Sword Art Online Season 3 Episode 13 Ruler and Mediator

As the penultimate episode of Sword Art Online season 3, episode 13 titled "Ruler and Mediator" represents a significant turning point in the current arc. The episode starts with the continued battle between the Integrity Knights and the Dark Territory forces, with Alice leading the charge. However, the main focus of the episode is on the aftermath of the battle and the political maneuvering that results.

As the newly appointed mediator between the Human and Dark Territories, Alice faces the challenging task of negotiating peace between two nations that have been at odds for centuries. Meanwhile, Kirito is still recovering from the battle on the edge of death. Alice is determined to fulfill her role and put an end to the conflict, but not everyone is willing to follow her lead.

Firstly, the leader of the Dark Territory, Vector, refuses to cooperate with Alice, and instead sends his follower, Gabriel, to negotiate on his behalf. Gabriel's arrival sparks a new conflict as he reveals that he has taken Kirito's soul as a bargaining chip. Alice is forced to make a difficult choice between her duty to mediate and her personal feelings towards Kirito, whom she has grown close to during their journey together.

As Alice struggles to find a way to save Kirito, the political turmoil in both territories intensifies. The Human Empire is in disarray as its leader, Emperor Vecta, has been taken captive by the Dark Territory forces. The Integrity Knights are also faced with a crisis of faith as they come to realize that they have been manipulated by the Church for their entire existence.

Despite these challenges, Alice remains determined to pursue peace, even if it means challenging the very foundations of her society. As she navigates the complex web of politics and power, she begins to question her own identity and her role as an Integrity Knight. She realizes that her journey has been one of self-discovery, and that she has learned more from Kirito than she ever could have imagined.

The episode also brings back the character of Asuna, Kirito's girlfriend, who has been absent for most of the season. Asuna becomes a key player in the negotiations between the Human and Dark Territories, using her own skills and influence to sway the opinions of both sides. Her arrival adds a new layer of complexity to the already tense situation, as both Alice and Gabriel struggle to come to terms with her presence.

Overall, the episode serves as a culmination of the season's themes of identity, faith, and politics. It sets the stage for the season finale, which promises to bring a satisfying conclusion to the current arc while paving the way for future adventures. With stunning visuals, intense action, and thought-provoking themes, "Ruler and Mediator" is a standout episode that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.