Kirito rushes towards the top of the World Tree, but finds it blocked by a barrier. Yui desperately calls out to Asuna, in which the latter drops down the key card in response. Once Kirito catches the key card, which can be used to access the gamemaster console, Yui is certain that it came from Asuna. Kirito bids farewell to Leafa and embarks on the Grand Quest by himself, entering inside the dome filled with Guardian Knights. Despite his best efforts, Kirito is overwhelmed by the Guardian Knights and runs out of health. Shortly afterwards, Leafa enters the dome and grabs Kirito's Remain Light, his soul of flame left behind, before successfully escaping to revive him. Leafa attempts to talk Kirito out of reentering the dome alone, but he remains determined and inadvertently mention "Asuna". Leafa then realised that Kirito is Kazuto's avatar, and log out in despair. In the real world, Kazuto approaches Suguha, who reveals in great anguish that she knew they were not true siblings and that she has fallen in love with both him and his avatar.