Episode 11

## Video

This is the eleventh and final episode of the Aincrad Arc, and the eleventh episode of Sword Art Online Abridged overall.

## Plot

On November 7, 2024, in the Floor 22 village of Coral, Asuna is watching Kirito sleep in their cabin's bedroom, calling him a "sexy little baby" and stating that she can't wait to "rock his cradle". Suddenly, she gets a message from Heathcliff, telling her it's time to fight the Boss of Floor 75, having formed a truce with the King of Ashes. Annoyed that she got clam jammed, Asuna wakes Kirito up, only to find out that he heard everything she was saying about him, much to her embarrassment.

With the end of their honeymoon on the horizon, Kirito and Asuna decide to spend their last few moments enjoying the scenery, with Kirito giving Asuna a piggyback ride. Kirito then comments that their honeymoon was nice, despite the fact their daughter died in front of them, and Asuna mentions how nice the neighbors are. The two are then greeted by an old man, who comments on the beautiful weather. However, the two get creeped out by the fact that the man was fishing without any pants on. Kirito tries his best to ignore this, but Asuna tells him that the old man's going to do something disgusting. This causes Kirito to run away with Asuna on his back, declaring that their honeymoon is over. The old man tries to convince the two that he's not doing what they think he's doing, but he's unsuccessful. He then laments on the fact that he scared them off, but he proceeds to pleasure himself with a fish.

On Floor 75, Kirito and Asuna arrive at the Boss Room door, along with the rest of the assault team. Heathcliff attempts to deliver an encouraging speech to motivate the raiders, but his metaphors are sadly misunderstood by the less than smart players, including Schmitt. Heathcliff then compares the situation to herding cats, prompting a player to ask if Fluffles was at the raid, which Heathcliff denies. He then explains that, after rounds of torture, gladiatorial combat, and Pictionary, oddly enough, he managed to negotiate a truce with the King. However, as he's saying this, the King himself is suddenly heard leading his army down the corridor, ordering them to kill the "intruders" for crossing him. Heathcliff is confused by this at first, but quickly realizes that Kirito did something that broke the truce. Kirito denies this, despite the fact the King sent him a message stating he would "FLAY YOUR FUCKING SOUL!!!" and the fact that the King is heard demanding Kirito's head. With the King's troops coming to kill them, Heathcliff decides that they're going to enter the Boss Room now. With the door opening, Klein and Tiffany psych themselves up, reminiscing about a quest the two of them went on together on Floor 17, which involved fighting Chimeras and resulted in Tiffany getting an axe. Hearing this, Kirito asks why he doesn't remember the quest, to which Klein explains that they have lives outside of him, which Kirito doesn't believe.

With the door finally opened, Heathcliff leads the player into the Boss Room, but they become confused when the Boss is nowhere to be seen. After a few seconds of players believing the Boss was a metaphor, Klein notices a giant centipede made of bones hanging from the ceiling. Having finally been noticed, the Boss, known as the Skull Reaper, descends from the ceiling and kills two of the players in one hit. The players are shocked by this, and Tiffany asks himself why he put all his points into bartering. Heathcliff then tries to rally the players to fight, despite the fact that the players who died were the raiders' tanks, but is caught off guard when the Boss suddenly dies. Despite Heathcliff's confusion, the other players see this as a victory. However, they soon realize that the door to the next Floor is still closed, meaning they're trapped in the Boss Room. Kirito comments that this is typical of the game.

The players then fall into despair, with Tiffany pointing out that they can't even starve to death, which Klein agrees would've been a mercy, as now they'll just have to wait until they die in the real world. Heathcliff then tries to lighten the mood, stating that, even though they're going to die, at least they're going to die playing an awesome game. This comment causes the players to rant about the many faults of the game, with Schmitt pointing out that their Teleport Crystals, one of their only lifelines, don't work half the time. Klein adds to this by pointing out that one of Knights of the Blood Oath tried using a Teleport Crystal to escape the room but ended up getting twisted into a Cronenbergian nightmare. Heathcliff gradually gets more and more annoyed by this, claiming that, while it has some "minor bugs", the game itself is groundbreaking technology, asking where the players' sense of wonder is. Kirito agrees with Heathcliff, saying that he loves the game despite its flaws. However, he also admits that the game is a mess, filled with terrible designs, stating that the only reason they all bought it was because it was the only launch title that made Tron a reality. This comment enrages Heathcliff the most, and he voices his frustration over how Kirito has suddenly seen Tron.

This comment causes Kirito to realize something, and he attacks Heathcliff, causing a protective wall to appear around him. Confused by this, Asuna asks Heathcliff what the wall is. Heathcliff tries to play it off as a lucky glitch, asking the players to subdue Kirito, but Asuna doesn't believe him, which Heathcliff accepts. Kirito gives Heathcliff the chance to come clean, but Heathcliff tells him to explain it, sarcastically stating that he doesn't want to ruin Kirito's "big moment". Asuna asks Kirito what they're talking about, to which Kirito explains that Heathcliff has been hiding a dark secret. He's Kayaba Akihiko, the creator of the game. However, the players don't know who that is, much to Kirito's annoyance. Kayaba then plays the Scanners clip he used on the first day of the death game, making them realize who he is. Relieved that he kept the clip tabbed, Kayaba asks Kirito what made him realize who he was, to which Kirito explains that Heathcliff was the only other person who referenced as many movies as Kirito himself. This makes Kayaba ecstatic, as it's the first time in years, possibly in his entire life, that anyone has understood him. Kayaba then tests Kirito's knowledge by rapid firing a series movie quotes, all of which Kirito gets correct, much to Kayaba's amazement and the shock of the other players.

Kayaba then laughs at this, stating that it figures that Kirito was the only one who understood his references. He then reveals that, even though he doesn't particularly like Kirito, he believes the two of them have a "kinship" and that he respects him as a player. This upsets Asuna, as she realizes that she fell in love with someone who thinks the same way as her captor, and wishes someone would stab her. Kayaba then confesses that he never understood why Kirito didn't form his own Guild, as he believed Kirito had enough skill and intellect to lead armies and become the "Great Savior of Aincrad". But since Kirito wasn't going do it, Kayaba reveals that this inspired him to become Heathcliff and try to some fun by doing it himself, which he states was the second worst mistake he's made in his entire life.

Just then, a member of the KOB tries to attack Kayaba, infuriated that he dedicated his life to the man who imprisoned him, causing Kayaba to paralyze him. Kayaba then mocks the player for trying to attack him, despite the fact that he saw that Kirito was unable to do the exact same thing, and decides to paralyze all of the players except for Kirito, to prevent any similar acts of stupidity. Asuna's shocked that she got paralyzed too and claims she's not going to do anything. However, Kayaba doesn't believe her, stating that even in that state he's not convinced Asuna won't try to set him on fire with her mind, something that she actually tries to do.

Kayaba then takes this opportunity to vent his frustrations with the players, as they've done nothing but ignore his advice, refuse to work together and then blame Kayaba for all their problems. A member of the Mafia then tries to point out that Kayaba is responsible for some of their problems, prompting Kayaba to kill him for talking back to him. Kayaba then states that he's tried his best to help the players, but despite his best efforts they've constantly died in increasingly avoidable ways, which Kayaba considers enough motive to let the human race die out.

However, much to Kayaba's surprise, Kirito starts defending the players, something Kayaba thought was uncharacteristic of him. While Kirito agrees that the players can be idiotic, using Schmitt as an example, much to his dismay, he points out that at least they were willing to put their lives on the line, which is better than what Kirito can say about Kayaba. Intrigued, Kayaba asks what Kirito has to say about him, prompting Kirito to start mocking Kayaba, making fun of his Heathcliff persona by pointing out how childish it was to give himself an invincible sword and shield that's better than anything else in the game. Hearing this, Kayaba is slightly disappointed by how undignified Kirito's criticism was, as he said it in the voice of Eric Cartman.

Kayaba then announces that he's going to leave, promising that he'll fix the door so the players can leave the Boss Room. However, he then claims that he might watch a movie first, so he's not sure when that will actually happen. However, Kirito continues to mock Kayaba, comparing his attempt to leave to a child running away to cry to his mother. Infuriated, Kayaba asks what Kirito wants, prompting Kirito to tell Kayaba that he would like a rematch. Annoyed, Kayaba asks Kirito why he didn't just ask for one, to which Kirito points out that Kayaba should know by now that's "just not my style". Irritated, Kayaba agrees to the fight, as stabbing Kirito in the chest sounds therapeutic, and asks for Kirito's terms. Kirito tells Kayaba that it'll be a fight to the death, one where Kayaba won't use any of his GM abilities, and if Kirito wins, Kayaba will end the death game and let everyone go free. Hearing this, Kayaba is a little shocked that Kirito wants to end things 25 Floors early, but Kirito provokes him by asking, "What's wrong, McFly? Chicken?". Delighted by Kirito quoting Back to the Future II, Kayaba agrees to the fight, believing that he'll defeat Kirito easily. Asuna's confused by the exchange, stating that the movie in question doesn't sound very good. This enrages Kayaba, declaring that he can end Asuna with a thought.

Though shocked by Kayaba's outburst, Asuna questions why Kirito wants to leave SAO, as he loves being in the game, and asks why he would want to get out faster. After remembering what Rosalia once said to him about his tough guy persona, Kirito admits that he does love it in the game, as he can be the person he's always wanted to be in it. However, he then confesses that, despite his best efforts, he's decided to not give up on humanity. This shocks Klein, as Kirito actually took his advice, and is overjoyed that he made a difference. Kirito then admits that, while the virtual world means more to him than the real one ever did, he feels like the longer that he stays there the greater the risk that he'll lose the people he loves. This makes Klein freak out even more, prompting Kirito to ask him not to ruin the moment, which Klein agrees to try. Kirito then voices his worry that Asuna will mock him for showing these emotions, but she supports him for making such a huge step. She then tries to get everyone to give Kirito a big round of applause, forgetting that she's paralyzed. Unable to move, Asuna explains that she's not being sarcastic, but Kirito understands, and appreciates the thought. To make up for this, Klein starts clapping with his teeth, which Kirito appreciates as well, despite being weirded out by it.

Asuna then tells Kirito to go fight Kayaba, which he does, although he puts her down in a potion that prevents her from seeing the fight in the process. Kirito then draws his swords but stops to talk to his friends. He asks Tiffany to let Lizbeth know he didn't name the sword she made him "the Piece of Shit" if he doesn't make it. However, Tiffany doesn't understand this request, due to how vaguely Kirito worded it. Kirito then apologizes to Klein for not joining his Guild, stating that he's always regretted it, and admits it probably would have been fun. This causes Klein to devolve into a gibbering mess. Finally, Kirito turns to Kayaba and adds on more condition to their fight, asking him to make it so Asuna can't kill herself if he dies. Asuna's insulted by the insinuation that she'd kill herself over Kirito and tells him to suck a dick. However, Kirito corrects her, stating that's her job now. Though amused by his joke, Kirito realizes he's going to pay for it later.

Kayaba is a bit shocked at how confident Kirito is, considering how their fight went last time, and gives Kirito a chance to back out, claiming that he won't judge him if he does. However, he admits that he might judge Kirito a little as he draws his sword. Kirito tells himself that this won't be anything like the last fight, as now he has something worth fighting for. Kayaba and Kirito then clash, exchanging a flurry of powerful attacks. They appear to be equally matched at first, but unfortunately the sword that Lizbeth made eventually breaks on Kayaba's shield, leaving Kirito open to Kayaba's attack. Thinking he's won, Kayaba boastfully tells that it's end of the line, or more appropriately, it's game over. However, just as Kayaba delivers the finishing, Asuna jumps in the way, sacrificing herself. After catching her, Kirito watches in horror as Asuna's health drains to zero. Thinking her time is up, Asuna remarks that it's finally her turn to make Kirito cry. She then reassures him that it's alright, telling him to "cry your little bitch tears", before she dies in Kirito's arms.

Depressed by Asuna's death, Kirito loses his resolve to fight. Kayaba, however, remarks that Asuna shouldn't have been able to get up due to his Admin Paralysis, joking that he'll have to add "power of love may cause Paralysis to fail" to his list of glitches. Kayaba then points how lucky this was for Kirito, but he doesn't respond. Annoyed by this, Kayaba sarcastically apologizes for Asuna's death but points out that she jumped in front of his sword, so he's the real victim. This prompts Kirito to grab Asuna's rapier to get back at Kayaba. Initially, Kayaba is excited to finish their fight, only to be disappointed by Kirito's weak and easily avoidable attacks. Kayaba then knocks Kirito's Elucidator out of his hand, dimming what little spark he had left. Kayaba tells Kirito that this was inevitable, stating that, "It's time to face reality, son. I'm the god of this world", before stabbing Kirito in the chest, sealing his fate. However, Kirito refuses to just die, proclaiming that, "I reject your reality and substitute my own!", and manages to stab Kayaba with Asuna's rapier, technically defeating him. Kayaba is thrilled by this, thinking the quote is a reference to the Dungeonmaster, and accepts his loss. However, Kirito states that he was referencing MythBusters and he's never heard of the Dungeonmaster. Kayaba voices his disappoint at this revelation, and the two of them shatter.

Kirito then wakes up in a cloud filled area. He initially thinks he's in heaven but finds that he's still in SAO when he opens his menu and sees a loading screen, likening it to "the other place". To his surprise, Kirito discovers that Asuna's there too, who asks him what he's doing there. Kirito explains that, after Asuna sacrificed herself so he could live on and save the day, he definitely did one of those things. Hearing this, Asuna calls him an idiot, before running into his arms and the two kiss. Kirito then asks where they are, to which Asuna points out that Castle Aincrad is collapsing into a black hole below them. The two then spot their house, which is getting destroyed along with the rest of the castle. Kirito voices his disappointment at this, which Kayaba agrees with, suddenly appearing out of nowhere in his true appearance. Kirito asks him what's happening, to which Kayaba explains that he's keeping up his end of their bargain, wiping the game from the server and logging everyone out. But when Kirito asks if it's happening in that order, Kayaba just looks at the collapsing castle and states that he'll "get back to him on that one".

Despite the fact that he just murdered her, Asuna asks if Kayaba's okay, as he seems a bit "off", something Kirito agrees with. Kayaba then points out that he's watching his hopes and dreams crumble right in front of him, thinking about how his business is ruined and that he's probably the most wanted man on the planet, so of course he's a bit upset. Kirito tries to cheer him up by saying "everyone wants to feel wanted", causing Kayaba to admit that he's going to miss chatting with Kirito, before stating that he doesn't know what that says about him. Kayaba then reluctantly congratulates Kirito for thwarting his plans, and while he wishes it was a more of an outright victory, he's just happy the whole nightmare is over. This prompts Kirito to ask what his plan was, as it was the only thing he couldn't figure out. Kayaba then chuckles at this question and claims he doesn't remember anymore. However, when Kirito asks if he's serious, Kayaba bursts out laughing over how unsatisfying that would be. Kayaba then composes himself before admitting that he did it for Metacritic, a statement that confuses Kirito and Asuna.

Kayaba explains that, during SAO's development, he realized three weeks before the game's release that it still wasn't playable. This caused him to panic, and he was forced to work on the game by himself, without sleep, in order to reach his deadline. Unfortunately, as a result, he was so sleep deprived that he accidentally created a few glitches, one of which resulted in the NerveGear killing the players when their avatars died in game. By the time Kayaba noticed these glitches, the game had already been released and multiple players had already died, partially due to the tutorial NPC vanishing early on. Kayaba admits that he should have turned the server off before there were any more casualties, but at the time he was still so unstable and paranoid from sleep deprivation that he believed the government was controlled by "Floobar: King of the Mole Men". Due to this delirious state, Kayaba thought that the best course of action was to "double, triple, and quadruple down" and pretend this was all intentional. So, he decided to lock everyone in the game and pretend that it was part of his "master plan", because he thought a game that killed a few people by accident would get more negative reviews than a game that killed thousands on purpose.

Hearing this, Asuna asks Kayaba what's wrong with him. Kayaba then tries to defend himself, pointing out that he was so sleep deprived that he mistook the company's night janitor for God at one point, although he then admits this inadvertently gave the janitor an ego boost. Kirito then asks why he didn't ask for an extension, only for Kayaba to reveal that he did. However, the game's publisher, Bethesda Softworks, wouldn't let him to have one, as the game had already been delayed twice. Plus, they thought the game was so big that people wouldn't notice "a few glitches". Asuna then asks him why he became Heathcliff, to which Kayaba explains that, after watching 2,000 players die during the first month trying to clear the first Floor, he knew he couldn't just stop the game and apologize, but he felt like he needed to do something to help, a motivation that Kirito and Asuna understand. Kayaba then tells Kirito and Asuna that, despite his outburst in the Boss Room, he never actually wanted to hurt any of the players. Kirito and Asuna find this hard to believe, however, as he just killed a guy for being sassy with him, and the fact that he just "killed" the two of them. Kayaba tries to dismiss these claims, blaming how tense the situation was and pointing out that he clearly doesn't handle pressure very well. Plus, the guy he killed was a member of the Mafia, so it was "a freebie". Despite his excuses, Kayaba admits that he also became Heathcliff to keep the players from getting hurt so he could use them as hostages to keep the FBI from arresting him until he found a solution to his problems, which he never did.

Hearing Kayaba's tale, Asuna points out that he should have just blamed the whole incident on a hacker group pretending to be him, which made more sense than the truth, and no one would have suspected Kayaba since he wouldn't have a motive to ruin his own game. Kayaba recognizes as a better idea and wishes that he thought of it two years ago. After realizing this bombshell, Kayaba decides to go vent his frustrations by screaming into the black hole. He then says that, while it wasn't nice meeting the two, Kirito and Asuna are "the dictionary definition of lesser of two evils" before walking off, telling them to have fun while they can. Kirito then notes that, in the end, Kayaba wasn't a scheming mastermind, he was just a fuck-up like everyone else. Asuna then comments that this whole situation proves that naps are a very underrated part of the "not killing people" process. Before he leaves, Kayaba checks to see if Kirito had actually seen the movie he accidentally quoted by mentioning its alternate title. Annoyed, Kirito tells him that he hasn't seen the movie. Disappointed, Kayaba leaves the game, believing that he really is alone in the world.

With last piece of the castle finally crumbling away, Kirito tells Asuna he wants to ask her something. Asuna then assumes that he's going to ask if she'll do butt stuff and shoots the idea down. Though disheartened by this, Kirito clarifies that he wanted to ask what Asuna's name is. However, Asuna is confused by this question, because her name is Asuna, Asuna Yuuki. This shocks Kirito, stating that Asuna using her real name is weird, which makes Asuna ask what Kirito's name is if it's not Kirito. Kirito then reveals that his name is Kazuto Kirigaya, which Asuna thinks is a terrible name, and vows to keep calling him Kirito from now on. Kirito says that's fair enough, since they probably don't have much longer to live anyway, as Kayaba was vague about whether they are going to survive the system wipe. Kirito then comments that, even though Kayaba was a talented gamer, he was shit at making video games.

Believing it's their final moments together, Asuna tries to tell Kirito something, but she gets cut off when Kirito starts crying. Kirito then apologizes for his outburst and explains that he doesn't want things to be over. He then reveals that he wanted to meet up in the real world, bring Yui back and go on walks in the park like real families do. Though liking the idea, Asuna points out this would have never worked, as Yui is an AI. Kirito then tells her he'll make it happen by building Yui a robot body and they'll take that to the park. Hearing this, Asuna starts crying too, but tries to hide it by doubting that Kirito could even build a robot. Kirito proclaims that he can totally build a robot and Asuna tells him to prove it. The two then hug each other, with Kirito telling Asuna that they're going to survive the purse, and that he'll find her when they're out. Just before the game is finally deleted, Kirito tells Asuna that he loves her, to which she responds with Han Solo's "I know" before their avatars are erased.

Moments later, Kazuto wakes up in a hospital. Though initially shocked that he survived, Kazuto remembers his resolve and weakly crawls out of the bed to go find Asuna. Unfortunately, he rips his catheter out in the process, majorly injuring himself.

The credits then role in the style of an arcade machine, which eventually culminates in continue screen. A quarter is then heard being put in.

## Cast

* **xbubblemunkyx:** Asuna Yuuki/Asuna
* **YamatoSFX:** Kazuto Kirigaya/Kirito
* **Coffinjockey:** Nishida the Fish Fucker, Soldier, Cronenberg's Friend
* **Takahata101:** Kayaba Akihiko/Heathcliff
* **GaoGaiKingTheGreatVA:** Soldier, Cronenberg
* **FrozenFrost:** Soldier
* **MrBuddyVA:** The King of Ashes
* **SpriteStuff:** King of Ashes Minion, Soldier
* **Dizzasta:** Klein
* **Octopimp:** Tiffany
* **KaggyFilms:** Schmitt
* **BlazingAzureCrow:** Soldier
* **CharlestonVO:** Soldier
* **Earl of Bassington:** Soldier
* **ErehcVA:** Soldier
* **LeRoygendary:** Soldier

## Music

* **Thirty Seconds to Mars:** "This Is War"
* **Sword Art Online Original Soundtrack vol.1:** "A Strategy Meeting"
* **Xenoblade Original Soundtrack:** "Tension", "Hope", "Intrigue", "A Friend on My Mind"
* **Guilty Gear Xrd -Sign- Original Sound Track:** "Coming Home"
* **Busou Renkin Original Soundtrack:** "Tatakau Ketsui", "Renkinjutsushi", "Semaru Kiki"
* **Your Lie in April Original Song & Soundtrack:** "Kouiu Kimochi wo Nante Itta Kana", "Kaasan to no Omoide"
* **Bloodborne (Original Soundtrack):** "Blood Starved Beast"
* **Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Original Soundtrack 1:** "Home ~en route to Resembool~"
* **Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Original Soundtrack 3:** "Crime and Punishment"
* **Bravely Default Flying Fairy Original Soundtrack:** "Tense Moment"

## Differences from the Original

The following is a list of differences *only* from this episode. To view any differences for the characters, view their pages, or if you want to see more click here.

* Asuna doesn't make suggestive comments while watching Kirito sleep. She comments on how innocent he looks and then wonders if he's younger than her. This doesn't deter her for long, as she then hugs him and says she wants them to be together forever, which wakes him up, much to her shock.
	+ Heathcliff doesn't send the message to Asuna in this scene, he sends it to Kirito later.
	+ In the original, Kirito didn't hear what Asuna said, and she tries to cover it up out of embarrassment. In the abridged version, he did hear her and teases her about it, much to her dismay.
* Kirito voicing his fatigue after having fun every day of their honeymoon, causing Asuna to pout, is skipped.
* The scene where Asuna asks Kirito for a piggyback ride, and jokingly warning him not to turn around while she's getting on, is skipped.
* Asuna admiring a ladybug is skipped.
* Kirito doesn't say that their honeymoon was nice despite the fact their daughter "died right in front of [them], thinking she was alone and unloved".
* Nishida is never stated to fish with no pants on, nor is he implied to have sex with fish.
	+ In the original, Nishida was accompanied by two other fishers. In the abridged version, he's alone.
	+ Asuna telling Kirito to wave back is skipped.
* Asuna asking Kirito if he wants her to get off his shoulders is skipped.
* In the original, Kirito takes off running so that Asuna can have fun on their walk. In the abridged version, he takes off to run away from Nishida.
* Everything from Asuna watching Kirito sleep to Kirito running with Asuna on his back has been moved from before they met Yui to the final day of the game.
* An entire mini arc, where Kirito helps Nishida catch a fish Boss, is skipped.
	+ The scene where Kirito tries and fails to catch a fish, where he meets Nishida, is skipped.
	+ The fact that Nishida worked for the company that provided network security for SAO is skipped.
	+ Nishida having dinner at Kirito and Asuna's house is skipped.
	+ Asuna one shotting the Boss, receiving praise from a crowd of onlookers is skipped.
	+ Kirito mopping over the fact their honeymoon is over is skipped.
	+ Asuna revealing that used to cry herself to sleep thinking about losing a day in the real world, but then Kirito showed her she can live in the game too and changed her entire outlook, is skipped.
	+ Kirito and Asuna saying goodbye to Nishida and leaving Floor 22 is skipped.
* The meeting where Heathcliff sets up the next Boss fight is skipped.
	+ The fact that the Boss already killed ten members of the KOB's recon team is skipped.
	+ Kirito telling Heathcliff that Asuna is his top priority is skipped.
* The scene where Kirito asks Asuna not to attend the Boss raid, prompting Asuna to say she'll kill herself if Kirito dies, is skipped.
	+ This makes Kirito's request to Kayaba later more of an ego boost.
	+ The revelation that, when the players were being transported to the hospitals, some of their avatars passed out until they reconnected to the server is skipped.
	+ The fact that, since they're being kept alive by machines, it's only a matter of time until their real bodies die is skipped.
* Kirito telling Asuna that he doesn't care if they clear the game or not so long as he can be with her forever is skipped.
	+ Asuna telling Kirito that she wants to go on real dates with him, get married and grow old together is skipped.
* Kirito and Asuna realizing that they don't have a choice but to keep fighting is skipped.
* The scene where Kirito and Asuna arrive in Collinia, and the other players start gossiping about Kirito, is skipped.
* The scene where Kirito and Asuna meet up with Klein and Agil while waiting for Heathcliff is skipped.
* The scene where Heathcliff arrives and uses a Corridor Crystal to warp straight to the Boss Room door is skipped.
* Kirito and Asuna commenting on the tense atmosphere is skipped.
* In the original, Heathcliff tells the players his battle strategy before the Boss fight. In the abridged version, he uses a metaphor for how they need to fight together, which the players don't understand.
	+ Heathcliff doesn't fail to rally the players.
* The assault team isn't forced into the Boss Room earlier than expected by a group of bandits.
* Asuna reassuring Kirito before the Boss fight is skipped.
* Klein and Agil aren't implied to go on adventures together without Kirito.
	+ It's never mentioned that SAO has Chimeras.
* Kirito telling Klein and Agil to not die is skipped.
* The players don't initially think the Boss fight is a metaphor while they're waiting for the Boss to appear.
* In the original, Asuna was the one who spotted the Skull Reaper first. In the abridged version, it was Klein.
* Heathcliff telling the players to fan out is skipped.
	+ Kirito telling the two players to run away is skipped.
* Agil doesn't question his decision to play as a merchant after seeing the Skull Reaper's opening attack.
* In the original, the fight with the Skull Reaper lasts for an undetermined amount of time, during which fourteen players die. In the abridged version, the Skull Reaper glitches out and dies on its own after killing two players.
	+ In the original, the players fall into despair because they're exhausted and they're thinking about how the Bosses are going to get tougher from now on. In the abridged version, they fall into despair because the door to the next Floor fails to open, trapping them in the Boss Room.
	+ No gets contorted into a Cronenbergian horror trying to teleport out of the Boss Room.
* The players don't start complaining about SAO's flaws. The flaws in the game are either ignored in the original or added onto in the abridged version.
	+ Heathcliff doesn't get mad at the players.
* Since Heathcliff never references any movies, Kirito doesn't figure out that he's Kayaba that way. He realizes who Heathcliff is because he noticed that he was the only player who wasn't exhausted and whose health wasn't in the yellow. This makes him realize that his health never goes into the yellow because the system is protecting him.
	+ This is supported by the fact that, during their duel, Heathcliff blocked Kirito's final attack so fast that it was like his shield teleported, which was faster than the system should allow a player to go. Kayaba confirmed that this was him activating the game's assist mode.
	+ The other reason that made Kirito realize who Heathcliff was is it's boring to watch someone else play an RPG.
* Heathcliff doesn't try to convince everyone that the system's protective wall was a lucky glitch that saved him from Kirito's assassination attempt. He just kinda accepts that he's been exposed in the original.
* The players aren't unaware who Kayaba is.
* In the original, Kayaba reveals he was going to be the Final Boss. In the abridged version, Kayaba became Heathcliff as a last-minute attempt to help the players clear the game.
* Asuna clinging to Kirito's arm is skipped.
* Kayaba revealing why Kirito got the Dual Blades Skill, as well as him stating that it determines the hero of the game's story, is skipped.
	+ Kayaba stating that he expected Kirito to be the one facing him at the end of the game is skipped.
	+ Kayaba saying that Kirito exceeded his expectations with what the Dual Blades Skill could do is skipped.
	+ While Kayaba does say he is impressed with Kirito's fighting skills, he doesn't say that he expected Kirito to be leading the players in his stead.
* The KOB soldier's valiant speech is replaced with him simply telling Kayaba to die.
* Kayaba doesn't point out how pointless the KOB soldier's attempt to kill him was.
* It's never stated that one of the paralyzed players landed in such an uncomfortable position.
* Asuna doesn't try to convince Kayaba to unparalyze her.
	+ Asuna doesn't try to set him on fire with her mind.
* Kirito asking Kayaba if he's going to kill the entire assault team to hide his secret is skipped.
* Kayaba doesn't start ranting about the other players' idiocy after being exposed nor does Kirito defend them.
	+ Kirito doesn't point out how childish Kayaba's Heathcliff persona is, nor does he impersonate Eric Cartman or compare Kayaba to a crying baby.
* Kayaba doesn't kill anyone for "mildly sassing" him after being exposed.
* In the original, Kayaba says he's going to head to the Ruby Palace at the end of the game to wait for those who make it that far. In the abridged version, he doesn't say where he's going to go, but he might watch a movie in the meantime.
* In the original, Kayaba was the one who initiated the rematch, as a "reward" for finding him out. In the abridged version, Kirito is the one who asks for it, in order to end the game for everyone else's sake.
	+ No one points out how sudden and anticlimactic the final battle is.
	+ In the original, Asuna begs Kirito not to take Kayaba's offer. In the abridged version, she asks why Kirito would want to get out of the game faster.
* Kirito's flashback of all the people who've died in front of him is skipped.
* Kirito doesn't make a passionate speech about how his point of view has changed over the last two years.
* Asuna doesn't try to initiate a round of applause for Kirito, forgetting that she's still paralyzed.
	+ Klein doesn't "clap" with his teeth.
* Asuna doesn't sarcastically comment on how Kirito put her down in a way that prevented her from seeing the fight.
* In the original, Kirito thanks Agil for helping out the players. In the abridged version, he tells Tiffany to let Lizbeth know he was lying about what he named his sword, although he words it so vague that it confuses him.
* In the original, Klein tells Kirito not to apologize until Kirito buys him dinner when it's all over. In the abridged version, he's so overjoyed that he made a difference in Kirito's life that he can barely form a sentence.
* Kayaba doesn't give Kirito the chance to back out of their fight.
* In the original, Kirito thinks to himself that their fight isn't a normal duel, and that he plans to kill Kayaba. In the abridged version, he thinks to himself that things will be different to their last duel, as now he has something to fight for.
* The arc's main theme song doesn't play during Kirito and Kayaba's fight.
* Kirito's inner monologue during the fight is skipped.
* Kirito realizing he's going to lose, and wishing Asuna to live on, is skipped.
* Asuna doesn't tell Kirito to "cry your little bitch tears" upon her "death".
* Kayaba does question how Asuna broke out of his Admin Paralysis, but he doesn't make a joke stating that she broke out via the power of love.
	+ Kayaba doesn't half-heartedly apologize for killing Asuna or blame her jumping in front of his sword.
	+ Kirito doesn't call Kayaba a bastard.
* In the original, Kayaba is surprised and disappointed that Kirito wants to continue their fight. In the abridged version, Kayaba is initially excited to finish their fight "right", only to be disappointed by Kirito's weak attacks.
* Kayaba doesn't make a speech about how he's "the god of this world" before he stabs Kirito.
* Kirito's health bar running out is skipped.
* The shot of Kirito dying and reforming is skipped.
* Kayaba backing off in fear of Kirito's second wind is skipped.
* In the original, Kayaba is happy that Kirito defeated him, before silently waiting for his avatar to die. In the abridged version, he verbally expresses his joy, only to be disappointed that Kirito didn't make the reference he thought he did.
* Kirito smiling at Asuna's sword after his victory, commenting that "we did it", is skipped.
* The scene of the game announcing it's been cleared, accompanied by a montage of various players that Kirito and Asuna have met, is skipped.
* When Kirito wakes up in the cloud area, he doesn't verbally wonder if he's in heaven before stating he must be in "the other place" once he sees the loading screen.
* In the original, when Kayaba suddenly appears, he comments that the sight of Castle Aincrad crumbling is a "stunning view". In the abridged version, he agrees that seeing everything they've been emotionally invested in get destroyed is "disappointing".
* In the original, Kayaba reassures Kirito and Asuna that the players were all logged out a few seconds before their conversation. In the abridged version, he isn't sure whether the players got logged out prior to the system wipe.
* Kayaba confirming that the players who died are actually dead is skipped.
* Kirito and Asuna don't ask how Kayaba is.
	+ Kayaba isn't worried about what's going to happen to him now that the game has been cleared.
* The reason Kayaba started the death game didn't involve him being sleep deprived or the game being extremely glitchy due to him rushing it out, nor does he make a joke about forgetting his motivation. He actually forgot why he wanted to make it a death game in the original. The only thing he can remember is he became obsessed with the idea making a flying castle, free from all earthly laws and restrictions, using the game to create this world.
	+ SAO is never stated or implied to be published by Bethesda or any other American company.
* Kayaba saying that he hopes his castle is still standing in some other world, followed by Kirito reassuring him that it probably is, is skipped.
* In the original, Kayaba glances over at Kirito and Asuna when discussing the game. In the abridged version, he doesn't look at them until his final words to them.
* In the original, Kayaba congratulates both Kirito and Asuna after his big speech. In the abridged version, he seems to only congratulate Kirito before his big speech.
* Kayaba doesn't call Kirito and Asuna "the dictionary definition of 'lesser of two evils'".
* Kayaba doesn't say he feels such a deep connection with Kirito, nor does he try one last time to feel it again before he disappears.
	+ Kayaba tries to leave the game twice in the abridged version, rather than doing it once.
* Kayaba doesn't shout out "Peace!" when he leaves the game.
* Asuna saying that, since their avatars will be destroyed at the same time, they'll be together forever is skipped.
* In the original, Asuna was the first one to ask what the other's real name was. In the abridged version, it was Kirito.
	+ Kirito isn't shocked by the fact that Asuna used her real name in the game.
	+ Asuna didn't think that "Kirito" was his real name nor does she say that his real name is a terrible one.
	+ Asuna doesn't think Kirito wants to do butt stuff with her.
	+ Kirito and Asuna mentioning each other's ages is skipped.
* Kirito and Asuna don't point out that Kayaba was vague about whether they're going to survive the system wipe or not.
* Kirito and Asuna don't start crying about their future plans not coming to fruition. Kirito cries about not being able to send Asuna back to the real world and Asuna reassures him it's alright, because this is the happiest she's ever been.
	+ Kirito doesn't mention the idea of making Yui a robot body and taking her for a walk in the park.
* Kirito doesn't say "I love you" to Asuna, she says it to him and he neglects to say it back.
	+ Asuna does try to say "I love you" in the abridged version, or something similar, but she got interrupted when Kirito started crying.
	+ Asuna doesn't quote Han Solo back to Kirito.
* Kazuto looking around the room and at his hand is skipped.
* Kazuto taking off his NerveGear is skipped.
* Kazuto doesn't rip his catheter out when he wakes up, nor is it explicitly stated that he had one.
	+ The shot of Kazuto weakly walking down the hall is skipped.

## Trivia

* The message that Heathcliff sends Asuna reveals that the deal he had with the King of Ashes involved her posing for a calendar, which would involve "minor sideboob at most". The King claimed that this was to raise money for cancer once they were out of SAO.
* Kayaba's video browser contains many easter eggs. These include:
	+ "Best Horror Kills - Scanners - Head Explosion" by ArgusGames.
	+ Dolph Lundgren - IMDb.
	+ Metacritic - Sword Art Online.
	+ Game Design for Dummies.
	+ "The Seven Deadly Schmucks (The Seven Deadly Sins Abridged) - Episode 1" by The Schmuck Squad.
	+ "Avatar is an Anime. F\*\*\* You. Fight Me." by Mother's Basement.
* Klein's last lines in the episode were Dizzasta incomprehensibly quoting Watto from the Phantom Menace. If you listen closely, the words Klein says are "No pod is worth two slaves. I'm a Toydarian. Jedi mind tricks don't work on me. Only money."
* The clouds during the scene with Kirito, Asuna and Kayaba were rotoscoped to make sure the lipflaps lasted long enough.
* The name of the night Janitor that Kayaba mistook for God was "Reki", this is in reference to the series creator Reki Kawahara.

## References

1. ↑ Heathcliff's message
2. ↑ Kayaba's web browser
3. ↑ Klein's last words
4. ↑ Cloud rotoscoping