Once he opens his eyes, Kirito realizes that he has done a full dive into a fantasy-looking virtual world. While he is uncertain about his memories that he had right before he logged in, he begins to roam about looking for a clue.

Finally arriving at the base of a massive black tree called Gigas Cedar, Kirito meets one single young boy. “I’m Eugeo. Nice to meet you Kirito.” Even though this boy is an NPC within this fantasy world, he has the same range and depth of emotions that humans have.

While deepening his friendship with Eugeo, Kirito is searching for a way to logout of this world. All the while, a certain memory begins to slowly return from the depths of his mind. That memory is of Kirito and Eugeo during their childhood, running about hills and fields––––the problem is that this is not a memory that originally existed. Furthermore, in that memory, there was the figure of a young girl with blonde hair together with Kirito and Eugeo.

Her name is Alice.

Her name is something that he must remember at all costs––

So apparently it has been so long since the trauma-inducing SAO S2, that I have forgotten my hate for the series and am willing to watch again. The first episode was actually quite good and built for a strong backstory, but episode two was a mess. The way the characters talk about everything in detail so matter-of-factly, the viewer gets lost fast. It seems while we have a new story, SAO is back to its old parlor tricks. The characters in the new game have extremely soft faces due to a lack of detail, so it gives this sort of fuzzy effect making me wonder from time to time if I am watching in 1080p or not. A lot is not making sense which is what SAO loves to do and is a bit frustrating. All in all, as long as Sinon isn’t everywhere to make me relive the trauma of S2 and we don’t have constant repeats of EP 2, then the series is looking good so far. I will keep watching albeit it will be with caution.

Kirito

Voice Actor: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

In order to know more about the advancements made in full dive technology, he participates in Fluctlight research. That’s when he logs into a newly-created temporary world, Underworld.

Asuna

Voice Actor: Haruka Tomatsu

Alice

Voice Actor: Ai Kayano

Alice is Kirito and Eugeo’s childhood best friend. She’s the daughter of the leader of Rulid Village and is a young girl skilled in holy sword arts.

Eugeo

Voice Actor: Nobunaga Shimazaki

Eugeo is Kirito and Alice’s childhood best friend. He has a gentle and friendly personality, but he’s hiding his genius-level innate sword skills.