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 had passed since the opening of the «SAO» world. On October 17th of 2024; while returning through the forest from the 74th floor dungeon, after defeating a Lizardman Lord, the «Solo player» Kirito spotted the rare «Ragout Rabbit». After successfully slaying the beast and obtaining its dropped item, Kirito returns to Agil’s shop at the 50th floor: «Algade» to discuss his choice of selling the famous «Ragout Meat», Kirito would rather eat the meat instead however he will require someone who have practice their cooking skill.

Coincidentally, he meets Asuna; the vice-commander of the «Knights of the Blood Oath» guild. She has apparently «Mastered» her cooking skill and so she agrees to cook for him at her house for the price of giving her half the meat. After leaving Agil’s shop, Asuna told her «KoB» bodyguard that she will be leaving for the day, however her bodyguard: «Kuradeel» is unhappy of the idea. After recognizing Kirito as a «Beater», he directs his anger onto him and shouts harsh comments about him in front of Asuna. Disgusted with Kuradeel’s action, Asuna refuses to hear another word and left with Kirito.

Asuna’s house is at the 61st floor: «Selmburg». While Kirito relaxes and watch the chef at 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 start adapting to their new daily lives in the SAO world. Asuna tries to get Kirito to start fighting in a group; however Kirito states that other players will be more of a hindrance to him. Asuna later persuades Kirito into partnering with her again after so long since the last time; so she can evaluate his swordsmanship. Kirito was reluctant but still accepts Asuna’s offer in the end, they then part ways for the day.

It was 9 in the morning and a tired Kirito was waiting for Asuna at their designated meeting place on the 74th floor: «Kamdet», he suddenly collides with Asuna; who had used a «Teleportation Crystal» while running away from Kuradeel. Kuradeel was greatly displeased of Asuna’s latest actions and wanted her to return to the «KoB» headquarter. Kirito intervenes and this angers Kuradeel, so he challenges him to a 1-on-1 duel; which Kirito easily won by breaking his Kuradeel’s first sword. Kuradeel tries to attack Kirito again by using another sword, but this time the «KoB» vice-commander: Asuna intervene and she orders Kuradeel to return to their base in «Grandzam». She apologizes to Kirito and then they both left to fight at the frontline.

While mapping the 74th floor dungeon, Kirito witness Asuna’s swordsmanship in their battle against a monster and understand how she earns the title of the «Lightning Flash». They soon came across an eerie looking door and they realize that it may leads to the boss’ room. They took a peek inside with «teleport crystals» at the ready. There they find the demon-like boss of the 74th floor: «The Gleameyes».

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 Picks x5
 * Skull Powder
 * Ragout Rabbit Meat
 * Lizardman Skin
 * Lizardman Scales
 * Teleport Crystal
 * Elucidator
 * Asuna
 * Knife
 * Teleport Crystal
 * Lambent Light

Known Sword Skills

 * Horizontal Square - Kirito
 * Weapon Break - Kirito
 * Star Splash - Asuna
 * Vertical Square - Kirito
 * Avalanche - Kuradeel

Adaptation Notes

 * Adapted from Sword Art Online Light Novel Volume 01