Six months have passed since the fierce battle against Administrator. Kirito has lost his right arm, and is now just a broken-down shell of his former self. Alice has brought him to the outskirts of her childhood home where they live.
A force from the Dark Territory launches an attack on Rulid Village. Alice rushes over on her dragon, Amayori. There she finds the villagers unable to flee because the Taboo Index prevents them from defying the Chief Man-at-Arms' orders.
The mysterious organization that carried out the attack on the Ocean Turtle… It turns out to be a secret unit under orders from the U.S. National Security Agency. And its leader, Gabriel, has battled Kirito and Sinon before…
Shasta had intended to use Administrator's death as an opportunity to propose a truce with the Human Empire, but his plans are thwarted by Emperor Vecta's return to the Land of Darkness.
The Dark Forces are now closing in on The Eastern Gate, which separates the Human Empire from the Dark Territory. Resolving to fight for humankind, Alice joins the Human Empire Forces, bringing Kirito with her.
The Final Load Test has begun, and the Eastern Gate has collapsed. Incited by Gabriel, now Emperor Vecta, the massive army of the Land of Darkness pushes on towards the Human Empire.
Rinko informs Kazuto that Alice is missing. He's about to rush to the Rath Roppongi branch when the doorbell rings. In a panic, Kazuto throws open the door, only to find a deliveryman there with a huge cardboard box.
