Sword Art Online -Alicization- Season 1 Episode 10 Taboo Index

Kirito wakes up in a church and comes to find out that he has been unconscious for six days. Alice is the one watching over him and explains that the Taboo Index prohibits her from giving him an antidote that would heal him quickly. The duo starts to talk about the Taboo Index, which she explains is the law of the land. It prohibits certain actions, such as harming other humans or defying the church. Alice admits that she used to believe wholeheartedly in the index but now has been starting to question its limitations. Kirito asks her to explain more about the index and how it came into existence, and she tells him the history of the Rulid village.

The village was founded by people who refused to live under the autocratic rule of the church. But as the years went by, the church became the arbiter of all things, including laws. The Taboo Index is based on ancient scripture and has been interpreted by the church to mean that anything outside it is forbidden. Alice says that as an Integrity Knight, her duty is to enforce the law; this means she must kill anyone who goes against it. Kirito asks her if this includes Eugeo and she hesitates, admitting that Eugeo's actions are in violation of the Taboo Index, and therefore, she must arrest him. Kirito disagrees and tells Alice that Eugeo has fought for his beliefs, and that he should not be punished.

Kirito asks Alice to tell him about the Axiom Church, and Alice explains that the church is responsible for creating the Underworld, the virtual world where they currently exist. The church did this to create a perfect society in which humans could live without any hardships or suffering. However, as time passed, people began to question the church's authority and the Taboo Index. Alice herself began to question the index after she saw Eugeo's passion for Alice, a girl who was not her. Alice reflects on her own emotions, and realizes that despite being a program, she has developed feelings of her own. Kirito explains how he too has experienced pain and loss in the real world, and how he has accepted it as part of life.

As they continue to talk, Alice starts to question herself and the church's laws. Kirito gives her a speech about how life has no meaning without the ability to choose, and how what is considered normal is often established by those in power. Alice is moved by Kirito's words and she decides to help him escape the church. However, they are interrupted by the arrival of Integrity Knights. Alice rushes to retrieve Kirito's sword, but the guards have already taken it. She is overcome with emotion as she considers the possible consequences of her actions.

As the episode ends, Kirito and Alice are taken to the highest level of the church, where they meet with the highest authority. Alice is chastised for her actions, but Kirito is able to convince the leader to let them go. They are given a task to retrieve a certain sword that will help Alice prove her loyalty to the church. As they leave the church, Alice confesses to Kirito that she has feelings for him. Kirito is surprised but says he realizes how much Alice has changed, and tells her that he wants to help her change even more.

Overall, this episode delves into the history of the Underworld and the creation of the Taboo Index. It also explores Alice's inner struggle with the church and her own emotions. Kirito's words and actions prompt Alice to question her beliefs and consider the possibility of change. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, as Alice and Kirito are given a dangerous mission that will test their loyalty to the church and their commitment to each other.