English Dub Review: Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation: “Turning Point 2”

Overview: Rudeus (Madeleine Morris, Ben Phillips), Eris (Lindsay Seidel) and Ruijerd (Christopher Wehkamp) run into a being of immense power in that of the Dragon God, Orsted, who pushes them to the edge of death. 

Our Take: Eris has come a long way since her early days of sword training with Ghislaine. Eris’s progression has been gradually built upon over the course of her ordeals. It is gratifying to have a scene respecting her efforts, in her being recognized by Ruijerd, as an important development for her self-esteem moving forward in her training. It is one made even more adorable by her shock and disbelief. 

Those good times do not last long, however. Traveling through the mountains, Dead End meets the second strongest in the world, the Dragon God, Orsted, and his mysterious companion in that of a small girl. When Orsted was initially teased in the first part of the anime, he left quite an impression staring down a dragon like it was just another Monday. That impression is made hauntingly real through the terror he invokes in Ruijerd and Eris. Their meeting begins as an incredibly intense conversation akin to walking on dragon-sized eggshells, due to Eris and Ruijerd overwhelming fear, does nothing to phase Rudeus. 

Orsted not being aware of Rudeus history and with Paul and Zenith like he is of Ruijerd and Eris’ past mysteriously, gives him a very ominous presence that hints at just how critical of a figure he is and the immense depth of his abilities potentially. It is amazingly paced as the potentially dangerous situation unfolds with the possible deadly outcome leaving you holding your breath that is let out in one big gasp once Man God enters the conversation.  

Orsted cuts them all like a steak knife through butter. But before he gets to Rudeus, Ruijerd holds his own for a few moments with some jaw-dropping frames as we get some incredibly detailed dimensionality and silky smooth swordplay at lighting pace. It’s carnage that you can’t help but awe at. Suffice to say Eris and even Rudy get defeated relatively quickly with the latter at least holding out a bit longer and slightly hurting the Dragon deity. It is all for naught as Rudy bites the dust and is sent back to Man God…or, at least, he thinks he does. 

Orsted was more than a little pissed off to know Man God is involved with Rudeus. So much so that it leaves one to wonder how he wronged the Dragon God in the past. Man God is a fishy one, it becomes more of a pressing question of just how deceiving he is when he won’t disclose those particular details, considering he knows a lot about him and yet he can’t see his present or future. Although even with that, the trustworthy and reliable advice he’s given the young mage is not tossed aside with their relationship progressing positively in Rudeus having faith in him with all he’s helped him with, despite the secrets he holds. Even though he was brought to death’s door due to Orsted’s hand, Rudeus is able to understand and identify with his feelings of being feared or repulsed by anyone and everyone, due to his past life and it’s hardships. It is yet another exemplary character moment, showcasing what Rudeus’ journey has taught him in continuing to show even deeper depths of compassion and emotional maturity. 

As for Orsted, all of the details learned only adds to the mystique and intrigue of the Orsted and his companion. There’s also the obvious question looming: Who’s the most powerful in the Technique God and why are they so special if they’re technically weaker than Orsted? So many crumbs dropped that leave me hungry for more about the deities, their relationship with each other and their effect on the world as a whole. 

Whisked back into the real world, Rudeus learns from Eris how he and the others are still alive due to Orsted healing him and leaving them. This was caused by the little girl’s intervention and suggestion of a possible alternative in regards to the meaning of Rudeus’ presence. It shows just how mercilessly erratic Orsted is as antagonist in playing by his own rules, abiding by his own code, whether it’s brutal or not for others. Besides being an end to a crazy rollercoaster of events, Eris and Rudeus’ reunion is also an emotional heartfelt moment as the two rejoice in being alive and with each other once again.