So that's the true form of Linion, the Great Spirit of Water?
My liege,
there is no need for you to waste your time on such riffraff.
Then you handle them.
If you can take care of them in one blow, I'll grant you any reward you wish.
I am honored, my liege.
Your sword is as sharp as ever, Shin.
What reward do you desire?
If I may, the permission to reincarnate.
My sword belongs to you, my liege.
Though you may pass to bring about peace,
I cannot bear the shame of living in a world without you.
But you are not adept at essence magic.
You will not be able to retain your memories or skills in your next life.
The thought of learning swordsmanship from naught in a new age has its appeal.
Very well. Do as you will.
So you're here, Hero Kanon.
Killing him is never enough for him to die.
His essence magic is superior even to mine.
He is the only man in this world to possess seven essences.
He can restore himself time and again.
If Kanon is here,
then the Great Spirit Leno is here as well.
Find them.
Yes, my liege.
Come, Hero Kanon.
Show me your skill with the sword.
Aren't you excited?
What for?
The results of the dungeon exam.
We brought the scepter back.
We're getting full marks for sure!
Good morning.
First, an administrative detail.
Tomorrow, a transfer student will become part of this class.
One of the Cohorts of Chaos, the Flawless Fencer, a master of the sword,
and naturally, a Highblood.
White uniforms are to act with the proper respect towards him.
What a weird time to transfer.
Second, regarding the scepter which Anos's team recovered
during the dungeon examination...
Unfortunately, it was stolen before it could be appraised.
As a temporary measure,
Anos's team will receive 70 points until the culprit is apprehended.
This is unacceptable!
It was stolen on the academy's watch!
The appropriate temporary measure would be to give full marks.
I understand your reasoning, but there are various possibilities.
Maybe they stole it themselves so no one could find out it was fake.
He's a misfit, after all.
I also believe this to be unfair.
Would he receive the same treatment if he were a Highblood?
Is this not discrimination against Mudbloods?
Misa Illiorogue,
Unification Party lobbying is prohibited on academy grounds.
Return to your seat at once, or you will be punished.
What is all the fuss about?
We simply need to find the culprit.
What's the big idea?
It's clear for all to see.
If you're going to push a student to steal it, surely you could do better.
Quiet!
Tomorrow, Lord Gaios and Lord Idol
of the Seven Ancients will hold a special lecture!
Class begins now!
Lord Anos!
Thank you for covering for me earlier.
Your name was Misa?
Don't mention it.
Thank you very much.
That reminds me. Emilia said something about unification.
Are you interested in the Unification Party?
Hey! Personal space.
Excuse me.
As you know, Lord Anos, Dilhade is ruled by Highbloods
and those of mixed blood are treated poorly.
We of the Unification Party believe that there should be no barriers
and all demons should be unified, both pure and mixed blood.
Lord Anos, could I take you to meet the other party members?
The Unification Party believes that you, Lord Anos, are the Demon King of Atrocity.
We're still far from achieving our ideals, but there are a lot of us.
That includes Lord Melhace Bolan of the Seven Ancients.
So you have some freedom to lobby because of their support?
Yes.
You two believe that Lord Anos is the Demon King of Atrocity, correct?
It's not a matter of belief. It's the truth.
Then I hope you will join us as well!
What is this place?
The Union towers.
Students gather here after school to do all sorts of activities.
Is it okay for the Unification Party to gather on academy grounds?
No need for concern!
This is the headquarters of the Anos Fan Union!
"Anos Fan Union"?
It's Lord Anos!
What do I do? I'm breathing the same air as Lord Anos!
Does this count as an indirect kiss?
Pardon the disorderly reception.
Materials are stored here are in case the Fan Union ever comes under suspicion.
The fact that you can't be out in the open is a sign that you have no real power.
That is true.
It's as you say, Lord Anos.
There's something I'd like to show you.
This is...
This was left to me by my father.
As you may have noticed, Lord Anos, I am not a pure-blooded demon.
My father is a demon, but my mother is a spirit.
Half-spirit and half-demon?
My mother passed away soon after I was born.
I have never met my father.
Why not?
I think my father is a Highblood.
The duty of a Highblood is to leave a pure-blooded heir.
If a Highblood defiles that purity,
they and their family lose their Highblood status.
So no one can find out that they have a Mudblood daughter?
On my tenth birthday, he sent me this magic sword.
My father must have the other half of the sword.
One day, those of pure and mixed blood will join hands.
All of us are from similar circumstances.
All we want is to live in happiness with our families.
Please! Allow us to join your team, Lord Anos!
-Please allow us to fight alongside you! -Please allow us to fight alongside you!
Then you'll need to prove your determination.
Determination?
Very well.
We will do anything that you require, Lord Anos.
I can't do it! The sword's draining all my mana just from contact!
I can't draw it.
Oh, right. Wasn't the Flawless Fencer supposed to transfer in?
He's late?
As you all know,
there will soon be a magic fencing tournament
to determine the best swordsman in Dilhade.
All who intend to participate, draw one of these swords!
If you are able to draw a sword,
I, Gaios Anzem...
And I, Idol Anzio, will personally train you.
What's wrong, Sasha?
Can't draw it?
It seems magic swords don't like you much.
What about you?
Don't tell me you can't draw it.
That doesn't even rise to the level of a joke.
There's only one sword in this world that I can't draw.
There's a surprise.
I thought you'd say that there are no swords that you can't draw.
In the Mythical Age, there was a holy sword that only the Hero could use.
A great human smith created it specifically to destroy me.
A spirit inhabited it and the gods imbued it with blessings.
Even I couldn't draw it after all that.
Beautifully done, Anos Voldigoad!
I will train you myself!
Has anyone else managed to draw a sword,
or are you all wimps?
Who's that?
I've never seen him before!
Oh, was I not supposed to draw it?
So you are the transfer student.
Then perhaps you can introduce yourself by showing your skill with that sword.
In that case, I wish I hadn't drawn it.
Lost your nerve, have you?
Then I will surgically replace it for you!
I mean,
isn't it bad if I win?
I wouldn't say so.
It isn't so unusual for the Seven Ancients to lose.
Beautiful swordsmanship,
but you held back quite a bit.
Not as good as yours, I'd say.
Are you certain?
You have such talents. You could be a team leader!
That's not my style.
My name is Lay Glanzudlii.
Anos Voldigoad.
Would you allow me to join your team?
Taking orders from a capable leader is more my thing.
But...
Anos has that mark, so...
Mark?
Wow. If a demon as great as you is a misfit,
what was the point of nature assessment?
Lay!
That is anti-Highblood speech!
Oh, sorry.
Let's both pretend it never happened then.
You're an interesting fellow.
I'm glad you like me.
I hope we can get along.
I refuse.
If you want an easy ride, you can join one of the other teams.
If you truly wish to serve me, show me your determination.
Should I get on all fours and kiss your boots?
If you're looking to taste a kick to the face, I suppose that works.
You're a tough one, Mr. Anos.
When's the next inter-team exam?
Tomorrow.
I see.
Misa, you guys join Lay's team.
What?
If you say so, Lord Anos.
Join forces and fight.
If you achieve suitable results, you can serve me.
Well, okay.
I wanted to have a duel with you, anyway.
What a coincidence. Me too.
The next exam will be between Anos's team and Lay's team.
Very well. As planned, everyone.
I'm not a dependable leader, but I hope you'll lend me your strength.
Is something the matter?
No.
You're rather strange, Lay.
You talk to us white uniforms like equals.
Well, I don't like that kind of stuff.
The whole Highblood thing and all. It's too complicated for me.
And sometimes, I wonder...
About what?
Did the Ancestor really say that Highbloods were superior?
It's always felt weird to me.
Weird?
I can't help but imagine
the Demon King of Atrocity as someone else.
What's the plan?
I will fight Lay.
Then I'll take care of the rest.
Shall I make a castle?
Yeah.
Ice castle.
Misha, were you always able to make a perfect castle this quickly?
The power of the Frozen Lotus Leaf Ring...
That might be part of it.
What else could it be?
Ask your essence about that.
What?
I'd better get going.
You may be outnumbered, but if you serve me, don't come running for my help
I know. You'd better not lose!
Take care.
Sure.
Hey.
I've kept you waiting.
What's wrong?
What's that lump of lead?
I lent my magic sword to Misa.
She can hold it when we're under Gaize.
Normally, she couldn't, right?
Perhaps.
What's more...
What is that?
Guines. A spell to control objects.
So you're lending them mana as well?
I'm not good with magic.
I don't have much use for it, so I always have extra mana.
But at this rate, we can't call it an even match.
This will be my weapon.
Go easy on me!
You'd think it would be slower!
Sasha, do you need my help?
Don't look down on me! I serve the Demon King!
Then join up with Misha and cast Geoglaze.
That's impossible!
The two of us don't have enough mana!
Believe in me.
Are you done chatting yet?
If you want to shut my mouth, jam your sword in it.
Hey! Anos!
Sasha.
Okay. We have to do it.
Expanding three-dimensional magic circle.
Activating castle formula.
Magic lines linked.
Activating mana supply.
Annihilation seal complete.
Hellfire seal complete.
All mana gates open.
Activating magic circle.
Complete.
Hellfire Annihilation Cannon, requesting permission to activate.
Granted!
Let's go!
Fire.
Geoglaze!
Nice.
Since when did we have this much mana?
Dino Jixis.
What do you mean?
Anos said to ask our essence about it.
We went back in time and fused with our past essences.
That increased our mana?
Can't that Anos just say it straight...
I have you now, Sasha!
What's wrong?
I doubt that's all you've got.
Very nice.
I've never lost a point against a tree branch before.
You dissipated the impulse this time.
You're growing in the midst of battle.
Impressive.
I'll go a bit harder next.
Couldn't you just give me a serious fight?
I feel like I'm finally about to remember
how to use a sword!
You're pretty good.
Next, I'll cut you down, along with that robe.
Misha!
I'll help.
We won't lose!
Lord Anos will acknowledge us!
What is it?
I didn't think a day like this would come.
Let's show them the secret art of the Necron Family.
This is the end!
Fire magic, Gresde!
Ice magic, Shade!
-Fusion magic, Je Grade! -Fusion magic, Je Grade!
You wouldn't think it was our first time given how in sync we were.
What was that?
What's happening? An earthquake?
A volcano?
Hey! Anos! What are you doing?
You blew away a mountain!
The river is dry too.
A little damage shouldn't hurt.
This forest is filled with magic. It'll all be back by morning.
That's not the point!
Sorry. Mind hanging out a little longer?
You think I can cut that stick on the next exchange?
You've adjusted this much already?
You're good.
I'll give you a reward.
You look like you're having fun, Mr. Anos.
I haven't used this much strength against an opponent in a long time.
You don't look dissatisfied yourself!
Well, it's the first time
that I've been able to exchange blows with a sword for so long!
I know exactly how you feel!
I think I know how you feel too, Mr. Anos,
but it's about time to end this.
I have you now!
You really did manage to cut my weapon.
But I lost.
Mind if I ask something strange?
Go ahead.
I had this feeling the whole time we were fighting
that this isn't the first time we've met.
Then maybe we met each other 2,000 years ago.
I know a man who was just like you.
Lay, if I said I was the Demon King of Atrocity, would you believe it?
I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me either.
Oh, right. Since I lost, I guess this means I can't join your team, Mr. Anos?
Just Anos.
No need for formalities.
Then, Anos...
I'll win next time.
You won't even break my sword.
Next episode, "Magic Sword Tournament."