Episode 6 of From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman, titled “The Old Country Bumpkin Faces the Dead,” is a standout episode, blending action, political intrigue, and emotional depth. Beryl’s journey takes a darker turn as he confronts the horrors of resurrection and a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the Church.
Unveiling the Conspiracy
The episode starts with Beryl training with the knights. Commander Allucia informs him of Twilight’s death and the missing corpses, including Mewi’s sister. Magic Commander Lucy introduces Beryl to Ibroy Howlman, a priest from the Church of Sphene in Sphenedyardvania, who reveals that Bishop Reveos Sarleen is trading magical artifacts for corpses to fuel resurrection experiments. This revelation positions Bishop Sarleen as a powerful, cross-border threat. Lucy explains the cultural differences between “magic” and “miracles,” adding religious complexity to the situation. The Church is revealed to be the true puppeteer behind the Dark Hand of Twilight, manipulating events for political and religious gain.
Moral Dilemmas and Undead Horrors
Beryl’s mission takes a personal turn when he encounters Mewi, who is still grieving but now living in better conditions. The tension escalates when Beryl finds Bishop Reveos attempting to escape. He’s ambushed by magically enhanced guards led by Spur, the Bishop’s right-hand man. Beryl finds himself outnumbered until Curuni and Ficelle arrive to help.
Inside the church, Bishop Reveos uses blasphemous resurrection magic, forcing Beryl to confront zombified corpses, including Mewi’s sister. This presents Beryl with a moral challenge, as each mercy kill destroys evidence and any hope for a proper burial. The most emotional moment comes when Beryl comforts Mewi’s sister before beheading her to release her soul.
Swordplay and Political Intrigue
Beryl engages in a brutal fight with Spur, who is magically enhanced. Despite sustaining injuries, Beryl wins. Ficelle and Curuni apprehend the Bishop, who warns that Sphenedyardvania will face doom unless the Church gains more power, hinting at future international conflicts.
The episode showcases impressive fight animation, particularly during the battle with Spur. The sword fights are noted for their attention to detail, featuring parries, dodges, and various sword techniques.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the dark events, the episode ends on a hopeful note. Beryl couldn’t recover Mewi’s sister’s remains, but his compassion inspires Mewi to join the academy. Lucy rewards Beryl by making him Mewi’s guardian and giving them a modest home. This deepens their bond, evolving their relationship into a found family.
Review and Impact
Episode 6 is praised for its blend of subterfuge, world-building, politics, action, heart, and melancholy. The episode explores themes of grief, duty, and moral limits, and expands the threat to a global scale. The episode delivers powerful character development and sets the stage for future conflict. Some find the 3D animation during the fight scenes well done. The episode is considered emotional, with great characters and good combat. Beryl’s strength is highlighted, but he is not invulnerable.
