Highlights
- Roxy survives dangerous labyrinth with mage skills, hinting at complex implications for the series setting.
- Rudeus rescues Roxy from monsters, triggers awkward reunion due to her amnesia and his growth.
- Rudeus accepts adventure invitation from Roxy despite family obligations, hinting at potential twist in his married life.
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2, Episode 21, "Magic Circle to the Sixth Stratum", now available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Episode 21 of the Mushoku Tensei series shows a quick recap of how Roxy survived on her own throughout the one month she was trapped in the labyrinth. Her journey had many perilous encounters, but as the skilled mage that she is, Roxy was able to survive. Roxy’s journey through the Teleport Labyrinth showed the dangers of the labyrinth.
Without a guide or knowledge of the labyrinth, you wouldn’t know which teleportation circles took you down or up the labyrinth. And so, Roxy simply got teleported from one location in the labyrinth to another. Luckily for her, she got rescued by Rudeus right before meeting certain doom. However, their meeting has various complex implications for the setting of Mushoku Tensei.
Mushoku Tensei: Sylphy's Surprise and Rudeus’ Life-Altering Decision
Life seems to be going well until Rudeus receives a troubling letter. Does he stay with his family or does he go and help Paul?
Rescue And Reunion
Roxy’s Amnesia And Awkwardness With Rudeus
Luckily for Roxy, right as she was about to be overrun by monsters, Rudeus showed up and saved her. Initially, it seemed like Roxy didn’t recognize Rudeus, and the thought of that made Rudeus sick to his stomach. It was later revealed that Roxy simply couldn’t connect young Rudeus to his current appearance.
Not instantly recognizing Rudeus is understandable, but throughout the episode, Roxy seemed awkward and shy around Rudeus, perhaps because of his growth. Because of the complex relationship between teacher and student, to an extent, Roxy feeling the way she did is understandable. However, referring to Rudeus as “Rudeus-San” instead of the usual “Rudy” was unexpected. Thankfully, Rudeus instantly corrected Roxy, and she went back to calling him Rudy.
The entire episode was focused on Rudeus and Roxy’s relationship. Their past relationship was fun, as was that of a teacher and student, but their individual status has dramatically changed since then. While their relationship was explored, a re-run into the labyrinth to save Zenith was also put in motion. The adventure in general included many trips back to town, and so, Roxy and Rudeus got to explore the city of Rapan together, strengthening the relationship they already had.
Rudeus’ Decision To Adventure With Roxy
Does The Mage Have His Priorities Right?
Due to the nature of the Teleport Labyrinth, Rudeus and the rest of the party had to go in, explore some ruins, and then come out to continue later, rather than simply bulldoze their way through like many would’ve expected. During the many runs into the labyrinth, Roxy invites Rudeus to go adventuring with her—just the two of them—and Rudeus’ answer leaves fans with mixed feelings.
Rudy. Once we rescue Zenith and can spare some time, would you tackle a labyrinth with me? …it normally makes for a fun adventure. —Roxy
That sounds nice. Let’s go together once we get back. —Rudeus
Without considering the state of his wife and soon-to-be child, Rudeus promptly accepted Roxy’s request. It’s unusual for Rudeus to be unable to read in between the lines in matters of the heart, but that also shows how much ‘dedication’ he has to his master. With a child to raise and a wife in labor, Rudeus would be expected to rush back home after he rescues his mother rather than go adventuring with Roxy.
Paul’s Cryptic Message
Paul Encourages His Son To Have Two Wives In A Roundabout Way
Paul’s message might be cryptic to Rudeus, but fans fully understand what he means.
Listen Rudy, I use two swords now. One used to be enough, but now I don't feel right without two. I'm attached to both, and they have different roles. Well, you'll understand one day. —Paul
Paul leaving this quote to Rudeus shows that he sees and understands how Roxy feels toward him. However, encouraging his newlywed son, who is just about to become a father, to get another wife is quite questionable but unsurprising considering who Paul is. This also shows that there may be something between Rudeus and Roxy that could bloom. While Rudeus’ integrity will be questioned if he simply returns home with a new wife, it’s worth considering that Rudeus will end up with different wives considering his complex relationship with Roxy and Eris.
Implications Of Rudeus And Roxy Meeting
A Potential Twist In Rudeus’ Married Life
While Roxy seems to have fallen for Rudeus, she is not aware of Rudeus now being married. As fans saw, Roxy reacted to Rudeus mentioning Nanahoshi, thinking her to be his girlfriend, and reveled at Rudeus’ rejection of the idea. How she’ll react if she discovers Rudeus’ marital status is unknown, and whether or not she’ll actively pursue Rudeus after knowing will be interesting. Regardless of what happens, Roxy is sure to be disheartened to learn that Rudeus now has a wife. And while it may not happen soon, this is grounds for Roxy and Rudeus to get together—the very thing that the Man God seems to have been preventing.
At the end of the episode, Rudeus finds a teleportation circle underground that could be the key to finding and rescuing Zenith, meaning that fans are expected to get some action (as portrayed in the opening song) in the forthcoming episodes.
Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation
- Studio
- Studio Bind
- Creator
- Rifujin na Magonote
- Number of Episodes
- 39+
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll , Hulu