Accel World

Plot

In the year 2046, Neuro-synchronization, a technology system that allows humans to manipulate their five senses, has become widespread where people can access the internet and enter virtual worlds. Haruyuki "Haru" Arita is a short, fat boy who due to constant bullying has low-self esteem. To escape the torment of real life, he logs-in to the school's virtual world network where he plays squash alone and always gets the highest score.

One day Haru attracts the attention of the Student Council Vice-President Kuroyukihime who offers him Brain Burst, a secret program which allows a person to make time appear to stand still in their surroundings by "accelerating" their brainwaves in the real world. Unfortunately, there is a limit to how many times a person can accelerate due to Brain Burst points and the primary way to get more points is to fight and defeat other Brain Burst users in the program's virtual reality massive multiplayer online (VRMMO) fighting game. However, if a user loses all of his/her points the Brain Burst program will uninstall itself and block all re-installation attempts, thus permanently removing the user's ability to accelerate.

Kuroyukihime wants Haru's help as she wishes to reach Level 10 and meet the creator of Brain Burst to learn its true purpose. But in order to do that, she must defeat five other Level 9 users who just so happen to be "The Six Kings of Pure Color", the leaders of the six most powerful factions in the Brain Burst world. For helping him, Haru agrees to help Kuroyukihime not only to repay her but to overcome his weaknesses.

Haruyuki Arita

The main male protagonist. Also known as Haru by his close friends, he is a short and fat boy with low self-esteem until he meets Kuroyukihime. His Brain Burst Avatar is Silver Crow. Although he is generally smart and careful when it comes to everyday life, Haru tends to get reckless while protecting Kuroyukihime. He views her as a mentor, friend, and lover simultaneously, which has given him the utmost respect and loyalty toward her and her army. His avatar on the non-accelerated network is a small pink pig that was originally forced on him by his bully. His birthday is April 23, 2033.

In the Accelerated World, Silver Crow has a metallic tall, thin frame that is completely devoid of weapons, having Haru forced to fight his enemies barehanded. Silver Crow is the first and only avatar with the ability to fly, by sprouting wings on its back when its special ability is activated.

Kuroyukihime

The main female protagonist, her real name is unknown. Beautiful and popular, she is also the Student Council Vice-President at Umesato Junior High School. Her Brain Burst Avatar is Black Lotus. She was a burst linker since 8 years old. She herself was formerly the Black King, although she was driven into hiding after killing the previous Red King while trying to defeat all other kings to reach level 10. She values Haru as more than a subordinate and is often the voice of reason to him when he is willing to go to extremes to protect her. Prior to her hospitalization, she confesses to Haru that she fell in love with him. She was apparently born on September 30, 2032 according to her forged identity in episode 9.

Chiyuri Karashima

Haru and Takumu's childhood friend. Although she is dating Takumu, she also cares a lot for Haru. Her Brain Burst Avatar is Lime Bell. After Takumu and Haru come clean with her and tell her about the Accelerated World, she demands the program for herself. Kuroyukihime wonders if she is mentally strong enough to use Brain Burst, but the group eventually gives in. Lime Bell is the third avatar with a healing ability, the first being one of the current kings and the second having retired after uninstalling Brain Burst.

Takumu Mayuzumi

Haru's childhood friend and Chiyuri's boyfriend. Being smart and athletic, he attends a prestigious school. His Brain Burst Avatar is Cyan Pile, and he makes use of the enhanced reflexes he obtained in the Accelerated World to have an advantage in the kendo tournaments he attends in real life. After Kuroyukihime is hospitalized, Takumu attempts to assassinate her until he is stopped by Haru and decides to join their cause. He is a mentor figure to Haru due to his advanced knowledge of the Accelerated World. After teaming up with the Nega Nebulus, he transfers to Umesato Junior High School. He was born April 2, 2033.