Best Fantasy Anime of 2022

Denji never knew a normal childhood, burdened by the crushing debts left by his father. His sole companion was Pochita, a chainsaw devil, and together they hunted other devils for money that was immediately seized by the yakuza. All Denji desired were simple things: good food and a kind girlfriend. However, when the yakuza betrayed him, Denji met a violent end, shattering those dreams. Yet, fulfilling an old pact, Pochita merged with Denji's body, granting him devil powers and transforming him into a chainsaw-wielding hybrid. Makima, a top devil hunter from the Public Safety Bureau, recognized the danger Denji now posed and took him in under close supervision. Driven by the promise of a stable life and a beautiful companion, Denji threw himself into Makima's mission, fighting relentlessly to make his once-innocent dreams a reality.

Since childhood, Minoru Kagenou has been driven by an insatiable hunger for power, subjecting himself to grueling and often brutal training. Yet, his goal is not fame but anonymity. While maintaining a facade as an ordinary student during the day, he spends his nights using a crowbar to dismantle local bike gangs. His aspirations seem crushed when a truck accident leaves him near death. Confronting his end, he regrets his frailty, realizing that despite his efforts, he could not transcend human limitations. Instead of perishing, Minoru is reborn as Cid, the second son of the prestigious Kagenou family, in a world where magic is commonplace. Equipped with the power he once desired, he adopts the persona of "Shadow" and establishes Shadow Garden, an organization dedicated to battling the enigmatic Cult of Diablos—an enemy fabricated entirely by Cid's imagination. However, as Shadow Garden expands in size and influence, it becomes evident that the Cult of Diablos is a genuine and formidable threat, far beyond anything Cid ever anticipated.

As the next Wave approaches, Naofumi Iwatani and his party are gripped by growing unease. Tensions spike when bat-like monsters attack Lurolona Village, halting the Wave countdown. To address this crisis, the Four Cardinal Heroes meet with Queen Mirelia Q Melromarc. She suspects these strange events are tied to the reawakening of the Spirit Tortoise, a dangerous beast that has begun its destructive rampage once more. While strategies to combat the Spirit Tortoise are drawn up, Naofumi volunteers to help, despite his damaged reputation.

In E-Rantel, the vibrant capital of the newly established Sorcerer Kingdom, a severe supply crisis is unfolding. Once a flourishing trade center, the city now faces turmoil as its inhabitants live in fear and distrust of their ruler, Ainz Ooal Gown. To address this emergency, Ainz sends Albedo on a diplomatic assignment to E-Rantel. Simultaneously, the cardinals of the Slane Theocracy gather to devise a strategy against Ainz following his crushing defeat of the Re-Estize Kingdom's army, with the goal of having the Baharuth Empire annex the Sorcerer Kingdom. However, when Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix meets the Theocracy's representatives in a coliseum, he is shocked to encounter Ainz in person. With their secret meeting revealed, the emperor and his entourage realize that Ainz has issued a duel challenge to the Warrior King, the empire's most powerful warrior. Baffled by Ainz's intentions, Jircniv can only watch as the destiny of humanity hangs in the balance.

Having survived the perilous trials of Idofront, Riko obtains a White Whistle, which grants her passage to the Abyss's sixth layer, the Capital of the Unreturned. Accompanied by Reg and Nanachi, she ventures into this unexplored region where the legendary Golden City is said to be concealed. As they traverse the brutal environment, the group faces lethal creatures and treacherous terrain. Their path leads them to a village home to enigmatic entities known as "hollows." Despite the eerie surroundings, the trio continues forward to reveal the settlement's mysteries and the forgotten tales of adventurers who plunged into the Abyss's deepest unknown.

After Nagumo Hajime emerged as the sole survivor from the labyrinth that grants divine power to those who conquer it, his former classmates from the fantasy world of Tortus suffered their first major defeat. Now, accompanied by his trusted companions and the newly added Kaori Shirasaki, Nagumo continues his journey to clear each remaining labyrinth, all while striving toward his ultimate objective of returning to his home world. Meanwhile, back on Earth, the summoned heroes review their past mistakes to improve their strategy against the approaching demon army invasion. As the decisive confrontation draws near, both familiar and new enemies begin putting their sinister plans into action. Once again, Nagumo must prove his dominance against overwhelming opposition, fighting relentlessly to protect the people who matter most to him.

After a truck accident, Takafumi Takaoka's uncle, Yousuke "Ojisan" Shibazaki, remains in a coma for 17 years. When he wakes up, Ojisan speaks in a strange language and insists he was transported to a magical world called Gran Bahamal. Takafumi is initially skeptical but becomes convinced when Ojisan demonstrates his ability to levitate a glass of water using magic. They then start a YouTube channel to showcase Ojisan's magical skills. Takafumi takes on the task of updating Ojisan on current developments like the internet, modern technology, and the resolution of the '90s console wars, which deeply affects the passionate SEGA supporter. Using Ojisan's knowledge from another world, they grow their channel's popularity while managing feedback and dealing with critics. This unconventional journey of the uncle and nephew unfolds in unexpected ways.

After rescuing the Xenos and advancing to Level 4, Bell Cranel now possesses the strength to venture into the deeper, more perilous sections of the Dungeon. As the captain of the Hestia Familia, he sets off on a fresh journey alongside his companions and allies. A troubling prophecy from Cassandra Ilion warns of an impending disaster tied to Bell's friend Ryuu Lion, which could threaten the entire party. Determined to prove Ryuu's innocence, Bell holds firm in his conviction that she is not guilty. Still, it remains uncertain whether he can shield Ryuu from harm and survive the challenges of the abyss.

An ordinary man is transported into a dating sim game, finding himself in a world where women hold all the power. He struggles through the complex and demanding game, finally beating it after many exhausting days of play. His victory leaves him physically drained and starving. While trying to grab food from a convenience store, he trips on the stairs and loses consciousness. When he wakes up, he learns the terrible truth—he has been reborn as Leon Fou Bartfort, a minor character from the very game he played. Now trapped in a world he despises, Leon must use his knowledge of the game's story to survive the dangerous social hierarchy.

While playing an online game, a man falls asleep and wakes up as his character, Arc, in the game's real world. He quickly adjusts to this new reality but faces the problem of looking like the skeleton avatar he chose, which makes the locals uneasy. To avoid drawing attention, he hides his appearance. Heading to the castle town of Luvierte, Arc plans to become an adventurer by taking on quests. Using his extremely high stats, he travels through many lands, defeats countless enemies, and helps those in danger. However, his seemingly simple actions might unknowingly pull him into a large, coming conflict that could change the world's fate.

In the midst of an attack on the human realm by the Demon Queen Echidna, the people look to the Hero Leo Demonheart for salvation. Armed with overwhelming power, Leo quickly drives back Echidna's forces and saves humanity. But instead of gratitude, he faces suspicion from those who fear his strength might one day turn against them. Banished from his homeland, Leo wanders without purpose until he learns that Echidna is rebuilding her army. Seeking a place where he might be accepted, he returns to her castle and offers his services. Though Echidna initially refuses, Leo convinces her four generals to let him work under their supervision in secret. Taking on the identity of a masked dark knight named Onyx, he methodically solves the army's problems, steadily improving life within the castle. Meanwhile, his hidden goal is to uncover the true reason behind Echidna's declaration of war.

In The Case Study of Vanitas Part 2, Vanitas and Noé Archiviste journey to Gévaudan to track down the "Beast," a large wolf-like creature blamed for numerous deaths. Vanitas believes the Beast is a cursed vampire and intends to cure it using his grimoire. During their travels, Vanitas and Noé are unexpectedly sent back in time to the era when the Beast was active. After encountering the Beast and a vampire hunter, Vanitas teams up with Jeanne to find Noé. Although they work together, their goals conflict, as Jeanne seeks to eliminate the Beast, suspecting it may be connected to her personal history. Elsewhere, the wounded Noé is cared for by Chloé d'Apchier and her servant. Chloé, like Noé, is a hidden vampire who has protected future generations and worked to restore her humanity. While Noé is grateful for Chloé's help, he remains unaware that she may be involved with threats more dangerous than the Beast.

Upon attaining the pinnacle of human capability, Varvatos earned the title of Demon Lord due to his overwhelming strength, inspiring both dread and awe among people. His extraordinary power led to a sense of isolation, and he yearned for genuine companionship—a peer he could call a friend. Hoping to alter his fate in another lifetime, Varvatos decides to be reborn as Ard Meteor, a seemingly ordinary child in a peaceful village, three thousand years later. However, despite toning down his powers, he finds his abilities far exceed those of the contemporary world. His lack of social grace further obstructs his desire to form friendships. Complicating his situation, the repercussions of his abrupt departure from his previous existence begin to manifest in unforeseen and dire manners.

At Ortigia Academy of Magic, Alto Goldfilled aims to become a powerful sorcerer. Though his grades are excellent and he works hard, he struggles in his summoning class, which puts him at risk of having to repeat the year. In desperation, Alto turns to an old, worn-out grimoire to change his luck. To his surprise, the ritual succeeds, and he summons a mighty demon named Vermeil. Thankful for being freed, Vermeil agrees to become Alto's familiar, sealing their pact with a deep kiss. But Alto remains unaware of his hidden potential and the dark past that follows Vermeil.

A once-human sword gains awareness after being reincarnated. Possessing telekinetic abilities, the sword investigates its new existence and accumulates various skills. During a journey through a forest infested with monsters, the sword comes across a young girl named Fran, who is escaping a beast. Fran picks up the sword and swiftly slays the creature. She then christens the blade "Shishou" and adopts it as her weapon. Fran and Shishou aspire to embark on adventures together, though Fran's path is complicated by her affiliation with the Black Cat Tribe, a Beastkin group known for its negative reputation. None of her tribe members have ever advanced into more powerful beasts, but Fran is resolute in becoming the first to do so and fulfilling her parents' aspirations. Shishou pledges to serve as Fran's sword until she accomplishes her ambition, and together they create an extraordinarily formidable team.

In the kingdom of Natra, the king's illness has placed the realm's future in the hands of his son, Prince Wein Salema Arbalest. Known for his sharp intellect and wisdom, he appears the ideal choice to serve as regent. Yet Wein dreams of a different goal: selling Natra to the highest bidder. With the authority of the throne, nothing stops him from auctioning off the kingdom and using the proceeds for personal luxury. His plan relies on boosting the value of the small kingdom to secure a generous payout. Whether this ambitious scheme will succeed is uncertain, as Wein's cunning often surpasses his own expectations, inadvertently benefiting the unsuspecting people of Natra.

In "How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Part 2," the "Realist Hero" Kazuya Souma presses on with rebuilding the Elfrieden Kingdom through sweeping administrative reforms, backed by his capable team. After capturing Van, the capital of Amidonia, Kazuya is confronted by envoys from the Gran Chaos Empire, who demand penalties for violating the war prohibition set forth in the Mankind Declaration Treaty. Despite the tense situation, Kazuya comes up with a strategy to sidestep needless conflict and forge fresh alliances. Yet his plan hinges on securing the consent of the empire's representatives.

In a world where mages are granted one of four random crests at birth that define their magical abilities, Gaius, a master of the creation crest, rose to become the most powerful sage in existence. Despite his extraordinary power, Gaius felt unsatisfied, longing for a crest suited to close combat. Recognizing that altering his crest was impossible, he chose to reincarnate in a distant future, hoping to change his destiny. Reborn as Mathias Hildesheimer millennia later, he finally possesses the crest he desired. However, he finds that magic has severely deteriorated over the centuries, with once-common spells now only existing in legends. Worse still, the crest he coveted is now considered the weakest, mockingly called the "Crest of Failure." Unfazed, Mathias exceeds all expectations. He enrolls in the Second Academy in the royal capital and excels in every area. Yet Mathias soon uncovers the grim truth behind humanity's loss of magical power: the interference of demons. Determined, he sets out to fix the consequences of his long absence once and for all.

In preparation for his reincarnation into a new world, Kelvin trades some of his past life's memories for powerful abilities, extra skill points, and an S-class summoner rank. The goddess overseeing this transition, Melfina, gives him the chance to pick a companion for an early edge in his summoning duties. Captivated by Melfina, Kelvin chooses her as his companion, believing his deep affection for her will endure despite the lost memories. Guided by Melfina, Kelvin sets off on an exciting new journey. However, to physically summon his cherished goddess, he needs to accumulate a substantial amount of mana points. The fastest way to achieve this is by battling strong foes and forming alliances with more powerful entities.

In Date A Live IV, Shidou Itsuka continues his mission with Ratatoskr, taking on new challenges after overcoming previous ones. His everyday life is disrupted when he encounters and helps a starving woman on the street, eventually following her to her apartment. There, she reveals herself as Nia Honjou, a famous manga artist using a pen name, and also a Spirit who knows about Shidou's secret operations. Intrigued by testing his charm, Nia challenges Shidou to a date. As he works to contain her abilities, Shidou learns more about Nia and her connection to Deus Ex Machina Industries, an organization he knows all too well.

In a post-apocalyptic Japan reduced to a vast desert, a mysterious rust disease threatens what remains of civilization. The authorities blame mushroom spores and point to Bisco Akaboshi, known as the "Man-Eating Mushroom," as the culprit. Bisco sees things differently. As a "Mushroom Protector," they seek the legendary "Sabikui" mushroom, believed to be the cure for the rusting illness. Accompanying Bisco on this journey are a giant crab named Akutagawa and Dr. Milo Nekoyanagi, a kind-hearted doctor looking for a remedy for their sibling's rust poisoning. Despite widespread prejudice, Bisco continues their quest to heal the decaying world.

Fudou Aikawa and Desumi Magahara are carrying on a covert romance. Fudou, who goes by "Red Gelato," leads the hero squad "Gelato 5" tasked with protecting Japan. Desumi, known as the "Reaper Princess," commands the fighters of "Gekko," a villainous secret organization bent on world conquest and the main enemy of Gelato 5. Although they are openly adversaries, Fudou and Desumi arrange to see each other in secret. Inexperienced with matters of love, the two strive to grow their relationship discreetly, hiding it from their respective comrades. Juggling their devotion to each other with their duties to their opposing factions, they must stay careful to keep their romance from being discovered.

In "Parallel World Pharmacy," Kanji Yakutani, a leading medical researcher, lost his younger sister to ineffective treatments years ago. Driven by a desire to prevent similar tragedies, he dedicated himself to developing new medications. Tragically, at 31, he overworks himself to death but is given a second chance in another world. Kanji awakens as Falma de Médicis, a ten-year-old boy from a lineage of renowned healers in the Sain Fleuve Empire. Blessed by a deity, Falma possesses a distinct divine ability that enables him to manipulate substances based on their chemical structure. Upon reviewing several pharmacology books, Falma discovers that this world’s medical practices are reminiscent of those from ancient eras. Additionally, healthcare is a privilege primarily enjoyed by the nobility, neglecting the needs of ordinary people. With his knowledge from his previous life and his divine powers, Falma decides to revolutionize medical care, making it accessible to all, irrespective of their social class.

After collapsing from overwork in a ruthless corporate setting, Yuuji Sano is reborn into a video game-like fantasy world. Hoping for a calm life, he discovers his starting class is Monster Tamer, widely seen as the weakest. By taming local slimes, he uses their help to unlock hidden magical abilities and gains a second class, Sage, which maximizes his newfound power. Despite possessing overwhelming strength, the mental trauma from his past life prevents him from using it fully. Yet, hidden threats endanger this new world, forcing him to possibly unleash his true power to protect his only refuge.

After their courageous feats at Walter Park, the misfit class returns from summer break to Babyls Demon School, greeted with newfound popularity. However, they also discover that to keep their cherished Royal One classroom, each student must attain Dalet rank by the start of their second year. With the Harvest Festival and Music Festival approaching, there seem to be ample chances to boost their ranks, though no previous class has ever accomplished this feat. To support them, the school assigns special tutors to help the students through their upcoming trials. Iruma Suzuki aims beyond just Dalet rank, starting by winning over his designated tutor, the impulsive and self-absorbed Bachiko Barbatos.

A long-running conspiracy surrounds a mysterious power called "Queen" in the small western country of Raja, located west of Tempest. When Rimuru Tempest, a slime who evolved into a Demon Lord, encounters Hiiro, an Ogre race survivor, an incredible adventure unfolds with new characters. The strength of their bonds will be put to the ultimate test.

In this world, certain animals called "ultimate species" are highly respected for their incredible strength and magical abilities, making them the most powerful creatures around. Humans eagerly try to obtain these beings, which has put several of these rare breeds in danger. Rein Shroud has the uncommon ability to summon various animals to help him with tasks like scouting and managing supplies. Because of this skill, he joins a team led by the ambitious and deceitful hero, Arios Orlando. However, after six months, Rein is kicked out of the group because his non-combat role makes him seem ineffective in battle. Unaware to those who abandoned him, Rein is exceptionally talented among beast tamers. His hidden abilities come to light when he meets Kanade, a cat spirit and a member of the ultimate species, and successfully forms a contract with her. With Kanade by his side, Rein starts a new journey, climbing the ranks as he meets other members of the ultimate species.

In her youth, Uta—a former member of the Red Hair Pirates and childhood friend of Monkey D. Luffy—dreamed of bringing a new era of freedom by sharing her music and joy throughout the world. When Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates arrive at Uta's highly anticipated live performance, they join many fans eager to witness the diva's exceptional talent. However, due to a painful incident in her past, Uta holds deep animosity towards pirates. Her reunion with Luffy becomes tense once she learns of his choice to embrace a life of piracy. Upon Luffy's refusal to give up his pirate ways, Uta uses her powers against the Straw Hats, trapping their minds in a dream realm from the concert's start, leaving their physical forms sleeping in reality. The Straw Hats now race against time to escape Uta's nightmare world before they are lost in it permanently.

Aileen Lauren Dautriche’s world is turned upside down when Crown Prince Cedric Jeanne Elmir breaks their engagement to pursue Lilia Rainworth. This event triggers memories of her previous life, revealing she has been reincarnated as the villainess in an otome game, fated to die in the story’s conclusion. To escape this grim outcome, Aileen decides to captivate the game’s ultimate antagonist, Claude Jeanne Elmir—the so-called "Demon King" and Cedric’s half-brother—and become his bride. This task proves difficult, as Claude is suspicious of her motives. Still, Aileen persists, seeking his love by supporting his goal of achieving harmony between humans and demonic beings. With time running out, she must alter the course of both her own doomed fate and Claude’s as well.

In the capital city of Milishion, the Dead End party decides to take a day off to take care of personal tasks. While Rudeus Greyrat faces interruptions due to unexpected disruptions, the party's swordswoman, Eris Boreas Greyrat, finds herself without any plans. She decides to go on a goblin-hunting mission, and runs into Cliff Grimoire, a confident yet skilled mage who insists on joining her despite her attempts to refuse. Unfazed, Cliff challenges Eris to explore the dangerous forest near the city. Accepting the challenge, Eris and the mage venture into the woods, where they soon encounter threats far more dangerous than ordinary goblins.

During their school days, Tsukasa Jinguuji was admired for his handsome appearance and popularity with girls, while Hinata Tachibana remained in the background, always longing for a girlfriend. Despite these differences, the pair maintained a close friendship into their thirties and worked together at the same company. After a work event where Jinguuji once again took center stage, Tachibana, intoxicated and frustrated, wished to become a stunningly beautiful woman with irresistible appeal. Suddenly, a god appeared and transported both of them to a fantasy world to face the Demon Lord, at the same time fulfilling Tachibana’s request. Now transformed into an incredibly attractive woman, Tachibana draws attention from everyone, including Jinguuji. Tachibana also starts to understand the appeal that made Jinguuji so popular. However, before romantic entanglements can develop, they must concentrate on their quest to defeat the Demon Lord, or else risk being trapped forever by their growing attraction to each other.

As winter approaches, Myne, now an apprentice priestess, must prepare for church life and the upcoming Dedication Ceremony. However, her vast knowledge and unusually high mana levels have attracted the dangerous attention of many individuals who wish to exploit her powers. To protect her, the Head Priest assigns a bodyguard for Myne and proposes that she be adopted by a noble family, which would force her to be separated from her family. Myne refuses this plan, causing the Head Priest to give her a firm ultimatum: she may remain with her family until she turns ten, but if she is considered a threat, harsh actions will be taken against her. Confronted with this difficult situation, Myne is unsure of what to do. No matter what happens, she is resolved to protect her loved ones, even if that means giving up her own dreams.

Ordinary student Mitsuki Mutou is mysteriously whisked away to another world. After being summoned by the king, who expects great power, Mitsuki is judged useless due to an apparent lack of a Special Concept and is cast out. While wandering, Mitsuki meets Menou, a priestess who explains that people from Japan are called Lost Ones and that every Lost One inherently carries a Special Concept. Menou, who belongs to a church that claims to help abandoned Lost Ones, offers Mitsuki shelter at her church to uncover the nature of their hidden ability. It is later discovered that Mitsuki’s Special Concept is both extremely powerful and dangerous. However, one must wonder whether Menou’s true purpose is really to aid Lost Ones or if she has hidden motives.

Keina Kagami, who had been confined to her bed for an extended period, suddenly ends up transported into the digital realm of her cherished VRMMORPG, Leadale, after her life support system malfunctions. She wakes up as her high-level avatar, Cayna, and quickly realizes that this version of Leadale is not the same as the one she once knew. To her amazement, Cayna discovers that two hundred years have elapsed since her last log-in to this world. Far from feeling discouraged, this revelation signals the start of a fresh and exhilarating adventure, full of new possibilities and friends she has yet to meet.

In the Kingdom of Wenias, Sable attends the Royal Magic Academy with the lowest grades in the entire school. Remembering nothing of his past, he accepts a special assignment from Headmaster Albus: traveling to the southern regions. Accompanying him are Roux Cristasse—the Dawn Witch—Holt, a girl with antlers growing from her head, and Kudd, a lizard-like Beastfallen. Their goal is to establish a new village for witches in an area where hostility toward them still runs strong. Along the way, the four must stay clear of former members of the Dia Ignis Arbiters, ruthless witch hunters who killed many witches and ordinary people. Even though their order was dissolved and pardoned after the war between the Church and witches, these individuals still roam free, determined to capture any mage they encounter. Roux possesses the Staff of Ludens, known as the "witch-eater," while Sable holds an endless wellspring of magical power. These advantages may be essential to completing Albus's objective. If they fail, Sable stands to lose all memory of magic and the academy—leaving him without a sense of direction or any way back to the silver-haired mage who once saved him.

In "I've Somehow Gotten Stronger When I Improved My Farm-Related Skills," Al Wayne devotes himself to becoming an exceptional farmer. His relentless efforts lead him to excel in agriculture, earning him recognition as a top cultivator. This newfound mastery dramatically enhances his capabilities, surpassing those of legendary heroes from bygone eras. Upon discovering his immense strength, the royal family approaches Al for help in combating a series of disasters that began around the time of his empowerment. Though hesitant, Al consents to protect his cherished farmlands by facing these threats head-on.

After Magenta's father was defeated by Gokuu Son, Magenta seeks revenge against Gokuu's family and friends. To bring back the defunct Red Ribbon Army, Magenta recruits Dr. Hedo, the grandson of the infamous scientist Dr. Gero. Hedo creates a line of superhero-themed androids designed to eliminate Gokuu, after Magenta convinces him that Earth's strongest warriors are actually alien enemies. While Gokuu and Vegeta are away training off-world, Piccolo becomes a mentor to Pan, Gokuu's young granddaughter, teaching her combat skills just as he did with her father, Gohan Son. Gohan, who has abandoned his warrior life to pursue an academic path, finds his peaceful routine disrupted along with Piccolo's when Gamma 1-gou and Gamma 2-gou, Hedo's new android creations, appear. Although the Gamma androids believe they are acting for justice, a hidden plot unfolds within the Red Ribbon Army base. Gohan and Piccolo must take urgent measures to protect Pan and defend the planet from this emerging mechanical threat.

In the virtual reality MMORPG Ark Earth Online, the renowned summoner mage Dunbalf—known for his commanding presence and immense strength, often called a one-man army—was one of the game's most powerful characters. Alongside the "Nine Wise Mages" and King Solomon, he helped establish the mage player kingdom of Alcait. However, one day, Dunbalf and the Nine Wise Mages vanished without any explanation. To use up his remaining credits, Dunbalf bought a cosmetic kit to alter his appearance, but he fell asleep while using it. When he woke up, he found that the game had become much more realistic, and he had been transformed into a cute girl. Arriving in Alcait, he learns that 30 years have passed since his disappearance. Tasked by King Solomon with finding the other missing mages, the dedicated role player adopts a new identity—Mira, the disciple of the Wise Man Dunbalf—and sets out on a journey to carry on his legacy.

In "Princess Connect! Re:Dive Season 2," the Gourmet Guild members—Yuuki, Kokkoro, Pecorine, and Karyl—carry on with their quest to sample every tasty dish across the land. Yet, as they journey onward, the enigmas surrounding Yuuki's lost recollections, Karyl's loyalties, and Pecorine's lineage start to converge, appearing to shape the very core of their reality.

This film is the sequel to Sword Art Online: Progressive - Hoshinaki Yoru no Aria. Though it appears to be a game, it is not something meant to be played. The first VRMMORPG, Sword Art Online, transformed into a deadly game where death is real. More than a month has elapsed since ten thousand players were confined within its virtual realm. Asuna, having conquered the first floor of the floating iron castle Aincrad, teamed up with Kirito and pressed onward toward the highest floor. With assistance from the information broker Argo, their floor-clearing efforts appeared to be proceeding without issue—until tensions explode between two guilds that ought to be cooperating: the elite ALS (Aincrad Liberation Squad) and DKB (Dragon Knights Brigade). Meanwhile, a shadowy figure manipulates events from behind the scenes. Amid this deadly struggle, an unexpected attack—one unlike any prior danger—draws Asuna and Kirito into its path.

After the first season's events, Kate and her Doll Emilico dwell within the Shadows House but remain under close watch by the Star Bearers, who enforce control over the children's quarters. To evade this surveillance and the oppressive tactics used to secure loyalty, Kate and Emilico must carefully choose allies and strive to earn the rank of Star Bearer themselves. Meanwhile, the Star Bearers face internal turmoil as a mysterious cloaked figure known as "Master Robe" has slipped into the children's area. Initially dismissed as harmless, Master Robe becomes entangled in a growing chain of incidents that endanger the Dolls. Determined to rise in status, Kate undertakes to unravel the mystery of Master Robe. With scant clues and numerous possible suspects, tracking down Master Robe and discerning their true intentions for targeting the mansion proves to be an arduous task.

In Hinomoto, humans have lived under the illusion of peace for 150 years, controlled by demonic deities who secretly enslave them. Musashi spends his days mining for these beings, but harbors a hidden desire for freedom, believing the samurai are humanity's only hope. He hides his true feelings, growing apart from his childhood friend Kojirou Kanemaki, until graduation. When Musashi starts working at the mine with his peers, he is horrified by the brutal conditions and suspicious overseers. Yet he endures with Kojirou's support. After the demon leader wreaks havoc in the quarry, Musashi is saved by the Takeda samurai clan. Renewed with purpose and a thirst for adventure, he sets out to become a samurai and build his own clan.

Kikuru Madan, one of the most veteran members of the Mebuki guild, laments having squandered his youth and longs for a normal life. Yet he hesitates to retire, fearing the guild's fate without his leadership. By coincidence—almost as if to aid in finding his replacement—guild receptionist Enome assigns Kikuru four new recruits: the energetic beastwoman Hitamu "Hitamuki" Kyan, the gifted Maidena Ange, the easygoing Toxico Dannar, and the dependable Hanabata Nohkins. While each newcomer shows impressive skill, they all have flaws—most notably Hitamu's social awkwardness and Hanabata's unintentionally suggestive behavior. To make matters worse, the monsters beyond Mebuki's walls begin acting strangely, lecherously targeting women, creating numerous problems for the party. Despite these obstacles, Kikuru remains determined to retire soon, making the training he provides these rookies absolutely vital.

In the world of Terra, the discovery of Originium—a dark crystal with vast energy potential—has driven rapid technological progress. This substance allows individuals to perform abilities resembling magic, known as Arts. Originium is commonly found in areas struck by Catastrophes, natural disasters triggered by the mineral. However, using Originium carries a severe cost: exposure can lead to Oripathy, a deadly and contagious illness. Consequently, those afflicted face harsh discrimination from governments, leading to the formation of a radical group called Reunion. This faction carries out violent attacks on cities, worsening the damage caused by Catastrophes. Rhodes Island, a military-aligned pharmaceutical organization that treats both the infected and the healthy without bias, leads research on Oripathy. Yet, the head of this crucial project, known only as the Doctor, suffers from amnesia, potentially hindering the only viable path for the infected to escape their grim fate.

Within the imperial court, a mysterious figure known with both awe and fear exists: the Raven Consort, Ryuu Jusetsu. Secluded in her dark palace and kept apart from the emperor, she is the subject of countless rumors. Tales of her supernatural powers—from retrieving lost objects to placing curses—are widespread. Speculation ranges from her being an immortal sage to a malevolent spirit, but Jusetsu remains unmoved by the gossip, content in her isolation. That tranquility ends when Emperor Ka Koushun suddenly enters her sanctuary, begging for her help with a baffling problem. Jusetsu's quiet seclusion is shattered as she is forced to leave her palace for the first time to aid the emperor. Despite her annoyance at Ka Koushun's repeated visits, she cannot refuse his pleas. Recalling the words of her predecessor, the Raven Consort is fated to eternal solitude, free of desire. Yet a change occurs when Jusetsu chooses Jiujiu, a naive and curious palace maid, as her sole attendant. As they begin to handle the court's requests, hidden dangers emerge beyond the safety of her walls, threatening to uncover parts of Jusetsu's past that she wishes to keep hidden.

In their second year at First High School, the top institution for magicians, Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba are famous for their incredible abilities. Their present close relationship makes it hard to imagine that four years earlier, they were far apart. At that time, Miyuki felt uneasy around her older brother, viewing him merely as a guardian assigned by their family, lacking any personal connection. That outlook was completely transformed during a family vacation to Okinawa, which unexpectedly turned into a perilous ordeal.

The homeroom class is pulled through a wormhole into—unsurprisingly—another world, where they find themselves in a barren landscape ruled by a violent magical automaton. There, they encounter a girl-type golem who behaves much like Megumin, a woman wearing the same military uniform as Tanya, and a man with a cane who appears to recognize Subaru, leading to chaotic and humorous situations.

In a distant winter, nearly immortal vampires began spreading across the globe, quickly surpassing humanity's rule. Facing extinction, the surviving humans took refuge in a fortified city surrounded by a massive wall, waging relentless war against the vampires. One day, during a brutal vampire assault, a human soldier named Momo comes face-to-face with Fiine, the queen of the vampires. Moved by Fiine's attempt to save Momo's closest friend from a frenzied vampire, Momo secretly follows Fiine to her home. They discover a shared love for music and a mutual desire to move beyond the ongoing conflict. Hoping to find a place where humans and vampires can coexist peacefully, Momo and Fiine set out on a journey to this mythical haven, despite doubts about its existence. However, both factions are hunting them, forcing the pair to navigate dangerous paths to achieve their goal.

After his grandfather Yasuji passes away, Kousuke Kumagaya drifts apart from his childhood friend, Natsume Tonai. Once inseparable and brought up together in the same apartment building, their relationship sours due to Natsume's lingering attachment to the past, and the scheduled demolition of their old home only worsens the rift. When a rumor spreads that a ghost haunts the abandoned building, Kousuke's friends talk him into exploring the demolition site with them. There, he unexpectedly runs into Natsume arguing over a camera that used to belong to Yasuji. As Natsume runs off with the camera, a sudden downpour floods the area, trapping them on the building's roof. Now stranded on the apartment complex as it drifts across the water, Kousuke and Natsume find themselves cut off from the rest of the world. To make it back home, they must first settle the conflict between them.

After bandits killed her parents, Sarasa Feed is taken to an orphanage. There, she discovers her love for alchemy, inspired by the legacy of her late parents, and dreams of starting her own alchemy business. To make this happen, she enrolls in the Royal Alchemist Academy for training and certification. Five years later, after graduating, Sarasa is only one step away from achieving her dream, but she does not have the money to do so. With few other options, she decides to open a small shop in a remote town far from the busy capital. Even though the area is full of dangerous landscapes and wild beasts, Sarasa begins her exciting journey as a novice alchemist.

Fifteen years ago, the ruthless and immensely powerful sorcerer Dark Schneider sought to dominate the world with his army, commanded by the Four Divine Kings. Though he was eventually defeated, his essence was sealed inside the body of a newborn child. Now, Dark Schneider's former allies have reunited with a grim objective: to revive Anthrasax, the god of destruction who nearly wiped out humanity four centuries earlier, in order to create a world without conflict. Their plan requires breaking four seals spread across four different kingdoms. Metallicana, one of these kingdoms, is under attack by the forces of the Four Divine Kings because it holds one of the seals. As the kingdom faces certain defeat, hope rests on Yoko Tia Noto, the daughter of Metallicana's Grand Priest. Yoko knows that her adopted brother, Lucien Renlen, contains Dark Schneider within him and is the key to breaking the seal. With no other choice, Yoko manages to release Dark Schneider, who still retains his malevolent nature. The fate of the world now depends on whether Dark Schneider will side with his former allies or heed Yoko's plea to protect what she holds dear. Convincing Dark Schneider to oppose those he once served may prove an impossible task.

In a world under constant assault by monsters, joining an adventurer team is seen as a prestigious career path due to the fame it brings. A young human warrior named Alvin aims to start his journey by taking on a beginner mission from the local guild. During his quest, Alvin encounters a magical bear and soon finds himself in a dangerous situation. A dark elf healer named Karla appears and offers help, seemingly unaware of the immediate threat. After a confusing exchange complicated by Karla's odd and eccentric behavior, Alvin convinces her to assist. Unfortunately, instead of healing him, she accidentally curses him: if Alvin moves too far from her, he will die. Though bound to stay near Karla until the curse is removed, Alvin remains determined to achieve his dream of becoming a famous adventurer. With this unexpected ally, his path to success may become either easier or harder, depending entirely on Karla's unpredictable nature.

In "Orient: Awajishima Gekitou-hen," after Musashi rescues Michiru Saruwatari from a demon, his companion Kojirou Kanemaki learns that his father had ties to the Uesugi clan. Wanting to uncover more about his past, Kojirou joins forces with members of his own clan to take part in Uesugi's military campaign against Yamata no Orochi, the eight-headed dragon demon that rules over Awaji Island and threatens the surrounding region. As Musashi becomes part of Uesugi's coalition, he confronts the harsh realities of battling powerful demons. Lacking the necessary strength and struggling with teamwork, he is forced to improve his ability to work with new allies. Meanwhile, the Kurogane Eight, who seek the Obsidian Goddess residing within Musashi, resume their pursuit and attempt to disrupt the operations on the island. As chaos escalates, Musashi and his companions must navigate the schemes of multiple factions vying for control over the Obsidian Goddess.

Agastia appears to be an ordinary amusement park operator, but in reality, it serves as a front for a highly sophisticated and malevolent organization aiming to conquer the world. Despite the intense pressure its employees face, the company manages to keep them motivated. Under the leadership of the formidable Akashic, Agastia has become a major player among rival groups with similar goals. Touka Kuroitsu works as a researcher in Agastia's Monster Development Department, often sent into the field because of the eccentric habits of her senior colleagues. Her typical day involves delivering impromptu presentations, handling unusual requests for monster designs, and escorting her creations to their predictable defeats against Agastia's enemies. Despite these obstacles, Kuroitsu remains committed and is willing to do whatever it takes to excel and earn the promotion she desperately wants.

An unaired episode included in the first Blu-ray volume serves as the thirteenth installment of Season Two, part of the Blu-ray boxset for that season. During a break in their travels, Shia requests that Yue, who is adept at magic, instruct her in its techniques. Tio and Myu also wish to participate, but Hajime attempts to prevent them for some reason. Yue's magic lesson then commences. Afterwards, Hajime and his companions decide to take a detour. They arrive at a town filled with numerous clothing shops, and they choose to purchase garments that appeal to Myu. However, what begins there is not shopping, but an exchange of clothing among themselves.

After surviving a harsh childhood, the lone swordsman Guts moves from one battle to the next, cutting down powerful foes with his massive blade. He eventually crosses paths with the mysterious Griffith and his mercenary company, the Band of the Hawk. When Griffith defeats Guts in combat, he takes the swordsman into his group, giving Guts a new experience of belonging alongside others. Alongside the skilled warrior Casca, Guts helps Griffith expand the band's fame and string of victories. As Griffith's military successes grow, he must contend with assassination plots and political schemes. He uses Guts to advance his own ambitions for power, exploiting the fact that the swordsman has no personal goals of his own. Even as Guts and Casca grow closer, his lack of purpose leaves him without a true sense of belonging. Torn by their conflicting desires, both Guts and Casca follow Griffith's dream, but the rising tensions among the three threaten to destroy everything around them.

In a world that has enjoyed fifteen years of peace after the demon lord's defeat, Kotone Kazairo, a newly certified mage, moves to the capital Dali in the Kingdom of Actus to start a new life. At sixteen, she looks for a place to live and visits Rent Plan Guide, a local real estate agency. There, she meets her future coworkers: Rufuria, a practical-minded priest; Rakira, a rugged warrior with a tomboyish demeanor; and Fa, an appealing demihuman. Kotone quickly joins RPG Real Estate, enthusiastically learning the ropes alongside her diverse team. The agency specializes in matching a wide array of quirky clients with their ideal homes, despite the often complicated process. Despite the hurdles, Kotone and her team remain committed to their goal of bringing happiness to their clients through the magic of finding the right house.

In the year 2062, Earth is locked in a desperate struggle against Artemis, an artificial intelligence that turned against its creators following the failure of a large-scale automation project years ago. To counter this conflict, an elite squad of warriors known as the Human Guardians was formed. As the sole survivor of this unit, Empress awakens in an abandoned research center, completely isolated. Her only remaining memory is of a place called Lighthouse No. 8. Setting out to uncover the truth of her past, she soon discovers the immense threat posed by Artemis and realizes she is the only hope to prevent worldwide destruction.

After the incident, Hajime grew anxious about having to part ways with Myuu as their journey continued. Before their departure, he and his companions remembered the Seven Great Legends of Erisen, but discovered that every record of them had vanished. On their seventh and final outing, Hajime came across a colossal, enigmatic creature and was transported to a realm of ruins. In that abandoned city, while searching for the missing Myuu, Hajime experienced a fortunate and miraculous encounter.

Fifth season of Strike the Blood.