.hack//Link -RIVES-

.hack//RIVES is a new television anime, a new title of dothack franchise, and the first chapter of LINK story which been produced by A-1 Pictures, directed by Tomohiko Ito and written by Kazunari Ito, Tatsuya Hamazaki, and Megane Kikuya, with Hiroshi Matsuyama as the producer of the anime series, which is also working on directing the anime series.

It will be considered as the first phase to the Tokio's journey and bringing an all-new fresh start to the series which catering for new fans and also bringing more enjoyment to long-time dothack fans.

The anime series main story will be tied-up to .hack//LINK -Chrono Link- Game, while the story will take a new direction turn and bringing the evolution of the Isekai anime genre that bringing new story development to begin.

Few characters from .hack//LINK will appear in the anime series, either for their role as Cameo, or Minor Characters, but it teasing something that will come up in Chrono Link.

The game adaptation .hack//LINK -Chrono Link- Episode Zero: ReConnect will adapting the story from anime, including ever-expanding story, the brand-new story arc, and additional character comes in play, with gameplay elements based on the third episode of Chrono Link.

Editor Comment
.hack//RIVES is a brand-new story to the dothack franchise which is the first volume of Chrono Link story, which is set 2020 A.D. as it takes two years after the end of R:2 which the next version which is known as The World R:3 as the third version of the most immersive online game to all players from worldwide, including Japan, and this will be the main setting for the anime series which focus on Tokio's first adventure in the online game for the first time.

''The reason why I've didn't took R:X as the main setting may gonna be hard to explain because R:X and the original LINK was platforming for Playstation Portable, and so the P-COM was based on the PSP version which is why there's people said it will be impossible for .hack//LINK to be fully remade due to the R:X was platforming P-COM which based on the PSP so I can see why. ''

That's why I rebooted the main setting of the online game from R:X to R:3 which will be much easier to bring a new platform which matches to the latest platform in 2020 like PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC, so in order to create a platform for that could base on four latest generation platform, that is how to make an idea by creating a new MMOVR known as M5S which based four platforms which had a different format and use which compatibility with R:3, but I will explain it later.

The third season of .hack// might received soft reboot on how story direction progress since the creation of .hack//RIVES as the main series of the third season while considered the first volume to the LINK story, and it might gonna cause problem toward continuity, contradiction, and major story retconned, however, Chrono Link was a different title from the original LINK which has no worry about continuity problem, but I think most of the fans worry about other future series continuity, but Chrono Link will not going to far to make a bigger continuity problem, while the story had balanced and been polished in order to prevent the problem of continuity but to be honest, this is something that very hard to explain, but I'm sure that it won't cause a bigger major continuity problem to other future series, unless.

The story focus on Tokio Kuryuu and a brand-new character, Akira Yoshinori which two of them become the main protagonist to the RIVES story going for adventure to the online game The World R:3 while facing the mysterious PKer and Hackers, ENTIES which became a main antagonist to the RIVES story, and this story will be tied up to Chrono Link story.

Idea Information
.hack//RIVES is the prequel TV Anime series to  .hack//LINK -Chrono Link-  which purposely to bringing new changes and delves the story with exploring the new version of The World known as  R:3. It is something that bringing a major new evolution to the Isekai Anime genre while bringing a new intensive main story and foreshadowing the story to the  Chrono Link.

The story RIVES will bring back new major activities of online games, and more fueling system of enjoyment to play the online game, as it was used to cater for new fans and long-time dothack fans to experience the concept story once again about the online game, friendship, battle, rewards, and more things happen as you progress through by watching the episodes.

As the story also bringing the direct sequel to .hack//G.U. Vol.4 Reconnection event bringing a new major start for Tokio's story phase as the direction of the main story will bringing a whole new challenge, and new narratives to the series without being too repetitive like the previous title did. RIVES will also intent to bringing a whole new cast which never been presented before, and offers some generic with some unique traits toward characters they will meet in an online game.

The anime story will take place several months earlier from Chrono Link's story, and the anime story will be much like based adventure-isekai genre, while also bringing focus on their activities in the real-world as well. As you enjoyed and wait for the next episode will bringing you to learn something that will tied-up to Chrono Link's story.

As their adventure progress, they will overcome and encounter a mysterious threat PC known as ENTIES which becomes a key main focus to the anime story, as the story progressing through and through will bring a lot plot-twist and sense dark tone that bringing higher intention toward fans and viewer. Tokio and Akira's friendship will bring a natural movement to the main story.

Synopsis
In the year 2020 A.D., the most well-known popular company known as Cyber Connect Corporation (CC Corp) has released the next version of the most popular online game known as  The World R:3  which considered as the successor to the second revision.

The World R:3 has reached over 10 Million users login just two-months with bringing all-new features, new gameplay elements, major improvements, and whole new experience that never been bound from the previous revision and become the most grossing VRMMORPG around the world.

The Middle-School student, Tokio Kuryuu becomes the most undefeatable boy in arcade games never even try to Register and Log in to the World R:3, until his best friend, Akira Yoshinori inviting him to play an online game together. Log into the world and enjoying a full-experience for a greater adventure online game, or something that makes more challenging and fun.

But once it continues, they encounter against the mysterious PC with mask known as ENTIES the legendary PKK and hackers which become the main target to all guild and bringing a cause of distortion toward online game which steers their enjoyment turns into a bloody battle and killing people, resulting people's mind being broke down and died.

Tokio and Akira together enjoying their playing online games, while exploring the mystery identity of ENTIES and learn the unexpected phenomenon that happens in Online Game.

Thus beginning of Tokio's journey!!

Characters
Main Characters Support Characters Canard PK/Red Dead Guild Blue-Moon Raven Antagonist Other Characters
 * Tokio Kuryuu/Toki
 * Akira Yoshinori/Leon
 * X7
 * Piros 4th
 * Sol
 * Starlord77
 * Nishijima81
 * Neil
 * Jikanet
 * Silabus
 * Gaspard
 * Shion
 * Juin
 * K-J
 * Fei
 * Davis
 * Fero
 * Yasha-Killer
 * Kruger
 * John77
 * The F
 * D-Grunty
 * Yun-EL
 * Hyokawa1
 * Finest22
 * Tres-77
 * Yukio
 * Sophora
 * Missy-White
 * No.99
 * Pi
 * The Enties
 * Geist
 * Kasumi Ito (Kite)
 * Ayaka Amagi
 * Toki-runty.
 * Genius
 * Fluegel
 * Metronom
 * Cello
 * Klarinette
 * Jyotaro Amagi
 * Ju21

Connection between .hack//RIVES and .hack//LINK -Chrono Link-
"See Connection story elements with .hack//RIVES"

Episode 1 -The Beginning of the Adventure-
Tokio Kuryuu, the 14 years old boy who enjoys playing the game all times he wants, including the most-ranking players in much other online game known as The Ultimate 1000 Ranking Champion, but he's the only one who didn't try to play the massively popular game "The World R:3" which soon that he didn't aware of that announcement until his best friend, Akira Yoshinori who's in the same age as Tokio inviting him to log in to the online game.

Upon their first time in The World, they didn't know the destination and guidance that he and Akira need to do, but with help from someone name X7 who gladly to teaching them and guide them to learn more about The World online game.

Episode 2 - Eyes of the Murderer
After fighting against the boss and obtain the rarest item before the other players tried to get a hand for that item, but unexpectedly they were killed in front of Tokio, Akira, and X7 by the one said rumors about ENTIES The Legendary PKK and Hackers who said to be true has gone for intimidating, resulting in him and his friend in fear which starting to run away from him.

According to Seventy-Seven that it is revealed that Players that ENTIES killed will not be unconsciousness like falling into a coma, but they're already dead in the real world as ENTIES killed them, one strike with no return will cause them to ultimately died. And because of this, they're situation is in very a risk and must find a way to plan for escape while defeating her.

Episode 3 - The Legend of Admantinium
After their last encounter with ENTIES, both of them had heard the news regarding the players who had suddenly passed away as which it revealed that those are the one who's been Victim to ENTIES. But, in order to freshing their mind and try to speculate regarding her intent. The Legendary of Admantinium Quest has been released into the media online, and both of them along with X7 decide to go along with those quests in order to just leveling up their characters.

While seeing how much participants trying to get their hand for Admantinium, it seems the battle to obtain the legendary items was truly begin, however, the unknown phenomenon suddenly appear during the quest.

Episode 4 - Kruger
During the quest of Admantinium, with the sudden phenomenon happens as the monster acting strange as it's like they're been hacked by someone which possibly could have been worked by ENTIES, but still doesn't know about his where doubt and with the quest continue, many players start fighting each other, resulting in the chaos conflict between them with other guilds, while Tokio, Akira, and X7 just keep forward to reach to the center of Turquoise to reach the treasure.

But in a sudden situation happens, they were attacked by another group who comes to be a PK, Kruger who also trying to obtain the Adamantium. The battle against him will be hard, set up for intense situation happens between them, but it seems that Kruger trying to after someone else.

Episode 5 - Boss Battlefield
As the battle against Kruger continued, however, the other players starting to approach Tokio, Akira, X7, and Kruger starting to continue to battle against each other, this seems to be a plot that set up by ENTIES. It is revealed that Kruger was ordered to investigate the phenomenon that happens during the quest and it seems that the player's emotion was hacked or so seems to be controlled, which speculated if ENTIES wanting to try to obtain something more that was hidden inside Admantinium.

But right at the situation of the conversation and conflict happens, the bug monster appears trying to devour the players which seems that ENTIES could be near. Tokio and his friend had no choice but to allying with Kruger temporarily to fight against them.

Episode 6 - Sol's Request
At the Nakita Arcade & Game Shop, Tokio received a request from Shopkeeper, Hiroyuki Nakita to meet the young boy who calls himself as Sol to come into the online game for some big request. As Tokio and Akira went over the meeting with Sol, he suddenly being bullied by the Delinquent players who ask for trade money.

After both came to save him, Sol request something trivial but first, they were put for some trial in order to gain the trust, much Tokio pissed about it. During the trial, she met with the girl name Neil, the Player Killer who trying to PKing Sol due to his Newbie status, and decide to find a way to protect him at all costs.

Episode 7 - Canard
Following Neil escape, this brings a greatly earn not just Sol's trust, but his admiration toward Tokio and Akira for saving him with the words that were very inspired within his heart, with an exchange on his request, which it seems that Sol needs their help to protect the guild Canard due to the member had been attacked by PKer in various number, and possibly Neil was one of the PK trying to messing with Canard.

During entering Canard, they witnessed the state and situation that Canard had gone through, as the leader of the Guild, Gaspard seems to be worried about the PKer who trying to hunt his member once again which Sol wanting for collaboration to help Gaspard and the members to drive them away.

Episode 8 - The PK
Trying to drive the PKers away from Canard Member and Gaspard, but Neil made the decision to take the action against both of them in order to uphold her pride as the PK, which seems to be big trouble for both to handling her, but besides that, Gaspard made another plan, to call the former Guildmaster, Silabus to help Tokio and Akira.

But even so, Neil didn't back down and still forward to against her, it seems that both of them need a more time ahead to let Sol and other Guildmember to the safe place. But, despite all the things that happen when he saved by Tokio, he decides to pay his doing to fight alongside him and providing support against her.

Episode 9 - The Way of Akira
A week after what happen to Canard as they were safe, but he seems struggling to reach comprehend level the same as Tokio because even though he's an honor student, he lacks something that Tokio has. This leads to their argument regarding the quest they had taken and should be the one he leads, because of this, they didn't talk with each other a for few days.

Akira heard about the news regarding about The Battle Royal Quest, with ensuring this, he invites Neil and Ju21 to participate for the battle royal quest, meanwhile, didn't get hold for his harsh words on him back then, while hearing Akira participating the battle quest, he asks Sol and X7 for help.

Episode 10 - Rise of the Red Dead leader, Davis
During the battle against Akira, suddenly getting interfere by Kruger, along with the leader of Red Dead Guild, Davis entering the battle as they begin interesting for Battle royale. X7 heard that Davis is the most powerful Chaotic PK who heard to be the one who PKing hundreds of PC during The World R:2, while Davis has more interest to fight against them, including Tokio.

The strongest Davis is alongside Kruger and the members are seriously hard, however, this leads them no choice but to fight together against them.

Episode 11 - Virus Bug
The Virus bug starts approaching against them, this brings their situation getting even worse, as a result, the Battle Royal Quest has been canceled. While all players made it out to escape, however, as for Tokio along with everyone had trapped in the area that there's need supposed to escape, brings all the war against them, these values on Davis to made cooperation with Tokio and his friend.

Although they still had suspicious feelings with them, in order for lending a hand and fighting against the monster bug, while in exchange offering the information regarding the phenomenon that was happening right now.

Episode 12 - One Sin
The fight against the Monster bug continues, the rise of the chaos within the fight still continues at that time. Davis shares information that this case for the monster bug appears has a lot happen ever since the release of The World R:3, and since with ENTIES appear in 2 days after its release, with the existence of his had made the distortion of the network slowly became worse.

The Monster Bug, however, is not part of ENTIES doing which they were created with distortion impact that was caused by ENTIES's PC, but the monster that ENTIES use might differ from them. Because of this, they had no choice to handle the monster, but what worse than fighting the Monster Bug is the sudden appearance of One Sin.

It seems there were out of option unless Tokio and Akira have to work together to defeat them.

Episode 13 - Immune Shadow
Several days after the incident in the Battle Royale Quest, it seems that Tokio and Akira had to get along well after the battle. In return about the incident happens to cause the player's coma victim to be increased and with no answer regarding the incident from CC Corp thus bringing the various question became a problem to their reputation.

In that night, Tokio received an E-mail from Davis to come over their @HOME to discuss something regarding what they had face back then. With Akira, Sol, and X7 invited while Neil and Ju21 were absent for some other business left. During the meeting, Davis offers the choice for Tokio and his friend to join forces with him, but due to his status as PK, they didn't trust him.

However, with the chance to work together to uncover the mystery regarding ENTIES, they decide to choose...

Episode 1 - The Festival Night
Several weeks after Tokio and Akira, along with his friend made cooperation with RedDead Guild to investigate the mystery of ENTIES, however, this has gone quiet than the last thing they do and has gone quiet as usual. In the meantime, Sol inviting Tokio and Akira for the Grand United Festival at the Hidden Forbidden Festival in order to freshing their mind for the upcoming mission, and The biggest event is how three Legion Unity Leader will come for the Festival.

During the festival, they loss 2 members for the circus, and they decide to choose Tokio and Akira for replacement.

Episode 2 - Geist, the Magician
Just after the festival is over, they spent the night enjoyment in the Hidden Forbidden Festival, while they met with a half masked guy, Geist the magician who performing magic trick attraction back in the circus seems to be alone and ask to join for the festival with them. Geist seems to be down with his slump on attraction magic trick, but Tokio trying to persuade him to not give up.

Meanwhile, X7 has been called by Davis regarding ENTIES has made his move.

Episode 3 - Let's Party
The festival continues with ultimate magic attraction received successful support, however, all theirs until the monster bug trying to attack the players on the spot does ruin the show on the circus attraction because of them doing. Although as for consideration from players, Tokio and Akira came for the battle against the monster bug, thus this became a full-battle attraction party much in the positive ways, but in a negative way, Tokio became worried something will happen to the players.

Thus became full-party power, however, X7 and Kruger succeded to locate the ENTIES and start to match for the attack, however, for him has prepared something that very chaotic.

Episode 4 - The beginning of the Investigation
Following day after the Festival incident, but considered as the new full-battle attraction as part of new circus content. As Geist finally evacuate, Tokio and his friend finally receiving a mission to locating ENTIES in the Hidden Forbidden Battlefield which is where it recorded that Ovan and his twilight brigade member searching for the Key of the Twilight, thus ENTIES might gonna do the same to find it.

While after arriving there, they investigating the ruins and saw the symbol which was familiar with the symbol that he saw from the dream when he saves the princess, The Doubleware Symbol and The Gear Symbol.

Episode 5 - The Sword of Balance
ENTIES seems to arrive on the location, as soon that Sol, Akira, Kruger, and X7 trying to stop him, while Tokio's mind felt hazy in some particular after trying to remember about the symbol that was from his dream, but this of his memory became hazy and starting to making out of control while fighting against ENTIES. But soon that he left open, things let ENTIES attack him, thus he collapses in unconsciousness, but almost been killed by him.

During his been unconsciousness, he once again met with the princess from her dream...

Episode 6 - The Incoming Attack
Using the Sword of Balance that came from his data and trying to attack against ENTIES to protect his own friend, thus left some big loose impression on him thus trying to bring a chance to escape from Tokio in desperately until Raven Guild lead by its leader, Sophora starting to attacking the group, including ENTIES, but Thus Tokio being accused of causing distortion as proving that Sword of Balance came from the outside spec of The World.

While decisive incoming attack coming, much for Davis trying to figure it out to how they can get out of this situation.

Episode 7 - Legendary Ship of the Grandwhale
A few days after, Tokio and Akira settle down for their school life and trying to do more activities while waiting for their next move. Meanwhile, Tokio living in normal life and days with his parents and even Akira can't join an online game for a while due to sports club activities that made him felt lonely. Just on night day, Ju21 send a message to Tokio for the invitation for discovery.

On his meeting with Ju21, he wants Tokio to join him for discovering the Legendary Ship of the GrandWhale that he long time wanting to as he loves mystery ancient ship that he loves to discover.

Episode 8 - The Sight of the Past
During their exploration for the Grandwhale, he and Ju21 witnessing the ancient Grand Whale which left in the secret sea of data thanks to Ju21's hacking skill as expected from his as a Rumor broker. While he discovering something amazing regarding the information about Grand Whale's origin which seems to be hidden alongside within the sea of data.

While Ju21 reminisces about his past with Tokio regarding his dream to become an explorer until the tragedy happened...

Episode 9 - Upcoming of Deathrisk
While being separated from Ju21 for investigation and exploration, however, ENTIES suddenly arrive at the location for something he really looking for. But this bringing something uncomfortable feelings on him, which Tokio brings the possibility if ENTIES targeting Ju21 due to he using the hacking to reach the Grand Whale which seems to be out of the idea, but instead wanting to assassinate him.

Tokio rush unto him before ENTIES, meanwhile, Ju21 discover something that he couldn't imagine.

Episode 10 - Unwilling of Guilty
Following a day after what happen to Ju21, after his player was found dead in his room which revealed to be Ju21's player, it seems that Tokio seems sad and felt guilt inside due to how he unable to protect Ju21 from his death when ENTIES tried to kill him. It seems that Akira seems felt upset little, but at the same time, he's very concerned with Tokio's feelings for his distraught mistake.

Meanwhile, Davis filed regarding his death and soon he reached that area. However, unexpectedly the Grand Whale wasn't there.

Episode 11 - Hiroyuki's Request
Hiroyuki Nakita, the owner of the Nakita's Gameshop and Arcade seems to have a problem with handling his problem with his own daughter Andou Nakita regarding about her birthday and celebration for entering a college. This brings his problem toward the relationship with his daughter, and so he decides for Tokio and Akira to watch over her movement in order to know what kind of presents that she wants.

Episode 12 - Nishijima81
Nishijima81, the leader gang delinquent who always trying to ask for money or bullying someone for not strong like him, and also being arrogant. Sol was a victim from his doing thus making things much worst for him, however, after seeing Sol becoming stronger than him sometimes made doubtful toward his member and thus decide to uphold the challenge against him.

But for Sol, he seems didn't want for the challenge, but rather holding several quests on the shop quest for testing strength and trial whose to be the strongest.

Episode 13 - Sophora's Bigger Deal Quest
During the online game following the day after, he, Tokio, Neil, Sol, Akira, and X7 were on training to leveling up their PC in order to get stronger, while Kruger just watches over them just instantly to wait for another mission to be given, regardless about the mystery of ENTIES that still were unsolved makes he felt unease on the upside-down.

But in the sudden changes in the situation came with the members of Raven Guild starting to kidnapping them, including Kruger himself, despite without Davis's notice brings them to the @HOME unnoticed. During their arrival, Sophora negotiates and make deal with Tokio and friends, in return for ENTIES information and the book that will lead them to discover something that Ju21 had discovered before.

Episode 14 - The Battle at the Lost Yavin.
As the deal settles, they begin on the quest for the battle against their PC could be a possibility to be PKs who was hired by ENTIES, while with join forces with Raven Claw, the one of the most important member, Kyushu (Kyu) straight to guide them for the battle against PKs in the hidden forbidden Yavin which is the rarest lost ground that unfounded by NAB which only Sophora knew about that Area.

Right now the decisive battle against PKs now begins, which means there's increase possibility that ENTiES would be arriving on the battlefield.

Episode 15 - No.99's Will
Sophora's prediction was very felt off the ground, as ENTIES skill can break his prediction and his move, which considered as the strongest PC, or perhaps even more. As a result, many members are dead, even for PKs who were hired by him, while Tokio and his friend still getting difficult to handle PKs who were infected by Brainwashing Virus which seems they attacking each other with no enemies or allies to face.

Meanwhile, Kyu has no will or strength to fight against ENTIES, as he was very fierce blood who would take out his enemy at any time, this resulting in her fear coming up. However, Akira's voice tries to reach her and making a decision in order to protect what things that matter to her to rising up her will to fight.

Episode 16 - Sophora's Last Guide
The battle seems to continue to reach the climax, as Sophora tried to protect Kyu who was tirelessly succeded to hold off ENTIES from trying to attack her member and her friend, but this cause Sophora came no other option to choose but to sacrifice himself in order to stop ENTIES, but making so this decision could impact the guild members and morale, brings to his last resort of living.

While before that, Sophora still holds the deal with Tokio regarding the information of ENTIES, but it seems that he will leave more details about that information to the woman name Pi, the former members of G.U. Guild who were involved in a certain incident three years ago.

Episode 17 - The Truth
After the end of the Battle Yavin, Tokio and his friend decided to hold a funeral for Sophora, while finding the woman name PI who was hiding in the underground root town, which seems that she holds the key regarding about the information that they were looking for. In order to do that, they were facing some unexpected trials ahead which seem to hinder them to meet with Pi.

Episode 18- The Grace of the Prophecy
After hearing the truth from PI regarding the existence of ENTIES, his purpose was to eradicate the Legion Unity who associated with the traitors who involved with certain project six years ago, the reason he killed so many people only because they were associated with the Legion Unity, and it revealed that the eradication plan was none other from the massive popular company who is the publisher of the online game THE WORLD, The CyberConnect Corporation.

According to the next report from rumor broker she had heard, ENTIES next target assassination will be the Leader of Blue Moon, Yun EL which became the most possibility her death was on the set date, which means that they have to go to the Blue Moon @HOME and warn the leader regarding about its upcoming threat.

After they arrived in their @HOME with Kyu came along with them, however, it seems that the man name Yukio was revealed to be her servant, and testing them by fighting.

The Next Chapter...
.hack//LINK -Chrono Link- is a fully remade version and the second chapter of LINK story, also a soft rebooted version to the original LINK focus on continuing Tokio and Akira's journey with a newcomer, Saika Koshizumi once again enter to the World R:3 in the gloomy atmosphere and the harsh situation has driven a new adventure for the trio, embark their journey by using the mysterious tower known as Akashic Records which has the ability to travel to the past time in order to obtained t Chrono Core that contained inside the Three Powerful Heroes before the organization known as Schicksal tried to obtain it for bad things.

The Game Adaptation
.hack//LINK -Chrono Link- Episode Prologue: ReConnect is the game adaptation to the anime series RIVES which is now being fully remade as the game version with based on Chrono Link game mechanics and will adapting the story from the anime series from the first to the third season with the inclusion of the ever-expanding story elements and brand-new story arcs giving to expand a more depth to The World R:3, also including brand new characters which didn't even appear in the anime series, including Real World story element will also be added.