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So, in the "Black Swordsman" side story (February 2024) Kirito said his level was 78, but in the ME1 doujinshi Klein said Kirito was 4 levels above his (which should be 71). Is there an translation error or one of them 'lied' on purpose?

Don't take the MEs seriously. It's validity as canon material is very debatable as many contradictions and inconsistencies take place when you include it. That's why it stayed in doujin form and never saw official print.
ME2 has Kirito and Asuna's levels close to each other when in Morning Dew Girl Asuna was level 87 while Kirito is over level 90(presumably level 92 or 93). There's not enough time after that and the clearing of the game for Asuna to reach level 94.

Got it, thanks :)

And another question: I read this part of the "A Murder Case in the Area" and it bothered me a bit.

"[...] and right below my HP bar at the top left hand corner, I could see Asuna's small HP bar.

Now that I think about this, this is the first time I'm teaming up with this girl. Of course, we've met many times as part of the clearing group, but she is the sub-leader of the strongest guild, and I'm just a small solo player, so we haven't had much chance to talk to each other."

It sounds a bit weird after all that happened during the two first floors, they looked kinda closer there than now. But maybe I'm overthinking it..

Kawahara apologized for that about the partying for the first time and other stuff(going to an NPC restaurant, etc.). It's in the afterwords.
But you can think of that statement as that was the first time they partied outside of boss battles. Makes things less confusing and at least makes it a bit consistent.

And I like to think that their meeting in the Aria SS is them just being acquainted to each other. Enough to be on speaking terms but not close yet. And Kirito gives her some sort of motivation to be strong to survive, hence her grinding hard to become a strong player and sub-leader of KoB and in the end being very strict. It's after Murder Case that they get closer up until the events of volume 1. Kirito also gave her(unconsciously again) a lesson on how to live and enjoy life in SAO, hence Asuna falling for him.

tl;dr SAO is fun to think things about but try not to think too deep about it and just enjoy reading.

Should've finished before asking, thanks again