Ep 24. Gilded Hero

Asuna has been trapped inside the virtual world of Sword Art Online for two years. After finally being freed from the game by Kirito, they both adjust to the real world, but Asuna's father has arranged for her to marry someone she does not love or care for. In the previous episode, Kirito promises Asuna that he will save her from her arranged marriage and the two share a tender moment.

In "Gilded Hero," the season 1 finale of Sword Art Online, Kirito begins to put his plan into motion to save Asuna. Kirito receives a message from the game's creator, Akihiko Kayaba, who is revealed to have left behind a code that will allow Kirito to save Asuna and the other players stuck in the game. Kirito must defeat Kayaba's avatar, Heathcliff, in a battle to obtain the code.

Meanwhile, Asuna is being held captive by her fiance's father, who has hired a guild to guard her in an attempt to prevent her from running away. Asuna is determined to escape and finally be reunited with Kirito. With the help of her newly acquired friends, the Sleeping Knights, Asuna attempts to break free from her captors and join Kirito in the game.

As Kirito makes his way through the game to battle Heathcliff, he is joined by his friends, including Klein and Agil. Together, they encounter several obstacles, including a massive raid boss and other players who are also attempting to obtain the code left behind by Kayaba.

Asuna and the Sleeping Knights manage to escape their captors and make their way to the location where Kirito is battling Heathcliff. However, they must face their own challenges, as they are intercepted by members of the guild that was hired to guard Asuna.

In an epic battle between Kirito and Heathcliff, Kirito manages to defeat his opponent and obtain the code. With the code in hand, Kirito is able to free all of the remaining players from the game, including Asuna.

The season 1 finale of Sword Art Online ends with Kirito and Asuna finally reunited and free from the virtual world that has held them captive for so long. Their love for each other has helped them overcome the challenges they have faced and they look forward to a bright future together.

Overall, "Gilded Hero" is an emotional and action-packed episode that brings the first season of Sword Art Online to a satisfying conclusion. It showcases the power of love and the determination to never give up, even in the face of seemingly impossible challenges. Fans of the series will be left eagerly anticipating what comes next for Kirito and Asuna.