Sword Art Online - Vol 2 Chapter 1.1: The Black Swordsman (Aincrad 35th Floor, February 2024) Part 1

... light burst from the big feather on the ground.

That pale blue feather was the remains of her sole friend and partner for a long time, the familiar «Pina». Just a few minutes ago, Pina died protecting Silica. Given a mortal wound by the monster's weapon, it gave out a cry in a sad voice before shattering like ice. Leaving only its long tail feather which had always waved happily whenever its name was called——

Part 1

Silica was one of the rare «Beast Tamers» in SAO, or per ...