Sword Art Online Light Novel Volume 02

Summary
Consists of four short stories that take place before and during the events of volume 1.

The Black Swordsman (Aincrad 35th Floor, February 2024)
After getting into a fight with her party, Silica the beast tamer soon got herself lost in the Forest of Wandering. She is later attack by multiple Drunk Apes and thus resulted with the death of her partner: dragon. She was soon rescued by Kirito, who happened to pass by. Both Silica and Kirito then journey together to «The Hill of Memories» on the 47th floor, in hope to obtain the means to revive the fallen friend.

Warmth of the Heart (Aincrad 48th Floor, June 2024)
The story introduces a female blacksmith name Lisbeth who spends her days running her own weapon shop on the 48th floor. One day, a certain black swordsman enters her shop and just broke her best sword. With her pride of a blacksmith enraged after losing her best «Player made» sword against a drop weapon, she forms a party with him on a quest to obtain a special metal; to forge a sword that can rival the «Elucidator».