Mentioning Yui made Akihiko Kayaba fall silent. Her existence was an unexpected anomaly. Any other scientist might have been eager to study such a development thoroughly. But Kayaba was different. Despite being a genius, he had retained a childlike wonder deep within him. This was the very reason behind the creation of Aincrad and the death game.
SAO's death game was an attempt to fulfill Kayaba's childhood dream. Yet he knew this dream was unrealistic, a mere fantasy. The game's design dictated that upon clearing the 100th floor, all data associated with Aincrad would be deleted.
This symbolic collapse of Aincrad reflected the end of his dream. In this sense, Kayaba was more of a dreamer with technological expertise than a typical scientist.
"This might be for the best," Kayaba said, his expression returning to calm. For him, knowing that someone could break through his system was already deeply satisfying. Kayaba had always believed in the limitless potential of the subconscious mind, even as a scientist.
In the original story, Kirito and Asuna survived despite the system's design, which should have killed them both. This was partly due to Kayaba's influence but also because both had transcended the system's limitations. Asuna had overcome paralysis to shield Kirito, and Kirito had similarly pushed past the system's rules.
Their survival stemmed from their ability to defy the system—something other players couldn't replicate. Kayaba wouldn't extend special treatment to anyone who hadn't achieved this feat.
"You mentioned turning Aincrad into reality," Kayaba said, his voice tinged with excitement. Technology alone couldn't bring Aincrad into the real world. But what about magic?
"I do have a way," Daniel replied, "but I'm not there yet. I'm still missing a few critical pieces." The method, of course, involved the Infinity Gauntlet and its stones. A single snap would make it possible.
"You can think of it like a divine artifact in a game, capable of creation on a cosmic scale. I should be able to acquire it in a few years," Daniel explained.
As the creator of a fully immersive game, Kayaba understood the concept of a world-altering artifact. In fact, Aincrad's backstory drew heavily from Norse mythology, including the nine realms and Yggdrasil. The game's lore adapted this into two sacred trees, one black and one white.
"You'd use this to help me create Aincrad? I don't think I'm worth such an effort," Kayaba said, skeptical.
"It's not for you," Daniel replied. "It's for Asuna. Think of it as a gift for her."
Kayaba couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. What he had yearned for all his life was, to someone else, merely a gift. Still, the knowledge that his dream could exist in some form was enough to satisfy him.
"Let's set that aside for now. We need to talk about the game. It's time to end it, don't you think?"
"My wish has been fulfilled. It's time," Kayaba agreed. Seeing real magic rendered the illusion of Aincrad unnecessary.
"Don't talk as if you're about to die. Don't you want to live to see the real Aincrad? And what about the lives lost? Don't you want to atone for that?" Daniel asked.
Given Kayaba's role in the deaths of so many players, he would undoubtedly face consequences if apprehended. Yet, the authorities were unlikely to take harsh measures. Publicly, he might be declared imprisoned, but in reality, he would likely be confined to a government lab.
"I can give you a fresh start—new face, new identity. Later, you can revert to your old self," Daniel said, using a transformation spell to alter Kayaba's appearance subtly.
"I've also acquired your research lab. Once this is all resolved, you can return to work, and she can join you too," Daniel added, glancing at Koujiro Rinko.
Together, they began planning the game's shutdown. Ending the death game was straightforward, but resolving the issues around the murder guilds required careful attention. Kayaba's complete dataset would be handed over to the authorities to ensure justice was served. Yui's memory restoration was also on the agenda.
---
When the system-wide announcement "The game has been cleared" echoed throughout Aincrad, every player froze, stunned.
Unlike the original story, where Kirito and Kayaba dueled before the entire front-line group, this time there was no final battle. After re-entering the game, Daniel left the Knights of the Blood Oath with Asuna, and Kayaba issued the announcement shortly after.
"What… What did you do? What happened to the Commander?" Asuna asked, staring intently at Daniel.
Before he could answer, Yui spoke up, drawing her attention.
"I remember now, Mommy and Daddy. I am Yui, the Mental Health Counseling Program Prototype One. I was restricted from functioning when the game started," she said, explaining her identity and how she ended up with Asuna and Daniel.
"You're an AI?" Asuna asked, astonished.
"Mommy, Daddy, the game's data is being deleted. You need to log out quickly," Yui urged.
"What about you?" Asuna asked, worried.
"Don't worry, Yui will be fine. There's something I'll explain once we're back in the real world. Log out first," Daniel reassured her.
"Promise me you'll find me?" Asuna asked, hesitating.
"I promise," Daniel said.
With his assurance, Asuna finally logged out, disappearing from the game.
"Yui, rest for now. You'll wake up soon," Daniel said, storing Yui's data into a secured package. He then teleported to the skies above Aincrad to meet Kayaba.
---
Kayaba stood silently in mid-air, watching Aincrad collapse layer by layer, starting from the Ruby Palace on the 100th floor. The scene was breathtaking.
"See you in the real world," Daniel said, logging out after observing the spectacle.
As players awakened in the real world, chaos erupted. News channels and websites buzzed with reports about the game's sudden end and the condition of the survivors.
---
Meanwhile, Daniel was already at work constructing a temporary body for Yui using Vibranium and other rare materials. Though it was a stopgap measure, he planned to provide Yui with a permanent body, much like Alice in the original story.
While Alice was a far more advanced AI, akin to a supercomputer, Yui was simpler—more like a standard server. But for Daniel, this didn't matter. He sought nothing from Yui but to protect and cherish her.
---
Late that night, Asuna lay awake in her hospital bed. Though thrilled to reunite with her family, adjusting to reality after so long in SAO was difficult. Rehabilitation training meant she wouldn't leave the hospital for at least a week, and even after discharge, further recovery awaited her.
"Thinking about me?" a familiar voice startled her.
She relaxed when she saw Daniel.
"How did you get here? Your body?" she asked, confused but happy.
"Mommy!" a tiny, holographic Yui appeared, looking like a small fairy.
Daniel had used advanced technology, including Pym Particles and a holographic projection system, to integrate Yui's presence into a pendant.
"Yui!" Asuna exclaimed, carefully cupping her hands to hold the holographic girl.
"You're weak. Let me help," Daniel said, casting a healing spell.
"What… What was that?" Asuna asked, stunned by the sensation of her body recovering slightly.
"Didn't I promise to explain? I'm a magician from another world—a traveler," Daniel said, summarizing his story.
Asuna was speechless.
"Daddy's amazing!" Yui cheered, clapping.
"What about the Commander?" Asuna finally asked after watching Daniel perform several spells.
"He's Akihiko Kayaba. SAO was his childhood dream," Daniel explained, adding that Kayaba was still alive, though officially reported as deceased.
"I see…" Asuna sighed.
If this had been the pre-SAO Asuna, she would have condemned Kayaba outright. But her experiences in the game gave her a nuanced perspective.
---
Daniel left Asuna to rest, promising to return. Alone with Yui, Asuna let out a deep sigh.
"Mommy, are you thinking about Daddy?" Yui asked.
"It's nothing," Asuna replied with a smile.
In truth, she had countless questions but decided to wait until she had fully recovered and could move freely.
For now, the world buzzed with questions about the sudden end of SAO. With no public duel or explanation, officials had far more to investigate compared to the original timeline.
If you need anything else, let me know!
------------------
Enjoying the story? Support the author and get early access to chapters by joining my Patre@n!
Find me at: patre@n*com/Mutter
You can read each novel for $5 or get them all for just $15.
Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256) — $5
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336) — $5
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542) — $5
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924) — $5
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284) — $5
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289) — $5
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316) — $5
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402) — $5
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570) — $5
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660) — $5
Get access to all of them for just $15 on Patre@n!
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]