Training at the Sword Skill School of the Dreamers proceeds apace. Having become elite students and getting more or less used to the newly acquired young maid-slaves from noble families, Kirito and Yuji o are already anticipating the upcoming tournament, where their skill with the sword will earn them an even higher rank—one step closer to their ultimate goal. But is it really so easy in the virtual Underworld, soaked through with iron laws of the Church of Axiom? Yuji o will have to learn that firsthand and challenge the dark side of absolute obedience. And for Kirito, the truth of this world will be revealed—unexpectedly, yet to him, it’s an old acquaintance. On the path, the brave youngsters are heading toward a sharp turn.