[Flere821]

Originally Posted by Krono

Spoiler for Response:

None of his comments on the subject have been that definitive to my knowledge. Admittedly the only thing I recalling him say on the subject was something to the effect that the crossover story was an AU. In any case considering one of the things he apparently said during the Q&A session linked to above was "When he finishes writing both series (Sword Art Online and Accel World), he may go back and write a brand new original series that bridges the two together." he's probably undecided about the issue, but leaning towards linking them.

[conspiracy theorist]

Spoiler for theories, with many AW spoilers:

But it all makes sense if AW is set after SAO! The 'Fluctuating Light' of AW is one of many copies of Star King Kirito, Haru even felt Fluctuating Light communicate to him.

Azure Heir being inside the Imperial Palace can tie in with Kikuoka's grand plot (unsupported by canon, I'll admit) - letting the Imperial Family have some way to influence Japan once more beyond just being a cultural icon, as the politicians are obviously incompetent. Especially if we take the Ocean Turtle bit into account, being bought over by US. Brain Burst, AA, and CC are ways to ensure AI development (Fluctlight copies, for example Saffron Blossom in the BB server or 'Beast' from The Disaster), mustering forces for the eventual 'Intelligence Space' war (which I think is basically a war over control over cyberspace - and considering AW's setting where cyberspace is intertwined heavily with reality, if you can rule over cyberspace you can rule the world).

Characters, too. Graphite Edge could be Kirito's son, considering there's Starburst Stream. It could just be a mythology gag I suppose, or it might be a actual continuity nod...

[/conspiracy theorist]
Take my above words as only crack theories