-227- [ Rozen ]

Under the bell-like sound effect, the main menu appeared with two sections.

On the left were selectable menu labels such as Inventory, Skills, System Settings, and more. Tapping on them would allow players to browse and choose options.

On the right was a humanoid outline, which displayed the current status of Rozen's items and equipment. Clicking on different parts of the outline, like the hand, would allow him to equip or unequip weapons if available in the inventory.

Currently, Rozen's outline only had the body section equipped with the simple clothing, offering low defense and no additional effects. It was the starter gear given for free at the beginning of the game.

As for weapons, he would have to visit the weapon shop to purchase them. At the start of the game, each player received a currency called "Cor," which was essentially the in-game currency in Aincrad. This currency was used for various transactions throughout the world.

Rozen had starting currency like everyone else, and fairness was maintained across players, including those participating in the closed beta test.

To earn more currency, players had to defeat monsters, complete quests, and, with a bit of luck, find rare items in chests or dropped by monsters to sell for profit—a great opportunity for wealth.

It's worth mentioning that in SAO, leveling up only increased attributes like Strength (str), Agility (agi), maximum HP, and skill slots. Players also gained attribute points during each level-up, which could be allocated to increase Strength and Agility. The distribution of these points determined a player's role.

For instance, Kirigaya Kazuto, who stood before Rozen, was mainly oriented towards Agility during the closed beta. This time around, it was likely to be the same.

Rozen, on the other hand, had a somewhat unclear role. After all, there probably wasn't anyone else in SAO utilizing a combat style and role like Rozen.

Without further ado, Rozen was now ready to become friends with Kazuto and then quickly head to where he wanted to go.

"I hope it's still there..."

Rozen thought silently to himself as he prepared to send Kazuto a friend request.

In the next moment, a window appeared before Kazuto.

"Player 'Rozen' has sent you a friend request. Do you accept?"

Below this window were the options "Yes" and "No."

Kazuto didn't hesitate and selected "Yes."

Then, a window appeared before Rozen.

"Player 'Kirito' has become your friend."

Looking at the character name displayed on the window, Rozen couldn't help but sound a bit exasperated.

"You really stuck with that character name, Kirito."

It was really lacking in creativity.

After all, in the real world, Kazuto's name was Kirigaya Kazuto. His current character name was just an abbreviation of his real name. Where was the originality?

Kazuto had a retort ready.

"Didn't you also stick with your closed beta character name? And I still don't know why you chose that name, Rozen."

Well, that's because it's my real name, duh.

Rozen had no self-awareness about criticizing others for using their full names while he himself did the same thing. He checked the one name on his friend list, then discreetly closed the main menu.

"Alright, I need to go do that thing. If you want to head to the training area later, let me know, Kazuto."

Hearing this, Kazuto nodded without objection.

"Then I'll go to the weapon shop first. Don't forget to bring the necessary items with you. It would be embarrassing for a closed beta player like you to get taken down by a Level 1 monster in the field on the first day of the game, Aoka."

Upon hearing this, Rozen pursed his lips.

"In this world, please call me by my character name."

Rozen corrected him.

"You should do the same with my character name."

Kazuto, or rather Kirito, responded.

"Got it."

Casually leaving this response behind, Rozen waved and once again used a motion that was impossible in the real world, dashing off in a direction different from before.

Watching Rozen gradually fade from view, Kirito's eyes held a hint of envy.

"If only I could have 'that' too."

Unfortunately, Kirito had tried, but like Rozen, he couldn't smoothly achieve his goal.

"I'll go improve my sword skills."

Kirito shook his head and then swiftly dashed towards the direction of the weapon shop.

...

Less than half an hour into the game's start, many players were still exploring the town and hadn't ventured into the wilderness yet.

Those who ventured into the wild at this time were likely the closed beta enthusiasts who rushed to the weapon shop, already equipped with weapons and ready to level up like crazy.

Rozen certainly qualified as a game enthusiast, but he wasn't heading to the wilderness to level up.

"I hope it's still there..."

Rozen muttered continuously as he dashed out of the gates of the Starting Town.

Upon reaching the Starting Town's outskirts, he was greeted by a vast expanse of grasslands stretching in all directions.

To the north of the grasslands was a forest, to the south a lake, to the east the walls of the Starting Town, and to the west, an endlessly expanding sky with clouds dyed a golden hue.

Aincrad was a colossal city formed by stacking 100 floors, resembling a pyramid structure. The higher the floor, the smaller its area.

Conversely, on the lowest Floor 1, the area was the most extensive.

Rozen's destination lay in the northern forest of the Starting Town. To reach there, he had to traverse several kilometers of grassland.

In the real world, this would be a challenging feat for Rozen without using his familiars.

However, in this virtual world, player characters had hidden stamina, determined by their Strength attribute. Moving or performing actions in a way that didn't overly strain their Strength would reduce stamina, preventing players from feeling "fatigued."

In other words, as long as Rozen didn't push himself too hard, his stamina wouldn't decrease significantly, allowing him to reach the forest several kilometers away.

But before that...

"Grrr!"

A strange growl reached Rozen's ears, causing him to halt.

Then, Rozen saw it.

Not far ahead of him was a boar with blue fur and red eyes.

The displayed indicator was red.

Its name was "Frenzy Boar."

Undoubtedly, it was a monster.

A Level 1 monster.

Staring at the boar glaring at him, Rozen hesitated for a moment before making a decision.

"Let's see if the combat power improvement method from the closed beta works in this official release world."