The only way to get out of this situation is to 'clear' the game. Death in game implies actual 'death' —- The ten thousand people who used their Nerve Gear to get onto the as-yet-unknown game 'Sword Art Online' have been thrust into this deadly death game and are locked within. One of the numerous gamers, Kirito, has reacted to this 'reality.' He is a lone player in the colossal castle that serves as the game's setting —- 'Aincrad.' He must complete all 100 floors in order to satisfy the game's requirements and leave this strange virtual world. Will Kirito be able to finish the game, or will he perish in the process?