Ep 17. Truce

Kirito makes a triumphant return in Sword Art Online -Alicization- season 1 episode 17, titled "Truce." After recovering from the events of the previous episode, Kirito faces off against the pontifex's champions in a battle to decide the fate of Underworld.

The episode starts with Kirito meeting up with Alice, the knight who saved him from certain death in the Cathedral. Alice shares her story with Kirito, detailing her ordeal with the pontifex and how she was punished for her heresy. Kirito is moved by her story and decides to act, despite being told by Cardinal to stay out of the conflict.

Kirito plans to sneak into the Cathedral and confront the pontifex directly, but Alice warns him that it's impossible to do so without being stopped by the guardians. However, a distraction presents itself in the form of Eugeo, Kirito's childhood friend from the village. Eugeo and Kirito embrace each other in a touching reunion that brings tears to their eyes.

Eugeo reveals that he's made progress in his training and even has a new sword to show for it. Kirito is impressed by his friend's growth and thanks him for his support. The two share a brief moment of camaraderie before Eugeo admits that he wishes to join Kirito in his mission to save Alice and defeat the pontifex.

Kirito and Eugeo prepare to sneak into the Cathedral under the cover of darkness. They use their skills to evade the guardians and make their way to the inner sanctum where the pontifex resides. However, they are confronted by the pontifex's champions who challenge them to a fight.

Kirito and Eugeo engage the champions in combat using their newly acquired skills. The fight is intense and exhilarating, with each side landing a blow on the other. Kirito is especially skilled, using his dual-wielding technique to dispatch several foes at once.

Despite their valiant efforts, Kirito and Eugeo are ultimately overcome by the champions. Just when all hope seems lost, the pontifex emerges from her throne and stops the fight. She sees something in Kirito that moves her to offer a truce.

The pontifex reveals that she has been conducting experiments on the citizens of Underworld, attempting to look for ways to advance the human race. However, she has been met with resistance by the knights who wish to preserve their way of life. The pontifex sees Kirito and Eugeo as potential allies in her cause and offers to work together with them.

Kirito is hesitant, knowing that he cannot trust the pontifex after all the harm she has caused. However, Eugeo sees the potential for peace and urges Kirito to consider the offer. The truce is made, and Kirito and Eugeo are offered a tour of the Cathedral.

The episode ends with Kirito and Eugeo coming face to face with the mysterious figure who has been guiding them all along. The figure offers them a glimpse into the future, showing them what lies ahead if they choose to take up the pontifex's offer. Kirito and Eugeo are left to ponder their next move as the credits roll.

"Truce" is a thrilling episode that showcases the best of Sword Art Online -Alicization-. The fight scenes are excellently choreographed, and the characters have depth and emotional weight. The truce is a significant development that will have lasting implications on the plot. Fans of the show are sure to be on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.