Overall, Kirito is extremely powerful in the light novel. His combat abilities, strategic thinking, and rapid growth throughout the story showcase his strength. He also has unique weapons and equipment that give him an edge.
Kirito is more of a traditional swordsman in terms of his combat style. He often relies on his sword - fighting skills and his ability to quickly analyze his opponents. Yuuki, on the other hand, has a very unique and flashy fighting style. Her movements are more acrobatic.
The relationship between Kirito and Sugu in the light novel is multi - faceted. Sugu's feelings for Kirito are a blend of sisterly love and something more. She is drawn to his courage and his ability to navigate the dangerous virtual realms. Kirito, on the other hand, treats Sugu with brotherly love. However, there are moments when Sugu's unspoken feelings surface, like when she sees Kirito interacting with other female characters in the story. These moments add depth to their relationship and also contribute to the overall plot development.
There are several supporting characters. Klein is one of them. He's an old friend of Kirito and often provides comical relief. Then there's Silica, a young girl who befriends Kirito and Asuna. She has a cute and innocent personality. There's also Lisbeth, a blacksmith who helps Kirito with his weapons and armor, and she has her own story arc within the novel.
Well, a major theme is the struggle between the virtual and real worlds. Kirito and Asuna have to balance their in - game experiences with their real - life situations. Additionally, the theme of heroism is present. They often act as heroes in the game, saving other players from danger. And the theme of sacrifice is also there. At times, they have to make sacrifices for the greater good of the players in the virtual world.
Well, Heathcliff is a major antagonist. His actions and decisions drive a lot of the conflict in the story. Additionally, the overall system of the game can be seen as an antagonist in a way. It restricts the players and throws various dangerous situations at them, including Kirito and Asuna. And there are some guilds that oppose Kirito and Asuna's goals and act as antagonists too.
Kirito is considered the best with the sword in the light novel mainly due to his exceptional skills. He has spent countless hours training both in the virtual and real world, which gives him an edge. His reaction speed is extremely fast, allowing him to counter and attack with precision.