Choice...

The large-robed individual with a face masked in darkness hovered above the square, his giant silhouette putting an invisible pressure on those present. His voice echoed out as if to traverse the void...

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Sword Art Online. I am Raven Oscars..."

When the words fell, whispers spread throughout the crowd, and an uneasy feeling began to swell. Chastain Grey, while wearing her starting gear, watched closely....she didn't understand what was going on.

"There's no reason to be uncertain as to why I summoned you here, I'll explain. I created SAO, not only to provide entertainment and fulfillment to those too young or unable to enter my multiverse but to function as a training ground for those aspiring to become Travelers in my realm..."

Silence engulfed the field as the feelings of unease continued to increase...

"To that end, I will inform those of you who've purchased the NerveGear and want to play SAO, this will not be a normal game..."

*gulp*

The people present swallowed, but continued to listen as the creator of this world spoke to them through his avatar.

"The moment you put on my NerveGear, your DNA and specific indicators were cataloged. No one but you will ever be able to use your unique equipment, and if they try, the technology will destroy itself. Moreover, no one will be able to buy another set again. The NerveGear in the market now, these are all that will exist...."

"Furthermore, there will be changes to the settings after ten minutes of this announcement...all pain-negating functions of the headset will be disabled, if you wish to reject this game due to this fact, I can only express my disappointment..."

Many breathed sighs of relief, as what they thought to be the case didn't happen....how could they think a person would actually do what they imagined? Too ridiculous...

Knowing they can simply log out and destroy the headset if they don't want to play, they continued to listen.

"The first time you die, you will only feel half the pain. The second time, pain intensity will be as if the injury was real. The third time, pain intensity will double.....and so on. The goal, for the tens of thousands of players who have bought the game and gear, is to conquer all two hundred floors of Aincrad, thereby qualifying for my reward...."

Everyone took a deep breath...

"Those who've contributed sufficiently to the completion of SAO will be allowed to enter my Multiverse. Moreover, they will always have the right to re-enter following a death in either Altissia or Dome City....good luck players."

***cheers***

....(Scene Break)....

This broadcast was streamed to the outside world and many news outlets went crazy. Many criticized Raven Oscars for such an action, calling it vile and deceptive, while many praised the ingenuity.

The fact that those not willing to participate can simply dump their gear allowed parents to calm down after a while...

Although the population of SAO diminished quite a bit because of this announcement, most still stayed. The opportunity given to those who complete the game is simply too good for these players, they had to try at least once where pain intensity is halved.

Chastain was no exception, as she hurried out of the center square towards the next town. She was in a hurry because right after the announcement was made, she received a text via her panel. It was from an unknown number but it was tagged with the note "live by the wing, die by the talon ;)", and its information was called 'Beater Information'.

This packet of information contained details on many aspects of the game unknown to new players...