Last time, we looked back on the first half of "The Journey to Another World Guided by the Moon, Act 1." This time, we'd like to look back on the second half. Don't miss the exploits of Makoto and his servants Tomoe and Mio. Before watching Act 2, which begins airing in January 2024, we hope you'll enjoy it even more by reviewing Act 1.
Episode 7: "Secret Medicine Refining"
In Episode 6, Makoto completed the quest by handing over the Ruby Eye to Rembrandt. Episode 7 focuses on creating a secret medicine to cure the cursed disease and the group that holds a grudge against Rembrandt and interferes with his efforts. The relationship with the Rembrandt Company continues, so this is definitely a story worth watching.
Hazaru's Secret Medicine Refining
Makoto heads to Rembrandt's place with Hazaru, a fellow alchemist and Toa, to create a secret medicine. Having never heard that the person he's dealing with is Rembrandt, Hazaru turns pale. Rumors are circulating that anyone who defies Rembrandt in this town will die. Although nervous, Hazal successfully created the elixir, and Rembrandt headed off to his wife. Hazal then began refining the remaining two elixir.
Hazal, I'll hit you two more times later!
Hazal, having finished making the remaining elixir, looked happy and carefree. Then Rembrandt's servant, Morris, burst in. Surprised, Hazal threw the elixir away. Makoto used all his powers to secure the elixir, but slammed his head hard against the wall. The words that came out of his mind were, "Hazal, I'll hit you two more times later!" Morris rushed in because Rembrandt violently resisted when Morris tried to give him the elixir, injuring him. The cursed disease had a hidden spell that prevented him from taking the medicine.
Shin's Great Performance
Shin tells Rembrandt to give him the medicine, and he will subdue him. Worried, Rembrandt asks for help after hearing about Shin's abilities from Hazal and Morris. Shin easily subdues his wife and daughter and successfully administers the elixir. Hazal arrives with more elixir, but trips again and drops the potion. Makoto panicked, but Morris calmly picked it up. Makoto swore to himself, "After I hit him twice, I'll make him buy me dinner." Rembrandt then successfully administered the elixir to the last girl, and thanked the goddess. Makoto thought to himself, "Please don't thank that damn goddess."
Assassins Attack Makoto and His Friends
When Makoto left Rembrandt's mansion, Tomoe and Mio were waiting for him. Dozens of assassins were waiting there. Those with a grudge against Rembrandt had come to get in the way. Tomoe has no intention of fighting the assassins who are attacking her. When Makoto asks her what she's doing, she replies, "There's no signal to start. It's the Lord's." Makoto reluctantly gives the signal, "Tomoe, give them a lesson." No match for Makoto and his men, the assassins are defeated.
New Member: Lime Latte
Makoto interrogates their leader, Lime Latte, about why he did what he did. It turns out that Lime and his men had been deceived by a sorcerer with a grudge against Rembrandt. Makoto had Tomoe read Lime's memories, confirmed that she hadn't lied, and forgave her. Tomoe then secretly contacted Lime and asked him to become her subordinate. Makoto intended to train him and make him useful to her.
Episode 8 "Subspace Rankings"
In Episode 7, the Rembrandt Curse Case was solved. In Episode 8, we'll be looking at a small problem in Subspace and another small problem occurring in Zige. Tomoe will solve both of these issues this time.
Subspace Rankings
In Subspace, the warriors were losing confidence during training with Makoto, Tomoe, and Mio. Makoto and the others decided to check in on everyone directly. After secretly listening in, it seemed that they were more depressed about fighting Makoto than Tomoe and Mio. So Tomoe proposed a Subspace Rankings, an individual battle in which everyone could participate. They would be ranked periodically, and the top performers would be declared honorary warriors. Makoto concluded by saying that there was still room for improvement and that they should keep trying. The young master's words motivated the residents of Subspace.
Problems in Zige
A problem also arose in Zige. A leading adventurer in Zige was injured in the incident with Rembrandt, and Lime Latte, who was number one, retired from adventure. The Adventurer's Guild asked for help from Tomoe and Mio, who are over level 1000. Makoto then asked Tomoe to train Toa and his party. Tomoe accepted the offer in order to resolve her true concerns.
Tomoe's Training
Tomoe's training was Spartan. She began by strengthening their physical strength, then had them defeat Shadow Tail, a creature that even a level 100 party could barely defeat. However, the Toa were no match for the monsters, relying solely on their human skills. Tomoe therefore taught them tactics that didn't rely on skills, improving their overall strength. The Toa followed Tomoe's teachings and eventually became strong enough to conquer Shadow Tail nests on their own. As Zige's ace, his reputation grew in both name and reality.
Makoto Launches a Trading Company
Around that time, Makoto was consulting Rembrandt about starting a trading company. Rembrandt, indebted to Makoto, promised his full support. At Makoto's request, Mio went to Tinalak Forest to search for ambrosia flowers. There, she was met by the guardian tribe of the forest.
Episode 9 "Eat or Be Eaten"
In Episode 8, various issues were resolved and the decision was made to launch the trading company. Episode 9 begins with a celebration party in Subspace. The story then focuses on Mio's investigation into the ambrosia flower. This is Episode 9, where you can see the true nature of the company.
Kuzunoha Trading Company Launch Banquet
The launch of the Kuzunoha Trading Company was decided, and a celebratory banquet was being held in Subspace. Tomoe and Mio gave up their seats next to Makoto so that the residents of Subspace could connect with the young master for the first time in a while. Residents gathered around the young master, wanting to talk for the first time in a while. As the banquet was in full swing, Tomoe and Mio regretted giving up their seats next to Makoto. At that moment, Makoto's presence disappeared. It returned after a while, but then disappeared again. Surprised, Tomoe and Mio rushed to Makoto.
Makoto's Abnormal Training!?
Tomoe and Mio head to the archery training grounds. Makoto was practicing archery as usual, but when he concentrated and aimed his presence at the target, his presence disappeared. In this world, this phenomenon occurs upon death. To Tomoe and Mio, it seemed as if Makoto had committed suicide. Furthermore, this act increased Makoto's magical power, reaching a level comparable to that of a goddess. Makoto was banned from practicing archery.
Ambrosia Flower
Makoto and Mio head to the ambrosia flower colony they had previously investigated to meet the species that manages the flowers. During their journey, someone follows them, so Mio uses her thread to stop them and continue on their way. Upon arriving at the colony, Makoto and Mio hold hands and enter the colony. It's a blissful moment for Mio, but someone appears to disrupt her bliss: the species that manages the ambrosia flowers. Makoto tries to explain, but the other person refuses to listen. Then the humans who had been following them appear, and things get out of hand. The administrators attack without question. Mio's blissful moment is shattered, and she loses her mind. Makoto carries her and flees.
Episode 10: "The Demon's Hidden Village"
In Episode 9, Makoto and Mio went to meet the tribe that cares for the ambrosia flowers, but they were attacked by the caretakers. Episode 10 focuses on the conversation between the caretakers, the forest demons. Then, a lich disguised as a forest demon appears and stands in Makoto's way. Episode 10 reveals what happens to the lich.
Forest Demons Guarding Ambrosia Flowers
Makoto and his friends are attacked by a race of forest demons guarding ambrosia flowers. As Makoto defends himself in the Defense Plane, Tomoe speaks to him telepathically. She had seen Makoto and Mio out together. When Makoto asks for help, Tomoe demands that he help with rice farming and the pursuit of the sword. After Makoto reluctantly agrees, Tomoe finally lends a hand. Tomoe lured the troublesome humans into the Mirage City, and then advised Mio, who had lost her mind, to lick Makoto's blood. The forest demons were no match for the lighter-weight Makoto and the more sane Mio.
Forest Demon Village
The forest demons who attacked Makoto and Mio were named Aqua and Eris. Believing that Makoto and Mio were there for a business meeting, they decided to guide them to the forest demon village. Upon arriving at the village, Makoto and his friends met with the elders and explained their business background. After questioning Makoto, the elders finally trusted him. They decided to hold an apology banquet later, so Makoto rested in his room until then.
The Lich Attacks Makoto
As the banquet began, a sudden scream was heard. Aqua and Eris's master, Mondo, killed the elder's son, Adonou. A lich then emerged from Mondo's body. Makoto asked the lich why he had killed him. He explained that Mondo had simply lost consciousness after draining his life force, and that he had killed Adonou because he was in league with the demons. He then told Makoto that it was his turn next. He then launches an attack on Makoto, but it has no effect on him. Instead, Makoto uses dark magic to consume the Lich's power and defeat him. The forest demons, watching this, openly harbor hostility toward Makoto, who intended to use the banquet to lure the Lich into a false sense of security and then execute him. Just then, Tomoe arrives, and the forest demons are shocked and kneel before her.
The Birth of a New Servant
Tomoe had long ago cast an infinite barrier over the forest demon village. When the forest demons realized that Tomoe was their true servant, they had no choice but to bow down before her. Taken away to the subspace, the Lich had neither the strength nor the will to redeem himself. Tomoe ordered the Lich to become Makoto's servant. When Makoto asked for his help, the Lich agreed. Because the difference in power between Makoto and the Lich was so great, Makoto had the Lich wear a magical item imbued with Makoto's magical power, and Makoto was able to suppress it, finally completing the contract to become his servant. Just as the Lich was safely becoming his servant, something strange suddenly happened to Tomoe. After hearing an explosion in the distance, Tomoe collapsed, bleeding from her head.
Episode 11 "Goodbye"
In Episode 10, we fought the Lich in the Forest Demon Village and made him our servant. The episode ended with Tomoe collapsing, accompanied by a sudden explosion. In Episode 11, we learn why Tomoe collapsed, and for the first time since arriving in the other world, Makoto begins to experience emotions he had forgotten. In a sense, Episode 11 marks a true turning point.
Humans' Malice
The sudden explosion was triggered by a human that Tomoe lured into Mirage City from the Forest Demon Village. The humans had approached Makoto, hoping to take advantage of his seemingly kind nature and make a quick profit, but the human who was lured into Mirage City tried to steal discarded weapons and magical tools and escape. When a resident of the Ascended discovered this and tried to stop him, Draupnir, which had accumulated True's magical power, exploded.
Human Supremacy Destroys Makoto's Heart
To protect everyone from the explosion, Tomoe's clone creates a water barrier, but two humans, a Highland Orc, and Tomoe's clone are caught in it and killed. As a result, Tomoe suddenly collapses. Makoto uses the Healing Realm, and the Lich uses healing magic to help the injured. Makoto investigates the area and finds a fog gate opened by the explosion, revealing traces of one of the humans escaping to the outside world. As Makoto tries to chase after him, the human's memories begin to flow into him. Something inside Makoto broke after he used her, caused the explosion, and despised demi-humans for their human supremacy.
The Normal Heart of a Human Returns
Miraculously, the Humans were able to return to the city of Zige, but were surrounded by fog. That's when Makoto arrived. The Humans verbally abused Makoto and demanded his release, but when Makoto's face became expressionless, he muttered, "Right now, I truly believe I should have killed him in that forest." Even though he didn't understand what was going on, the Humans felt fear and attacked Makoto. Makoto calmly cut off both of the Human's arms, kicked him, and knocked him down. As the Human wept and begged for his life, Makoto said, "Well, goodbye," and stabbed him in the throat with a dagger. Having killed someone of his own volition for the first time, Makoto remained calm, but suddenly tears began to flow. It was then that he realized that death was a sad thing in his previous world. Makoto burst into tears.
Makoto's Determination and Attack
The next day, after holding a memorial service for his fallen comrades, Makoto named the Lich "Shiki," taking one character from each of the characters for knowledge and common sense. Makoto then makes a decision: to attend school in the neutral city of Lotsgard. This incident inspired Makoto to want to learn more about the goddesses, humans, magic, and this world. Just as Makoto and Shiki were about to head to Lotsgard, they heard the voice of the Bitch Goddess (Makoto's inner voice) say, "I've found you," and Makoto was transported away alone. He was then suddenly attacked by a woman wielding a sword.
Episode 12 "Guided by the Moon..."
In Episode 11, Makoto's human heart was awakened by the death of his comrades and his first willful killing. Then, the episode ended with Makoto being suddenly transported to a battlefield by the Bitch Goddess (the voice of Makoto's inner thoughts) and attacked. Episode 12 focuses on the deadly battle with the attacker. Don't miss the scene where Makoto unleashes his power and fights with all his might for the first time.
Dragon Slayer Sophia and High Dragon Lancer
The place where Makoto was transported by the Bitch Goddess (the voice of Makoto's inner thoughts) was a battlefield between humans and demons. The Bitch Goddess had transported Makoto to fight the demons. Makoto's attacker was Sophia Bulga, an adventurer nicknamed the Dragon Slayer who sided with the demons. Next to him was Lancer, a high-ranking dragon. He attacked Makoto, who had arrived with the Goddess's light, thinking he was sent by the Goddess. Makoto tried to clear up the misunderstanding, telling them that he had no business siding with the Goddess and had no intention of fighting, but Sophia and Lancer refused to listen and attacked Makoto, intent on killing him.
Makoto's Magical Power Released!
No matter how much Makoto explained, Sophia and Lancer refused to listen and continued to attack, and Makoto finally lost his patience. He removes Draupnir and unleashes all his magical power, blowing Sophia and Lancer away. Sophia and Lancer, who had underestimated Makoto, are blown away and confused by Makoto's Bride attack. He fires an arrow of frozen water at them. At that moment, Sophia takes Makoto by surprise and attacks him. He quickly blocks the sword with the blunt end created by the Elder Dwarf, and Sophia's greatsword, imbued with Lancer's power, shatters. Sophia then embraces Makoto, carries him high into the sky, and drops him down.
The end!
Convinced they had won, Sofia and Lancer are suddenly attacked by the True Bullet. Makoto then fires a water arrow with all his magical power, along with the Draupnir he's carrying, and flees into Ascension. The arrow freezes the entire area, destroying most of the human and demon armies. It also creates a large lake where it hits. Sofia and Lancer barely survive and vow to exact revenge on Makoto.
How will Act 1 end?!
Makoto wakes up to find himself sleeping in his room. Tomoe and Mio are sleeping beside him. They had healed him and were exhausted. Makoto explains to everyone that he had been attacked by Sophia and Lancer, and realizes that he must become stronger. After that, the first Kuzunoha Trading Company store opens in Zige, and the decision is made to move the forest demons to Ascendant Space. Makoto once again reflects on the events since his summoning. "From now on, it's all a dark journey... I guess. by Fukasumi Makoto." A heartfelt senryu.
A summary of the last six episodes of Act 1
Including the previous article, we've briefly reviewed the first act of "The Journey of the Moon Leads the Way to Another World." Act 2 will likely focus on the events of Lotsgard, which the series was unable to visit. Since it's a two-season series, I'm excited to see how much of the original story will be adapted into the anime. I hope that Tsukimichi fans, as well as those who haven't seen or read it yet, will enjoy it. Thank you for reading to the end.
