VRMMORPGs: A new concept within the gaming community. One that was still in its infancy, and yet one that had already amassed a considerable audience. The idea was that a device would insert signals into the user's brain, allowing them to experience all 5 senses inside the virtual world. The first device to use this technology was known as Nerve Gear, and the first major game released for the system was Sword Art Online. However, the game's developer, Akihiko Kayaba, purposefully prevented any player from logging out of the game when it launched. Furthermore, he rigged the Nerve Gear so that if a player's HP hit 0, the device would destroy the user's brain using microwaves. The only way to escape was to clear the game, ascending an 100-floor tower known as Aincrad. It took two long years before the game was finally cleared, and over 4,000 people lost their lives. However, despite the rough start, VR technology pressed on, and soon a safer device known as the AmuSphere was released. This device came bundled with Alfheim Online, a world based around fairies and magic, and later Gun Gale Online, a futuristic combat simulator that was played competitively for money. Now, 6 friends from SAO and Alfheim gather to face a new challenge…

"So Kirito, are you going to enter in the Holy Grail Tournament?" Asuna Yuuki was sitting next to a tree in Alfheim online with her friends, the first of which was Kazuto Kirigaya, better known as Kirito. The two of them had survived the death game known as Sword Art Online, or SAO. Joining the two of them were other survivors from SAO. There was Silica, the youngest player who hung around with her pet dragon Pina. Lisbeth was the local blacksmith in SAO, though she hadn't found any similar work in Alfheim, which left her frustrated.

There was also Leafa, who was actually Kirito's cousin. She was fortunate enough not to have experienced SAO, having her first taste of VR with Alfheim Online. Sinon had a similar experience, first experiencing VR through Gun Gale Online, where she played to help cover her apartment costs. Kirito also aided her in dealing with a serial killer known as Death Gun. Now, all 6 of them had gathered to discuss the newly announced Holy Grail Tournament.

"Eh. I dunno," responded Kirito, rubbing his hand through his spiked, black hair.

"What?" protested Leafa, flying to wear Kirito was laying on the grass, "The Holy Grail is a once-in-a-lifetime drop. Whoever wins it will be able to make any one change to the game they want."

"Within a set of parameters," corrected Sinon, "You can just go making game-breaking changes all willy-nilly."

"Well...yeah, but...still…"

"You entered, Leafa?" asked Kirito.

"Of course! I've already been assigned a Noble Spirit: Alexander the Great, class Rider."

"So, how exactly how does this tournament work?" asked Asuna.

"All participants are assigned an NPC noble spirit to fight on their behalf. The contestant whose noble spirit is the last one standing will receive the Holy Grail," explained Leafa.

"Ah, so that's why Kirito is hesitant to enter," Asuna gave a knowing smirk, "He'd rather fight himself."

"Kirito does love a good fight," concurred Sinon.
"Aw, c'mon Kirito. I've already entered," said Lisbeth, "I got Lancelot, class Berserker."

"And I got Gilgamesh, class Archer," said Sinon.

"Whoa, you entered too?" asked Asuna. Sinon nodded her head. Well…"Asuna tapped her fingers nervously, "I wanted this to be a surprise, but will you enter if you're competing against me, Kirito?"

"Uh...I mean…" Kirito tried to come up with an excuse.

"Oh, come on Kirito. It'll be fun!" said Leafa, smiling.

Kirito sighed, "Fine. Where do I sign up?"

"It should be in your menu, under special events."

"Ah...alright." Kirito swiped up his finger to open the menu. He navigated to the "Special Events section where he found the Holy Grail Tournament. With a few taps of his finger, Kirito successfully entered the tournament. The screen told him the identity of his Noble Spirit: Altria Pendragon, class Saber.
"Whoa, that's so cool, Kirito!" gushed Leafa, "You're going to be fighting with King Arthur!"

"Well, I'll be cheering all of you on," said Silica, who hadn't said anything as she was attending to her pet dragon, Pina.

"When is the tournament supposed to start?" asked Kirito.

"In less than a minute," said Leafa, "You signed up under the wire."

"Well, I can't wait to meet my Noble Spirit," said Asuna. Within seconds, a blue flame appeared in front of them, and out from the blue flame emerged a figure clad in armor. The figure appeared tall and authoritative, holding a downward pointing sword in its hands. With a commanding voice, it said, "I ask of you, are you my master?"