Warning: The content below contains spoilers for Episode 0 of Season 2 of Mushoku Tensei, titled "Guardian Fitz," now available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Following the epic conclusion of its first season in late 2021, Mushoku Tensei has made a triumphant return with its second season. After being reborn in a brand new world and being separated from his loved ones and family, Rudeus embarks on a perilous journey through treacherous lands. Finally making it back home, Rudeus is faced with tragedy and heartbreak. However, undeterred, he is determined to locate his mother, the only family member whose whereabouts remain unknown.
A Miraculous Meeting
Before delving into the main story, the series takes a detour by reintroducing Sylphiette in a captivating Episode 0. In the previous season, Sylphie made a surprising comeback, flaunting an alluring new appearance and forming alliances that left loyal fans pondering over numerous enigmatic revelations. This episode effectively unravels the mysterious events surrounding Sylphie's journey while Rudeus and Eris embarked on their adventures across the vast Demon Continent.After the teleportation incident that separated Rudeus and his family, Sylphie finds herself abruptly transported high above in the sky, hurtling downwards towards the earth. Meanwhile, the Asuran princess Ariel is enjoying a peaceful tea time with her loyal companions Luke and Derek when they are suddenly ambushed by a fearsome creature. Tragically, Derek falls victim to the monster's attack, but Sylphie, in a courageous feat, eliminates the beast upon impact as she lands on top of it, skillfully cushioning her own descent. Although Sylphie survives the ordeal with only a few injuries, the immense stress and trauma of her skyward plummet causes her once vibrant locks to transform into a delicate shade of pale white.
Sylphie awakens in Ariel's bed and is astonished by the transformation of her hair color. Simultaneously, Ariel informs her about the events that occurred in Fittoa, revealing the grim fate of almost everyone from Sylphie's hometown - either vanished or deceased. In exchange for aiding Sylphie in her quest to locate her family, Ariel insists that she becomes one of her bodyguards, leveraging the threat of arrest due to her technical trespassing in the royal palace. Without hesitation, Sylphie agrees and assumes the male persona of Fitz, disguising herself as provided by Ariel.
The Princess's New Guardian
Sylphie swiftly adapts to her role as Ariel's protector and aide, earning the moniker "Silent Fitz" due to her unwavering silence. She accompanies Ariel to a crucial encounter with Lord Pilemon, the father of Luke. Just when they engage in dialogue, Sylphie's older brother, Grabel, rudely interrupts and accuses her of colluding with Pilemon. Even though Grabel's remark is meant to be lighthearted, the truth is that both siblings secretly covet the throne. Following a tense exchange, Grabel departs with his advisor, Darius, yet he can't help but take notice of Fitz, Ariel's newfound bodyguard.
Sylphie, on the other hand, is left to keep watch alone as Luke accompanies another woman to meet his father. Her acute hearing allows her to catch snippets of gossip and idle talk from her surroundings, which makes her feel uneasy. At this moment, two men approach her, with one of them attempting to assist her. However, when the man states that Fitz's touch feels feminine, Sylphie recoils in surprise. In her startled state, she inadvertently collides with another man, causing him to spill his drink. Fortunately, before he can cause a scene, Ariel intervenes with a captivating song that captures everyone's attention. Later on, Sylphie apologizes to Ariel for the incident, but Ariel reassures her that she has nothing to worry about. Ariel assures Sylphie that she and Luke will always be there to support her, no matter what happens.
A Precious Connection
Ariel discovers that Sylphie continues to be haunted by nightmares of plummeting through the sky, so she extends an invitation for Sylphie to spend the night in her bedroom. The two engage in a heartfelt conversation about their fateful encounter, with Ariel admitting that she also battles with nightmares from that experience. While they are unable to remedy their nightmares, Ariel hopes that their mere presence will bring solace to one another. As they drift off to sleep, an intruder, intending harm, disturbs their rest. However, Sylphie, utilizing her incredible wind magic, thwarts the assassin and successfully propels her out of the room. Unfortunately, Sylphie subsequently loses consciousness.
Concerned about the assassination attempt, Lord Pilemon is convinced that Grabel is behind it. He suggests that Ariel should temporarily leave the palace and study abroad where Grabel cannot harm her. Though hesitant, Ariel ultimately agrees. Wanting to break free from the coercion, Ariel releases Sylphie from her service and has been unsuccessful in locating her family. Despite this, Sylphie expresses her desire to remain by Ariel's side, not for any personal gain, but because she considers her a true friend.
This particular episode holds great significance for Sylphie, as she had been largely absent during the first season. It fills in the gaps of her absence during Rudeus's journey through the Demon Continent and shows the growth she experienced while separated from Rudeus's family. With hints of a reunion between them in the last episode of the first season, fans can eagerly anticipate this upcoming event.