03x22 - (D) Settling the Score with the Hero

[bunniefuu]

-Did I keep you waiting?
-[RIMURU] Hm?

♪

[smirks]

Nah, we only just
got here ourselves.

K-King Gazel!

[grunts]
Boss, what's he doing here?

Well, I figured
you could use some help.

You're so busy
with the fund-raising.

So, I invited King Gazel here.

[RIMURU] He's the king where
Dwarven coins are minted,

so he's the perfect
person to ask.

Though I was only able
to gather around

, coins
on such short notice.

[RIMURU]
Hmm, I see.

So, I'm guessing
that won't be enough

to pay the traders.

Hmm?

It's just a rough estimate,
but I think we need a bit more.

With such
lackadaisical budgeting,

I'm impressed
you managed to pull this off.

Well, it's worked
well enough so far!

Plus, we didn't have much time,
so we did our best.

[exhaling deeply]

I don't even know
where to begin with you.

[RIMURU] The hell, man, wasn't
he having fun at the festival?

Why's he blaming me?

It sounds like
you're in a bit of a pinch.

I'd be glad to supply
the remaining amount.

[gasps]

♪

Wait, Elmesia?

♪

Well, I just
happened to mention

your predicament to her.

And so, she rushed over
to offer her assistance.

[groans]

Thanks, but we'll take
care of it ourselves.

Hmm?
May I ask you why?

I sincerely wish
to cooperate with Tempest,

won't you let us help you
with this issue?

-I appreciate it but...
-You should give in.

Once she sets
her mind on something,

she never backs down.

You'll save yourself
a great deal of trouble

if you let her do
what she wants.

Do my elf ears deceive me?

To think the Dwarven King
would take my side.

How delightful!

I'd appreciate you
showing me a little respect.

[RIMURU] It's like
he's her little brother.

Anyway, what is it
you're really after?

[ELMESIA]
You're always so serious.

I preferred your grandfather,
he was much more free-spirited.

Thanks to him, my father
endured a lot of hardship.

Regardless of that,
why don't you tell us

what your plan is already?

Patience, my dear Gazel.

As much as I like you, you can
be quite the stick in the mud.

[ELMESIA] Could I please
have a drink, my dear?

[SHUNA]
Of course, right away.

Oh, my,
this is rather delicious!

I'm glad you like it.

[gasps]

Very well.

Truth be told, there was
one thing that I wanted

in return for helping you out
with this matter.

[groans]

You see, I cannot abide
the fact that you organized

such a delightful festival
without my knowledge.

If you invite me
to all future festivities,

I will gladly assist you
with your current plight.

Ah, if that's all, then sure!

[chuckles]

[ELMESIA] Allow me to give you
some advice, Lord Rimuru.

A miserable ruler helps no one.
That's what I believe.

They must enjoy life.

Not only for themselves,
but for their people.

[gasps]

Understood.
I appreciate the perspective.

[RIMURU] I'm glad
to have another person

on board with this.

It's a big help, so thanks.

[chuckles]

[ELMESIA]
Of course.

[ELMESIA]
Regrettably, all I have on hand

is a bit of pocket change.

So, I can only give you around
a , gold coins for now.

If you need even more, I can
have it delivered right away.

No, that's more than enough
to cover whatever's left.

Would you be okay with
exchanging all these gold coins

for ten stellars?

But of course.

Just see that you keep
the promise you made.

You can count on it.

And now,
if Dwargon can exchange

that , gold for us,
we'll be set!

-Hm.
-This is wonderful!

You've done it!

Seems we've thwarted their plan
to turn Lord Rimuru

into a laughingstock.

It serves them right!

Perhaps.

Though I suspect
if you couldn't pay,

another party would have
stepped in to offer their help.

Huh?
Wait, what do you mean?

Manipulation is an artform.

While fear and intimidation
are both effective tools,

why paint yourself
as the villain

when you can pretend
to be the hero?

Very interesting.

You're saying if Lord Rimuru
hadn't asked for help,

someone would've
still intervened, yes?

[ELMESIA]
Correct.

I believe it's all
but a certainty.

Of course, whoever it is,
I'm sure that they're just

another puppet
in someone else's schemes.

[chuckles]

So, they created a problem
with the traders,

and then used another party
to try to pull Tempest

into their influence.

I didn't expect their ploy
to have such depth to it.

Fascinating.

Don't forget if their plan
had succeeded,

Tempest's reputation
would've been severely hurt.

It's actually quite
the impressive trap.

How very greedy.

I should've expected
a human to think this up.

I appreciate your insight.

Whoa, so you're saying
that the mastermind

behind this whole thing
was trying to rip us off

and then, get us
to thank them for it?

I don't understand
all of this scheming.

But do you know anyone
who could've set

this plan in motion?

Unfortunately,
I don't have that answer,

since my nation is not part
of the council, you see.

However...
perhaps your very capable

advisor here knows something?

You're not talking
about me, are you?

While I don't have any
hard proof one way or another,

I have heard rumors
of a secret committee

that controls
the Western Provinces.

So, this committee,
you think they could be

behind this situation?

Is that it?

Hm.

Should anyone offer
to provide Tempest assistance

in this matter.

I will investigate them,

and drag the plan's mastermind
out from the shadows.

Oh, you startled me,

I couldn't sense a hint
of your presence at all.

That's what I tried to warn
you about, Your Majesty.

[ERALD] The people
of Tempest are formidable.

How can I protect you when we
don't know their true power?

[chuckles]
Even so.

This has been
an amusing experience.

By the way, Rimuru.

There is one last thing
I'd like to discuss with you.

Sure, what's up?

♪

[gasps]

You see,
I'm considering the idea

of forming
an alliance with you,

but before I do,
there is an important question

I have for you first.

♪

Ask away.

[ELMESIA] How do you intend
on dealing with the demon

standing behind you?

He's one of the Primordials
of unspeakable power.

[RIMURU]
How does she know that?

Truth be told, I don't.

While Diablo is strong,
he has been nothing

but a loyal servant to me.

I don't really care
about his background.

I should've been
clearer with my phrasing.

How will you
take responsibility

if your "loyal servant" decides
one day to go on a rampage?

[RIMURU]
A rampage?

I guess it's possible,
but that concern

doesn't only apply to him.

Just look at Shion.

In that case, I'd stop him
before it came to that.

After all, it's the only way
to make sure

no one gets hurt, right?

[smirks]

[RIMURU]
Why does he look so happy?

[gasps]
Really?

Hold on a minute!

Do you actually mean
what you just said?

You truly think
you can stop him?

You aren't just saying that?

Well, it's not like
it'd be the first time

he's gone a little crazy,

but lately he's been
doing things in line

with how I like them.

Compared to how
he used to be,

he's basically
a harmless puppy!

Incredible, did you just
hear all of that, Erald?

Demon Lord Rimuru
is even more impressive

than what the rumors
say about him!

Uh, uh-huh.

All right, that's more
than enough, Elmesia.

Rimuru's said his piece,
and I fully support him.

If anything does happen.

I swear on the name,
Gazel Dwargo,

I'll come to Rimuru's aid
no matter what.

[chuckles]

I have a better idea
of who you are now.

And, should you become
an enemy of humanity,

I promise I shall do everything
within my power to stop you.

[ELMESIA]
That said, I sincerely hope

that doesn't happen,

and that the friendship between
our nations grows stronger.

-[ELMESIA] Erald.
-Ma'am.

[ELMESIA] I, Elmesia,
hereby acknowledge and accept

a formal alliance between the
Sorcerous Dynasty of Thalion

and the
Jura Tempest Federation.

I'll leave all the necessary
procedures to you.

[ERALD]
Understood.

Now then...

should anything happen,
you can come to me

or Gazel for help.

Try not to go on a rampage.

[groans]
Hey, now.

Despite the reputation
I might have,

I'm a pretty chill guy.

Is that so?

Remind me again who decided
to throw an impromptu festival

for the opening
of their nation?

That was Mjollmile, right?

I'm about to have
a heart attack, dude, back off.

Yeah, okay, my bad, buddy.

All right, I guess
you two make a decent point.

Under normal circumstances,
we'd never ask

another nation's ruler
to consult us.

Of course,
you're anything but normal.

I agree, it'll be for the best.

Oh, by the way,

I have one more thing
to ask of you!

Uh, sure,
what exactly did you need?

Don't worry, it's nothing
serious or anything.

This request relates
to a personal interest of mine.

I was hoping I could meet
Mister Yoshida.

Please, Your Majesty!

This isn't the time or place
to ask for something like that!

[RIMURU]
Oh, is that all? No problem!

Just know
he's super busy right now,

so don't overdo it.

I wouldn't dream of it.

[RIMURU] And so,
the secret midnight meeting

between the leaders
of three superpowers

came to a close.

Marking an end
to the second day

of the opening festival.

[cheering]

Ladies and gentlemen!

Are you ready
for today's final match?

[SOKA] Which fighter
will claim victory

and be crowned the champion?

Will it be the Lightspeed
Hero, Masayuki,

or will the tiny-but-mighty
Elite Four candidate,

Gobta, win the day?

Jeez, looks like it's too late
for me to run away.

In that case, the only thing
left to do now is win

and get that new fishing rod!

[crowd cheering]

[MASAYUKI]
Oh, crap, crap, crap!

What am I gonna do?

There's no way
I can beat this kid!

If me and Bovix actually
fought yesterday,

I'd be dead right now!

I need to think
of a way out of this!

Get ready.

For the final battle!

[MASAYUKI]
Hold on.

Chosen one activated
on its own and got me

through the semi-finals
without a fight!

Everything should be fine.

Begin!

♪

You're going down, Hero!

♪

[gasps]

♪

Oh, my, what's this?

It would appear as though
Gobta has halted his approach!

[SOKA]
Masayuki's not falling

for any of Gobta's
moves though!

He's displaying
the calm demeanor of a hero!

[whimpering]

Huh, I guess should've expected
you would be this powerful.

♪

Based on how you're reacting,
I bet nothing I do

is even gonna faze you.

I wanted to see how far
I could get all by myself,

but it looks like you haven't
given me any other choice.

[GOBTA] All right, then, I'll
give you everything I've got!

I'll use a secret technique
I just got my hands on!

[RIMURU] Come to think of it,
maybe that's why Raphael

kept appearing yesterday.

[RAPHAEL]
Notice.

Last night, the individual
known as Gobta

acquired the unique skill
"Summon Demon Wolf."

This likely happened because
the individual named Ranga

forced his way into the battle.

Gobta is now able to use Fusion
with Ranga after summoning him.

[RIMURU]
He can fuse with Ranga now?

Are the finals really
the best place to try that out?

♪

Feast your eyes
on my ultimate move!

[GOBTA]
Transform!

[roaring]

Huh?

♪

[thumping]

[cheering]

[growling]

[MASAYUKI]
What the hell even is that?

Nobody told me
he could transform!

If he gets a hold of me
with those huge claws,

my armor will be nothing
more than scrap metal!

Hey, what's this?

I had no idea Gobta and Ranga
could do something like that!

[SOKA]
Whoa! What a twist!

Gobta has transformed into
a gigantic wolf-like monster!

He's using a very rare skill

that makes the summoned beast's
power his own.

You heard him!
By fusing with Ranga,

Gobta has gained the strength

and ferocity
of a Tempest Star Wolf!

[SOKA]
We are truly witnessing

something incredible
here, folks!

That's so cool!

[RIMURU] Does this mean he can
use all of Ranga's skills, too?

I can't be certain,
but it almost looks

as if Ranga has given him
control of his body.

I'm excited to see
how this plays out!

-Yeah, but come on, it's Gobta.
-[laughs]

[HAKUROU] Perhaps,
but he's still my student.

While he may be a bit lacking
in terms of physical strength,

he's fought against majin
far stronger than him before.

If he can make good use
of Ranga's abilities,

he may demonstrate
a degree of growth

that would surprise even you.

[sighs]

[laughs]

[RANGA [GOBTA]]
It's my turn now!

[RIMURU]
It was never not your turn.

Masayuki hasn't done
anything yet, dude!

[growls]

-Hold on a sec, I-I--
-[roaring]

[expl*si*n]

[groaning]

[SOKA]
What a blast!

Somehow, Gobta
and Ranga are unconscious!

What in the world
just happened here?

♪

You little fool,
to use an ability

for the first time in a battle
is just clown behavior.

[growls]

What a waste of time, that new
fusion form looked super cool,

but he still ended up losing!

Now, Milim I know you're mad,
but Gobta tried his best

in his own way,
and that's what counts.

Rimuru, if you keep
spoiling him like that,

he'll just be weakling forever!

Lady Milim's got a point,
Lord Rimuru.

It would appear I've been
going too easy on Gobta

with his training.

[RIMURU]
You call that going easy?

Right, then it'll be
up to me to train him!

Rimuru, let me borrow
Gobta for a little bit!

[MILIM] I'll turn him into
a magnificent warrior

before you know it!

[RIMURU] [chuckles softly]
You have my condolences, Gobta.

[gasps]

[whimpering]

Ugh?

[gasping]

The hero Masayuki must've used

his "Air Throw" technique
to beat Gobta.

Yeah, you're right,
it had to be that.

Whoa! Sweet!

That was awesome.

I never even saw him move!

[cheering]

[MASAYUKI] You didn't
see me move because I didn't!

Even if I knew it was coming,
there's no way

I could've avoided that!

We have the match results
right here!

Because Gobta and Ranga
are no longer able

to continue fighting...

[MASAYUKI] Oh, crap, they're
gonna declare me the winner.

Challenge a Demon Lord?

Screw that,
he'd absolutely m*rder me!

The winner
of the tournament is...

[MASAYUKI]
Please.

Uh, um, sure.

I'm sorry
to disappoint everyone,

but I lost.

[confused whispers]
[indistinct chatter]

[MAN ]
What?

Excuse me, but,
what are you talking about?

[MASAYUKI]
Uh, sorry.

You were the only one
left standing

after Gobta
went out of the ring.

That may have been
what happened,

but truth be told, I couldn't
even see his attack coming.

This fight has
made it clear to me

that I'm not ready
to challenge Demon Lord Rimuru

as I currently am now.

♪

[MASAYUKI]
This should be more than enough

to show people my abilities.

Well, I mean I didn't
actually do anything,

but I'm sure Chosen One
will handle the rest.

The most important thing
right now

is to get out of this alive.

I don't understand
what game he's trying to play.

Hm, I couldn't say.

It's as if he's
scared of Gobta,

but that can't be it.

[SHION]
I wonder what he's after.

You think he's trying
to hide his power

from the Demon Lord?

No way, I'm pretty sure
he was just being modest

when he said
he couldn't see the attack.

That's right, I think I got it!

The hero Masayuki wants to give
Demon Lord Rimuru more time!

Wait, what do you mean?

He obviously let Gobta win
as a warning to the Demon Lord.

He's trying to send
a message to him.

"I don't care
about your tournament,

and if you think about
stepping out of line,

I'll deal with you myself."

That's what I'm saying,

clearly he planned this
from the start.

And thinking back on it,
he didn't use his sword

from today either!

[chuckles]
Yeah, that's exactly right!

I noticed it, too!

Hero, that's the only way
to describe him!

He's a true hero!

[ALL]
Aww!

You're the best!
We love you, Masayuki!

[CROWD]
Masayuki! Masayuki!

Masayuki! Masayuki!

Masayuki! Masayuki! Masayuki!

[RIMURU]
What the hell?

The crowd's losing
their minds over him.

[RAPHAEL]
Answer.

I speculate that
this is an effect

of the individual
Masayuki Honjo's unique skill.

He appears to be stirring
the audience's emotions

in an act of mind control
similar to brainwashing.

Its influence is tremendous.

[RIMURU] Meaning I don't
wanna get on his bad side.

In fact, he's someone
I should probably

try to be friendly with.

-Souei.
-[SOUEI] Sir?

Could you pass along
a message to Masayuki

that I would like
to invite him to lunch?

Also, make sure
you're super polite.

Understood.

[SOKA]
After an exciting tournament

full of twists and turns.

The hero Masayuki has
forfeited the final match,

making Gobta the winner!

-Huh?
-[cheering]

So, tell us, Gobta,
how do you feel right now?

Huh? What?

Are you serious?

Huh? Huh?

You're saying
I won the tournament?

Yes, that's right!

You've overcame all the odds
and put up an incredible fight

to win your title.

Stick around, folks,
it's awards time!

♪

In second place,
with an impressive showing,

is the hero Masayuki!

♪

-[crowd applauding]
-Um, I appreciate it.

Also, I accept your invitation.

[RIMURU] I could be wrong,
but he almost seems

a little on edge.

Maybe there was some kind
of misunderstanding with Souei.

You did well, Gobta.

As a reward for your
hard-fought victory,

you're now officially part
of the Elite Four!

Thank you, My Lord!

I'll work hard
to make you proud!

Yeah, about that.

I have a feeling
you're gonna regret

saying those words pretty soon.

-Huh?
-[MILIM] Are you done yet?

-[shrieking]
-Let's go!

I've already come up
with the perfect

training regimen for you!

Go easy on him, 'kay?

Don't worry!

I know just the place
to whip him into shape!

Since death in the labyrinth
isn't permanent.

Hold on, death?
Wait a second, Lady Milim!

I never asked
for something like that!

-Please put me down!
-Calm down Gobta,

this is a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

You should do your very best

to learn under
Lady Milim's tutelage.

[shrieking]
Master Hakurou!

Please save me!

Quiet, loser.

[RANGA] Lord Rimuru,
did you see how well I fought?

Could I stay
with you for a while?

[RIMURU] You're straight up
ditching him, huh?

-[MILIM] Hold it.
-Huh?

Gobta's training
wouldn't be complete

without his summoned beast.

[laughs]

[MILIM]
I'll treat you both well!

Don't worry about a thing!

[MILIM]
This'll be so much fun!

[RIMURU] Well, goodbye
and good luck, you two.

I'll never forget how bravely
you faced your fate.

[birds chirping]

[cutlery clanking]

Uh, it's nice to meet you.

My name is Masayuki Honjo,
though most people call me

the "Lightspeed Hero."

Thank you for the invite.

Well, it's not exactly
our first time,

but it's nice to meet you too.

My name's Rimuru.
Formerly, Satoru Mikami.

I used to be
an ordinary salaryman.

[MASAYUKI]
What...hold on,

does that mean
you're Japanese, too?

[RIMURU]
Uh-huh.

We can talk more
about that while we eat.

[MASAYUKI] Are you sure it's
okay for me to have all this?

Yeah, of course!

I figured you might be
a bit homesick,

so I had it made for you.

Is this my final meal?

Nope, not at all.

We both come
from the same place,

so I wanted to give you this
as a gesture of good faith!

[sighs]

Well, in that case...

thanks for the food!

Yup, let's dig in!

♪

[chewing]

[whimpering]

[chomping]

[RIMURU] It's nice
to see he likes the food.

I don't want to interrupt him.

Guess we can talk after
we've had our fill.

Right then, Mikami...

I mean, Rimuru.

Please, allow me
to be your henchman.

That's a pretty funny joke.

No, I'm being serious.

To tell you the truth,
I don't care about

the title of "hero" at all.

In fact, being the center
of attention all the time

is kind of my nightmare.

-[SHUNA] Here you are.
-Thank you.

[MASAYUKI] Seriously, I was
this close to turning around

and walking out of the arena.

[RIMURU] I didn't expect him
to spill his guts this easily.

The issue is "Chosen One."

From the moment
I received that skill,

my life's been a living hell.

It activates all on its own,

and makes me out
to be like some manga MC.

So, even if you
don't want them to,

people and the
circumstances around you

make you seem like a hero?

That's a pretty
amazing power you've got.

If you hadn't forfeited,
you definitely

would've won the match.

Yeah, right, as soon
as Gobta transformed

into that huge beast,
I was done for.

There's no way
a normal dude like me

could beat a guy like him
in a fight.

Wait, didn't you promise
Bovix a rematch?

What are you gonna do
about that?

You'd have to conquer
the dungeon, right?

[choking]

Crap, that totally
slipped my mind!

Hold on a sec, relax.

Bovix guards the th floor
of the labyrinth.

The dungeon
is so ridiculously big,

it'll take a couple of days
just to make it down there.

I get it!

Then, if I go out of my way to
explore all of the labyrinth,

maybe he'll forget
about our fight!

Exactly.

Anyway,
speaking of the dungeon,

I was hoping you might be
the poster boy

for the grand opening.

Your party's safety
would be guaranteed, of course.

I couldn't ask
for a better deal!

It's perfect.

I'll sleep a lot better
knowing I'm not in any danger.

We'll make sure you get
everything you need

to make your way
through the dungeon,

and if you see anything
that could use improvement,

don't hesitate to tell us!

Consider it done!

It's funny, I kinda feel like
a beta tester for a game.

Yeah.

You know, I never really
thought about it like that.

Well, you don't need to push
yourself too hard today,

just try to reach
the th floor, all right?

Sure.

I'm glad I got
the chance to talk to you.

All the stress I had is gone,
and I'm starting to think

this world might not be
so terrible after all.

Like I said before,
you and your friends

can stay in town
as long as you'd like,

and you can visit me anytime!

Thank you so much!

Tempest is great, it has
toilets, baths, and everything!

Don't forget the orchestra,
not to mention all our artists.

I'm planning on getting
a theater troupe started, too.

Truth be told, I'd like to
enjoy all that stuff as well,

so I'm not sparing any expense.

I can't believe how much you've
accomplished here, Rimuru.

But wait a sec,
what about manga?

[chuckles]

That's always been the plan.

The road ahead
may be long and hard,

but if we give up
on our mission, it's all over.

[MASAYUKI]
Oh, man!

Y'know what, I've decided,
I'm gonna follow you forever!

[RIMURU] And that's how we
cleared up our misunderstanding

and I gained a new ally.

I'm interested in learning
what manga he remembers, too.

I hope Masayuki and I will be
good friends from now on.

[RAPHAEL] Next time,
"The Labyrinth Is Opened."