SAO: Fatal Bullet – Dissonance of the Core

Prologue – Part 1

In the Year 2026, the world of VR was still as popular as ever, despite the SAO incident people continued to enjoy VRMMO's as if it hadn't happened.

A new competitor on the market was Zaskar's GGO, also known as Gun Gale Online was gaining traction, its here we meet our protagonist, Kaito Karagane was messaged by his childhood friend, Takamine Momiji invited him to join her in this world for a tournament that was taking place in a few days.

Normally suspicious of VR, his thoughts were assuaged by his friend's confidence in the system, and so entering his first VRMMO, Kaito first had to buy the game and the hardware… easier said than done.

March 2026; Kawasaki, Japan

In a small little apartment, we see a young man staring at his computer screen reading an e-mail he'd received from an old childhood friend of his, Takamine.

'Hey, its been awhile since we've seen each other because of everything, I've gotten into this game called Gun Gale Online over the past few months, you should try it, a new tournament is happening were you can receive a super-rare item.

'I know VR isn't your thing since because of SAO, but the AmuSphere is much safer than the NerveGear. Just think about it okay? Tell me when you're ready, the tournament not for another week or so.'

P.S. For future reference my in-game name is Kureha, see you later :)

'Taka-chan was always like this, always insisting on everything.' Kaito thought to himself.

"Well, I can't be left behind, I should have enough in savings to get both the game and an AmuSphere, but it'll eat up a lot of my savings. For an old friend though, its worth it." Kaito said out loud

Changing out of his pajamas he was in earlier, Kaito left his apartment to visit the game store nearby, outside the window displayed a raffle game that was going on, the prizes included an AmuSphere 2; the next generation VR set that was still in production and a Collector's edition of Gun Gale Online, and the final day to join was… today.

"This has got to be a coincidence, well might as well try my luck." Kaito said as he walked inside the store, to see no one inside, but he imagined other competitors would be coming later that day.

"Oh, welcome would you like the chance to win in our GGO raffle and win the new AmuSphere 2 that's not even out yet?" A counter girl asked me as I entered the video game store.

"What the heck, why not?" Kaito responded. "By the way, what's your name?" He asked the employee.

"My name's Anya, I've worked here for the last few months, I'm into VR and console games; unfortunately, I haven't had much time due to stuff IRL, but I enjoy when I can." Anya explained her own love of games.

"Just put your name on this slip of paper and put in this tub, when the raffle happens we'll spin it and whoever is drawn wins the grand prize, first come, first serve." Anya explained the raffle one more time.

Kaito wrote his name down and put the slip in the raffle box and then started to browse around the store for any retro items, Kaito was a fan of retro games; Resident Evil, Pokémon and various other titles that had started to die out. He had gotten a sizeable collection over the years.

"Alright, the raffle starts in about a half an hour, so just peruse the store until then." Anya told Kaito as he was still browsing.

"Alright, thanks for the reminder." Kaito thanked the girl and gave a small wink her way, she giggled and had a slight blush on her face.

30 minutes later

Overtime a considerable crowd had gathered in the store and all the employees and the store manager were outside and seemed to be about to announce the winner.

"Everyone can I have your attention!" A loud voice blared, and everyone turned to see Anya standing on a step-ladder and a megaphone with her as she then started to announce the raffle.

"Thank you for everyone who participated in our GGO raffle, remember no hard feelings and please don't fight. We'll now be announcing the winner in a few moments." Anya said through the megaphone as everyone including Kaito started to tense up at who the winner would be.

After a good spin the manager put his hand in the bin and drew out a single slip of paper, everyone in the room was dead silent, the only thing that could probably be heard was a pen dropping.

He handed it to Anya who opened it up and had a small smile on her face, she put the megaphone to her mouth and announced, "The winner of our raffle is…. Kaito Karagane!"

Kaito opened his eyes in complete shock to hear his name as he was astounded and felt lucky to have won such with such high stakes.

"I guess Momiji was right, I really am lucky in real life." Kaito said to himself as he looked up to see everyone looking at him.

"We'll winner come and get your prizes, congratulations!" Anya said as Kaito walked up to counter to receive his new AmuSphere and his collector copy of GGO.

"Oh yeah, just for reference this collector's edition includes new costumes, weapons and includes a quest to improve your in-game home. There's also a new map to explore, but rumor says you have to beat the main quest that's coming up to unlock it." Anya explained the game's additions to Kaito.

"Thanks Anya, I'll tell my friend, she'll be happy to know about this and I can finally do some proper research on the game." Kaito replied

"Anytime, oh and if your free we should play sometime, just the two of us, huh?" Anya said as she gave Kaito a slight seductive smirk.

Kaito's cheeks showed a little red as he picked up the package and left the store quickly to go back to his apartment and call Takamine and tell her the good news.

Back at Kaito's Apartment

After getting home, Kaito began unboxing the package to find a smaller box, after opening it showed the new AmuSphere 2, the bonus was that instead of traditionally using a PC to operate instead it comes with a hand-held terminal to hook-up to.

He took out the game and opened the case and saw the small cartridge inside checking the AmuSphere he saw a small opening that seemed to just fit the small chip inside. For the sake of time he put the chip in, so when he had to log on he would be ready.

"Well time to do some research on GGO, maybe a few other games as well." Kaito said out loud to himself. Opening his laptop, he searched for the main Zaskar page and found the player guide for all new beginners and there was quite a bit…

"This is gonna be awhile…" Kaito responded with a sigh in his voice.

AN#1 – This my new SAO story for Fatal Bullet exclusively, "Dissonance of the Core", where Kaito joins his friend Kureha in GGO and gets wrapped up in the many misadventures of a certain black swordsman and his friends. However, little does he know that a dark force lurks in the shadows…

AN#2 – Remember to Review, Favorite and Follow. I wouldn't be here without you guys.

AN#3 – Really quick, this story will also include the DLC stories as well, so I hope you guys join me on this wild ride.

AN#4 – On my profile, are the main loadouts Kaito will be using throughout the story if you guys have recommendations don't feel scared to leave something in a review.