Overview (Spoilers Below):
New gear, fancy digs, yummy food — Fran is in heaven. The only thing that could make this better is a fun guild mission! But dangers lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike…
Our Take:
The teacher/student duo has officially become members of the Alessa Guild without breaking a sweat. However, they still have a long way to go before they become the most potent team in the fantasy world. Of course, that includes getting some armor for the challenging quests lying ahead. The same can be said for the series, which continues to provide enough enjoyable moments to make this unique take on the reincarnation concept worth checking out.
The third episode of Reincarnated as a Sword offers what its title suggests: a grizzled old blacksmith who makes equipment for adventurers. If you’re expecting something other than that, chances are you’ve never played an RPG game before. The episode introduces us to Garrus (John Swasey), the famous Wandering Blacksmith of Granzell, who identifies Teacher as an intelligent sword with his Godsight ability. While skilled with crafting some of the finest equipment in town, he’s also known for being very picky on whom he sells them to, making the other adventurers jealous. Luckily for Fran, Garrus is willing to sell her some gear after knowing what she did to the ex-mercenaries. Although, to be fair, I would be peeved as well if he sold the armor I need to someone else.
The episode also sees Fran and Teacher taking on their first mission as guild members: collecting herbs. But, unfortunately, their quest gets interrupted by another ambush. Do you remember the goblins that ambushed Randell in last week’s episode? Well, they’re back, and they got themselves an upgrade of their own. With the Goblin King and his goblin army evolved, they now pose a more significant threat that could destroy Alessa Town and everything else.
“The Grizzled Old Blacksmith” offers a cute first half, with Fran and Teacher gathering supplies and staying at an inn. What makes it appealing is the chemistry between Fran and Teacher, who continue to support one another and grow stronger together. It also has plenty of humorous moments, including Fran shopping for clothes, especially underwear, because you can’t fight monsters while going commando. I also want to mention that Fran’s battle attire was adorable.
The second half, however, is where Fran’s skills are tested, with the goblin army getting stronger and more intelligent than ever. Despite being outnumbered and receiving injuries, Fran refuses to run away from a fight. Considering that she’s been a slave her entire life, it’s unsurprising that Fran chooses to continue her mission to destroy the goblin nest despite the odds not being in her favor. Unfortunately, Fran’s desire to become strong could result in her downfall due to her recklessness, which could become another crucial role in her development in later episodes.
Like the previous episodes, “The Grizzled Old Blacksmith” continues to provide enjoyability in the characters’ chemistry and the show’s fantasy action. The first half delivers some fun moments involving collecting supplies and a few insights on Teacher, who might’ve been forged by a Divine Blacksmith. As for the second half, it’s suitable for providing a challenging threat lying ahead in the form of a goblin stampede. So much for taking things one step at a time on the first day at a guild.