File:Vol 08 - 008.png

Summary
A coloured illustration on page 8 of Sword Art Online Volume 08.

Latest image source: Ruranobe

Original image source: 1caiser

Sword Art Online Volume 8, Yen Press release
Anti-Criminal Code Zone

Often called a "safe haven." In Sword Art Online, the game is divided into the "field," where monsters and danger lurk, and "settlements," where players can rest, relax, and prepare for their adventures. Settlements are safe-haven zones where players cannot harm one another through any means. Any weapon attack will produce its regular visuals but no HP damage, and poisonous items have no effect. As the name of the system code suggests, within the safe haven, there is no way to commit a direct crime against another player.

However, there are several loopholes in this code. For one, a sleeping player can be challenged to a "full-finish" duel, after which their hand can be moved to touch the OK button, thus opening them up to a lethal end. For another, opponents can be taken outside the safe haven against their will, where attacks are legal. Therefore, even under the special circumstances that nullify damage, murder can occur within the Anti-Criminal Code Zone.