Sword | Art Online: Alicization (dub) Episode 13

Though not present for the primary action, her backstory establishes her as the central antagonist with god-like control over the Underworld.

Acting as a mentor and guide, she provides the necessary exposition to help Kirito understand the true nature of their world and the enemy they face. Sword Art Online: Alicization (Dub) Episode 13

Cardinal explains her own existence as a sub-process of Quinella that split off when the Administrator attempted to expand her memory capacity by using another person's Fluctlight. Though not present for the primary action, her

After being rescued by the mysterious young girl Cardinal, Kirito and Eugeo find themselves in the safety of the , one of the few places beyond the Administrator's reach. After being rescued by the mysterious young girl

Cardinal reveals the dark history of the Axiom Church and its ruler, Quinella (the Administrator). She explains how Quinella manipulated the system to gain absolute power and effectively froze her own aging process by merging with the Cardinal System.

This episode is noted for being heavy on dialogue and exposition, adapting a significant portion of the Sword Art Online light novel (Volume 12, Alicization Rising ) to explain complex concepts like System Control Authority and the Taboo Index. It concludes with the two protagonists resolved to begin their literal climb through the Central Cathedral.