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WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Episode 30 of The Rising of the Shield Hero, "Ost Hourai," now streaming on Funimation, Crunchyroll & Hulu.
The 29th episode of The Rising of the Shield Hero, "Ruins in the Fog," unfurled the possibility of the Spirit Tortoise's death through its familiar Ost Hourai. The episode allowed viewers to buy into the idea that the Spirit Tortoise's can only be defeated through the destruction of its heart.
However, Episode 30 confirmed that there is more to the Spirit Tortoise's possible death than its large heart. The development presented in the episode was shocking and unexpected. Based on the current events, Naofumi and his party would have to make a torturous decision that would impact the kingdom of Melromarc.
The Villainous Identity Behind The Spirit Awakening Surfaces
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Since the first episodes of Season 2 of The Rising of the Shield Hero, the idea that the Spirit Tortoise has been under the control of an unknown person has been a recurrent theme. Finally, the story adds merit to the suspecting characters’ theories. Episode 30 opens with L’Arc, the Sycthe vassal hero, and his partners from the alternate world, revealing the origin of the individual behind the Spirit Tortoise's unprecedented revival and the havoc it caused. Naofumi's former combat opponent, Glass, alerted the hero and his party members that the mysterious individual came from their world.
What’s more, the Spirit Tortoise revival was only a part of the individual's plan, which involved controlling Guardian Beasts from different alternate worlds before harnessing their powers for his personal interest. The fact that the heroes from the other world were willing to call a truce for their supposed enemy and obstacle signified the severity of the situation. From the heroes’ conversation, viewers can deduce the mysterious individual gaining more power from Guardian Beasts can spell doom for different worlds. This is why L’Arc’s call for a truce to work collectively in bringing down the Spirit Tortoise was completely understandable and sensible. However, the overly careful and easily mistrusting Naofumi declined the hero's offer, stating that teaming up with his enemies wasn't a strategic or wise move.
Despite the reason for his refusal being born from paranoia, looking back, Naofumi's prudent decisions so far allowed him to be a formidable hero. So, on a closer look, it’s possible that his decision came from a place of reason than paranoia. In the First Season of the Rising of the Shield Hero, by coincidence, Naofumi teamed up with Vassal wielders from another world. They ended up betraying him since they were tasked with defeating the four Legendary Heroes to save their world. Based on this past occurrence, Naofumi's decision to avoid teaming up with the party can also fall under the prevention of an unexpected death since they might betray him again.
After the Shield Hero Party ventured further within Spirit Tortoise, with the aid of Ost Hourai’s guidance, they managed to find the heart of the creature and the infamous individual behind its control. The individual revealed himself to be Kyo Ethnina, the wielder of the Book Vassal Weapon. At first glance, the hero already embodies the stereotypical villain look common in most antagonists. However, Kyo was also depicted as a cunning individual; he tried baiting the Shield Hero using low underhanded comments; however, his cunny attempts were shrugged off easily by Naofumi.
The show also portrayed the character's cleverness since he managed to stall his former hero comrades, using fake hearts of the Spirit Tortoise. Further, while conversing with Naofumi, his real body was somewhere else, preventing any possible chances of him being killed or defeated. After a few conversations, Naofumi ordered the Vassal weapon wielder to let go of his control of the Spirit Tortoise. But, as expected, the hero refused, signaling an impending battle between the two parties.
Ost Hourai’s True Nature
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After the Book Vassal Weapon triggered the Spirit Tortoise Heart defense system, Naofumi and his party members were forced to make a hard decision, which involved destroying the Spirit Tortoise’s heart. However, the sad part of the decision wasn't the Spirit Tortoise's death, but the fact that Ost Hourai's death was linked to the Spirt Tortoise life force. Five episodes ago, this issue may not have been really important. However, fans witnessed the slow and intimate bonding between Ost Hourai, Naofumi, and his party members, so her departure would be painful.
To the party members' surprise, Ost Hourai was still alive after the destruction of the Spirt Tortoise Heart – meaning the Spirit Tortoise was still very much alive. After Ost Hourai's momentary presumed death, she woke up from her short slumber with the complete knowledge of what she really was. However, her real identity wasn't shown until the party met the Book vassal hero again, who stated that Ost Hourai was the Spirit Tortoise's true form since she was its core -- the main reason behind the creature's undeath. This new information was shocking because this meant that for the Spirit Tortoise to die, Ost Hourai must die. Naofumi and his partners would have to tackle this sensitive situation to prevent Melromarc’s doom. But would they be able to carry out the cruel task of killing Ost Hourai?