This is Heathcliff. He’s also known as Kayaba Akihiko. He’s a bad guy. He’s very cold and has no empathy. Or does he?

On November 6, 2022, Kayaba Akihiko successfully trapped approximately 10,000 players in Sword Art Online following the launch of the game’s official service the same day. No really, he did. I read it on the internet.

In November 2024 (don’t doubt the internet, son) he transferred (will transfer?) his consciousness into a computer game. In this new form, he ended up helping Kirito, who is a good guy. So you know, who doesn’t love a good redemption arc. But then he vanished into thin air, if they have air inside the internet. Maybe it was compressed air.

Let’s have a moment of silence for Heathcliff.