Original subtitles

"There are too many adventurers." "I don't like the smell of them."

"The tourists litter."

"Please build a theatre."

"Please build more roads."

"Please station knights in Avancier."

These are the requests of the town residents.

There are more besides those.

Please go through them, Big Brother.

I'll go clean up.

Lime, let's race to the second floor!

The sound of Manicia running energetically up the stairs is truly wonderful.

Still...

I didn't expect to receive so many petitions.

I'm glad we formed an alliance with the two major clans,

but even problems can arise from such rapid development.

Rud, come with me!

Nin? What's wrong?

This way!

This girl collapsed on the road.

She's a Homunculus.

Please… Please help us!

I have friends!

We were attacked in the forest nearby!

Let's go.

Yes.

Master, I'll go too.

No, you need to stay here, Luna.

You treated her injuries.

She'll feel safer with you here.

I understand.

(The Strongest Tank's Labyrinth Raids, A Tank with a Rare 9999 Resistance Skill Got Kicked from the Hero’s Party)

Around the labyrinth?

But I'm the one managing the labyrinth right now.

There shouldn't be monsters spawning outside.

Found them!

The Homunculi are fighting each other!

One side's clearly at a disadvantage.

And the side that's under attack clearly has emotions like the girl we found.

I am an adventurer from a nearby town called Avancier.

Listen to me.

Please!

It's not working.

Your friend came to our town and asked me to help you.

That girl's abilities are on par with the pursuers.

You must be the Homunculi she meant.

Yes, it's us.

So, who are these?

They are combat-type Homunculi from Brunn Quelez.

Brunn Quelez?

Luna escaped from that country.

In other words,

these are illegally created Homunculi.

Nin, heal them.

On it.

Area High Heal!

I was wondering what all the ruckus was about.

It appears things have gotten a bit tricky.

It's only natural that they would feel uneasy.

After all, something forbidden suddenly appeared before them.

So even though they're combat-type Homunculi,

they don't possess emotions or consciousness like you guys do?

That's right.

They're only after us to complete the order to exterminate all those who escaped.

I see.

That means we'll have to defeat them.

Although they're Homunculi…

No, that's precisely why I can't do it.

Because they might be able

to laugh or cry like Luna...

Can't you bring yourself to do it?

Amon.

In the end, they are merely puppets

bestowed a semblance of life.

Her words are cold, but she must have said them for my peace of mind.

Their movements don't seem very swift.

They can still attack even after losing a limb.

This is indeed something only a Homunculus could do.

I won't be able to block it in time.

It's different from before.

Is it because I still have my shield force?

I feel much lighter than usual.

Finally, it's over.

Rud, I've healed them.

Um...

Your friend is in something like a house of ours.

Will you come too?

Some look uneasy, while others are filled with hostility.

They really are quite different.

But we can't force them.

The way they're dressed, they must've been treated very inhumanely.

They likely hate humans too.

Um...

If you'll let us, can we come with you?

Honestly, I don't like humans.

But some of us are wounded,

and we have nowhere else to go.

We brought the Homunculi we rescued

to the clan house.

That settles it for now.

We can protect them here, but what do you plan to do next?

They're Homunculi from Brunn Quelez.

Then we must inform the governor at the lord's mansion.

The information will reach the upper echelons of the country.

If that happens, we can't protect them anymore.

And the townsfolk might also be wary of them.

I know.

- Fortunately, Avancier's governor is kind. - You can stay here without worry.

He will hear us out, at the very least.

Um...

Thank you for helping us.

My name is Fia.

Are you going to meet with the authorities?

Yes.

Can I come with you?

It might be easier for a party involved to speak to them.

They probably want to know about the situation in Brunn Quelez too.

But they might be cautious of you.

Well, you can tie up my hands and feet.

I'm not one not to repay my debts.

I'll tell you everything I can.

I see.

But there's no need to tie up your hands and feet.

In that case...

I've never seen her before.

I heard a group of people with magic stones on them were brought to the clan house.

Mr. Rud led them there.

Are they Homunculi?

Is this really all right?

Um, Rud...

Yes?

I asked you to hold my hand as a safety precaution,

but we've certainly attracted a lot of attention.

Sorry if I caused you trouble.

I don't think that at all.

I'm the one who should apologise.

The people of Avancier have never seen a Homunculus.

But they don't mean any ill intent.

It's okay. I don't mind.

We were prepared before we left that country.

I see.

Also, you don't have to force yourself to smile.

At least not when you're with me.

I see. I understand what happened.

It's been hard on you, Fia.

So that country is really creating Homunculi.

Were you already aware of this, sir?

Only rumours.

I hear they do not treat the Homunculi kindly.

Can I shelter them in this town to protect them?

To protect them?

Of course, them having nowhere else to go is one of the reasons.

But more importantly, if they stay,

they may solve the problem of the lack of manpower.

Are you planning to hire the Homunculi?

Precisely.

They possess their own will and can act accordingly.

You make a fair point.

I could tell just by looking at this child.

They're nothing different from humans,

and they're very expressive.

Well then, Fia, I have some questions for you.

When it comes to the Homunculi,

Commander-type with thinking ability and self-awareness

and combat-type with enhanced combat skills.

Besides these, there seem to be various types of Homunculi.

Do you know the reason for such rapid advancement of Homunculi technology?

Well,

it's said that about 20 years ago,

a man known as Demon Lord Greed appeared in Brunn Quelez.

A demon lord?

We all thought demon lords were fictional.

Why would he appear in Brunn Quelez?

I don't know the exact reason,

but it seems that the remarkable development of Homunculus technology

is indeed caused by Demon Lord Greed.

Even now, they continue to mass-produce Homunculi like us.

I understand the general situation.

I'll convey this information to higher-ups.

Furthermore, we will provide your group protection in Avancier.

Thank you very much!

Looks like we get to stay in town for the time being.

Yes.

But in a way you guys are also being monitored.

I understand.

By the way,

wasn't there a girl back in the forest who can battle against a combat-type homunculus?

Samimina?

She's pretty tough for a commander-type Homunculus.

If anything were to happen, she could be a formidable force.

She's not the friendliest, but she genuinely cares for her friends.

I can see that.

(Chuckle)

Some of our kind resent humans for horrible things they did to us.

But you helped us and let us know

that there are human beings out there who will treat Homunculi kindly.

Those of you who have followed us here should have realised that.

So,

even though they might not open up to us immediately,

everyone will surely understand one day.

That's true.

What can I do to help them integrate into the life here?

That's the situation.

All of you will be allowed to stay in town for protection.

So I'm hoping you can do something to help the town.

Can you tell me what you're good at?

I'm not sure if we're good at it,

but in Brunn Quelez, we make clothes, weapons, or building facilities that are insufficient

We have also built towns.

That's very impressive.

It seems you guys can do anything.

But Samimina's better at fighting than making things.

No... I don't want to work.

We'll be abused again.

They'll beat us with whips.

I don't want to work for humans.

I almost forgot that they used to work under terrible conditions.

I have to quell their anxieties first.

It's work, but never more than a reasonable number of hours.

How long is that?

Normally, it should be from 9 AM to 6 PM.

You'll be given breaks as well, of course.

That's…

So short!

I can't believe it!

- We even get breaks? - We won't be yelled at, will we?

It seems their previous working environment was really harsh.

We'll decide the details of the job and the hours later.

Anyway, thank you all very much.

What's wrong?

It's just that...

People don't thank the Homunculi,

so that was a little surprising.

I see.

Work for the Homunculi?

In that case, how about this?

We'll build a public bathhouse.

Sounds good.

We've gotten requests for a theatre and more guards too,

but a public bathhouse might be better.

Those adventurers could certainly use it.

Some of them are rather unhygienic...

The public bathhouse it is, then.

Manicia, could I have you write up the proposal to the governor?

Certainly.

By the way,

don't you think Luna's been acting a little strange lately?

Has she?

Yes.

Can I stay with the Homunculi at the clan house for a while?

She seemed very concerned about the Homunculi.

She didn't leave the second floor today.

Does she have some sort of attachment towards the Homunculi?

Luna.

Master.

Let me give you a hand.

Did something happen?

Hmm, well, how should I put it?

I have something to tell you.

Since the Homunculi came to Avancier, you've been quite busy.

So, I was thinking, um...

It might be good for us to have a chat once in a while.

Of course.

Although it's been decided to build a public bathhouse,

can they still stay here once it's finished?

Will they be dismissed after it's done?

Don't worry.

The higher-ups have already decided to leave me in charge of everything.

I see.

Luna, are you okay?

You've been spending a lot of time with the Homunculi lately.

It seems you've also heard about what happened in Brunn Quelez.

Yes.

I feel so grateful and fortunate to be brought back by Master.

Maybe Luna doesn't remember much about life in that country.

That's why it shocked her when she learned about the other Homunculi.

Speaking of which,

have you told them

that you're a Homunculus?

No, I haven't told any of them.

If I told them,

it might cause you trouble.

I see.

I keep missing the timing to tell them as well.

It'd be better if we could tell them soon.

Yes.

But...

Someday, when the people in town aren't afraid of the Homunculi anymore,

I'll tell them my real identity.

I want them to live happily as soon as possible,

so I will do my best!

Mm. Everything will work out.

I know you can do it.

I'm really glad I helped you.

Master...

Thank you very much.

To solve the problem faced by Luna and the other Homunculi,

there is something I must find out.

And who are you looking for?

Amon, just the one I was looking for…

Rud!

Did you make this long journey just to find me?

Have I completely captivated you?

Hey! Don't cling to me!

Ouch…

Hey! Rud!

How can I be a role model for my students if they see me like this?!

Students?

I've started teaching magic.

After all, I have a lot of free time on my hands.

Meanwhile, things are hectic on my end.

We need extra help for the construction.

Let the Homunculi handle that kind of work.

I only do things that interest me.

I want them all to learn magic from the demon lord herself,

so they can all be future candidates for demon lords.

That's right.

I came to ask you about demon lords.

About me?

No, about Demon Lord Greed.

Apparently, it was he who brought the Homunculi technology to Brunn Quelez.

That bloke has always had a penchant for research.

It's no surprise if he knows a thing or two about Homunculus technology.

Heard he's currently mass-producing Homunculi.

Do you know what his purpose is?

Like planning on invading other countries, for example?

He is probably the last person who would consider such intentions.

Then why is he doing that?

Probably just to pass the time.

Just to pass the time?

Well, we demon lords aren't exactly restricted by a lifespan.

Even if we die, one day we'll resurrect in the same manner.

Immortal, some might say.

I've heard that when you die, you lose your memories

and come back to life somewhere else.

Although some can vaguely recall their past memories,

most forget everything and simply live on.

That's how it is.

Since we demon lords don't die, we look for matters to occupy our time.

So, is manufacturing Homunculi Greed's way

to pass the time during his lengthy existence?

Not exactly.

Greed has always sought to create "the strongest."

His research of the Homunculi is most likely one of his many studies.

To create the strongest?

I suppose the illegal Homunculi are the closest to being the "strongest".

You're one to talk, being the closest to "strongest".

The power you possess is something

that even Greed, after years of research, cannot obtain.

Mana, strengthened by the power of the demon lord.

Shield force, enhanced by the power of god.

Possess both, and only then does one become the strongest.

This is the conclusion that Greed has reached.

Didn't you use it when you fought me?

The power at that time?

Now I understand that Greed is pursuing the "strongest".

But why create the Homunculi?

Most probably to experiment on their bodies.

So, he created Luna and all those Homunculi just to use them as his test subjects?

He put them through all that suffering just for his research?

You've got to be kidding me!

Are you angry?

Of course, I am!

Those kids have feelings.

How can I overlook the atrocities he committed?

What labyrinth is Greed in now?

What? Are you going to take him down?

He's a very powerful man.

With your current strength,

you might not be able to defeat Greed at all his might.

And even if you do want to defeat him, your strongest power can be troublesome.

Magic elements come from monsters.

Used excessively,

one's body could become closer to that of a demon.

Are you telling me to avoid using it?

You should learn to control it.

Those who cannot control mana will become monsters.

However, control it well...

and you might just turn into a demon lord.

I have no interest in becoming a demon lord.

I see.

Well, it's almost time for my lesson.

Let's talk another day, Rud.

In order to protect everyone when Greed attacks,

I have to become stronger.

Destroy it.