Sword Art Online Episode 10

Crimson Killing Intent (紅の殺意) is the tenth episode of the Sword Art Online anime adaptation.

Plot
It is the day after Kirito accepts to duel Heathcliff for the sake of Asuna. At the 75th floor: «Collinia», a lot of players gather to watch the fight at the coliseum. Kirito was waiting at his room with Asuna; who was still annoyed that Kirito accepted to duel the strongest player of the whole game. Asuna reminds Kirito that Heathcliff was the famous player who was able to hold back a boss in a fight, as well as the fact that no player had ever seen Heathcliff’s health bar reach the yellow zone. Kirito told Asuna that he understood his odds, however he boldly declare that he still do not plan to lose.

While Asuna watches from one of the entrance, Kirito enter the arena to where Heathcliff is. After selecting the «First Strike» option for their duel, both Heathcliff and Kirito ready themselves as the timer counts down. When the timer reaches zero, Kirito starts out with full-on assault with his «Dual Blades», however Heathcliff is able to block all of Kirito’s attacks with his tower shield. Kirito seem to be at a disadvantage as Heathcliff easily defends and attacks because of his unique skill: «Holy Sword». Still not letting up of his assault, Kirito continues to attack with his two swords and finally knock away Heathcliff’s shield to his side. As Kirito tries to goes in for the finishing blow, Heathcliff move his shield at an impossible speed and once again block Kirito’s attack. Seizing the moment, Heathcliff made the final attack and causes Kirito’s health bar to reach the orange zone, therefore meaning Kirito have lost his «First-strike» duel to Heathcliff.

On October 22 Kirito speaks with Asuna while readying for his duties in the guild, in that moment he tells her about the Black Cats of the Full Moon, and how all of them died, Asuna promises that she'll protect him. In the HQ Asuna talks to Godfree, who, by order of Heathcliff, takes Kirito to a training in floor 55 to see his skills. Kirito acepts, and for his surprise, Kuradeel will also acompany them in their training. Before leaving the give their crystals to Godfree by his request to prove their skills.

On floor 55 they stop to rest, and Godfree give's them each a portion of food, while drinking Kirito notices something weird, but it was too late, the water had paralyzing poisong. Kuradeel stands and kills Godfrey, revealing his revenge plan to Kirito and that he's part of Laughing Coffin, he decides to kill him before the poison's effect dissappears, he starts stabbing his victim. Kirito is about to give up and die, but he suddenly remembers Asuna, and tries to stop Kuradeel from stabbing him, Asuna enters just in time and blows away Kuradeel, gives a healing crystal to Kirito and proceeds to fight Kuradeel, just before killing him, he surrenders and begs for forgiveness, Asuna lowers her guard and Kuradeel takes the chance to attack, Kirito enters just in time and kills Kuradeel with his Martial Arts skill.