Kaede Honjo and her friend Risa managed to get a hold of a NerveGear and a copy of the first released game "Sword World Online". However, when it turns out the game is a Death Game in disguise, Kaede (under her new Username/Alias "Maple") decides the only course of action is to maximize her defense stat so she'll take the least damage possible.

Kitiro and company head to the first floor boss room and see a girl with standing the boss attacks and after that , He and Asuna go with Maple and the rest of Maple tree who is there as well become friends and of course some romance all leading to maple tree and kitiro and asuna defeating the final boss and saving everyone.

Maple was exploring NewWorld Online. Then she found herself in Aincrad. She proceeds to defy all gamer logic as she shows why investing entirely into Vitality is not a noob mistake.

Almost dying was not something Maple had in mind after meeting two other VR gamers like her and Sally. What's more confusing is that she somehow ended up in another world. Oh well, time to put all her experience into defense so that she doesn't get hurt... again! With the pieces all now set in place, what adventures await the shield user when she meets a certain blonde haired boy?