[MAN 2A chanting]
[groans] Keep it down.
[MAN] Huh?
[gasps] Get out, you degenerate!
[MAN] Shit. The hell did I do to deserve this?
[NANAHOSHI] Would you give it a rest?
Don't be such a child! You're wrong. So‐‐
[STUDENT 2A] You're the one who started‐‐
[MAN] Huh?
[gasps] H‐Hey!
Hey! Watch out!
[RUDEUS gasps]
[RUDEUS] I'd been making figures to practice earth magic.
Guess I ran out of MP and passed out.
My mana has grown a lot,
but I should learn to be more aware of my limits.
That's enough.
And speaking of "enough."
[RUDEUS] They're really going at it.
Let's hope for a little sister. Little brothers are the worst.
It might be fun to head down the hall to mess with them.
"Mommy? Daddy? What are you doin' naked?" [chuckles]
I'd love to hear their excuses.
[PAUL, ZENITH moaning]
[RUDEUS] Roxy's in the throes of adolescence.
As long as she didn't see me,
I'm classy enough to pretend I didn't see her.
But I did enjoy that.
[RUDEUS] It's been six months since Roxy got here.
She's a good teacher.
Her lessons are always fun and engaging.
At this point, I can use magic
at the Intermediate level without breaking a sweat.
So, we've started doing classroom‐style lessons
in the evenings as well.
But don't worry, there's no sexy time involved.
I've been a perfect gentleman.
[ROXY] Magic manifested thousands of years ago.
To defend themselves from threats,
the tribes to the north entreated the forest spirits
to grant them control over wind and earth.
Modern magic began when humans mimicked and reworked
the spells they saw in battle during the war with demonkind.
[RUDEUS] So there's a whole history to this and everything?
Of course.
[RUDEUS] Honestly, I'd prefer sexy time.
History was never my thing.
That's really exciting, though,
I had no idea this world had things like
spirits and demons and stuff!
Course it does.
And I'm a demon myself, actually.
Whoa! That's awesome, are you really?
Yes indeed.
Surely you remember how surprised your parents were
to see me when we first met.
Yeah, that was because you're so tiny, right?
I am not tiny!
But no, they were taken aback by the color of my hair.
[RUDEUS] How come?
You didn't know about demons,
so I take it you've never heard of a race called the Superd?
I haven't. Are they scary or something?
[ROXY] Yes. They're a green‐haired race
from the Babynos Region.
Four hundred years ago,
they led a killing spree during the Lahplace War.
After destroying their enemies in battle,
they'd immediately turn on their allies,
then slaughter the women and children
left defenseless back at camp.
They became as despised as they were violent.
After the war ended, they were driven from
the Demon Continent entirely.
Considered too dangerous to coexist with.
Growing up, I heard about them all the time.
Mostly things like, "Don't stay up too late,
or the Superd will find you and gobble you up."
[RUDEUS] I guess every world needs a good boogeyman.
[ROXY] Anyway, pay attention:
They're fairly easy to recognize,
they all have emerald green hair and red gems in their foreheads.
So don't you dare go anywhere near them.
If I do get too close, will they kill me?
[ROXY] They might follow you home and kill your whole family.
I'll be careful, then.
All that to say, my hair can look green in the wrong light,
and people tend to think the worst.
Well I think your hair is real pretty, miss.
[gasps] That's sweet of you.
Someday you'll grow up and find a girl you like,
so you should save lines like that for her.
Maybe, but I like you right now, miss!
[ROXY] I see. Well, if you still feel that way
ten years from now, feel free to say that again.
[RUDEUS] Look at that.
I knew all those hours I sunk into dating sims
wouldn't go to waste.
Better dust off those crappy pickup lines from my old life.
They could be the keys to the kingdom
in unlocking some passionate "relations."
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
[ROXY] The Superd will gobble you up.
[RUDEUS] 'Kay.
[RUDEUS] Roxy's been with us for about a year, now.
[RUDEUS] My steady practice has paid off.
Now, I never run out of mana.
I can use Advanced magic, and my lessons are as smooth as butter.
On the other hand...
[PAUL] It's a woosh and a slash!
That's basically it. Give it a shot!
[RUDEUS] So step in with a woosh and then...
Did I do it right?
[PAUL] No! That's stepping in with a hop and wham,
stay light on your feet!
Remember it's woosh and slash!
[RUDEUS] I'm still only four.
My body's not conditioned yet.
I have a long way to go, but I got this.
[BOYS giggling]
[BOY 2B] Hey, give it here!
[gasps]
[STUDENTS laughing]
[ROXY] What are you doing over there? You feeling okay?
[RUDEUS] Yeah, everything's fine.
[BOYS laughing]
[BOY 2A] Come on! Try to keep up!
[BOY 2B] Whatever, I'm faster than you!
So, back in my village, the climate was so harsh
that not even grass would grow.
It's hard to describe how this scenery makes me feel.
You know, I hope you get to stay with us forever.
I'm really lucky to have a teacher as cool as you.
Look over there.
You see that mountain range in the distance?
[RUDEUS] Are those the Red Dragon Mountains?
[ROXY] That's right. You've been studying hard.
[ROXY] This is the Fittoa Region.
But beyond the mountains to the north is a country called Ranoa.
[RUDEUS] Huh. What's it like up there?
[ROXY] It's always beautiful,
and it gets very cold in the winter.
The snow can pile up even taller than me.
[RUDEUS] That sounds amazing.
I'd love to see it sometime.
It's also home to the University of Magic,
the most prestigious magic school there is.
They offer more advanced, modern courses than anywhere else.
[RUDEUS] School. Not my favorite word.
[ROXY] Not to mention they happily accept students
from all different backgrounds.
There's no misplaced sense of pride,
no discrimination based on race or status.
Look. If you're interested in
furthering your magical education,
I think you should go to Ranoa.
I would have to leave the house before I could do that.
[ROXY] Hm?
Nothing.
But... who cares about school?
You're the only master I'll ever need, Miss Roxy.
You really shouldn't call me that anymore.
At this rate, your skill will easily surpass mine.
It's weird to call someone inferior to you your "master."
I don't think it's that weird at all.
Trust me, you'll understand sooner or later.
[RUDEUS] Roxy's been living with us for a year and a half.
And it turns out birthdays aren't
an annual celebration in this world.
Rather, we celebrate larger milestones,
with one big party every fifth birthday.
So you have food and gifts to look forward to
at five, ten, and fifteen, when you're considered an adult.
[ALL] Well, Rudy. From us to you,
happy fifth birthday!
[gasps] Thank you all so much!
[PAUL laughs]
[RUDEUS] How long has it been since anyone
cared about my birthday?
Since I became a recluse,
it's been less special than a fry in your onion rings.
[ZENITH laughing]
[RUDEUS] I'd forgotten this feeling. I kind of missed it.
[PAUL laughs]
[ALL laugh]
Happy birthday, little man. This is for you.
This is great, Father, thanks a lot.
Ahem. Now, then.
It's a little much for you right now but let it be a symbol.
For a man must carry a sword in his heart as well as on his hip.
It takes more than brute force
to defend the people who are dearest to you.
You'll have a wife and kids of your own someday,
and you'll need the courage to protect them.
Think about that as you grow into this weapon.
And don't think you can always rely on magic
to get the job done!
It's flashy, but terrible in close combat,
and you'll never keep up in fast‐paced battles.
However, learn the Sword God Style, and you‐‐
‐‐Enough! ‐‐[ROXY chuckles]
I've been excited about this one.
Look! I know how much you like books.
This is perfect, Mother, thank you!
It's exactly what I wanted!
[ZENITH squeals] You're such a good boy!
[ZENITH giggles]
[ROXY] And from me.
[ROXY] Your very own wand.
I crafted it yesterday.
That Magic Stone will amplify your mana.
It's so beautiful.
It's a typical gift for mastering Elementary magic,
so I should have given you this a lot sooner,
but you could already use it, so it completely slipped my mind.
My apologies.
That's all right, thank you very much.
I'll take good care of it, Master.
You learned four types of Advanced attack magic
before you turned five.
You've earned the right to be a little arrogant, you know.
[RUDEUS] Mm‐mm. No way.
I only got here 'cause you taught me so well.
Be that as it may, I'm afraid there's almost nothing left
I can offer that will be of any use to you.
Huh?
And so, tomorrow is your graduation exam.
[RUDEUS] Graduation?
[RUDEUS] Every time I think about leaving the house,
it comes flooding back.
[STUDENTS laughing]
[RUDEUS] Regret. Despair.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
When I was depressed or angry, I had a few go‐to fantasies.
I thought if suddenly I gained amazing powers,
or some hot girl showed up in need of help,
surely I would rise to the occasion.
[STUDENTS] Limp dick!
[RUDEUS] And one of those dreams actually came true.
But what if it ends when I step outside?
[FATHER] Keep your chin up! Be brave!
[RUDEUS] I know this is all real now,
and I promised myself I'd get serious,
but my body won't cooperate.
I want to cry.
Who's a good horse?
[RUDEUS] How far are we going?
[ROXY] The other side of the village.
[RUDEUS] We can't just do it in here the garden?
We cannot.
[RUDEUS] Are you sure?
Rudy's never been too keen on venturing out.
Maybe he's scared of monsters.
As long as we stay away from the forest, we'll be fine.
It's unusual to run into monsters around these parts.
And even if you do, they're all pretty weak.
Come here, kiddo. I promise Caravaggio's gentle.
Huh?
[chuckles] It's the horse you're afraid of, isn't it?
I'm really not that scared of horses.
[chuckles] Wow. You always act your age when I least expect it.
Upsy‐daisy.
There. Once we get moving,
you'll see there's nothing to worry about.
Master, no, I can't!
Time to be brave, Rudy.
Everything's gonna be fine. I'm right here.
[ZENITH] Good luck, Rudy! We love you!
[RUDEUS panting]
[gasps]
You see now? We're both okay.
[VILLAGER 2A] Huh?
[RUDEUS] Don't look at me like that.
[RUDEUS] Why are you staring? Cut it out.
[VILLAGER 2B] Thanks again for the other day.
Sure thing!
[RUDEUS] They're not staring at me.
Mornin', Roxy, how are ya?
[ROXY] Good morning.
[RUDEUS] They're all looking at Roxy.
[ROXY] Caravaggio is in a good mood.
I think he's happy that you're riding him, Rudy.
You really think so?
How do you feel now? Are you still nervous?
No, I actually feel pretty good.
[RUDEUS] And just like that, I had nothing to fear.
Why did I think anyone would mock me
in a peaceful village like this?
[VILLAGER 2H] How do you do?
[BOTH] How do you do, ma'am!
[RUDEUS] Roxy's amazing.
I'm sure she faced prejudice at first.
But now she's a beloved member of our community.
[RUDEUS] It's a nice village, huh, Master?
[ROXY] Yes. I've become quite fond of it.
This looks like a good spot.
[RUDEUS] It feels great out here!
I'm going to use the Saint‐Class Water spell Cumulonimbus.
I can only cast it once.
So watch closely, then attempt it on your own.
That is your final exam.
Are we doing this away from town because it's a secret spell?
[ROXY] No. We're here to make sure
we don't hurt anyone or damage crops.
[inhales, exhales]
O, spirits of the magnificent waters,
and imperial prince of lightning who rules the heavens.
I beseech thee to grant my wish and bless me with thy savagery!
Reveal thy might to this insignificant servant.
Strike awe with a blow of thy divine hammer on the anvil,
and cover the land in water!
Now come, O rain!
Sweep all else away in thy flood of destruction!
Cumulonimbus!
[RUDEUS gasps]
‐‐[CARAVAGGIO neighs] ‐‐[ROXY gasps]
[ROXY] No! What should I do now?
[RUDEUS] Cast a healing spell, Master! Hurry!
[ROXY] Y‐Yes! Yes, of course!
[ROXY] That was a close one.
May I ask that you keep this a secret from your parents?
You don't need to worry, I promise I won't say a thing.
[sighs] I appreciate that.
Now! Your turn, Rudy!
I'll be sure to keep Caravaggio safe!
[ROXY] Earth Fortress.
[RUDEUS] My final exam.
Which I suppose marks the end of my home tutoring.
O, spirits of the magnificent waters
and imperial prince of lightning who rules the heavens.
I beseech thee to grant my wish...
[RUDEUS] If I know Roxy, she'll say something like,
"I can't impose on you when I have nothing left to teach."
She may insist on leaving tomorrow.
Making this our last day together.
Look at that.
Now come, O rain.
Wash everything away...
[RUDEUS] I wish I had gotten to know her better.
Cumulonimbus!
[ROXY] I don't remember telling you to make it
bigger than my own demonstration.
Sorry if I overdid it.
It's kind of bittersweet.
[RUDEUS gasps]
In two years, you learned what took me a lifetime to perfect,
so I have nothing left to teach.
I'm proud of you, Rudy.
Congratulations. You're a Saint‐Class Water mage.
Roxy. You're more than welcome to stay here!
I still have plenty of recipes to teach you!
Yeah, don't go!
The villagers would love to have you around.
It's very kind of you to offer.
But I'd like to travel the world for a little while
and continue to hone my magical abilities.
I see. Well, in that case.
My apologies. I hate that our son made you
lose confidence in yourself.
[RUDEUS] That's a real garbage way of putting that, Paul.
Rudy. I hope you know I did the very best I could.
But I lack the ability to guide someone of your caliber.
That's not true at all.
You gave me more than I ever could have asked for, Master.
[gasps]
[ROXY] Hang on.
What is this?
[ROXY] It's an amulet from my village.
I wanted to give you something to commemorate your graduation.
I hope this is enough.
I'll treasure it forever!
I was hoping you'd say something like that.
I'd better get going.
'Til next time.
Master!
Thank you for everything!
[RUDEUS] I'm grateful. She really did give me so much.
Knowledge, experience, technique.
But most importantly, she brought me outside.
Such a simple thing.
But powerful.
She did something no one had been able to do
in over 20 years.
She helped heal me.
I know she'll never understand what that means to me.
[RUDEUS] Still. As long as I live,
I'm gonna respect that girl.
[RUDEUS] Oh, wait.
I still have a pair of her panties
I stole a few months ago.
My bad, Roxy.