3 1/2 stars, even though I prefer longer fiction, these short novellas are entertaining reading and Morning Dew Girl has a character that's introduced that has a large impact on book 3. So if you plan on reading further you should read at least that side story. ( )

In the second volume of Sword Art Online, Kirito has not met Asuna (yet). After Silica, known as a "beast tamer" is saved by Kirito, she loses it at the realisation that Pina, her pet dragon, died trying to protect her. However, Silica is told that she can revive Pina if she goes through the "Hill of Memories" a 56th floor area that holds the revival flower. Rosalia, a former party member of Silica's, and leader of "Laughing Coffin", a murder guild. Rosalia demands that Silica hand over her flower, but Kirito refuses for her. Rosalia's guild members come out to attack, however, Silica stays back and watches Kirito. Kirito looks confident that nothing will happen to him. Everyone quickly realises who he is after holding his one Anneal blade in his right hand but nothing in his left., wearing the coat of midnight. The men attack after Rosalia's command and some skepticism but tire out after Kirito's HP only dropped and went back up continuously. They realise from there that for hours of trying, they wouldn't get anywhere with it. Rosalia calls the team members idiots and told them to attack again, but Kiriro moments later had her at the throat, threatening her with his sword. He pulled out a portal and described who he got it from - the leader of a guild who was wiped out by Laughing Coffin that went insane begging for the mercy of the public. He wanted his guild avenged for what she had done - but not killled, thrown in jail. Kirito throws Rosalia and the rest of the guild into prison, and leaves with Silica.

Silica and Kirito go back to the hotel they're staying in on the 27th floor. In their room in the inn, they revive Pina, and Silica is happy as she was before. Kirito goes off and the book ends.

男女比で女性が圧倒的に少ないオンラインゲームの世界のはずなのに、何人の女性と閨房をともにするきなのだと、主人公が非バトルスキルも無双であることに嫉妬する。ただ1巻に足りなかった人間味がある点で、私はこの巻の方が好きだ。 ( )

Rating: 90% (4.5 stars) ( )