Sword Art Online-Encroaching Shadows

Chapter 41

December 8th, 2022

"It's strange isn't it?" Jayce looked over from the chair he sat in raising an eyebrow. Jemza was sitting on the edge of the bed scrolling through her inventory list when she spoke.

"What is?"

"The <<Anti-Harassment System>> kicked in pretty much like it should up until last night. It even threw you back a few nights ago when you hugged me. Isn't it strange that now it seems to be completely shut off? I mean, last night we even...uh...you know?" Jemza asked while turning scarlet in the cheeks, but Jayce though about the question for awhile. It was something he had been curious about as well.

"Maybe the system adapts to the individuals in question. There might be some way it monitors mental and emotional states of mind. If so it could switch the safety off automatically for two people like us. It could also have to do with our age. A lot of players are younger kids, but you and I are adults. That could play a factor."

"You think the programmers could create something as adaptive as that? The Nerve Gear alone is ahead of its time, but now you're considering the potential of advanced AI technology?" Jemza tapped a button and her casual style clothing materialized onto her body. The pair had agreed to travel back to Urbus in the same style clothing they wore when they arrived in Marome.

"Just look at our fight with Artemis last night. The dialogue during the fight, his mannerisms, and even how he fought was far different than any random monster out in the wild. That felt like we were fighting against a real person, not some computer generated opponent." Jayce turned the chair so he could properly face the girl as they spoke.

"True, I noticed that too. I suppose there's more to this world than we ever realized. I wonder if it was always their intention or if the system can adapt. We can't feel pain, but what's to stop it from changing that?" Jayce shivered slightly at the thought. Jemza had a good point, but he silently prayed that the system never made such a drastic change during their time here.

"I'm sure that won't change. Pain is the one thing the system doesn't mimic here. Touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste are all replicated very well. Even emotional reactions like laughter and crying exist, which just goes to show how advanced SAO really is. I think the programmers purposefully made things that way. Although a prison, they wanted this to feel as real as possible aside from pain. Excitement, happiness, sadness..."

"Pleasure..." Jemza interrupted him as he spoke and they both blushed and fell silent.

"You...we both hit level twelve right?" Jayce quickly changed the subject after a long and awkward silence.

"Yes! You're right we did! What skill are you going to choose?" Jemza seemed equally anxious to move past the awkwardness.

"Well, after the estate blunder I caused I think it's easy to choose. PoH and you both had <<Searching>> and that seems far too valuable to not have." Jemza nodded as he spoke.

"I think that's a good idea. I was thinking that everything so far has involved us sneaking into places. <<Lockpicking>> would be a good choice for me don't you think?" Jemza stood and walked next to Jayce turning her skill window around so he could view it.

"Yeah, we're probably going to need that sooner rather than later. Let's lock them in." They both chose their respective skills and committed both to their lists. They closed the system menu and moved towards the door leading out of the small room. Jayce opened the door, but Jemza hesitated at the threshold looking back sadly.