Ep 5. The Night Before Battle

As the night before the battle commences, the characters find themselves in a state of anxiety and tension. The episode kicks off with Alice, Kirito, and Eugeo meeting up with the Integrity Knight named Deusolbert. As they converse, Deusolbert expresses his doubts regarding their mission to overthrow the Axiom Church.

Meanwhile, Cardinal and Chudelkin continue their dreadful conversation. Chudelkin ridicules Cardinal's powers and claims that she is a mere tool for the Administrator, much to her annoyance. However, Cardinal maintains her composure and manages to extract some crucial information from Chudelkin's words.

Elsewhere, Asuna is shown talking to Rinko, who helps to bring Kirito and Alice back to the real world once they complete their mission. Asuna admits to her worry for their well-being, but Rinko reassures her and emphasizes the importance of their mission.

The episode then shifts focus to the battle preparations, where the forces of the Human Empire Army are shown preparing for the upcoming battle with the Dark Territory. Tension is high as the soldiers gear up for war, many of whom will most likely not make it back alive.

During this sequence, a touching moment occurs between Alice and her mentor, Eldrie. Eldrie confesses his admiration for Alice and vows to protect her with his life, emphasizing their bond as fellow Integrity Knights and warriors. Alice reciprocates his sentiment, expressing how much Eldrie means to her and how he has taught her invaluable lessons about loyalty and honor.

As night falls, the forces of the Human Empire Army and Dark Territory converge on the battlefield. The silence is punctuated by an ominous drumming sound, heightening the sense of foreboding. The soldiers brace themselves for the clash of swords and spells that is about to happen. Alice, Kirito, and Eugeo brave themselves for their task, knowing that they must infiltrate the Cathedral and confront the Administrator.

In conclusion, The Night Before Battle sets the stage for the epic showdown between the inhabitants of Underworld, with both sides ready to lay it all on the line. The episode does an excellent job of building up the tension, highlighting the emotions of the characters, and displaying the stakes at hand. Fans of the series will undoubtedly be eager to see how the climactic battle unfolds.