Helck (2023) s01e02 Episode Script
Anne from Management
1
[narrator] Great demon Lord Thor
was taken down
by a lone human hero.
To find a new lord,
the demonkin organized
a competition.
However, among the participants
is a human known as Helck.
One of the empire's four
Elite Lords, Vermilio the Red,
becomes very suspicious.
Meanwhile, another
Demon Lord, Urum,
falls in a desperate battle
against a hoard
of winged knights.
[dramatic music]
[opening theme]
[ANNE FROM MANAGEMENT]
[dramatic fanfare]
[crowd cheering]
[Vermilio] Something's going
on with the humans.
We need to get rid of
this Helck guy, ASAP.
Hon!
You're absolutely
sure this race idea
of yours will work?
Of course,
I have no doubt, Madam.
I have devised a plan to
provide a rather unique steed
for Helck to ride,
so I am quite confident
we'll get rid of him this time.
Good.
The outcome of this match
will depend a great deal
on the quality of the horse.
Not even Helck can
do much if his mount
ends up being weak.
[Hon] Ah, the participants
are arriving.
[crowd cheering]
Oh, yeah, get psyched!
It's about to go down now!
[Helck laughing]
[Vermilio spitting]
Genius, right?
He won't get very far on
a puny pony like that.
Dumbass! Didn't you think
about how popular he is?
The fans won't let such
a blatant scheme fly!
[crowdmember 1] Hot damn,
Helck is massive!
He makes his horse look tiny!
[crowdmember 2] A big
body to fit his big heart!
Helck's the best!
[crowdmember 3] I wanna
be a macho man like him!
What is wrong
with these morons?
Uh, well, let's just say
they're very positive thinkers.
Thanks for waiting, everybody!
Once again,
I'm your host, Rococo!
I hope you guys like surprises,
'cause the next stage is a race!
[Helck laughing]
[Vermilio] How can he not
look worried about this?
Does he really think he can
win on that pathetic thing?
[Rococo] Let's take
a look at the course.
It is riddled with
obstacles all along the way!
The first four to complete
the loop and make it back
will move on to the finals!
Enough explaining,
let's get it started!
Let's go, let's go, let's go!
All right, competitors!
On your marks!
[cannon ball clattering]
[Rococo] Three,
two,
one!
[cannon firing]
[mounts galloping]
[exciting music]
And there you have it!
All the racers are on their way!
[mount whimpers]
Or not.
[mount whining]
Huh?
[laughs] That's right!
Where's all that
confidence now, chump?
There's nothing he can do now
except sit there and eat it!
[Rococo] Helck is
at a standstill!
Things are looking super bleak!
Not the favorite anymore!
[Kenros] The lottery they used
to decide which horses we got
was not very good to Helck.
Sorry, man, luck was not
on your side this time!
[Hyura] The organizers obviously
screwed him over on purpose,
but since he's a
repulsive human hero,
I'm sure he had it coming.
[Rococo] Look at this!
Helck has gotten off his ride!
So sad!
[Vermilio] Ugh, why doesn't
he just give up already?
He can't seriously expect
to turn things around.
[fireworks exploding]
[Rococo] It looks like
the frontrunners
have just entered
the obstacle course!
Let's go over there and
check out the action!
[Hon] There's no chance
of Helck winning now.
Why don't we go see how
the leaders are fairing,
how's that sound?
[Vermilio] Fine.
[lively music]
[Helck] Poor little fella.
That cannon really
freaked you out, huh?
Don't you worry, buddy.
Listen, everything's all right.
We're gonna turn this around.
Don't trouble your little head.
We can do this.
[sentimental music]
I know your body's
kind of small,
but I know it's hiding
an immense power inside.
Trust me, I can tell.
You have what it takes.
You can do this.
[mount grunts]
[lively music]
[rider gasping]
[trap crashing]
Man, these are some
sick traps they cooked up!
- Shut up.
- [Kenros shrieking]
[Rococo] This course is wrought
with peril at every turn!
It's obliterating
the competitors!
We do have medical stuff on
site, so no need to hold back!
This course is hardcore, Hon.
It will be for most of them,
but it was initially
designed to stop Helck.
[traps exploding]
[metal clanging]
[yelps] Watch it!
What the hell's
your problem, man?
[Hyura] I don't need
to be in first place,
but seeing somebody
in front of me
just really gets on my nerves.
Now be a good boy
and get behind me!
[Kenros] I don't think so!
Those two are Hyura and Kenros.
They made it through so
far in spectacular fashion.
Especially Hyura, her talents
have truly been top-notch.
Our new Demon Lord will almost
assuredly be one of them.
- Right, well, let's hope so.
- [Hon chuckling]
[lively music]
[Rococo gasping]
Check it out, folks!
Helck, who was stuck
at the starting line,
is blazing ahead at
an incredible pace!
I friggin' knew it!
There's no way he'd just quit,
that would be too easy!
How can that tiny creature
carry him at such high speeds?
I don't believe it!
[mount panting and growling]
[Helck laughing]
Hold on a second!
He's just running
along with it, look!
[Hon] Ah, since his
feet can reach the ground,
he's taking advantage!
Clever.
[Vermilio] That's not
clever, it's cheating!
He's not supposed to do that!
He's breaking the rules,
disqualify him!
One can't be disqualified
for falling off their horse.
If that were the case,
we would end up
having to kick out
over half of the field.
[Vermilio] Oh, whatever,
don't we make the rules?
But rest assured, my liege,
he still has the formidable
obstacle course to contend with.
He'll have a hard time
avoiding the traps
with such a wee horse!
[trap crashing]
[Helck laughing]
[Vermilio screaming]
Do you know how expensive
those are to make?
[mount panting and growling]
[Helck laughing]
[trap exploding]
[Helck laughing]
At this rate, he'll be
in the lead in no time!
Yes, ma'am, maybe so!
[Vermilio] There has to
be something we can do!
[Rococo] The leaders
are now passing through
the old mining quarry!
- [Rubero howling]
- [Rococo] Uh-oh!
Rubero's in trouble and
has fallen off the bridge!
I got it.
Hon, the bridge!
We need to make him fall off!
Is there anything we could use?
Think!
[Hon] Well, there's a
stockpile of explosives
- we use for mining.
- [Vermilio] Perfect.
Rig all of it to explode right
in the middle of the bridge!
After that,
cover the edges in oil
to keep him from
staying on his feet!
Falling off the bridge will
cost him a huge chunk of time!
Then he'll lose for sure!
[Hon] I'll make the
preparations right away.
Hon issued emergency orders!
Yeah!
Come on! We gotta
get the trap set up!
The utility staff is already
working on it, Madam.
It'll be like an old
fashioned slip 'n slide!
Once we're done here, we'll
get to rigging the bombs!
Easy to the peasy!
[worker] That'll do it.
[worker screaming]
[workers crashing and screaming]
[bombs exploding]
No!
What are those butt-bags doing?
The plan doesn't work
unless the bridge explodes
right when he crosses it!
Now everything's ruined!
But, milady, if there's
no bridge for him to cross,
he'll be stuck.
It'll all work out.
Bullshit!
Giving him any chances
is a mistake!
He's just going to find a way
to keep going, bridge or not!
- [Helck grunting]
- See, I told you!
[Rococo] Helck is
making it look easy!
What? Now he's actually
carrying his horse!
What a stud!
At least pretend to
ride the damn thing!
[Rococo] He's zipping
past the competition,
one after the other!
And now he's coming up
on the leaders!
[Helck panting]
[heroic music]
I figured you'd show up!
What? How did he manage to
close the gap?
He couldn't have
run all that way!
[heroic music]
What's shaking, dudes?
[both] Huh?
[Rococo] Look at him fly!
And just like that, Helck
has taken the top spot!
He's badass! No matter what,
he always finds a way
to keep going!
Helck's the freaking coolest!
I'm gonna do what he's doing!
Why not? I've got the
fastest legs in the empire!
This is a chance I don't
think I can pass up!
Holy smokes, folks!
Kenros has jumped off
his mount, too!
Wow, look at him go!
He's closing in, making a
mad dash for the finish line!
[Hyura]
Third place advances too.
- [Kenros roaring]
- [Rococo] Incredible!
Kenros is giving himself
a chance!
He's running even
faster than Helck!
[trap exploding]
[Kenros panting]
- [Helck laughing]
- [Rococo] What a finish!
Helck the hero barely
takes the finish line!
Kenros was right on his tail,
but it wasn't enough!
What an amazing show of talent,
all the way to the end!
Damn!
I never imagined that you
would beat me
in a foot race, too!
That was a close one!
You would've totally
beaten me if you'd just
taken off running
right from the start.
You're a pretty cool dude!
You and me need
to go out for drinks
and celebrate
making the finals!
[Helck laughing]
The big guy's a frigging beast!
Helck's the man, all right!
You almost had him, Kenros!
[chuckles] He has an ability
to surmount complications.
[Vermilio hyperventilating]
Friggin' hell!
Okay, my barrier's set.
I should be safe this time.
Lady Vermilio, can I
have a moment, please?
Huh?
Of course you can, what is it?
[Hon] Huh? No explosion?
We have a newly
updated report.
The reconnaissance
squad returned.
All right, Ista, talk to me.
Whatcha got?
[Hon] I'm safe but lonely.
[Ista] The castle remains quiet,
and as of now,
there seems to be no sign
of the humans
preparing to march on us.
[Vermilio] Okay
[Ista] Somehow,
the grounds were infiltrated
without incident.
Now, per the report,
not a single human has been
sighted anywhere in the area.
However, they did
confirm the presence
of 103 winged knights
throughout the castle.
Among those, one appears to
be acting as their leader.
I see.
Their numbers are
smaller than expected.
Right.
We have Lord Urum to thank
for thinning out their ranks.
- A valiant effort.
- Yes.
But it really doesn't matter
how many knights they've lost.
Even if they started
with twice as many.
Let's focus on
what we know.
[Hon] I'm still having
trouble processing it all.
How can anyone overcome Lord
Urum with such meager numbers?
Just who are
these winged creatures?
[Vermilio] That remains unclear.
However, we do know that they
came from the human realm.
And also, they've proven
to be hostile.
That being said,
we can't just leave them
to their own devices.
Part of me wants
to rush over there
and wipe out all of the
Winged Knights right now.
Plus, there's still Helck
to deal with.
We need to plan
our actions carefully.
[Azudra] It seems like you
guys are in a tough spot.
[dramatic music]
[Hon gasping]
I know that voice.
That you, Azudra?
It's me.
Why are you up?
The whole reason
I'm even here filling in for you
is because of your injuries.
But you sound
pretty chipper to me.
[Azudra] Oh, you know how
doctors like to exaggerate.
Sorry you have to deal
with this, Vermi-germy.
[Vermilio] I thought I told
you to stop calling me that!
[Azudra chuckles]
That you did.
But that was so long ago,
surely it doesn't
bother you now.
State your business
and be done with it!
It's about those
winged knights
and our big human hero friend.
I have a brilliant idea I
think you might want to hear.
Okay
[COMBAT LEVEL: 73,
AZUDRA THE BLUE]
[Azudra chuckling weakly]
The final match will be-[gags]
Back to bed!
Damn it, why did you drag
yourself out of the infirmary?
You need to get
some rest and recover!
[Ista] I've called
the paramedic team.
Ah, yes, just couldn't
help yourself, could you?
I'll be fine, chaps.
Just hear me out, Vermi-germy.
Stop calling me that
or I will burn you alive!
The last match of the game
will be to retake
the Castle Urum.
Whoever can defeat
the enemy leader
and reclaim the castle
shall be the new Demon Lord.
Two birds with one stone, see?
We'll be able to take care of
the army of winged knights,
and at the same time,
find out whether or not
Helck is willing to
fight for our side.
We will unveil his intentions.
Shut up! We're talking
about a human, here!
You're just putting everyone
else in needless danger!
He may be a hero
from the human realm,
but it's said Helck's hatred
for them is immense.
It's possible
those stories are true.
Talk is cheap and rumors
are unreliable!
I wouldn't trust
him for anything!
I get it, but it's our
best way to find out.
It's why I came up with the
idea in the first place.
Fighting the winged knights
is a test.
Now look, we already know the
knights are hostile to us.
So if Helck steps in
to defeat them,
and even perhaps
retake Castle Urum,
it might be worth our while
to put a little faith
in the big guy.
Interesting. I suppose then
we'd know where he stands.
We still don't know
if those winged bastards
are part of the human forces.
It's too risky
to put them together.
Vermi-verm, Helck is a threat.
And if we were forced
to go against him,
yes, it would be a mess.
So to avoid as much
destruction as possible,
we must ascertain whether
or not he's with us
or needs to be eliminated.
[Vermilio sighing]
There's still time.
Consider all the options
and let me know
what you want to do.
[slurring] I'm feeling
kind of light-headed,
I lost too much blood.
[Hon] Oh, gosh!
He gonna be okay?
[Vermilio] Stupid Helck.
The terror he could unleash
is what makes him so
difficult to trust.
That said, it's not a bad
idea for the final round.
If everything went our way,
it would put us in a
very favorable position.
Not to mention it'll get
Helck away from the stadium.
The only problem is
Hey!
Wake up, you loser!
[Azudra] Ah? Did you decide yet?
No, I have a question!
Uh, don't shake him,
he's very fragile!
What's the plan if it turns
out that he's our enemy?
- [chuckles] What?
- [Hon groaning anxiously]
Think about it for a second.
Those winged knights will
be the least of our worries
if Helck should turn against us.
[Azudra chuckling]
Fear not,
I have got that covered.
Did some crafting
in the hospital.
Look!
Behold, the Deep Green Ring!
If we make all
the competitors wear one,
it will prevent them
from harming one another!
That's not really
a bad idea, I suppose.
Brilliant as always,
Lord Azudra.
You're a mastermind, sir.
He does have his talents,
but I wish he'd used
more of that brain
to do something about Helck.
Yes, well, let's not forget.
In my current condition,
best I can do is buy us some
time, which is what I'm doing.
[Vermilio growling]
[Hon] Well, it would seem
we now have
- a plan of action, my friends.
- [Azudra humming]
[Ista] I guess so.
But it doesn't
change the fact
we don't know much about
these winged knights.
It's still very worrisome.
[Azudra] True. And something
is bound to go wrong.
So I propose we send someone
with the challengers,
someone cutthroat
and terrifying.
[Ista] Someone terrifying?
[Azudra] Yes.
[Vermilio humming curiously]
Uh, so, Vermi-germy?
I said not to call me that!
Okay, fine, then.
I understand.
Helck is the threat I'm
most concerned with.
You don't have to
try to convince me.
I was already planning
to stay close to him
so I can intervene
if things go south.
If Helck proves to be our enemy,
I will put my life on the
line to terminate him!
[Azudra gasping]
I can't help but feel
bad for lazing around
while you're out there
flirting with danger!
Perhaps if I summon up
enough strength, I might-
Get your ass in bed!
And don't worry about
the other participants.
I'll take on the task of
keeping everyone safe.
You need to focus
on recuperating
and getting back into action.
Aw, shucks. I have
the best friends ever!
I really appreciate
this, Vermi-germy!
[Vermilio growling]
[Vermilio] That is it!
I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE HURT!
[room exploding]
DO NOT CALL ME THAT!
[5 DAYS LATER]
[Hyura humming]
[Rococo] Okay, well done!
You are all now wearing
your Deep Green Rings.
So without further ado
[COMBAT LEVEL: 45,
DORSHE THE INDESTRUCTIBLE]
it's time to
announce the details
of the championship match!
For the finals,
you will be retaking
and securing Castle Urum!
Wait, what?
Just the four of us?
[Rococo] That's right!
[Vermilio] This is dumb.
Why can't I be out
there from the start?
[Hon chuckles] A touch of
dramatic flair, milady.
Much more exciting if
you make an entrance.
[Vermilio] I don't think all
that is necessary right now.
[Hon] Anywho, just take a look
at how confident they all are!
[Hyura]
Finally, an actual fight.
It's about time, if you ask me.
[Dorshe] Guess it must be
a battle to avenge
the fallen Lord Urum.
[Hon] They don't have
the slightest reservation
about facing forces who
took down a Demon Lord!
[Vermilio sighs] I don't know,
that one guy looks
pretty stressed.
[Kenros] Oh, man, I'm gonna die!
[Hon] It's kind of hard to tell
what's going through
Helck's huge head, though.
[Vermilio] Does he
even know where he is?
It looks like he's sleeping
with his eyes open!
[Rococo] And have no fear,
we in management know
it is our duty
to keep all
the participants safe!
Which is why a very powerful
warrior will be joining you!
Geez, you should have
started with that part!
You had me scared to death!
All righty, then!
Let's meet our chaperone,
shall we?
Say hello to the one
who will keep you safe!
[heroic music]
I'm Anne from management.
[ACTING LEVEL: 2]
I am here to help.
She probably could have tried
being a little
bit more friendly.
But hey, that's Vermilio,
whatcha gonna do?
[Vermilio] The enemies
you'll be fighting
were strong enough
to defeat Lord Urum.
It will not be easy by any
means,
but I am certain you
all have what it takes
to emerge victorious.
And remember, the title
of Demon Lord is at stake.
[Hon chuckling and clapping]
[all clapping]
Thanks for the applause,
that's enough.
[Kenros] Wait, so she's it?
That's right!
But she's super-duper strong,
so you have nothing
to worry about.
She seems familiar.
Well, I guess I'll have
to take their word for it.
[tense music]
[Helck] You there.
What is it?
You're the judge from
the cooking contest!
Oh, yeah, so that's it.
What? No way, I mean, that girl
had longer hair, didn't she?
[Vermilio] No, that was me,
I just got a haircut.
[Helck laughing]
Actually, I thought
she looked familiar
when I saw her on
the judges' panel, too.
I know I know her.
My name is Helck.
It's a pleasure.
[light gasp]
[Vermilio groaning]
She looks absolutely
appalled by him.
What's on her mind?
[Helck] I am called Helck.
Gimme a shake.
[Hyura] Take a hint, dummy!
[dramatic uplifting music]
It's nice to meet you.
[menacing music]
[ending theme]
[narrator] Next time:
"The Unknown Enemy"
[narrator] Great demon Lord Thor
was taken down
by a lone human hero.
To find a new lord,
the demonkin organized
a competition.
However, among the participants
is a human known as Helck.
One of the empire's four
Elite Lords, Vermilio the Red,
becomes very suspicious.
Meanwhile, another
Demon Lord, Urum,
falls in a desperate battle
against a hoard
of winged knights.
[dramatic music]
[opening theme]
[ANNE FROM MANAGEMENT]
[dramatic fanfare]
[crowd cheering]
[Vermilio] Something's going
on with the humans.
We need to get rid of
this Helck guy, ASAP.
Hon!
You're absolutely
sure this race idea
of yours will work?
Of course,
I have no doubt, Madam.
I have devised a plan to
provide a rather unique steed
for Helck to ride,
so I am quite confident
we'll get rid of him this time.
Good.
The outcome of this match
will depend a great deal
on the quality of the horse.
Not even Helck can
do much if his mount
ends up being weak.
[Hon] Ah, the participants
are arriving.
[crowd cheering]
Oh, yeah, get psyched!
It's about to go down now!
[Helck laughing]
[Vermilio spitting]
Genius, right?
He won't get very far on
a puny pony like that.
Dumbass! Didn't you think
about how popular he is?
The fans won't let such
a blatant scheme fly!
[crowdmember 1] Hot damn,
Helck is massive!
He makes his horse look tiny!
[crowdmember 2] A big
body to fit his big heart!
Helck's the best!
[crowdmember 3] I wanna
be a macho man like him!
What is wrong
with these morons?
Uh, well, let's just say
they're very positive thinkers.
Thanks for waiting, everybody!
Once again,
I'm your host, Rococo!
I hope you guys like surprises,
'cause the next stage is a race!
[Helck laughing]
[Vermilio] How can he not
look worried about this?
Does he really think he can
win on that pathetic thing?
[Rococo] Let's take
a look at the course.
It is riddled with
obstacles all along the way!
The first four to complete
the loop and make it back
will move on to the finals!
Enough explaining,
let's get it started!
Let's go, let's go, let's go!
All right, competitors!
On your marks!
[cannon ball clattering]
[Rococo] Three,
two,
one!
[cannon firing]
[mounts galloping]
[exciting music]
And there you have it!
All the racers are on their way!
[mount whimpers]
Or not.
[mount whining]
Huh?
[laughs] That's right!
Where's all that
confidence now, chump?
There's nothing he can do now
except sit there and eat it!
[Rococo] Helck is
at a standstill!
Things are looking super bleak!
Not the favorite anymore!
[Kenros] The lottery they used
to decide which horses we got
was not very good to Helck.
Sorry, man, luck was not
on your side this time!
[Hyura] The organizers obviously
screwed him over on purpose,
but since he's a
repulsive human hero,
I'm sure he had it coming.
[Rococo] Look at this!
Helck has gotten off his ride!
So sad!
[Vermilio] Ugh, why doesn't
he just give up already?
He can't seriously expect
to turn things around.
[fireworks exploding]
[Rococo] It looks like
the frontrunners
have just entered
the obstacle course!
Let's go over there and
check out the action!
[Hon] There's no chance
of Helck winning now.
Why don't we go see how
the leaders are fairing,
how's that sound?
[Vermilio] Fine.
[lively music]
[Helck] Poor little fella.
That cannon really
freaked you out, huh?
Don't you worry, buddy.
Listen, everything's all right.
We're gonna turn this around.
Don't trouble your little head.
We can do this.
[sentimental music]
I know your body's
kind of small,
but I know it's hiding
an immense power inside.
Trust me, I can tell.
You have what it takes.
You can do this.
[mount grunts]
[lively music]
[rider gasping]
[trap crashing]
Man, these are some
sick traps they cooked up!
- Shut up.
- [Kenros shrieking]
[Rococo] This course is wrought
with peril at every turn!
It's obliterating
the competitors!
We do have medical stuff on
site, so no need to hold back!
This course is hardcore, Hon.
It will be for most of them,
but it was initially
designed to stop Helck.
[traps exploding]
[metal clanging]
[yelps] Watch it!
What the hell's
your problem, man?
[Hyura] I don't need
to be in first place,
but seeing somebody
in front of me
just really gets on my nerves.
Now be a good boy
and get behind me!
[Kenros] I don't think so!
Those two are Hyura and Kenros.
They made it through so
far in spectacular fashion.
Especially Hyura, her talents
have truly been top-notch.
Our new Demon Lord will almost
assuredly be one of them.
- Right, well, let's hope so.
- [Hon chuckling]
[lively music]
[Rococo gasping]
Check it out, folks!
Helck, who was stuck
at the starting line,
is blazing ahead at
an incredible pace!
I friggin' knew it!
There's no way he'd just quit,
that would be too easy!
How can that tiny creature
carry him at such high speeds?
I don't believe it!
[mount panting and growling]
[Helck laughing]
Hold on a second!
He's just running
along with it, look!
[Hon] Ah, since his
feet can reach the ground,
he's taking advantage!
Clever.
[Vermilio] That's not
clever, it's cheating!
He's not supposed to do that!
He's breaking the rules,
disqualify him!
One can't be disqualified
for falling off their horse.
If that were the case,
we would end up
having to kick out
over half of the field.
[Vermilio] Oh, whatever,
don't we make the rules?
But rest assured, my liege,
he still has the formidable
obstacle course to contend with.
He'll have a hard time
avoiding the traps
with such a wee horse!
[trap crashing]
[Helck laughing]
[Vermilio screaming]
Do you know how expensive
those are to make?
[mount panting and growling]
[Helck laughing]
[trap exploding]
[Helck laughing]
At this rate, he'll be
in the lead in no time!
Yes, ma'am, maybe so!
[Vermilio] There has to
be something we can do!
[Rococo] The leaders
are now passing through
the old mining quarry!
- [Rubero howling]
- [Rococo] Uh-oh!
Rubero's in trouble and
has fallen off the bridge!
I got it.
Hon, the bridge!
We need to make him fall off!
Is there anything we could use?
Think!
[Hon] Well, there's a
stockpile of explosives
- we use for mining.
- [Vermilio] Perfect.
Rig all of it to explode right
in the middle of the bridge!
After that,
cover the edges in oil
to keep him from
staying on his feet!
Falling off the bridge will
cost him a huge chunk of time!
Then he'll lose for sure!
[Hon] I'll make the
preparations right away.
Hon issued emergency orders!
Yeah!
Come on! We gotta
get the trap set up!
The utility staff is already
working on it, Madam.
It'll be like an old
fashioned slip 'n slide!
Once we're done here, we'll
get to rigging the bombs!
Easy to the peasy!
[worker] That'll do it.
[worker screaming]
[workers crashing and screaming]
[bombs exploding]
No!
What are those butt-bags doing?
The plan doesn't work
unless the bridge explodes
right when he crosses it!
Now everything's ruined!
But, milady, if there's
no bridge for him to cross,
he'll be stuck.
It'll all work out.
Bullshit!
Giving him any chances
is a mistake!
He's just going to find a way
to keep going, bridge or not!
- [Helck grunting]
- See, I told you!
[Rococo] Helck is
making it look easy!
What? Now he's actually
carrying his horse!
What a stud!
At least pretend to
ride the damn thing!
[Rococo] He's zipping
past the competition,
one after the other!
And now he's coming up
on the leaders!
[Helck panting]
[heroic music]
I figured you'd show up!
What? How did he manage to
close the gap?
He couldn't have
run all that way!
[heroic music]
What's shaking, dudes?
[both] Huh?
[Rococo] Look at him fly!
And just like that, Helck
has taken the top spot!
He's badass! No matter what,
he always finds a way
to keep going!
Helck's the freaking coolest!
I'm gonna do what he's doing!
Why not? I've got the
fastest legs in the empire!
This is a chance I don't
think I can pass up!
Holy smokes, folks!
Kenros has jumped off
his mount, too!
Wow, look at him go!
He's closing in, making a
mad dash for the finish line!
[Hyura]
Third place advances too.
- [Kenros roaring]
- [Rococo] Incredible!
Kenros is giving himself
a chance!
He's running even
faster than Helck!
[trap exploding]
[Kenros panting]
- [Helck laughing]
- [Rococo] What a finish!
Helck the hero barely
takes the finish line!
Kenros was right on his tail,
but it wasn't enough!
What an amazing show of talent,
all the way to the end!
Damn!
I never imagined that you
would beat me
in a foot race, too!
That was a close one!
You would've totally
beaten me if you'd just
taken off running
right from the start.
You're a pretty cool dude!
You and me need
to go out for drinks
and celebrate
making the finals!
[Helck laughing]
The big guy's a frigging beast!
Helck's the man, all right!
You almost had him, Kenros!
[chuckles] He has an ability
to surmount complications.
[Vermilio hyperventilating]
Friggin' hell!
Okay, my barrier's set.
I should be safe this time.
Lady Vermilio, can I
have a moment, please?
Huh?
Of course you can, what is it?
[Hon] Huh? No explosion?
We have a newly
updated report.
The reconnaissance
squad returned.
All right, Ista, talk to me.
Whatcha got?
[Hon] I'm safe but lonely.
[Ista] The castle remains quiet,
and as of now,
there seems to be no sign
of the humans
preparing to march on us.
[Vermilio] Okay
[Ista] Somehow,
the grounds were infiltrated
without incident.
Now, per the report,
not a single human has been
sighted anywhere in the area.
However, they did
confirm the presence
of 103 winged knights
throughout the castle.
Among those, one appears to
be acting as their leader.
I see.
Their numbers are
smaller than expected.
Right.
We have Lord Urum to thank
for thinning out their ranks.
- A valiant effort.
- Yes.
But it really doesn't matter
how many knights they've lost.
Even if they started
with twice as many.
Let's focus on
what we know.
[Hon] I'm still having
trouble processing it all.
How can anyone overcome Lord
Urum with such meager numbers?
Just who are
these winged creatures?
[Vermilio] That remains unclear.
However, we do know that they
came from the human realm.
And also, they've proven
to be hostile.
That being said,
we can't just leave them
to their own devices.
Part of me wants
to rush over there
and wipe out all of the
Winged Knights right now.
Plus, there's still Helck
to deal with.
We need to plan
our actions carefully.
[Azudra] It seems like you
guys are in a tough spot.
[dramatic music]
[Hon gasping]
I know that voice.
That you, Azudra?
It's me.
Why are you up?
The whole reason
I'm even here filling in for you
is because of your injuries.
But you sound
pretty chipper to me.
[Azudra] Oh, you know how
doctors like to exaggerate.
Sorry you have to deal
with this, Vermi-germy.
[Vermilio] I thought I told
you to stop calling me that!
[Azudra chuckles]
That you did.
But that was so long ago,
surely it doesn't
bother you now.
State your business
and be done with it!
It's about those
winged knights
and our big human hero friend.
I have a brilliant idea I
think you might want to hear.
Okay
[COMBAT LEVEL: 73,
AZUDRA THE BLUE]
[Azudra chuckling weakly]
The final match will be-[gags]
Back to bed!
Damn it, why did you drag
yourself out of the infirmary?
You need to get
some rest and recover!
[Ista] I've called
the paramedic team.
Ah, yes, just couldn't
help yourself, could you?
I'll be fine, chaps.
Just hear me out, Vermi-germy.
Stop calling me that
or I will burn you alive!
The last match of the game
will be to retake
the Castle Urum.
Whoever can defeat
the enemy leader
and reclaim the castle
shall be the new Demon Lord.
Two birds with one stone, see?
We'll be able to take care of
the army of winged knights,
and at the same time,
find out whether or not
Helck is willing to
fight for our side.
We will unveil his intentions.
Shut up! We're talking
about a human, here!
You're just putting everyone
else in needless danger!
He may be a hero
from the human realm,
but it's said Helck's hatred
for them is immense.
It's possible
those stories are true.
Talk is cheap and rumors
are unreliable!
I wouldn't trust
him for anything!
I get it, but it's our
best way to find out.
It's why I came up with the
idea in the first place.
Fighting the winged knights
is a test.
Now look, we already know the
knights are hostile to us.
So if Helck steps in
to defeat them,
and even perhaps
retake Castle Urum,
it might be worth our while
to put a little faith
in the big guy.
Interesting. I suppose then
we'd know where he stands.
We still don't know
if those winged bastards
are part of the human forces.
It's too risky
to put them together.
Vermi-verm, Helck is a threat.
And if we were forced
to go against him,
yes, it would be a mess.
So to avoid as much
destruction as possible,
we must ascertain whether
or not he's with us
or needs to be eliminated.
[Vermilio sighing]
There's still time.
Consider all the options
and let me know
what you want to do.
[slurring] I'm feeling
kind of light-headed,
I lost too much blood.
[Hon] Oh, gosh!
He gonna be okay?
[Vermilio] Stupid Helck.
The terror he could unleash
is what makes him so
difficult to trust.
That said, it's not a bad
idea for the final round.
If everything went our way,
it would put us in a
very favorable position.
Not to mention it'll get
Helck away from the stadium.
The only problem is
Hey!
Wake up, you loser!
[Azudra] Ah? Did you decide yet?
No, I have a question!
Uh, don't shake him,
he's very fragile!
What's the plan if it turns
out that he's our enemy?
- [chuckles] What?
- [Hon groaning anxiously]
Think about it for a second.
Those winged knights will
be the least of our worries
if Helck should turn against us.
[Azudra chuckling]
Fear not,
I have got that covered.
Did some crafting
in the hospital.
Look!
Behold, the Deep Green Ring!
If we make all
the competitors wear one,
it will prevent them
from harming one another!
That's not really
a bad idea, I suppose.
Brilliant as always,
Lord Azudra.
You're a mastermind, sir.
He does have his talents,
but I wish he'd used
more of that brain
to do something about Helck.
Yes, well, let's not forget.
In my current condition,
best I can do is buy us some
time, which is what I'm doing.
[Vermilio growling]
[Hon] Well, it would seem
we now have
- a plan of action, my friends.
- [Azudra humming]
[Ista] I guess so.
But it doesn't
change the fact
we don't know much about
these winged knights.
It's still very worrisome.
[Azudra] True. And something
is bound to go wrong.
So I propose we send someone
with the challengers,
someone cutthroat
and terrifying.
[Ista] Someone terrifying?
[Azudra] Yes.
[Vermilio humming curiously]
Uh, so, Vermi-germy?
I said not to call me that!
Okay, fine, then.
I understand.
Helck is the threat I'm
most concerned with.
You don't have to
try to convince me.
I was already planning
to stay close to him
so I can intervene
if things go south.
If Helck proves to be our enemy,
I will put my life on the
line to terminate him!
[Azudra gasping]
I can't help but feel
bad for lazing around
while you're out there
flirting with danger!
Perhaps if I summon up
enough strength, I might-
Get your ass in bed!
And don't worry about
the other participants.
I'll take on the task of
keeping everyone safe.
You need to focus
on recuperating
and getting back into action.
Aw, shucks. I have
the best friends ever!
I really appreciate
this, Vermi-germy!
[Vermilio growling]
[Vermilio] That is it!
I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE HURT!
[room exploding]
DO NOT CALL ME THAT!
[5 DAYS LATER]
[Hyura humming]
[Rococo] Okay, well done!
You are all now wearing
your Deep Green Rings.
So without further ado
[COMBAT LEVEL: 45,
DORSHE THE INDESTRUCTIBLE]
it's time to
announce the details
of the championship match!
For the finals,
you will be retaking
and securing Castle Urum!
Wait, what?
Just the four of us?
[Rococo] That's right!
[Vermilio] This is dumb.
Why can't I be out
there from the start?
[Hon chuckles] A touch of
dramatic flair, milady.
Much more exciting if
you make an entrance.
[Vermilio] I don't think all
that is necessary right now.
[Hon] Anywho, just take a look
at how confident they all are!
[Hyura]
Finally, an actual fight.
It's about time, if you ask me.
[Dorshe] Guess it must be
a battle to avenge
the fallen Lord Urum.
[Hon] They don't have
the slightest reservation
about facing forces who
took down a Demon Lord!
[Vermilio sighs] I don't know,
that one guy looks
pretty stressed.
[Kenros] Oh, man, I'm gonna die!
[Hon] It's kind of hard to tell
what's going through
Helck's huge head, though.
[Vermilio] Does he
even know where he is?
It looks like he's sleeping
with his eyes open!
[Rococo] And have no fear,
we in management know
it is our duty
to keep all
the participants safe!
Which is why a very powerful
warrior will be joining you!
Geez, you should have
started with that part!
You had me scared to death!
All righty, then!
Let's meet our chaperone,
shall we?
Say hello to the one
who will keep you safe!
[heroic music]
I'm Anne from management.
[ACTING LEVEL: 2]
I am here to help.
She probably could have tried
being a little
bit more friendly.
But hey, that's Vermilio,
whatcha gonna do?
[Vermilio] The enemies
you'll be fighting
were strong enough
to defeat Lord Urum.
It will not be easy by any
means,
but I am certain you
all have what it takes
to emerge victorious.
And remember, the title
of Demon Lord is at stake.
[Hon chuckling and clapping]
[all clapping]
Thanks for the applause,
that's enough.
[Kenros] Wait, so she's it?
That's right!
But she's super-duper strong,
so you have nothing
to worry about.
She seems familiar.
Well, I guess I'll have
to take their word for it.
[tense music]
[Helck] You there.
What is it?
You're the judge from
the cooking contest!
Oh, yeah, so that's it.
What? No way, I mean, that girl
had longer hair, didn't she?
[Vermilio] No, that was me,
I just got a haircut.
[Helck laughing]
Actually, I thought
she looked familiar
when I saw her on
the judges' panel, too.
I know I know her.
My name is Helck.
It's a pleasure.
[light gasp]
[Vermilio groaning]
She looks absolutely
appalled by him.
What's on her mind?
[Helck] I am called Helck.
Gimme a shake.
[Hyura] Take a hint, dummy!
[dramatic uplifting music]
It's nice to meet you.
[menacing music]
[ending theme]
[narrator] Next time:
"The Unknown Enemy"