English Dub Review: Ragna Crimson “Tactics and Knowledge”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Ragna spars with the Argentum Corps and infuses their weapons, while Crimson assists with the teleportation circles. But they are not the only ones preparing for battle.

Our Take:
We’re one step closer to the ultimate showdown between the Argentum Corps and the dragon Monarchs. However, as seen in this episode and the last, the real battle comes from the preparation for that fight, including Starlia’s uncontrollable nerves around Ragna. The previous two episodes introduced us to the Argentum Corps members, including Starlia’s maid Nazarena, who proved to be just as strong as the profound princess. “Tactics and Knowledge” further expands that element by showcasing the rest of the members who had limited screen time in those episodes.
Some include the gun-toting twin commanders Greya and Hesela, whom Slime reveals as having dragon blood in their veins. Unfortunately for Crimson’s slimy sidekick, the twins also possess twisted personalities caused by years of childhood trauma as circus freaks, resulting in them torturing Slime through various disturbing methods. After having to deal with Slime’s annoyance throughout the last couple of episodes, I would consider it well-deserved karma for the Familiar. Another member mentioned is Fu, a Thaumaturge magician responsible for creating teleportation circles for civilians to evacuate. However, creating a fully functional and complex circle is more challenging than it sounds, according to Fu. But, of course, the Corps members aren’t the only ones preparing, as Ultimatia and the other Monarchs make some slight adjustments to their plan, including promoting Woltekaumui to bodyguard duty alongside Nebulim.
The episode “Tactics and Knowledge” follows a similar narrative structure to the previous one. The first half focuses on Ragna and the Argentum Corps, while the second half showcases Ultimatia and the Monarchs, with them discussing their strategies for their upcoming struggle. Although the episode slows the plot’s pacing a bit due to its dialogue-driven sequences, it still keeps me engaged by examining the show’s supporting characters and antagonists. Moreover, its humor, including Shin’s stubbornness in defeating Ragna in a duel, which he lost seven times, adds to the entertainment. With the next episode being the last one until its supposed hiatus, we can assume that things will quickly pick up as we reach the final stage of preparation.