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Sword Art Online: Progressive Light Novels #3
Sword Art Online: Progressive, Vol. 3
"Here we go, Asuna! Hang on tight! Tilnel, launch!"
Having said their good-byes to the mysterious elven knight Kizmel, Kirito and Asuna set their sights on the fourth floor of Aincrad. But once they open the door, they find the way forward blocked by a powerfully flowing river. The updated version of the fourth floor has been changed into a water world! When they finally arrive at the floor's town, they're greeted by chalk-white streets and countless gondolas of all sizes. To navigate this place, Kirito and Asuna will need their own gondola--but getting one will involve confronting an eight-meter-tall beast of flame: Magnaterium...And that's only the beginning of the difficulties the fourth floor of Aincrad has in store!
Sword Art Online: Progressive, a new version of the Sword Art Online tale chronicling the entirety of Kirito and Asuna's epic adventure through Aincrad, continues!
Having said their good-byes to the mysterious elven knight Kizmel, Kirito and Asuna set their sights on the fourth floor of Aincrad. But once they open the door, they find the way forward blocked by a powerfully flowing river. The updated version of the fourth floor has been changed into a water world! When they finally arrive at the floor's town, they're greeted by chalk-white streets and countless gondolas of all sizes. To navigate this place, Kirito and Asuna will need their own gondola--but getting one will involve confronting an eight-meter-tall beast of flame: Magnaterium...And that's only the beginning of the difficulties the fourth floor of Aincrad has in store!
Sword Art Online: Progressive, a new version of the Sword Art Online tale chronicling the entirety of Kirito and Asuna's epic adventure through Aincrad, continues!
264 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2014
96 people are currently reading
1200 people want to read
About the author
Reki Kawahara
284 books913 followersKawahara Reki (川原礫) is the writer of Sword Art Online and Accel World. He also uses the pen name Kunori Fumio. His hobby is cycling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 29, 2015
このストーリーは大好きなので、スピンオフを何巻もありがたく読む。ＭＭORPGの雰囲気も、戦闘のシーンもよく描写されている。キャラのやり取りが面白くて楽しい。もう一層の話を書いてくださいね。
This is the third installment of the "Sword Art Online" spin-off. It is best read in order, after the original Aironclad arc of SAO. I enjoyed reading it, and I must confess I am addicted to the series. I simply love the original story, so sue me.
This is the third installment of the "Sword Art Online" spin-off. It is best read in order, after the original Aironclad arc of SAO. I enjoyed reading it, and I must confess I am addicted to the series. I simply love the original story, so sue me.
February 4, 2016
Once again I loved this book. It was a more silly story and I wish the anime had more stories like this one. I also wish Reki would write more of these stories, one a year is not enough. I can't get enough Sword Art Online.
December 10, 2021
Fast-paced and fun, it was a delight to go on another adventure in Aincrad with Asuna and Kirito. I didn't think it was possible, but these novellas are getting even better with each new volume. ✨
March 4, 2024
few words from me once more (Spoilers ahead)
At the beginning of the book compared to the previous ones a theme for the floor is introduced for the first time, which tests the adaptability of the players. The plot also builds on this theme and how the characters interact with it. This creates new tension right from the start, and the topic is executed quite well. Furthermore, the plot of a major quest that began in the previous book is continued, providing new lore and mysteries of the world of Aincrad and its inhabitants.
Asuna shows a different side of herself as she and Kirito explore the city together and complete a quest. She appears more relaxed and somewhat playful due to her fascination with gondolas. The quest they undertake includes a nice little boss fight that Kirito is unfamiliar with and must learn its attack pattern first. I particularly liked this because it felt like a game again, as it's common to learn a boss's attack pattern first. And the fight itself was nice.
Asuna's character is further explored. You learn new things about her, and later there is a good payoff for her behavior during the city exploration. As I mentioned above she appears somewhat relaxed, but later in the plot, she has to think about the future and is confronted by reality. She tried to suppress her fear of this deathgame, but in the end she was overwhelmed by her feelings.
Kirito himself begins to reflect on his time in Aincrad. He first questions why he was so eager to become stronger at the beginning of the game. He realizes that he has now found a reason, namely to protect Asuna. This is connected to Asuna's character moment and generally makes for a great scene and a highlight of the book in my opinion.
Overall, another great Progressive Novel. Unfortunately, towards the end, a part of the major quest was rushed again, but that doesn't significantly ruin the plot. Instead it could have been handled in more detail in an anime series adaptation... Anyway, good book xD
At the beginning of the book compared to the previous ones a theme for the floor is introduced for the first time, which tests the adaptability of the players. The plot also builds on this theme and how the characters interact with it. This creates new tension right from the start, and the topic is executed quite well. Furthermore, the plot of a major quest that began in the previous book is continued, providing new lore and mysteries of the world of Aincrad and its inhabitants.
Asuna shows a different side of herself as she and Kirito explore the city together and complete a quest. She appears more relaxed and somewhat playful due to her fascination with gondolas. The quest they undertake includes a nice little boss fight that Kirito is unfamiliar with and must learn its attack pattern first. I particularly liked this because it felt like a game again, as it's common to learn a boss's attack pattern first. And the fight itself was nice.
Asuna's character is further explored. You learn new things about her, and later there is a good payoff for her behavior during the city exploration. As I mentioned above she appears somewhat relaxed, but later in the plot, she has to think about the future and is confronted by reality. She tried to suppress her fear of this deathgame, but in the end she was overwhelmed by her feelings.
Kirito himself begins to reflect on his time in Aincrad. He first questions why he was so eager to become stronger at the beginning of the game. He realizes that he has now found a reason, namely to protect Asuna. This is connected to Asuna's character moment and generally makes for a great scene and a highlight of the book in my opinion.
Overall, another great Progressive Novel. Unfortunately, towards the end, a part of the major quest was rushed again, but that doesn't significantly ruin the plot. Instead it could have been handled in more detail in an anime series adaptation... Anyway, good book xD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2020
Yay! Another excellent book by Reki Kawahara!
I can't wait until I read these books in Japanese. I have a feeling they will be even better. If the translated manga is better in the original I can't see why a novel wouldn't be.
I like how the story is evolving as well. All of the characters are growing, but the story is actually getting to the point where Aincrad is not just the backdrop or the scenery but is also changing to adapt to the characters and give them a bit more than just a death trap to escape from. It's helping to explain some of the things in the anime too, probably because it's explaining in a more natural and fullsome way. That is what you would expect after all. What am I at, 700+ extra pages to the original plot? One would hope that it would add a lot of character development and fill out the plot more.
I really like Kirito. He was my favorite character in the anime too, but I like him even more now. He's so sweet. :D Not quite sure of himself, and never really knows what to say or do in each situation, but willing to step up to the plate and take on extra burdens.
It's funny. He's not really all that confident, and he keeps telling himself that he abandoned everyone for his own survival. But someone who did that wouldn't sacrifice so much all the time for everyone else. So yeah. I like him. He's growing.
I can't wait until I read these books in Japanese. I have a feeling they will be even better. If the translated manga is better in the original I can't see why a novel wouldn't be.
I like how the story is evolving as well. All of the characters are growing, but the story is actually getting to the point where Aincrad is not just the backdrop or the scenery but is also changing to adapt to the characters and give them a bit more than just a death trap to escape from. It's helping to explain some of the things in the anime too, probably because it's explaining in a more natural and fullsome way. That is what you would expect after all. What am I at, 700+ extra pages to the original plot? One would hope that it would add a lot of character development and fill out the plot more.
I really like Kirito. He was my favorite character in the anime too, but I like him even more now. He's so sweet. :D Not quite sure of himself, and never really knows what to say or do in each situation, but willing to step up to the plate and take on extra burdens.
It's funny. He's not really all that confident, and he keeps telling himself that he abandoned everyone for his own survival. But someone who did that wouldn't sacrifice so much all the time for everyone else. So yeah. I like him. He's growing.
October 29, 2015
This was another good installment of the progressive series. As the translated copies start to catch up with the original copies I'm getting spoiled with not having to wait a year in-between each new installment which I feel will be ending soon.
So Mr. Kawahara actively tried to put more details into the scenery in this novel and it paid off for me. The other thing I liked about this book was the obvious foreshadowing for the split up of Kirito and Asuna. I don't know if it will happen this next novel, or in 4 novels from now, but I can just feel Kirito thinking he is hindering Asuna's progress and try to make a martyr of himself by arguing with her until she joins a guild.
Conversations I liked was the one where Kirito cannot ensure Asuna's safety for the next Christmas especially this conversation:
'I’m sorry. I can’t say anything. I don’t have the strength to offer you any advise right now’-Kirito
'Then get stronger. Get strong. Until one day…you can tell me, and other frighten people like me, that it’ll be okay’-Asuna
I think it's probably this conversations that inspires and influences Kirito's actions throughout the rest of the series.
Things I enjoyed: the description of the floor, Kizmel and all things Kizmel, bull boxers, donut puns, and this conversation:
Kizmel:so you are wearing you underwear...I mean, 'swemsoot' too, Kirito. Humankind certainly has some strange customs.
Kirito:uh, I guess
Kizmel:but I seem to remember that in the camp's bathing tent, you were-
Kirito:gosh what a huge bath this is, though
Things I didn't enjoy as much:
Another rushed ending, the deus ex machina of Viscount Yofilis (although I know it's a video game staple), Kirito pulling asking the Viscount out of his ass, and call me a beater-hater, but I get annoyed with Kirito mentioning the beta test every page. I know it'll end in like 6 books, but it's just too plot lazy sometimes.
Overall I read the book in like 4 hours, so obviously I loved it. Another good installment in this series.
So Mr. Kawahara actively tried to put more details into the scenery in this novel and it paid off for me. The other thing I liked about this book was the obvious foreshadowing for the split up of Kirito and Asuna. I don't know if it will happen this next novel, or in 4 novels from now, but I can just feel Kirito thinking he is hindering Asuna's progress and try to make a martyr of himself by arguing with her until she joins a guild.
Conversations I liked was the one where Kirito cannot ensure Asuna's safety for the next Christmas especially this conversation:
'I’m sorry. I can’t say anything. I don’t have the strength to offer you any advise right now’-Kirito
'Then get stronger. Get strong. Until one day…you can tell me, and other frighten people like me, that it’ll be okay’-Asuna
I think it's probably this conversations that inspires and influences Kirito's actions throughout the rest of the series.
Things I enjoyed: the description of the floor, Kizmel and all things Kizmel, bull boxers, donut puns, and this conversation:
Kizmel:so you are wearing you underwear...I mean, 'swemsoot' too, Kirito. Humankind certainly has some strange customs.
Kirito:uh, I guess
Kizmel:but I seem to remember that in the camp's bathing tent, you were-
Kirito:gosh what a huge bath this is, though
Things I didn't enjoy as much:
Another rushed ending, the deus ex machina of Viscount Yofilis (although I know it's a video game staple), Kirito pulling asking the Viscount out of his ass, and call me a beater-hater, but I get annoyed with Kirito mentioning the beta test every page. I know it'll end in like 6 books, but it's just too plot lazy sometimes.
Overall I read the book in like 4 hours, so obviously I loved it. Another good installment in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2015
I wish these came out sooner!! I love reading about each floor and I feel like I'm getting a more in depth idea of what Kirito and Asuna had to go through during the game
February 9, 2016
i'm blazing through this series like it's nobody's business. it's so good.
July 25, 2019
I dig SAO. I have been enjoying Progressive a lot even though it obviously diverges from the original. In some ways I prefer it because we get to see a LOT more of who, what, where, when and why. We see Floor 4 this volume which is dramatically changed from the beta. I suppose that is one thing about being a "Beater" that doesn't quite make sense -- while a fair bit of the knowledge accumulated from the beta is still good, there are a TON of changes (like floor 4) that make it somewhat pointless to hate Beta Testers... and after say floor 10 everything is new to everyone so what's the point? But I digress....
Kirito and Asuna still have the Dark Elf questline that the others have let slide for now so as to keep what little harmony they can between DKB and ALS guilds... not that it is working well. But because of it we get to see more of Kizmel and learn more about the Dark Elves a bit.
On the whole another good volume for Progressive. Kawahara may need to step up the pace a bit though... at 100 floors I'll be dead before he reaches Floor 50 at this rate.
Verdict -- if you're an SAO fan, this is a good way to revisit Aincrad. If you're looking to start SAO, don't do it here. Better to start with the original.
Kirito and Asuna still have the Dark Elf questline that the others have let slide for now so as to keep what little harmony they can between DKB and ALS guilds... not that it is working well. But because of it we get to see more of Kizmel and learn more about the Dark Elves a bit.
On the whole another good volume for Progressive. Kawahara may need to step up the pace a bit though... at 100 floors I'll be dead before he reaches Floor 50 at this rate.
Verdict -- if you're an SAO fan, this is a good way to revisit Aincrad. If you're looking to start SAO, don't do it here. Better to start with the original.
July 2, 2018
Another great entry in a fantastic series. Even though I enjoyed the SAO anime, the Aincrad arc more so than the rest to be sure, I feel like this is the story the way it was meant to be told. I am a little sad to know that the Black Cats episode likely won't happen in the story since things are being retconned in a way that make it unlikely, but I think at the end of the day this is the story of Kirito and Asuna.
I think there are lots of interesting things coming. From the anime, I remember them saying that the Aincrad Liberation Army lost a huge number of their members against the 25th floor boss, so I wonder if that will play out in this story.
Otherwise, I am really enjoying the depth of the gameworld and the attention to how things work that are quite lacking in your average litrpg. Authors new to the genre would do well to pay attention to what SAO has done well because to me it still seems to be fairly unique in a lot of ways when it comes to mechanics.
I can't wait to read the next book and can only hope the 5th one is released soon in English.
I think there are lots of interesting things coming. From the anime, I remember them saying that the Aincrad Liberation Army lost a huge number of their members against the 25th floor boss, so I wonder if that will play out in this story.
Otherwise, I am really enjoying the depth of the gameworld and the attention to how things work that are quite lacking in your average litrpg. Authors new to the genre would do well to pay attention to what SAO has done well because to me it still seems to be fairly unique in a lot of ways when it comes to mechanics.
I can't wait to read the next book and can only hope the 5th one is released soon in English.
August 26, 2021
After watching the a couple seasons of the SAO series, I felt a little drawn to see what the novels and mangas were like, sparking the series originally. Having already completed reading the manga prior to reading the novels, I had an idea of how the plot went. Regardless, I wanted to see how much of a difference there was between the two. Rather than having visuals representing the many different settings in the manga, you have it described through the view of our protagonist, Kirito. Thoughts, connections, everything was nicely displayed. Which had been consistent throughout the novel. With never a dull setting description, always keeping the reader engaged through imagination. This was the more enjoyable part of the novel that kept me reading happily. With the announcement of the Progressive series finally getting a film, it's exciting to see it all in motion. Can't wait for it to air! Overall great read, definitely recommend if your into the SAO series, but make sure you pick up Vol. 1-2 before you make it here just yet.
January 22, 2025
Another banger from Reki Kawahara. The way that he chooses to build a sentence, to stylistically choose a thought-like pattern as a constant in his work is probably my favorite thing about it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the further exploration of Kizmel's character, as well as a new introduction: Viscount Yofilis. I am excited to see where the Dark Elf Storyline goes and how these characters develop.
These novels make me think again and again about if this was real. lmao in the sense that AI (NPC turned AI?) I mean how real is that? in that at what point do you draw the line? when characters who are way too human to be a regular NPC have memories, and perception of emotion, and their own real experiences, where do you draw the line at how much of a person that is?
Just something this series causes me to ponder.
I thoroughly enjoyed the further exploration of Kizmel's character, as well as a new introduction: Viscount Yofilis. I am excited to see where the Dark Elf Storyline goes and how these characters develop.
These novels make me think again and again about if this was real. lmao in the sense that AI (NPC turned AI?) I mean how real is that? in that at what point do you draw the line? when characters who are way too human to be a regular NPC have memories, and perception of emotion, and their own real experiences, where do you draw the line at how much of a person that is?
Just something this series causes me to ponder.
September 14, 2025
Honestly, I feel this is a 3-star entry into the series, but then I also read it in two days, so obviously I found it entertaining enough that it gets bumped up to 4 stars.
Okay, onto the actual review. Kirito and Asuna enter the 4th floor, its been changed from the Beta, all for the better, at least from a “well this is what i did before so lets do that point.”
There are some “close” moments of tension, but are we really afraid for our mains? no. we know they survive, which makes the prequels a bit difficult from a tension risk/reward what happens etc.. however, we do pickup on some threads from the 3rd floor campaign and thats the best stuff.
Cameos from Lisbeth, although they haven’t met yet, but nice to see. And where is Klein?
anyways, if you enjoy SAO, you’ll enjoy this, if not, well i’m not even sure why your reading this review.
Okay, onto the actual review. Kirito and Asuna enter the 4th floor, its been changed from the Beta, all for the better, at least from a “well this is what i did before so lets do that point.”
There are some “close” moments of tension, but are we really afraid for our mains? no. we know they survive, which makes the prequels a bit difficult from a tension risk/reward what happens etc.. however, we do pickup on some threads from the 3rd floor campaign and thats the best stuff.
Cameos from Lisbeth, although they haven’t met yet, but nice to see. And where is Klein?
anyways, if you enjoy SAO, you’ll enjoy this, if not, well i’m not even sure why your reading this review.
August 7, 2020
I like the artwork, story is not to bad as well. I like the new characters, boss fights, quests and floor outline. It's the constant man-bashing Kirito and making Asuna a mary sue I cant stand. Kirito is treated like her servant or her lesser and for no reason at all Kirito worships the ground that Asuna walks on. Asuna Constanly belittles, threats and attacks Kirito through out this novel. They have change the dynamics of the two main character way to much. Makes reading this series not so enjoyable.
September 24, 2021
Another solid, light-hearted entry into the ongoing adventures of KiriSuna at Aincrad. Naval battles, more rpg mechanics, additional tender moments between our two chars, and another floor beaten without much trouble. Only thing it's sorely lacking is some more Asuna PoV chapters, as seen in previous entries. Enjoyable as a rainy day spent grinding your favorite rpg back when you were a teenager without a care in the world.
February 1, 2024
I'll start by saying I am Biased due to SAO being one of my if not number One favorite worlds. This story has been a blast. I love seeing the progression of the floors. The relationship between Asuna and Kirito growing. Getting to know more about support characters like Argo. Even the NPCs have such good story value. I would love to see proper adaptations of this story in video format as well but I am pleased with this series and how it is going. On to the fifth floor!
October 19, 2022
Conhecimentos gerais
Gosto da forma como a Asuna se mostra em seu conhecimento de mundo e como isso contribui para o jogo da dupla. Os desafios em cada andar vão aproximando os dois e eu já fico com a vontade de ver um romance então continuei a leitura. Os desafios também são interessantes por não serem fáceis de todo que tornaria tudo muito mais tedioso por não haver esses desafios.
Gosto da forma como a Asuna se mostra em seu conhecimento de mundo e como isso contribui para o jogo da dupla. Os desafios em cada andar vão aproximando os dois e eu já fico com a vontade de ver um romance então continuei a leitura. Os desafios também são interessantes por não serem fáceis de todo que tornaria tudo muito mais tedioso por não haver esses desafios.
September 25, 2017
Took me a while to get into the mood of this book. The 3/5 of it are ok or poor, the last 2/5 are great SAO stuff. All in all a decent entry for SAO Progressive, but definitely inferiour to the previous 2 books.
November 9, 2018
Good quest story
This was a good quest story. Not quite as special as the previous book, but enjoyable. I like reading about the quests in SAO. Gives more life to Kirito's adventures.
This was a good quest story. Not quite as special as the previous book, but enjoyable. I like reading about the quests in SAO. Gives more life to Kirito's adventures.
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June 1, 2025Je continue d'être assez emballé par les histoires de lore développées, contrairement à ce que j'aurais pu penser. Puis Kizmel ❤️
Toujours une chouette aventure à suivre, avec quelques passages touchants.
Toujours une chouette aventure à suivre, avec quelques passages touchants.
December 26, 2025
It feels like the aftermath story, but damn, I prefer it this way. Picking up the pieces, trying to get answers... and some semblance of a life back. Or bring someone back who is still lost.
Beautiful.
Plus, damn those companies. Seriously.
Beautiful.
Plus, damn those companies. Seriously.
September 12, 2017
4.5 stars
August 7, 2020
The ending was a little boring
August 12, 2021
Qualidade textual melhor que o usual da obra e com um aprofundamento INCRÍVEL na relação do Kirito e da Asuna, com certeza o melhor até agora
June 16, 2022
I love Asuna and Kirito 🥹💕 So glad to have this series where we get to spend more time with them in Aincrad, and get to learn about how their relationship grew 💕
June 27, 2022
no me gusto,cuanto relleno diossss,creo que estos mangas son como para leer de ves en cuando,solo me cae bien Kirito pero no sé si los seguiré leyendo o lo los coleccionare :)
September 28, 2022
Climbing another floor in this volume. Well, this is the word Progressive means (or crawling 🤣)
November 26, 2022
3.75(?
Hum... Me da por pensar una serie de cosas con el diálogo final
Hum... Me da por pensar una serie de cosas con el diálogo final
December 15, 2022
Maybe not the best but one of the best Progressive books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews