Sword Art Online 8: Early and Late

The pacing keeps me hooked, but I wonder how much focus is given to emotional depth amidst all the battles. Does this shift in balance work for others?

The world-building always feels immersive, but I’m curious whether the author drew from real game mechanics or created everything from scratch.

Some moments felt more serious while others were lighter and humorous. Was this intentional to reflect Kirito's evolving journey?