have some company."
She stared at me before nodding, a small smile flickering on her face before disappearing.
"Alright, what's your name."
"Shiki. Yours?"
"Ashley."
"Alright Ashley, you ready to go?"
"Sure."
[READ THE LINE UNDERNEATH FOR CONTEXT!]
Chapter has been fixed up... sorta. I tried tweaking Ashley's character, so there will be differences in this chapter and the next. Just a heads up for all new readers! Fail came through and reviewed, letting me fix up the issues with the story. Some interactions will be wrong until all chapters are updated!
[Scene Change] = Scene Change but not a line break
[Line Break] = Line Break that's a Line Break but not a horizontal line break
Though I'd get that out of the way. In this story, I still might use actual line breaks, but I'll think about it.
Also kinda annoyed that those arrow symbols where your comma and period (fullstop) on keyboard don't work for me for some reason. Pissed me off, so now gotta use [these].
Also - [ ] = Items and weapons. Skills and Names of towns and whatnot also = [ ] cause why not
[Old Stuff. Doesn't matter anymore. Read if you wish.]
Alright, switching to bold to get your attentions. IS THIS ENOUGH NOW?
Ahem
Anyway, welcome to Dark Realities! A title I'm... still thinking of changing. Regardless, welcome to SAO with an addition; me.
. . .
Yeah, I'm actually going to ruin some shit, aren't I?
So, I'm trying out new writing styles with this, so yeah, suck it.
SIDE NOTE (SKIP IF YOU DON'T CARE): There is a reason why I avoid self-insert stories. Most usually have them become stronger and more important than the main character, and I don't need another f*cking Jesus kun (Kirito for you uneducated swines) in a FF. Only some of them are done right, and I plan on being one of those rare few. Also, The Arctic Swordsman by Marcus Cersy? It is a good story and so you should go read it.
Now, regarding stories...
Everything is on Hiatus except for A Game Of Life And Death, this story and possibly One of a Kind. Conflicted Choices has been cancelled (for now) and A Dark World Of Lies (a continuation of Don't Fear The Dark by The Silent Swordsman) is currently under revision then Hiatus once I have everything (somewhat) planned out.
And yes, I introduced some real-world elements into SAO despite it being 9-up instead of 7-up. I'll try and convert some stuff so it's more different worldish but you can deal with it.
Current rating is T (now M).
Am I still on Hiatus? Hmm... yeah, I am. Think of this as a teaser; a prologue of sorts.
Well, here's a taste of my new story!
Seeya in the next chapter!
- Striderm8
PS: Den3424... Man, you are a legend. I'll try my best with Kirisuna, and Liuid? If you do read this, then tell what you think. Same goes for you, Fail, if you feel like checking out this story of mine. I should probably finish reading your books though, shouldn't I? (Not touching your 18+ section yet though)