It was one month ago that players of Sword Art Online, a Virtual Reality MMORPG, found themselves trapped, their only hope of escape to beat the game. In this unforgiving fantasy world, fighting through 100 levels of monsters and warriors seems an impossible task-2,000 have already fallen trying to complete the first level. Kirito is an experienced gamer who adapted quickly to the new parameters of the game and is determined to reach the highest level. When he spots a solo player taking out her opponents at incredible speeds, Kirito recognizes that the girl, Asuna, has the potential to be a great fighter-but will she assent to fight at his side?