Within the world of Sword Art Online, Full-Dive technology was something truly extraordinary.
Just from the original story alone, it was clear—this wasn't something easily replicated by other worlds. That was precisely why Izumi had taken an interest.
Especially the existence of the World Seed — "The Seed", created by Akihiko Kayaba.
That… was the real treasure.
And Kayaba himself? His research capabilities were nothing short of genius.
Izumi leaned back slightly, a faint smile forming on his lips.
Once that world was properly brought under control…
He could simply pay it a visit.
And then—
Bring Kayaba over.
Have him work here.
"…Not a bad idea at all."
His mood lifted instantly at the thought.
Now all that remained… was whether Asagi Aiba could reach an agreement with Asuna Yuuki.
...
Meanwhile — Dimension City, Central Plaza
When Asagi appeared in the plaza, she immediately spotted the girl Izumi had mentioned.
Asuna.
At this moment, Asuna had already finished learning about the basics of this world.
And—
She was overwhelmed.
Excited.
Hopeful.
Without hesitation, she had sold all the knowledge she possessed.
But in return?
Only a few dozen points.
Now, she stood before Kayo, anxiously asking:
"Is there… any way to leave the game world?"
Kayo was currently flipping through her tablet, searching for possible solutions.
And right then—
"Hey, Kayo. I'll take over from here."
A calm, confident voice interrupted.
The moment Asagi appeared, the nearby girls lit up.
"Asagi-nee!"
"You're here!"
"Did you come to see us?"
Their cheerful voices instantly drew attention.
Kayo and Asuna both turned toward her.
After greeting the girls briefly, Asagi walked straight up to Kayo.
"I'll handle this one."
Kayo nodded without hesitation.
"Got it. She's yours."
She didn't need an explanation.
If Asagi was here—
Then Izumi was behind it.
Asuna, however, was confused.
She stared at the girl in front of her.
Same age, perhaps…
But there was a sharpness. A maturity.
And clearly—
Status.
Authority.
Asagi didn't waste time.
"I'm Asagi Aiba.
Chief Scientist of this world."
Then, getting straight to the point:
"I heard your world has a Full-Dive game?"
Asuna froze.
Chief… scientist?
And she knows about Full-Dive?
What exactly was going on here?
Still, she nodded.
"…Yes. We do."
She hesitated slightly.
"May I ask… why?"
Asagi's eyes lit up.
"Can you explain it to me?"
She leaned forward slightly.
"I'm very interested."
Then added, almost casually:
"Also… I might be able to help with your situation."
That was enough.
Hope surged through Asuna's chest.
"Alright!" she said immediately.
"I'll tell you everything!"
But just as she was about to begin—
Asagi raised a hand.
"Not here."
She glanced around.
"Let's talk somewhere more suitable."
...
Misty's Shop — Entertainment District
The two soon arrived at a lively little restaurant run by Mystia Lorelei.
It was currently the only fully operating food establishment in Dimension City.
And it was packed.
People from countless worlds filled the space.
Some in ancient robes.
Some in armor.
Others in completely unfamiliar attire.
To Asuna—
It looked like a surreal cosplay café.
Except… this was all real.
Asagi sat down casually.
"Mystia, two house specials."
Then she turned back to Asuna.
Asuna sat stiffly.
Clearly overwhelmed.
Asagi, however, smoothly guided the conversation.
And little by little—
Asuna began explaining everything.
The NerveGear.
The death game.
The system.
The rules.
The reality.
She told her everything.
Without holding back.
When she finished—
Asagi leaned back slightly.
"…I see."
Now she understood why Izumi had suggested planting a "virus."
It wasn't just about access.
It was about control.
After a brief pause, Asagi spoke:
"Alright."
Then decisively:
"You take me to your world."
"I'll help free everyone trapped in the game."
She looked directly at Asuna.
"In exchange, I want the Full-Dive technology."
Asuna's eyes widened.
"…You can really do that?"
Asagi smirked slightly.
"Don't underestimate me."
Then added with confidence:
"Leave everything to me."
Right then, the food arrived.
A rich, aromatic meal unlike anything Asuna had ever experienced.
Asagi gestured casually.
"Eat first."
Then, as if remembering something, she tilted her head slightly while observing Asuna.
"By the way…"
"That body of yours—"
"It's not your real one, is it?"
Her eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"…Interesting."
Then, without hesitation:
"Mind if I study it later?"
Asuna blinked.
Then thought for a moment.
And nodded.
"…That's fine."
"If it helps… I'll cooperate."
At this moment—
Her trust in Asagi had already taken root.
And somewhere far away—
Izumi smiled.
Everything…
Was unfolding exactly as planned.