“This might be a game, but it’s not something you play.” — Akihiko Kayaba, Sword Art Online programmer

After Kirito and Eugeo’s brush with death in their fight against the goblins, it’s back to the Gigas Cedar, the massive tree that Eugeo’s destined to hack away at for the rest of his days. But Kirito feels a lot stronger now—even the Blue Rose Sword feels lighter in his hands. As he approaches the fearsome Gigas Cedar with a new “ax” in hand, he realizes that felling the giant just might be within the realm of possibility…