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May 3rd.

It was the third day of SAO's beta test. With additional slots opened for testers, the total number of beta players had reached over 300.

Since the current system allowed players to revive after death, the clearing speed remained swift despite the small player base, and they had already reached the fourth floor.

Of course, a few bugs had been discovered during this period.

For example, in the boss room on the second floor, players found a way to climb onto an 'indestructible' pillar. While the boss couldn't attack them there, players could stab its head repeatedly with a long sword until it was defeated.

Such bugs were promptly fixed on the same day. That particular pillar was updated to become 'destructible.'

Meanwhile, on Pokémon Island, a certain pod in Vegapunk's research facility opened, and a figure with a smooth, unblemished body and three eyes stepped out.

"It feels just like my original body," Kayaba remarked as he clenched his fists and swung his arms. He felt no hindrance in his movements, only a sense of unfamiliarity due to the changes in his body.

"It actually worked. It seems Porygon-Z's method was correct," Vegapunk said in amazement, glancing at the large screen nearby. On it, Porygon-Z was performing a peculiar dance.

"Incredible. Porygon-Z truly is a remarkable Pokémon, capable of constructing a data channel to transfer human consciousness entirely on its own," Vegapunk praised, his long tongue swaying as he turned toward the screen.

"Did you hear that, Porygon-Z? Kayaba just complimented you!" he added, and the Pokémon's dance became even more animated.

"Can you really adapt to this body?" Dak asked skeptically, eyeing Kayaba's new appearance.

Two days ago, Vegapunk had presented Kayaba with a list of available genetic traits within the lab, allowing him to choose. After some consideration, Kayaba had selected three:

Three-Eyed Tribe Genetics: As a researcher, Kayaba often felt that two eyes weren't enough for all his work. He thought adding a third might boost his efficiency.

Uzumaki Clan Genetics: Initially, he considered Sharingan, imagining how three Sharingan might enhance his abilities. But since the Sharingan's activation requirements didn't suit his stable personality, he opted for Uzumaki genetics for its high chakra reserves and shadow clone potential.

Senju Clan Genetics: Kayaba initially wanted Nara genetics for enhanced intelligence but decided against it due to the risk of laziness. Instead, he chose the Senju genetics for its strong regenerative abilities.

The combination of Uzumaki and Senju genetics meant that Kayaba could now work for seven days straight without collapsing.

As a result, Kayaba now appeared as a red-haired man with three eyes. While his features leaned toward an average, unremarkable appearance, Kayaba didn't care about his looks—his priority was research.

"Given some time, I'll adapt," Kayaba replied as he stepped out of the pod and took a deep breath. "The spatial quality here far surpasses that of the other world. Your people must have a much longer lifespan."

"Put some clothes on," Vegapunk said, handing him a lab coat, noting that female researchers were also present in the lab.

"Can I take a look around Alliance City first?" Kayaba asked, his curiosity piqued by the various Pokémon he spotted throughout the lab.

"Of course. Dr. Vegapunk will accompany you. The two of you can exchange ideas while I work on modifying Aincrad," Dak suggested.

While Vegapunk took Kayaba to explore Alliance City, Dak returned to Aincrad.

This time, however, he appeared on the topmost floor—not the 100th, but a newly added 101st floor.

Designed by Kayaba in the past two days, this floor was triangular, with a size comparable to Alliance City's downtown area.

"Let's start here—'Pokémon Paradise,'" Dak said, surveying the grassy plains and open skies before him. Hands on his hips, he felt a wave of nostalgia, reminiscent of his first days on Pokémon Island.

However, this time was different. Dak now had the 'Creation Panel.'

Kayaba had equipped him, as GM: Arceus, with a simplified console filled with pre-written commands. All Dak had to do was press a button to execute them.

"It feels like playing Minecraft in creative mode," Dak mused as he tested the panel, summoning a patch of grass.

With a press of a button, a translucent grassland appeared in front of him, moving in sync with his hand gestures. With a simple click, it was placed.

Dak spent the entire day immersed in construction. By nightfall, when Kayaba and Vegapunk entered the game, a massive ecological park suitable for Pokémon habitation had been completed.

The area featured forests, lakes, grasslands, rocky terrains, caves, mountains, snowy peaks, and even volcanoes—essentially every type of terrain.

"Why build this here?" Kayaba asked, surveying the new floor's landscape before turning to Dak, who was floating in midair.

"This is the only gateway for players in Aincrad to reach Pokémon Island," Dak explained. "Only those who work alongside their Pokémon to conquer the challenges and reach this 'sanctuary' can gain the opportunity for a new life on Pokémon Island."

Dak's grin widened. "It also serves as the origin of Pokémon in the game and the players' motivation."

In Aincrad, Pokémon could not appear out of thin air—they needed a 'source.' Until Aincrad was fully cleared, players would only know that Pokémon came from the legendary 'top floor,' the 101st floor, known as Pokémon Paradise.

If a player's Pokémon died in battle, they would receive a notification: 'Pokémon can only be revived on the 101st floor.'

In reality, Pokémon would not truly die. Their consciousness would remain intact on Pokémon Island. If their trainer failed to reach the 101st floor, it signified they were unworthy of being a Pokémon Trainer.

Those who proved themselves by reaching the 101st floor had two options:

Return to reality and continue playing SAO as their character.

Unlock the portal to Pokémon Island, gaining the ability to travel between worlds.

The floor's purpose was to filter out those who lacked true dedication to their Pokémon.

Once SAO was fully cleared, the game would not collapse as it did in the original story. Instead, it would remain as a playable world, bridging Earth and Pokémon Island.

(End of Chapter)

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