Virtual Hell (Sword Art Online X Male Reader Remake)

Level 23 - Courage

"This is NHK News, reporting live on the aftermath of last night's unprecedented cyberattack that plunged central Tokyo into chaos. Authorities are calling the event a large-scale stunt orchestrated by an unknown group of hackers, though details remain scarce. The attack caused a widespread power outage, disrupted major city infrastructure, and hijacked digital billboards across Shibuya with unverified artificial intelligence. At this time, no one has come forward to claim responsibility. Authorities assure the public that the threat has been neutralized, and investigations are ongoing. More updates as this story develops."

I slowly blinked awake, the news anchor's voice a dull hum in the background. The warm glow of morning light filtered through my apartment window, casting long shadows across the room. My body felt like lead, every muscle aching, every movement a reminder of everything that had happened yesterday.

I groaned, sitting up on the futon I had thrown down in my front room. The room was quiet, except for the soft breathing of the others still asleep.

Lisbeth was curled up on the couch, her arms wrapped around one of my throw pillows like a lifeline. Asuna and Kirito had taken the other futon, with Asuna sleeping peacefully while Kirito was sprawled out, one arm flopped over his face. They had insisted on staying over last night. I didn't argue.

After everything we had been through—the police station, the checkups, the endless questions—it felt like a blur. And just like that, I was home again.

Home.

I wasn't sure if it even felt like home anymore.

I stretched, wincing slightly as I rolled my shoulders, my fingers brushing against my neck. A sharp sting shot through my nerves, and I winced. The bruising had started to set in from Kanoi's attack. Just another reminder of how close I had come to losing everything.

It still didn't feel real.

I pushed myself up, stepping carefully over Kirito and making my way toward my bedroom. I wanted just a moment to myself, to breathe.

The door creaked slightly as I pushed it open.

The room was spotless.

For a second, I just stood there, taking it in.

They had cleaned it for me.

Asuna, Lisbeth, Kirito—they had done this while I was gone.

I glanced around, taking in the neatly folded blankets, the perfectly arranged desk, and the bookshelf that had been stacked properly instead of its usual disaster.

A lump formed in my throat.

They really went out of their way for me.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

My eyes landed on the holo-projector.

Khloe's holo-projector.

For so long, I hated that thing. I hated how she would always pop up unannounced, getting in my face, and pestering me like an annoying little sibling. But now—

Now, it was just quiet.

Too quiet.

I stepped forward, my fingers hovering over the power button.

I should turn it off. Unplug it. Put it away.

But before I could—

The device flickered to life.

A static glow filled the room, and my breath hitched.

Not Khloe.

But him.