Took me quite some time to puzzle out what was going on in the first passage. Still not sure if I am close or there is even more going on.

The current hypothis is that either Kayaba is much more creative already with lore right now or Cardinal is doing so out of it‘s own accord. The latter translating into the system already moving beyond its intended purpose in a way.

In particular the wording of ending him if he dies „is within its rights.“ Not that it will be done, just that it would be justified as per deal. That open interpretation is a long term curiousity…
Now Suguha‘s part definitely was personal intervention by Kayaba and could mean that he is aware of Kirito‘s digital existence. He certainly has some knowledge in that regard considering in canon he managed to upload himself similarly.

No matter the circumstance however, baiting the boy‘s sister into a death game is beyond the pale.
A little bothered by Suguha dodging the game since that wastes the opportunity of including her into SAO. However mitigating as this does up the drama and has knock on effects as I am sure starting ALO may be far more difficult to her now that she is aware that someone deliberately tried to get her into a death match over her beloved dead brother.

That is something to keep an eye on as things develope.
Glad to have seen this update.

The story's beginning went right to my heart. I lost someone close to me to cancer. I love what you have done with the story, the way you made Kirito live on despite his death IRL. I really hope you will continue the story.

Ahhh this is so good! I love how you gave Suguha a bigger role earlier on, and I just love the overall premise of this. The first chapter had me hooked :) I love it! :) XD

Eyyyy, he's back!

Missed this story, looking forward to more.

I’m so happy you posted a new chapter! To me, it means that you are doing alright in a world gone crazy due to COVID-19. I wish you and your family good health through these troubling times, and will eagerly await the next chapter (but take your time please, as I know from experience how RL can take one’s time from writing).

I'm SO glad you updated! I love this story! It's so interesting! I wonder if Kayaba realizes Kritos still alive? Will Suguha find out? If she does will she log in to see him again? Will Kirito get a message to his family? After SAO will he be a data ghost like Kayaba in canon? So many questions, I can't wait to find out! XD

I'm SO glad you updated! I love this story! It's so interesting! I wonder if Kayaba realizes Kritos still alive? Will Suguha find out? If she does will she log in to see him again? Will Kirito get a message to his family? After SAO will he be a data ghost like Kayaba in canon? So many questions, I can't wait to find out! XD

I really enjoyed this chapter! And I checked out your WEBTOON story and it was really good!

niiice

Great idea for a story. I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

in the monument of life didnt they have dates ? that date should clue argo in and as a information broker i dont think she would overlook it.

Not sure if this is going to go on but it would be "fun" if suguha entered the game "to live in the same world than kazuto" or something like that

Seemed to me someone 'stole' Kirito's name when they noticed it was open in the regular SAO.

Thank you for sharing.

Well, if you need any help with terminology Id be happy to help. I game almost as much as a read and understand the vast majority of standard mechanics and terms.