This is part 45 of my SAO summary / fanfiction, and you can start from the beginning here.

Kirito and Asuna were questing with Premiere when they were attacked by a group of NPC killers. Kirito easily slaughtered them all.

“Why would anyone do something so terrible as attacking NPCs?” asked Kirito as he killed a group of monsters. “If they die in the game, they die forever. Humans and NPCs can be friends too!”

“You’re so smart, Kirito-kun,” said Asuna.

“Premiere… I met you a few days ago, but since then, you became independent since I gave you a name. You’re a real girl now, and one of my best friends. I love your independent spirit. If anything happened to you… I couldn’t live with myself. So… I will… I’ll protect you, Premiere. I promise. If… You’ll have me?” Continue reading Sword Art Online Hollow Realization 05 — Kirito Teaches Premiere Swordplay →