1 - Comprehensive Thinking

In the death game of SAO, rumor has it that there is something known is something called mind manipulation. Our protagonist, Kirito, also known as Kazuto Kirigaya, figures out that Heathcliff is Akihiko Kayaba and decides to speak about it privately. What's in store for their talk?

Kayaba continued, "Have you heard any rumors of secret skills in SAO?"

"Why are you asking me? You're the developer, you should know everything." Kirito questioned, eyeing him suspiciously.

"I know, but you tell me." Kayaba pressured, rushing him on.

Kirito pondered, "Okay, okay... Well..., Argo did tell me about this one skill, «Mind Manipulation». So? Is it true or not?"

cross-posted on ao3!