No matter how many times I see it, it is always a spectacular sight.
The sunset dyed the sky red, and the huge steel floating city kept circling, but it did not collapse, but gradually turned into white light spots from the bottom and disappeared into the clouds.
Standing at a certain highest point and looking at it all, a girl wearing a white hospital gown showed a satisfied smile on her face, and a metallic ring-shaped data ball floating in her hand seemed to be collecting something.
Probably to restore the current appearance of the body, the originally short shoulder-length hair has become waist-length long hair.
"...This is really surprising. I didn't expect that someone could actually embark on this path before me for a theory that only existed in my imagination."
A sudden voice sounded from behind the girl. The young man in a white coat put his hands in his pockets and walked slowly to her side.
"Rather, you actually dare to try. Should this be said to be a miracle caused by 'life'?"
Kayaba Akihiko, who had restored his original appearance, said this while calmly looking at the disappearing floating city, but there was not much regret on his face.
Maybe, this is the ending he expected.
In the world that was finally stopped, in the data grid space intertwined with black and white, he was like a defenseless child who was deprived of all authority.
It arrived here in a manner that he could not fully understand, and reigned over the entire "Aincrad" like a god.
According to Kayaba's estimation, he guessed that Yuuki probably had the same idea as him, releasing ultra-high-power scanning signals to his brain and converting all his memories and thoughts into digital codes.
Although the possibility is slim, it is indeed possible to turn it into a real "computer" and exist in the network.
It's just that the girl seemed to have guessed what he was thinking after hearing that sigh.
"'Life' is not such a simple thing, you should understand this."
"The dead life is destined to disappear. This is indeed the unchanging basic law in every world."
Yuuki said this and looked sideways at Kayaba Akihiko with a mysterious smile.
"However, this 'world' has a very interesting hypothesis, which is 'quantum light' containing soul information."
"I just collected those things again, that's all."
Although Yuuki said it lightly, Kayaba Akihiko's face showed an expression of astonishment for the first time.
"...Can 'humans' really do that kind of thing?"
"Then it's okay if it's not a 'human'."
"…………"
Looking at the young face smiling brightly at him, this leading scholar's brain couldn't turn around for the first time.
But soon, the man recovered, and seemed to have noticed something from Yuuki's words. He covered his forehead and let out a sigh that he didn't know whether it was excitement or a bitter smile.
"...Haha, haha...is that so? It turns out there are some 'mysteries' in this world that I haven't been able to touch..."
Then, in a tone as if he had discovered a new world, the man continued.
"Did you know? Since I was a child, my dreams have been occupied by that castle. Even now, I still believe that in some other world, there really is a floating city like this. Your appearance is
It made me even more convinced of this.”
The floating clouds moved slightly faster, as if reflecting Kayaba's mood at the moment.
Yes, everything he did was just looking for a 'dream'.
The so-called "Aincrad" is actually the abbreviation of An Incarnatin Radius. To its effect, it is a world where the wishes of players and Kayaba are realized.
There is nothing wrong in pursuing dreams, but it is a pity that he adopted the most extreme method.
But it probably doesn't make sense to talk rationally with a paranoid genius scientist.
"Then, as a loser, it's time for me to make a wise exit. And looking at you like this, you probably don't need that kind of thing."
Looking at the ball of data in Yuuki's hand, Kayaba Akihiko shook his head slightly, and then looked at the sky with a calm expression.
"The next time should be your specially reserved time, so I won't interrupt you."
Seeing that the figure who had been lying next to Yuuki showed signs of waking up, Kayaba Akihiko turned around and walked towards the distance.
"...Ah, I almost forgot."
"Congratulations on completing the game."
The figure gradually disappeared with the wind, leaving only the last words of congratulations.
After arranging her clothes at home, the girl with long hair opened the door and trotted towards a certain direction in the early morning sunshine.
Neighbors kept saying hello to her on the road, and the girl responded politely one by one, and soon arrived at her destination.
After passing through the automatic door and registering at the hospital's pre-examination desk, she happened to see a familiar person as she passed by the aisle.
Smiling slightly, Lanzi waved to the yawning young doctor.
"Good morning! Dr. Kurahashi!"
"...Huh? Ah, good morning, Miss Lanzi, it's so early today."
"Um!"
Lanzi nodded and smiled brightly.
"Because if she is alone all the time, she will be lonely."
"..."
Looking at the girl passing by, the doctor who fell silent couldn't help but feel sad in his eyes.
A month ago, the players who survived the death game gradually woke up.
And from their mouths, everyone also knew who led their strategy to success in the end.
He is the one currently lying on the hospital bed and the only player who has not woken up.
On that day, Yuuki's vital signs had completely stopped, but they recovered miraculously afterwards. Moreover, all indicators gradually stabilized.
Although it is still not comparable to ordinary people, it is indeed developing in a good direction.
This unexplainable phenomenon can only be temporarily classified as a medical 'miracle'.
Unfortunately, the girl's consciousness seems to have failed to return, and she is still in a deep coma.
Many 'players' came to visit her before and after, but it had no effect.
But as long as you are still alive, there must be hope of recovery!
Everyone is looking forward to this.
…
"...Hey, Xiaoyou, do you know? Recently on the medical network "Serene Garden", my sister met some very interesting children. Although they all have various conditions, they all
Live a strong and optimistic life, you want to meet them too."
"Besides, everyone who left SAO misses you so much. Suguha also said that if you don't go to the next national competition she participates in, she will be angry."
"And there's more..."
Holding the girl's hand on the hospital bed, Lan Zi softly told what happened every day bit by bit.
Because Yuuki has already made an appointment with her and won't keep her waiting for too long.
so……
"So... wake up quickly."
Lifting her hair from her temples and kissing the girl's forehead gently, Lanzi prayed as always.
Uncontrollable tears fell from the corners of her eyes again, dripping on the peaceful sleeping face of the 'princess'.
One drop...
Two drops...
"..."
"...Sure enough, are all fairy tales lies? Why is the kiss of my 'prince' so salty..."
"...!"
The figure froze, and the 'prince' lowered his head and looked at the bright eyes that had opened slightly on the bed.
Then he wiped the corners of his eyes desperately, but he couldn't control it no matter what.
A voice that can never be forgotten rang in my ears.
"I'm back, Sister Lan."
"..."
"Welcome... back, Xiaoyou!!"
He hugged the figure on the hospital bed tightly and refused to let go for a long time.
He had indeed kept his promise. This time, Yuuki did not keep Lan Zi waiting for too long.
As for what she experienced in this "month" while in a "coma", that is another "story".