Silica, whose real name is Ayano Keiko, is a supporting character in Sword Art Online. She is a young beast tamer who specializes in training and fighting alongside her familiar, a small dragon-like creature named Pina. Introduced early in the Aincrad arc, she helps show the social and emotional impact of the virtual world on its players. Silica is kind, energetic, and courageous, and she becomes a close friend to Kirito and the other main characters.