Lots of people in the world love animals. They’ve helped us with our work for thousands of years and can serve as good companions for years on end. Being comforted by an animal can even serve as an excellent way to reduce one’s stress; it’s why animal videos are so popular online! Which is why the first isekai of 2024 is one that, while a bit silly in premise, is one capable of melting animal-lovers hearts:ย Fluffy Paradise.
Wanting to Live for the Fluffies!
Midori Akitsu was a 27-year old office worker with a horrible job and no way to relieve her stress. Thus, when she came home from work one day and dropped dead from exhaustion, she couldn’t help but lament her sad fate. Until a being that called itself a god plucked her from death and made her an offer. He’d give the usual isekai treatment and send her to live in another world called Asdyllon with a special power of her own. All she had to do in return is decide if that world’s humans, who persecuted non-humans, deserved to be saved or wiped out.
What does Midori ask for? Instead of super-powers or great knowledge, she just wants to pet fluffy animals forever. So, God gives her the ability to make non-humans love her, and off she goes. She’s now Nefertima ‘ Nรฉma’ Osphe, the youngest daughter of a warm and loving Duke’s family.
Three years later, and Nรฉma now a little girl, and true to the god’s word, all animals love her and want to be around her. Life couldn’t be better! However, then Nรฉma’s mother takes her to the Royal Palace where she works, and the girl wanders off and befriends the Crown Prince’s pet sky tiger. Then she befriends the giant dragon that her sister summoned in front of an entire stadium of people! It doesn’t take too long for those in power to realize that Nรฉma has some kind of special power, and then the more unsavory types start getting this gleam in their eyes.
Nรฉma, though, doesn’t really care. Having known naught but stress and toil in her first life, she just wants to be surrounded by a fluffy paradise.ย
A Feel Good Anime for Animal Lovers
So far,ย Fluffy Paradiseย only has four episodes out at the time of this writing, but it already gets its premise across pretty well: it’s meant to be a feel-good anime. It’s not a story that has the fate of the world at stake or some dark lord that needs to be stopped…or a misguided hero that needs to be stopped. It’s just an anime about a cute little girl trying to get as much cute and fluffy time in to make up for her first life. And, despite not doing anything so far to move the isekai genre foward, it works.
Why? Because it’s a show about cute little girl getting spend time with all kinds of animals. From little birds and kittens to dragons and tigers that can, and would, end you in real life, Nรฉma loves all animals. And seeing them fawn all over is, honestly, adorable.
Plus, despite the light-hearted premise, there are hints that things could get darker. Nรฉma’s whole reason for being sent there was to judge if humanity is worth sparing. Given how the second episode sees nobles and priests openly talking about how they can use Nรฉma for their benefit, they could become a problem down the road.
So, if you’re the kind of person who likes animals and wants something to take the edge off our lives, then I recommend watching Fluffy Paradise. It’s a feel-good anime to help start the year on a positive note.
Well, December starts tomorrow; meaning that there’s only 31 days of 2023 left. Here we are in between holidays once again like we were last year…and the many, many years before. Next week will be our last convention of 2023; Ocean City Comic-Con in Ocean City, Maryland, and we’re hopeful that we’ll be able to stack con appearances for 2024 while meeting a few con runners there. Lately we’ve been doing our best to remain transparent about our needs in regards to the future of D&A, and where we want to go from here as a nerd multimedia brand. Somewhere down the line we’ll be making D&A Studios Entertainment as our primary brand, and having D&A Anime Blog as well as our Nerdz of the Decade Youtube podcast, as subsidiaries. (Since BASSMODE: Nerdz Nite Out is an independent event promotion, that’s financially powered by D&A Studios Entertainment, it will not be considered as a subsidiary.)
We’re looking for new ways for this project to make revenue in order to keep operating, of course due to the after effects of the pandemic, its been a slow climb. We’re thankful that we got the opportunity to return to the con circuit after a three-year hiatus, however with where we are on the financial side of things, we’ve decided to stay local; in terms of the anime and gaming conventions that we make appearances at. You probably won’t see us at your Anime Expo’s or Galaxycon’s or any of the major cons right now (not say we won’t attend in the future), but if you live in DMV (D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania), then you’ll run into us at those cons.
If we haven’t said it before, we want to thank all of our fans and fellow anibloggers, for all of your support you’ve given us over the years since the start of this project. We’re hoping we can continue to grow our brand, and be the best version of ourselves in the process.
Are you a dedicated gamer with dreams of turning your love for video games into a rewarding career? The gaming industry offers a plethora of opportunities for those who are passionate and determined. This article, courtesy of D&A Anime Blog, will guide you through a series of practical steps for embarking on your journey to a successful career in the world of video games.
Forge Connections at Industry Events
Establish connections with industry professionals by attending gaming conventions, conferences, and meetups. These events provide a unique platform to interact with people who share your passion.
Engage in meaningful conversations, share your enthusiasm, and exchange contact information to build a valuable network. Remember that networking is a powerful tool in the gaming industry, and the connections you forge can open doors to exciting opportunities.
Elevate Your Game Design Skills
You must constantly hone your skills to excel in the gaming industry. Learn coding languages relevant to game development. These technical skills will make you a more versatile and valuable asset to potential employers.
By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements, you can ensure your skill set remains in high demand. Click here for more information on skill development and industry competitiveness.
Explore Opportunities in Game Development
Regularly browse job boards, websites, and forums for game development job openings. Each position may have unique requirements, so tailor your resume and portfolio to match the specific roles you’re interested in. Highlighting your skills and experiences that align with the job’s demands will significantly increase your chances of securing a position in the industry.
Design Your Unique Logo
In the competitive world of video games, standing out from the crowd is essential. Crafting a unique text logo is one way to do just that.
Your logo represents your personal brand, so invest time in creating one that is visually appealing and memorable. Fortunately, free online logo makers are available to help you design a logo that reflects your identity and sets you apart.
Dive into Game Testing
Game testing is an excellent entry point into the industry. You can gain valuable industry experience by working as a game tester for game studios.
During this process, you’ll become intimately familiar with the game development pipeline, identify flaws, and provide constructive feedback. The firsthand experience is invaluable and can open doors to various roles within the gaming world.
Craft Winning Projects for Competitions
Developing your gaming projects is one way to showcase your talent and gain recognition. Whether it’s mobile apps, console games, or other gaming-related endeavors, these projects are your portfolio.
Participate in game development competitions, such as The Game Development World Championship, to put your work on display. Winning or not, these contests offer exposure and a chance to demonstrate your skills to a broader audience.
Pursue Freelance Ventures
Consider freelancing in the video game development sphere. Opportunities abound, from game design and graphics to audio work.
Freelancing allows you to build a portfolio and establish your reputation in the industry. It’s a way to gain valuable experience, make connections, and potentially transition into full-time employment in the gaming world.
Research Video Game Design Scholarships
If you want to further your game design and development education, researching available scholarships and grants is a smart move. Financial aid can ease the burden of educational costs and allow you to focus on your passion. Many institutions and organizations offer scholarships specifically tailored to aspiring game designers and developers.
Final Thoughts
Transforming your love for video games into a fulfilling career is achievable and highly rewarding. By forging connections, creating a unique brand, acquiring essential skills, and actively seeking opportunities, you can embark on a journey that leads to a successful and satisfying career in the dynamic world of video game development.
Start taking these steps and level up your career aspirations in the gaming industry. Your dedication and passion could be the keys to unlocking a bright future in this exciting field.
Would you like to read more helpful content or connect with other gamers? Visit the DA Anime Blog today!
Anime conventions captivate audiences far and wide, offering a unique blend of culture, community, and creativity. The challenge, however, lies in navigating these complex, multifaceted events to extract maximum enjoyment. From the minute details of cosplay to the practical aspects of getting around, a well-thought-out approach can transform your convention experience from ordinary to extraordinary. This comprehensive guide, presented by D&A Anime Blog, aims to provide you with the roadmap you need.
Laying the Groundwork for a Successful Event
Preparation is a cornerstone of any successful endeavor, and anime conventions are no exception. Securing your tickets well in advance eliminates the stress of last-minute arrangements. Accommodation planning is equally important, providing not just a place to rest, but a strategic base for your activities. Budgeting should also not be an afterthought; a well-planned budget will guide your spending decisions and ensure a stress-free experience. Finally, remember that traveling will require you to make arrangements with work; if youโre an entrepreneur and will be doing business on the trip, you can write off some of your expenses, but keep in mind that these write-offs can typically only be made if youโll be gone longer than a day.
Crafting an Unforgettable Cosplay
Cosplay serves as a vibrant form of expression, allowing you to inhabit the universe of your favorite characters. Selecting a character that deeply resonates with you is the first essential step. Sourcing quality materials not only enhances your appearance but also boosts your confidence. An equally important aspect is the maintenance of your costume; small repairs and proper storage can prolong its life. Also, keep in mind that conventions often host themed events, and aligning your costume with these can elevate your entire experience.
Navigating the Terrain Skillfully
Amid the whirlwind of activity, effective time management is critical. Arriving early provides benefits such as shorter queues and a general lay of the land. Mastery of crowd navigation frees you to focus on what truly matters: the convention experience itself. Keep in mind that your choice of footwear, quick snacks, and a portable power source can spell the difference between fatigue and sustained enthusiasm, so pack smart. Navigational aids like event maps or dedicated apps streamline your movement, giving you more time to enjoy what you love.
Engaging with a Diverse Crowd
These events are welcoming hubs that attract a variety of people. The rich tapestry of attendees includes not only fans but also professionals who may find potential business advantages. For instance, small business owners can explore synergies between their venture and the convention, perhaps scouting for merchandise or meeting potential partners.
Elevate the Experience
While attractions are aplenty, strategic choices must be made to get the most out of your time. Prioritize panels or workshops that genuinely interest you for a fulfilling experience. Networking can yield unexpected rewards, from expert advice to new friendships. Merchandise shopping should be approached with care; a predetermined budget and a little negotiation prowess can go a long way. Lastly, participative events like cosplay competitions offer not just a platform for showcasing your talents but also for enjoying others’.
Keeping the Momentum Going
The end of the convention doesn’t spell the end of your experience. Documenting your adventure, whether through photographs or journaling, serves to prolong the joy. Social media platforms and blogs offer an avenue for sharing your experiences and tips, thereby enriching the community. Similarly, active participation in online forums and local clubs keeps the excitement alive, even when the convention halls have emptied.
Planning for the Road Ahead
Your post-convention activities should include research on upcoming events, keeping your enthusiasm perpetually stoked. Secure your attendance at future conventions by watching out for ticket releases and making early reservations, ensuring that you remain in the loop and ahead of the game. Additionally, subscribing to newsletters or following key social media accounts can provide you with timely updates, further aiding in your planning for future events.
Anime conventions offer a sensory feast for those willing to immerse themselves fully. With meticulous preparation, targeted involvement, and a proactive approach to community engagement, your convention experience can transcend the ordinary. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to attend but to unlock the full spectrum of what these incredible events have to offer.Need to get in touch with the team at D&A Anime Blog? Reach out today via the contact form!
Hey guys! We wanna welcome our newest contributor to D&A Anime Blog, Virginia Cooper, as she contributed this amazing post!
Following a lackluster second outing,ย The Rising of the Shield Heroย managed to regain some of it with last week’s start to its third season. From the getgo, it seemed apparent that the people making the anime listened to the fans complaints and got their act together. The animation’s returned to it’s former glory, and more importantly, the pacing of the story’s improved. Naofumi’s mission to free the rest of Raphtalia’s people has led his party to an underground fighting ring, and let the animation truly shine. More than that, though, it’s led us to another contender for the best waifu list of 2023. Sadeena enters the story in full, and she’s a killer!
After playing the underground fighting ring’s rules against it to win a ton of money, Naofumi’s party is sitting pretty. Either groups refuse to fight them and forfeit, or they win and increase their reputation. Either way, they’re well on their way to earning enough money to free Raphtalia’s people. That’s when they run into the woman they spoke to at the colosseum.
She goes by the alias of Nadia, but her true name is Sadeena, a killer whale Demi-human. Powerful and playful, she bonds with Naofumi over drinks, and when she sees how well he holds his liquor, throws some signs that she’s into him. Despite this episode marking her second appearance though, she’s got a bit of depth to her.
It’s soon revealed that Sadeena hails from Lulorona Village like Raphtalia and her friends. Raphtalia even looked up to Sadeena as a cool big sister. However, she had been away from the village when the Wave of Catastrophe destroyed it and its people enslaved. Thus, she feels a great deal of remorse over being unable to stop the destruction that she hides behind her confident exterior. That is, until she learns Naofumiโs true identity in the ring.
The fight between the Shield Hero party and Sadeena is a visually spectacular battle. The animation has not only returned to what it was in the first season, but surpassed it, with all parties showing what they can do. More than that, it’s an emotional fight, with Raphtalia getting to show her beloved big sister how strong sheโs grown. The relief on Sadeenaโs face at Raphtaliaโs, and their villages, survival is made apparent by her decision to forfeit. The Shield Hero looks set to free all the villagers!
That’s when the fates decide to throw another curveball.
Not wanting to lose all that money, the people running the arena demand Naofumiโs group fight a surprise challenger. Despite being young and hidden behind a mask, their power is evident. They battle all four people (Rishia and Raph-Chan don’t fight) to a standstill. That’s in spite of the fact that Naofumiโs a Cardinal Hero and Raphtalia a Vassal Hero. Thankfully, Naofumi still manages to get the money, despite the slavers trying to cheat him out of it.
Shield Hero S3 Ep1
Is off to an excellent start. MAMI SADEENA IS HERE!
But, this is going to be a great season I believe. I was so hyped for this coming back and I am so happy it is here!
That child they fought, though, isn’t a one-off character. As the end of the episode reveals, his name is Fohl and the reason he’s fighting is to pay for medicine for his sick sister. Much like Sadeena, both of them are going to become important to the story going forward.
This episode was another banger. From the happy reunion of Raphtalia and Sadeena to the exciting fights, it looks like Shield Hero is back in business. Sadeena might be a contender for one of the top waifu’s for 2023, much like Raphtalia before her in 2020. And, two more important characters have joined the cast. If all goes well, then Shield Hero is on track to regaining its top spot in the Isekai world.
That’s assuming it manages to overcome the pacing problems from last season. Given how the third season will only have twelve episodes, though, it will be a test. Fingers crossed!
Toei Reveals a New Dragon Ball Anime Celebrating for 40th Birthday
In 1984, a mangaka named Akira Toriyama, fresh off the success of his hit, Dr. Slump, debuted his new manga, Dragon Ball, in Shonen Jump Weekly. Not only would it become his magnum opus, but it would change the world of entertainment forever. Fast forward almost four decades later, and Dragon Ball is one of the most influential works of fiction in modern history. It’s got multiple anime series, twenty-one films and counting, dozens of video games, a global fanbase, and inspiring two generations of mangakas. There’s not a single person in the world who hasn’t seen the inspiration of Goku and the Dragon Ball cast; they’re that famous. Thus, with the franchise celebrating its 40th birthday next year, it should return with a new anime. At New York Comic Con 2023, Toei Animation revealed the next chapter in the Dragon Ball franchise, Dragon Ball Daima.
Which may or may not be rehashing the story ofย Dragon Ball GT.ย
Dragon Ball Daima, Coming in 2024
The plot behind Dragon Ball Daima is currently unknown, but the NYCC 2023 trailer did reveal a few key things. Following a recap of the various Dragon Ball anime released over the decades, the trailer starts to drop clips of Daima. That’s when fans were caught off-guard by the reveal that something has turned protagonist’s Goku and Vegeta into children. The shock only grows when it’s subsequently revealed that most, if not all, of the series cast has been de-aged down to kid form. While it’s not revealed why this has happened, it’s likely the work of the Dragon Balls. Thus, the series will likely revolve around everyone’s attempts to restore themselves to their proper age.
Thus far, fan reaction to the premise behindย Dragon Ball Daimaย remains mixed. On the one hand, some fans can’t help but gush over how adorable the cast is in chibi form. On the other hand, the sight of Goku becoming a kid again seems like a repeat of the black sheep of the franchise,ย Dragon Ball GT.
Remember GT?
Debuting in 1996 on Fuji TV in Japan,ย Dragon Ball GTย saw Goku wished back into a kid by one of his enemies, and he would subsequently remain that way for the rest of the series. While the series did introduce the concept of Super Saiyan 4, fan reception wasn’t as high compared to its predecessors. Not helping things is thatย GTย wasn’t based on the manga, but was an anime-exclusive, original story. Fans aren’t even sure if its canon or not, andย Superย hasn’t helped to clear up the matter.ย
Toriyama’s Got This
While it may seem like a bold decision to follow in the footsteps of Dragon Ball GT, Daima does have a few advantages over it. Firstly, it seems that Toriyama will be heavily involved in the show’s production. GT only had him design a few of the characters. Secondly, Daima seems more like an attempt to bring the franchise back to its roots. Before the reveal that Goku was an alien drew comparisons to Superman, Dragon Ball was heavily inspired by Journey to the West. Goku’s own is actually the Japanese version of Sun Wukong, AKA the Monkey King from Journey to the West.
While fan reception thus far remains mixed, they can at least rest easy knowing that Toriyama will be doing a lot of work on Dragon Ball Daima. In addition, returning Dragon Ball to its more comedic routes feels like a fitting way to celebrate the franchise hitting the forty-year milestone. The best case scenario will see another chapter added to the storied history of Goku and his many friends. The worst case scenario? At least fans will have something to poke fun at in videos and fanart.
Alright geeks n’ nerds. It’s been awhile since we’ve done one of these, so we figured we’d bring it back. Its time for another ‘checkpoint check-in’, cuz’ we’re in the final quarter of 2023. A lot has happened in the anime industry; from new shows debuting this season, to a prime staple (RightStuf) of the anime community closing its doors. This month is not just ‘Spooky Month’, its also the month where ya boys FINALLY return to the anime convention circuit after a three-year hiatus! This weekend we’ll be at StellarCon in Bel Air, MD, and then two weeks later we make a road trip to The Camelback Ski Resort in the Pocono Mountains in PA for PuchiCon. Our convention content has been quite dry since 2020, so we’re hoping we can fix that with these two conventions.
Also as a side note; D&A’s founding member D.J. Lewis is on an occasional appearance schedule both with D&A Anime Blog, and D&A Studios Entertainment’s Youtube channel. This means you won’t see him every week on Youtube or posting on the blog, but he’ll make select appearances (and posts) throughout every month via “Nerdz of the Decade”. In the case of this month, you’ll see him on Youtube more often because we’ve got two conventions instead of one. We’ll keep you posted on when the ‘big guy’ drops by.
That’s it for this check-in. Until next post, stay nerdy! ๐ย
Alright nerds and nerdettes. I honestly didn’t know how to start this post since my last one was…two, or three months ago? (Yeesh!) So I thought it was time to give you guys a status update on what’s next for D&A Anime Blog, and D&A Studios Entertainment going forward. Now I know many of you guys are wondering “When is the ‘Big Guy’ gonna return on Youtube? We only saw him one time about a month ago, and that’s it!”. Yes, it’s true; I did return on Youtube a month ago only to let everybody know what I was up to, but I also said that I would be making appearances on Youtube, occasionally. I don’t want you guys to get the idea that I’m slowly fading to black, because that’s not what’s happening here. Over the past three years, there have been some moments that have happened in my life that really put a lot of things into perspective, and made me think about what my next moves are for D&A as a whole going forward. But before I lay it all out for you guys, I gotta confess something to you…
As much as I love this project that Aaron and I have been on for seven (going on eight) years, I don’t want it to be the only thing people know me for. D&A has done so much for me as not just an individual, but as a partnership with ‘Jr. Hef’ himself. (*chuckles*) This project has allowed me to meet my childhood heroes, collab with Nerdcore Hip-Hop artists, and most recently; create my own ‘Afterparty’ entertainment brand known as “BASSMODE: Nerdz Nite Out”!
Does this mean that with my occasional appearances on Youtube and posting on the blog, that I’m phasing myself away from this project Aaron and I created? No. It means that I’m expanding my creative abilities and attributes, and not pigeonholing myself into one place, and one place only. With only four months of 2023 remaining, its time people knew me for more than just the ‘Big Guy’ on Youtube and Nerdz of the Decade. I’ve got a lot going for me in this season, and I don’t plan on missing out on any opportunities that will enhance and expand my creativity and ideas.
So to wrap this up; I’ll be making Youtube appearances one week before and the week after a convention we’re doing press for, or booked at. With PuchiCon 2023 happening October 21-22, you’ll see me before and after those dates. As for any other dates Aaron will let you know when I’ll make another occasional Youtube appearance, at the end of one of his videos, so stay tuned for that. So to review; you’ll see me twice during a ‘convention month’, and once in a while any other month. Also we’re still looking for contributors for the blog, so if your interested let us know.
It’s been a while now, and Rudeus has adjusted to life at school. Every morning he wakes up, does his exercises, spends time with Zanoba, takes classes, and then does reserach on teleportation while spending time with Sylphie in her alter ego. It’s not the most exciting life, but given what’s happened in both his lives, he’s earned it. However, there’s one problem: Zanoba won’t stop asking him how to make figurines and dolls. And when his normal methods won’t work, Rudy has to resort to means that would be frowned upon in modern life: slavery.
ใOpening Themeใ Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2
Last week, we saw how Rudy reunited with his childhood friend, Sylphie, but was completely oblivious over her true identity. Out of shyness, and a bit of a desire to tease him, Sylphie’s keeping him in the dark for now, but he’s slowly starting to catch on. Everytime he’s in her presence, his heart starts beating faster and he blushes a lot. Since he doesn’t know she’s a girl, though, that just leaves him confused about his preferences in romance.
Sexuality aside, seeing Rudeus and Sylphie have the chance to enjoy the school life they always wanted is genuinely endearing. After all the hell they went through, they’re able to live a semi-normal life, even if only for a short while. At this rate, Sylphie will be in the running for 2023 waifu of the year.
Zanoba Really, Really Likes Dolls
Zanoba is like the Mushoku Tensei equivalent of Pygmalion. In Greek mythology, he was a sculptor who shunned the company of women in favor of his craft, until he fell in love with his masterpiece and she was brought to life by the gods. Given how his superhuman strength prevents him from making meaningful connections with others, it’s understandable why Zanoba would be in a similar boat.
At any rate, despite his desire to create dols and figurines, Zanoba’s strength makes it impossible for him to with his own two hands. Feeling bad for his student, and at the advice of Sylphie, they decide to go recruit some outside help to teach magic and aid Zanoba in his work. As an aside, the way Sylphie asks to come along makes the entire thing sound akin to a date, something that Rudy remains ignorant to.
Here’s the catch: they don’t go to hire someone. They go to buy a slave.
Slavery is a common staple in the Isekai genre and like it or hate it, it doesn't erase the fact that stories shouldn't shy away from sensitive topics. Granted, most are surface level in execution but here it's tackled with overall purpose. pic.twitter.com/WnQULFGpj5
No one needs to be told in the modern day that slavery is bad; it’s a moral drummed into our heads since childhood. However, before we judge Rudeus and Zanoba for buying a slave, it’s important to remember the context:
This is in a world where slavery continues to exist. Rudeus may not like it, but he knows it’s impossible for him to get rid of it, even if he had an army.
Given who Rudeus and Zanoba are, whoever they get would be a slave in name only. In truth, they’d be an assistant, or partner and treated as such.
Given how they’re looking for a young child to teach skills such as reading, writing, and magic, as well as providing with everything a child would need, they’d be better off with them than they would otherwise.
In the end, the trio ends up purchasing a little dwarf girl. Since she doesn’t have a name, they choose to name her Juliette, or Julie, after Zanoba’s late baby brother. However, here’s where Rudeus’ empathy comes into play again. When they first meet Julie, Rudy sees right away that she’s given up on life. That was the mindset he had in his first life, and the one he’s trying to overcome since Eris left him. So he helps her in the best way possible, by making her say she wants to live.
This is what makes Rudeus a good protagonist. He knows what it’s like to feel like everything’s hopeless. Thus, he knows the best ways to give people the will to live again. This time, it ends up gaining him and Zanoba what amounts to a little sister. She’ll be good for Zanoba, in particular.
Yet another good episode, even if it was a bit slow. Then again, much like in real life, it’s the slower moments people may remember the best.
ใEnding Themeใ Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2
So, if you’ve been watching the new season ofย Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, you’ll know that Rudeus’ going to school. He’s got a free ride into the best magic school in the world, and he doesn’t have to attend classes if he doesn’t want to. The only mandatory course is homeroom with the other special students, and he’s either met or has indirect connections to them. One classmate, though, makes it clear from the get-go that he doesn’t like him: Cliff Grimoire. And the crazy thing is that Rudeus hasn’t done anything wrong to him; he’s never met the guy. Yet Cliff hates him anyway.
There are several reasons why Cliff’s got an axe to grind with Rudeus. However, All of them stem back to an incident several years ago that I didn’t cover in my first season recap. An incident covered in a 2022 OVA starring the resident tsundere, Eris. Since Cliff will be a VIP in Rudeus’ life from here on out, it seems fitting that I backtrack and recap this in full. Gather around, and you shall hear the tale of “Goblin Slayer Eris Greyrat or: How I Pulled Up on an Arrogant Brat and Gave Him a Reality Check.”
From the Streets Did He Emerge
So, backstory time. Cliff was born to a loving family in Milis, only for them to get murdered by bandits. Thus, he wandered the streets of Millishon as an orphan, alone and sad. Then one day, the Pope of the Millis Church, AKA this world’s version of the Catholic Church, found and adopted him. And before you question how that can happen, there’s no rule about Catholic Priests and Nuns adopting kids. So, that’s good for him.
Now that he’s the grandson of religious royalty, Cliff gets the finest things life offers. He’s got the best clothes, food, tutors, the works. So he starts learning how to magic, and he’s good at it. Everyone’s telling him that he’s a magical genius. It has nothing to do with the fact that he’s the Pope’s grandson and a likely candidate to become Pope in the future!
So, since he’s a kid, Cliff lets this praise go to his head. This becomes a problem when he sets out to try adventuring for the first time.
You Shouldn’t Have Made Eris Mad, Cliff!
So, you might recall when Dead End made it to Millishon. While Rudeus was dealing with all that stuff with his Dad, Eris went on a solo adventure. Ever since she was little, she had this dream of hunting goblins. And now that she was older and more robust, she wanted to scratch this item off her bucket list. So she goes to the local guild and takes up the goblin-slaying quest when she notices Cliff arguing with this adventuring party. He keeps trying to get them to let him join their party, and, remember, he’s got an attitude. He thinks he’s hot stuff, and they should feel honored he’s offering to help them. That only makes them mad, and they’re about to fight when Eris steps in and talks them down.
Does Cliff thank Eris for helping him out? No, the ungrateful kid snaps at her for butting in and tells her not to stick her ugly face in stuff that doesn’t concern her. Big mistake. Eris, being Eris, responds the same way she does to anyone who makes her mad: punching their lights out! Even Rudeus, one of the people she listens to, isn’t safe from this mad dog!
Eris Tells Cliff, “You not that guy, Pal.”
So, for whatever reason, Cliff does a total 180 after getting punched by Eris and starts following her around, saying he’s sorry and how impressed he was with that punch. So he keeps trying to talk her into letting him join her on her mission and bragging about how great he is. Eris, barely pays attention to him, though, since she’s not impressed. She can tell from a glance that Rudeus is more potent than this guy. But since he keeps following her like a stray puppy, she relents.
She soon regrets this because Cliff proves he’s weaker than he thinks. He is strong; it’s just that she knows Rudeus is stronger and wiser, so she’s not impressed. And all his attempts to prove otherwise backfire. He burns the goblins, so they can’t bring back proof. He gets them lost in the woods. He’s not that guy, and Eris lets him know it.
So, eventually, they come across this group in the woods. On one side is this knight of the Millis church and this little shrine girl she’s guarding. On the other side are these Papal assassins. Eris doesn’t know this, but there’s a power struggle in the Millis Church. The side the night and girl are on is anti-Demon and Beastmen, while the Pope’s side promotes co-existence. However, Eris doesn’t know this, so while Cliff watches, she jumps in and wastes the assassins. Who also happen to be some of Cliff’s teachers. Cliff just watched his teachers die!
Again, Cliff is not that guy!
So, after getting punched, talked down to, and watching this girl kill his teachers without realizing it, is Cliff mad? Does he swear revenge for everything that happened? No; as soon as they get back to town with that knight and girl, the first thing that Cliff says is :
“Will you please marry me?”
Yes, that’s right! Despite hitting him in the face with a hard dose of reality, Cliff doesn’t hate Eris. He’s got a crush on her! Eris’ response? “Absolutely not!” And poor Cliff can’t understand why. He doesn’t get why she’d reject a genius like him. She responds that he’s not that guy; Rudeus is that guy.
Eris then goes into this whole spiel about how amazing Rudeus is. He might be younger and smaller than her, but he’s smarter, can do magic without incantations, and is just an all-around badass and future CHAD. She probably throws in a remark saying he’s better-looking than Cliff, too, and will likely be a total chick magnet when he’s older.
Hearing all of this, it doesn’t take too long for Cliff to realize that Eris is in love with Rudeus. And compared to someone like him, he’s got no chance in Hell. Thus, Cliff heads home to sulk and think about the heavy dose of reality he just got.
Cliff Grimoire Be Hating Rudeus
So, in a single day, Cliff realized that there was someone better at magic than him, got rejected by his crush, and had three of his teachers die. In other words, he got hit with a heavy dose of reality. But the one thing that Cliff can’t stop thinking about is Rudeus, this guy he’s never even met. He’s jealous of him, not just because of Eris, but because he’s better at magic than him. And that resentment stays with him for years.
Now, the bad news. Thanks to Eris’ meddling and saving that shrine girl, the anti-Demon faction in the Millis Church got stronger. Power struggles ensue, and since he’s the Pope’s grandson, Cliff’s a target. Thus, his grandfather sends him to Ranoa University to train and learn in peace. And that’s when Rudeus shows up in their classroom one day.
And that’s why Cliff hates Rudeus from the get-go. However, that doesn’t mean he’s going to hate him forever. Cliff Grimoire will become one of Rudeus’ most significant allies in life. You’ll just have to wait and see what happens, though.
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