Ep 8. Temptation

Haru and Taku take a break from their training to participate in an in-game event called the "Burst Link Challenge." The challenge is a race to reach the top of a tower, with the winner receiving a rare item. While making their way through the tower, the group encounters a mysterious girl named Yuniko, who reveals that she is not only a Burst Linker but also the leader of a group called the "Prominence." Yuniko offers to help Haru and Taku win the challenge in exchange for a favor.

As the group reaches the higher floors of the tower, they begin to encounter some unexpected obstacles. Haru and Taku must use all of their skills to navigate through traps and fight off enemies. However, when Yuniko begins to act suspiciously, Haru finds himself questioning whether he should trust her.

As the group reaches the final floor of the tower, they encounter the leader of another group, who has also made it to the top. In order to win the challenge, Haru and Taku must defeat the leader in a one-on-one battle.

In the midst of the battle, Yuniko's true motives are revealed, throwing everything into chaos. Haru must make a difficult decision in order to save Taku and win the challenge, but it comes at a great cost.

As the episode comes to a close, Haru is left to grapple with the consequences of his decision and the realization that not everyone in the game can be trusted.