Mushoku Tensei Season 2: Unveiling a Deep-rooted Journey

Highlights

Sol extends unwavering support and empathy to Rudeus, proposing that his sexual dysfunction stems from his unresolved trauma and proposes that conquering his fear of women could potentially lead to a cure.

Rudeus commits a grave error by expressing derogatory remarks about Sara in her presence, resulting in their relationship ending and Sara attempting suicide. However, Sol steps in and extends an opportunity to Rudeus, inviting him to join him on a quest.

Warning: The following paragraph contains spoilers for Episode 3 of the second season of Mushoku Tensei, titled "Abrupt Approach," currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

After overcoming a crisis and resolving their differences, Rudeus and Sara's bond has reached its strongest point. Their closeness teeters on the brink of romance, but an unexpected obstacle soon emerges. This unfortunate setback results in a minor tragedy for Rudeus, highlighting his ongoing struggle to recover from the traumatic end to his relationship with Eris.

In the recent episodes, we witness Rudeus gradually healing and evolving as he forms connections with the members of Counter Arrow. However, his own errors and choices abruptly shatter these newfound relationships. This represents a turning point for Rudeus, marking one of his lowest moments. Nevertheless, there is hope and potential on the horizon.

A Chance At Romance

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Following the rescue of Sara from the blizzard, Rudeus grows closer to the members of Counter Arrow and joins them on quests more frequently. His bond with Sara, in particular, significantly improves, and she displays clear romantic interest by becoming jealous when he mentions other women, like Roxy. Taking advantage of an opportunity, Sara invites Rudeus to accompany her on a shopping trip to purchase a new knife. Agreeing to her request, Rudeus unknowingly accepts her invitation for a date.

After spending the day shopping together, the two decide to unwind at a bar. Rudeus contemplates whether or not to take a romantic step forward with Sara, but she takes the initiative and asks to visit his room. On the bed, as they embrace each other, a sudden realization hits Rudeus—he finds himself unable to perform sexually. Misinterpreting his lack of arousal as a lack of attraction towards her, a disappointed and wounded Sara states that her actions were solely driven by gratitude for him saving her life. She then angrily storms out.

A Scar From Eris

Ashamed and filled with guilt, Rudeus drowns his sorrows at a different bar, hoping to escape his troubled thoughts. However, his respite is short-lived when Sol, a member of Stepped Leader, unexpectedly appears. Sol once again taunts Rudeus, yet this time, Rudeus doesn't brush it off with a laugh. Fueled by his intoxication, Rudeus unleashes a barrage of drunken punches, venting his frustration and anger towards Sol. Amidst his rant, Rudeus confesses his fear of being disliked or rejected, prompting him to constantly wear a mask of politeness and avoid causing harm to others. Strangely, Sol refrains from retaliating against Rudeus's chaotic outburst and instead, shows understanding and empathy. In an attempt to listen and console him, Sol takes Rudeus to another bar for drinks.

Within the walls of this bar, Rudeus pours out his heart to Sol, recounting the tumultuous and heartbreaking end to his relationship with Eris. Listening attentively, Sol suggests that Rudeus's struggle with intimacy may stem from the traumatic experiences he had with Eris. Although Sol lacks a definitive solution for Rudeus's current predicament, he proposes the possibility of starting anew by visiting a brothel, attempting to overwrite the painful memories that haunt him.

Broken Heart

True to his promise, Sol escorts Rudeus to a brothel, where he is introduced to a prostitute named Elise. Elise recognizes the name Quagmire Rudeus, as he had kindly tended to her sister's wound without any charge. Elise endeavors to assist Rudeus with his impotence, but once again, he fails to perform. In conversation with Sol, Elise and Rudeus explore potential reasons for his debilitating issue. Elise speculates that Rudeus may have developed a phobia of women due to the traumatic incident with Eris. She suggests that if he were to encounter a woman who posed no reason for fear, it could potentially resolve his problem. However, Rudeus is unable to think of anyone suitable at the moment, leaving the issue unresolved.

Sol proposes that they drown their sorrows in alcohol, and they proceed to do so until the early hours of the morning. As they stumble their way home, Sol suggests that while Sara may have been willing to take their relationship to the next level, Rudeus himself needed more time. Rudeus counters by claiming that Sara had only agreed out of obligation, however, Sol can perceive that this was a falsehood. Despite Sol's words, Rudeus feels pessimistic about his chances and begins to vent his frustrations about Sara's shortcomings in comparison to Elise. Unbeknownst to Rudeus, Suzanne and Sara happen to be walking nearby and inadvertently overhear his bitter rant.

Rudeus attempts to hide his mistake, but Sara harshly slaps him and abruptly ends their relationship, walking away in tears. Realizing the gravity of his actions, Rudeus desperately grabs the knife Sara dropped and tries to take his own life. However, Sol swiftly intervenes, preventing him from doing so. Sol urges Rudeus to chase after Sara and apologize, but Rudeus refuses, finding it pointless. Witnessing Rudeus in such a dejected state, Sol extends an unexpected invitation for him to join Stepped Leader on a quest to explore a labyrinth. Rudeus is taken aback by Sol's unexpected kindness, considering their past animosity, but Sol explains that witnessing Rudeus vulnerable the previous night made him appreciate him. Grateful for the friendship of Sol, Rudeus agrees to join the quest. In a scene after the credits, it is mentioned that Rudeus played a crucial role in helping the group successfully navigate the labyrinth, attracting the attention of Elinalise Dragonroad, who had been searching for him.