The highly popular anime's third season has recently come to an end, leaving fans eagerly speculating about what will unfold in The Rising of the Shield Hero season 4. This is particularly significant given the new revelations about Raphtalia's character and the larger world of the series in the season 3 finale.
Additionally, the looming threat of the Phoenix remains unresolved, as the next Guardian Beast did not make an appearance in season 3. While it is uncertain whether season 4 will address the Phoenix threat at this time, it is definitely a lingering plot point for the series.
The Rising of the Shield Hero season 4 set to thrust Raphtalia into protagonistic role, given her unveiled origins
Furthermore, The Rising of the Shield Hero season 4 has only been hinted at this point, without any official confirmation in the form of a trailer or other promotional material. Despite this lack of official announcement, it is quite evident and apparent where the series is headed in the teased fourth season.
The conclusion of the third season appears to pave the way for The Rising of the Shield Hero season 4 to delve into Raphtalia's background as a foreign royal. Additionally, as Naofumi and his companions make preparations for their voyage to Q’ten Lo via a Siltvelt ferry, it is evident that the upcoming season will center around this new adventure.
The final episode of the third season of The Rising of the Shield Hero heavily focused on Naofumi’s training and use of the Dragon Vein, setting the stage for the rest of his party to also use the Vein as they journey to Q’ten Lo. It is expected that Naofumi will eventually share the Dragon Vein powers with his party as they face assassins and traps along the way. The upcoming journey to Q’ten Lo will be the main plot of the fourth season, and it appears to set up Raphtalia for a more prominent role as a protagonist within the season. While Naofumi remains the central protagonist of the series, the fourth season will focus largely on Raphtalia and her origins.
Though it's not a terrible decision, it might create a divide among fans who aren't the biggest supporters of Raphtalia. The majority of the show's fanbase appears to appreciate her as a character. However, there will undeniably be a portion of the audience who are less than excited about season 4's emphasis on her.
The Rising of the Shield Hero season 4 is unlikely to solely focus on Raphtalia’s royal origins, as the threat of the Phoenix remains looming. After addressing the Raphtalia and Q’ten Lo storyline, the series is anticipated to shift focus to preparing for the Phoenix’s arrival and ultimately defeating it. It is also expected that the season will conclude with the Phoenix’s defeat, setting the stage for the next Guardian Beast challenge in season 5. These assumptions are based on the logical progression of the series and the events of season 3’s final episodes.
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Editor's P/S
As a die-hard fan of The Rising of the Shield Hero, I am eagerly anticipating the release of season 4. The third season left us with a tantalizing glimpse into Raphtalia's past, and I can't wait to learn more about her royal heritage and how it will shape the upcoming season. The focus on Raphtalia's character development is a welcome change, as she has always been a fan favorite and deserves more time in the spotlight.
However, I do have some concerns about the potential division among fans that this shift in focus may cause. While Raphtalia is generally well-liked, there is a vocal minority who are not as enthusiastic about her character. I hope that the writers will be able to strike a balance that appeals to both sides of the fandom and keeps the story engaging for everyone.