With the final load test in full swing, the war between the Human Empire and the Dark Territory has engulfed all of Underworld. The battle's momentum has turned as Gabriel, commanding the Dark Territory forces with the goal of capturing the Priestess of Light, Alice, clashes against Asuna and the Human Empire defenders. Kirito's consciousness remains lost in a deep slumber, while Gabriel, posing as the Dark God Vecta, has recruited thousands of American players to log in and annihilate the Human Empire. In retaliation, Asuna, Sinon, and Leafa have joined the fight utilizing three super-accounts belonging to Underworld's deities. As the Goddess of Creation Stacia, Asuna fights alongside the Human Empire in fierce combat against the invading American players. Sinon, wielding the super-account of the Sun Goddess Solus, hunts down Gabriel after he abducts Alice, while Leafa arrives in Underworld holding the super-account of the Earth Goddess Terraria. However, that is not the whole picture. Lisbeth's impassioned appeal convinces countless ALO players to risk everything to support the Human Empire. This massive conflict will decide not only Underworld's survival but also the fate of bottom-up artificial intelligence, the ultimate AI, and the future of humanity itself. Though he has yet to awaken, only one man holds this world's destiny in his hands: the Black Swordsman.