In the year 2022, the Virtual reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) Sword Art Online (SAO) is released. With the Nerve Gear, a VR Helmet that stimulates the user's five senses via their brain, players can experience and control their in-game characters with their minds. But an unexpected event occurs on November 6, 2022 when Akihiko Kayaba, the creator of SAO, prevents the players from logging out. Akihiko issues them a challenge; if they wish to be free and log out of the game, they must reached the 100th floor of the game's tower and defeat the final boss. However, should their in-game characters die in the game, so will their bodies in the real world. As the game's 10,000 players tries to accept their new deadly predicament, Kirito, a skilled player who tested the beta version of the game, is determined to reach the 100th floor and be free. Along with Asuna, his partner and love interest, and their friends, Kirito and his allies will face many obstacles and discovers the true purpose of SAO. As their adventure continues, they will also participate in other VRMMO games as well.
from Wikipedia

Notes

Alternative Names: S.A.O.
Author: KAWAHARA Reki
Artist: NAKAMURA Tamako
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Mature, Romance, Science Fiction
Demographic: Shounen
Adapted into the anime, Sword Art Online. Also adapted into the manga,Sword Art Online - Manga.