The dark fantasy anime Sentenced to Be a Hero is gearing up for its next major storyline chapter. The series has unveiled a brand-new trailer and key visual heralding the start of the Mureed Fortress Arc, promising intensified battles, deeper lore revelations, and heightened stakes for the condemned heroes of Penal Hero Unit 9004.
In this gripping adaptation of Rocket Shōkai's light novel series, the world is plagued by monstrous abominations spawned from the Demon Lord's forces. Humanity's defense relies on a brutal system: criminals convicted of the gravest offenses are sentenced to serve as "heroes." These individuals are bound by magical seals that compel obedience, and death offers no reprieve—souls are dragged back from the afterlife and resurrected into new bodies to continue the endless war. The protagonist, Xylo Forbartz, once a revered Holy Knight commander, was framed for the murder of a goddess and thrust into this merciless cycle of combat and revival.
The Mureed Fortress Arc marks a pivotal turning point in the narrative. Following the unit's earlier encounters and the introduction of a mysterious new goddess, the arc shifts focus to the fortified stronghold of Mureed Fortress. This location serves as a critical defensive bastion against demonic incursions, where the heroes face overwhelming odds and uncover more about the corrupt system that imprisons them.
The newly released trailer showcases intense action sequences amid the fortress's towering walls and shadowy interiors, highlighting the unit's desperate struggle against formidable enemies. Accompanying the trailer is a striking key visual that captures the oppressive atmosphere of the arc, featuring key characters poised in battle-ready stances against a backdrop of crumbling fortifications and looming threats.
Check out the new key visual for Sentenced to Be a Hero Episode 4:
Produced by Studio Kai and directed by Hiroyuki Takashima, the anime brings the light novel's grim tone to life with fluid animation and a soundtrack that amplifies the tension of eternal punishment. The cast includes Yōhei Azakami as Xylo Forbartz, Mayu Iizuka as Teoritta, Shizuka Ishigami as Patausche Kivia, Shun Horie as Dotta Luzulas, and Shunichi Toki as Venetim Leopool. The series premiered in January 2026, quickly gaining attention for its cynical take on heroism and its exploration of themes like betrayal, redemption, and rebellion against an unjust authority.
As the Mureed Fortress Arc begins, viewers can expect the story to delve further into the unit's dynamics, the origins of the demonic blight, and Xylo's growing resolve to challenge the divine order that condemns him.
Crunchyroll describes Sentenced to Be a Hero as follows:
In a world where heroism is a punishment, Xylo Forbartz, a condemned goddess killer, battles endless hordes of monstrous abominations as part of Penal Hero Unit 9004. Death is no escape, only a cycle of resurrection and relentless combat. But when Xylo encounters a mysterious new goddess, their unlikely alliance sparks a rebellion that could shatter the chains of eternal punishment.
Episodes of Sentenced to Be a Hero are available to stream exclusively on Crunchyroll, with new installments released shortly after their broadcast in Japan. The series continues to air weekly, offering subscribers access to both subtitled and dubbed versions, along with premium features like ad-free viewing and offline downloads.
Sources: Official X account of Sentenced to Be a Hero & KADOKAWAanime YouTube channel
