Thread:Gsimenas/@comment-24053170-20160709060918/@comment-24675867-20160709062943

For one, I don't think SAO will end after Alicization. Here's why.

1. It most likely ended with Alicization in the original web novel because Kawahara was probably getting a little bored with the world, and preparing to release his first light novel (Accel World) on the side. I'm currently reading the end of the web novel now, and it's pretty obviously rushed, which shows that Kawahara wanted it over and done with quickly.

2. SAO is one of Aniplex's biggest moneymaking series. There is simply no way that they will let such an opportunity go to waste, and furthermore, they've stated at Anime Expo 2015 that they will animate anything Kawahara writes. Kawahara himself has also stated that as long as people want more, he will continue to write more. Even though Alicization might very well serve as SAO's highest point, chances are that it will not end there.

3. There are more and more hints that SAO and AW are connected, especially with the recent illustration from AW Volume 20. Kawahara may write another arc for SAO that connects the two series.

As for how Alicization's epilogue will play out, let's just say that I hope Kawahara fleshes out the ending more and answers the many questions he left behind in the original web novel ending. Let's hope he's not as rushed this time.