“Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Season 2” Episode 5 focuses on strategic planning and character development as Boxxo and his companions prepare to confront the Demon Lord’s forces in the Origin Stratum. The episode also delves into Lamis’s evolving perspective on Boxxo and her unwavering rejection of prejudice.
Civilian Evacuation and Strategic Decisions
Following the reconnection of the teleport gate between the Origin Stratum and the Clear Lake Stratum by Hulemy, the immediate priority becomes the evacuation of civilians. However, a crucial decision looms: whether to destroy the gate to prevent the Demon Lord’s horde from using it—thereby cutting off a potential escape route from the dungeon—or to actively hunt down the Demon Lord’s minion coordinating the monster attacks in the Origin Stratum. Given the ramifications of abandoning the floor, the heroes opt for the latter, seeing it as the best chance to directly engage the enemy with the combined forces of the Band of Gluttons, the Menagerie of Fools, Boxxo, and Lamis.
The Hunt in the Origin Stratum
The bulk of the episode centers on the planning and execution of this hunt. The trio of Boxxo, Lamis, and Hulemy, along with the Menagerie of Fools, embark on a mission to repair the teleport gate to the Origin Stratum, which is rumored to hold a door to the surface. Their journey takes them through perilous dungeon corridors. Boxxo continues to demonstrate his versatility by utilizing various vending machine forms and dispensing items to support the group, even breaking out a new form that generates a near-infinite supply of ball bearings for strategic use. Lamis, in turn, grapples with the responsibilities of leadership and the weight of protecting her companions, showing a new layer of vulnerability.
Lamis’s Evolving Perspective and Confronting Prejudice
A significant emotional and thematic element of the episode is Lamis’s view of racism and her relationship with Boxxo. Despite Boxxo being a vending machine, Lamis consistently sees him as a person rather than a mere tool or weapon, firmly refusing to throw him into dangerous situations as a simple projectile. This deep affection and respect extend to her friends; she is unfazed by the revelation that one of them is a half-vampire, underscoring her belief that “it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” While Boxxo himself may not perceive danger in the same way, Lamis’s worry for him is evident. Her growth is showcased as she moves from attempting to physically restrain him from going off alone to deciding to accompany him if she cannot stop him, demonstrating her unwavering loyalty and evolving understanding of their bond.
Concluding the Episode and Setting the Stage
Ultimately, Boxxo and Lamis successfully locate and swiftly defeat the Netherlord’s underling who was coordinating the monster attacks in the Origin Stratum. The episode also highlights Boxxo’s ability to transform into new vending machine forms, including a rice vending machine and a cooking machine, providing meals for the group. While considered by some to be “all plot, little substance” due to a lack of significant new revelations or heightened danger, the episode effectively ties up loose ends and sets the stage for future adventures as the characters continue their quest for an escape from the dungeon.
