Accel World

Accel World
First light novel volume cover
アクセル・ワールド (Akuseru Wārudo)
Genre	Action, Cyberpunk
Light novel
Written by	Reki Kawahara
Illustrated by	HiMA
Published by	ASCII Media Works
Demographic	Male
Imprint	Dengeki Bunko
Magazine	Dengeki Bunko Magazine
Original run	February 10, 2009 – ongoing
Volumes	13
Manga
Written by	Reki Kawahara
Illustrated by	Hiroyuki Aigamo
Published by	ASCII Media Works
Demographic	Seinen
Magazine	Dengeki Bunko Magazine
Original run	May 2010 – ongoing
Volumes	3
Manga
Axel World
Written by	Reki Kawahara
Illustrated by	Ryuryū Akari
Published by	ASCII Media Works
Demographic	Seinen
Magazine	Dengeki Bunko Magazine
Original run	May 2010 – ongoing
Volumes	2
Manga
Accel World / Dural: Magisa Garden
Written by	Reki Kawahara
Illustrated by	Ayato Sasakura
Published by	ASCII Media Works
Demographic	Shōnen
Magazine	Dengeki Daioh
Original run	January 27, 2012 – ongoing
Volumes	1
Anime television series
Directed by	Masakazu Obara
Written by	Hiroyuki Yoshino
Studio	Sunrise
Licensed by	NA Viz Media
Network	Tokyo MX, TVS, Chiba TV, tvk, TVA, MBS, AT-X, HBC, RKB, BS11
English network	Neon Alley
Original run	April 6, 2012 – September 21, 2012
Episodes	24
Game
Accel World: Ginyoku no Kakusei
Developer	Banpresto
Publisher	Namco Bandai Games
Genre	Fighting game
Platform	PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable
Released	September 13, 2012
Game
Accel World: Kasoku no Chōten
Developer	Banpresto
Publisher	Namco Bandai Games
Genre	Fighting game
Platform	PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable
Released	January 31, 2013

Accel World (アクセル・ワールド, Akuseru Wārudo) is a Japanese light novel series written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by HiMA. The series began publication in ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Bunko imprint from February 2009. Two manga series began serialization in Dengeki Bunko Magazine from May 2010, with another series beginning serialization in Dengeki Daioh in January 2013. An anime adaptation by J.C. Staff aired in Japan between April and September 2012. An English language version began streaming on Viz Media's Neon Alley service from April 2013. Two PlayStation Portable games have also been released.

Plot

See also: List of Accel World characters

Haruyuki "Haru" Arita is a short, fat boy who is constantly bullied at the Umesato Junior High School which results in him having exceptionally low self-esteem. To escape the torment of real life, he logs onto the school's Local Network where he plays squash by himself and always gets the highest scores. One day, he checks the squash rankings to find his high score beaten by Kuroyukihime, the popular Student Council Vice-President, who invites him to lunch the next day. Here Kuroyukihime introduces Haruyuki to Brain Burst, a secret program that is able to accelerate the human cognitive process to the point at which time appears to stop. Haruyuki soon learns that Brain Burst is more than just a program, but a Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online (VRMMO) Fighting Game where people fight each other in fierce duels in order to obtain Burst Points which can be expended for acceleration abilities in the real world. Kuroyukihime then enlists Haruyuki's help in reaching Level 10 within Brain Burst by defeating the "Six Kings of Color" to ultimately meet the creator of Brain Burst and learn its true purpose.

Terminology

The light novel series involves fictional technological devices and the manner in which they are employed by humans within the futuristic setting of Accel World.

Brain Burst

A program which allows allows a person to accelerate their cognitive processes, basically enabling a person to think at a faster rate. Different commands allow for varying acceleration abilities and each uses a certain number of Burst Points. It is also, primarily a Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online (VRMMO) Fighting Game, where a person can duel other players within a setting called the Accelerated World in order to obtain more Burst Points. Every person having a copy of Brain Burst has the copyright to distribute the program to one additional person, despite if it fails to install in their neuro linker or not. If a user loses all of his or her burst points, the Brain Burst program will uninstall itself and block all re-installation attempts, thus permanently removing the user's ability to accelerate in addition to erasing all of a person's memories pertaining to Brain Burst and the Accelerated World. Due to the nature of Brain Burst, the installation may fail if certain conditions are not met. In order to successfully install and use Brain Burst, a prospective user must have a Neuro-Linker installed at birth and must be able to handle heightened brain activity. Users of Brain Burst are known as "Burst Linkers". The reason why the program was created and by whom, is a mystery.

Neuro-Linker

A device that uses neuro-synchronization to enable a person full access to their five senses within a virtual world. The user interface is gesture controlled augmented reality or voice control (See commands below) which enables users access to apps for phone, social networking, email, note taking, as well as a range of other devices. The two main network connection types of the Neuro-Linker are the Local Network and Global Network. The Local Network is the most common network connection type. It is typically where users access the network at schools, hospitals or other network hotspots to communicate. With the Local Network it is also possible to invite friends for chatting and spending time together within various Virtual Worlds.(see the standard command Direct Link below for more information). The Global Network, as the name states, connects users on a worldwide scale. For Brain Burst, connecting to the Global Network is usually advised only for experienced users, since if a low-level Burst Linker connects, it is likely that they will be targeted my more experienced Linkers. Other features of the Neuro Linker allow people to communicate via thought with each other, either wirelessly or directly via a physical cable. The latter of which, also known as "cabling" is considered a social taboo and usually reserved for close acquaintances.

Direct Link

The standard command anyone with a Neuro-Linker can use to enter a local network's non-accelerated virtual world. From there, a user can meet up with friends, play games, and run simulations. "Direct Linking" also refers to when two or more people physically connect their Neuro-Linkers via a length of cable, giving each other access to their personal files, thoughts, and memories. This action is considered a social taboo if done in public, only reserved for those with a certain level of intimacy.

Burst Linker

A name given to players in Brain Burst. To become a Burst Linker, an individual must have a Neuro-Linker installed since birth and successfully install the Brain Burst software on it. Upon successful installation, the player is given 100 burst points and an avatar with its appearance and abilities being determined by their mental scars. A Burst Linker starts on level 1 and can increase their level by expending burst points obtained from other players or by defeating monsters in the Unlimited Field. A Level 9 player can only reach Level 10 by defeating 5 other Level 9 players in combat. When two or more Level 9 players fight, the losers of the fight will lose all their Burst Points. So far no player has reached level 10, and there is much speculation about what would happen if a player eventually manages to do so.

Burst Point

These are points necessary to use the Brain Burst acceleration commands. After the successful installation of Brain Burst, the player is granted 100 points. Every win against an equally-leveled opponent grants 10 points, while every loss takes 10 points. The higher the level of the defeated opponent, more points are earned. The only exception is during a duel between level 9 players, where the winner takes all of the loser's points. The only ways to earn Burst Points are to win duels with other Burst Linkers or fight "enemies" in the Unlimited Field. Burst Points can also be expended to obtain special items at the "Shop" or advance to the next level. If a player loses all of his/her points, Brain Burst is forcefully and permanently uninstalled, also erasing all memories related to the Accelerated World.

Burst Link

This is the normal acceleration command. It can be used immediately after Brain Burst's installation. It consumes one Burst Point and allows a person's brainwaves to be accelerated by a factor of 1000. It lasts for a maximum of 1.8 seconds in the real world, equaling 1800 seconds (or 30 minutes) of acceleration. It can be stopped prematurely with the "Burst Out" command. When accelerated, the user's network avatar is ejected from the body and able to access Brain Burst's settings. Objects in the real world, including the Burst Linker's body, can not be moved while accelerated, though it is possible to challenge other Burst Linkers to a duel or check the matching list of nearby online users.

Unlimited Burst

This is the command to enter the Unlimited Field, only available to players whose level is 4 or higher. It consumes 10 Burst Points to accelerate at the same rate of a normal Burst Link to the Unlimited Field discussed below.

Unlimited Field

Also known as the Unlimited Neutral Field, this is the environment a Burst Linker enters upon using the Unlimited Burst command. While here, a Burst Linker is not forced to fight a single opponent under a time limit, but is essentially free to fight whoever and whenever they please. Though free to choose fights, Burst Linkers who do participate will feel double the pain when they receive damage. The Unlimited Field is also inhabited by powerful NPC monsters known only as "Enemies." Unlike normal stages, the Unlimited Field stretches on infinitely. The environment changes after a set time, cycling between several different locations. Burst Linkers are unable to leave under normal means such as being defeated in battle (they will simply re-spawn after one hour) or using the Burst Out command. Instead, they must find Leap Points scattered throughout the environment to log out. According to Haruyuki, if one were to theoretically spend a full day accelerated in the real world, it would equal almost three years in the Unlimited Field. While accelerated in the Unlimited Field, a Burst Linker's body would remain asleep in the real world.

Physical Burst

This command allows a Burst Linker to accelerate their mind by a factor 10 for 3 seconds in the real world, equaling 30 seconds of acceleration. It consumes 5 Burst Points.

Physical Full Burst

This command allows one to accelerate their mind and body by a factor of 100 and is only available to level 9 Burst Linkers. It consumes 99% of the player's current Burst Points. This command also causes extreme physical damage to the user. It also enables the Burst Linker to move his/her body over short distances and is useful to avoid dangerous situations.

Enhanced Armament

Equipment and weapons that can be obtained and used in Brain Burst duels. There are four ways of obtaining one: having one as part of beginner equipment, earning them through level-up bonuses, using Burst Points to buy them in the "Shop," and taking them from other players (either through Direct Linking and trading or defeating an opponent). The most notorious Enhanced Armaments are known as the Seven Arcs, each one representing a star of the Big Dipper. Some of these are possessed by Kings of Pure Color.

Judgement Blow

A skill given to Legion Masters, it allows them to forcefully uninstall Brain Burst from a member of their legion. It can only be used at close range.

Incarnate System

A technique that allows a Burst Linker to attain special abilities beyond their avatar's base capabilities by slightly bending the properties of the accelerated world's programming environment to his/her will through mental conditioning. It is a special feature known only by a few Burst Linkers (including the Legion Masters). Incarnate abilities can be deployed at any time regardless of the special move gauge, and are divided into four categories: ranged attacks, melee attacks, increased speed, and enhanced defense. The types of incarnate abilities a Burst Linker can obtain depend on the properties of his/her avatar, which are determined by the mental scars a Burst Linker possesses. The technique is kept a secret between Legion Masters because it can eventually cause the Linker to lose its sense of self, and eventually leads to the birth of Chrome Disasters.

Brain Implant Chip

An illegal device implanted directly into the brain that. It allows the user network connectivity without a Neuro-Linker. It was outlawed three years after its implementation when it was discovered that it the risk of brain hacking possible and also that students began using the device as a means to cheat in exams. A Burst Linker using the device can mask himself from the matching list by using a Neuro-Linker just as they are about to challenge another Linker. if Brain Burst is forcefully uninstalled, the chip dissolves without a trace. The Chip was an intermediate in development for full diving, between the "Nerve Gear", a diving helmet used years before featured in Sword Art Online, and the currently used Neuro Linkers.

Originators

They are known to be the first generation Burst Linkers who do not have Parents and obtained Brain Burst directly from its creator. Some of the kings are Originators. Yuniko Kōzuki (Scarlet Rain) considers them to be "real monsters".

NerveGear

The predecessor of the Neuro-Linker and one of the first devices created that enabled a true Virtual Reality experience via Full Dives.

Media

Light novels

Accel World began as a light novel series written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by HiMA. Originally, Kawahara entered the first novel in the series into ASCII Media Works' 15th Dengeki Novel Prize in 2008 and the novel won the Grand Prize. The first novel was published by ASCII Media Works on February 10, 2009 under their Dengeki Bunko imprint. As of February 2013, thirteen volumes have been published.

No.	Title	Release date	ISBN
01	The Return of Black Snow Princess Kuroyukihime no Kikan (黒雪姫の帰還)	February 10, 2009	ISBN 978-4-04-867517-8
02	Crimson Storm Princess Kurenai no Bōfūki (紅の暴風姫)	June 10, 2009	ISBN 978-4-04-867843-8
03	Dusk Robber Yūyami no Ryakudatsusya (夕闇の略奪者)	October 10, 2009	ISBN 978-4-04-868070-7
04	Flight Towards the Blue Sky Aozora e no Hisyō (蒼空への飛翔)	February 10, 2010	ISBN 978-4-04-868327-2
05	Floating Bridge in Starlight Hoshikage no Ukihashi (星影の浮き橋)	June 10, 2010	ISBN 978-4-04-868593-1
06	Sacred Fire Shrine Maiden Jōka no Miko (浄火の神子)	October 10, 2010	ISBN 978-4-04-868969-4
07	Disaster Armor Saika no Yoroi (災禍の鎧)	February 10, 2011	ISBN 978-4-04-870276-8
08	Binary Star of Destiny Unmei no Rensei (運命の連星)	June 10, 2011	ISBN 978-4-04-870550-9
09	Seven Thousand Year Prayer Nanasennen no Inori (七千年の祈り)	October 10, 2011	ISBN 978-4-04-870954-5
10	Elements (Side Stories) Elements	December 10, 2011	ISBN 978-4-04-886241-7
11	Carbide Wolf Chōkō no Ōkami (超硬の狼)	April 10, 2012	ISBN 978-4-04-886521-0
12	Red Emblem Aka no Monshō (赤の紋章)	August 10, 2012	ISBN 978-4-04-886795-5
13	Waterside Beacon Mizugiwa no Gōka (水際の号火)	February 10, 2013	ISBN 978-4-04-891330-0

Manga

A manga adaptation titled Accel World illustrated by Hiroyuki Aigamo began serialization in the May 2010 issue of ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Bunko Magazine. The first two tankōbon volumes were released on July 27, 2011. A four-panel comic strip manga titled Axel World. (あくちぇる・わーるど。, Akucheru Wārudo) illustrated by Ryuryū Akari also began serialization in the May 2010 issue of Dengeki Bunko Magazine. The first tankōbon volume was released on July 27, 2011.

Anime

Main article: List of Accel World episodes

An anime TV series adaptation aired in Japan between April 6, 2012 and September 21, 2012. The opening theme until episode 13 is "Chase the world" by May'n and the ending theme is "→unfinished→" by Kotoko. From episode 14 onwards the opening theme is "Burst the Gravity" by Altima and the ending theme is "unite." by Sachika Misawa. Warner Home Video, ASCII Media Works, Namco Bandai Games, Sunrise and Genco were involved in the production of this adaptation. Viz Media announced the streaming of the anime on Hulu as of April 6, 2012. The anime adaptation covers the first four light novels and parts of volume 10. An English-dubbed version premiered on Viz Media's online streaming service, Neon Alley, on April 19, 2013.

Video games

Two video games based on the series were developed by Banpresto and published by Namco Bandai Games for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable. The first of these, Accel World: Awakening of the Silver Wings (アクセル・ワールド ─銀翼の覚醒─, Akuseru Wārudo -Gin'yoku no Kakusei-), was released in Japan on September 13, 2012. The second one, Accel World: The Peak of Acceleration (アクセル・ワールド ─加速の頂点─, Akuseru Wārudo -Kasoku no Chōten-), was released in Japan on January 31, 2013. The limited edition versions of these games include an original video animation of the anime series (Blu-ray Disc for the PS3 version, DVD for the PSP version). In Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger VS Darkdeath Evilman for PSP, Silver Crow is an unlockable Costume.

See also

• Sword Art Online
• Brain–computer interface

External links

• Official website (Japanese)
• Video game official website (Japanese)
• Accel World (anime) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia