Strategy meeting, counterattack

After the first battle against the demons, the Japanese government shifted all defense focus to the major cities, especially Tokyo, as they found that they could not defend all areas from the demon invasion.

In this battle, the influence and extraordinary abilities of the Sword Art Online (SAO) players were clearly visible to all, becoming the key to fighting off this terrible invasion. Realizing the great potential of these players, the Japanese leaders took drastic measures to protect them—transferring all the SAO players' real bodies to the best hospitals and providing them with continuous treatment.

The decision was made with one main consideration: the players' real bodies were their only weak point. If something happened to their physical bodies, then no matter how strong they were, their lives would still be in danger. Thus, the Japanese government, which relied heavily on their strength, tried their best to protect the players' real bodies from all harm.

At Saitama Central Hospital, the atmosphere was tense. Kirito, or Kirigaya Kazuto, approached the hospital gates with steady steps. However, at the entrance, he was stopped by the JSDF troops standing guard. The soldiers, in neat military uniforms and guns pointed, looked alert.

"Halt! No entry is allowed here," one of the soldiers shouted in a stern voice.

Kirito was undeterred. He knew very well that this was a security measure given by the Japanese government so that the SAO players who fought on the front lines would feel safe.

"I am Kirigaya Kazuto, SAO player ID Kirito. I came to check my real body and meet my family. I have received permission from Major Takeda," he replied while showing his identity and permit.

Hearing his name, the soldiers looked at each other. Quickly, their attitudes changed to more respectful ones after learning about Kirito's player status. They were heroes in the battle against demons who had made extraordinary achievements. One of the soldiers immediately stepped forward and invited Kirito in, leading him to the room where his body was being treated.

When Kirito opened the door to the room, the sight that appeared was quite touching. The room was neat and clean, with Kirito's real body lying on the bed, looking calm even though he was unconscious. At the bedside, his little sister, Suguha, and his mother, Kirigaya Midori, were seen lovingly taking care of his body.

When she heard the sound of the door opening, Suguha immediately turned her head. Her eyes widened instantly, and without thinking, she ran towards Kirito. In an instant, she hugged him tightly, feeling relieved and happy to see her brother back, even if only in the form of a game character. Ever since she found out that her brother was trapped in a death game, her worries had never subsided.

Suguha, who had short black hair and dark gray eyes that were almost black, looked at Kirito with hope.

"Nii-san, I was so worried about you! I don't know what happened to you in that game. I feel like I lost you forever," she said in a trembling voice.

Kirito returned the hug gently, feeling the warmth and sincerity of his sister. "I'm sorry for making you worry, Suguha. I tried my best to come back. I won't let anything happen to me. We'll get through this together."

Midori, who was standing beside the bed with teary eyes, nodded with emotion. "Kazuto, we never lost hope. We believed you would come back," she said in a gentle voice. "We were always here waiting for you."

Kirito looked at his mother with gratitude. He knew how hard this situation was for them. "I promise I will return fully soon, and we will get through this difficult time together."

After a few moments passed, Kirito took a deep breath and began to talk about their plan to fight the demons. "I know this is very dangerous, but we can't back down now. We have to protect this world, and I need you guys to keep an eye on my body."

Suguha looked at her brother with renewed vigor. "I will do my best to support you, nii-san."

Outside the hospital, tension still hung in the air. The JSDF troops kept a vigilant watch, making sure no threats approached. They knew that the SAO players were the hope for humanity, and they would do anything to protect them.

.....

Major Takeda then gathered representatives from each SAO player guild and the strongest players to discuss the city's defense strategy.

Inside a simple yet functional meeting room, Major Takeda stood in front of a screen filled with maps and notes. The atmosphere in the room was tense, with several SAO players present staring at him intently. Kirito, Klein, and Egil sat in one corner, waiting for the information that Major Takeda would deliver.

"Thank you for coming, guys," Major Takeda said in a firm voice. "We are in a very critical situation. The overwhelming power of the demons is making it difficult for us, without using weapons of mass destruction, we will not be able to fight against the demon army that is many times stronger than humans, but the use of nuclear weapons will cause permanent negative effects, so it is a last resort. Therefore, we ask for the assistance of those of you who have extraordinary powers beyond humans and can fight against the demon army. We all know that your strength as SAO players is the key to turning the tide of this battle."

Kirito nodded, feeling a great responsibility on his shoulders. He knew that every decision they made would impact the safety of many people.

"First, let's take a look at the current situation." Takeda turned his attention to the large map hanging on the wall. "Due to the lack of manpower and weapons, Japan can currently only protect large cities like Tokyo. Demons have already managed to enter several districts, and we have lost some territory. We need to protect strategic points, including hospitals, evacuation centers, and military headquarters."

Klein, who was sitting next to Kirito, raised his hand. "Major, are there any plans to split up our forces?"

"Very good, Klein," replied Takeda. "I have considered that. We will divide you into teams. Each team will be assigned to different strategic points in the four directions and clear out the remaining demons around Tokyo before assisting other areas."

Egil nodded. "I agree. We need to make sure that Tokyo is free of roaming demons before assisting other areas."

"That's right," said Takeda as he touched the map. "These are the points where demon forces have been spotted."

Klein examined the map carefully. "I can lead my Guild to deal with the demons in the North. Kirito, do you want to come along?"

"Yes. It would be easier to move with someone you know well," Kirito replied.

"Then, the Holy Dragon Alliance will eliminate the demons in the south," the leader of the Holy Dragon Alliance said.

Major Takeda nodded, responding to the statement. "Good, so we have two teams. Now, for the western side, I recommend you, Egil, to lead the team there."

Egil smiled confidently. "Sure, I will gather some strong players to help in the western side. We will make sure that no demons remain there."

"Then, the team in the eastern side?" Kirito asked, trying to grasp the overall strategy.

"That team will be led by me," Major Takeda replied. "We will focus on evacuating the civilians who are still trapped in the dangerous areas. We need to make sure that no one is left behind."

Cline nodded and added, "I will coordinate with you guys from the northern side. If there is any trouble, send a signal, and we can support each other."

"Alright, we need to stay connected," Takeda said, then continued. "I'll provide each team with communication equipment. Make sure to use it."

Kirito felt the tension in the air. "We need to move quickly. Every second counts in a situation like this."

"Right," Takeda said, wiping off the whiteboard full of notes. "Once you're all ready, we'll have a final briefing before we depart."

Klein stood up, excited. "Let's show the demons that we won't give up! We must protect Tokyo and the people we love!"

"Yes!" Kirito shouted firmly.

Major Takeda smiled, feeling hope growing in the room. "Remember, you're not just warriors. You're the hope of many. Now, let's go and prove our worth!"

...

The sunlight began to fade as the first team of SAO players moved towards the northern part of Tokyo. Kirito, Klein, and their team stepped forward confidently, ready to face whatever came their way. The atmosphere was tense, but their fighting spirit did not diminish.

At the end of the road, they saw dark figures moving quickly. Demons, with sharp horns and dark skin, were approaching their position. Kirito drew his sword, **Elucidator**, and readied himself.

"Get ready, Klein! We don't know how many there are," Kirito shouted in a firm voice.

"Ready! I'll distract them. Let's go!" Klein stepped forward, readying his sword, and shouted, "Come on, you guys! Introduce yourselves to my sword!"

The demons that seemed to hear the voice approached fiercely. Klein leapt forward, attacking the first demon with a swift movement. With one swing, he managed to cut off the demon's arm, sending it crashing to the ground.

"Great, Klein! Now we have to move fast!" Kirito shouted as he dashed towards the other demons, swinging his sword with great precision. Her swift and skillful attack utilized the **Sword Skill** she had mastered, cutting down the second demon with ease.

Meanwhile, in the rear, Egil and his team were already prepared in the west. Egil used his large shield to strike down the approaching enemies.

He directed his fire magic to protect his comrades. "Fire, come!" he shouted, unleashing a blazing wave of fire, incinerating two demons that tried to attack from the side.

Yuuna raised her staff and chanted an incantation, "Light, grant us strength!" A ball of light shot towards the group of demons, destroying them in a glorious explosion of light.

"Well done, Yuuna! We must continue fighting!" Egil shouted, encouraging his team.

In another direction, Major Takeda and the JSDF troops were not idle either. They were using modern weapons such as rifles and grenades to attack the enemy from a distance.

"Aim their fire at their gathering point!" Takeda ordered. "Don't let them get close!"

The military troops fired accurately, destroying several demons that tried to attack from a distance. However, the demons were growing in number, and the situation was getting more and more critical.

....

"Kirito! We need to speed this up!" Klein shouted, seeing that the number of demons was increasing from various directions.

"Alright," Kirito replied, taking out **Dark Repulser** and **Elucidator**. "Get ready!"

With lightning-fast movements, Kirito attacked two demons at once, unleashing a highly coordinated and deadly attack. Each swing of his sword left a trail of light, making him look like a god of killing in the darkness of the night.

"Now, Klein! Combine our attacks!" Kirito shouted.

Klein nodded, and the two of them shot forward, swinging their swords at incredible speed. In an instant, they managed to cut down several demons at once in a simultaneous attack that caught the enemy by surprise.

On the other side, Egil and Yuuna continued to fight off the wave of demons with a combination of shield defense and magic.

"Come on, we can do it!" Egil shouted, charging at the larger demon that looked menacing. In one strike, he managed to cut the demon's neck, causing it to fall to the ground.

The darkness of the night grew thicker as Kirito and Klein moved deeper into the northern area of Tokyo. The thunderous footsteps of approaching demons broke the silence.

"Dale, Issin, Dynamm, Hary one, ready to fight?" Klein asked as he swung his sword.

"Ready, Klein! Let's clear the way!" Dale and other answered enthusiastically, They are Klein's friends and members of Fuurinkazan. Dale took out two daggers that glinted in the moonlight.

The three of them ran towards the approaching group of demons. Dale jumped forward, spinning at incredible speed, and launched a series of attacks that destroyed several demons at once. Kirito and Klein followed in coordinated movements, protecting each other.

"Here we go! **Crescent Moon Slash!**" Issin shouted, swinging his greatsword with full force. His attack cut down two demons that tried to attack from the side, while Kirito and Klein hit the remaining demons with their combined attacks.

"Keep going! We have to clear this area before more come!" Klein shouted, swinging his sword rapidly.

Every time they managed to defeat one demon, more of them emerged from the darkness, and the situation became increasingly tense. Kirito relied on his **Sword Skills**, focusing energy on each attack. "Klein, focus on the demon leader! It's the one controlling all of this!"

Hearing the instruction, they moved towards the larger and stronger demon standing behind the small line of demons. With sharp horns and a terrifying gaze, the demon leader let out an echoing roar, ordering his followers to attack.

"Get ready!" Kirito shouted, feeling the tension in the air. "We will destroy him in one strike!"

With a coordinated attack, they charged forward. Kirito swung **Dark Repulser**, while Klein and the other Fuurinkazan members aimed their attacks at the same time. In one simultaneous movement, they managed to destroy the demon leader, sending the wave of demons around him into pieces.

"Good! We have to keep moving!" Klein shouted, looking around to make sure that no one was left behind.

In the western part of Tokyo, Egil and his team continued to clear out the remaining demons.

"Come on, we can't stop now!" Egil shouted, using his large shield to destroy the approaching demons. He felt like a fortress for his team, protecting them from any sudden attacks.

Yuuna, who was behind Egil, aimed her magic with precision.

"Meteor Strike!" she shouted, launching a large fireball that destroyed a group of demons. "We just have to hold on a little longer!"

Egil nodded, feeling the spirit of his team. "We have to focus! Don't let them get close!"

Meanwhile, in the southern part of Tokyo, the Holy Dragon Alliance, led by their leader, fought hard.

"Never give up! We have to protect this city!" the leader of the alliance shouted, swinging his sword and unleashing a magic attack that destroyed the approaching demons.

"Dragon's Breath!" shouted one of the alliance members, unleashing a burst of fire that incinerated a group of demons. With skill and speed, they advanced, making sure that no demons remained in their territory.

The tension was growing, and despite their hard work, the number of incoming demons seemed endless.

"We have to be faster! If we don't clear this area soon, we'll be surrounded!" shouted the leader of the alliance.

On the eastern side, Major Takeda and the JSDF troops were struggling to defend their territory.

"Fire in that direction! Don't let them get any closer!" Takeda commanded firmly, leading his troops with high morale.

The military troops fired armor-piercing rounds with precision, destroying several demons that tried to attack from a distance. However, even with all the modern weaponry available, the demons were still growing in number.

"They keep coming!" one of the soldiers shouted anxiously. "We can't hold out like this!"

"Calm down! We have to stay focused!" Takeda aimed his weapon, trying to keep his team's morale up. "We've come too far to give up now!"

Meanwhile, Kirito, Klein, and the Fuurinkazan members continued to fight off the wave of demons in the north.

"We have to find a way to finish this as soon as possible!" Kirito shouted, sensing that time was running out.

"Right! Let's use our final combination attack!" Klein replied, excited.

The Fuurinkazan members nodded enthusiastically. "we are ready! Let's show them our power!"

Klein and all the Fuurinkazan members gathered all their energy and focus to launch a combined attack.

"Ultimate Fusion Slash!" they shouted, swinging their weapons with all their might. The attack created a wave of energy that destroyed all the demons in the vicinity, clearing the area around them of enemies.

However, even though they had managed to defeat many demons, they knew that the battle was not over yet.

"We have to join the others soon!" Kirito shouted, looking towards the city that was still surrounded by darkness.

To the west, Egil and his team also felt the pressure increasing.

"We have to move now! If we don't clear out these remnants soon, we'll be trapped!" Egil shouted, continuing his attack.

"Yuuna, prepare your magic!" Egil ordered, while he himself prepared to attack the remaining enemies.

"Ready!" Yuuna replied, pointing her staff.

"Light of Judgment!" A blinding light shot out from her staff, destroying the remaining demons with a majestic explosion.

To the south, the Holy Dragon Alliance continued their battle, fighting with all their might.

"We can't let them get close to the city!" the alliance leader shouted. "Let's clear out these remaining demons!"

With an unwavering fighting spirit, they surged forward, destroying the remnants of the enemy and ensuring that their territory was secure.

On the eastern side, Major Takeda and the JSDF troops were trying to hold their ground.

"We must hold on! If we fall, all hope is lost!" Takeda shouted, encouraging his men.

Despite being separated by so many miles, the fighting spirit between them remained strong. Each team fought with all their might to protect their territory, knowing that the survival of the world depended on their success.

After clearing their respective areas of duty, each SAO player immediately went to assist the military on the eastern side.

The battle lasted all night before it ended. The JSDF troops brought back the bodies of their comrades as well as several demon corpses for research.