<<Paradise LOST>>On November 6, 2022, the video game industry gave way its technological breakthrough of the century. Developed by Argus, Sword Art Online, a Virtual Reality Mass-Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game, became the world’s first “full-dive” entertainment system that completely immerses the player into a programmed world of blade-clashing frenzy. Made possible by the use of
NerveGear, a player’s conscience helps to interact in the online world, making the experience feel phenomenally realistic.
10,000 copies have been reportedly sold since its release in Japan (with no word on an international release). Servers were launched at 1:00 pm Local Japan Time, officially beginning what many would consider to be among the worst technological disasters in history. Unknown to the 10,000 players connected to SAO, development director Kayaba Akihiko, also the genius behind the design of the NerveGear platform, had planned to imprison every single player within the virtual world of SAO. By removing the option to log out of the game, the players were forced to complete all 100 levels of SAO or literally die trying. To ensure that none could escape, the NerveGear helmet would send an electric charge strong enough to destroy the brain if ever tampered with or if the player dies in-game.
<<Problematic Immunity & Anathema>>In what seemed like token of his appreciation, Kayaba issued the players an object designated as <<Mirror>>. Accessed through one’s inventory, it dramatically changed the appearance of an avatar to match exactly that of its player’s in real life. For most, it made the experience even more terrifying. Those who only looked larger than life were quickly humbled when their true faces were exposed. Some were shamed when revealed that they were the opposite sex of their avatar. However, only a handful remained even more uncertain of their fate when they realized a startling truth:
"The Mirror didn’t work on me...."
Word quickly spread about these "Breakers," glitching players who were accused of "breaking" the game when their avatars were spared from the transformations. Shunned by the dwindling SAO community, Breakers were often victims of scorn and discrimination.
<<When forces gather for a common goal… >>It was only up to the early months when a Breaker would find himself ostracized by other players. They were easily spotted: Attractive appearances that warranted scrutiny; equipment that is only obtainable for impossibly higher leveled-players; perhaps even a large sum of Col and an abysmal inventory of expensive items to boot. As time went on, players were able to earn more experience and eventually level-up in skill and fashion. Now able to blend in with the common players, some Breakers took the opportunity to build. One lone player in particular was said to acquire a vast amount of Col to fund a network of resources. In time, a group was formed to manage this web of connections.
<<The Brotherhood>>, a shadowy guild notorious for its influence, secrecy, and riches beyond what any player could imagine. In truth, the Brotherhood was designed as a haven for Breakers. Most of its members are glitching players seeking refuge, and a select few serve the Brotherhood directly by utilizing their abilities as a Breaker. By imitating the mannerisms like that of western secret societies, their exclusive activities ensure that only those of their kind may enlist in their ranks. Following a simple hierarchy and order, Breakers are able to thrive and exist peacefully in the Brotherhood.
But existence in the Brotherhood is no easy burden. No riches obtained are without scrutiny. No victory is celebrated without fear. For every success there is failure. For every ally there is an enemy. Though life isn’t easier in the game of death that is SAO, the Brotherhood at least has more than they could ever need in a time of uncertainty: their loyalty to one another.
