Ep 2. Ryuho

In the second episode of s-Cry-ed season 1 titled "Ryuho," we delve deeper into the intense world of Alter users and witness the personal journey of the enigmatic Ryuho, a native of the Lost Ground known as HOLY.

The episode kicks off with Ryuho being emotionally conflicted after losing to Kazuma, the fiery protagonist of the series and a rival Alter user from the same area. This devastating defeat fuels his determination to surpass Kazuma and become stronger. Ryuho's longing for power and his desire to protect those he cares about drive him to embark on a rigorous training regimen, both physical and mental.

As Ryuho pushes himself to new limits, he reflects on his lifelong dream of joining HOLY, an organization created to maintain order among Alter users and protect the residents of the Lost Ground. Despite his noble aspirations, he feels constant pressure from his father, who is also part of HOLY and expects great things from his son.

Meanwhile, HOLY, led by its commander named Martin Zigmarl, faces an uprising of unruly Alter users who refuse to abide by their rules. These rebellious individuals, known as Native Alters, possess unique abilities that challenge the control of the organization. HOLY's response to this chaos is to unleash their own group of Alter users, known as HOLY Soldiers, who are specially trained to keep the peace.

Within this volatile environment, Ryuho's determination is put to the test when he is chosen to participate in a top-secret special mission by his father. The task involves infiltrating an unauthorized Alter gathering, where Native Alters gather to negotiate their demands and grievances against HOLY. Ryuho's father believes that participating in this operation can be a transformative experience for his son, giving him a chance to prove himself and strengthen his resolve.

Filled with trepidation but resolute to prove his worth, Ryuho sets off on his mission with a mixture of fear and excitement. Upon arriving at the gathering, he encounters a variety of Native Alter users whose unique powers continue to showcase the vast array of abilities within this fantastical world. These encounters force Ryuho to confront his own insecurities and the limitations of his own Alter, Zetsuei.

As Ryuho navigates the unfamiliar landscape of the unauthorized gathering, he meets several Native Alters who challenge his beliefs and force him to question his loyalty to HOLY. These encounters offer insights into the complexities of the Alter users' struggle with authority and the notion of control over their extraordinary powers. Ryuho's interactions with these individuals shed light on the deeper motivations and desires that drive Alter users.

Throughout the episode, Ryuho's character arc is closely intertwined with the ongoing tensions between HOLY and the Native Alters. As he engages with the various alter users and grapples with his own conflicting emotions, Ryuho begins to question the rigid dichotomy between good and evil, right and wrong. This journey of self-discovery ultimately leads him to a pivotal realization that challenges his preconceived notions about power, duty, and the path he must choose to follow.

"Ryuho" is a compelling episode that offers a captivating exploration of its central character's struggles and desires. With its richly developed world, diverse cast of Alter users, and thought-provoking themes, s-Cry-ed continues to build an immersive narrative that captivates viewers, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next thrilling installment of this exhilarating anime series.