The Beginning After the End Season 2 Episode 2: The Princess Begins Adventuring

A sepia-toned flashback opens the episode, showing human soldiers attacking elves and burning their homes. The narration by Tessia Eralith speaks of human brutality, their history of stealing dignity and property. Young elves are rounded up, prisoners in their own land. Yet, a young boy named Arthur reaches out to a captive elf girl, offering a sliver of hope that this grim cycle might break.

Tessia, Elijah Knight, and Feyrith Ivengar gather in a bustling mountain tavern. Tessia, the focused leader, unrolls a quest scroll detailing their mission to investigate a mana beast sighting near a human village. Feyrith expresses annoyance at helping humans, while Elijah remains pragmatic, reminding them of their duty as adventurers.

The tavern's peace is broken when a drunken thug insults elves and grabs at Tessia. Without hesitation, she delivers a swift back-kick, sending him flying into his table. His companions rise in anger, but Tessia faces them with a cold gaze, her eyes glowing faintly with magic. Intimidated by her power, the thugs quickly back down as the tavern falls silent.

The trio leaves the tavern, running along a mountain path before hitching a ride on a merchant's carriage. As the sun sets, they discuss the fragile alliance between elves, humans, and dwarves. Elijah explains that political agreements do not always reach the hearts of common people. Tessia listens intently, understanding the depth of prejudice they face and the importance of being examples of cooperation.

Bandits ambush the carriage, their shouts echoing as armed men surround them. Tessia, Elijah, and Feyrith jump into action. They use a blend of magic and martial arts, moving with impressive coordination. The trio quickly overpowers the attackers, demonstrating their skill and teamwork without causing unnecessary fatalities.

In a dark, atmospheric room, two cloaked figures observe the aftermath of the bandit attack through a magical projection. One figure comments on the 'princess' and her companions, noting their potential. They speak cryptically about a larger plan involving the trio and the mana beast they hunt. The scene introduces unseen antagonists, suggesting the adventurers are pieces in a dangerous game.

After the skirmish, Tessia, Elijah, and Feyrith walk under the starry sky. Tessia reflects on why elves are valued as slaves, their natural affinity for mana making them high-priced targets. Feyrith sighs at the irony of being hated for their inherent gifts. The conversation highlights the constant danger their race faces simply by existing.

The scene shifts to a different tavern, where Lucas Wykes, a blonde-haired mage, brags loudly about his noble heritage and magical talent. He dismisses elves, despite acknowledging elven blood in his own lineage for magical strength. Arthur, wearing a mask, sits alone, observing Lucas's overbearing attitude. Lucas notices Arthur and mocks him, to which Arthur calmly tells him 'good luck,' infuriating the arrogant mage.

Tessia's group finally arrives at the target village, finding its inhabitants consumed by fear. Villagers board windows and lock doors, too terrified to speak of the mana beast. A farmer hurries past, trembling. The trio quickly realizes the threat is far more dire than they anticipated, its presence already suffocating the community.

A young boy and girl approach Tessia, their eyes wide with curiosity. The boy mentions the monster always comes from the eastern side. Tessia kneels, smiling gently, thanking him for the information. When the girl asks if elves are weak, Tessia playfully strikes a heroic pose, declaring her strength. This brief, heartwarming exchange lifts the children's spirits, reinforcing Tessia's commitment to protection.

Back in their dark chamber, the cloaked figures discuss using the 'princess' as a pawn. They believe her death in human territory will shatter the fragile peace between elves and humans. They prepare a magical lantern, seemingly controlling the mana beast near the village. Their plan is cold and calculated, focused on political destabilization, using lives as leverage.

Powerful tremors shake the ground as a massive Boar Mana Beast crashes through a rocky outcrop. The creature is immense, with thick grey fur, ivory tusks, and glowing red eyes filled with murderous intent. It lets out a deafening roar, signifying the start of the battle. Tessia, Elijah, and Feyrith take their combat positions, their faces grimly determined, dwarfed by the beast's sheer size.

The cloaked figures watch the battle unfold through their magical projection, amused by the trio's desperate struggle. They comment on the 'fragility' of the elven body contrasted with its powerful mana control. They speculate on the elven people's reaction to their princess's death in human lands. The scene reinforces their role as orchestrators, enjoying the spectacle of lives as pawns.

The battle intensifies as the group executes their coordinated attack. Feyrith creates spinning wind blades to distract the beast, while Elijah summons massive stone pillars to trap its legs. Tessia leaps high, her sword glowing with green aura, preparing her most powerful move. The beast roars in frustration, struggling against the earth magic, its movements hindered.

As the beast recovers, striking Elijah and nearly crushing Feyrith, Tessia shields them with mana. A flashback shows young Tessia training with Arthur, learning to physically enhance her body with mana. Back in the present, Tessia applies this lesson, her body glowing gold as she charges. She dodges the tusks and delivers a devastating punch to its forehead, shattering rocks and silencing the beast.

The cloaked figures observe the dead mana beast, surprised by Tessia's unexpected mastery of mana enhancement. One figure notes she is truly 'his' student, referring to Arthur. Their plan to kill her has failed, yet her potential intrigues them. They decide to move on to a 'Phase 2,' hinting at more dangerous schemes, as their green lantern flickers out.

Exhausted but triumphant, the trio walks away from the battlefield as the sun rises. They discuss the difficult fight, Tessia admitting she wouldn't have succeeded without Arthur's lessons. Returning to the village, they are greeted as heroes by joyful children and grateful villagers. The boy who spoke to Tessia earlier declares he wants to be a strong adventurer like her, highlighting their positive impact.

In a grand elven hall, King Shinsia and Mage Virion discuss the growing instability between kingdoms. The king expresses relief at Tessia's safe return but emphasizes the need for vigilance. They recall Arthur's old predictions of an 'inevitable war,' noting how his words are now coming true. A sepia-toned image shows younger versions of the king and mage, hinting at their long history guarding the elven people.