01x11 - Fistfight on Equal Ground

[bunniefuu]

[ANNOUNCER] Winner!

Broughston Ashorc!

- That's the Broughston I know!

- That's my boss!

[gasps]

Hey, why are you copying me?

I oughta be askin' you

the same thing!

[both growl]

♪

[RICK] You rocked it!

Great work out there!

I can't believe you had

such a one-sided victory!

And against the champion!

Was it really one-sided?

The last hit was a force

to be reckoned with.

Now that we're the only ones

left standing,

we're guaranteed the jewel.

The only thing left

is for me to withdraw!

No need.

Our fight shall be grand.

[gasps]

Oh, yeah.

[footsteps receding]

♪

[whimpering]

He's immediately balding?

THE OSSAN NEWBIE ADVENTURER,

TRAINED TO DEATH

BY THE MOST POWERFUL PARTY,

BECAME INVINCIBLE

- [BOY 1] There!

- [BOY 2] Iron Body!

[KELVIN] "The semi-final was

undoubtedly exciting,

but he has held back

his strength

on the hallowed grounds

of the King of Fists Tournament

and deceived

everyone watching.

Many of Kelvin's would-be fans

criticize him for that."

Tough luck.

- [paper rustling]

- Looks like I'm the heel now.

Still worth it?

- [BOY 1] Take that!

- [BOY 2] I'll show you!

Try to dodge Rolling Fang!

[BOY 1]

Burn your soul for fuel!

Yeah, still worth it.

But I gotta ask,

what was that attack?

Can't believe you've been

hiding a move like that

from me for so long.

I don't totally remember

what I was doing.

I was in the moment.

It needs a name.

Nature Composed Spiral Fist?

Make it your signature.

[KELVIN]

What for?

That newspaper was spot on.

I tricked you.

I was lying to everyone.

I even lost.

I deserve this.

In your own way,

you were trying

to be considerate

of the audience.

And who cares

if you lost this one?

Just get stronger

and win the next one.

Same strategy

you've always had.

Hey,

why're you still here?

You don't have to

look out for me like you do.

Huh?

[chuckles]

Dumb kid.

Why else?

You've always been

like a son to me.

You know.

- You're like

- [door opens]

Uh!

Pardon me.

My bad.

- You're fine.

- [groans]

Don't worry.

[BROUGHSTON]

How are you faring today?

Most beat up I've ever been.

Thanks to you.

[BROUGHSTON]

Then allow me to treat you.

'Preciate it, but I'll pass.

Right now

I actually feel

thankful for the pain.

Understood.

Guess it worked out just like

your human pal told me.

[BROUGHSTON]

Hm?

[KELVIN]

Rick, was it?

He told me things would be

different with you.

Oh, he said that?

[KELVIN]

Good luck, man.

Looking forward to watching.

[BROUGHSTON]

Thank you.

[chuckles softly]

[SNAPE]

Pardon the intrusion,

where is Mister Gladiatol?

What?

He's hiding?

Come out!

Stop acting like a child

and come out here this instant!

[RICK]

No, I don't wanna!

He's just gonna k*ll me!

I'm too scared to

go through that again!

[ANGELICA]

But you have a responsibility!

Steel your resolve!

[RICK]

No, you can't make me!

[SNAPE] I came to give him

some encouragement.

I didn't imagine I'd find him

in a state like this.

[ANGELICA]

He's utterly inconsolable.

- [Alicerette humming]

- Good, sir,

since Kelvin is already

eliminated

everyone is extremely

excited for the finals.

A great deal of that excitement

comes from wanting

to watch you perform!

What does that matter?

It's just a tournament.

They'll get over it!

- [SNAPE] Will they, now?

- [Alicerette humming]

[breathes deeply]

[SNAPE (SONG)]

Oh, Rick Gladiatol! ♪

The hearts of the kingdom

come together ♪

For the tournament

every year! ♪

Hundreds of millions

are at stake here! ♪

All across the land ♪

Fans are watching

in eager anticipation ♪

Desperate to see

their next champion rise! ♪

Of course. ♪

I would never consider

asking you to do ♪

anything that could put

your life into harm's way. ♪

So, it's all for naught. ♪

[sighs]

What a shame.

Everyone's dreams

left in the dust!

Oh, how tragic.

How horribly tragic!

- You're guilted that easily?

[Rick crying]

Snape was right for once!

You really should

fight in the finals!

Why are you making it

a big deal?

You've died before,

so what's one more time?

They'll just bring you back

like they always do!

Awfully easy for someone

who's never had to actually

experience it to say!

Of course, I know

they'll resurrect me!

That doesn't mean

it's not scary!

[ANGELICA]

I know you have trauma

around Broughston's training,

but you dealt with it

for two years, right?

How bad could one match

against him be?

It'll be no different

than what you've done before!

Training with him

and fighting with him

are totally different!

You couldn't

possibly understand!

[exhales]

I couldn't, huh?

I had so much respect for you

after all you've taught me

but that was misplaced!

[footsteps receding]

- Huh?

- Huh?

You know, my man.

I've got a cool secret for ya.

And what would that be?

You remember

back to the first day

you arrived at the castle?

How the cap had

his training plan ready to go?

A complicated one, at that.

Two full years of training,

just waiting.

[RICK] Now that you mention it,

it is unusual.

I guess he already knew

you'd need some allies

in the fight against

Kaiser Alsapiet?

Sure, you're not wrong

saying that.

But he had

another goal in mind.

He's always wanted

to find someone

he can fight as an equal.

So, he took matters

into his own hands.

[RICK]

What?

Orc culture largely

revolves around fighting.

It's through combat

that they come

to understand each other.

But our captain was

born too strong.

So even as a kid,

he could never find someone

who could take a slug

like he can.

[kids laughing]

[MIZETT]

He's been alone.

All his life.

You ask his dream,

he'd say he wants

a fight with somebody

who can match up to him.

He's probably thinking

tomorrow might be the big day.

Least that's what

I would think.

On the one hand,

withdrawing isn't a big deal

at this point.

But on the other hand,

maybe it is.

[footsteps receding]

[footsteps approaching]

Hey, Ricky?

Broughsy is really excited

for your fight tomorrow.

You should play

with your friends.

[footsteps receding]

♪

TWO AND A HALF

YEARS EARLIER

[REANETTE]

We have arrived.

Welcome to Orichalcum Fist,

Mister Rick.

This is amazing!

- And this, is our leader.

- [stomps]

I'm Broughston Ashorc.

[whimpering]

[RICK] Sir!

Very pleased to meet you!

Hm?

No knowledge of martial arts

and terribly

low magic reserves.

Wait, you can tell

just from a handshake?

By watching both your muscles

and your magical energy,

it is easy.

[RICK]

That's fascinating!

As you are now,

you lack the abilities

adventurers need to survive.

I presume you're aware?

[RICK]

So, he's just another guy

who'll say

I'm better off giving up.

Are you trying to tell me

it's impossible

to follow my dream?

- It's not.

- [Rick gasps]

But it will require vastly

more effort from you

than someone with

natural talent.

I was asking

if you're prepared for that.

To endure the worst.

♪

- [cup clatters]

- [ANGELICA] Sheesh!

What a pathetic loser!

Can't say that I would be doing

any better if I were him.

Same here!

[chomps]

- Was his training that bad?

- [gulping]

I was shocked

to see him so afraid.

[Mizett exhales]

[MIZETT]

He went through hell,

and his reward was more hell.

I'm still shocked he didn't go

completely insane.

Though, we may've driven him

to the brink once or twice.

Honestly, it's a mystery

how he made it to the end.

- He started so late.

- 'Scuse me, miss!

A 40-something

put through all that labor.

To think he started adventuring

without a skill.

But Ricky has

a super cool skill!

Uh.

[MIZETT]

He's got one inborn.

Then, why have I not

seen him use it

any of the times we've fought?

It's tricky.

The activation requirements

are a little tough.

[MILICIA]

Thank you for waiting.

That kind of strength's

hard to control

and it puts a major strain

on his body.

So, Broughston said

it's too dangerous

for him to use it.

[ANGELICA] I never knew

he was hiding that.

[RICK]

Hey,

Reanette?

[REANETTE]

Yes?

Tell me,

do you think I'm a loser?

[REANETTE]

I do not believe so.

You are only yourself.

Nothing more, and nothing less.

- That said

- That said?

[REANETTE]

Mister Broughston needs you.

So perhaps,

in spite of your terror,

you could find the strength

to fight for him,

rather than against.

I would love to see that.

♪

[sighs]

♪

THE OSSAN NEWBIE ADVENTURER,

TRAINED TO DEATH

BY THE MOST POWERFUL PARTY,

BECAME INVINCIBLE

[ANNOUNCER]

Today's the day that everyone's

been waiting for!

Welcome to the finals!

♪

[crowd cheering]

The mighty King of Fists,

King Alexander,

began

the King of Fists Tournament

113 years ago!

And here we are

about to witness a new champion

claim their title!

[humming nervously]

Where is that composure

from yesterday?

Gone, I'm afraid.

Merely the thought

of Rick withdrawing

right before his match starts

sends me into fits, frankly.

Which of our challengers

will be going home today

with our glorious

champion's belt?

And can't forget this!

Some riches to boot!

[crowd cheering]

Are you feeling better now?

[RICK]

Yeah.

I'm over it.

Just gotta throw everything

he taught me back at him.

That's amazing!

Yeah.

And don't worry,

I'm gonna knock

Broughston down so hard

that he won't even know

what hit him

and after I do

people are gonna sing songs

about how cool and awesome

and talented I am

[ANGELICA]

I retract any compliment

I may have just given you.

And of course,

there's bonus prizes too!

A hundred kilos

of magic stones!

A whole year's worth

of golden slime bags!

And last, a night of luxury!

You and one person

of your choosing

get tickets

for a hot springs trip!

[crowd cheering]

Why are they excited

about that?

[crowd clamoring]

[REANETTE]

Excuse me, Mister Rick?

Yes?

h*-How can I help you?

[crowd cheering]

[whispering]

[both stomp]

[ANNOUNCER]

Get ready. They're here!

Broughston Ashorc

versus Rick Gladiatol!

Watch closely.

No one knows what to expect

from these paragons of combat!

[Snape sighs]

It looks like he found some way

to get rid of those nerves!

All right, Broughston.

I'm not leaving

anything on the table!

Good. I want to see

how you've grown.

Don't hold back.

Take everything

I've taught you these years

and throw it at me

with everything you can muster.

So then, who's gonna win?

Those two are monsters

among us men.

I couldn't even begin to guess.

And now,

I don't think any of us can

wait a second more!

Combatants, fight!

[rocks clatter]

[gasps]

Not even Flickering Feet

can explain speed like that!

[crowd clamoring]

[wind blowing]

[blood drips]

Hmm.

Starting strong.

Well done.

[gasps]

I missed it.

What magic is that?

[ALICERETTE]

Neither one of them

has bothered to use magic yet!

[humming]

Though I do hate to admit it,

this caliber of fighting

is normal for them.

Quite.

A few dozen blows were thrown.

Each carefully blocked

or evaded.

Then, Mister Rick

landed Thread Slash.

♪

[grunts]

[wind gusting]

[grunts]

[both scream]

[gasps]

[screams]

[thuds]

[rumbling]

[gasps]

[RICK]

Thread Slash!

[blood splattering]

♪

[ANGELICA]

I only spent a short time

going through Rick's training,

but I've seen what it takes

to reach this level of skill.

To stand among the greatest.

[thwacks]

But I'm shocked at how driven

he is all of a sudden.

Was that you?

What did you tell him

before the match?

Nothing serious.

Excuse me, Mister Rick?

Yes?

h*-How can I help you?

♪

Would you go on

the hot springs trip with me,

after you win?

[RICK]

With you?

Huh?

[RICK]

I have to win.

Because then

- we're going

- You're going

- to the hot springs?

- to the hot springs!

[whimpering]

Are you serious?

Surely the trip is overnight.

You realize you'd sleep there.

So you two would

Um, like, uh

You'd, you would, uh.

With him, right?

Yes.

[whimpering]

[ANGELICA]

Yeah, o-of course.

- We should focus on the match.

- Yes.

[panting]

[BROUGHSTON]

You have entered this arena,

fully resolved to fight.

It would be disrespectful

to only defend.

[grunts]

[fires]

[rumbling]

♪

[chuckles]

Swear I'm not

pulling your leg here,

but that punch was like

a level-five spell

and he threw it out as casually

as some people wake up.

[RICK]

This sucks.

I have no margin for error!

If I'm not ready

for everything,

he'll just k*ll me!

[fires]

Oh, crap!

[rocks clattering]

♪

Those were feints?

- He's hit!

- [Alicerette chomps]

- No, look again.

- Huh?

♪

[ANGELICA]

That was

Level-One Nature Magic,

Air Cushion!

He can block that

with only level-one magic?

Yeah, but that's not

the real shock.

He used it

with zero preparation.

He didn't even

say the name of the magic!

It came out instantly!

[breathes deeply]

Your magic control

is very precise these days.

Even I cannot do that

without chanting first.

I can't take the credit.

Alicerette

and Mizett taught me.

But the hard work was on Ricky!

I'll say!

Nearly had a heart attack

that day he messed up

and took some

of Alicerette's magic

straight to the chest!

Half his body evaporated

on the spot!

[Alicerette laughs]

Evaporated?

[RICK]

My turn!

[grunts]

[rumbling]

Flowing Strike!

♪

[thuds]

[crashes]

[rock clatters]

[ANGELICA]

A frontal attack?

Has he gone mad?

[grunts]

- He's so high!

- Good jump, but what now?

He's vulnerable!

[grunts]

Ah!

[grunts]

Did he just cast

Air Cushion out of his feet?

♪

[wind gusting]

Now, Air Shot!

[groans]

[rocks clattering]

[rumbling]

♪

[exhales]

[ANGELICA] We're all

watching a masterclass.

Their strategy,

their power,

it's beyond understanding.

Could even monsters survive?

No way.

Not against S-ranks like these.

[RICK]

It wasn't enough.

Mid-range lacks

the punch I need!

I've got to get as close

as I can for the next Air Shot!

I'll say,

you truly have become strong.

[gasps]

I will not dismiss

my contribution

in making a flawless

training plan for you

but it only worked

because you had the mental

strength to follow it.

♪

[RICK]

I don't take this lightly.

Broughston doesn't give out

empty compliments.

Thank you, sir!

[RICK] No words could have

made me happier.

And yet,

they were still the words

a master gives his student!

That's not enough for him!

[sniffles]

His dream is to find someone

he can fight as an equal.

Could be you.

[sighs]

[RICK] Mizett

already told me everything!

I know why you trained me.

Why you built me

out of nothing!

Hmm.

[RICK] He told me the dream

you've always had.

And now

I'll make that dream come true!

Oh.

Hmm.

- [Alicerette laughs]

- [Mizett whistles]

Oh, fine then.

I shouldn't be surprised.

Don't let it bother you.

To call it a dream

is a stretch.

If it happened,

it would be a lucky day,

and nothing more.

No.

Don't lie to me!

I saw the passion you had

while training me.

You can't tell me

it was all fake!

I owe you so much.

Let me repay you!

You say

I've earned your respect.

And if I truly have

earned that honor from you.

Then I went to return the favor

and fight you on equal footing!

♪

[BROUGHSTON]

I truly am lucky, today.

It has been two long years

since Reanette

brought you to us.

And now,

you've undoubtedly

earned your place in our ranks.

Thank you.

Let us take a breath

so I may tell you

about our past.

You have long deserved to know

how Orichalcum Fist

first came to be.

[gasps]

The origin of our party?