「アリス」 (Arisu) “Alice” Breaking News: 2D Waifu evolves into 3D Waifu.

「時の彼方」 (Toki no Kanata)
"Beyond Time"

I honestly believe that choosing to be trapped in the Underworld for 200 years is Asuna's way of keeping Kirito all to herself and away from the other girls in his harem.

「夜空の剣」 (Yozora no Ken)
"The Night-Sky Blade"

That sword... is the collective dream that all Underworld denizens, past, present, and future hold as their demise approaches. A sad, exalted dream. He carries their will as his pride, bidding them to remain steadfast in their hope. Now, the black swordsman sings aloud the name of the miracle he holds in his hand. Its name is... the Night Sky Blade.

「覚醒」 ( Kakusei )
"Awakening"

Of course, the first thing Kirito does upon returning is to single-handedly obliterate 20000 enemy players who had outnumbered and brutally slaughtered his Japanese and Underworld compatriots.

「記憶」 (Kioku)
"Memories"

We almost always see the perfect Kirito. The one that people accuse of being a Gary Stu. And while we know about the worst moments in his life, we rarely get to see just how much the torment consumes his very being - deconstructing him down to a guilt ridden individual who wants to die.

「悪魔の子」 (Akuma no Ko)
"Prince of Hell"

Reminder: Pain while in an STL is a sensation that is 100% reproduced for the person diving inside of it. No more, no less.

「コード８７１」 (Koudo Hachi Nana Ichi)
"Code 871"

While I wouldn't be a fan of Kirito somehow turning the tides and saving the day, Reki's set up the stakes in such a way that I feel coerced into wanting it to happen. Because the alternative would be too cruel.

「扇動」 (Sendou)
"Instigation"

With China and Korea having the largest online gaming communities, I think it's pretty safe to say that the Japanese players and Underworld residents have no realistic chance of holding out.

「無限の果て」 (Mugen no Hate)
"End to Eternity"

For a moment I had to check the outro for this episode. Because with the thick, expressive and exaggerated lineart, I could have sworn Studio Trigger were the ones who animated the epic fight scene.