Summary
Warning: The following contains spoilers forMushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2, Episode 19, “Desert Journey”, now available to stream onCrunchyroll.
Since the beginning of the second partofMushoku Tensei’ssecond season, the series has relied more on romance and slice-of-life themes. However, with the latest episode, it seems fans are about to return to the thrill of adventuring present in the first season ofMushoku Tensei. Rudeus decides to go to Begaritt alongside Elinalise.
Despite the treacherous journey ahead of her man, Sylphy does not object to his decision but decides to support him. Leaving his wife as soon as she gets pregnant is sure to hurt, but Sylphy expresses no such pain and only wishes for Rudeus to journey to and fro safely. But would the journey truly be stress-free as Rudeus puts it?
Rudeus Races Against Time
Would Rudeus Make It In Time Before His Child Is Born?
Heading to Begaritt itself and leaving on a journey is no big deal. However, Sylphy’s pregnancy changes things, as Rudeus could potentially miss the birth of his child and be absent in the child’s early years. This outcome seems very plausible, as the Man-God also warned Rudeus about going to Begaritt. While theMan God is not one to be trusted, he has a point. Luckily for Rudeus, after he goes to announce it to Nanahoshi, she shows him a map containing all the teleportation magic circles on the continent. With this, Rudeus’ roughly two-year journey can be drastically shortened, if all goes according to plan.
Even before having teleportation circles as a shortcut to Begaritt, Rudeus always seemed confident that he’d get there, easily rescue his folks, and get out. Whether or not he may be simply optimistic or naive, it’s important to note that apart from Rudeus’ mother being in a pinch, Roxy is also trapped and lost in a labyrinth. If Paul simply needed an additional mage and fighter, there’d be no need to call on Rudeus and Elinalise, who are so far away. Hopefully, things do go as optimistic as Rudeus put it; however, even the grand and emotional goodbye portrayed in the series suggests otherwise.
The Dangers Of Teleportation Circles
A Perilous Shortcut With A Controversial History
Thanks to Nanahoshi, Rudeus and Elinalise’s journey has been considerably shortened. However, each and every character who heard they’d be using teleportation to get to their destination sooner rather than later seemed more disturbed than ecstatic.The aftereffects of the Teleport Incidenthave shown just how dangerous and scary teleportation can be. To further drive in the dangers associated with teleportation, it seems the government system inMushoku Tenseiis against it and erases all teleportation circles found. While their fears are undoubtedly grounded, the presence of good and working teleportation circles makes one wonder just when people began to fear teleportation and when it eventually got banned. After all, if utilized properly, teleportation is something that’ll be immensely beneficial to the fantasy world as a whole. And the benefits it offers should outweigh the fears and risks.
Interestingly, to undo the barrier surrounding the teleportation grounds, Rudeus recited a chant with theHoly Dragon Emperor Szilard’s name, a past dragon god and one of the rulers of the dragon world before it was destroyed. Using subtle cues like thisto tell ofMushoku Tensei’spast makes the series endearing and portrays a deep plot.
Rudeus And Elinalise Go To Begaritt
The Difference Between Power And Experience
Thankfully, Rudeusand Elinalise arrivesafely after taking the teleportation circle to Begaritt. Arriving in the middle of a desert, the duo begins to journey forth to the labyrinth. Rudeus is undoubtedly a skilled mage; however, Elinalise’s experience as an adventurer and fighter comes into play. In terms of battling monsters, and overcoming large towering walls, Rudeus' large mana pool comes in handy. But in detecting the monsters and dangers associated with travel, Elinalise does a much better job than Rudeus. Their teamwork shows that without either of them being present, the other would’ve had a much harder time reaching their destination. This shows the importance of both skill and experience when it comes to adventuring. After all, despite being all-powerful, Rudeus quickly fell for the succubus enchantment. And without Rudeus' magical abilities, they would’ve had to go through a detour to overcome the towering wall. Thankfully, neither adventurer is being carried by the other, and they both have something to contribute, making the presence of each important.
The Thrill Of Adventure Returns To Mushoku Tensei
What Exciting Adventures Await?
After about six episodesof romance and slice of life, fans are happy to feel the thrill of a fantasy andadventure-based Isekai series. What Rudeus will meet in the labyrinth is unknown; however, from the opening song of the series, the battles against whatever monster has Rudeus’ mother captive are sure to be interesting. Hopefully, Rudeus quickly saves his family and gets back before Sylphy gives birth, but not so fast that fans are dragged back into a slice-of-life/romance focus after a few episodes. Moreover, seeing Paul back in action and fighting side by side with his son is sure to be a memorable moment for both fans and the father-son duo.
