Warning: This article contains major spoilers for Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Episode 22.
The latest episode of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 has reached the zenith (pun-intended) of the epic Labyrinth Arc, which saw Rudeus, Paul, Roxy, Elinalise, Geese, and Talhand venture into the dangerous teleport labyrinth, so they could rescue Rudy's mother and Paul's wife, Zenith. Episode 22, officially titled Parents, featured the party heading back to the labyrinth for the final time to fight the dungeon's "final boss" and their deadliest enemy yet, a Manatite Hydra.
The powerful multi-headed monster was the labyrinth's guardian that was resistant resistant to magic, and it heals at a fast rate, so the team had to figure out a way to kill it in order to save Zenith, who was seen unconscious and trapped inside a large crystal. The episode featured the isekai anime's most epic and action-packed scene yet as fans saw Rudy and the party cast sorcery, heal and defend each other, as Paul tries to slash off the Hydra's heads while Rudy uses fire magic to prevent the stubs from healing.
As readers of Rifujin na Maganote's Mushoku Tensei light novel series already expected, the episode featured the anime's biggest deaths yet. After Rudy and the team retreated from their initial battle with the Hydra, with Roxy's knowledge of the manatite hydra, they formulated a plan to cut all of the Hydra's heads before they could heal: After Paul severs each of the Hydra's head, Rudy will have to use his destructive fire spells on the stubs before they could heal, while Roxy, Elinalise, Geese, and Talhand provide support.
Despite the struggle against the Hydra's destructive attacks, their plan worked thanks to their teamwork, but it came with a cost: Paul's life. When Rudy was about to get hit with the Hydra's final head's devastating strike, Paul, split-second, pushed Rudy's body away, sacrificing himself. Rudy also lost an arm, and after they defeated the Hydra, he was shocked to see that his father's body was split in half.
Mushoku Tensei share their reactions on Paul's death scene
Of course, this scene shocked the fans, especially the anime-only viewers. What made the death scene more interesting though is how the release of the episode was timed on Father's Day (June 16). When fans shared their reactions online, many of them pointed out this insane timing. How dare did they show the death of Rudy's father on Father's Day? At this point, it's unclear if the timing was intentional or purely coincidental, but we can all agree that it's a heartbreaking to see an iconic father's death on the holiday when you're supposed to celebrate fatherhood.
Check out the reactions of Mushoku Tensei fans from social media below:
The ultimate Father's Day grief
"Filled with regrets"
Sick episode but still good.
Out of all days...
Let's not forget Paul Greyrat.
Insane episode released on Father's Day.
The father's final sacrifice on Father's Day!
Why would they release this episode on Father's Day?
Paul's character development was great.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Episode 22 is now streaming on Crunchyroll.
