[♪ suspenseful music playing]
[narrator] The True Demon King has died,
but their story is one few have heard.
This tale begins in the True Northern Kingdom,
21 years ago.
[explosion]
[screaming]
- [explosions] - [panting, whimpers]
[growls]
[roars]
[youth panting]
I'm gonna die! I am so gonna die!
Oh, no, this is it!
[blade slashing]
- [loud crash] - [splattering]
[youth panting]
[youth] Damn it!
You know, I think I've had just about enough of this.
[breathes deeply]
[amused laughter]
I swear, you never cease to entertain!
[youth] Uh, Lumelly?
Were you just watching?
Oh, come on, I could've been killed!
[Lumelly] Oh, please, you act like you're fighting for your life,
whether it's an elder dragon or a field mouse.
That's because I am always fighting for my life!
We can't all be natural-born geniuses like you, Lumelly.
Alena, have you gone and rushed headlong into yet another fight
you were unprepared for?
"Fight" is an understatement!
[exasperated sigh] I knew I should've stayed with Psianop.
[♪ light music playing]
- [Lumelly] Yugo! - [Yugo gasps softly]
[Yugo] Lumelly! I've not seen you since Tileet Ravine.
[Lumelly] You still remember that fight?
Remember our promise?
"Conceal the blade in your heart," you said.
Well, just you wait. I've been practicing!
[Yugo laughs] I'll bet.
[associate groaning]
I'm not liking this.
It's gonna be one hell of a fight.
Don't say I didn't warn you-- What the-- [grunts]
Quit being a wuss!
Get it together, Izick!
[Izick] I'm not a wuss! And that hurt!
All right, maybe I lied.
I'm just... scared, I guess.
[Yugo] What about you, Fralik? You in?
[Fralik] Uh... yeah.
[Yugo] Fralik says that he'll go.
Which means I'll go too.
[chuckling]
Well, either way, we need to do this tonight.
There's a large city just ahead.
If the Demon King advances, it will be destroyed.
Of course it will.
Fine, you wanna risk your lives? I'm in!
But if this is how we go out, we better make it count.
[narrator] 21 years ago,
there was a group of seven known as the First Party.
The unparalleled prodigy of the spear and scion of misfortune,
Alena the Benighted White Wind.
The black-hearted Word Artist, forsaken by the world,
Lumelly the Poisoned Ground.
The pioneer of medical technology and master of minian meridians,
Romzo the Star Map.
The visitor who commanded Dark Arts from another world,
Yugo the Moving Decapitation Blade.
The self-proclaimed Demon King, feared the world over for his evil deeds,
Izick the Chromatic.
The lycan warrior who mastered fighting techniques
passed down in his tribe for generations,
Neft the Nirvana.
The one who rose from slave to champion with only his bow,
Fralik the Heaven.
They were life's last hope.
They alone stood between the world and oblivion.
So what now?
The trip to Okahu turned out to be a big waste of time.
Huh?
[Yuno] Maybe I should have spent more time doing research.
I could've looked into camping equipment, or what plants are edible.
[Soujirou] Long as we can sleep safely, that's all I care about.
[Yuno] What was it like in your world, before you came here?
[Soujirou] What do you mean?
[Yuno] Your home. The Distant World. Was it at all like this?
To be honest, there just isn't much to say.
I don't really know.
You don't know?
About the world you lived in?
[Soujirou] Things were a mess since before I was even born, all right?
It was basically endless fighting, so who the hell knows?
[Yuno] Endless fighting...
Wait, do you mean war?
Soujirou, your home, did it get...
Blown to bits? Yeah, but I wasn't really there for it.
[Soujirou] They say it was destroyed by someone called Shiki Aihara.
Episode 24 Shiki, Enemy of All
[in echoing voice] From Lumelly to the eyes of Haresept.
Hollow light of rippling green waves. [gasps]
[all exclaiming]
[surprised, confused grunts]
[resident] Oh? I wasn't expecting guests.
[♪ eerie music playing]
Welcome.
[all gasping]
[Izick] What am I doing? She's right there!
This doesn't make any damn sense.
I should be tearing this whole place in half with locust revenants,
so what's stopping me? [heavy breath]
You! Stop messing with me!
[wind whistling]
[strained grunt]
My power...
Is this Word Arts?
Uh, hey, Lumelly! See if you can rewrite them!
[whimpering] But they're not Word Arts!
They're something else!
I don't... I don't know what this is.
[heavy breathing]
[Yugo] She's right.
This isn't Word Arts.
Or any other technique for that matter.
It's just fear.
Our own fear overwhelming.
[heavy breathing]
Go on. What's wrong?
[resident] Here. This will be much easier.
[Yugo gasping, grunting]
[Yugo] The fear... This fear! This fear!
[gasps, groans]
- [First Party gasping] - [agonized screaming]
Better, isn't it?
[giggling]
What... What are you?
This isn't... possible... [chokes]
What? No. No, my voice is hoarse...
[resident] I'm a human, silly.
Don't be scared.
- Hello. - Huh? No!
Stay back! Don't look at me!
[Neft groans, screaming]
[choking]
[retches]
- [resident] Hmm. - [Alena gasps]
- And what do you want to do? - [shuddering]
[Alena] I...
I want to kill... Fralik.
May I... kill him?
Of course you can.
Go ahead. You have my permission.
[Alena whining] I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Fralik.
- [Alena] Oh, Fralik. No. No! - Huh? Uh...
[Alena] Forgive me!
[groans, retches]
- [Alena gasping] - [Fralik groans]
- [stunned breathing] - [choking]
- [Fralik gasping] - [heavy breathing]
- [startled gasp] - [body thuds]
[horrified screaming]
- [loud bang] - Hmm?
[Alena wailing]
[Alena sobbing]
Easy. So easy. It's just so easy.
[Alena sobbing]
[♪ dramatic music playing]
[screaming]
[chokes]
- [Romzo] So easy... so easy... - [Alena wailing]
So easy. So easy...
[resident] That's right.
I was in the middle of reading my book, wasn't I?
[Hiroto] You know, don't you?
The True Demon King's identity.
Whoever could it be?
Simple. They're a visitor.
[exhales]
In this country, I'm the only one who knows.
[Morio] Even the people I have sealing off the Final Land have been kept in the dark.
You understand why this affects all of us, don't you?
I do. If that truth were to ever come to light,
the world as we know it would unravel.
[fire crackling]
You burned it without hesitation.
Yes, because I know how serious this is.
[♪ tense music playing]
[narrator] She was the one without any past or motive
endowed with no powers or skills.
The one without Word Arts,
without special abilities, and possessing no magical items.
The one who was nothing but a minia,
for whom there existed no rhyme or reason for any phenomena.
She is but a lingering shadow of a long-defeated past.
For she is already dead.
Demon King. Minia. She is Shiki, Enemy of All.
ISHURA
Demon King: The enemy to all beings who live in this world.
Aureatia
[Rosclay] Well, it looks like the Gray-Haired Child
has infiltrated the Royal Games.
And not merely by sponsoring a Hero candidate, mind you.
It would seem he intends to put forward the entire Free City of Okahu as one Hero.
Certainly unexpected.
Quite the interpretation of the word "Hero."
Ask me, we simply don't accept them.
They're foreign enemies of Aureatia.
Have to admit, it's a little concerning to know the Gray-Haired Child
has allied himself with that bastard Dant.
With Okahu in play, it really makes you wonder,
how long before the Queen decides to step in?
[Jelki] No doubt we could defeat them in a pitched battle.
But we lack the resources to govern Okahu in the aftermath,
were we to annex them.
[general 1 scoffs] Money troubles? Embarrassing.
Bring them here. Let them immigrate to Aureatia.
You can't be serious.
[Rosclay] We'll give the mercenaries Aureatian citizenship.
We can put them to work supporting us.
Morio the Sentinel will stay behind in Okahu and govern.
And as for the Gray-Haired Child, he'll accompany Dant here.
[general 2] We'd be opening our gates to an enemy army,
letting them infiltrate us.
We'd be dividing their army, actually.
And more importantly, we'd effectively be taking the Gray-Haired Child hostage.
[Rosclay] Remember, he is the money behind Okahu's war effort.
Which brings the threat of war to a standstill,
but where does it end?
The Royal Games?
[Rosclay] This is how we turn the tables to our advantage.
As long as they fight in Aureatia...
they'll fight alone, without public support.
[Jelki] Clever.
However, they're not the only faction we need to be concerned about.
All of the Twenty-Nine Officials have a stake in this competition,
and each is formidable.
Don't worry, I'm aware.
And rest assured, I'm keeping tabs.
[Mestelexil laughing] Wow!
[laughing continues]
[Kiyazuna] What the hell?
You'd think they'd at least send someone to pick us up.
Ballsy way to treat Kiyazuna the Axle, I'll tell you that much.
If you wanted a ride, you should have asked for one.
Mestelexil was chomping at the bit to get here,
what was I supposed to do?
[Mestelexil] Keite! Keite!
You gotta show me around! Show me around!
[Mestelexil laughing]
- [Tu] Nice to meet ya! - [♪ gentle music playing]
[Krafnir] It's been a long time, Frinsda.
- Allow me to introduce Tu the Magic. - Mmm.
I'd like to recommend her as a Hero candidate.
[Frinsda chuckles]
Well, then I suppose introductions are in order.
Frinsda the Forerunner.
A pleasure.
[Tu] Hiya!
Though Krafnir, must you still use constructs to communicate?
[Frinsda] It's disappointing.
- Right? He's such a coward! - [Krafnir] Huh?
What? This isn't cowardice!
My mastery of remote construct synchronization
is on display for the world to see.
I'm demonstrating in real time, the viability of Soul Arts--
Stow it, Krafnir, you're putting us to sleep.
[Frinsda] So what you're saying is young Tu here is stronger than you.
[Krafnir] That's right.
- I'm leaving her in your care. - [surprised gasp]
Don't be scared. I'll take very good care of you.
Tell you what, I'll even treat you to snacks and tea every day.
[Tu] That sounds nice, but there's something else I want.
If I win...
I want to meet Sephite.
[wind whistling softly]
Hmm...
And you are?
[Psianop] I am Psianop.
Psianop the Inexhaustible Stagnation.
Psianop.
Should I know you?
[Psianop] We met at the Sand Labyrinth.
Since I've come to Aureatia,
I thought it only proper that I pay you a visit.
[Alus] Well, you wasted your time.
I have no memory of you whatsoever.
[Psianop] Do you "have memory" of Toroa the Awful?
The enchanted sword-wielding monster you claimed to kill.
Rumor has it he's back in Aureatia.
He's a fake. Out for revenge.
Funny though, that he hasn't come to cut me down.
Do you know why?
Because, unlike the real Toroa, he's weak.
[Psianop] Or perhaps he's strong, who knows? Could be.
Maybe he thinks the city wouldn't survive if you two came to blows.
And what if you and I fought?
Any ideas?
[burbles]
[Psianop] Hmm... Why don't we find out?
[rattling]
[voice] Aha!
If it isn't Toroa the Awful!
Long time, no see!
[Toroa] Mizial, right?
Don't you have work to be doing?
This time of year?
Military officers are off duty.
[Mizial] So, you running cargo?
[Toroa] Yeah. I'm taking this down to--
- [voice] Hey! - [both] Hmm?
You the man calling himself Toroa the Awful?
I represent the Great Tree of the Sun.
We're the vigilante group in charge of this area.
[vigilante 1] That's some costume you got there.
Word is you're using Toroa the Awful's name to scare the locals.
On top of that, I understand you don't even have citizenship.
As long as they have permission from the council,
a non-citizen is allowed temporary residence in Aureatia
for up to three months, you know that.
No one asked you.
This here's between us and the big fella.
[Toroa] What will make you happy? Should I leave?
You think that's enough to settle things?
Hand over the swords. All of them.
[Toroa] What was that?
Those are real enchanted swords, right?
That part you're not faking.
[Mizial] Stand down!
I am the Twenty-Second General of Aureatia.
[vigilante 1] So?
So you've got some nerve.
Where do you get off, causing trouble right in front of me?
We're working for a Hero now.
That means we don't take orders from you anymore.
- [whistling] - [Toroa groans]
- [vigilante 2 snickers] Almost had him! - [chuckling]
Now hand over the enchanted swords and be on your way.
I'm warning you.
If you don't, I'll burn this whole city dow--
- [groans] - What?
You thought you could talk down to a general and get away with it?
[vigilante 2] He killed the boss!
- [vigilante 3] Get him! - [vigilante 4] Now you're in trouble!
[vigilante 5] Time to die!
[Toroa] Wicked Sword Selfesk.
- [blades slashing] - [vigilantes groaning]
[vigilantes grunting]
- [chuckling] - [♪ music fades]
[Mizial panting]
That was great.
It's been a while since I've had a fight like that.
[Toroa] You know, that was reckless of you.
[Mizial] How come?
It's what you would have done.
Those enchanted swords belong to you.
It must get annoying when people try to take them away.
[Toroa] Mizial.
If I enter the Royal Games, could I become a citizen?
[Mizial laughs]
[Mizial] Toroa, that was a simple street fight.
You don't have to feel you owe me something.
[Toroa] Suppose you're right.
Still...
it might be fun.
Lena? That's a surprise.
[Kuuro] What do you want?
You, of course.
We would like you to return.
[Kuuro] To the Obsidian Eyes?
- [high-pitched ringing] - I've heard rumors
that the leader finally died.
Has his daughter become the new Obsidian?
[Kuuro] I see. Got it.
Well...
I suppose that's an improvement.
[Lena] You haven't changed.
And that's exactly why we need you back.
[Kuuro] I have no intention of returning.
Nor do I plan to side with Aureatia.
They tried to kill you, didn't they?
I heard it was after you observed the Particle Storm.
[Kuuro] Yeah.
You know, the ones who shot me, I never saw them back at the base.
Tell me.
[Kuuro] It wasn't your faction, was it,
- that tried to kill me? - [high-pitched ringing]
[♪ tense music playing]
[Kuuro] I see.
Even with Clairvoyance, I can't read the truth
if you don't know yourself.
[Lena] Kuuro the Cautious...
As a former comrade of ours, shouldn't you uphold your obligation?
It's only fair.
I can't.
I was injected with a serum when they brought me here.
I can no longer be a corpse.
[Lena] The Obsidian Eyes still need you
even if you're no longer capable of becoming a corpse.
In fact, it's better that you're not a corpse.
That's what the young lady would say.
[Kuuro] Is that so?
Perhaps she is different from Rehart.
See you.
[Kuuro] Take care of the young lady.
Master Kuuro...
We should have disposed of him when we had the chance.
Now it may come back to bite us.
This is a problem.
[Frey] If Kuuro has regained full control of his Clairvoyance,
he'll be able to see through all of our plans.
[Linaris] He is of no concern.
Kuuro has already stated that he won't lay a hand on us.
[Frey] And you believe that lie, my lady?
We'd do well to assume that Aureatia has some kind of leverage over him.
I'll look into the matter.
And if necessary, bring it under our control.
[Linaris] You will do no such thing, understand?
But my lady...
Tell me, Lady Frey, in all your years, have you known Master Kuuro to get angry?
[Frey] Not that I recall.
It is an extremely rare occurrence.
Kuuro doesn't get angry when his own life is in danger.
Only those he cares about.
The ones who should fear his wrath are the Aureatians.
[associate] Regarding the Royal Games...
The council intends to hold true duels.
[Kuze] You're kidding?
What happens when the True Hero dies in a match?
Won't that ruin their "grand unveiling"?
[associate] Here's my theory.
I don't think the council's found the True Hero.
And I don't think they care who it really was anyway.
They'll stick that title on whoever wins.
You know, the Order can still withdraw its sponsorship if you'd like.
[Kuze] You don't need to protect me.
I have no intention of losing.
Nastique wouldn't let me lose even if I wanted to.
- [carriage rattling] - [Kuze] Besides...
there's a fellow disciple out there I've been meaning to see.
I can't shake this hunch... we'll end up meeting at the Games.
[rumbles]
Outskirts of Aureatia, Gimina City
Hey! Handle that with care, you hear me?
[Mele] Watch those corners, and don't bump it!
[Yuno] Mele the Horizon's Roar.
I didn't realize he'd be competing in the Games as well.
And not just Mele.
There are powerful people from all over, and they've all gathered here.
Soujirou is one of those powerful people.
And I've brought him here under the guise of competing.
But the truth is... I want him dead.
[cracks]
[Yuno] Huh? [yelps]
[thuds]
- [Mele] Whoa, there. - Huh?
- [Yuno gasps] - Are you okay?
[Mele] Don't space out, minia.
You might wind up dead!
- [Mele laughing] - Oh.
- Uh, thanks, I'll keep that in mind. - [heavy stomping]
- [passerby] Hey, miss, your fruit. - Huh?
Look. They've gotten pretty dirty.
[Yuno] Oh. Thanks.
[Yuno chuckles awkwardly] These were meant to be a gift for someone.
Guess I'll have to go back and buy new ones.
Don't worry about it.
- You can have mine. - Huh?
It'd be a pain to have to go all the way back to the market.
Sure, but... I can't take these.
- Didn't you buy them for yourself? - [Kia] I dunno, did I?
It's fine. Like I said, don't worry, just take 'em.
I can whip up some more in the blink of an eye!
- So you're Shalk the Sound Slicer. - [♪ closing theme music playing]
Your reputation precedes you.
About the Royal Games, I've been given the slot meant for the Black Tone.
So I'm leaving Okahu, much as I hate to break a contract.
[Morio] Right. Well, I won't stop you.
A soldier is free to find their own battlefield.
Hell, if you killed me right now, it'd be quite the achievement.
[Shalk scoffs] All I want is information about the True Hero.
So why did you come here?
Shalk the Sound Slicer could've gone to the Final Land himself.
What's stopping you?
[Shalk] What, indeed.
The truth...
is that it frightens me.
[Yukiharu] Oh, man.
I'm lucky I made it outta that in one piece!
That was terrifying!
[Hiroto] Yukiharu Shijima, you did admirably.
So much so, that there's no more need
to investigate the True Demon King or the Hero at all.
For now, our first-phase goal is complete.
[Yukiharu] Oh? And you're okay with that?
If we keep this momentum and reveal the identity of the True Hero,
we could blow away all their schemes along with the Royal Games
- in one fell swoop! - [Hiroto chuckles]
I suppose, but that would only bring about Aureatia's collapse.
Instead, we've mobilized Okahu.
And we've even turned the Royal Games to our advantage.
Quite the peaceful infiltration, don't you think?
Oh, come on.
That's just statesman talk for invasion.
I swear, all you politicians are alike.
- [♪ music stops] - [Hiroto] We're nothing of the sort.
Pay attention, Yukiharu.
Invasions are bad for business.
I want an outcome where everyone wins.
A happy ending.
[♪ epic choral music playing]
[narrator] The True Demon King has died.
The enemy of the world, that filled the horizon with fear,
was defeated by an unknown Hero.
To this day, powerful beings still walk the world in great numbers.
Unable to be subdued with ordinary strength,
these demons are known as shura.
And so, the people seek a True Hero, one who will bring peace to the world.
It is now time for such a champion to be chosen.
There are 16 names for those shura.
Soujirou the Willow-Sword.
Alus the Star Runner.
Kia the World Word.
Nastique the Quiet Singer.
Mele the Horizon's Roar.
Linaris the Obsidian.
Toroa the Awful.
Mestelexil the Box of Desperate Knowledge.
Kuuro the Cautious.
Rosclay the Absolute.
Lucnoca the Winter.
Psianop the Inexhaustible Stagnation.
Uhak the Silent.
Shalk the Sound Slicer.
Tu the Magic.
And Hiroto the Paradox.
ISHURA