The surrounding players who didn't know the situation were puzzled as to why Kaito said he might really die or whether his character would revive.
But considering the circumstances, there might still be some distrust. However, it was better to be safe than sorry. Kaito would also take it seriously, striving to clear the game with one life, so everyone understood.
For now, nothing had happened to them personally. They only knew from Kayaba Akihiko that over 6000 people had died from forced logouts.
It was like an earthquake in a neighboring country; you were unaffected, just a little worried and felt pity.
For the moment, everyone didn't take it too seriously. Instead, those with passion, as Kaito said, treated it like traveling to another world, becoming heroes, leveling up, getting stronger, defeating the boss, and finally going home.
Now, they had already started forming parties again, gathering together, spending money to teleport, and continuing to log into [Aincrad]'s first floor to adventure.
The others were still hesitating, but judging by their expressions, they probably accepted the fact.
As for the more timid ones, there was no helping it. Some people need time, and some are just born that way.
"Alright, Leafa, Kirito, Eugeo, do you three still want to team up with me?"
Kaito asked, but he also noticed some very familiar people nearby.
For example, Yuki Kyoko and Yuki Asuna.
And even Asada Shino!
'Damn, the plot has changed a lot. She's here too, and coincidentally bumped into us.'
'I have to admit, Kayaba Akihiko really delivered a wave of divine assist.'
"Well... actually, I really want to team up with you guys, but I already have a fixed party."
Kirito hesitated for a moment, glanced at Leafa and Kaito, then scratched his head and replied somewhat embarrassedly.
This fixed party wasn't just him and Eugeo; it also included friends he'd played with before.
For example, Klein, Agil, and that guy with blue hair whose name Kaito don't remember, who died in the first episode.
When Kirito and Eugeo were grinding elsewhere, they also logged in. Everyone added each other as friends, formed a party, and were even discussing establishing a guild.
Besides...
With so many guys in the party, having his sister Leafa join might be awkward at times. So Kirito intentionally wanted Leafa to stay in Kaito's party.
After all, Klein had gathered another group of rowdy brothers.
"I see. And you, Leafa?"
"Is it suitable for me over there, Onii-chan?"
"Uh... no, it's all guys... you know Klein, the one I always talk about? He keeps asking me about you."
"Oh dear... Klein, huh? You'd better keep stopping him as usual. Master, it seems I'll have to stay in your party for now."
Leafa was forced to make a choice.
But deep down, she also wanted to stay with Kaito.
"Alright then. Be careful when you're adventuring. If you encounter any problems, you can DM me. I'll reply as soon as I see it."
"Okay. I'll leave my sister in your care."
This time, Kirito emphasized his tone and gave the most respectful bow, a 90-degree bow, as if entrusting his sister to Kaito.
But in this environment, having his sister away from him would definitely worry him about her safety. He didn't want to step away and then lose his sister.
"Mm, I will."
Kaito nodded, then watched Kirito and Eugeo exchange a meaningful glance, then walk off arm in arm, presumably to meet up with Klein and the others again and go grind in higher-level areas again.
Maybe even pull an all-nighter grinding.
'Not bad, full of spirit!'
"Alright, Leafa, before we start grinding, let's deal with dinner first. In the real world, don't worry; you're probably on your way to the hospital right now."
"Master... please don't put it that way. It's weird."
In fact, this time, the NerveGear 2.0 has a benefit: it comes with its own network card for wireless connection, and the battery lasts a full 6 hours.
As long as you get to the hospital and reconnect to power within 6 hours, you'll be fine. If it exceeds 6 hours, well, you can say goodbye.
Also, if you enter a network-shielded area or a place with no network, you can happily type GG.
Basically, the parents, relatives, or friends of players all over the country are probably doing this now.
As for medical expenses, not sure how that will be handled. Maybe there will be subsidies?
After all, with such a big incident, they couldn't just let poor families watch their loved ones die, right?
"Um... can I team up with you?"
It was Asada Shino.
"Hmm, you're good with a bow?"
"Yes, I'm very good!"
"Alright then. My party just happens to need a ranged attacker. You joining is suitable."
"Thank you! My name is Sinon. I was moved by what you said earlier, so I couldn't help but want to team up with you."
Shino explained in the tone and voice familiar to Kaito. It wasn't surprising she made this choice.
If she hadn't come, Kaito would have gone looking for her.
"Does your party still have room? Can you add us two? This big brother~"
Yuki Asuna, she came.
She dragged her mother, Yuki Kyoko, wanting to join Kaito's party too.
"Cough cough, it's you."
"Yes, big brother. My name is Asuna, and this is my mother. You can call her Kyoko!"
Using their IDs.
Except some people just used their real names.
Seems like everyone was pretty laid-back about naming.
"Cough cough, actually, I'm not..."
"Mom, I already told you how important partying up is!"
"..."
Kyoko looked away, not daring to meet her daughter's eyes.
"Now that this has happened, even if we don't accept it, we have to."
"We could die..."
"Yes. We could die. But rather than always staying in a place being protected by others, I'd rather go out and protect others, like you, Mom."
"..."
"Mom, I've grown up. It's been almost three years... It's time for me to grow on my own, instead of standing behind you."
"..."
The conversation between mother and daughter was quite meaningful. Kaito overheard most of it.
On the side, Mika was pointing at Asuna and lecturing her own daughter, Ako.
"Look, look at her!"
"And then look at you!"
"You, who just slacks off from start to finish, you shut-in!"
"It's not that great, is it? Isn't it just because your mom, me, is excellent!?"
Well, the sound coming from behind should be something like that.