Manga Information

Forums

2 cours (two seasons of 12 episodes +1) (25 episodes), the LN won't be ending any time soon considering it is on volume 10 and the web version made it to volume 15ish

This might be a bit late but to answer your question, yes they go into another adventure. The current arcs are really interesting and I highly recommend reading them.

Like you've heard volume 2 is comprised of 4 side stories that add depth to Kirito's character but they also introduce a few new characters that become involved with the later arcs.

3-4, 5-6. 7, and 9-10 are the current arcs. Each arc is a new game with the exception of 7, it uses the game from volumes 3 and 4.

8 is filled with 3 side stories; 2 from SOA and 1 from ALO, the game from volumes 3 and 4.

9-10 isn't finished yet, the arc continues into 11, but so far it's been really interesting.

Hoped this helped!

I just finished up the 4th volume. I'm pretty invested in Kirito and Asuna's relationship and watching it develop further, but at the same time, I feel the story for them seems pretty much over.

I get that the other arcs are interesting, but are the characters as engaging? Do we see any more of Kirito and Asuna?

How many more episodes do you think there'll be until the real story starts?

Also, until what arc do you guys think the anime will go? Will it reach the ALO arc? (I haven't read the LN, so I don't know what there is to cover until ALO).

Main story starts at episode 8, and they will adapt ALO in the 2nd cour most likely near episode 13

You'll always see Kirito! Asuna, well, not as much in the GGO arc, which comes right after ALO. For some reason I feel like the author has really minimized her presence in vol. 5 and 6 even though she won't just disappear. This was disappointing to me too considering that I wanted to see more interaction between them after the ALO arc. The good news is that the author mentioned at the end of vol. 6 we'll be seeing more of Asuna in vol. 7. That's about all I know at this point.

Well, volumes 5-6 introduce a new girl, Sinon. She's pretty interesting as a character and is very distinct from all the current heroines ie. Asuna, lizbet, Suguha etc.

I don't know about engaging but her character has a unique appeal.

As for Kirito and Asuna. When they're together in the later arcs, they act as a couple. Reki Kawahara doesn't write anything excessive but they show devotion to each other during the crisis of each novel.

Now that the two have affirmed their relationship, Reki Kawahara has them separated for most of the novels. However the two develop as characters by overcoming "realities".

When I wrote, "she's interesting", it was simply to avoid spoilers. Well, I'm not actually sure if this qualifies but in just in case

To answer your question. You can stop reading after the first two volumes (heck even the first one since the second is side stories) and be content. However, in my personal opinion, never have i read such an engaging series. I craved more of the VR world. Even if the first one can be stand-alone and might be superior in terms of quality, the entire series is worth it.