See, SAO missed its mark so many times on its setting and tone. Sometimes, it just felt like SAO was a fantasy world with a hammer space because why not, and not a game at times. In this story, you have explained the mechanics, the moral theme's you'll be playing with, and the overall tone you want. For the most part, you're trying to be the middle man, not overly happy, yet drowning the story in darkness. It strikes a nice balance, with some comic relief that still contributes to the plot. SAO had a nasty habit of telling, not showing. The way you introduced Asuna is a prime example. In the light novels, she talks about this event, but we never actually SEE the event happen from her point of view. At the same time, you take us back to what Asuna saw/did on that first day to explain her drive, instead of just saying "I want to live, so I'ma get op". This story has a lot of potential, so I can't wait to see how it goes. (PS, when/if you get to the orphanage part, not sure if you'd want to do this, but to illustrate the types of things that happen in this world, maybe you should have a stand out child that was abandoned by his/her parents, to show the lengths some people will go to beat this game (also, one other idea, what if Kurdeal was related to Coper, so Kurdeal has a reason to be biter towards Kirito other then "I wanted to tap that, so let me tap that"))

Cool fic, I love the more detailed/natural conversations and interactions between the characters - you're doing a mighty good job and the spelling is impeccable to boot.

The only downside and point for constructive criticism is that you seem to overly describe uninteresting small details. While this can add more flavor, doing it too much can drag down the story and for most writers also leads to writers block, since churning out such chapters can take more effort.

My advice is to try and keep the story moving forward and cut down on small details that don't add much. :)

All in all, I'll definitely be watching this story to see what you will come up with. Cheers. ;)

Thank you for writing, I'm really enjoying this!

Another great chapter! I love that you are developing the characters of Klein and his friends, Asuna, and even Argo. Speaking of Argo, I would have loved a little more detail on the connection between the whiskers and being a beta player. Did all the beta testers have to have whiskers? I think I can kind of infer it from the context but still it is an interesting concept I would like to know more of.

The only thing I didn't like was Kirito knowing Asuna's skill prior to the boss battle. One thing I loved about the Anime is that added sense of dread Kirito has when he thinks "oh great, now I have to carry this newb and keep us alive" and then in the heat of battle BAM he finds out she's just as skilled as he is.

But you've been doing great so far so I will be looking forward to the first boss battle!

Great stuff. Love the character development

Good story I love it adds so much more than I thought it would

I stumbled across your story a few weeks ago, and I must say you are doing a great job with it so far. Its well written, and I like the fact you are exploring the other side characters like Klein.

I am curious, how closely are you intending to follow the cannon plot, and how much do you intend to diverge from it? (Or are you just going to make it up as you go along?)

In any case, keep up the good work. I look forward to your next update.

MMO'S not mom's, stupid auto correct.

Ummm, most mom's have a top out at 16 per party, which would work much better than your 6 max seeing how there's 7 in Klein's group. You forgot to take Klein into your count. And are you really planning on sticking that close to canon? I mean, are your changes (if any) really gonna lead to different outcomes, or they'll pretty much gonna end up with the same results no matter what you change? And lastly and most importantly, will this be strictly Kirito/ Asuna? That's about it, good work, though the only thing new is Klein's air time. So good work with that scene, the rest feels like I've read or seen it all before.

I'm so glad to have found your fanfic. I loved the premise of SAO and agree that the anime left out so much. I am very much enjoying your take on it and I hope you keep it up!