Sword Art Online Material Edition 08

Rondo of the Transient Sword (儚き剣のロンド) is the eighth Material Edition of Sword Art Online. The first chapter was released as a Material Edition, and the rest as a side story and, later, part of the first Volume of the Progressive light novel series. The story is based on Kirito and Asuna's adventure through the 2nd Floor of Aincrad.

First Chapter
Four days after the 2nd Floor of Aincrad is unlocked, Kirito disguises himself to collect items for training, since his fame as a beater has now spread. He finds a scene in which someone complains to a blacksmith because the latter has failed to upgrade his Anneal Blade four times and now the sword is deemed useless. While watching the scene, he begins thinking about the probabilities of such an event happening.

While he ponders on the thought, Asuna arrives and talks to him; he explains to her about the scene, and they talk about the enhancement system in SAO. The scene was solved when the player's friend arrived and calmed him down. Everyone apologizes and the blacksmith, Nezha, buys the now useless sword for 8 thousand col.

Kirito and Asuna sit on a bench and talk. Kirito is hesitant about upgrading his sword. She tells him that she also wants to upgrade her rapier, so Kirito accepts the challenge to help her collect the materials needed to enhance her weapon.

Side Story Continuation
Progressive Volume 1, Chapter 2

ru:ME 8: Рондо Переходного Меча. Первая глава