Summary
A thrilling continuation of what is turning out to be one of the most exciting arcs in the series thus far.
We recap the HiDive anime series Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Season 4 Episode 12, “Amphisbaena: A Song of Despair,” which contains spoilers.
Season 4, part 1 of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? was easily one of the best of the series, with better art and higher stakes than ever. We’ve always known Bell (Yoshitsugu Matsuoka) was destined for great things, but seeing him take on the very abomination that took out the Estrella Family was one for the ages. With every passing season, he continues to grow stronger and exceed expectations while tensing loyal to himself and his friends.
When we last saw Bell and his friends, they were engaged in their most terrifying battle yet. With Bell and Ryuu (Saori Hayami) barely alive on the 37th floor, while a floor boss has suddenly spawned in front of his friends, things aren’t looking promising. If season 4, part 2, continues with the same momentum where part 1 left off, then it’s sure to more than deliver.
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Season 4 Episode 12 Recap
This episode opens where the last left off, with Bell and Ryuu suddenly stuck on the 37th floor of the dungeon. He remembers what Ais told him about the lower floors as he hears the screams of the Juggernaut in the distance.
Back on the 27th floor, Bell’s party has run into Amphisbaena, the twin-headed dragon floor boss. He’s a fierce monster whose strength has even Aisha ready to flee for their own safety. As they attempt to run, the dragon spits fire, blocking their exits and melting their shields with ease. Even his cries cause crystals to rain down from the roof, trapping them further.
Ouranos and Fels wonder how and why Amphisbaena has spawned when it isn’t due to appear for another two weeks. However, with its early appearance, as well as the Juggernaut’s, it’s clear the dungeon is acting more unpredictably than they’re used to. Even worse, the Juggernaut seems to have left the floor it spawned on, which is something they didn’t think it could do before.
Knowing the Juggernaut is closing in on him, Bell fears the monster may still be following the initial orders of Jura. He and Ryuu are far too injured to stand a chance against it, but if they run, they have no idea what monsters await them on this floor, either. He begins to panic and wonders if these are the feelings that Ais mentioned before.
With their escape route blocked, Cassandra finally realizes that this is the “cage of dispair” she saw in her premonitions. The group wonders if the dungeon has it out for them, but it does not matter now, as they have no choice but to fight. As Amphisbaena makes his strength known with another powerful blast, Aisha realizes the group barely has the will to fight. There’s an overwhelming sense that they won’t be able to achieve victory without Bell by their side, but Welf attempts to encourage them to try it on their own, managing to lift the group’s morale.
The party engages Amphisbaena in battle, with Welf freezing the water it’s submerged in while Aisha attacks the beast head-on. Since Amphisbaena has the ability to scatter magic, she says they must hit it with close-up blows instead. They soon realize that many of their attacks and weapons are likely useless, but they continue trying anyway, with Sanjouno casting her level boost on the party.
On the surface, Hestia tells Ryuu’s co-workers at the pub about the letter she received accusing Ryuu of murder. Of course, no one believes the accusations, but Hestia reveals she has sent reinforcements just in case because she has a bad feeling.
Despite not knowing what they will run into, Bell attempts to move him and Ryuu. He barely makes it down the tunnel, however, before the Juggernaut appears behind them.
Ending Explained
On the 27th floor, Bell’s party continues to struggle against the floor boss. The more outmatched they feel, the more discouraged Lili becomes as the team supporter, but Daphne quickly snaps her out of it in the heat of battle. With a clearer mind, she begins directing the group, using her head to strategize in an attempt to give them an upper hand. Mikoto uses her abilities, causing the roof to cave in on top of Amphisbaena. It buys the group just enough time to launch several stronger attacks on the monster before it calls up reinforcements.
Cassandra’s fear of her premonitions has her too afraid even to attempt fighting back, but Daphne scolds her, saying she is just as scared, but they have no other options. Her words reach Cassandra still, encouraging her to stand up and finally do her job as a healer.
As someone who was rather impressed by part 1 of this season, I was hoping that part 2 would keep the same momentum. I am happy to see it exceeded my expectations even.
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? has always been a good series, with pretty solid reviews, but it’s never gotten the hype of some of the other popular seinen animes. However, with season 4, it’s relatively easy to tell that whoever’s working behind the scenes has really stepped their game up on all fronts. Everything from animation to storytelling has improved. This season also seems to carry more weight than the previous ones, with more substantial, mature plots and actual stakes. Seeing Bell’s party struggle without him was just as compelling as watching them fight with Bell. As the show continues, many of the ensemble characters begin to grow into their own, which has helped to round out what used to be a minimal cast.
Part 2 continued with the same passion and intensity that part 1 finished off with, and I’m sure fans will agree that it will be fun to see just how much more this anime grows from here.
What did you think of the anime series Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Season 4 Episode 12? Comment below.
