The Sacred Blacksmith Discussion Thread.

[Westlo]

Manglobe doing something totally different from their previous stuff. Adaption of a fantasy light novel series.

ANN (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10874)
Official Website (http://www.blasmi.com)

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[Westlo]

First half is the first chapter of the manga while the second covers to a point the fight that has been shown in the PVs. OP is alright.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu5iT7Y5aBo&feature=player_embedded

[Fencedude]

Huh, OP is sung by the lady who sang the original PreCure OP. Though it reminds me of something else...but I can't place it...

Also, I think I played this game once.

[Westlo]

I'm tired but did I just see Aria do a Starscream to Cecila's Megatron and transform into a weapon for her in the OP?

[Fencedude]

I'm tired but did I just see Aria do a Starscream to Cecila's Megatron and transform into a weapon for her in the OP?

Yes, yes you did. Though a better comparison is probably Soul Eater.

Also, I think I'll call this Atelier Cecily from now on.

And I figured out what was bugging me about the OP, the beginning is TOTALLY a Gundam parody! She's even doing a launch sequence, and the opening chords remind me of a Seed-era Gundam song.

[Suwako Moriya]

It's clear that the series is still in the set up phase given the way it ended. Even so I found the first episode to be good enough for me to consider watching the next episode.

Lisa is definitely cute and looks like she could be valuable. However what matters most to me is Cecily. She interests and she's quite hot in her armor. Thus I have a good reason to try out a bit more.

[TheGreenMan]

Lisa is my favorite character so far, she's just so cute, especially in the ED.

Well, that's a interesting way to forge swords. Didn't expect that. I though Lisa would be Luke's supersword or something.

[Fencedude]

Hah, that was lots of fun. Cecily's pretty awesome (even if she sucks) and Luke is actually cool. Lisa's absolutely adorable as well.

Love the ending theme.

[something]

Episode 1:

- Ah I like Cecily already. Also, her breast plate is unusually form fitting around her boobs... Fujimura Ayumi isn't a seiyuu who has any real obvious stand-out major roles for me (although she was Kyouka in Kyouran Kazoku Nikki, lol) so it'll be nice to see how she does here. I did like Cecily's voice immediately though. (And oh jeeze, Luke's seiyuu is going to be Fonfon...)
- ...really really form fitting. lol. It's so strange.
- Heh and she has no fighting experience whatsoever.
- Well, you sword was pretty ghetto looking, Cecily. You need an upgrade anyway.
- OH GOD YES! Toyosaki Aki as a super cute little elf[?] girl! PERFECT CASTING!
- Hmm I'm kinda hoping it's Lisa that is the blacksmith. Her name being on the building gives me hope. But then she's clearly going to be secondary to Luke and Cecily so I guess the show name wouldn't be a reference to her...
- Cecily is fantastic, Lisa is fantastic, and if Luke doesn't turn out to be too much of a douchebag this show is going into the lead as best Fall series to this point. Although I have Railgun next, which will probably outdo it.
- Cecily saves Luke with her breasts!
- Huh, so, like, Luke is the blacksmith of course but Lisa is like his portable magical forge summoner. Neat.

And it's a Lisa ED! YES!!

Definitely the best Fall show so far, by a good margin.

[pi8you]

- ...really really form fitting. lol. It's so strange.
I kept waiting to see it, ahem, bounce.

Entertaining enough, and the on-the-spot forging brought my interest up. Doesn't beat Railgun for me, but then, nothing this season even looks close to it.

[Draneor]

The CG! It stings!

I spot a loli brigade in the opening. But I think the innocent-looking black-haired girl may end up my favorite. Justice of light!

Cecily's breastplate is rather tight... Can she even breath?

Why do I get the feeling I'm watching Saber fight Berserker all over again. Except this time, Saber sucks and Shirou can fight. I even spot Caster in the background.

Black. Definitely black. I thought so before, but this confirms it.

Blacksmiths are rare, and instead everyone is using pressed swords. Clearly this is logical in a medieval setting.

Luke is your stereotypical asshole RPG male protagonist and Lisa is cute. We need more Lisa and less Luke!

Must resist UBW joke...

The ending is awesome. Lots of cute girls coming.^^ I'll definitely be adding this to my fall order.

[Fencedude]

I spot a loli brigade in the opening. But I think the innocent-looking black-haired girl may end up my favorite. Justice of light!


ASTRID!
(http://serenesforest.net/media/fe10illust/e/astrid_en.png)

[Suwako Moriya]

Hah, that was lots of fun. Cecily's pretty awesome (even if she sucks) and Luke is actually cool. Lisa's absolutely adorable as well.

Awesome + Cool + Adorable= Classic Formula. In any case, I hope the show is going to treat Cecily well. It would bother me greatly if it didn't.

[HitokiriShadow]

"The store is actually called Liza" *looks again* Uh, no, its not. Its Lisa, just like the girl's name. And Luke totally cheats at forging blades.

But more importantly, Lisa is utterly adorable.

Anyway, a solid first episode and this show has some decent potential. Cecily better become a good fighter quick though, because I'm not looking forward to seeing her get saved by Luke yet again.

[something]

Anyway, a solid first episode and this show has some decent potential. Cecily better become a good fighter quick though, because I'm not looking forward to seeing her get saved by Luke yet again.
She definitely does need to come into her own as a fighter, yes. We know from the first scene that he saves her three times already, so lets hope that number doesn't get too much higher by the end.

[Fencedude]

Cecily better become a good fighter quick though, because I'm not looking forward to seeing her get saved by Luke yet again.

Give her a break, she's a level 1 Knight equipped with a broken sword, being compared to a level 10 Samurai with a +5 Katana of Sharpness.

Once she gets her +10 Wind Sword of Sexiness (judging by the OP) I'm sure she'll do fine.

[Suwako Moriya]

She definitely does need to come into her own as a fighter, yes. We know from the first scene that he saves her three times already, so lets hope that number doesn't get too much higher by the end.

Cecily needs to come into her own, not just for her sake, but for Luke's sake as well. Since if they make it so Luke is the only one who can win any battles, it will eventually devalue his victories. I mean take the following scenario for example.

The final boss is so powerful Luke is the only one who can defeat ot. A statement like that loses all meaning if every single enemy requires Luke to defeat it. That's what I mean by devaluing his victories.

In any case, I think until Cecily gets a new sword, her chances of being able to hold her own will remain low. Even then how quickly/slowly she'll improve might depend on how long the series is meant to be.

[Suwako Moriya]

Give her a break, she's a level 1 Knight equipped with a broken sword, being compared to a level 10 Samurai with a +5 Katana of Sharpness.

A samurai that has some mystical creature working with him.

Once she gets her +10 Wind Sword of Sexiness (judging by the OP) I'm sure she'll do fine.

In that case, hopefully it won't take her too long to get. Ie say by episode 2 or 3.

[HitokiriShadow]

Cecily better become a good fighter quick though, because I'm not looking forward to seeing her get saved by Luke yet again.

Give her a break, she's a level 1 Knight equipped with a broken sword, being compared to a level 10 Samurai with a +5 Katana of Sharpness.
He has to be at least level 20 to max out his Smithing skill and get his attack power high enough to kill monsters like that in one hit.

Once she gets her +10 Wind Sword of Sexiness (judging by the OP) I'm sure she'll do fine.

I watched the OP but I didn't pay that much attention to it, so I didn't really catch anything that hinted at her future. I'm sure she'll get better, I just want it to happen very quickly and since she's starting with 0 EXP... that's a lot of catching up to do.

[Fencedude]

I watched the OP but I didn't pay that much attention to it, so I didn't really catch anything that hinted at her future. I'm sure she'll get better, I just want it to happen very quickly and since she's starting with 0 EXP... that's a lot of catching up to do.

Watch the OP and ED again, pay attention to the girl in green.

[Draneor]

Cecily needs to come into her own, not just for her sake, but for Luke's sake as well. Since if they make it so Luke is the only one who can win any battles, it will eventually devalue his victories. I mean take the following scenario for example.

All I'm saying is it isn't Luke on the cover of the seven novels (http://www.blasmi.com/goods/index.html). Cecily has to be there for more than just eye candy, right? Right?

[something]

All I'm saying is it isn't Luke on the cover of the seven novels (http://www.blasmi.com/goods/index.html). Cecily has to be there for more than just eye candy, right? Right?
Although she would fill that role quite well. And will regardless. =P She's sexy~ I like the cosplay on #7, heh.

Anyway, yeah, I'm sure Cecily will do fine, she had to suck to necessitate getting a good sword. I do expect the typical "Luke gets 85% of the good battle scenes" nonsense from this show (oh please prove me wrong) but I'm sure she'll get competent right quick. She certainly has the right personality and attitude and lots of motivation. She just needs some experience.

[Draneor]

I like the cosplay on #7,

You say cosplay, but are you sure that's not Masterwork Magical Elven Chain +6? ;) She needs new gear when she levels up, right?

I do expect the typical "Luke gets 85% of the good battle scenes" nonsense from this show (oh please prove me wrong) but I'm sure she'll get competent right quick.

I'm really hoping Cecily is the protagonist and Luke is just the main love interest. But that would be entirely backwards from every other light novel so I'm not holding my breath. ;_;

[Fencedude]

I'm really hoping Cecily is the protagonist and Luke is just the main love interest. But that would be entirely backwards from every other light novel so I'm not holding my breath. ;_;

Actually, Lisa's the protagonist! Didn't you see the ED?

[William K]

I like the cosplay on #7,

You say cosplay, but are you sure that's not Masterwork Magical Elven Chain +6? ;) She needs new gear when she levels up, right?

Cecily Campbell, putting the breast back into breastplate! You know from the way Luke forges swords, I wonder if he can make armor as well and I keep imagining a scene where he asks her 3 sizes so he can make one....

What's up with his left eye by the way? During the forging scene, I expected it to come into play but he kept it closed almost the whole time...

The ED is certainly the cutest one so far but why is Lisa represented by a golf putter?

[Fencedude]

The ED is certainly the cutest one so far but why is Lisa represented by a golf putter?

I think its supposed to be a hammer.

[Suwako Moriya]

The ED is certainly the cutest one so far but why is Lisa represented by a golf putter?
I think its supposed to be a hammer.

*Skims ending* I think I'll side with the idea of it being a hammer. Makes more sense anyway. Now if this were a sports anime and the others had been represented by things like baseball bats....

[tadakichi]

First, the stuff that bugged me:

1. Cecily "Cambell"? That's going to take a while to get used to. OK, a quick Google search confirms that it's a common variant spelling, but I'm so used to "Campbell" that it's jarring to read.

2. Making swords by pouring molten metal into a mold is kind of ridiculous to begin with, but for it to have replaced the blacksmith's forge makes even less sense. Do these people know anything about metallurgy? </nitpick>

Now that I've got that out of the way, HOLY CRAP, WHAT AN AMAZING FIRST EPISODE! You've got your idealistic, wet-behind-the-ears protagonist, your jaded mentor figure, your impossibly cute elf girl (with promises of more cute girls to come)... not particularly original, I suppose, but the execution is superb. I was looking forward to seeing how manglobe would handle something less mainstream and 'cool' like a light novel adaptation, and if the first episode is anything to go on, they've nailed it. This is going straight to the top of my Fall show ranking and I can't see anything except Darker than Black 2 dislodging it.

Oh, and the ED is love. Ashita wa HAPPY DAY, indeed.

[pi8you]

All I'm saying is it isn't Luke on the cover of the seven novels (http://www.blasmi.com/goods/index.html). Cecily has to be there for more than just eye candy, right? Right?
Man, I hope she gets to spend some time in #3's outfit :3

[Suwako Moriya]

All I'm saying is it isn't Luke on the cover of the seven novels (http://www.blasmi.com/goods/index.html). Cecily has to be there for more than just eye candy, right? Right?

Hopefully, but if those covers are any indication she's at least doing a nice job of being eye candy.

[angelx03]

All I'm saying is it isn't Luke on the cover of the seven novels (http://www.blasmi.com/goods/index.html). Cecily has to be there for more than just eye candy, right? Right?

Hopefully, but if those covers are any indication she's at least doing a nice job of being eye candy.

I noticed with each different outfit, she has a different sword or even has a dagger. I wonder if this series will allow her to learn different styles of swordfighting. Or it could just be there for modeling purposes.

[TheGreenMan]

I wonder why Lisa is represented by a cane/crutch in the ED?

Also, I wonder what the deal is with the Liza/Lisa thing?

[Suwako Moriya]

All I'm saying is it isn't Luke on the cover of the seven novels (http://www.blasmi.com/goods/index.html). Cecily has to be there for more than just eye candy, right? Right?Hopefully, but if those covers are any indication she's at least doing a nice job of being eye candy.
I noticed with each different outfit, she has a different sword or even has a dagger. I wonder if this series will allow her to learn different styles of swordfighting. Or it could just be there for modeling purposes.

*Looks again* Ah, you're right. Granted even if she does eventually starting using different swords in the novels, it's hard to say if the anime will be the same way. They could decide it's simpler to stick with one sword and that's it.

[Fencedude]

I wonder why Lisa is represented by a cane/crutch in the ED?[/ quote]

Its a hammer

[Quote]Also, I wonder what the deal is with the Liza/Lisa thing?

Luke's a dick

[LKK]

"The store is actually called Liza" *looks again* Uh, no, its not. Its Lisa, just like the girl's name.
I took his comment as him being snippy to Cecily.

[Suwako Moriya]

While Luke does some fighting, Lisa makes sure to let us know just how special Katanas are.

The armor of Cecily Cambell breaks! Allowing for some benefit to the viewer. I'm starting to see some of those images of her in a new light.

Luke is defeated in "battle".

Time for some random people to get all plot-like on us.

Luke is quite cranky.

It's nice that Lisa realizes the importance of Cecily's assets.

So much for the idea of multiple payments.

Cecily, forget about Luke. You just met Aria and she likes the idea of being protected by a cute person. So start dating Aria.

[TheGreenMan]

Oh, now we get some plot.
Lisa likes big bewbs.
Alien?
ARIA! And she seems to take liking to Cecily. Maybe they can be "partners" like Cecily wanted?

[angelx03]

ARIA! And she seems to take liking to Cecily. Maybe they can be "partners" like Cecily wanted?

Unless the OP sequence is one gigantic lie, I want to say yes.

[Suwako Moriya]

ARIA! And she seems to take liking to Cecily. Maybe they can be "partners" like Cecily wanted?

I'm just hoping it won't be long before Aria transforms into a sword for Cecily. Assuming that the opening is not misleading and the following I'm about to say assumes the same thing.

I'm glad that in the end, Cecily didn't get a Katana from Luke. It means that Cecily can focus on what truly matters. Which is holding and touching Aria.

That and they would have probably come up with some complicated plot stuff that would have essentially boiled down to "The Katana is not the right weapon for you anyway"

[Fencedude]

Fun episode, Cecily's armor breaking was amusing.

Luke and Lisa sure did dance around a lot of things while talking to Cecily, didn't they? And yay, Aria!

[Draneor]

Uh, am I watching the right show?

Iron/steel apparently has some unique properties in this world. Similar to glass actually. Actually, maybe it is glass. That might explain a few things.

Luke you suck. I have never hated you more than now (but not wearing a bra or undershirt under armor--ouch).

Aria is love though.

[Suwako Moriya]

Yes. Yes. Katana's were formed by folding the metal many times. Although this technique does not actually make a stronger sword in and of itself

But, it's a Katana. They're all powerful. They can cut through anything. They can even cure cancer.

[Draneor]

But, it's a Katana. They're all powerful. They can cut through anything. They can even cure cancer.

Most certainly. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KatanasAreJustBetter) Girl sword is still better though.

[Fencedude]

But, it's a Katana. They're all powerful. They can cut through anything. They can even cure cancer.

Most certainly. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KatanasAreJustBetter) Girl sword is still better though.

Yes, but Cecily is the one who gained the Sword of Plot Advancement (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SwordOfPlotAdvancement), the one thing that can beat the Katana!

Cecily >> Luke

[Draneor]

Cecily >> Luke

Would anyone actually argue against that though?

[Fencedude]

Cecily >> Luke

Would anyone actually argue against that though?

Most likely, but you never know.

Also, Luke is clearly the Jegan, and everyone knows growth units like Cecily are better anyway (unless they belong to the Dawn Brigade)

[Suwako Moriya]

Yes, but Cecily is the one who gained the Sword of Plot Advancement (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SwordOfPlotAdvancement), the one thing that can beat the Katana!


Ah, thanks for the reminder. Now I have even more hope for Cecily than before.

[Suwako Moriya]

Also, Luke is clearly the Jegan, and everyone knows growth units like Cecily are better anyway (unless they belong to the Dawn Brigade)

Jegan? I take it this is a reference for a type of character that's strong early on, but eventually gets surpassed by others.

[Draneor]

Jegan? I take it this is a reference for a type of character that's strong early on, but eventually gets surpassed by others.

A Fire Emblem reference, I believe. Having never played it, it went over my head. But even if I had, I always pick my party's characters based on cuteness. Thus, Cecily still beats Luke. Well, if the Sacred Blacksmith was a RPG, I bet it would force you to take Luke if you wanted Lisa.

[Gatts]

Jegan? I take it this is a reference for a type of character that's strong early on, but eventually gets surpassed by others.

A Fire Emblem reference, I believe.

I'm pretty sure since it's Fence he's talking about the Mobile Suit Jegan from Gundam.

[Fencedude]

Jegan? I take it this is a reference for a type of character that's strong early on, but eventually gets surpassed by others.

A Fire Emblem reference, I believe.

I'm pretty sure since it's Fence he's talking about the Mobile Suit Jegan from Gundam.

No, its a Fire Emblem reference.

[HitokiriShadow]

I payed more attention to the OP this time and saw the girl transform into the sword.

And thankfully, she's appeared and has met Cecily by the end of the episode. So next time we'll really get to meet her and see what she's like.

[pi8you]

The armor of Cecily Cambell breaks! Allowing for some benefit to the viewer. I'm starting to see some of those images of her in a new light.
Very glad we got the Huge option rather than Pretending-to-be-Huge, though that would have given Luke some hilarious dialogue potential.

As it is, he's got the potential to be one of the more enjoyable male leads in a while for me, which, combined with our second Aria of the season (after Letter Bee's) and Cecily, makes this look like it'll be a half-fun, half-serious fantasy romp that should be rather enjoyable.

[Gatts]

No, its a Fire Emblem reference.

Okay, I have to guess most of the times when I'm reading through the treads.

[Fencedude]

Oh man Aria's amazing. Absolutely wonderful. She's exactly what Cecily needed right now.

<3 <3 <3 CecilyXAria FTW

[untoldsorrow]

I will admit it, I am only watching this fir one reason...LISA!!

Only joking..but its a fair enough reason. Lisa, Aria and Cecily are pure love. Lisa is too adorable to put into words.

Ok, on to the actual episode, love every part those 3 girls were together, such cute and fun female bonding. Lisa spilling the beans was too cute and trying to stuff her face to cover it up was even better.

[HitokiriShadow]

Oh yes, Aria is as great as I was hoping she would be. <3 <3 <3

Cecily refuses to kill but at least she held her own for a little while, so that's a bit of an improvement on that front.

[Draneor]

I'm kind of amazed this show has someone who is more of an asshole than Luke in it. Oh, and did anyone catch why Aria and Cecily needed Lisa? Surely, it wasn't just to feed her...

[Fencedude]

I'm kind of amazed this show has someone who is more of an asshole than Luke in it.

Luke just wants to be left alone.

Oh, and did anyone catch why Aria and Cecily needed Lisa? Surely, it wasn't just to feed her...

I think theu just wanted her to go with them. Aria noticed right off that Lisa wasn't normal, though for some reason they are still dancing around it. Its not like Cecily wasn't instantly BFF with a god slaying demon sword or anything. I'm sure she can handle whatever it is Lisa is.

[Westlo]

I'm kind of amazed this show has someone who is more of an asshole than Luke in it.

If Luke's personality was in a girl she would probably be one of the fan favs lol. Aria is awesome like I expected, also I hope Cecily drops the Kira Yamato act ASAP.

[Suwako Moriya]

Oh man Aria's amazing. Absolutely wonderful. She's exactly what Cecily needed right now.

Seriously, forget about that whole Katana stuff. Aria makes for a much better sword. Clearly, I'm not basing this on the said sword having a hot female form.

<3 <3 <3 CecilyXAria FTW

It's always nice to have the true couple emerge.


One thing I have to wonder is just how much training Cecily has actually had. We know her father died a month ago and she ended up succeeding him after that. However it's hard to say how much (and what type of) training she before that. If any of course.


In any case, I don't want her to get murderous, but she has to get over this not killing issue. Unless she wants people to be killed by the person that she's not killing. Which is the main problem I've had with not killing. Even more so when killing is sometimes the only way to save the person you're killing.

[Draneor]

One thing I have to wonder is just how much training Cecily has actually had. We know her father died a month ago and she ended up succeeding him after that. However it's hard to say how much (and what type of) training she before that. If any of course.

Assuming Cecily's in the standard age bracket of 14-18, there couldn't possibly have been enough. Generally speaking, a person would spend around a decade training as a page and squire before they could become a knight. Although gender equality does not seem to be an issue in this world, obviously female nobles would not traditionally become knights. It does appear that knighthood is not strictly a political title here.

From the story itself, we know she joined the guards to carry on the family legacy after her father died one month ago. But we don't know (yet?) if that was her father's intention for her. If Cecily's father did not want her to become a knight, it would make sense why she would have basically no training (or combat experience). If she was to be married off, such training would have been useless.

In any case, I don't want her to get murderous, but she has to get over this not killing issue.

It's realistic though. Taking the life of another human being isn't psychologically easy, unless you've been trained to do it. Especially at her age. Cecily's clearly not a pacifist. She's just green (or basically normal).

[Suwako Moriya]

From the story itself, we know she joined the guards to carry on the family legacy after her father died one month ago. But we don't know (yet?) if that was her father's intention for her. If Cecily's father did not want her to become a knight, it would make sense why she would have basically no training (or combat experience). If she was to be married off, such training would have been useless.

Yeah, it's definitely up in the air right now. Still there's always the power of flashback scenes! Never mind the fact that even if we get those, some of them could turn out to be misleading or have double meanings. Such is the fun with them.


In any case, I don't want her to get murderous, but she has to get over this not killing issue.It's realistic though. Taking the life of another human being isn't psychologically easy, unless you've been trained to do it. Especially at her age. Cecily's clearly not a pacifist. She's just green (or basically normal).

True. Unlike what some might like to believe, it's not as simple as flipping a switch. Actually, I'd be weary of any person who's intent to kill was as simple as flipping a switch. I don't even need to state why.

In any case, I can understand why she is the way she is. Hence my statement is so much a complaint about the current situation, but a hope for the future.

Of course, some shows get over the need to kill by having the lead find a way to magically heal everyone instead.

[Ingraman]

Just getting around to trying this show, and it's only the second series that I've checked out (Railgun was the first) so far... Still enjoying the girls of Cross Game, though. ^_^

Episode 1:

- Ah I like Cecily already. Also, her breast plate is unusually form fitting around her boobs...

Formed by pouring molten metal on her chest? Somehow the design seems to be a little silly.

- Heh and she has no fighting experience whatsoever.... and calling herself a 'knight.' Thinks a little highly of herself, does she? She's really got to stop with the long introduction. Is she so afraid of people forgetting her name? Is she just a shameless self-promoter?

- Well, you sword was pretty ghetto looking, Cecily. You need an upgrade anyway.Definitely.

- Cecily is fantastic, Lisa is fantastic, and if Luke doesn't turn out to be too much of a douchebag this show is going into the lead as best Fall series to this point.Cute, maybe. 'Fantastic' seems to be a too strong for either girl (definitely Cecily, anyway), and Luke's a little annoying so far.

- Cecily saves Luke with her breasts! 9_9

- Huh, so, like, Luke is the blacksmith of course but Lisa is like his portable magical forge summoner. Neat.I hope that we see him work with an actual forge at some point, and not just use a magical cop-out.

And it's a Lisa ED! YES!!Cute ending, yeah.

[Ingraman]

While Luke does some fighting, Lisa makes sure to let us know just how special Katanas are.

Yeah, they really pound that into us. Hmm... Back in the previous episode, didn't Luke tell Cecily to buy time for him to magi-forge his temporary katana (or was that a mis-translation or mis-remembering)? IIRC, all that she did was stand there and watch.

The armor of Cecily Cambell breaks!I noticed the damage to the armor in an earlier scene, but I didn't quite expect the end result. I thought for certain that she'd be wearing something underneath (a shirt, or padding of some sort). That just can't be comfortable. Yeah, she's only been a knight for a month, but didn't anyone teach her anything? Do the men also go topless under their armor, or did they just trick her and treat her as a cute mascot?

Well, she got replacement armor. Did someone make a new breastplate for her, or does she keep a whole supply of them handy?

I wonder... When she gets new armor made, did her coworkers tell her that they need to make a mold by dripping hot wax on her chest and let it harden? ^_^;; O_O ^_^;;;; Given how little else they seem to have taught her, I wouldn't put it past them.

[Ingraman]

Oh man Aria's amazing. Absolutely wonderful. She's exactly what Cecily needed right now.

I think that I'm finding Aria's skirt-like clothing to be amazing. I can't see how it's supposed avoid revealing her body (or maybe it is supposed to do that). It hangs incredibly low...

As far as Cecily being able to use Aria as a sword, maybe they have to sleep together first? Form a bond that way? ^_^;

The series so far isn't great, but it's not bad...

[Fencedude]

I think that I'm finding Aria's skirt-like clothing to be amazing. I can't see how it's supposed avoid revealing her body (or maybe it is supposed to do that). It hangs incredibly low...


Well, those straps going up over her hips are obviously her panties...no wonder Lisa looks so embarrassed when the camera pans up Aria during the ED.

Speaking of which, when is Lisa going to get that outfit she wears during the ED? Its adorable.

[Suwako Moriya]

Speaking of which, when is Lisa going to get that outfit she wears during the ED? Its adorable.

Hopefully in the next episode. You know, I'm going to be depressed if I end up saying that in the future and then seconds later realized I just saw the final episode.

Still one thing to wonder is this. Will Cecily spend her entire time as a city defender or will the plot require her to go on a journey? If the latter then maybe Luke and Lisa will get dragged along on the journey and that might prompt the outfit change.

[something]

Episode 2:

- Yadda yadda beat the baddie-TITS! That's all the reward Luke should need. And boobs make Lisa sparkle! XD
- Lisa Hammer! And I don't think Cecily's breasts (or breast armor anyway) have been drawn the same for more than 10 seconds in a row. Like, they will literally double in size. Sometimes they're curves in the middle of the breast plate, taking up only a portion. Sometimes they're the whole breast plate. Clearly the solution is to remove the breast plate entirely because it's too hard to draw! Well she's incredibly hot regardless.
- And it's Aria time! I didn't pay enough attention to the OP in episode one but I noticed her becoming Cecily's sword in the OP this time, so hopefully we get to that soon.
- Also, plot plot plot, whatever, Lisa is adorable.

[HitokiriShadow]

Still one thing to wonder is this. Will Cecily spend her entire time as a city defender or will the plot require her to go on a journey? If the latter then maybe Luke and Lisa will get dragged along on the journey and that might prompt the outfit change.

I expect them to leave the city in the next 2-3 episodes.

[something]

Episode 3:

- Ew, his arm is made of eyes.
- Heh I'm really liking Toyoguchi Megumi as Aria.
- Aria seems to think she and Lisa are alike. We know Lisa is more than she appears, but not what, exactly.
- "Demon Sword Aria". That's such an amusing phrase.
- Demon swords and blacksmith elves sure eat a lot. Also, really pleasantly surprised with Aria's personality. I figured she and Cecily would be in conflict over something or other, but they've really hit it off nicely. Anyway, lol at ditching Luke to go have a feast with Lisa.
- Okay, this would be a fantastic chance to let Cecily kill someone. She's going to have to do it eventually. What the should absolutely, positively not do is have Luke jump in and make it save number four.
- Oh for fuck's sake, Cecily. CHOP HIS GOD DAMN HEAD OFF. What does she think being a knight is, tea parties and pillow fights?
- Fuck that's annoying. Way to piss me off, show. Meh, at least Aria seems impressed. Glad it wasn't Luke again (and that he even held back of his own accord.

This better be the only time they pull that shit though. Few things in anime piss me off more than the character who hesitates to save those around him/her because they're freaked about killing someone. Particularly someone who is already dead and has bugs eating their brains! Especially because it always crops up at the worst times, and never happens just once. I also really wish they'd done it in the middle of an episode so that they could redeem her by the end, but now I have to wait until the next episode to stop being annoyed at Cecily and this irksome and all-too-common character trait.

[TheGreenMan]

Episode 3:

Also, really pleasantly surprised with Aria's personality. I figured she and Cecily would be in conflict over something or other, but they've really hit it off nicely. Anyway, lol at ditching Luke to go have a feast with Lisa.



That "let's go have a feast" thing doesn't make sense to the plot, but oh well.

I like Aria's personality. I had to LOL at Cecily's proclamation that she would protect Aria forever. First she says that she wants to a sword to be her "partner" and now this. Hehe.

From the ED, I thought that there would be bad blood between Aria and Lisa, or am I reading that scene wrong?

The faces get really animated when they talk in this show.

[Suwako Moriya]

Few things in anime piss me off more than the character who hesitates to save those around him/her because they're freaked about killing someone.

If I were to look at this scene in a vacuum and not take into account the previous two episodes, I'd be extremely annoyed at it myself. Actually, in some ways I still am.

However if I were to take the first two episodes into account, I'd come to realize one thing. That for her to be able to casually kill with ease would have complete contradicted what they've seen setting up from the start.

Which is that Cecily is essentially an inexperienced person that probably got her foot in the door mostly due to family history. A person that probably had an idolized view of her father and likely many failed to realize that the "job" involved more than just the "glory".

After all, this is the same person who spends her time declaring her title and thinking that just merely by getting a Katana, she'll become automatically awesome and stuff. As if it would really work that way.

If anything, I think the biggest problem is going to be with Aria. I can already imagine Cecily being like "No, I don't want to make her hurt anyone else". Hence forth before Cecily can probably wield Aria in battle, she needs a serious wake up call. Whether that will come from Luke, Lisa, or Aria remains to be seen.

Regardless, the absolute worst thing they can do is drag this issue out. They need to properly deal with it in episode 4. So that way using Aria in battle won't involve Cecily spending time carefully aiming the wind to avoid hurting a fly.

[Draneor]

If anything, I think the biggest problem is going to be with Aria. I can already imagine Cecily being like "No, I don't want to make her hurt anyone else". Hence forth before Cecily can probably wield Aria in battle, she needs a serious wake up call.

I have a feeling Cecily will be just what Aria is looking for. She didn't exactly recall her past users very fondly.

[Fencedude]

I have a feeling Cecily will be just what Aria is looking for. She didn't exactly recall her past users very fondly.

They are pretty much both exactly what the other needed right now. Cecily needs a mentor (and Luke definitely does not qualify) while Aria definitely does not seem to have been happy with most of her previous "owners". Also I think Cecily would pitch a fit if Aria ever tries to refer to her as her "owner".

I do hope we get some more information about Aria's origin though, the opening narration and her brief comments makes me think that she was originally a "normal" sword that somehow became imbued with magic during that war.

[something]

However if I were to take the first two episodes into account, I'd come to realize one thing. That for her to be able to casually kill with ease would have complete contradicted what they've seen setting up from the start.
I've seen plenty of anime, so I know the drill very, very well.

That's never made it stop being infuriating when it's still in this phase, however.

[Suwako Moriya]

They are pretty much both exactly what the other needed right now. Cecily needs a mentor (and Luke definitely does not qualify) while Aria definitely does not seem to have been happy with most of her previous "owners".

I can just imagine what Luke as a mentor would be like. "Figure it out yourself, I'm not going to tell you anything" is the type of mentor he'd be.:sweat:

Also I think Cecily would pitch a fit if Aria ever tries to refer to her as her "owner".

True, although I'd like for Cecily to start calling Aria "Onee-sama" for some unexplained reason.

I do hope we get some more information about Aria's origin though, the opening narration and her brief comments makes me think that she was originally a "normal" sword that somehow became imbued with magic during that war.

Yeah, to suddenly wake up in the middle of battle does seem kind of odd. I'd like the answer as soon as possible, but I get the feeling it won't come up until the season is essentially 3/4 of the way over.

[something]

From the ED, I thought that there would be bad blood between Aria and Lisa, or am I reading that scene wrong?
Where they look at each other, and Lisa smiles? Neither made an upset or angry looking face so I never read it as bad blood or anything. Just an oddly long pause before Lisa kills me again with her cuteness.

[Fencedude]

However if I were to take the first two episodes into account, I'd come to realize one thing. That for her to be able to casually kill with ease would have complete contradicted what they've seen setting up from the start.
I've seen plenty of anime, so I know the drill very, very well.

That's never made it stop being infuriating when it's still in this phase, however.

Well, it could be worse, at least she's not going in reverse like a certain annoying Gundam protagonist.

[Fencedude]

From the ED, I thought that there would be bad blood between Aria and Lisa, or am I reading that scene wrong?
Where they look at each other, and Lisa smiles? Neither made an upset or angry looking face so I never read it as bad blood or anything. Just an oddly long pause before Lisa kills me again with her cuteness.

Aria does look kinda...not grumpy exactly, but out of sorts there though. Maybe she's just hungry.

[Suwako Moriya]

However if I were to take the first two episodes into account, I'd come to realize one thing. That for her to be able to casually kill with ease would have complete contradicted what they've seen setting up from the start.
I've seen plenty of anime, so I know the drill very, very well.

That's never made it stop being infuriating when it's still in this phase, however.

Well, it could be worse, at least she's not going in reverse like a certain annoying Gundam protagonist.

Lucky for me, since I gave up on Gundam long ago, I don't have to worry about experiencing whoever that guy is.:P

[Draneor]

Also I think Cecily would pitch a fit if Aria ever tries to refer to her as her "owner."

She certainly did when asshole number #2 called swords merely "tools."

I think it's clear Cecily doesn't desire Aria's power (at all really). And certainly, she's not willing to kill to acquire it. Aria's probably seen some shit. So I hope Cecily will have a catharsis effect. Granted, we don't know exactly what Aria wants with her life at this point (or if she has even had the opportunity to think about it).

For Aria's part, hopefully she can help Cecily deal with the trauma of war (especially medieval war). There's probably a reason she's the only non-desk female member of the guards.

Well, it could be worse, at least she's not going in reverse like a certain annoying Gundam protagonist.

War is hell though. That crazy old guy, asking "where is my salvation" is a fairly realistic reaction. I'd find it disturbing if the good guys enjoyed killing. Especially after several campaigns. Sometimes, it may be necessary. But one should never enjoy it or not find it disturbing.

[HitokiriShadow]

This better be the only time they pull that shit though. Few things in anime piss me off more than the character who hesitates to save those around him/her because they're freaked about killing someone. Particularly someone who is already dead and has bugs eating their brains! Especially because it always crops up at the worst times, and never happens just once. I also really wish they'd done it in the middle of an episode so that they could redeem her by the end, but now I have to wait until the next episode to stop being annoyed at Cecily and this irksome and all-too-common character trait.

Rurouni Kenshin is the only series I've ever seen where this characteristic wasn't incredibly obnoxious. I was a tad annoyed by what happened in this episode, but I'm assuming for the moment that she's going to get over it and this is just an issue with her inexperience. That said, it was exceptionally stupid because, as you said, he was already fucking dead. She hasn't yet expressed a philosophical refusal to kill, so I'm still figuring she'll get over it. If she doesn't.... it won't make me stop watching the show, but it will almost certainly be a major irritation.

[something]

I'd find it disturbing if the good guys enjoyed killing. Especially after several campaigns. Sometimes, it may be necessary. But one should never enjoy it or not find it disturbing.
Eh? Who said they should? (Although that can be quite interesting if done right.) It's about having priorities straight. Too many anime protagonists simply don't. Cecily has plenty of time to get more experience and straighten herself out, and how much I like this show depends quite a lot on how well and how soon she does that. But any character whose defining trait is an unwillingness to fight when needed - and when others' lives are directly at risk because of said character's inaction - tends to get a reaction out of me ranging from annoyance to utter loathing.

[Fencedude]

I'd find it disturbing if the good guys enjoyed killing. Especially after several campaigns. Sometimes, it may be necessary. But one should never enjoy it or not find it disturbing.
Eh? Who said they should? (Although that can be quite interesting if done right.) It's about having priorities straight. Too many anime protagonists simply don't. Cecily has plenty of time to get more experience and straighten herself out, and how much I like this show depends quite a lot on how well and how soon she does that. But any character whose defining trait is an unwillingness to fight when needed - and when others' lives are directly at risk because of said character's inaction - tends to get a reaction out of me ranging from annoyance to utter loathing.

The way I see it is that this is an important thing for her to confront, and if she gets over it and accepts that sometimes killing is necessary in war, then thats fine, especially if its also used to develop Aria and just how a sword views the world. So I don't have an objection to the concept outright, as long as it is dealt with in a relatively timely fashion. But if this is something that will come up whenever she fights something that isn't clearly monstrous...thats another issue entirely.

Considering the setting we are in, I have a feeling that this won't end up being a problem, this is usually a problem when a hapless modern highschool student is thrown into a situation he was never prepared for. For a good example of the worst form of this, look at recent episodes of Asura Cryin'.

[something]

Rurouni Kenshin is the only series I've ever seen where this characteristic wasn't incredibly obnoxious.
Hah, same here. I really hated, for example, Vash, but Kenshin never bothered me for some reason. He's just about the only character intentionally cast in that mold that I couldn't get annoyed with.

That said, it was exceptionally stupid because, as you said, he was already fucking dead. She hasn't yet expressed a philosophical refusal to kill, so I'm still figuring she'll get over it. If she doesn't.... it won't make me stop watching the show, but it will almost certainly be a major irritation.
That's how I feel about it. I'm sure she'll grow up, and this scene is obviously important for her relationship with Aria - but completely understanding that (and having seen it a thoooousand frickin times before) doesn't make the end of this episode any less irritating for me while I'm watching it.

And after all, they could have very easily gotten the same effect out of a scene where Cecily had taken the zombie out, as long as they played Cecily's reaction right. Aria would have obviously understood Cecily's feelings as well. And maybe we could have gotten Cecily crying into Aria's bosom! =D

[Draneor]

But if this is something that will come up whenever she fights something that isn't clearly monstrous...thats another issue entirely.

Cecily wanted to fight. She tried to do it. But being splashed with blood shocked her back into what taking the life of another human being meant.

And based on the other guards, I doubt the city sees a lot of action.

This is usually a problem when a hapless modern highschool student is thrown into a situation he was never prepared for. For a good example of the worst form of this, look at recent episodes of Asura Cryin'.

Fighting sort of defeats his one and only goal, you know? I see it more as he's chosen to protect the one person most important to him, regardless of the consequences.

[Fencedude]

Fighting sort of defeats his one and only goal, you know? I see it more as he's chosen to protect the one person most important to him, regardless of the consequences.

If we want to discuss this in depth, we should go to the other thread, but Tomo has fucked up royally by not telling Misao the truth.

[something]

Cecily wanted to fight. She tried to do it. But being splashed with blood shocked her back into what taking the life of another human being meant.
That's still no consolation if this becomes a recurring thing, not only for all the reasons I've stated but also because every time a character does that, someone without the hang-ups is forced to step in and do the dirty work (that or someone they care about gets killed, which is even worse). You're not seeing that everyone here understands everything you're saying perfectly well (honestly, there is probably no cliche in action anime more well-trodden than this one), but understanding is not always the same thing as finding it to be an enjoyable watch, particularly if it drags on. I hope it won't, but it wouldn't be the first time.

[something]

I do hope we get some more information about Aria's origin though, the opening narration and her brief comments makes me think that she was originally a "normal" sword that somehow became imbued with magic during that war.
Hmm. 40-50 years old, seems to have arisen out of nowhere (or from nothing), abnormally powerful... forged by Luke's father?

Although that doesn't work if he only forged katana.

[Ingraman]

I think that I'm finding Aria's skirt-like clothing to be amazing. I can't see how it's supposed avoid revealing her body (or maybe it is supposed to do that). It hangs incredibly low...


Well, those straps going up over her hips are obviously her panties...

I got that part, but it's waaaay below the belly button, and there isn't any front material to the "skirt" below the clasp/buckle, which is where those straps are going... ^_^; What part of her outfit am I ignoring or misjudging? I must be confused. @_@

[Fencedude]

I got that part, but it's waaaay below the belly button, and there isn't any front material to the "skirt" below the clasp/buckle, which is where those straps are going... ^_^; What part of her outfit am I ignoring or misjudging? I must be confused. @_@

*shrugs*

Maybe I've just been inured by outfits like say...Kunihiro Hajime's (http://safebooru.donmai.us/post/show/465020). Makes Aria's look completely reasonable.

[Ingraman]

Maybe I've just been inured by outfits like say...Kunihiro Hajime's (http://safebooru.donmai.us/post/show/465020). Makes Aria's look completely reasonable.

Haven't seen that one before...

I was just thinking that maybe Aria just doesn't have anything there to expose, anyway. She's only a sword, afterall... ^_^

[Fencedude]

Your quote is messed up.

[William K]

Haven't seen that one before...

I was just thinking that maybe Aria just doesn't have anything there to expose, anyway. She's only a sword, afterall... ^_^

Oh man... *tries very hard to avoid making a sheath joke*
I think it's like a curtain around the waist :)

[Ingraman]

Your quote is messed up.

<sigh> One of the few times that I don't bother previewing before posting...

Thanks

[Westlo]

Rurouni Kenshin is the only series I've ever seen where this characteristic wasn't incredibly obnoxious.
Hah, same here. I really hated, for example, Vash, but Kenshin never bothered me for some reason. He's just about the only character intentionally cast in that mold that I couldn't get annoyed with.

I think it's because what he went through as well as saying stuff like this..

Kenshin: No. A sword is a weapon. No matter what pretty names you give it, swordsmanship is the way to kill. Kaoru-dono speaks as one who has never bloodied her hands in combat. She maintains a sweet naive lie. But in the face of such awful truth, the naive lie she tells is so much better. If this one had a wish, it would be that her lie would become the truth of this world.

And seriously if Cecily was a guy, after all her big talk, all her bugging Luke for an uber weapon she would be getting nothing but hate in this thread. She needs to drop this asap.

[TheGreenMan]

Damn, already sleeping together?! Oh man, I like where the relationship between Aria and Cecily is going. Bwwaahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

They should take turns using each other as pillows. Hehe.

[angelx03]

http://i33.tinypic.com/2u9018y.jpg

Hmmm, go on......

[Suwako Moriya]

http://i33.tinypic.com/2u9018y.jpg

Someone needs to find a way to make a full stitch of that. Well, back to the actual episode.

[angelx03]

Hmmm, I hope we see Cecily in that ponytail more often.

[Fencedude]

Wow, that was absolutely perfect.

Aria is love, and Aria X Cecily is pure love!

[Suwako Moriya]

Heh, I wonder what Lisa intended to say about Aria during that "Aria is my..." scene. Speaking of Aria, given her "Slay God" line, it would be kind of funny if an opponent comes up that she can't do any damage to and that opponent then decides to say "By the way I'm God". Actually, I'm half-expecting that to happen.

[Draneor]

They sleep together! <3 Well, so it appears that Cecily's black shirt does completely cover her front. Which, of course, doesn't explain at all what happened to it when her armor broke.

Aria and Cecily are engaged. End of story.

From friend to comrade. And next episode wife!

[HitokiriShadow]

Aria is crawling into Cecily's bed and molesting her at night. <3 Aria

She appears to be quite fond of Cecily's breasts. <3 <3 Aria

Then she suggests that Cecily should flash her breasts at Luke to get him to make that katana (though she's done that already and it didn't get her anyway... though the subsequent beating may have negated the benefits). <3 <3 <3 Aria

Cecily: "You WILL be my friend!"
Aria: "It looks like you're proposing to me."

Big <3s to both of them, their lines together here were just fantastic.

Lily gets to do her forge thing again, and this time she does something odd and kind of cool with her left eye when she begins. Also, she had an interesting line regarding Aria ("She's my....").

Thankfully, Cecily looks to be getting over her killing issue quickly. She promised Luke that she could and would kill the guy to save Aria and she looks determined to do it. "If I can't kill someone, I can't save someone". Thank god, we have an anime hero who realizes the obvious and doesn't whine and agonize over it for at least half a dozen episodes and possibly watching someone die because of their idiocy before getting it.

Cecily fulfilled her promise wonderfully. Once she set her mind to hit, she had no hesitation, grabbed the red hot Aria-sword, gave Aria a really nice speech, and impaled the fire demon thing. And she didn't moan, whine or otherwise have difficulty dealing with it after the fact either. I was slightly concerned that they made it a bit easy for her since the thing was clearly not human, but Cecily went back to the scene to see the now-human looking body and clearly sees what she did as killing a person not an inhuman monster. Fantastic.

Then we get a wonderful scene between Aria and Cecily at the end. There will be no next time, stay with me and be a sword that protects people. Be my comrade (like the nice little eyecatch earlier in the episode). Aria is brought to tears by Cecily's words. Fantastic end to the first arc.

<3 <3 <3 Cecily
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 Aria
Oh, <3 <3 <3 Lily too, though she didn't do much this episode other than wiggle her glowing Eye of Awesome Forging +5. This is the only ED this season I care about watching, and its not because of the pleasant and somewhat cute but utterly average and forgettable music.

[William K]

Hmmm, I hope we see Cecily in that ponytail more often.

She reminds me a lot of Ui from K-On when she goes without that whatever thing she wears on her head.

[William K]

Heh, I wonder what Lisa intended to say about Aria during that "Aria is my..." scene. Speaking of Aria, given her "Slay God" line, it would be kind of funny if an opponent comes up that she can't do any damage to and that opponent then decides to say "By the way I'm God". Actually, I'm half-expecting that to happen.

From what I can hear, she actually said "Aria-san, watashi to..." not "watashi no". Which should mean "Aria and I are..."

[Suwako Moriya]

Heh, I wonder what Lisa intended to say about Aria during that "Aria is my..." scene.
From what I can hear, she actually said "Aria-san, watashi to..." not "watashi no". Which should mean "Aria and I are..."

Ah, that makes it a different story. Although it still leaves it as a vague mystery. Only thing we're know for certain is neither one is an average human.

[Sly05]

That trap plan sure didn't go over too well. A lot of people died just to take out one demon. I'm very glad Cecily got over her hesitation about killing people. You can't be a knight if your afraid to use your sword. I was little worried that Luke was going to do all the dirty work again, but Cecily pulled through in the end.

The Aria/Cecily scenes were definitely the highlight of the episode.

[Draneor]

That trap plan sure didn't go over too well. A lot of people died just to take out one demon.

Generally speaking, you don't toss level one archers, knights, mages, and solders at a demon. Of course, you go to war with the army you have and all that. But let's be honest. They didn't stand a chance regardless of the plan.

[Fencedude]

That trap plan sure didn't go over too well. A lot of people died just to take out one demon.

Generally speaking, you don't toss level one archers, knights, mages, and solders at a demon. Of course, you go to war with the army you have and all that. But let's be honest. They didn't stand a chance regardless of the plan.

Not to mention that they had no idea what they were actually going to be facing.

Good thing he was fire elemental not lightning elemental, or they'd have been well and truly fucked.

[Suwako Moriya]

That trap plan sure didn't go over too well. A lot of people died just to take out one demon.

Perhaps, but I get the feeling that even if they had not attempted such a plan, the demon would have come anyway. At least in this way, they knew what they were getting into, I think.

Actually, my main contention is that it forces me to ask a stupid question. Has the "Let's try to restrain the enemy" thing ever actually worked? They almost always break free. They may as well not even bother trying to restrain it.

[Sly05]

Generally speaking, you don't toss level one archers, knights, mages, and solders at a demon. Of course, you go to war with the army you have and all that. But let's be honest. They didn't stand a chance regardless of the plan.

Not to mention that they had no idea what they were actually going to be facing.

Good thing he was fire elemental not lightning elemental, or they'd have been well and truly fucked.

And that they had the demon sword, which should have been a more pivotal part of their attack plan from the beginning other than just bait.

[Draneor]

Actually, my main contention is that it forces me to ask a stupid question. Has the "Let's try to restrain the enemy" thing ever actually worked?

Is poison actually a useful spell, when its not cast on you? Of course not.

[Suwako Moriya]

Actually, my main contention is that it forces me to ask a stupid question. Has the "Let's try to restrain the enemy" thing ever actually worked?Is poison actually a useful spell, when its not cast on you? Of course not.

Actually, in some games "poison" can actually be useful. It just depends on how much damage poison does and whether or not it's a game where effect spells actually work a decent amount of the time. Yes, I know that might just prove the saying "Exceptions to the rule".

[EmperorBrandon]

Haha... Cecily and Aria were awesome this episode. If the demon-fighting is sparingly awesome (and not too constant, depressing, and/or angsty) and have more great moments with Cecily, Aria, and Lisa, this might be a nice fantasy series.

It's funny noticing Toyosaki Aki's voice as soon as Lisa first started talking - I know that voice so well by this point (between K-ON!, Kanamemo, and Shugo Chara). She just seems extra adorable as a little blonde elf girl, though. Didn't look up the seiyuu cast on this beforehand, but it seems great overall. Glad to hear more of Fujimura Ayumi.

[Suwako Moriya]

I'll get around to watching it seriously later, but for now I'll say this much. This episode is good for those who want to see Lisa in multiple outfits. Although I have to wonder what she would have looked like in that. Oh, and we do finally get a certain outfit.

[angelx03]

Why so tsundere, Luke? :laugh:

Hmmm, Aria wanted Cecily to wear a provocative negligee......

[Fencedude]

Episode was positively Lisa-tastic.

Cecily and Aria sure have hit it off, haven't they?

[EmperorBrandon]

Hmmm, Aria wanted Cecily to wear a provocative negligee......

Hahaha... I loved the bit with Aria being goofy with the mask too.

The Lisa focus in this episode was really adorable, as I'd expect.

[Draneor]

Luke is either really, really awkward and bad with people or Lisa like killed his father or something. He certainly doesn't deserve her devotedness. But I think he's at least grateful.

Hmmm, Aria wanted Cecily to wear a provocative negligee......

Maybe she will wear it. In the DVD version. One can hope.

[HitokiriShadow]

Lisa sure is strong, being able to carry a basket full of vegetables bigger than she is. "Cecily isn't a loser knight, she's a beautiful and kind lady with enormous breasts!" LOL Lisa.

Then the girls go shopping and Lisa gets the outfit she wears in the ED.

That was fun little mostly fluff episode, a nice break after some heavier episodes before the next storyline begins.

[something]

Episode 4:

- Damn, looking good with the little ponytail and less armor.
- YES! Aria sleeping with Cecily!
- "Who cares about my breasts?" Oh only everyone.
- "It looks like you're proposing to me." IF ONLY.
- Everyone sure is obsessed with Cecily's breasts. Even the old dude!
- Jeeze, way to fail immediately, Cecily. Baddie gets a hold of the sword in no time flat.
- And she's stuck begging Luke for help. Ew.
- Oh just leave us hanging, Lisa. =P
- Alright, good, make Cecily get the killing blow in. It'll learn her good.
- This is a bad time to rant, Cecily.
- And there. Good. Now no relapses, Cecily dear. They sure played her opposing reactions to an extreme, though. From utterly useless and shellschocked to being totally cool with it all in one episode. Well, a hell of a lot better than dragging it out. I'll be quite happy if she stays like this.

But the best part of the episode was definitely the end, with Aria and Cecily exchanging their marriage vows <3

[something]

And that they had the demon sword, which should have been a more pivotal part of their attack plan from the beginning other than just bait.
It was a pretty horrendous plan, and almost totally failed in its objectives, huh? They didn't catch the man in black, they lost a lot of knights, and just generally expended a lot of resources to, at best, maintain the status quo. Of course from a character development standpoint it was a huge gain, but that's getting meta.

[something]

Episode 5:

- And we begin with an overload of Lisa cuteness!
- So far, five solid minutes (minus OP) of Lisa. I could easily spend a whole episode like this.
- Hah! Lisa flat out tells Luke she's been on Cecily's side all along. And she specifically cites the boobs as a reason. Cecily must have the most famous boobs in the land.
- "I came to ask you about... exposition for the audience!"
- There is a death song... in her breasts!
- Lovely lunch conversation.
- Why does Fio (who is awesome, it turns out) sound so familiar? She's Masu Nozomi, but none of her previous roles are jumping out at me.
- Cute Lisa eyecatch! Also, we better get a Lisa fashion show pronto.
- Hahah! Cecily telling Luke off is great but Aria in the mask is even better. XD
- YES! FASHION SHOW!
- First option, approved! Second, even better! Oh god, nekomimi hood! Ffffff SO CUTE!
- And she goes with the ED outfit! Fantastic choice.
- Luke you bastard, tell her she's cute. >_<
- Oh man I was so about to try to smack him through my monitor if he didn't hurry up and do/say something nice about her.

God daaaaaaaaamn I love Lisa.

[something]

Episode was positively Lisa-tastic.
Cecily and Aria sure have hit it off, haven't they?
Too bad Luke won't end up with Lisa (ideally after opening up to her more, maybe acting like a human being for once) and leave Cecily for Aria. ;_;

[Suwako Moriya]

Episode was positively Lisa-tastic.
Cecily and Aria sure have hit it off, haven't they?
Too bad Luke won't end up with Lisa (ideally after opening up to her more, maybe acting like a human being for once) and leave Cecily for Aria. ;_;

I wonder how many "stares" Luke would get if he ended up with Lisa. Wait, maybe Lisa is one of those girls that looks young, but is actually a hundred years old or something like that.

[bci110]

A little late to the party but I watched the first episode this morning and I have to say that thus far it's pretty good. I took an immediate liking to Cecily Cambell with her brave and gung-ho attitude even though she stinks as a knight at this point. Oh, and she's also pretty hot - not Sohara Mitsuki hot, but still, so, so hot ;).

Lisa is pretty cute, especially with those adorable ears of hers :catgirl:. I don't know if it's wise or appropriate to call her a mascot character but I like how she's a fitting companion to Luke. Maybe she will end up being the sacred blacksmith and not Luke, but time will tell, I guess.

Luke's pretty intreging and mysterious, but I've seen too many of his type in anime so hopefully he can develop into a decent character later in the series.

- Cecily saves Luke with her breasts!

FINALLY! A cute girl who uses her breasts for something other than eye candy! Very nicely done, Cecily :cool:!

[bci110]

Fun episode, Cecily's armor breaking was amusing.

Luke and Lisa sure did dance around a lot of things while talking to Cecily, didn't they? And yay, Aria!

Yeah, I liked this one too. Luke's heroism is countered by his crankiness and his overdemanding business tactics. Good thing you turned down the offer, Cecily. I have to agree that a katana wouldn't be the right weapon for you anyway.

The budding Cecily/Aria partnership should be fun to watch.

Lisa's starting to become a fun character to watch and admire. And the ED definitely is very cute.

[Funkatron]

Good fight in this episode. Loved the new swords and their abilities, though saddened we haven't gotten to see thier human forms, if they even had any, excluding the dark flame one (loved her dress). Cicily standing up for Aria against that brat was FTW.

I'm liking this show. It sorta reminds of Soul eater with the swords turning into partners thing going on. Glad to see there are other demon swords and I'm interested as to their origins

[Ingraman]

Good fight in this episode. Loved the new swords and their abilities, though saddened we haven't gotten to see thier human forms, if they even had any, excluding the dark flame one (loved her dress). Cicily standing up for Aria against that brat was FTW.

I couldn't help but suspect the brat's babe in black being a sword as a first impression. The other three girls were just annoying (not the the brat was much better).

I'm liking this show. It sorta reminds of Soul eater with the swords turning into partners thing going on. Glad to see there are other demon swords and I'm interested as to their originsWhile previous episodes have been tolerable (nothing special), I didn't like this episode. Mr. Blacksmith performs yet another rescue, saving Cecily from yet another attack (not that I expected her to win on her own). From the ambush at the beginning, to the obnoxious demands of the brat who talked about trading/dealing, but didn't do anything but make demands, to the four girls basically performing an eat-and-run as they head off to squat at the Cam(p)bell house. The episode was filled with irritants, and it now seems like Demon Swords are a dime-a-dozen.

At least it's not as bad as the new Kiddy Grade... <sigh>

[Suwako Moriya]

On one hand, Cecily still had to be saved by Luke. Granted the three of them were mostly just standing there when he attacked them.

On the other hand, it took all three of them together to manage to defeat her. The three who have likely had more training and have been using their demon swords much longer.

You know if Luke can do all that with a mere Katana, just think how powerful he'd be with a mere wooden Katana. Which is probably a hundred times stronger.

Actually, I think it would be hilarious is Luke's Katana got defeated not by another sword, but by a person relying on the "I don't need a weapon, my bare hands are greater than you" rule.

You know the fact the 4 of them are from the Empire just goes a long way of explaining everything. Especially when you're familiar with people from Empires in RPGs tend to be like with some exception.

I'm so suspecting things to go wrong in terms of interaction with the Emperor. Whether it's because the Emperor ends up being put under mind control, becomes corrupt of his free will, or gets replaced by an impostor.

[William K]

You know if Luke can do all that with a mere Katana, just think how powerful he'd be with a mere wooden Katana. Which is probably a hundred times stronger.

Well, he was using a light saber and was probably also using the Force so it wasn't a fair fight.

I thought Cecily did very well against the other 3, especially the maniacal Doris (Sawashiro Miyuki!)

We also get to see what the Koromo as a princess sounds and acts like, lol, down to the umu's

And it's always great to hear Satsuki Yukino's voice again... even if she said just a few lines in transforming. And checking out the OP, looks like she ends up on the bad guys' side

[angelx03]

Wow, now there's in increase of cute girls in this series! I wonder if the demon sword those girls wielding are girls as well...... (please make it so!!! :blush1:)

Hehehe, Aria was blushing over Cecily's heroic speech of protecting her.

[ArcticMech]

Probably my favorite episode to date due to the entertaining battle sequences between Cecily and the trio of mildly irritating Demon Sword wielders. Nice to see Cecily do well in a fight for a change. Luke continues to easily outclass them all however.

[Fencedude]

Sawashiro MIYUKIIIIIIIIII!!! Also Fukuhara Kaori, Chihara Minori and Takahashi Minako! Quite the foursome!

Anyway, Cecily clearly could have taken any one of the girls, but 3 on one was just too much, she's not there yet.

Aria's expression when Cecily was defending her was awesome. She's totally in love~~

And Charlotte is hilarious, shame we didn't actually see Luke dragging her along though.

[HitokiriShadow]

Loved that gut punch Cecily gave to Penelope. I was also amused by how Aria looked at Cecily when she gave the four girls her "Screw you, Aria is a person!" speech (and by how the three guard girls cowered when she yelled at them specifically).

So yay for four new female cast members. They are pretty amusing when they aren't trying to kidnap Aria. The room and board situation sucks for Cecily but its good for entertaining me. And the eyecatch with Luke dragging Charlotte amused me greatly.

It's understandable that Cecily couldn't win against three opponents with demon swords and she put up a good fight, but I'm a little annoyed that Luke didn't even have to try when he bailed Cecily's ass out yet again. One swing sends all three flying 50 feet and instantly ends the fight.

[Fencedude]

It's understandable that Cecily couldn't win against three opponents with demon swords and she put up a good fight, but I'm a little annoyed that Luke didn't even have to try when he bailed Cecily's ass out yet again. One swing sends all three flying 50 feet and instantly ends the fight.

True, but note that that broke his sword immediately.

He may have more raw power, but Cecily and Aria probably have more staying power in a fight.

[HitokiriShadow]

It's understandable that Cecily couldn't win against three opponents with demon swords and she put up a good fight, but I'm a little annoyed that Luke didn't even have to try when he bailed Cecily's ass out yet again. One swing sends all three flying 50 feet and instantly ends the fight.

True, but note that that broke his sword immediately.

He may have more raw power, but Cecily and Aria probably have more staying power in a fight.

That's probably a good point. All of the swords he makes with Lisa's Forge break very quickly, so if he can't defeat the enemy in the first few hits, he's probably in trouble.

Also, it probably wouldn't have bothered me at all if this wasn't like the 4th time Luke had to save Cecily.

[Suwako Moriya]

True, but note that that broke his sword immediately.

This makes me think back to the fact his normal Katana broke in episode 1 during the boss battle. Also, how in episode 3, he noted that he could only use the said magical Katana three times.

He may have more raw power, but Cecily and Aria probably have more staying power in a fight.

That and he needs time to forge a new Katana. Plus, I wouldn't be surprised if Lisa has her limits. Like you can't expect her to help make beyond a certain amount in a row.

[HitokiriShadow]

That and he needs time to forge a new Katana. Plus, I wouldn't be surprised if Lisa has her limits. Like you can't expect her to help make beyond a certain amount in a row.

Then there's the fact that they are sitting ducks while making the sword. But that may not be an issue if forging a sword works the same way as magical girl transformations and attacks or most robot combinations tend to work.

[Draneor]

You can see the look of love in Aria's eye.

I think this is the classic example of a party that is vastly over-equipped for their level.

but I'm a little annoyed that Luke didn't even have to try when he bailed Cecily's ass out yet again.

I think the power is more Lisa and less Luke, to be honest. Certainly, he's a good swordsman, but she's the one making them.

You know the fact the 4 of them are from the Empire just goes a long way of explaining everything. Especially when you're familiar with people from Empires in RPGs tend to be like with some exception.

I don't think I can recall a instance where the empire hasn't been the evil empire set on world domination or something to that effect.

[Fencedude]

You can see the look of love in Aria's eye.

Oh yes. I think Cecily is in for a fun night.

I think this is the classic example of a party that is vastly over-equipped for their level.


Yeah, they sure got themselves some EPIC LOOTS for being such scrubs. Also I predict by the end of the arc they'll officially be party members and Charlotte will be the designated comic relief of the series.

Bargain sale on Demon Sword!

[Draneor]

Yeah, they sure got themselves some EPIC LOOTS for being such scrubs.

And being basically dirt poor.

Charlotte will be the designated comic relief of the series.

She certainly knows how to press Cecilia's buttons. Sadly, I have a feeling Luke will be exploiting this to score more points.

Bargain sale on Demon Sword!

Given Demon Swords so cheap, it makes total sense why there are no blacksmiths capable of forging normal swords. Iron or even mithril just can't compete.

[Fencedude]

She certainly knows how to press Cecilia's buttons. Sadly, I have a feeling Luke will be exploiting this to score more points.

What we need is for Charlotte to fall for Luke.

Hilarity shall ensue in short order.

[Funkatron]

She certainly knows how to press Cecilia's buttons. Sadly, I have a feeling Luke will be exploiting this to score more points.

What we need is for Charlotte to fall for Luke.

Hilarity shall ensue in short order.
I like the way you think, my good man.

[Fudce]

She certainly knows how to press Cecilia's buttons. Sadly, I have a feeling Luke will be exploiting this to score more points.

What we need is for Charlotte to fall for Luke.

Hilarity shall ensue in short order.
I like the way you think, my good man.

No no no...

What we need is for Charlotte to fall for Lisa.

[Suwako Moriya]

Then there's the fact that they are sitting ducks while making the sword. But that may not be an issue if forging a sword works the same way as magical girl transformations and attacks or most robot combinations tend to work.

Ah, yes, it's either a case of the enemy feels obligated not to do anything while the action happens or the action happens in a blink of eye. Just that it gets slowed down for the sake of the viewer. Still, who knows? Maybe they'll eventually have an episode where things get interrupted.

[Suwako Moriya]

What we need is for Charlotte to fall for Lisa.

For some reason this idea interests me.

[Funkatron]

She certainly knows how to press Cecilia's buttons. Sadly, I have a feeling Luke will be exploiting this to score more points.

What we need is for Charlotte to fall for Luke.

Hilarity shall ensue in short order.
I like the way you think, my good man.

No no no...

What we need is for Charlotte to fall for Lisa.
Loli falls for lolier? Hmmm.....

[something]

Getting this one in out of turn since I only have time for one ep tonight.

Episode 6:

- And suddenly we're being attacked. By Sawashiro Miyuki! Is it bad for me to want her to win?
- Of course Cecily loses her normal sword, so it's Aria time. You know, after they chat and plan and henshin for a good full minute in front of the oh-so-considerate enemies.
- Another demon sword, sought by the servants of some princess? Claymore~
- Hey, maybe the shop really is pronounced Liza. >_> Heh, I liked Lisa's cute blacksmith song.
- Fukuhara Kaori! Tsukasa! Koromo! And the master of the servants attacking Cecily and Aria. And she's got a pretty nasty looking demon sword of her own.
- Unfortunately for her, she has no idea how to use it. She must be used to winning just by shooting the flames from it :sd:
- HAH! Rocket Cecily!
- Now we have Chihara Minori's Margot with her demonic extendoblade!
- Then let's round it out with Takahashi Mikako as Penelope.
- Well, Cecily did pretty nicely until they finally did the smart thing and teamed up on her.
- Hahaha, what the heck. They really didn't notice Luke and Lisa forging a sword behind them? From what we know, it takes a couple minutes at least.
- And I guess it's a good thing he one hit killed him because that's all his sword had. But eh, Luke saves Cecily again.
- HAH. When Cecily is bitching the imperials out, Aria is just standing by the door looking at her like she's in love. <3
- Oh fantastic. Charlotte is actually capable of being reasonable when she has no other choice. And now they're all crashing at Cecily's place! =D
- YES. They are completely awesome. I like all four of them immensely and hope they stick around for a long time.

Yay for adding four great characters to an already awesome cast.

[something]

He may have more raw power, but Cecily and Aria probably have more staying power in a fight.That and he needs time to forge a new Katana. Plus, I wouldn't be surprised if Lisa has her limits. Like you can't expect her to help make beyond a certain amount in a row.
While I too was annoyed at how many times he's saved her already, it is somewhat amusing to realize that she's basically tanking for him.

[ilmaestro]

Hmm, I'm finally catching up a bit with this show and it's really fun, "but". "But" what, I'm not quite sure, but definitely "but" something. It seems to have a problem with trying to be subtle, for one - I thought it was nice how basically all the members at the Valbanill council meeting looked suspicious enough to allow for some theories, but then you can see Luke fighting someone who was there in the OP. And also Lisa blurting out "Luke is looking for a sword that can kill God" just wasn't necessary at this stage, imo, since the audience has already seen Luke and Lisa's reaction to the last line of Aria's chant-thingy when she changed into a sword. So, it takes away from audience speculation and at the same time potentially lessens the effect of any interplay between Luke/Lisa and Aria, since she (Aria) already "knows" that Luke might be after her for some reason?

I guess this maybe opens up some avenues for some slightly frosty atmosphere between them (everyone is getting along a little too well so far), and between Luke/Lisa and Cecily if Cecily actually twigs, but it just seems overdone. Like Lisa's reaction to Aria's comment about the spirit stuff coming from the forest being good for both of them - on the basis that this kind of stuff seems to be an accepted part of the world (from an in-story perspective), is it really a shocker that a woman who is actually really a demon sword would recognize that a little elf (or whatever she actually is) girl is not entirely 100% "regular" human?

[pathos]

And also Lisa blurting out "Luke is looking for a sword that can kill God" just wasn't necessary at this stage, imo, since the audience has already seen Luke and Lisa's reaction to the last line of Aria's chant-thingy when she changed into a sword. So, it takes away from audience speculation and at the same time potentially lessens the effect of any interplay between Luke/Lisa and Aria, since she (Aria) already "knows" that Luke might be after her for some reason?

hrm, I might be misremembering it, but didn't Luke specifically state Aria wasn't any good for his purpose? Something like she couldn't kill a god, or somesuch? If so, I don't think he has any interest in Aria.

Wouldn't surprise me if I'm wrong on this though.

[ilmaestro]

And also Lisa blurting out "Luke is looking for a sword that can kill God" just wasn't necessary at this stage, imo, since the audience has already seen Luke and Lisa's reaction to the last line of Aria's chant-thingy when she changed into a sword. So, it takes away from audience speculation and at the same time potentially lessens the effect of any interplay between Luke/Lisa and Aria, since she (Aria) already "knows" that Luke might be after her for some reason?

hrm, I might be misremembering it, but didn't Luke specifically state Aria wasn't any good for his purpose? Something like she couldn't kill a god, or somesuch? If so, I don't think he has any interest in Aria.

Wouldn't surprise me if I'm wrong on this though.
Not that I remember from episode 3, no. I'll watch the other episodes later probably.

[pathos]

hrm, thats what i get for posting on episode 3 when I'm 3 episodes ahead of that.

Of course, its also possible that I'm completely off base :P

[ilmaestro]

S'all good, the sub-topic grouping thing doesn't seem to be liking me today anyway. ^^;

[bci110]

This better be the only time they pull that shit though. Few things in anime piss me off more than the character who hesitates to save those around him/her because they're freaked about killing someone. Particularly someone who is already dead and has bugs eating their brains! Especially because it always crops up at the worst times, and never happens just once. I also really wish they'd done it in the middle of an episode so that they could redeem her by the end, but now I have to wait until the next episode to stop being annoyed at Cecily and this irksome and all-too-common character trait.

You know, that's exactly what bothered me with this episode. It was a good episode up to the point when Cecily hesitated to kill what was literally a living zombie. Cecily thought the guy was still human? He lost his humanity when the bugs turned him into a zombie, girl! Slay the bastard! Make your town proud!

And it does lead to the points made earlier about just exactly how much training Cecily did receive before she became a knight, especially if she's so hesitant to kill and have her fellow knights call her a coward. Based on this episode either she got very little training or as what I'm led to believe none at all, especially if she was inherited to the role based on her bloodlines. I'm not ready to throw in the towel for Cecily or brand her a coward just yet (it's too early), but any more signs of weaknesses and/or cowardiness and I'm going to start losing my faith in Cecily. I'm hope that this was just an aberation and maybe Cecily will become a stronger person.

On the flip side, Lisa is starting to develop into another typical mascot character - stuffing her face, blurting out lines like "Luke is looking for a sword that can slay God!" and doing it so innocently, and overall just being a sickening adorable goody two-shoes. Not that it's a bad thing because I love Lisa and she's a fun and adorable character to watch. Her ears are still too cute :catgirl:.

I'm still on the fence with both Aria and Luke, though. Aria has some potential, especially with her backstory.

[bci110]

hrm, I might be misremembering it, but didn't Luke specifically state Aria wasn't any good for his purpose? Something like she couldn't kill a god, or somesuch? If so, I don't think he has any interest in Aria.

I think I caught that as well. Luke probably doesn't have any interest in Aria because maybe he doesn't believe that Aria is powerful enough to slay a god or whatever his true purpose is to obtain a demon sword.

Or maybe Aria isn't Luke's type. And if that's the case then he's an idiot :sweat:.

[Suwako Moriya]

While I too was annoyed at how many times he's saved her already, it is somewhat amusing to realize that she's basically tanking for him.

I can see it now! Lisa comes down with some magical disease that renders her unable to do anything. The only cure is some herb that's on top of a mountain. A herb guarded by a monster where if Luke tried to use a normal Katana on it, it would shatter instantly. I've played where too many RPGs.

[ilmaestro]

I'm not ready to throw in the towel for Cecily or brand her a coward just yet (it's too early), but any more signs of weaknesses and/or cowardiness and I'm going to start losing my faith in Cecily. I'm hope that this was just an aberation and maybe Cecily will become a stronger person.
I think, with this particular example when she couldn't kill the demon/zombified dude, I was also prepared to accept it as a piece of character building. As something says, it's not ideal because it is somewhat cliched, but it lets us in on both Cecily's lack of experience in the field, and also her naiveté in that regard, when compared with her seeming confidence and motivation to become a "proper" Knight. As long as she gets over it, I will look back on it as a good bit of storytelling I think.

[Fencedude]

I'm not ready to throw in the towel for Cecily or brand her a coward just yet (it's too early), but any more signs of weaknesses and/or cowardiness and I'm going to start losing my faith in Cecily. I'm hope that this was just an aberation and maybe Cecily will become a stronger person.
I think, with this particular example when she couldn't kill the demon/zombified dude, I was also prepared to accept it as a piece of character building. As something says, it's not ideal because it is somewhat cliched, but it lets us in on both Cecily's lack of experience in the field, and also her naiveté in that regard, when compared with her seeming confidence and motivation to become a "proper" Knight. As long as she gets over it, I will look back on it as a good bit of storytelling I think.

This is also the moment where Aria fell in love.

[ilmaestro]

I'm not ready to throw in the towel for Cecily or brand her a coward just yet (it's too early), but any more signs of weaknesses and/or cowardiness and I'm going to start losing my faith in Cecily. I'm hope that this was just an aberation and maybe Cecily will become a stronger person.
I think, with this particular example when she couldn't kill the demon/zombified dude, I was also prepared to accept it as a piece of character building. As something says, it's not ideal because it is somewhat cliched, but it lets us in on both Cecily's lack of experience in the field, and also her naiveté in that regard, when compared with her seeming confidence and motivation to become a "proper" Knight. As long as she gets over it, I will look back on it as a good bit of storytelling I think.

This is also the moment where Aria fell in love.
Hah, quite. Possibly an even more significant turning point in the show. ^_^

[angelx03]

Enjoy your MEIDO episode! (http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/9716/1258261867140.jpg) :cool:
So I guess this is what they call defeat means servant, right?

And there were moments of attempted yuri raep (http://a.imagehost.org/0168/1258262373621.jpg)........

[something]

Episode 7:

- HAH! Oh man, you do not fuck with the maid.
- Charlotte and gang make great maids. Also, I think Cecily would have done a lot better with Fio at her side during the fight last episode...
- Fio just wants to see Cecily in a maid outfit. I agree.
- Naked Cecily!
- So Luke does know someone named "Liza". The name of the shop is real after all!
- MAID CECILY YES! And oh Luke, compliments just don't feel right coming from you. Cecily seems to agree.
- I like that Charlotte, despite acting spoiled, isn't really. She understands her situation and knows what she has to do about it.
- Bathing! And some backstory on Charlotte.
- Why does Cecily wear her breastplate to dinner? Must be an anti-grope guard. :sd:
- Eyecatch!
- Oh how I love ponytail version Cecily.
- Ah, confirmation that it's rare for demon swords to turn into people. Interesting.
- What should you do, Charlotte? Stay in this town! Get a place next to Cecily's, and got to the baths together every day!

Ouch. Well, I guess you have to stay there now, Charlotte!

[Funkatron]

Oh, schnap. Looks like the Emporer may send some of his men down his way to enact punishment on Charlotte and her guardians. Now the big question is what will Cecily do?

[Suwako Moriya]

So Luke does know someone named "Liza". The name of the shop is real after all!

Now it's just a matter of whether or not, we'll actually meet Liza. Be it in the present time or through flashbacks. The latter is needed if she's already dead and in addition will also be staying dead.


I like that Charlotte, despite acting spoiled, isn't really. She understands her situation and knows what she has to do about it.

I already liked Charlotte from the previous episode, but this ones gives a much better impression of her.

Eyecatch!

Clearly one that tells us what's truly important.

Oh how I love ponytail version Cecily.

Cecily, do us a favor and train more often. Forget about improving your skills, we just want the ponytail.

Ah, confirmation that it's rare for demon swords to turn into people. Interesting.

Which lessens any hope for the swords becoming girls. Actually, it's possible some of the swords might be male? Nah, I shouldn't think such thoughts.


What should you do, Charlotte? Stay in this town! Get a place next to Cecily's, and got to the baths together every day!

Cecily could use some younger sisters anyway.

Ouch. Well, I guess you have to stay there now, Charlotte!

Poor Charlotte. Still it's time for the fun guessing game in regards to the Emperor. Impostor? Corrupt? Possessed? Evil from Birth? You decide.

[Suwako Moriya]

Oh, schnap. Looks like the Emporer may send some of his men down his way to enact punishment on Charlotte and her guardians. Now the big question is what will Cecily do?

First, she'll confront some of the men and make a speech defending Charlotte. Second, she'll take down some of the men without any trouble. Third, she'll eventually have trouble, but get help from the trio. Fourth, they'll have trouble and Luke will yawn to save them.

Yes, I'm making assumptions based on past history. Well, maybe it will work out so long as the end result is Charlotte and trio fall in love with Cecily and become part of her harem.

[Fencedude]

Pft, everyone knows "Empires" are always evil in stories like this! I don't see why everyone was so shocked.

Also absolutely everyone was awesome this episode.

[Suwako Moriya]

Pft, everyone knows "Empires" are always evil in stories like this! I don't see why everyone was so shocked.

It seems the only people that don't realize it are the very characters in the said story. Unless they're essentially the "I want revenge against the Empire" type character.

Also absolutely everyone was awesome this episode.

Please, I felt random background character 74 was lacking this episode. Wait, which character was that again?

[Fencedude]

Also, we finally have a full party, and it looks like indeed every single character in this <strike>game</strike> anime uses a sword, which is kinda annoying, but at least they have different abilities.

[Suwako Moriya]

Also, we finally have a full party, and it looks like indeed every single character in this <strike>game</strike> anime uses a sword, which is kinda annoying, but at least they have different abilities.

That, and they at least made sure we're getting different types of swords. Still maybe they'll find a way to work in other weapons? Even if those weapons are used by side characters.

Still if they're going to use swords then maybe they should learn some sword related techs. I demand they learn a technique that allows them to attack with the coldness of the snow, the brilliance of the moon, and the perfection of blossoms!

[ArcticMech]

Also absolutely everyone was awesome this episode.

Some of the credit needs to go to Fio. I'm sure if Luke and Lisa were around, they would've ended up in maid outfits too (though that's not something I would want in the case of the former).

[Funkatron]

1 loli in a maid outfit is my limit. Both Charlotte and Lisa dressed as maids would tear the fabric of space/time cause the universe to invert on itself.

[Suwako Moriya]

Some of the credit needs to go to Fio. I'm sure if Luke and Lisa were around, they would've ended up in maid outfits too (though that's not something I would want in the case of the former).

Who says Luke has to be a maid? He could be a Butler instead.

[Suwako Moriya]

1 loli in a maid outfit is my limit. Both Charlotte and Lisa dressed as maids would tear the fabric of space/time cause the universe to invert on itself.

That may be true, but it's a sacrifice that would be well worth it. Besides a plot device would make it so it was like the destruction never even happened.

[Draneor]

Fio is awesome. Way to put the loli-quartette in their place. Although her choice of underwear with the maid uniforms is a bit old-fashioned. Cecily just can't win though.

Luke needs to stop acting so tsundere. It's not cute when a guy does it.

- Why does Cecily wear her breastplate to dinner? Must be an anti-grope guard. :sd:

Obviously for containment purposes.

Pft, everyone knows "Empires" are always evil in stories like this! I don't see why everyone was so shocked.

Charolette is like ten and her own father just disowned her. She's not old enough to understand her position as a bastard child.

[HitokiriShadow]

Haha, maid outfits for (almost) all! Fio is pretty awesome. And more than a little scary. I like how Aria just smiled and waved and Cecily was dragged off and meido raped.

Lot's of fun times with Cecily, Charlotte and her bodyguard trio.

Also, onsen episode and an appropriately awesome eyecatch to match.

And I'm just shocked at the emperor's response![/sarcasm]

[ilmaestro]

Fio is too awesome. :s

For some reason I didn't actually find it that funny that Charlotte said "make Cecily a maid too" and it happened. Seemed too... obvious, or something.

What was ace was the fact that they turned Charlotte around into a great character, previous episode just seemed too random in what it was doing with people. They also saved the "everyone has a Demon Sword" thing from being totally crappy, which was nice. I actually thought the series might be about to take a dip in quality after episode six, but this one put me firmly back on good terms with it.

[Suwako Moriya]

Charlotte appears with an open shirt so we can get an idea that she has a slight bit of development. It's almost like royal fanservice. Almost since we have to confirm her status. Even if the Emperor is the evil/possessed/fake, she could still not be a real Princess herself.

Either Cecily leveled up in secret between episodes or the trio is akin to that boss in an RPG that you only really lose against because you don't know what they're capable of.

It looks like it's time for the Princess and trio to leave, but I'm sure or at least hoping we'll see them again. Their story would work good for a decent first season cut-off point anyway. Give Cecily some type of reasonable goal to complete.

I wonder if/when we'll see that black haired lady in armor. We're kind of running out of time.

[Funkatron]

Loved how Cecily learned from her last battle and learned a few new moves in the process. The "Turning into an arrow" move was totally kick ass

[Fencedude]

That was fantastic. Though I wish Charlotte and them could have stayed in the city.

Cecily learning new moves to counter the three knights was great.

[bci110]

That was fantastic. Though I wish Charlotte and them could have stayed in the city.

Agreed. I actually felt sorry for Charlotte; she really didn't deserve to suffer like that. Glad that Cecily was able to knock some sense into her.

And I also liked how Cecily learned from her last battle with Doris, Margot, and Penelope and was able to defeat them. Now that's what I was expecting form her in the first place. She's finally evolving into a capable knight.

[HitokiriShadow]

Oh wow, Cecily was awesome this episode. Her fights against the trio, especially Margot and Penelope, kicked ass. And then her bit with Charlotte at the end.... Cecily was amazing. And LOL at her "I'm REALLY STUPID!!" line. She leveled up thanks to Penelope, Margot and Doris.

A shame Charlotte and the trio are leaving already. I really liked them and thought they would stick around a bit longer. Here's hoping we get a second season and they show up again at some point.

Also, this series is annoyingly lazy when it comes to naming countries. "The militant country." That's it, no name at all. Just "The Empire" is somewhat common, though many usually are at least referred to as "The ____ Empire" some of the time. But this series doesn't even do that and now they are referring to other countries purely by adjectives. It's annoying, because at that point its hard to buy the fiction, as no one really talks that way and its obvious they (in this case, the blame would lie with the original author rather than the people producing the anime) are talking that way just so the creator doesn't have to come up with another name.

[Suwako Moriya]

That was fantastic. Though I wish Charlotte and them could have stayed in the city.

I guess we can't have everything, but maybe if lucky the plot will find a way to allow us to see them again. Three episodes of Charlotte and her trio are not enough.

On another note, I'm glad Cecily was willing to say the obvious in terms of what "reward" the Empire would give Charlotte. Seriously, it still amazes that some will be like "Gee that person hates me. Surely if I do <insert deed here>, they'll suddenly like me" or something close to that anyway.

[EmperorBrandon]

I thought Cecily did very well against the other 3, especially the maniacal Doris (Sawashiro Miyuki!)

Sawashiro Miyuki's tomboyish voice always sounds so awesome to me... :beatingheart: Pretty cool fight this episodes, and I'm curious to see how the new characters turn out and fit in with the story.


Aria's expression when Cecily was defending her was awesome. She's totally in love~~


I noticed that too. Loved that expression.

[something]

Episode 8:

- Bastard emperor! Cecily, go kick his ass immediately!
- Her sidekicks love her so very much. <3 But her situation is pretty awful.
- They're kinda naive though. As if the emperor will really accept them if they bring gifts.
- Oooh, Cecily is quite serious. Even if it means wounding her new friends. Good girl.
- More stabbing! Go Rocket Cecily! Glad they're not wussing out and having the girls give up without being physically forced to.
- And down goes Doris. Jeeze, Cecily has sure leveled up quickly, huh?
- Holy shit, epic bitchslap. She went flying. :sd:
- And it's all about the breasts in the end.
- What, Siegfried was behind it all? NO WAYS. Heh.
- Charlotte E Firobisher, the Scrapped Princess!

This ED just gets cuter every time.

Cecily was awesome in this episode, although I have to say some of her lines felt really stiff. I'm used to hearing that sort of overly-dramatic dialogue in anime but there were a couple points where it felt a bit hard to take Cecily seriously, even if she was absolutely saying the right thing.

Anyway, great episode. Hope it's nto too long before we see those four again.

[EmperorBrandon]

Ah, caught up, so it looks like I was only about three episodes behind. Definitely was really happy with catching up on the show, though, as it's gotten even better in my mind. Charlotte and her trio were great, and I do (like others here) hope we get to see them again and that it's not too long.

[ilmaestro]

Cecily was awesome in this episode, although I have to say some of her lines felt really stiff. I'm used to hearing that sort of overly-dramatic dialogue in anime but there were a couple points where it felt a bit hard to take Cecily seriously, even if she was absolutely saying the right thing
Hah, I totally agree with this. I thought it was just finally proof that I'd become too jaded to let these cliches slide. ^^; As someone else said, though, her admittance of stupidity and boneheadedness was excellent.

[Fencedude]

Edit -> Delete

[Suwako Moriya]

Jeeze, Cecily has sure leveled up quickly, huh?


Having a lack of episodes tends to motivate one to do more leveling up off screen than usual.

[ilmaestro]

Edit -> Delete
Cheers. :)

[Suwako Moriya]

Her mother, her maid, and her demon sword all convince Cecily to dress up and visit Luke. Cecily looks good in that outfit.

Some girl named Elsa comes to get a weapon fixed. Although it's clear she has other motives, but thankfully hesitates. Also, Elsa is not exactly Elsa.

Luke knew another girl named Lisa, but the one known as Oakwood is err dead. So much for their Knight/Blacksmith dream.

Potential final boss might be Valbanill!

Crazy Knight wants to kill Valbanill. So he sets out to attack Luke and Lisa. Heck his attacks seem to be more targeted at Lisa.

All right then this is curious. Elsa who is likely the demon sword that crazed knight is using looks a lot like the dead Elsa in that story. Lisa looks a lot like Oakwood, but with some differences.

In any case, the episode ends on a cliffhanger just to be evil.

[bci110]

Luke knew another girl named Lisa, but the one known as Oakwood is err dead. So much for their Knight/Blacksmith dream.

Potential final boss might be Valbanill!

Crazy Knight wants to kill Valbanill. So he sets out to attack Luke and Lisa. Heck his attacks seem to be more targeted at Lisa.

Which led me to wonder if the current Lisa really is Valbanill in disguise. Perhaps it somehow absorbed the body of the former Lisa Oakwood and transformed into the current Lisa we all know and love, maybe to "spy" on Luke for some reason? It's an interesting theory, and it will make for a potentially good conclusion to the series.

Anyway I though this was a fairly decent episode. Nice to get some more backgound into Luke's past, and it seems that Aria might have some sort of history with Elsa. Oh, and Cecily did look very cute and more sophisticated in that outfit. She actually looked like a normal girl :devil:.

[Suwako Moriya]

Which led me to wonder if the current Lisa really is Valbanill in disguise. Perhaps it somehow absorbed the body of the former Lisa Oakwood and transformed into the current Lisa we all know and love, maybe to "spy" on Luke for some reason? It's an interesting theory, and it will make for a potentially good conclusion to the series.

Well, Luke claims that Valbanill is still there on the mountain, but he might be lying or just assuming that's the case. Still it's clear that Lisa has some connection to Valbanill.

One thing to consider is that while Oakwood may be confirmed as dead, that doesn't mean she's actually buried. For all we know she might have been swallowed whole and that grave stone is just for show. So the idea of her being absorbed is plausible for that reason. Even if her body is there, some beings just need to temporarily get into contact.

Still there's also the question of the motives of Valbanill. It could be intelligent being bent on destruction or it could just simply be a monster going through the motions. Ie it simply just eats prey or attacks trespassers as it were.

There's also the question of whether or not Valbanill can even leave the place it resides. If not then perhaps, it saw Oakwood as a means to have at least part of itself leave the mountain.

I think that unless Lisa is a very good actor or she has a fake personality created for the purpose of fooling even herself, I think it might be more complicated than just spying on Luke.

Also, it's possible that using Oakwood as a basis for Lisa, would have an effect on the personality of Valbanill. Assuming it even had a personality before.

We could very well have a situation where rather than the monster being defeated, it ultimately gets converted in some form. Which is what I'm hoping for if Lisa really is Valbanill. As I'd rather not have it so Lisa gets killed.


Anyway I though this was a fairly decent episode. Nice to get some more backgound into Luke's past, and it seems that Aria might have some sort of history with Elsa.

It's also possible that Aria might have sensed that Elsa is a demon sword. That's the theory I'm going with.

[QUOTE=bci110;1684939]Oh, and Cecily did look very cute and more sophisticated in that outfit. She actually looked like a normal girl :devil:.

Which just goes to prove that Aria has good taste in clothes. She did get to pick it after all.

[bci110]

Yeah, lots of questions for what on the surface looked liked an innocent 5-minute flashback. I don't know if 3 episodes will be enough to resolved everything that's going on in this fantasy world.

[Suwako Moriya]

Yeah, lots of questions for what on the surface looked liked an innocent 5-minute flashback. I don't know if 3 episodes will be enough to resolved everything that's going on in this fantasy world.

We just have to hope they're selective about what they answer and they get another cour to answer more questions.

[Fencedude]

Huh, that was interesting. And yet we still don't know what Lisa actually is.

They were pushing the Lis(z)a/Cecily comparison pretty hard, but at least we know why Luke reacted to her the way he did.

[Suwako Moriya]

Huh, that was interesting. And yet we still don't know what Lisa actually is.

Yes, we do. We know she's adorable, pretty, cute, attractive, fun, lovely, and totally wonderful.

Oh, wait, you were looking for a different answer. Well, I'm going with the theory already stated earlier. Which if confirmed would give even more weight to and make more wondering more about her earlier "Aria and I are..." line.

[Draneor]

Which led me to wonder if the current Lisa really is Valbanill in disguise.

That was my initial thoughts. Liza and Lisa look almost exactly alike. Another possibility is that being killed by Valbanill turns you into a something but at the same time makes others forget what you looked like.

As for Luke, he really doesn't have any luck when it comes to woman (inviting Cecily to a trip to the graveyard^^U). This episode did make him a more sympathetic character though.

[Fencedude]

That was my initial thoughts. Liza and Lisa look almost exactly alike. Another possibility is that being killed by Valbanill turns you into a something but at the same time makes others forget what you look like. This would explain why Luke doesn't remember what Liza looked like (in the first flashback) and the crazy old man didn't recognize his (dead?) daughter.

Well....it seems that Elsa (if she's really the real Elsa) is a Demon Sword, and Lisa is seemingly similar enough to a Demon Sword to ping Aria's awareness...

[Draneor]

Well....it seems that Elsa (if she's really the real Elsa) is a Demon Sword, and Lisa is seemingly similar enough to a Demon Sword to ping Aria's awareness...

Rather than kill them, what if Valbanill turns you into a demon sword then? Well, that doesn't explain Aria's origins on the battlefield or why she can't recall anything prior to it.

[Ingraman]

Oh, and Cecily did look very cute and more sophisticated in that outfit. She actually looked like a normal girl :devil:.

Which just goes to prove that Aria has good taste in clothes. She did get to pick it after all.

She's got good taste in clothes, but lousy taste in footwear (unless she's trying her utmost to give Cecily an ankle injury). Long hikes in high heels? I'm surprised she didn't fall even more often. Cecily'll be such help defending the city with twisted/broken ankles. Besides that, I liked the episode. ^_^

[Draneor]

Long hikes in high heels? I'm surprised she didn't fall even more often.

Aria could not have possibly known Cecily would go on an excursion with Luke. Visit him? Sure. Although, he often comes to the city for business anyway.

All that said, I thought she was tripping because she was nervous--not because of her footwear.

[Ingraman]

Long hikes in high heels? I'm surprised she didn't fall even more often.

Aria could not have possibly known Cecily would go on an excursion with Luke. Visit him? Sure. Although, he often comes to the city for business anyway.

The paths to his place don't exactly seem like high-heel surfaces, either. ^_^

All that said, I thought she was tripping because she was nervous--not because of her footwear.I agree. Most, if not all, of her tripping was likely due to proximity to Luke. No one behind the anime probably gave her shoes any thought, and it's probably considered to be cuter if she's tripping because of Luke.

[HitokiriShadow]

We finally get the story on the Lisa/Liza from Luke's past. She was pretty fun, so its a shame she died long before the series began. And it seems she went rather painfully and gruesomely.

It also seems like a very big hint to Lisa's origin. I can't imagine the name similarities are a coincidence or that Lisa not going with Luke to that grave is just some sort of respect for his privacy.

[HitokiriShadow]

Well....it seems that Elsa (if she's really the real Elsa) is a Demon Sword, and Lisa is seemingly similar enough to a Demon Sword to ping Aria's awareness...

Rather than kill them, what if Valbanill turns you into a demon sword then? Well, that doesn't explain Aria's origins on the battlefield or why she can't recall anything prior to it.

Valbanill's influence may extend beyond that cave, thus creating other demon swords. Alternatively, and what I'm thinking, is that Demon Swords originate in some other way that doesn't require Valbanill (perhaps something relating to the feelings and regrets of its wielder when they died). But perhaps one being created in his presence results in something a bit different from a Demon Sword, or at least a different type.

In any case, I don't think Lisa is a reincarnation or whatnot of Valbanill, I think she has some of his aura of something or another that would indicate his presence as a result of being born there. I'm thinking the sword the previous Lisa was weilding became this Lisa, and that she's a very unique type of demon sword, one that creates swords rather than becomes one.

[ilmaestro]

Oh my. Another great episode, really sets up the last three eps, just hope they have a smooth enough plan to for the story and don't end up rushing to put too much stuff in.

I don't know quite what's going on, obviously, and there seem to be many possible explanations for things such as LisaLisa (fan of JoJo's?) - but I wouldn't be shocked if Luke had sacrificed something to Valbanill (like, his eye) to have Lisa "reborn" as Lisa, and this had created some connection between him or Lisa and Valbanill.

--

Elsa is deceptively stacked, but Cecily was just too cute in this ep.

I thought Luke was awesome, too, now one of the better male leads for a while.

[ilmaestro]

:O

This was the big "crikey, only two eps left? Best tell everyone what's going on, then" episode. And I don't think all of the revelations were that unpredicatable, but it is nice to have a few things confirmed.

Luke's purpose as the Sacred Blacksmith is to forge the Sacred Sword, which is used to seal away Valbanill - the current version of the sword is near the end of its power, and Luke doesn't know if he will be able to make it in time.

The spiritual energy that floats through the world is actually a curse from Valbanill, transformed into usable energy via a modified form of Demon's Contract performed by the first Hausman (presumably the guy who gave his name to the city).

Valbanil engraved the "song" needed for the Demon's Contract on people's hearts so that humans would destroy each other.

Human form Demon Swords are born from intense hatred of Valbanill as someone is subjected to the Demon's Contract, and exist to kill him.

Siegfried is the Man in Black, as given away in the OP. Some form of (old) Lisa seems to be working with him, unless the blond girl in the cart was another character that I've forgotten.

Luke killed (old) Lisa, and "used" her to create a demon - (new) Lisa - in order to escape from Valbanill. Lisa is a demon who carries Valbanill's blood - hence old Knight guy and Elsa wanted to kill her, and hence Aria will come to want to kill her. Props to the people who called the tension between Aria and Lisa from as early as seeing the ED.

So, I guess next ep we might get to see exactly what happened after Luke and (old) Lisa ran into Valbanill in the cave. Pretty good ep, they managed to throw a shitload of exposition in and still got some fighting done, and although it was a bit standard, I guess they didn't do it too badly. Animation was good when it needed to be, weird when it didn't. Luke is still pretty awesome. I nearly like this series enough to consider an import, but not quite with all the other things coming out/starting soon.

Also, Aria's butt was looking ridiculously tasty in profile.

[Suwako Moriya]

All I can say is the situation better end positively for Lisa.

[ilmaestro]

All I can say is the situation better end positively for Lisa.
Got to be honest, I can't see it happening atm. I say Luke has to sacrifice Lisa (again, effectively) to create the Sacred Sword.

[Suwako Moriya]

All I can say is the situation better end positively for Lisa.
Got to be honest, I can't see it happening atm. I say Luke has to sacrifice Lisa (again, effectively) to create the Sacred Sword.

I can both see her surviving and her not surviving. I'm mostly basing it on past experience with anime. As in you don't always get X and you don't always get Y.

Also if sacrificing Lisa is required to save the world then the world is not worth saving.

[ilmaestro]

Yes, I'd agree they could "cop out" (imo) and have her survive, but I'd like it more from a narrative point of view if Luke had to kill her again.

[Suwako Moriya]

Yes, I'd agree they could "cop out" (imo) and have her survive, but I'd like it more from a narrative point of view if Luke had to kill her again.

Whether or not I consider something a "cop out" depends on how it's handled. I tend to lean towards hoping characters I like "survive". I rarely if ever thing "I like her, but the story would be so much better if she coughed up blood and died in bed before they got back with the herb".

One general rule I find in a lot of series is the rule of breaking. The one where the heroes break the cycle that had to be repeated endlessly. The one where the heroes find a different way. Because apparently the previous generations weren't as smart as the current generation.:sweat:

[ilmaestro]

Hehe, maybe I'm just more cruel than I thought. ^^;

[something]

Episode 9:

- Well then. Someone named Lisa. A young girl who, like Cecily, has high ideals about being a knight. She has hair sort of like Lisa's in the OP when she's falling back into the red background.
- Doesnt seem like things ended well for her.
- No, you don't have anyone like that, Cecily. You only have Aria. At least Cecily looks cute in the dress.
- New girl! Elsa. Black hair. Kinda cute.
- Stupid Luke, fix the dagger! Oh well, at least Lisa is nice enough to help. <3
- Hey, Luke is starting to realize he's dense. In anime, that's utterly amazing progress. And Lisa and Luke having an understanding that Lisa won't visit other Lisa's grave is interesting.
- And Elsa is gonna mug Lisa?
- Hah, jeeze, dead-Lisa is totally the offspring of Lisa and Cecily. An idea I like a lot. Or rather their ancestor. Er, 3 years ago.
- Dead-Lisa is awsome. Too bad she's dead. And that's, like, *dead* dead. None of this "fell off a cliff" dead, but "got wrung out like a wet rag and reduced to fleshy pulp" dead.
- Not-Dead_Lisa go boom!

Well, no, but she might be wounded. Which would be terrible. ;_;

[Suwako Moriya]

I've been thinking a bit more about this and I've come to a few conclusions.

First, the idea of the demons swords made by Valbanill wanting to kill it aka their maker seems to have one major flaw. Why the ***** would you create something for the purpose of killing yourself?

Second, Lisa having the blood of Valbanill and actually being Valbanill are two different things. The actual Valbanill may still be somewhere else.

Third, if any character has a chance of finding another path it's Cecily. Mostly due to her personality and attitude. Also, the fact she's gotten to know Lisa will make her even more determined.

Granted the fun part is they could pull one of those twists where killing Lisa results in Valbanill being unleashed apon the world.

[ilmaestro]

Valbanill doesn't actually create the Demon Swords himself, as far as I could gather.

As far as them being an off-shoot of the Demon's Contract, it's not an uncommon theme to have a magic spell or something create an unwanted and slightly opposite side-effect.

[Draneor]

Also if sacrificing Lisa is required to save the world then the world is not worth saving.

I'm in complete agreement with you.

[Suwako Moriya]

As far as them being an off-shoot of the Demon's Contract, it's not an uncommon theme to have a magic spell or something create an unwanted and slightly opposite side-effect.

Hence forth part of the reason why one has to be careful when delving into things like magic.

Another thing I just thought of when regards to the idea of whether or not killing Lisa would do any good. Remember the resident villain is the one who had Crazy Old Dude attack her. Which means you can conclude one of two things.

Either he was trying to get Lisa to awaken by putting her in danger or he was trying to get her killed. If the latter then it begs the question as to why. Perhaps he's actually a good guy and is just trying to kill Lisa in order to save us all.

If however his intentions are as evil as he makes himself out to be, it means one of two things. Either killing Lisa is what will unleash Valbanill as mentioned earlier. Or it may turn out that Valbanill is not exactly the "evil" and the villain is the true evil, but the existence of Valbanill hinders him.

Regardless, the more I think about it, the more convinced I am that simply killing Lisa won't solve anything and may make things worse. Or at least there's a good chance that may be the case.

Of course if the show hates me, they'll have it so Lisa has to die and does end up dying.

[ilmaestro]

If however his intentions are as evil as he makes himself out to be, it means one of two things. Either killing Lisa is what will unleash Valbanill as mentioned earlier. Or it may turn out that Valbanill is not exactly the "evil" and the villain is the true evil, but the existence of Valbanill hinders him.
The other thing that I was thinking along these lines was I want to know exactly how sacrificing (old) Lisa to make (new) Lisa helped Luke escape from Valbanill - it could be that there is still some power within (new) or (old) Lisa - presuming that some sort of version of her was the girl in the cart with Siegfried - that could help them defeat Valbanill, and that's why he wants her killed.

[Fencedude]

Noo....Elsa ;_;

Also, the ending theme was exceptionally inappropriate after this episode.

Fantastic fight though, and was it me or was Aria sexier than normal?

Not too surprising about Lisa, its about what I expected.

[Draneor]

Noo....Elsa ;_;

Her sword form still exists so I refuse to concede she died. She'll be back. Right?

[Fencedude]

Noo....Elsa ;_;

Her sword form still exists so I refuse to concede she died. She'll be back. Right?

Broken sword == dead

[HitokiriShadow]

Well, that explains the Lisa/Valbanill situation.

I'm not sure how much stock we can put in Elsa's explanation of the Demon Swords' purpose though. If Aria doesn't know, how would Elsa? She could easily have simply come to that conclusion just because of who her owner was. Seigfried said the same thing but.... yeah, lots of reasons to take his words with a grain of salt too.

[Fencedude]

Well, that explains the Lisa/Valbanill situation.

I'm not sure how much stock we can put in Elsa's explanation of the Demon Swords' purpose though. If Aria doesn't know, how would Elsa? She could easily have simply come to that conclusion just because of who her owner was. Seigfried said the same thing but.... yeah, lots of reasons to take his words with a grain of salt too.

This pretty much establishes Aria's "story arc", which I'm sure we will not be getting to in this season.

[Draneor]

Broken sword == dead

This show can go to hell.

[Fencedude]

Broken sword == dead

This show can go to hell.

Thats what you get for falling in love with her from the OP.

[something]

Episode 10:

- Phew... girl girl, Elsa. Hurting Lisa would be terrible. ;_;
- And hah, this is the first time I noticed her in the OP. :sd: Not that I watch it every ep.
- "There's no reason Lisa would be targeted!" Yeah, well... about that.
- So the leaders know all about Valbanil and are busy sealing him away with a sword - that needs to be replaced, by Luke. And Valbanil is actually the source of the whatever the heck the people here pray to? Which makes him sort of like god. So "Slaying god" could refer to how the sword is supposed to be sealing Valbanil... or something. And the title of the show all falls into place as well.
- Hammer away, Lisa!
- Mmm, once again Cecily's speeches feel sort of stiff. I don't know if it's the seiyuu, the writing, the animation, or some combination. It's not a big deal but it's definitely noticeable.
- Ah, so yeah, Slaying God does seem to be slaying Valbanil, although not quite the way I thought. Hate hate hate, there's lots of hate.
- And now the showdown. Siegf--er man in black does pretty well with his vision obscured by a hood. And will we hear why Lisa is being targeted now? Sheesh, this does not feel like a one cour show at all.
- Alright, so there go Elsa and old guy. Siegfried is revealed and we learn that Lisa is... eh? I'm not sure his explanation makes much sense to me. The meaning is pretty vague. Well, they'll no doubt elaborate next ep. And of course Luke does that annoying thing where he totally feeds the misunderstanding by wording things in a really misleading way because he feels guilty. :sd:

I'm really hoping they just find a half decent stopping point and get working on a second season immediately. This show hasn't tried for even one second to pace itself like a one cour story.

[something]

Also if sacrificing Lisa is required to save the world then the world is not worth saving.I'm in complete agreement with you.
Thirded. Killing Lisa would be lame to the nth.

[ilmaestro]

I'm really hoping they just find a half decent stopping point and get working on a second season immediately. This show hasn't tried for even one second to pace itself like a one cour story.
Totally agree. I was really surprised when I found out (I don't go out of my way to look for this kind of info, so it was a way into the show) it was just schedule for one cour.

[HitokiriShadow]

I'm really hoping they just find a half decent stopping point and get working on a second season immediately. This show hasn't tried for even one second to pace itself like a one cour story.

That's probably because its based on a novel series that currently has about six volumes (maybe more, possibly ongoing). Someone linked to something showing the novel covers during the first few episodes, so I haven't been expecting a conclusion this cour.

[something]

That's probably because its based on a novel series that currently has about six volumes (maybe more, possibly ongoing). Someone linked to something showing the novel covers during the first few episodes, so I haven't been expecting a conclusion this cour.
Right, but series based on ongoing source material frequently have no problem animating a rather short series. Even if they intend to go longer it's all up to sales. Blacksmith will presumably do well enough to get a continuation but nothing is confirmed. And if they *do* plan to try to wrap it up for good in 2 eps, it's going to be ugly.

[Suwako Moriya]

Also if sacrificing Lisa is required to save the world then the world is not worth saving.I'm in complete agreement with you.
Thirded. Killing Lisa would be lame to the nth.

Hopefully they'll make the right decision in the final two episodes.

[Suwako Moriya]

Personally I would have liked for Cecily to pound some of the people at that meeting.

Cecily has problems early on the episode, but by the end she puts people in their place.

Luke needs to realize one thing. Yes, Cecily may be lacking information. After all, she wasn't there.

However sometimes that can be an advantage. There's that saying about not being able to see forest for the trees. Or something like that.

I wonder if we'll be getting that fight that was in the opening.

In any case, this episode showed why I like Cecily. Yes, she may have her problems. However she also has a strong determination and for the most part does not figuratively chain herself.

[Fencedude]

I am shocked, shocked! to discover that Demon Swords are, in fact, demons. WHO COULD HAVE KNOWN?!

Breathtakingly obvious revelations aside, very, very good episode. Cecily was just fantastic the entire time, (and Aria was, of course, devestatingly sexy).

Cecily's speech to the council at the end was perfect, just the kick in the ass Luke has needed for...probably 3 years.

Its a shame Lisa is dead though, I have a feeling she and Cecily would be just the bestest friends ever.

Anyone know if this is 12 or 13 episodes?

[Suwako Moriya]

Cecily's speech to the council at the end was perfect, just the kick in the ass Luke has needed for...probably 3 years.

Now she just needs to take that same energy and kick the ass of Siegfried. Or maybe they'll have Luke that. I'm still of the suspicion that he's not a normal human.

Its a shame Lisa is dead though, I have a feeling she and Cecily would be just the bestest friends ever.

I guess we can't have everything.

Anyone know if this is 12 or 13 episodes?

It should be 12 episodes. CD Japan lists six volumes with two episodes each. Also, if you got to the story section of the official site, there are 12 panels totals. One for each episode. They form four rows of three.

[LKK]

Now she just needs to take that same energy and kick the ass of Siegfried. Or maybe they'll have Luke that. I'm still of the suspicion that he's not a normal human.
Which "he" do you think isn't a normal human? Luke or Siegfried? Or do you mean both of them? (Just curious.)

[Suwako Moriya]

Now she just needs to take that same energy and kick the ass of Siegfried. Or maybe they'll have Luke that. I'm still of the suspicion that he's not a normal human.
Which "he" do you think isn't a normal human? Luke or Siegfried? Or do you mean both of them? (Just curious.)

Sorry, I should have worded that better. By "he", I meant Siegfried. There's just something off about the guy in general. Although it could just be experience with past series influencing me to assume certain things. All I know is this. If Siegfried suddenly revealed a true form, I would not be surprised.

[EmperorBrandon]

Seeing Lisa with tears flowing makes me sad too. :cry: Good thing Cecily finally got up the nerve to talk some sense into Luke and the council people at the end.

Looks like the showdown with Siegfried and his people comes in the next (last) episode. Speaking of Siegfried, kind of surreal hearing him just after I've watched some Clannad After Story with Akio. Hah... Well, hopefully things are not too rushed and there's a decent stopping point here. I think I'm already hoping for more, as I've found the characters and story pretty interesting.

[something]

Episode 11:

- Alright Cecily, kinda hoping you get over this quickly. Avoiding Lisa instead of getting a proper explanation is just going to hurt Lisa. It's Luke's fault too for being so vague. Lisa deserves better on both fronts.
- Aria is awesome. She's all "Yeah I knew all along, what about it?" You hang out with a demon sword, Cecily. You can handle a cute little demon Lisa.
- Go go Aria. She does a good job promptly setting Cecily straight.
- Cecily, I'm pretty sure that could be considered an act of war. :sd: She sure gets off easy. Even though she's doing the right thing.
- Man, Luke is sure wallowing in his own feelings of guilt, isn't he? It's annoying seeing him not try to fight back at all. And I guess I never paid much attention to his eyes.
- Awww, Lisa, don't cry. <3
- lol, jump to conclusions much, Cecily? Talk about a shitload of pure guesswork. Oh she's completely correct, of course, of that I have no doubt. But she's almost totally without proof if we were analyzing this seriously. =P
- And Luke is being a retard. Cecily makes sense for once, just roll with it.

The city is burning! Miracle Happy Days! =D

So yeah, good ep. But now ridiculously rushed ending, incoming! It's never a good sign when you finally feel like the plot has truly begun and realize you only have one episode left. What, villains need motivations? Seriously, who the fuck is Siegfried?

Well, whatever. Cecily and Aria are hot and Lisa is cute so I guess it's okay.

[Suwako Moriya]

lol, jump to conclusions much, Cecily? Talk about a shitload of pure guesswork. Oh she's completely correct, of course, of that I have no doubt. But she's almost totally without proof if we were analyzing this seriously. =P


To be fair, there was no way she'd be able to get much proof anyway. Doesn't help that Luke was in "Waah, it's all my fault" mode and most of the people at the meetings were essentially jerks.

In the end, the only "evidence" that Cecily really needed was Lisa's words. With a bit of reading between the lines. Or at least I want to pretend that's the case.


So yeah, good ep. But now ridiculously rushed ending, incoming! It's never a good sign when you finally feel like the plot has truly begun and realize you only have one episode left.

There's definitely no way they can resolve everything in one episode, but I think it might be possible to get a decent ending if they focus on the main task at hand. Which would be defeating Siegfried and by that I mean killing him.


What, villains need motivations? Seriously, who the fuck is Siegfried?

Clearly, he's someone that must die for endangering Lisa. As for his motivation, I'll just assume he's some power mad person that either wants ro rule or destroy everything.

Actually, I get the feeling that even if they devoted more screen time to Siegfried at best we'd get a generic motivation that wouldn't really amount to much in the long run.


Plus more screen time for him would have meant less for Aria, Cecily, and Lisa. Which would have been lame. Especially if all we got was "I want to rule because I'm power mad" type reason. Which we can already figure out anyway.

Well, whatever. Cecily and Aria are hot and Lisa is cute so I guess it's okay.

Yes, focus on what truly matters most. Everything else is secondary.

[Fencedude]

What, villains need motivations? Seriously, who the fuck is Siegfried?

He was mean to Charlotte. That alone is unforgivable!

[Suwako Moriya]

What, villains need motivations? Seriously, who the fuck is Siegfried?

He was mean to Charlotte. That alone is unforgivable!

Hence forth why Siegfried is no longer allowed to breathe. Charlotte must be avenged.

[something]

There's definitely no way they can resolve everything in one episode, but I think it might be possible to get a decent ending if they focus on the main task at hand. Which would be defeating Siegfried and by that I mean killing him.
A good stopping point it about all I was expecting but the way we're stumbling into it worries me. The show has been enjoyable throughout and no one specific episode was poorly done but I'm not sure what I think about the overall pacing of this cour. It's not that I'm concerned we won't get a conclusion in 24 more minutes, as I don't think anyone expects that. But even as a temporary stopping point I really feel like there was a lack of proper build-up.

Actually, I get the feeling that even if they devoted more screen time to Siegfried at best we'd get a generic motivation that wouldn't really amount to much in the long run.
Yeah, I'm under no illusion that we'd get anything enormously interesting from him but they could have put some effort into it.

I think how much I care about the pacing will have a lot to do with how long we have to wait for a second season. If Blasmix2 (oh how silly that word looks) is a Spring 2010 show, that'd be awesome. If it's a really long wait like that between Shana seasons, I'll be a bit more annoyed.

Well no knowing how well they'll handle episode 12 until I see it. I'm not expecting to be massively disappointed or anything, because I already know that I find the pacing imperfect. Really, as long as it's a fun episode and they don't surprise us by trying to end end it, it'll be okay. It's just that this is one show that would have benefited enormously from being two cour to begin with, rather than being part of the major trend towards one cour chunks. I'm not really sure they're ready for a "stopping point" but they have to find one because they only allotted one cour for now.

[LKK]

Now she just needs to take that same energy and kick the ass of Siegfried. Or maybe they'll have Luke that. I'm still of the suspicion that he's not a normal human.
Which "he" do you think isn't a normal human? Luke or Siegfried? Or do you mean both of them? (Just curious.)

Sorry, I should have worded that better. By "he", I meant Siegfried. There's just something off about the guy in general. Although it could just be experience with past series influencing me to assume certain things. All I know is this. If Siegfried suddenly revealed a true form, I would not be surprised.
I suspect Siegfried was born human but has been powered up into something else. A true form reveal wouldn't be surprising at all.

[ilmaestro]

Bleh, this ep was good enough on its own merits, I suppose, but overall it was disappointingly generic (love conquers all, wow), not to mention utterly ridiculous - even in the context of a series with demon swords and removable eyes that forge magic katana.

Cecily, essentially a local policeman, is invited into a meeting between the most important people of several neighboring governments, to be involved in a discussion about the future of the planet? And then, having completely embarassed herself, is allowed to walk back in without anyone stopping her, and then proceed to scream at people, jump up on the table and advance on a man she threatened to kill earlier, whilst holding a weapon, and then somehow manage's to find the authors background notes on the Luke/Lisa incident, and reads them out for us like she's Poirot explaining a complex murder. I guess I'll let them off since they are so crippled for time, but I was hoping for better coming into the episode.

Also, having spent the rest of the series being pretty likable, her ridiculous lack of self control when Siegfried appears, as well at the conference, put me off Cecily a bit. There's being stupid, and then there's being that stupid.

The last episode should be a rousing finale to this season, I guess, but I very much agree with anyone who doesn't want too much time to pass before a potential second season.

[something]

I guess I'll let them off since they are so crippled for time, but I was hoping for better coming into the episode.
Interestingly, while I enjoyed the episode, I agree with you on all points. My own reaction would just be at a much lower level (especially about Cecily - she's always been a blockhead but I love her anyway). Not that there's anything wrong at all with how strongly you feel about it since I think your conclusions are justified.

I agree it's very much a time issue. This is what I mean when I say that even if they're planning on more seasons, they're decidedly not ready to end this season. Stopping points are fine but require you to specifically work towards them for most of the season. Not to saunter along at a pace that's great for a show twice as long and then suddenly hit the turbo boosters (right before the emergency brakes) because you have to stop halfway for now. I don't think we'll be hit with anything remotely so bad as how Zero no Tsukaima season one handled this (to clarify, I do like that show) but the overall problem they're facing is similar.

If they had been able to budget a 2 cour slot rather than 1 cour, I'm absolutely certain they would approached these events significantly differently. No doubt in my mind.

But hey maybe they'll blow our minds with ep 12. We'll see. It's still one of the better shows of this season.

[ilmaestro]

Yeah, for sure. It's top 5 of the season for me, just has had a couple of slight dips that stuff like Railgun hasn't. And I agree with you about the pacing, I don't think it's felt like a 12 ep season from the very beginning.

I don't really want to be down on the show at all, I guess I got myself slightly too hyped up for this ep thinking that they would be able to go in a less expected direction.

[Suwako Moriya]

The show has been enjoyable throughout and no one specific episode was poorly done but I'm not sure what I think about the overall pacing of this cour.

I think that's probably a result of this show being a series of mini arcs with a basic layer to connect them all together. A layer that perhaps could have been thicker has the series been two cour instead of just a mere one cour.

We spent four episodes on Cecily getting her act together. One episode on quality time with Lisa. Three episodes with Charlotte and her harem (What?). Two episodes dedicated to Elsa and the old guy with too much blood. Depending on how you look at it, we're getting two to four episodes dedicated to Luke's relationship with Lisa and Lisa.