The First Solo Levelers

Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito)

So they called me a 'Beater' - beta tester and cheater rolled into one.

Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito)

I wore that title like armor. No one could use it against me if I claimed it first.

Sung Jin-Woo

Interesting strategy. In my world, I was known as the weakest hunter before my... upgrade.

Sung Jin-Woo

But you were never actually weak, were you, Black Swordsman?

Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito)

I just had information others didn't. Some called it cheating, I called it survival.

Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito)

They say I was the first solo leveler in Aincrad. Going it alone in a death game.

Sung Jin-Woo

First solo leveler? That title sounds familiar.

Sung Jin-Woo

But my leveling system was a bit more... literal. Each level granted me actual power.

Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito)

Your system sounds like a gamer's dream. In SAO, I was just playing the game better than others.

Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito)

Did you ever feel guilty? For having an advantage others couldn't obtain?

Sung Jin-Woo

I started as the weakest of all hunters. Nearly died countless times. This power came at a price.

Sung Jin-Woo

Did you feel guilty for knowing which quests gave the best rewards?

Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito)

Not guilty enough to die. Not guilty enough to let others die if I could help it.

Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito)

(Maybe we're not so different after all...)

Sung Jin-Woo

Then it seems we understand each other, Black Swordsman. First solo leveler or not...

Sung Jin-Woo

Sometimes being exceptional means being alone. Until you find others who understand.