Ep 3. Duel

In Grimoire of Zero season 1 episode 3, titled "Duel," our main characters Zero and Mercenary find themselves in a small village where magic has been outlawed. Despite the danger, Zero is determined to track down the missing half of her grimoire, which she believes can be found within the village. However, their plans are derailed when they run into a group of bandits who are causing havoc in the village.

After helping the villagers fend off the bandits, Zero and Mercenary are approached by the leader of the bandits, who challenges Mercenary to a duel. The leader, named Albus, is impressed with Mercenary's swordsmanship and believes that defeating him will prove his own worth as a warrior. Despite Mercenary's reluctance, he ultimately agrees to the duel.

Meanwhile, Zero befriends a young girl named Albusa who has been ostracized by the villagers for using magic. Albusa tells Zero that her mother was killed for being a witch and that she herself has been accused of practicing magic. Zero promises to help Albusa and insists that magic is not something to be feared.

The day of the duel arrives and a crowd gathers to watch. Mercenary and Albus engage in a fierce battle, with both fighters displaying impressive skills. However, it soon becomes clear that Albus is not fighting fair and is using underhanded tactics to gain the upper hand. Despite this, Mercenary is able to defeat Albus and spare his life.

With the duel over, the villagers begin to warm up to Zero and Mercenary, realizing that not all magic is evil. Zero is able to find the missing half of her grimoire and prepares to leave the village. However, before they can leave, a mysterious figure approaches them and warns Zero that her search for the grimoire could have dire consequences.

Overall, "Duel" is an action-packed episode that showcases both the skill and heart of our main characters. It also delves deeper into the show's themes of magic and prejudice, as we see the villagers' fear of magic and Zero's determination to change their minds. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see what happens next.