English Dub Review: The Beginning After the End “The King Negotiates”
Overview
Arthur seeks a gift to give Eleanor for her birthday and has an interesting encounter as a result.
Our Take
Picking up from the previous episode, Arthur’s focus shifts toward securing a meaningful birthday gift for Eleanor, leading him to seek out the inventor Gideon through Vincent’s connections. Along the way, he and Reynold uncover new details about a Beast Core, realizing it contains a Beast Will that isn’t compatible with their elemental affinity but could suit someone like Tessia. Meanwhile, political tensions surface as representatives from multiple kingdoms prepare for a joint announcement, while Arthur’s meeting with Gideon opens the door to discussions about steam engine technology and the possibility of long-distance sea travel.
Gideon’s work reveals a major development: evidence of a newly discovered continent, alongside the existence of a mana-beast equipped with a camera-like device, suggesting an advanced and unknown civilization. Arthur trades ideas and knowledge in exchange for rare protective items, further highlighting his strategic thinking. Elsewhere, Elijah’s intervention in a conflict involving academy students escalates into a brief but impactful confrontation, where Arthur demonstrates his growing strength, aided by a sudden intervention from a mysterious young woman. The episode also leans into improved animation during its action moments, making the battles feel more dynamic than earlier in the season.
Overall, this episode stands out as a noticeable improvement, blending stronger worldbuilding, more engaging character interactions, and clearer narrative direction. The hints of a wider world beyond the known kingdoms add intrigue without revealing too much, while the character dynamics—especially Arthur’s friendships and growing influence—remain a highlight. While still imperfect, the episode delivers a more confident and entertaining direction for the series moving forward.
