Sword Art Online Episode 08

Black and White Sword Dance (黒と白の剣舞) is the eighth episode of the Sword Art Online anime adaptation. It aired on August 25, 2012.

Plot
Nearly two years have passed since the launch of SAO. On October 17, 2024; while returning through the forest from the 74th Floor Labyrinth, after defeating a Lizardman Lord, solo player Kirito spots the rare «Ragout Rabbit». After successfully slaying the beast and obtaining its dropped item, Kirito returns to Agil’s shop in the 50th Floor's main city, «Algade», to sell the famous «Ragout Rabbit's Meat». Agil wonders why he wants to sell it as he knows that he has a lot of Col, until Kirito tells him that he would like to try it, but doesn't know anyone who can cook the meat without ruining the dish.

Coincidentally, he meets Asuna, the vice-commander of the «Knights of the Blood». She has «Mastered» her cooking skill and agrees to cook the meat for him at her house for the price of giving her half the meat. After leaving Agil’s shop, Asuna tells her «KoB» bodyguard that she will be leaving for the day, however her bodyguard, Kuradeel, is unhappy with the idea due to Kirito having a "suspicious" look on him. After recognizing Kirito as a «Beater», Kuradeel launches his anger and insults at him. Disgusted at Kuradeel's actions, Asuna refuses to hear another word from him and leaves with Kirito.

Asuna’s house is in the main city of the 61st Floor: «Salemburg». While Kirito relaxes and watches the chef in action, Asuna prepares the meal with the «Ragout Meat». After enjoying the gourmet rabbit stew simulated by the «Taste Reproduction Engine», Kirito and Asuna discuss how the players have started to get used to their new daily lives in the SAO world. Asuna tries to get Kirito to start fighting in a group, but Kirito resists, saying that other players will be more of a hindrance to him. Asuna later persuades Kirito into partnering with her again after so long so she can reevaluate his swordsmanship. Kirito is reluctant but still accepts Asuna’s offer in the end, and they part ways for the day.



At 9:00 in the morning, a tired Kirito waits for Asuna at their designated meeting place on the 74th Floor main city, «Kamdet». He suddenly collides with Asuna, who had used a «Teleport Crystal» and accidentally gropes Asuna's right breast, causing her to send him flying. It is revealed that she had appeared while running away from Kuradeel who was following her.



Kuradeel is greatly displeased with Asuna’s latest actions and wants her to return to the «KoB» headquarters. Kirito intervenes and this angers Kuradeel, who challenges Kirito in order to prove that he is stronger then him. Both pick the first-strike option, and Kuradeel launches the first attack. Kirito easily wins the duel by using «Sonic Leap» on his weapon's weak spot, effectively breaking it. Kuradeel tries to attack Kirito again by using a dagger, but, Asuna disarms Kuradeel and orders him to return to their base in «Granzam», relieving him of guard duty. She apologizes to Kirito and then they both leave to explore the Labyrinth of the 74th Floor.

While mapping the 74th Floor Labyrinth, Kirito witnesses Asuna’s swordsmanship in their battles against the monsters and thoroughly recognizes how she earned the title of the «Lightning Flash». They soon come across an eerie looking door and realize that it leads to the boss' room. They take a peek inside with «Teleport Crystals» at the ready. Inside they find the demon-like boss of the 74th Floor: «The Gleam Eyes».

New Characters

 * Kuradeel

Named Monsters

 * Lizardman Lord
 * Ragout Rabbit
 * Demonic Servant
 * The Gleam Eyes

Guilds

 * Knights of the Blood
 * Laughing Coffin

Inventory

 * Kirito
 * Blackwyrm Coat
 * Throwing Pick x5
 * Skull Powder
 * Ragout Rabbit Meat
 * Lizardman Skin
 * Lizardman Scales
 * Teleport Crystal
 * Elucidator
 * Dark Repulser
 * Asuna
 * Knife
 * Teleport Crystal
 * Lambent Light
 * Kuradeel
 * Tyrant Dragon
 * Dagger

Known Sword Skills

 * Fell Crescent - Lizardman Lord
 * Horizontal Square - Kirito
 * Single Shot - Kirito
 * Avalanche - Kuradeel
 * Sonic Leap - Kirito
 * Star Splash - Asuna
 * Vertical Square - Kirito, Demonic Servant
 * Meteor Break - Kirito (only the first move is shown)

Locations

 * Aincrad Floor 74: Labyrinth, forest, Kamdet - Teleport Gate plaza, Boss Room
 * Aincrad Floor 50: Algade - Agil's shop
 * Aincrad Floor 61: Salemburg - Asuna's house

Adaptation Notes

 * Adapted from Volume 1 Chapters 1, 5,6,7 and 9


 * In the novel, Kuradeel did not take out a second weapon when dueling with Kirito and also made a comment of wanting to kill Kirito. Kuradeel also said "I resign." to end the duel.
 * In the novel, Kuradeel used a Teleport Crystal to return to Granzam, while in the anime, he used the Teleport Gate.
 * In the novel, when Asuna enters Agil's shop, she has two escorts (one is Kuradeel, the other is unnamed). In the Anime, only Kuradeel is her escort.
 * Kirito and Asuna's near encounter with the Battalion from «The Army», along the way to the dungeon was omitted.

Episodio 8