01x01 - Starting 12 Years Late

[bunniefuu]

[thunder rumbling]

♪

[expl*si*n]

[grunting]

[breathing heavily]

♪

[RICK]

I'm gonna die.

♪

Good.

He's shaped up well

over these last two years.

Next is his E-rank test!

Should be easy

for him at this point.

Yeah, I'd be more worried

about the arena breaking

than his body.

♪

[thunder rumbling]

[breathing heavily]

Not enough.

I'm still nowhere

near their power.

The Ossan Newbie Adventurer,

Trained to Death

by the Most Powerful Party,

Became Invincible.

[MALE NARRATOR 1A]

Chase your dreams

while you're

young enough to do so.

It's common

to say things like that.

For adventurers who use

their body for work, doubly so.

But not every adult manages

to see their dreams come true.

And some of them

haven't given up.

[FEMALE RECEPTIONIST 1A]

For the E-rank promotion test.

Please form a line here.

[MALE RECEPTIONIST 1A]

Please have your Guild ID

ready to present.

[FEMALE ADVENTURER 1C] Here.

[groaning]

[ALISA] Here's your

admission ticket for the test.

Best of luck on it.

[FEMALE EXAMINEE 1A]

Thank you!

[footfall]

- [RICK] If you don't mind.

- Sure! And you are?

Hold on.

You're Rick!

[ALISA]

We used to work together!

[gasps]

Remember me?

I'm Alisa!

Oh!

It's been quite a while!

You were transferred here

in the last two years?

Yeah!

But the way you left

came as a surprise!

[ALISA] Your resignation

came out of nowhere!

- [RICK] I quit!

- [both gasping]

♪

Then you chose to become

an adventurer

at the age of 30!

We were all surprised

by that one!

Fair enough.

I'll be the first to admit

I got a pretty late start

on the whole

adventuring way of life.

Unlike most, who become F-rank

apprentices in their teens

and then advance

to the E-rank novice level

after a couple of years.

That's normal.

[ALISA]

But anyway, I've been curious!

What have you been up to

since you left the Guild?

[RICK] Well, I spent most

of my time in the mountains.

I was training

with some adventurers.

[DOMULD]

Hey, there, cutie!

Wanna go somewhere?

[hiccupping]

Uh, no.

I'm afraid I'm busy now.

You're really wasting

that beautiful face,

workin' all day!

You could have way

more fun alone with me!

- That's inappropriate.

- [DOMULD] Quit yapping!

I want a girl who shuts up

and listens when I talk!

Whoa, hey, let's relax!

[DOMULD]

Huh? Who are you?

Come on,

why don't we talk this out?

[gasps]

Sorry about this and thanks.

[RICK]

Hey, no problem.

I dealt with this all the time

when I worked at the Guild.

- [choking]

- You good?

Why's he on the ground?

[ALISA]

Rick, what's wrong?

- [groaning]

- He probably just passed out.

Let's take note!

Drink responsibly,

or don't drink at all!

Mm-hm.

[giggles]

Right!

Let's get your exam ticket!

Here!

[ALISA] Wishing you all

the best on the E-rank test!

[RICK]

Thank you.

So looks like

I'm examinee 4-2-4-2.

[gasps]

That's a lot of people.

Oh, well

[REANETTE]

Have you finished registering?

[RICK] Yeah.

It's taken care of, Reanette.

Is it now?

Wha

I mean.

Those kids, it's nice to watch

them chase their dreams!

Yeah, they're just

full of energy.

I feel inspired

to be like them!

Is that "energy" why your eyes

are glued to my chest?

[RICK]

What do you mean?

[MALE EXAMINEE 1C] Look

at that, how did this happen?

[FEMALE EXAMINEE 1C] Shouldn't

steel armor be tougher to dent?

[MALE GUARD 1A]

Hey, we found him!

It's Domuld!

A former A-rank adventurer

who's wanted for as*ault!

[MALE GUARD 1B]

Is he the same guy known

as "the Fiendish Knight?"

Wait a sec.

♪

[ALISA]

Could this have been Rick?

Let's see.

4-2-4-2 at a 174 centimeters.

Wait, 32 years old?

Huh?

♪

[MALE MEDICAL INSPECTOR 1C]

For our next test

we need each of you to place

your hands on this crystal.

The light emitted will let us

measure your magic reserves.

♪

D plus.

D minus.

- C plus.

- [ALL] Ah!

♪

[sighing]

- [RICK] Ahh

- F minus.

[laughs]

F minus?

Poor old man!

Sheesh, that must be rough.

I'd just go home.

I hope

I don't end up like that.

Yes.

Well, moving on.

[gasps]

[FEMALE EXAMINER 1A]

Please direct all your strength

into a single blow.

We will measure

the force of it on this.

It has the capacity

to absorb powerful attacks,

so we encourage

giving it your all.

[RICK]

A slime bag, huh?

[BROUGHSTON] No matter what

weapon or magic you may use,

your body will be the

foundation for everything.

Your task is to destroy

this golden slime bag

with your bare hands.

Only then can you be certain

you've developed

a body you can trust.

Isn't golden

a little too strong?

I don't think anyone could

destroy something

as strong as dragon's teeth

with nothing

but their bare hands!

[ROUGHSTON]

This is easy for an adventurer.

In case you're wondering.

[gasps]

[ROUGHSTON]

I can destroy 200 at once.

Good, we will start with

50,000 punches every day!

[screaming]

[RICK] I get tired

just thinking of that!

Next, 4-2-3-6.

You're up.

Right!

[growling]

Strengthening magic, huh?

Not bad.

[FEMALE EXAMINER 1A]

Next, 4-2-3-7.

[footfall]

[scoffs]

It is time to show these

peasants how strong I am.

You may clap.

This kid must be the second son

of the Duke of Diarmuit.

He's only 11, but they say

he already has magic equivalent

to a C-rank adventurer.

A child prodigy,

if I've ever heard of one.

I believe the time has come!

[growls]

Flames of hell.

Let your heat rise

and turn this world into ash!

[all gasping]

Level three Nature Magic

Flame Eliminate!

That's it?

- [MALE EXAMINEE 1D] Incredible!

- Yes. I suppose that will do.

Good, the prodigy

lives up to his name.

[RICK] Hold on, that was

level three nature blaze magic?

♪

Whaddaya say, Ricky?

Ready?

♪

- [ALICERETTE] Catch!

- [whimpering]

[screams]

[RICK]

I'm dead! I'm gonna die!

That wasn't anything

like the blaze magic

I'm used to seeing.

Did he compress it

for use indoors?

This kid's a genius!

[growling]

[grunts]

[RICK] It's good to know

that even a green one

can absorb attacks

with this level of efficiency.

[FEMALE EXAMINER 1A]

Next, 4-2-4-2.

Right!

♪

[MALE EXAMINER 1A]

A moment, please.

It says here you didn't start

as an adventurer

until you were already 30.

Is that correct?

[RICK]

Yes.

You should train

your magic reserves

while you're still

young enough to do so.

It's much too late

for someone your age.

What's more, the measurements

on your reserves left

much to be desired.

[MALE EXAMINER 1A]

I say this for your own good,

you should give up

and go back to your day job.

[sighs]

[RICK]

He's not wrong.

But

♪

[breathing heavily]

[BROUGHSTON] You have

30,000 punches left today.

Will you stay down?

[grunting]

No, I'm up!

I'm not about

to quit so easily!

♪

[RICK] Maybe I did get a late

start in pursuing my dreams.

But hey,

what's so wrong with that?

What age is too old

to be an adventurer?

What age is too old

to start doing something new?

It doesn't matter!

[growling]

[all whimpering]

Wait. What?

Was it broken?

[FREED] No.

Who is this old freak?

This was supposed to be

a day dedicated to me!

[scoffs] [smirks]

No matter.

My real specialty

is defense magic.

When they measure

our defensive ability,

I'll put him in his place!

[expl*si*n]

[rumbling]

[all gasping]

But that was a level four

nature magic spell

even I couldn't

defend against that.

[panting]

[MALE MAGIC EXAMINER 1A]

Hey, 4-2-4-2.

You're really

something else, man.

Appreciate it!

I made sure to use

defensive magic to block!

[MALE MAGIC EXAMINER 1A]

But you only cast Air Cushion,

didn't you?

That's level one!

Correct.

Well, I suppose

I'll have to go up a notch

and use level five nature magic

to really test your skill.

I recommend using a higher

order of defensive magic

to protect yourself.

Uh, honestly that's all I have.

I'm ashamed to say

I can only use one attack

and one defense spell

in the nature class,

and both of them

are level one.

That's it?

Even though you demonstrated

such precise control

over that spell?

Yeah.

But don't worry!

I think what I have

will protect me well enough.

[MALE MAGIC EXAMINER 1A]

It seems like you're

underestimating me.

Then I refuse to hold back.

O saints, who turn your eyes

up to the ramparts.

O soldiers, who hold firm

to the walls.

Rush forward

and blow through, like a gale

from the southwest skies.

Listen to the sound of the

waves breaking down the walls!

Level-Five Nature Magic

Shock Cyclone!

♪

[shattering]

That's crazy!

What was that?

An attack?

[groaning]

That noise was more than

I'd expect from a simple test.

What's going on?

[FEMALE EXAMINER 1A]

Sir Sylvester, well

[SYLVESTER]

Interesting.

You mean to tell me that

an F-rank adventurer

destroyed a green slime bag

with a single punch.

How bizarre.

Then if I understand

he used a level one spell

to block a level five?

[FEMALE EXAMINER 1A]

Yes.

Fascinating.

Is this some kind

of joke from the Guild?

[FEMALE EXAMINER 1A]

He's an authentic examinee.

- Take a look.

- Hm?

Hmm.

Rick Gladiatol,

a 32 year-old adventurer.

Wait, 32 years old?

[SYLVESTER] Used to work

over at the Guild's Tiger Road

Cinquat branch for 14 years?

[FEMALE INSTRUCTOR 1A]

Begin!

Hmm.

This receptionist position

is it often held by people

who are strong enough

to k*ll a dragon?

[FEMALE EXAMINER 1A] I don't

believe that's a requirement.

[SYLVESTER]

I thought not.

♪

Made from slime-type monsters

and encased in leather

it excels at absorbing

attacks

so it is used in magic

and martial arts training.

High, Strength, Low, Gold,

Silver, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green

♪

[groaning sigh]

I'm finally done

with the preliminary test.

Did the written exam

go as well as you hoped?

[grunts]

Got no concern about that!

Those 14 years

weren't for nothing!

You are certainly unmatched

in your clerical skills.

[sighs]

But the main grade?

Not out of the woods yet.

You're concerned about

your practical test results?

I think I did above average

in a lot of the areas

but I got an F minus

in magic reserves.

You shouldn't worry.

You've gotten better

since we started.

Surely you can see the results

of your training

these past two years?

[sighs]

Guess I have improved.

Yeah.

[FREED] [grunts]

Listen up, commoner!

Huh?

Oh, you're that

prodigy from before.

Hold on, Nu

My name is Freed Diarmuit!

There isn't a single "N"

in my first or last name!

What's wrong?

You lost?

That's rough, kid.

But happy to help you

find your parents.

Don't mock me, old man!

Today was my chance!

I wanted to make everyone

else there jealous of me

but you just had to ruin

my magnificent debut!

Calm down.

[FREED]

All the other applicants

could only talk about

how strong you were.

- [sobbing]

- Whoa, there's no need to cry!

[ANGELICA]

You there, peasant!

How dare you upset Freed?

Now, you will answer to me!

[sobbing]

I don't like this guy!

Hi, there.

Are you this young

man's sister?

Yes, my name is Angelica.

Eldest daughter

of the House of Diarmuit.

Your sweet little brother

was being bullied

by this 40-ish year old!

I'm still only 30-ish!

- [sneers]

- It'll be fine.

Pay no heed

to the 40-ish year-old man.

[RICK]

I'm not even late 30s!

[ANGELICA]

Shut your mouth.

My adorable Freed

is insisting you're 40-ish.

Therefore, it must be so!

[RICK]

I'm early 30s!

You still stand

against his word?

Ah?

You are hereby

challenged to a duel!

Seriously?

People will think you're rude,

throwing stuff like that.

And probably got

your gloves all dirty.

Maybe a noble lady wouldn't

need to learn about this

but washing clothes

is a lot of work!

You picked it up.

Unless I am mistaken here,

does that not mean

you accept the duel?

Uhh.

Then we shall have our fight!

[ANGELICA]

Prepare yourself!

I, Knight of the Realm

second class,

Angelica Diarmuit,

will now mete out punishment

to this 40-ish year old!

[sighs] Why did this turn

into such a big deal?

[ANGELICA]

Before we begin our duel,

each participant may

propose one condition

per the Kingdom

of Filheim's laws.

I will give you

my condition first.

Whoever loses will act

as the victor's servant

until they no longer

draw breath!

Go, Angelica!

Make him bow down to you!

Yes, that would seem a most

befitting punishment

for this low-life.

[groans]

[RICK]

Hey, Reanette?

Are you familiar with those

"Knights of the Realm"

she mentioned something about?

Yes.

The Knights of the Realm

are protectors

of the peace in Filheim.

Somewhat akin to adventurers.

She told us

she's a knight second class

which is roughly equivalent

to a B-rank.

[RICK]

B-rank?

Aren't B-ranks

tough enough to defeat

the most

high-level monsters solo?

I implore you,

try to go easy on her.

Why tell me that?

What possible threat could

an F-rank adventurer like me

pose against

a second-class knight?

Are you nervous?

Who wouldn't be nervous

when they're staring

their own mortality

in the face?

Naturally, but you cannot

forget your training

from these past two years.

How could I ever forget?

♪

Help me!

I feel like my life is ending.

Help!

[gagging]

[REANETTE]

Feel better?

[RICK] Significantly worse,

thank you very much.

But aren't you less nervous

about the battle to come?

Have confidence in yourself.

Orichalcum Fist is the

strongest on the continent,

and we all consider you

a member of our party.

♪

[chuckles]

Thank you, Reanette.

I'll make this fast.

No doubt about that.

Best of luck.

[ANGELICA]

Hmph, it seems

you've finally

steeled yourself.

[RICK] I'm up against

a knight second class.

All I can do is try my hardest

and hope for the best.

♪

Of course, you

are merely an F-rank,

so I will be a gentle foe,

and refrain from k*lling you.

♪

[RICK] So, she uses

strengthening magic

on her body and weapons.

I'm curious to see

how you'll fare

against the speed of a noble!

Flickering Feet!

[gasps]

Wha

[ANGELICA]

In lieu of a proper greeting,

I thought it kind

to make myself slower.

Though it seems the F-rank

was still unable to keep up.

[thudding]

Has my dazzling talent

left you speechless?

[laughs]

Ya see that, 40-ish guy?

Because of how fast she is,

people call my sister

Angelica the Flash!

♪

The Flash?

[groaning]

Now this time

I will forgo the warning shots!

[ANGELICA]

Flickering Feet!

[gasps]

♪

[RICK] She's so slow.

She's significantly slower than

I am running at a normal pace.

"The Flash?"

I didn't mishear him

or anything, right?

But this?

- Don't forget to dodge.

- [gasps]

[ANGELICA]

He evaded me?

And it didn't seem

to be an accident.

No, there's no way

that's possible.

Even when I'm sparring

against the knights first class

few of them can truly

react to my speed!

You may have managed

to dodge me once,

but there won't be

a second time!

Flickering Feet!

[RICK]

She is absurdly slow!

This can't be

a knight second class.

Maybe the knights have

a problem with nepotism?

Or, who knows?

Maybe I'm just way stronger

than I thought?

- Yeah, right?

- [growling]

[ANGELICA]

A rock?

[screams]

[RICK]

Well, I should dodge this one.

[screaming]

[RICK] Whoa, it's fast!

Much faster!

[metal clanging]

[panting]

[gasps]

Was that on purpose?

I couldn't figure out what

she was trying to do at all!

What an incredible skill!

[RICK] And I thought

for a second I might be strong?

How arrogant?

I'm nothing but

a frightened F-rank newbie!

Look at how powerful she is!

The difference is staggering!

[whimpering]

[ANGELICA]

I just tripped on a rock

and completely lost control,

but I'll pretend

I meant to do that.

Wow, I'm impressed

you were able to dodge

one of my signature moves.

[ANGELICA]

In that case,

I'll make my next attack

even faster.

For this Flickering Feet.

I have to put such

a heavy toll on my body,

that I can only use it

three times in succession.

My speed will be incomparable

to what you've

experienced thus far.

[growling]

Flickering Feet Thousandths!

♪

[RICK]

She's three times faster now,

but it's still insanely slow!

Of course, if I don't

take her seriously,

she might unleash

another signature move.

[ANGELICA]

How did he dodge that, too?

He's a nobody, isn't he?

[panting]

♪

That was the first

of my Thousandths.

I only have two more!

What do I do?

It's fine.

If the first one didn't work

I just need to strike

multiple times in a row!

Flickering Feet, Thousandths!

[RICK]

We'll never settle things

if I stay on the defensive!

[grunts]

He dodged me again.

One more, that's it!

♪

Let's go!

[ANGELICA]

Flickering Feet Thousandths!

[RICK]

All right, let's fight back!

[growling]

- [ANGELICA] Not again!

- [gasps]

- [screaming]

- [RICK] A change up?

[RICK]

Crap, react fast!

[screaming]

[gasping]

Huh.

Uh

[ANGELICA] What would've

happened if I hadn't tripped?

He almost punched

straight through me!

[RICK] I knew you were

skilled enough to dodge that.

Uh, who are you?

What kind of life

can make you this strong?

Oh, two years ago,

I resigned from my position

as a Guild receptionist

to try to become an adventurer.

I'm just an average F-rank.

That's the biggest lie

I've ever heard!

[RICK] But I'm facing

a knight second class.

I don't know how effective my

normal punches are against you.

[whimpering]

[RICK] I'll consider this

a learning experience.

I

And give you

everything I've got!

- I-I-I-I-I!

- Round two!

- I fully surrender.

- Let's go!

Wait, what?

But why?

What's wrong?

Uh, are you okay?

Yes, well, uh make no mistake!

I felt bad, so I'm letting you

have the win this time!

Oh, for real?

Sure, I uh, I'm impressed!

Very few

can dodge Flickering Feet,

so I'll give you

a pass for the day!

[ANGELICA] We're getting

out of here, Freed.

Right!

♪

What about

the conditions we set?

- [whimpering]

- Let me think.

Whoever loses will act

as the victor's servant

until they no longer

draw a breath!

So, since I never

proposed anything,

can I just go with yours

and we'll say

that you're my servant

until one of us drops dead?

[inhales deeply]

[ANGELICA]

Overcome your past limits,

o trusted legs of mine!

Flickering Feet, Thousandths!

- Where are you going?

- [RICK] She got faster!

[FREED] Wait, come back here!

Don't leave without me!

Well, that happened.

I don't know if I can

call that one a win.

Your opponent

confessed her defeat

and acknowledged

your win in full.

[RICK] But it did feel

a little anticlimactic, though.

Well, more importantly,

it's time for the results

of the preliminary exam.

Ah, you're right!

[sighs]

I really hope I passed.

Furthermore, Broughston

and the others have sent word.

They will arrive soon.

What?

Wait.

They're coming here?

But why?

[REANETTE] Apparently, they'd

like to see how you're faring.

Why?

[wailing]

♪

[RICK] I've got a feeling

this won't be good!