On November 6, 2022, the VRMMORPG Sword Art Online is officially released where 10,000 copies have been sold. Kirito, who beta-tested the game, log-ins to the world of Aincrad and meets Klein, a new player who asks him to teach him the basics of the game including the Sword Skill battle system. However, Kirito and Klein cannot log out of the game for some reason. As most of the players are teleported to the town square, a red-hooded figure suddenly appears in the sky. The figure reveals himself to the crowd as Akihiko Kayaba, the game's creator and tells them they he purposefully removed the log-out option. Furthermore, he reveals they cannot log-out by simply removing the NerveGear, the VR helmet they use to log-in the game as it will kill them instantly. The only way to log out is for the players to beat and clear all 100 floors of the game and should they die in the game, their real bodies will die as well. As a parting gift, Akihiko gives them a mirror which reveals their real looks on their avatars. As everyone goes into shock of their new predicament, Kirito ask Klein to follow him to the next town to level up before resources are depleted but Klein politely declines as he wishes to remain with his friends but promises to see him again. Kirito heads out, vowing to be free from this game. By the end of the first month, 2,000 players have died but the 1st floor has yet to be cleared.