On the 75th Floor, Asuna warns Kirito that Heathcliff has a skill which grants him maximum strength with his sword and defense with his shield. During the duel in an arena, Kirito attempts to strike Heathcliff, but the latter manages to parry it and defeats the former. Later on the 55th Floor, after Kirito confides in Asuna that he averted joining guilds due to the incident with the Moonlit Black Cats, fellow guild member Godfree summons Kirito and Kuradeel, taking them through a canyon to a dungeon on the 55th Floor for a skill assessment. As they stop to take a break from their travel, Kirito and Godfree realize that Kuradeel tainted the water to paralyze them. After brutally murdering Godfree, Kuradeel reveals himself as a member of Laughing Coffin. As Kuradeel tortures Kirito, Asuna arrives just before Kirito runs out of health and gives him an antidote crystal. Kuradeel deceitfully surrenders to Asuna and tries to attack, but Kirito defends Asuna and kills Kuradeel. Kirito and Asuna kiss, promising to never leave each other. Kirito requests to stay the night with Asuna at her house, and there they agree to marry.