Sword Art Online: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night

In the year 2022, the innovative virtual reality MMORPG called Sword Art Online is launched, created by genius Akihiko Kayaba. This game allows players to immerse themselves completely in a digital world through a device known as the NerveGear, marking a significant advance in gaming technology.

On November 6, 2022, 10,000 players log into SAO for the first time, excited about the adventure that awaits them. However, their joy quickly dissipates as they discover they cannot log out, and Kayaba reveals that the only way to escape is to defeat all 100 floors of Aincrad.

Asuna, alongside her friend Mito, enters this new world with high hopes. Unlike the thrill of their initial login, the game soon turns into a harrowing survival quest, leaving Asuna feeling scared and uncertain in the face of danger.

Asuna and Mito confront a terrifying plant monster known as nepenthes. Despite Mito's warning about attacking from above, Asuna's inexperience leads her to summon a horde of these dangerous plants, initiating a fierce battle for their survival.

After a desperate struggle against the nepenthes, Asuna finds herself severely injured and unable to escape. Just when all seems lost, Kirito arrives, swiftly defeating the monsters and providing Asuna with healing items and guidance before disappearing again.

By November 27, 2022, Asuna has resolved to face the dangers of SAO on her own terms. She embarks on a relentless quest to defeat monsters and level up, pushing herself to her limits despite Kirito's attempts to help her recover.

As Asuna recovers, Kirito invites her to a critical meeting in town, where players strategize on how to defeat Illfang, the Kobold Lord, a powerful game boss. It is a moment that brings tension, as Asuna sees Mito there and is reminded of their fractured friendship.

Later that night, Kirito gifts Asuna a new sword, and they engage in training together. Asuna reveals her fears regarding the beta testers, and Kirito shares his own past experiences of betrayal, deepening their emotional connection.

The following day, the united party faces off against Illfang in an epic confrontation. Just as they are poised to win, Diabel, the party leader, falls victim to Illfang’s attack, urging Kirito to finish the battle in his last moments.

Kirito, alongside Asuna and Mito, ultimately defeats Illfang. However, the victory is tainted as other players accuse Kirito of withholding information during the fight, labeling him a 'beater,' which he accepts defiantly as he claims his rewards.

In the aftermath of the battle, Mito extends an apology to Asuna for past grievances. Asuna reflects on her growth and chooses to turn down Mito's offer to rekindle their original party, ready to venture forward with Kirito instead.

As Kirito and Asuna prepare to move to the second floor, they activate a teleporter that propels them onward. However, they attract the attention of a mysterious figure observing them, hinting at future challenges and intrigue ahead.