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.
Cardinal forms an alliance with Kirito and Eugeo. She reveals the truth about the Integrity Knights —that they are not legendary heroes summoned from the heavens but humans whose memories have been stolen and replaced by "Piety Modules". Sword Art Online: Alicization (Dub) Episode 13
A small spider familiar belonging to Cardinal is introduced, having been observing the boys since their early days at the academy. Narrative Impact Cardinal reveals the dark history of the Axiom
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. She reveals the truth about the Integrity Knights
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.
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.