REVIEW: ‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ Season 2 Episode 5 – “Ranoa University of Magic”

Having received the letter of invitation at the end of the last episode, Rudeus (Yumi Uchiyama) and Elinalise (Rie Tanaka) departed for Ranoa to attend the magical university. Upon arriving at their destination they were welcomed by more than they expected as a familiar face greeted them, and a not-so-familiar face came to make Rudeus’ acquaintance in Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 5 “Ranoa University of Magic.”

Since the season first opened with Episode Zero, I have been eagerly waiting for when Sylphiette “Silent Fitz” (Ai Kayano) and Ariel (Reina Ueda) would reenter the story. With the arrival at Ranoa, the duo appears once again as students at the magic university. When Rudeus arrives at the school, he is asked to take a test before he can enter. This test takes the form of a mock magical duel with Fitz. Between Fitz’s introduction as a man and the glasses that hide her eyes, Rudeus does not recognize Sylphiette.

Rudeus’ ignorance of the presence of Sylphiette colors their moments together in Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 5. Their repeated run-ins deliver an amusing energy as both are having clearly different experiences, as only one is aware of who the other is. Sylphiette’s decision to not reveal who she is to Rudeus seems to promise more of these entertaining encounters for the episodes to come.

When not having pleasant, if disjointed, run-ins with an unrecognized old friend, Rudeus begins acclimating to his new school. We see him go through the usual motions of opening orientation. A speech from Ariel greets the new students, his first homeroom sees him making new acquaintances, while also running into a familiar face he does recognize, and an innocent misunderstanding involving a pair of women’s underwear almost gets him expelled. And in case you thought you detected sarcasm, the incident is actually innocent on Rudeus’ part. I know, I’m as surprised as you. All of these moments manage to entertain and allow this episode to focus on establishing Rudeus’ new surroundings while still entertaining.

The most lackluster aspect of this episode is the visual design of the school. While it is never bad, it lacks anything to allow it to stand out from any other classical European-style university. Flying buttresses and gothic arches highlight the structural designs in ways that are good, but not interesting. This lack of original design is even shared in the new school uniforms that Rudeus and Elinalise don. I would’ve liked to have seen something about the school pop visually, especially as there are no exciting magical moments to allow the visuals to shine on that front.

While Rudeus gets acclimated to his new surroundings, Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 5 largely permits Elinalise to fade into the background once the pair arrives at the school. Presumably on the prowl for new partners, the only significant moment we get with her is when the show reveals that her robust sexual appetites are due to a curse that will kill her if she isn’t frequently bedding someone.

Honestly, I don’t care for this reveal. That Elinalise needs a magical compulsion for her behavior undercuts her as a character. I appreciated that the show had allowed her to simply be a character that was free of the usual hang-ups that many carry with them where sex is concerned. That she seemed to confidently do her thing, without concern for what others may think of her, was a strong element of the character’s personality. Revealing that this aspect of her personality is due to necessity rather than choice ultimately undercuts her character.

When all is said and done, Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 5 manages the establishing episode for its new setting and keeps it thoroughly entertaining. I look forward to seeing Rudeus and Fitz’s continued run-ins with each other, as I suspect she will have a key part to play in Rudeus’ ongoing research.

Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 5 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.