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Episode 10: I’m Not Fit to Be a Leader

Overview

As they party decides to move onto the Cyrene Mines, controlled by the Kobold wolves, Haruhiro finds himself focusing on Ranta and his place, and participation, in the party.

Trigger Warning(s): Blood

Episode Summary (with Commentary)

As the team continues to progress from goblin hunters to now taking on the Kobold, Haruhiro once more finds himself analyzing his team in order to check for any weaknesses or possibly liabilities. For while he was never nominated, or is truly recognized, as the leader of this party, he has sort of taken the reigns. A task which he doesn’t take lightly, nor considers it as easy as perhaps Manato made it seem.

Thus far though, he has had quite a bit of success. He has befriended Mary, and now she is more than simply a volunteer but a friend, one who is even learning some offensive magic to help; arguably he has inspired quite a few of his friends to either gain new skills or spend money on weapons and armor; and, lastly, he has shown empathy and compassion for nearly everyone. Italics on the nearly, for there remains one person who is the odd man out. The one who, both on the battlefield and off, just doesn’t necessarily mold well with everyone. Said person is Ranta.

This episode strongly focuses on Ranta’s role in the party for with stronger enemies comes the need for a more cohesive unit and better tactics. Problem is, when it comes to Ranta he is largely doing his own thing. A serious problem to Haruhiro but being that conflict resolution is much harder with a guy, especially one like Ranta, his attempt at trying to appeal to Ranta doesn’t go as well as it did with Mary.

As for reasons why? Well, aside from Ranta’s focus on getting vices, it is because he is not only misunderstood but no one really seems to try to understand him. To the point he outright says that he isn’t really pursuing their friendships anymore. In a way, as Mary evolved within the party Ranta has devolved and not it seems he is just a Black Knight for hire tagging along since, as of now, who knows who else may want him. Then, on top of that, would be willing to stand his ways.

Which isn’t to say nor imply Ranta is an outright liability. Haruhiro recognizes that Ranta is 2^nd only to Moguzo and while his style is wild, he does get the job done. Also, in Ranta’s defense, he shows he is capable of handling opposition one on one and doesn’t necessarily need two or more to take down a single enemy. Yet, from what it seems, something has to, or will, give. Ranta is clearly unhappy and while only Haruhiro is voicing some displeasure, who knows if more may speak up soon. One thing is for sure though, there is a more likely chance of Ranta and the rest hashing things out before he just disbands from the party. Though anything could happen.

Things To Note

Once again we are shown that the party members are gaining more and more skills.

It seems that one of the Kobolds encountered might just be the one which massacred Mary’s former party.

Within the Cyrene Mines there are multiple levels, more than 10, but the true difficulty doesn’t come until you get to 3 and above. From there the elders are possible opposition.

Seemingly, like the goblins, Kobolds do have some sort of society. However, unlike the goblins, we are allowed to see them in their home environment in which, during this episode, we see their farmland.

Highlights

Seeing Kobold society is a nice change of pace in comparison to seeing goblins who may work in groups, but seem like nomads.

The addressing of Ranta has been a long time coming and while Haruhiro treads cautiously, it still is good that his attitude and tactics aren’t simply swept under the rug. For with Mary about to face the being which is so triggering for her, I can see Ranta’s actions possibly leading to her having a fit. After all, Ranta largely has been in out for himself and for his vices so you already know that taking down a huge Kobold, or at the very least getting the final blow, is going to be a strong focus of his.

Though likely said before, I do think this show does a decent balancing act between developing relationships and giving us action.

Low Points

I continue to feel a little jipped by the fact we haven’t got to see anyone but Haruhiro’s master, and have only gotten to see him train with his.

Question(s) Left Unanswered

How come no one has to shave?

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