The Enchanting Creativity of Mushoku Tensei Season 2: Masterful Figure Making

Highlights

Rudeus establishes a routine, attending classes, researching the teleportation incident, and curing his impotence, but struggles to find inspiration for his figure-making.

Rudeus crosses paths with Fitz, who is also investigating the teleportation incident, and they decide to join forces in their study of it, forming a stronger connection along the way.

Rudeus takes Zanoba under his wing as a disciple in the art of figure-making. However, Zanoba's limited magical abilities impede his advancement despite his unwavering enthusiasm. Fitz proposes an alternate solution: employing a slave to craft the figures instead.

Warning: The following text contains spoilers for Episode 6 of Mushoku Tensei Season 2, entitled "I Don't Want to Die," currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Following a tumultuous initiation into Ranoa University of Magic, Rudeus gradually adapts to his new life as a student. Consumed by his objectives of investigating the teleportation incident and finding a cure for his impotence, Rudeus finds himself with minimal time for anything else.

However, his classmate Zanoba is eager to learn the art of figure-making from him, and reluctantly, Rudeus agrees to teach him. However, it becomes apparent that Zanoba's lack of skill is not his only obstacle. In a rather controversial decision, Rudeus decides to explore the local slave market as a means to find Zanoba a skilled sculptor who can create figurines on his behalf.

Establishing A Routine

After a tumultuous first day, Rudeus manages to regain his usual school routine effortlessly. He diligently follows his exercise regimen and practices swordsmanship, striving to improve himself. Furthermore, at Zanoba's insistence, he resumes crafting sculptures, although he struggles to match his past creations due to a lack of inspiration. Surprisingly, he attends numerous university magic classes and lectures, finding them unexpectedly enlightening. When he isn't in class, he tirelessly delves into research about the Teleportation Incident at the library, yet progress proves elusive. Moreover, his condition of impotence remains unresolved. Despite the absence of visible improvements, Rudeus maintains an optimistic outlook, believing that he will eventually discover a remedy.

While conducting further research at the library, Rudeus unexpectedly crosses paths with Fitz once again. To his astonishment, Rudeus discovers that Fitz has also been delving into the details of the Teleportation Incident. Fitz discloses that, like Rudeus, he knew someone who tragically vanished during the calamity. However, despite his friend being alive, Fitz has been unable to embark on a search to find him. Expressing his desire to join forces with Rudeus in studying the incident, Fitz extends an offer that Rudeus promptly accepts. As they make their way home, their friendship blossoms, and although Fitz subtly hints at his true identity, Rudeus remains oblivious to the striking similarities between Fitz's past experiences and his own. Simultaneously, Rudeus finds himself inexplicably drawn to Fitz, even though he perceives Fitz to be male.

Zanoba The Apprentice

Throughout this period, Rudeus has intermittently spent time with Zanoba Shirone, who has undeniably established himself as an ardent lover of figures. With fervor, Zanoba fervently implores Rudeus to instruct him in the art of creating figurines. After enduring his persistent pleas for quite some time, Rudeus ultimately relents and pledges to teach him the intricacies of sculpting. Zanoba proves to be an avid and driven student. However, his enthusiasm proves futile in the face of reality, as his lack of magical ability renders him unable to emulate Rudeus' sculpting prowess, despite countless days of unwavering practice and determination.

The Alternative Method

Rudeus attempts to persuade Zanoba to experiment with manual sculpting instead of relying on magic. He offers Zanoba clay and a carving knife, hoping to ignite his interest in this traditional artistic technique. Despite Zanoba's eagerness to master this new method, his prodigious strength as a Blessed Child impedes his ability to create proficient sculptures. Feeling incapable of consoling the tearful Zanoba, Rudeus seeks guidance from Fitz on how to assist him in achieving his sculpting aspirations. To illustrate his own magical sculpting approach, Rudeus showcases his impressive dexterity to Fitz, leaving him astounded and unable to reproduce the same level of craftsmanship. After contemplating the matter, Fitz proposes an alternative method for Zanoba to attain the desired figurines.

Fitz recounts the tale of an aristocrat who yearned to create but lacked the necessary skills. His solution? Employing a slave to fulfill his aspirations. Inspired by this anecdote, Rudeus deems it the most viable course of action and decides to accompany Zanoba to a slave market. Bashfully, Fitz entreats to join in, seeking counsel from Rudeus. The three convene the following morning and proceed to the bustling market. After perusing their options, Rudeus and Zanoba heed Fitz's suggestion and opt for a young Dwarven child, as their magical education would prove less arduous.

After sharing their preferences with the merchant, Rudeus and Zanoba are led to a frail young girl who appears malnourished. Rudeus attempts to converse with her in Dwarven, but she remains unresponsive. Upon noticing a sense of familiarity in her lifeless gaze, Rudeus boldly inquires if she desires death and offers to end her suffering. After a brief moment of silence, she musters the courage to admit her will to live. Empowered by her newfound determination, Rudeus purchases her from the slave merchant and escorts her to a nearby eatery. Inquisitive about her identity, Rudeus discovers that Dwarven children are bestowed names only when they attain a specific age. Consequently, they take it upon themselves to assign her a name. Zanoba suggests "Julius" in honor of his departed younger brother, which Rudeus alters to "Juliette" before ultimately settling on the more convenient nickname, "Julie." While Zanoba provides Julie a place to live, Rudeus dedicates his time to imparting magical and linguistic knowledge.