Warning: The following contains spoilers for The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, Episode 3, "Brutal! The Darkness of Llinger," now streaming on Crunchyroll.

The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic doesn’t beat around the bush with its plotline, as the anime delves into the story almost immediately without letting the narrative be weighed down by needless filler content. However, keeping a fast pace doesn’t always equate to the show revolving merely around action, and this has become apparent after the newest additions to the show’s character lineup in the latest episode.

Despite the episode’s focus remaining on Usato’s trial within the Darkness of Llinger, the Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic has introduced two new characters in the form of adorable animal companions. Animal companions are a common aspect in most anime, and the show seems to be following the very same blueprint. However, Usato’s new companion might not fit the norm, which comes as a surprise considering his role as a healer.

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Usato’s Trial in the Darkness of Llinger

As part of his training, Rose forced Usato to venture into the Darkness of Llinger, a forest teeming with monsters created by the Demon Lord’s army. His trial was to return only after defeating a Grand Grizzly, a massive bear known for its strength and might. Usato runs into one almost immediately, though his lack of preparation forces him to wait around and properly plan his assault on the bear.

He locates the bears’ den where he finds the Grand Grizzly and two smaller bears called Blue Grizzlies. However, waiting for the attack proves to be detrimental as his quarry is slain by a venomous snake monster, leaving behind only one of the Blue Grizzlies. Usato vows to take revenge and slay the snake, not just because his prey was stolen, but to take revenge for the surviving bear.

Despite not being part of his trial, Usato takes on the venomous creature and puts on a brave fight. Even after being bitten by the snake, Usato survives by adapting and learning how to neutralize poisons by healing from the inside out. While he eventually loses the fight and is saved by Rose’s last-second intervention, the fight showcased Usato’s tenacity and will to fight for what’s right, no matter how strong his opponent may be.

Usato’s New Companions

During his time within the forest, Usato runs into a few other friendly creatures, one that even aids him in his survival. The first is an injured rabbit that Usato comes across, and he immediately befriends the animal after he heals its wounds. The rabbit stays by his side during the ten days he stays in the forest, aiding him in finding clean water and locating enemies. It’s safe to say that the rabbit surely played a role in Usato’s survival within the forest over the ten days.

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It is later revealed that the small rabbit was Rose’s pet Kukuru, and its purpose was to spy on Usato and aid him in his trial. Kukuru’s injury was also an act just to get Usato to trust him, revealing his playful and smug side. This meant that Rose never abandoned Usato as Kukuru served as her eyes and ears this entire time. Since Kukuru is Rose’s pet, it’s certain that viewers will be seeing more of this furball as the series continues.

Usato finds his own personal animal companion as well, although it may differ from traditional pet animals. The Blue Grizzly that survived the snake’s lethal assault later helps Usato in fighting the monster, and once the beast is defeated, Rose instructs the bear to come back with them. Usato’s animal companion had already been hinted at through the anime’s opening song and visual posters, and now, he finally has a familiar of his own to rely on.

The Arrival of the Demon Lord Hints at Tough Times Ahead

While this episode may have introduced a few adorable companions to the narrative, a few not-so-adorable characters have also been revealed, most importantly the Demon Lord himself. Rose mentions that the Demon Lord will be making his move soon enough, meaning there is only a little time left for Usato to train and become a self-sufficient healer. The ending scene of the current episode further confirms this fact as it shows the Demon Lord ordering his subordinates to prepare for an assault against the Llinger Kingdom.

The narrative seems to be getting serious as the series has already introduced its primary antagonist and a cue for a possible invasion. However, this also means that viewers will get to see Usato in battle soon enough, finally revealing exactly how Rose plans on using healing magic in the war. The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic’s odd name itself has remained a mystery, though this will change soon enough with the series’ most recent developments.

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