Tsukasa wakes up inside The World, a massive online role-playing game full of magic and monsters, and finds himself unable to log out. With no knowledge of what’s happening in the real world, Tsukasa must discover how he ended up stuck in the game, and what connection he has with the fabled Key of the Twilight—an item that’s rumored to grant ultimate control over the digital realm.
Episodes
1. Role Play
Apr 4, 2002 24mTsukasa is trapped in an MMORPG called The World. With his conscious inaccessible, Tsukasa attempts to find his purpose for being in the game.
2. Guardian
Apr 11, 2002 24mTsukasa’s inability to log out of the world worries Mimiru. The Crimson Knights, on the other hand, see Tsukasa as a threat.
3. Folklore
Apr 18, 2002 24mBT and Sora suspect that Tsukasa is somehow connected to a very important artifact, the Key of the Twilight.
4. Wanted
Apr 25, 2002 24mTsukasa's rampaging Guardian monster wreaks havoc in The World, and an edict from Subaru makes him a wanted man.
5. Captured
May 2, 2002 24mTsukasa finally tames his Guardian monster, but unbeknownst to him, someone is plotting his capture.
6. Encounter
May 9, 2002 24mSubaru carefully observes Tsukasa, gradually getting to know him. Sora mounts a rescue mission.
7. Reason
May 16, 2002 24mMimiru encounters a novice player and offers her guidance in The World. This new relationship helps Mimiru uncover her own motivation for playing.
8. Promise
May 23, 2002 24mMimiru extends Tsukasa an invitation to meet; BT and Crim share an interesting encounter.
9. Epitaph
May 30, 2002 24m 7.0An elite hacker proves instrumental in the quest for the Key of the Twilight, and Tsukasa gets stuck with a sick Grunty.
10. Compensation
Jun 6, 2002 24m 7.0Bear's shortcomings as a father may be the root of his concern for Tsukasa. Clues arise as the search for the Key of the Twilight continues.
11. Party
Jun 13, 2002 24m 9.0Mimiru, Bear, and Tsukasa join forces before embarking on a non-fighting quest.
12. Entanglement
Jun 20, 2002 24mTsukasa stumbles upon Aura, an advanced AI, that is being held captive.
13. Twilight Eye
Jun 27, 2002 24mA way to open the Twilight Eye is discovered, and the group decides to follow the new path unfolding before them.
14. Castle
Jul 4, 2002 24mAfter the Eye is opened, a secret area appears, complicating the group's search for the key.
15. Evidence
Jul 11, 2002 24m 8.0Revisit all the major moments from this groundbreaking anime in a series of vivid flashbacks that may shed new light on past events!
16. Depth
Jul 18, 2002 24m 7.0Tsukasa logs back into The World, only to discover that he cannot die. Shocked, he turns to Subaru for answers.
17. Conflict
Jul 25, 2002 24m 6.0Crim refuses to meet BT outside of the game. Later, Tsukasa mounts a rescue attempt – and secrets are revealed.
18. Declaration
Aug 1, 2002 24m 8.0Silver Knight disrupts any and all potential rendezvous between Subaru and Tsukasa. Subaru ponders the future of the Crimson Knights.
19. Recollection
Aug 8, 2002 24m 9.0Subaru drifts aimlessly through The World, reflecting on her past experiences. Her connection with Tsukasa grows even stronger after an unexpected attack.
20. Tempest
Aug 15, 2002 24m 10.0Aura goes missing, Morganna attacks Tsukasa, and the search for the Key of the Twilight continues.
21. Despair
Aug 23, 2002 24m 7.0Tsukasa lingers in a catatonic state, and some immensely powerful monsters make their presence felt in The World.
22. Phantom
Aug 29, 2002 24m 7.0Bear, Mimiru, and Subaru are attacked by yet another seemingly-unstoppable monster, but Balmung comes to the rescue.
23. The Eve
Sep 5, 2002 24m 8.0Tsukasa is too frightened to pass through Helba's gate, and Crim explains Subaru's true life condition.
24. Net Slum
Sep 12, 2002 24m 8.0Upon arriving in Helba's realm – Net Slum – the group is forced to defend Subaru from an attack by Morganna.
25. Catastrophe
Sep 19, 2002 24m 9.0As the battle intensifies, the group seeks shelter in the Cathedral. Morganna summons Guardians to do her bidding.
26. Return
Sep 26, 2002 24m 8.0Drawing strength from Subaru, Tsukasa summons the courage to awaken Aura. Outside of The World, players share a true life encounter.