REVIEW: ‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ Season 3 Episode 8 — “The Flying Fortress”

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 8, “The Flying Fortress,” sees a sizable party accompany Nanahoshi (Shion Wakayama, Arknights: Endfield) as she returns to Perugius, the Armored Dragon King’s flying fortress, to inform him of her progress with summoning magic. However, while they are largely welcomed with open arms, an ominous energy hangs in the air, and Nanahoshi’s sickness continues to worsen.

Despite being heralded as one of the great heroes, there are a lot of unsettling elements surrounding Perugius. The fact that all his servants hide their faces behind ornate, almost masquerade-style masks instantly leaves a disquieting feeling in the proceedings.

The Armored Dragon King himself leaves a chilling impression as he frequently seems to simmer over a low-key hostility. Many of his actions carry an energy that leaves you with the elusive feeling that everything this man does comes from self-interest. Whether these ominous vibes are portents or simply there to create false tension remains to be seen.

An ominous air hangs all throughout Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 8.

While most of the group that set out to visit Perugia are welcomed, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 8 sees Roxy (Konomi Kohara, Witch Watch) forced to remain behind due to their host’s dislike for demonkin. Rudeus (Yumi Uchiyama, The Grimm Variations) also finds himself nearly caught up in Perigius’ prejudice as his mana also seems to bear a similar energy to demonkin’s, earning him their host’s displeasure.

Whether this is due to his nature as an Otherworlder, potentially hinting at the origins of demonkin, or simply due to his long tutelage under Roxy when he was young is unknown.  But Perugius’ willingness to dismiss Roxy simply because of her heritage further underscores that this man is not what most may think of as a “legendary hero.”

Roxy’s dismissal is one chip in the legacy Perugius has built.

The final concerning element of Perugius is his apparent disinterest in his protégé’s failing health. Despite one of his subordinates instantly recognizing Nanahoshi’s health issues, nothing is done to aid her. It seems highly unlikely that, if the Armored Dragon King wished to aid it would be beyond him, or at the very least he’d be able to fetch someone who could.

The fact that Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 8 shows her situation worsening to the point that she seeks Sylphie’s aid suggests their host made no effort. This neglect plays out with alarming consequences in the episode’s closing moments.  

Even with the foreboding that lingers in the air of the flying fortress, the episode does a great job of establishing the scope of the massive airborne structure. But despite its overwhelming size and impressive features such as a gigantic chandelier that sees individual crystal elements suspended in mid-air without connections, there is little wonder or awe in the place. Rather, a dullness seems to permeate the location. As if any joy or grandeur had been sapped from its bones long ago.  

The scope of the flying fortress is huge, matching the larger-than-life reputation of Perugius. 

While much of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 8 is chilled by the atmosphere of its destination, one moment does bring some warmth to it. Upon arriving at the fortress, Rudeus makes his plea to see if Perugius can help him cure Zenith of the illness that has plagued her since her rescue. While the hero is unable to provide direct aid, he does reveal that Elinalise (Rie Tanaka, Record of Ragnarok) shared a similar experience and may be able to shine some measure of light on what Rudeus’mother now endures. 

Rudeus’ talk with his elven ally is far gentler than it might have been. Despite having some measure of reason for not wanting to dig up hurtful memories, it wouldn’t be the most unreasonable temper tantrum Rudeus has had in the series if he had taken the revelation poorly. However, his willingness to hear Elinalise out before judging her, and his understanding once the truth is laid bare and no real aid is found in her comparative experience, allows the moment to play out as one of understanding and kindness. 

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 8 establishes foreboding elements and introduces an immediate crisis, as its closing moments see Nanahoshi’s health take a drastic turn for the worse. Hopefully, the legendary hero will be able to do more than he has initially seemed interested in doing to aid the ailing character.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 Episode 8 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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