Overview (Spoilers Below): Clover begins its investigation of Achromatic Darkness…and already trouble is brewing.
Our Take: We’re only six episodes in, and Yuke’s dream is already coming true, as Benwood hires Clover to investigate Achromatic Darkness hidden underneath the adventurer’s guild. I thought that wouldn’t happen until closer to the season’s end, but I guess the show might have more stories to tell for these characters afterward. Regardless, we’re finally able to see if Achromatic Darkness is as dangerous as one assumes. But since it’s only for investigation purposes, I have a feeling that this bizarre and out-of-place dungeon wouldn’t be fully explored in just one episode. So far, in terms of its design, all I can really say is that it reflects an unused setting for “Alice in Wonderland”. The episode also introduces viewers to the newest member of Clover, Nene, a perky Ferci thief who’s also an expert in Wind Priming and disabling dungeon traps. It’s quite fortunate for the team, as Nene’s skills helped them receive an impressive amount of treasure, including a black cube artifact whose power remains unknown. But that’s nothing compared to the satisfaction of Thunder Pike’s downfall, which is the only highlight of the show’s middling first impression of Achromatic Darkness. The reason is that Simon and the crew are attempting to steal Clover’s rewards as a way to maintain their A-rank status. Talk about selfishness and ignorance to the highest degree. What makes this even more rewarding is that their argument was caught live on stream for everyone to see, tarnishing Thunder Pike’s reputation even further. As a result, Thunder Pike is demoted, and Simon receives a massive punch in the face from Guild Master Benwood for disrespecting Silk. One of the best things about characters like Simon is that they get a good dose of karma due to their idiotic actions, including badmouthing dark elves behind their backs. Whether you like them or not, it’s always satisfying to see these people get the punishment they deserve, and Simon is no exception. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean we see the last of this ignorant excuse of an adventurer, as his plan for revenge starts with cooperating with Besio.