Ep 20. Contract

The episode "Contract" is the twentieth installment in the first season of the anime series Log Horizon. The series follows a group of gamers known as Elder Tales who become trapped in their favorite RPG game after the latest expansion pack. The show explores their journey as they struggle to adapt to their new reality and find a way to escape from the game world.

In this particular episode, the main characters are still dealing with the aftermath of the battle with the goblin raiders. Shiroe, the de facto leader of the group, is concerned about how the other players will react to their success. He worries that the victory will make them complacent and that they will stop making progress towards finding a way out of the game.

In order to motivate the group to keep moving forward, Shiroe decides to make a deal with the Head Chef of the Crescent Moon Alliance. He proposes that they help the Chef expand his business in exchange for food and supplies. This new project will give the players something to focus on and will also help them stockpile resources for future battles.

Meanwhile, Naotsugu and Marielle are dispatched on a mission to recruit new members for their guild. They head out to the city of Susukino, where they hope to find skilled players who can help them with their cause. Along the way, they encounter several challenges, including an unexpected ambush by a group of bandits.

As Naotsugu and Marielle struggle to fight off the attackers, they are joined by a mysterious player who goes by the name Isaac. Isaac proves to be a powerful ally, using his lightning-based attacks to defeat the bandits and protect the guild members. However, his true motives remain unclear, and Naotsugu is left wondering if he can trust the new player.

Back in Akihabara, the Crescent Moon Alliance begins work on their new project. They are aided by the D.D.D., a group of intelligent golems that Shiroe had created earlier in the series. The golems prove to be invaluable resources, helping the players construct new buildings and infrastructure.

As the Crescent Moon Alliance's project comes together, the other guilds start to take notice. The Black Sword Knights, one of the most powerful guilds in the game, decide to offer their assistance. They bring with them a group of skilled craftsmen who help the players build even more impressive structures.

However, not everyone is content to work together. Some players become jealous of the Crescent Moon Alliance's success and try to sabotage their efforts. In order to protect their progress, Shiroe must use all of his wits to outmaneuver the other players and keep the project on track.

Overall, "Contract" is an exciting episode that continues to build the world of Log Horizon and develop its characters. It offers a mix of action, strategy, and intrigue, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.