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WholeLotOfSomething

*Summons an all powerful demon that's willing to do his bidding.* "Go away" "ok"


HugeRichard11

Kind of feel bad for the demon it got summoned deformed, told it didn't belong here, and then had to go back to its demon world like some freak. Like yeah it could kill the world or something but man so harsh.


Andreiyutzzzz

the way this usually goes i thought he's just gonna make him his pet....


[deleted]

[удалено]


Thomas_JCG

I think they are supposed to look like that, gives them more of an otherworldly vibe. Like, they are not natural, their forms don't make sense to us.


Roboglenn

Least he *could* send it away. Yurine found herself unable to do that with Jashin-chan.


vajaxseven

Honestly surprised we didn't get the can-you-assume-a-more-convenient-form trope, and then the feigned shock when that form is a loli.


xadiant

It's unironically refreshing to see devils as horrors beyond human comprehension instead of l o l i with horns


Wizardwizz

I don't think this is a harem anime


Figerally

Strangely enough this is the second fantasy anime this season with multiple waifus to defy the harem trope.


Wizardwizz

Nature is healing


Zomg_A_Chicken

Damn it Mikey


Frontier246

Yeah, I'm genuinely surprised he didn't keep it in his back pocket but the thing freaked him out so much and seemed so powerful that he probably didn't think it was safe to keep it in the world of man in any form. Especially when he knows it was stronger than him.


WholeLotOfSomething

Oh no I get it. He's one wrong command away obliterating a town.


Wizardwizz

Also don't forget there are other archdemons who may be able to command it. Not worth risking something like that. To be honest Barbatos may have deserved the archdemon role if the shadow of the demon he summoned was already powerful enough to kill everything.


Mundology

[If that is only the shadow,](https://i.imgur.com/10Z63PA.jpeg) I wonder what its full form looks like.


Yay295

probably a hot girl /s


Roboglenn

[This.](https://youtu.be/ZixDZZ71o3U?si=fFZcu4zES-H4Qv1S&t=25)


nostoppa215

Yes do it. Give into the hate.


Sarellion

He doesn't know anything about what's happened there. Is the seal a magical compulsion? Is it permanent, does it need sacrifices or other stuff to maintain or will it stop working in the future? Or is it just a symbol and the demon decided to recognize him as his king of his own free will? Will that last or will the demon kill him because of some stuff he does in the future which isn't proper behaviour for a demon king. The only things he knew was that it could squash him like a bug and that it would probably obey him in this moment. So the safest option was to send it back. Also there's something else. Barbatos managed to summon a demon but Zagan also said there is no proof they ever existed. Considering the power and the mindset of sorcerers in general and archdemons in particular, I doubt that no one else ever managed to summon a demon and other archdemons might know about the power of the sigil to compel true demons. So it's not unlikely that some archdemons managed to summon true demons in the past and there is no proof of their existence because the true demons showed the human sorderer who's the boss before they could brag about it in their meetings. Maybe some other archdemon has a true demon in their backpocket, but Zagan doesn't know.


Pikagreg

I was half expecting it to turn into a cute anime girl.


oneevilchicken

Anime logic tells me that the demon is supposed to turn into a cute demon waifu so I was surprised when he just made it go away.


JonnySpark

Understandable if it's not the SSR on rate-up


Aerodynamic41

[Hey, we got a title drop!](https://i.imgur.com/ZBQzXNl.jpeg)


The_Parsee_Man

He said the thing!


AceSoldia

he said the thing!


KnightKal

that was a short season /joke


WetRocksManatee

Cinema Sins Guy: Roll Credits


RandomRon005

**ding**


actionfirst1

🔥 🔥 🔥 ✍️ 🔥 🔥 🔥


one-eyed-02

Peak cinema


Holdonlupin

To quote a fellow back from when this manga chapter released: "So the slave collar is now their engagement ring, huh? Kinky."


justking1414

I’m just shocked he actually called it that. Normally that kinda thing is just implied


Nebresto

Its part of the japanese title, so its not that surprising its not just implied


justking1414

True


Frontier246

The slave collar stays on during sex too lol.


Ihavenospecialskills

Apparently she's into that.


mekerpan

Not a slave collar anymore, however. ;-)


Figerally

The enchantment supressing her mana is broken too, I think, so it's just something she sees as saying she belongs with Zagan.


mekerpan

Indeed.


TheExcludedMiddle

What are we, some sort of An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride?


Frontier246

This was honestly not a show I was expecting a literal title drop out of but points for summing up your relationship perfectly Zagan lol.


Mundology

[Even Nephy was shook.](https://i.imgur.com/89Qkgwg.jpeg) These two dorks need to [work on their communication.](https://i.imgur.com/Bjwx8FK.jpeg) [](#ilovethiskindofshit)


actionfirst1

"That's what we do here. We're Attacking on these Titans"


Roboglenn

I thought we were on some kind of star trek?


Ashteron

I guess the collar doesn't hold actual power anymore? I kind of expected Zagan to put it on Barbatos instead.


Frontier246

Yeah, so I'm guessing Nephy's mana still isn't sealed so she still has access to all her power now.


apatt

Barbados got off easy, it's not like he has turned a new leaf and is now a reliable ally.


Figerally

Basically he doesn't see Barbados as a threat when he can end him with a snap of his fingers if he tries something.


ThrowCarp

Yeah. Enslave him into being your drinking buddy.


xtsim

Zagan has his priorities straight; got to have some quality drinks on someone else's dime. Not only that, it seems like the sorcerers are pretty much drinkers overall. Poor Chastille, she could not convince the church and they are the opposite of what Zagan represents. The church is stuck on their constraints while Zagan writes his own rules.


Frontier246

Chastille was basically useless in this episode and is now out of a job, but on the positive side at least she doesn't have to fight Zagan any more and can stay more true to her ideals.


justking1414

So you’re saying she’s gonna join his harem?


KnightKal

"the Church" all we saw is a corrupted and greedy higher up in the organization that wants to get achievements to his own name, probably trying to become the next head (pope?). We don't know if others are similar to him or not tho.


liveart

Eh they've been pretty consistent in saying the Church's view is that all sorcerers are evil and just associating with them can get you in trouble. It's not just the one dude. Granted of the sorcerer's we've seen only Zagan seems to not be up to some horrific shit... but it's not like that guy just made up the rules.


KnightKal

Yet we know the Archdemons are rulers of entire domains (and towns) and people are actually OK with them. They are afraid of some sorcerers, but not of the group as a whole. We also saw people in that small town fight against the Church after being exploited by it (the Cardinal). How are things outside of that tiny area is so far unknown. The Church doctrine seems to oppose the Archdemons doctrine, a likely inheritance of the source of their powers (which we learned comes from mythic times when beings called gods and demons lived in that world). The 13 Archdemon signs and the 12 Holy Swords are likely left overs of that ancient time. Why are they in conflict? We don’t know. Using words like evil is just PR. We need to wait until we know more about this thousands of years (?) relationship


Sarellion

Nephy was intended as a sacrifice, little Zagan, too. Barbatos wanted to sacrifice Nephy and Chastille. The castle Zagan lives in is stilled with stuff like torture equipment. None of the other sorcerers seem decent to me or at least the decent ones don't make a fuss and are ok with tolerating the practices of other sorcerers. The church guy seems like a big jerk, but the church as a whole has a point.


KnightKal

Nephy was a prisoner with her mana sealed. We don’t know what the Archdemon wanted with her. On the auction they mentioned she could make a good sacrifice (because of her elf blood) or a sex slave. Both are obviously on the evil side, but that was the words of the auction person, not the owner (whom was dead). Yes the MC’s “master” was evil, and Barbato’s as his student is not better, but that doesn’t mean other sorcerer are as well. What they have in common is a passion for magic, long life and disregard for mortals.


liveart

>Yet we know the Archdemons are rulers of entire domains (and towns) and people are actually OK with them. They are afraid of some sorcerers, but not of the group as a whole. I'm curious where you're getting all this from? The towns people specifically talked about how they suffered under the last Arch Demon and what a bastard he was and were scared of Zagan because he's a sorcerer, not because of anything he did to them. The only reason they've warmed up to him is because he's specifically saved a bunch of them and started coming into town with Nephy looking less 'intense'. You're right that we don't know how things are outside of what little we've been shown but of what we've been shown most of the sorcerers seem to be ok with slavery and human sacrifice. It just seems to be an accepted practice that not even Zagan *really* challenges, he just doesn't like it when people do it near his home or to people he cares about. There certainly *could* be more sorcerers like Zagan that are chill but if so we haven't really seen that.


KnightKal

It was mentioned on several episodes, including this ones. There was even a scene where some random passersby were wondering if he was taking over as the new ruler now he took the position from the dead Archdemon (former ruler). Not the town next to his little castle.


liveart

>Not the town next to his little castle. Ah ok, I missed that detail. I thought it was the town next to his castle, I didn't realize that was a different one. I thought previously the town next to his Castle was within the deceased Arch-demon's territory and he was just taking it over 'officially'.


KnightKal

I am not sure if his small town is or not within the bigger territory, but the capital town he visited (huge town, auction for the elf girl, underground base, meeting with the 13 Archdemons, etc) is a different one. the dead Archdemon was the ruler there for like 1000 years. The passerby even mentioned that after his death the town was worse, crime was increasing, etc.


scot911

> "the Church" I mean when is "the Church" *not* evil in anime though? The last anime I can think that I watched where the church *wasn't* evil is "The Great Cleric" and that's only because the independent healers were the evil ones instead.


luit12

I mean is not like the church(roman church) in real life wasnt kinda evil or corrupt.


KnightKal

just because it is a popular template it doesn't mean it is the rule. We should not assume it. just like the template used to be "king is good", then became "king is bad", and now "king may be good or evil, we don't know" for stories about summoned heroes recently we got the "wrong way to use healing magic" with a honest and good king, and the "level 2 cheat" with an evil king lmao


Xmgplays

I do remember at least one, but saying which one would be a spoiler for that show, sort of.


oneevilchicken

The thing I’ve noticed is people really do not like the church. Now the church fired the one person from the church people somewhat respect and even that was a stretch. Zagan has always been week received by the townsfolk too. So the big thing that firing her does is now all their knights are also antagonistic towards the church over it. Pretty much everyone is shaping up to be against the church.


actionfirst1

Zagan really summoned the final boss of Elden Ring and then told it to get lost, what a guy


CooroSnowFox

It just turns into something similar to Diablo from Reincarnated as a Slime and it becomes super clingy... Zagan wanted none of that


justking1414

Oh damn. You weren’t kidding.


Alt230s

Aww, no more Zagan the Lamb Stew...


LeonKevlar

As satisfying as it was [to watch Zagan give Barbatos the beatdown of his life](https://i.imgur.com/aH26tJK.jpeg), I'm still disappointed at the betrayal. Barbatos looked like he was genuinely friends with Zagan [in those little flashbacks of them growing up together.](https://i.imgur.com/uK6Twus.jpeg) I guess subconsciously, Zagan didn't want to throw that away and [he's willing to give Barbatos a second chance.](https://i.imgur.com/9MvSShV.png) That demon-summoning scene was intense! The fact that [Zagan felt more pressure against the demon](https://i.imgur.com/t8XJ373.png) compared to when he was facing the Archdemons says all you need to know about how dangerous they are. And that guy was only just a shadow and not the real deal! Imagine how powerful a fully-formed demon is! [The fact that that demon bowed to Zagan](https://i.imgur.com/2ERUbnz.jpeg) is pretty crazy too. It looks like [there's more to that emblem Zagan inherited](https://i.imgur.com/wMn08P5.jpeg) if the demon was responding to it. [That final scene between Nephy and Zagan was cute.](https://i.imgur.com/39o2BER.jpeg) I like how they finally moved on from Nephy calling Zagan "Master" to "Zagan-sama". It looks like they're only one step away from Nephy calling Zagan without honorifics. I think my only problem with that scene [is Nephy choosing to wear the collar again.](https://i.imgur.com/f1b0ty8.png) I mean sure, it was Nephy's choice because it's how they met but couldn't she pick something else? What even is the point of removing the collar if she's just gonna wear it again? I know it no longer restricts her mana and she can take it off at any time but other people don't know that. I already feel that the collar will cause misunderstanding in the future.


Wurzelrenner

> but couldn't she pick something else? What even is the point of removing the collar if she's just gonna wear it again? yes, couldn't they transform it into a necklace ore something? you keep the memories, but don't have to wear this hideous thing


Frontier246

They have an interesting relationship. It's not a traditional friendship but they've known each other for most of their lives and has been their most consistent human contact, even if Barbatos really was planning to kill Zagan the entire time, but they still did typical bro stuff together. And even if he writes it off as just for the wine, it seems like Zagan still appreciated having Barbatos in his life. I feel like they're going to come back to demons being a threat at some point after just introducing how dangerous an incomplete summon of one can be, as well as Zagan being able to control it as an Archdemon. He was **this** close to a confession! Just like we were **this** close to ditching the slave collar, but I guess either was too much to hope for. But it was still nice to see them reconcile and basically swear their lives to each other as husband and wife despite that. I see Nephy is all in on the huge collar fashions lol.


MonaganX

> I mean sure, it was Nephy's choice because it's how they met but couldn't she pick something else? There's the diegetic explanations, but I'm guessing the initial and main reason is the same as why she wears a maid outfit despite not being his servant, an aesthetic choice to cater to certain preferences/kinks of the author and/or audience.


mekerpan

And maybe both Nephy and Zagan themselves....


HugeRichard11

Yeah that kind of ruined the moment as even though it's not used as a collar for that reason, other people will still think of her as one with it on which sucks as a reminder. At least put it aside and keep in a box or make it into something else. Otherwise the rest of the episode was good especially with the demon bowing that was different than what I was expecting.


KumaKumaGambler

>That demon-summoning scene was intense! The fact that [Zagan felt more pressure against the demon](https://i.imgur.com/t8XJ373.png) compared to when he was facing the Archdemons says all you need to know about how dangerous they are. I felt the introduction of the alien looking demon, right after the effortless beatdown of Barbatos, was to balance out / point out the fact that there are more powerful unknown beings compared to the archdemon sorcerers. And perhaps a small teaser of the greater threats far into the future of this title's universe.


KnightKal

"What even is the point of removing the collar" it was sealing her mana. It was broken. Now it is just an accessory. Sure it is weird, but it is different from before. shows is a dark comedy I guess? So they will use it as setup to some silly jokes. "on from Nephy calling Zagan "Master" to "Zagan-sama". she can still call him that after the wedding tho, as it fits the tradition.


larvyde

> Now it is just an accessory. Sure it is weird, but it is different from before. It's basically just a huge metal choker, and lots of people wear chokers


actionfirst1

It turns out Nephy was a goth gf the entire time. An Elf Goth GF


asyrafang32

TRULY THE BEST OF BOTH WORLD


thewindssong

"How to love your ~~elf~~ goth bride"


scot911

As if Nephy couldn't get any better! ...Now that you mention it though has there even ever *been* an Elf Goth GF in an anime, manga or LN?


MyUnoriginalName

I totally agree with you. I don't understand why people have such an issue with it. It's like a choker. Or even if you look at it as a slave collar still some people are just INTO that sort of thing. Either way it's weird to see other people act like this is some sort of regression of Nephy's character when the collar clearly doesn't mean what it used to anymore.


justking1414

Mc even called it an engagement ring.


Wizardwizz

It feels like the author's fetish thing tbh which is why I thought it was a bit strange lol


NevisYsbryd

Eh, I might have bought that had Zagan himself not displayed concern and discomfort at it. The series is clearly written with self-awareness of the concern and is not passing it off as pure fetishbait.


pelirodri

>I know it no longer restricts her mana What makes you say that?


Mana_Croissant

Because Zagan would not put it to her if it did. He had the key and he opened it and the collar got broken into two, the spell is likely to be broken already. It is no longer a slave collar and now it is just Nephy's weird kink


CooroSnowFox

We're going to find out what else Nephy is into in the near future?


Thomas_JCG

I think they are friends, just a weird kind of friendship. He didn't hate Zagan, he was just jealous and greedy.


strayalive

Nothing says romance like a slave collar.


DiamonDawgs

So hot


Roboglenn

No bully the flappy eared Nephy. After all, she hasn't gotten nearly enough crash courses in naughtiness from him yet. Magic Punch! That shadow looks more like an [Earthbound Immortal](https://youtu.be/JMQSdjvjAss?si=Ey5waMmG47bZSyDP&t=84) to me. Guess the magic circle is the field spell. That "......*gasp*" is definitely a gifable moment right there. And taking the Raphtalia route putting the collar back on I see.


Jarahel

At least it's just aesthetic and doesn't compel her by magic or some shit


seynical

This is like playing against a blue player. Oh you want to cast a spell? Too bad, here's a counter spell and its many variations.


shad79

[Zagan was really cool when he fought with Barbatos](https://imgchest.com/p/pg73parlzyr) as he totally dominated him but [being alone with Nephy is still too much for him](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l4necm59d84.png) xD Though it's understandable since he doesn't have much experience with love and women, let alone with [such a beauty that Nephy is](https://imgchest.com/p/md7olp9qd7p). I'm happy that [everything ended well for Nephy and Zagan](https://imgchest.com/p/ne7bp95qn45) as [they got back together](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/84apc3brra4.png). She's now calling him by his name and [Zagan said in a very roundabout way that he loves her](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7w6cvrkdqy.png). I can't wait to see [more of them](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7pjcw6lga7.png) in the next episodes. I also wonder [what will happen with Chastille now as she got relieved of her duty being an Angelic Knight](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/3yrgcz6qdo4.png) for after refusing to act against [Zagan](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/wye3cdbe5m4.png). Here my screenshot albums from the episode: * [Nephy](https://imgchest.com/p/md7olp9qd7p) * [Nephy & Zagan](https://imgchest.com/p/ne7bp95qn45) * [Group scenes & Others](https://imgchest.com/p/ljyqqpv2oy2) * [Zagan & Barbatos](https://imgchest.com/p/pg73parlzyr)


KumaKumaGambler

The 3 knights played a part in saving our main cast from the collapsing cave! The friendship between Zagan and Barbatos sure is complicated. The ending card of young Zagan and Barbatos is pretty cute. Zagan made the right choice is ordering the alien looking demon to return home. Perhaps it is just me, but the pause from the demon when responding to Zagan made me feel it could be hatching plans of its own.


Sarellion

Or the demon was just confused. They probably thought that Zagan was the summoner. So to the demon it looked like they got dragged there and forced into an incomplete form, just get told to bugger off. Everone would be confused what's going on. But I think he made the right call. He only knew that it would probably obey him right now and that it could squash him like a bug. Keeping it would be like playing with a ticking time bomb where you don't know if and when it explodes.


KnightKal

"The 3 knights played a part in saving our main cast from the collapsing cave!" how? The scene showed nothing. What did they do? Honest question. They were just there to bring the girl home, they didn't help with the rescue at all lol.


KumaKumaGambler

Perhaps you are right. Although I would like to think taking Chastille off Zagan makes the latter less encumbered. Lol!


KnightKal

haha, sure, the issue is that he specializes on physical enhancement so he is super strong :XD


NationalStrategy

Typical corrupted anime church, always causing trouble


guyblade

Remember that time when there were [three popes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Schism)? The real-life church isn't exactly free from bad behavior.


tripleaamin

Given the title drop I am assuming as an anime only this finished up covering V1. Also, we got our 4th wife in this anime season alongside Mutsumo (Yozakura Family), Rys (Chilling Level 2 Cheat) and Holo (Spice & Wolf). We really get a sense of how strong Zagan is and now having a demon kneel and willing to server him. Damn that is scary. Everything except giving Nephy the collar was amazing. But ugh it just feels unsettling for her to get the slave collar back on. Since that was used to represent master and slave. While she doesn't call him master anymore, it just feels like the perception people will see them is still master and slave from what I assume. Like when a couple is together, and they see matching wedding rings that's a big hint it's a husband and bride. I give credit to Chastille, she stood in what she believed in, and it is clear the church's way of doing things is clearly wrong as Zagan is a good man for the most part even though he is a sorcerer. I am curious where she goes from here.


actionfirst1

This is a good season for Male Tsunderes. Sakura from Wind Breaker, Wilhelm from The New Gate, and Chastille's loyal knights


AceSoldia

I really really hate that she got the collar put back on. its so dumb. it would be my one big con of this episode...the rest was great.


favouriteblues

I agree. Maybe turn it into a cute necklace or ring or just something else besides a slave collar? All that sorcery and y’all can’t do some simple transformation bruh


Mundology

To be fair, it no longer has any power and is merely an accessory now. [](#cantbehelped)


AsterJ

Yeah he should have refused. That was stupid... I'm guessing they didn't want to change up the character appearance to keep true to the title.


guyblade

Objects have different meaning to different people. To him, it was not merely a symbol of confinement and ownership that didn't align with the relationship of equals that they had--but the physical source of her oppression. To her, it represented their being bound together. Zagan took on the title and constraints of being an Archdemon partially to give Nephy the freedom to choose. Choosing to remain with him--and wanting that to be clear to everyone--is how she used that freedom. He probably should've tried to talk her into something a bit less "still looks like a slave"-ish, but rejecting the desire to remain connected **and to have the connection be visible and tangible** would have undermined the very unsubtle "if you love someone; set them free" theme that the show was playing on.


MyUnoriginalName

I don't understand why you and other people have such an issue with it. It has an entirely different meaning now. You're the ones still looking at it as a slave thing, but it clearly isn't that anymore.


AsterJ

He's been spending a lot of time convincing her that she's not just a disposable object and is someone he cares about, imbuing her a sense of self-worth. Putting her back in a slave collar is counter to that effort.


whodisguy32

Its an engagement ring lol He even said that it was too imposing for an engagement ring Also if a woman wants something for an engagement, you comply with that shit if you want a happy marriage.


MyUnoriginalName

No. It. Isn't. I don't think you understand that the collar is not a symbol of ownership anymore. It represents something completely different not only to Zagan but, far more importantly, to Nephy. If Zagan allowed Nephy to keep calling him Master AFTER putting the collar back on then you would have a point. Not only would you have a point, I would agree with you entirely. But she doesn't call him that. Not only did Zagan make sure she doesn't call him that, but she agreed to not call him master anymore without any argument whatsoever. No progress was undone here. You just personally don't like collars, which I GET. Not everyone is into that sort of thing. But the collar doesn't mean what you say it does anymore.


mekerpan

I agree with you. The relationship has totally changed, And the meaning of the collar has likewise changed.. But, I must admit, I would have rather he shrunk it down to ring size and put it on her finger..... ;-)


Placeholdered

She doesn't care, and if she were real she wouldn't care that you cared. They don't see things from the audience frame of reference, it's fine to not like it, but it isn't changing.


Wizardwizz

It is morally fine but it is kinda weird though the author would write it in that nephy wants her slave collar back on and Zagan just follows.


ZandeR678

Your problem is that you keep calling it a slave collar when to her she was a slave her whole life with or without it. Did she start becoming a slave after she wore it? No, she was in chains since childhood. That collar saved her life. It made her meet Zagan


Ihavenospecialskills

*Zagan:* I don't want our relationship to be one of master and slave. *Nephy:* Put the collar back on. *Zagan:* Did you not hear what I just said? *Nephy:* Oh I heard you. I'm just into slave play. *Zagan:* Collar it is then.


Waylornic

That collar is the worst part of the entire series, which, from a certain perspective, is a good thing. Love the series, love the anime adaptation so far, and the collar doesn't really change anything fundamentally, so if just this moment where she says "you know what, I like this big ugly slave collar" is the worst thing about the show, then it does everything else right going forward. I do wish she had said something like "can you make this into a ring" or something instead, but whatever, it's just a character design choice after this.


rickamore

I was hoping he would shrink it and fashion it into something more wearable like a necklace or a ring.


spubbbba

Am never a fan of the slave bride trope. But at least he bought her to save her and was trying to get the collar off asap. Then we have a confession of feelings and wanting to use real names instead of "master". Now we go back to the willing slave idea, which is always poorly written with very little justification. Hope it's just a short term thing.


Express-Day5234

I was annoyed by this too but at least it’s stated multiple times that she’s not a slave anymore. And I get what other people are saying that it’s just a collar now but let’s be real. The author is trying to have his cake and eat it too. He wants the aesthetics of the slave trope while trying to create a romantic partnership of equals and it would just be better if he dropped the former.


spubbbba

The real test will be how the relationship develops from here. Ideally they'd become equal partners and slowly overcome their pasts to open up to each other. I worry that Nephy will stay the submissive, shy girl, desperate to do anything if it will please her ~~master~~ boyfriend. Am hoping we get a touching romance and not a 1 dimensional perfect waifu for lonely shut ins.


MyUnoriginalName

I know some people hate that the collar is still here but my question is: why? The collar doesn't do what it used to anymore, since it's broken. It no longer seals her mana or serves as a symbol of slavery. This is clearly not a regression of Nephy's character. As of now the collar is basically just a big metal choker, and girls wear chokers all the time. Hell, even if you choose to view the collar as a symbol of servitude some couples are just into that sort of thing. That doesn't mean it's the same as what it used to be before though.


CooroSnowFox

I'd put it like Morgiana from Magi:Labyrinth who reused her manacles into a weapon to put a Djinn into... it means something to how she now finds herself even if it's that link that it came from.


MyUnoriginalName

That's a good point! I love the Magi comparison. Great show. Honestly, I think the people upset with this would have a point if Nephy was still calling Zagan her Master. If that was the case then yeah, sure, I could understand people looking at this as character regression. But she isn't calling him Master anymore. Zagan made sure of that, and Nephy even agreed to it without any argument. That means any character regression people are complaining about is purely fabricated. The collar's just a kinky accessory now.


CooroSnowFox

There is more character building in that moment. She wants to be around him not for the reasons she thought she was at the beginning.


Zheitk

She wasn't so happy [with the gauntlets](https://imgur.com/F51w14q).


hokanst

The point isn't really how Nephy and Zagan view it, but what other random people will expect it to mean. It's somewhat comparable to wearing a swastika and claiming that your not a Nazi. While this could be true (as the swastika is an ancient sun symbol) you're not exactly going to make a lot of (non-Nazi) friends this way.


Nebresto

Exactly, when I share screenshots/art of Nephy people are going to go, "oh, its another one of *those* shows" And then I'll have to go, "no, akhually, its really wholesome because..." And then they're going to roll their eyes at me because everyone always says that about their favourite show I wish they'd just turned it into a proper necklace or something


allNamesTaken55

A lot of anime and manga, especially isekai, has fetishized slavery - and the collar is usually the main indicator. Him removing the collar earlier on felt almost relieving to get rid of that annoying trope, but then they went and put it back on. Even if the collar has a completely new meaning, it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. At the end of the day, it doesn't ruin the show for me, but I would've preferred something different, like maybe reforging the collar into some jewellery.


MyUnoriginalName

>A lot of anime and manga, especially isekai, has fetishized slavery That's not unique to anime or manga. Wearing collars is something part of a larger fetish that has existed LONG before anime and manga. If anime/manga does anything it leans into that already existing fetish. It is not solely or even partially responsible for the existence of it. Either way, it's okay if you personally don't like it. You don't have to. Anything involving a collar is a niche fetish that many people don't enjoy. I'm just trying to remind people that getting upset over the show doing something it didn't do (Zagan re-enslaving Nephy. That's not what happened here but people seem to think it is) is ridiculous. I'd be able to understand people's complaints if Nephy was still calling Zagan her Master but that clearly isn't what's happening here.


Actual-Oil6390

I mean America. Cartoons have fetishizes American dads as bring psychopath aseholes ( Family Guy , Simpsons, American Dad) getting into beat down constantly abusing their kids but hey Iskeai anime are irresponsible and need to set a example for some reason.


Sovyet

Nephy associates being collar-free with Zagan's abandoment (with how depressed and empty she looks at the open collar in the last episodes), so technically her "wearing" the collar symbolizes the fact Zagan has accepted her again and will never abandon her. I'm not excusing the weird implications, but at least from Nephy's perspective, it's not that far fetch of a reason on why she's very accepting of the collar, unlike most other slave characters in other animes. And the fact none of these character are isekai'd from our world with our values makes it feel a lot more acceptable imo, since it's technically something they've lived with for their entire life


Waylornic

Look, it's the dumbest thing in the entire series. If you polled people who love the books, who love the manga, who love the anime, I guarantee you we're going to get almost 100% of people saying they wish he didn't put that thing back on. It doesn't make it a bad story, as a matter of fact, I love the story. We all do, but you don't need to defend this one aspect. It's just not a good choice.


MyUnoriginalName

Lol man just because all or most other people might dislike it that has nothing to do with me. How other people feel about this moment have NOTHING to do with how I feel about it. I personally think it's inoffensive, but it's not like I'm crazy in love with the choice. I only defend it because I think the response against it is a bit overblown.


NevisYsbryd

While I am relatively fine with it, it implies some residual codependency baggage. Zagan himself seems concerned about that, though, so I expect it will be used as a story/character development piont, or at least treated respectfully, rather than used for fetish bait.


Ok-Cod5254

It would have been perfect and so much more powerful narratively if when Nephy said she wanted to keep the slave collar, Zagan turns it into a ring instead, then kneels to put it on her finger. It would be a better way to keep the item if she wanted, but re-purpose it more away from looking like a symbol of slavery instead into a symbol of love - as a visual representation to shift their relationship too. Just a minor nitpick though for me.


lokonoReader

the Zagan and Nephy moments are so cute and I like that the dudes are back to being frenemies


kwokinator

So Zagan is basically magical Tatsuya. Now we just need Nephy to start calling him "onii-sama".


Mistral-Fien

Tatsuya **is** magical. :D


Nebresto

Ohhh, so *that's* what it reminded me of


angelposts

This episode was a bit silly, even for Madome. Interested to see how their relationship will develop from here on, since it seems like the bulk of the conflict has vanished.


Dog_in_human_costume

This anime is my confort food for this season. Every time Nephy is on the screen I smile and my wife wants to beat me up for showing a dumb face.


TurkeyPhat

Surely you ask the big fuck off shadow guy what's up before sending him back? Also you a hundo percent gotta kill off Barbatos there. I know he's your only friend but he went way past "it's just a prank bro".


MonaganX

What if the demon is only compelled to obey one command per summoning, and asking it to tell you what's up counts as your one order, after which it's free to act? As long as you don't really understand *why* it's obeying you, anything you demand other than making it leave is a big risk.


Nebresto

But.. [Free booze though!](https://imgur.com/UQoJIjv)


Nebresto

[Today's](https://imgur.com/6D5zn7H) [collection](https://imgur.com/JjnjW1k) [of](https://imgur.com/ACZ1WrW) [Nephy](https://imgur.com/C9L86EE) [and](https://imgur.com/XHfkjKO) [her](https://imgur.com/9TGFNA7) [cute](https://imgur.com/LEXHRUK) [blushes](https://imgur.com/4qKa9wB) [](#feelingloved) Almost had withdrawal after the low haul last week [Can you just learn your lesson and chill..](https://imgur.com/wIJGahO) [I like Zagan's take though](https://imgur.com/vSDsodG) [lol.](https://imgur.com/2cNjXOG) And didn't his arms get fucked up? I guess he might have one of those "auto healing magics" that Zagan mentioned earlier [I love this](https://imgur.com/yiRylc8) [](#kotohoops) [No proposal.. ](https://imgur.com/JurlXFn) Q_Q [Oh,](https://imgur.com/ugCNMBw) its a "kinda" proposal [Noo, why.](https://imgur.com/lENyRM9) [Dang it,](https://imgur.com/Fe5dR49) at least fashion it into something not so slavey [Engagement confirmed!!!](https://imgur.com/kt2Jhp1) ..Except that [they have no idea what that means](https://imgur.com/hIpnWjS) [Title drop lesss gooooo](https://imgur.com/r2uk7cZ) Chastille gaining so major respect too. Just not from the church


ObvsThrowaway5120

Well, all’s well that ends well. Man beat his friend up, saved AND got the girl, and now it seems Chastille might be joining him soon enough now that she’s been kicked out the church. Wondering about that big lizard fella or whatever he was. Seems he might be a foe…


Frontier246

Even if she can't be the person who has his heart, Zagan is precious to Nephy, and she wants nothing more than to be with him and protect him...and she won't let any other man have her. And in answer to her feelings, ARCHDEMON Zagan arrives to save her from Barbatos. Ha! Zagan had Barbatos made pretty much from day one. He just had to go and involve Nephy and REALLY tick Zagan off. Barbatos is basically just a stop gap for Zagan to get to Nephy, wounding Barbatos easily and then undoing Nephy's chains so they can share a tender moment together. Barbatos can't get in the way of their romantic reunion. Barbatos never stood a chance. Zagan was overwriting other sorcerers' spells at age eight as a fluke, now he has so much more knowledge and experience with magic that he can easily undo all of Barbatos' spells and enhance himself in the process. He truly has become a Sorcerer Slayer. Oh, NOW Barbatos pulls the friend card. As if. Though seeing the flashback and how they were hanging out since they were kids, and Zagan was even there to watch Barbatos strike out with and get slapped by women, they probably are the closest thing they've ever had to friends. Which is enough to get Zagan to let Barbatos live, especially since Barbatos can't beat him and Zagan enjoys Barbatos' quality wine. I guess this is a lesson about not punching summoning circles lest you summon a demon. Something beyond human comprehension or human ability to defeat, even in an imperfect state, something so intimidating Zagan thought they were all screwed. Their only salvation was that the demon reacted to Zagan's Archdemon ability from the punch and imprinted on him as its master so Zagan could send it away. Though imagine what that thing could have done for him...but probably for the best to not keep it around. Look at Zagan carrying everybody out of the cave! He even got Barbatos holding onto his cape. The Cerulean knights pick up Chastille, Manuela heads off (after making sure Zagan and Nephy resolve their relationship problems), and Barbatos heads off in a huff. Which just leaves Zagan and Nephy together to mend things. Nephy wants to be with Zagan, and Zagan wants them to be on a first-name basis...and if he can't properly confess his love for her, the least he can do is basically swear they'll be together for the rest of their lives. That's a proposal if ever I've heard one. Even did a title drop! Oh, they brought the collar back. Well, now it's basically just symbolic of their bond (and Zagan's equivalent to a ring) so it's really just a fashion statement...but I'm not surprised they brought it back. Zagan and Nephy are popular! Though also drawing attention from other sorcerers. Poor Chastille. She couldn't free herself from her bonds, she fainted at the demon, and she loses her job when she sticks to her guns and refuses to go after Zagan. But at least she's staying true to herself.


metapzl

No ear flapping from Nephy today worst episode ever this series is doomed


Nebresto

Hold strong, brother! the ear wiggling is surely coming!! (hopium)


Actual-Oil6390

Elf supremacy been good this year


Elite_Alice

Banger episode. We all saw Zagan beating Barabatos’ ass coming from a mile away, honestly not too surprised that he let em off easy. They’ve been “friends” for so long and Zagan is really a kind person at heart. I think Barbatos is as well despite having a lot of insecurities. Yea the whole thing with kidnapping girls thing was wild, but oh well 😂 Zagan being all afraid of accidentally summoning a true demon and then the demon bowing to him was a cool scene. He literally doesn’t know his own strength yet. Hopefully we’ll get to see more of the demons soon. If that was a corrupted summoning I wonder what a true one looks like. First name basis!! Let’s go Zagan and Nephy are making progress in their own socially awkward way. Zagan couldn’t get out the words “I love you” but he’s getting there. Nephy definitely knows she’s much more than a slave to him now. “You belong to me, forever” 😩 That was a very Zagan-esque confession and using the slave collar instead of a ring is emblematic of their relationship They even named dropped the title! Perfect segue into the second half of the cour Feel bad for Chastille getting stripped of her knightly duties because she refused to go along with what Clavwell wanted, but Zagan gave her the courage to stand up for what she believes in. I’m sure it’ll pay off for her.


KumaKumaGambler

>I’m sure it’ll pay off for her. At the very least, no more being bullied by the townspeople for being associated with the corrupt in-universe church. Lol!


Frontier246

And she can hang out with Zagan and her Gal Pals without worry now!


Devatator_

Also he called the thing a shadow, a failed summoning. Imagine if it was successful


Yurii2202

So, is Zagan going to reforge the collar into something nice and not misleading at some point? (source readers, please, help!) Also, the demon summoning was truly frightening, good thing he managed to send it back. I guess, now we know why they’re called Archdemons and not something else, though it made me wonder how many of other title holders know of it, and if so how much. Now that I think about it, if Barbatos attempted the summoning on his own – he would’ve either failed or died. Failed if Archdemon’s seal is what enabled summoning in the first place, and died by the hands of the demon otherwise.


Sovyet

It was rarely ever mentioned other than \[Manga\]>!Manuela giving her a big ass bow to make the collar looks more cutesy and fitting her maid outfit!< It's basically just a one time fashion statement that has never become relevant ever again


Waylornic

Just think of the collar as a design choice at this point. It's not really referenced, it's not important, and it's less prominent a design element going forward.


ZandeR678

Her collar was supposed to represent enslavement and oppression, but it transformed into a sign of love and the beginning of a new life with her saviour. If you refuse to acknowledge that you're ignoring her personal agency to reinterpret the meaning of objects. In other words, you're treating her like a slave.


zairaner

Sigh and here we get to my least favourite thing about the series. If it wouldn't be for this part, I think this series even could earn some praise for the way it hndled the slave thing, but sadly, this episode makes that simply impossible. Luckily, can only go up from here.


tripleaamin

If it handled the slave thing similar to how Level 2 Cheat handled it this would have been a 10/10 episode for me.


scot911

At least it isn't Raphtalia's "keep me enslaved with slave magic even though I've already proved that I'll stay by your side without it because it's how I'll prove my love for you" levels of bad? It's basically just an extremely large ~~and a little kinky~~ collar now.


VorAtreides

Barbatos sure deserves the beating he gets. After all, you have hurt Nephy and angered Zagan. D'awww Nephy too good for you, Zagan. Best realize that and treat her better. But, wew, Zagan OP. Makes sense from all that hard work. I do like the effort this series puts into its magic system. Also, wew, those flashbacks do kinda make Barbatos seem like a friend to Zagan... perhaps he a bit tsundere. Hey, look at that, making up, sorta? Hehe, cute of him doing stuff for Nephy's sake. Oh hey, activated the big ol' circle. A true demon kinda neat looking. Not a traditional looking demon. Oh cause it's not complete? That's quite the reaction from the demon toward Zagan though. That was.... peaceful. Hehe Barbatos dragged by the cape. Birb girl is nice. And Barbatos and Zagan clearly best pals, just had a bit of a tiff 😛 Agan, Zagan best treat Nephy good. There ya go, that's some good stuff. I mean, not quite the best declaration of love, but it'll do. Nephy smile is precious. I mean... some girls like chokers I guess... Do get it cause of the symbolic nature of it to her. HEY! HE SAID THE THING! Hehe. That lady sure seems reasonable. This other person...perhaps not. Chastille is good girl though, principled.


DaGooseBoy

I loved the first few episodes, but it gets more 'childish' by the minute... It started pretty strong, with Zagan's confidence in freeing Nephy, with them holding hands without making a tantrum out of it, evil monologues replacing cliche awkwardness... But now they put the slave collar back on, can't say "I love you", I hoped the misunderstandings wouldn't be a thing but fifth episode proved me wrong on top of some minor stuff... Maybe I'm being too critical and not judging the episodes fairly when compared to the first four, but it really feels like a downgrade


Mr_Johnnycat

Fuck Barbstos. All the homies hate barbatos Nephy don’t need an engagement ring. She to good for it. She a slave collar kinda girl lol


Frontier246

The man is decent for good wine and making a fool out of himself next to Zagan but that's about it. Now the collar is basically just a fashion statement lol.


Mr_Johnnycat

Can’t believe he spared him but yea I get it. Free top shelf booze is hard to pass up


djthomp

Yeah, the collar went back on, really wasn't needed but Japan I guess. Would have been more interesting reforged down into a proper ring if Nephy really wanted it that badly, or some other accessory. Poor Chastille, as always.


CooroSnowFox

I mean it is her look and it's probably not going to revolutionize it midway through a season, in between seasons when they go for a full redesign...


ZandeR678

The thing is, Nephie was a slave her whole life. That collar despite us associating it with slavery is what set her free. The only reason she was taken to that auction and met Zagan was because of that. Look at it from her point of view, and it isn't weird in the slightest. It doesn't do anything detrimental anymore and has sentimental value.


Lunarpeers

Nah, putting back the slave collar on is next level trash


incredibilly

I knew it was coming and even then still hoped he would turn it into a ring or something. One step forward and another right back.


BobTheSkrull

Out of universe? Sure. In universe, these are two of the most socially inept morons you could ever see. Expecting them to recognize that a slave collar has different connotations than a wedding ring when they can barely talk to each other is a bit much.


Madwand99

Kinda agree. Should have used the metal and forged a nice necklace or a ring.


diacewrb

Or some knuckle dusters in case she feels like going melee.


Lich_Hegemon

engagement knuckle dusters


an-academic-weeb

It's a powerless hunk of oversized junk now that she can take off any time she wants. Nephy is just a pastel goth fashion wise with that thing. Stop trying to make a scandal out of it lmao.


MyUnoriginalName

People are so weird that they forget that some girls are just kinky and into wearing collars. They love giving this shit a meaning that doesn't exist.


shanatard

they never left the keyboard so they just don't know


MyUnoriginalName

That's true. They should try leaving their keyboards. Maybe talk to a woman. They might be surprised by just how many women are kinky as hell. Hell, I'm pretty sure I've read a statistic somewhere that women are generally kinkier than men. My wife at least is constantly surprising me and I'm just like "I can't believe my sweet Christian wife is a freak... I love it" lol


Fools_Requiem

noooooo, they put the slave collar back on. Progress was made, and they reversed course. At least she'll stop calling him master.


Ashteron

>noooooo, they put the slave collar back on. Progress was made, and they reversed course. I imagine it might not have its magical function anymore.


Chronigan2

Yes! freedom from the patriarchy! Women can't choose to wear a collar if the want!


Krotash

I was a little iffy on the slavery stuff, so I was so happy early on in the show when he was actively looking for a way to remove the slave collar, and succeeded a couple eps back. Putting it back on ruined a lot of my enjoyment of the ep, sadly.


MyUnoriginalName

I'll give you the same explanation to a few other people now if it helps you to enjoy this show again. The collar does not symbolize what it used to anymore. It doesn't suppress her mana and it isn't locked so she can take it off and put it back on wheneber she wants now. The collar is just an accessory. You see women wear similar things around their neck all the time. They're called chokers. If Zagan kept letting Nephy call him Master then yes this would be weird and bad. I wouldn't like it either. But she doesn't call him Master anymore. Just because she's wearing the collar again doesn't mean she's his slave. He made sure she knew and understood that. The collar represents something else to them now. The most important thing is that to both Nephy and Zagan the collar is no longer a symbol of ownership anymore. You as an outside viewer should not ruin your own enjoyment of the show by giving a meaning to the collar that doesn't exist in the show. It will only stress you out.


NationalStrategy

I don't like that Nephy insisted on putting the slave collar back on. If they wanted something to symbolize their feelings for each other, then turn that collar into a ring or something.


CooroSnowFox

The closest I could think if Morgiana from Magi : Labyrinth of Magic repurposing the manacles she once wore as a slave to use as her item to use as a Djinn summon (It's been a while since I've watched it)


MyUnoriginalName

But why do you have an issue with Nephy making the choice to NOT turn it into a ring? If it's turned into a ring then it becomes something completely different. Ever consider she might just be kinky and into that?


hokanst

As I wrote about in another post, wearing a slave/prison collar will mark you as a slave/prisoner/criminal, which generally isn't a great idea.


NationalStrategy

I have a problem with her keeping the collar, because the point of getting it removed was to show that she’s no longer a slave.


iozoepxndx

He did it! He said the thing!!


ozairh18

He said the thing


whodisguy32

Gram demolition!?!