Ep 19. Route Selection

As a powerful demon army continues to invade the kingdom of Fittoa, Rudy is called upon to help protect the capital city. As he joins forces with the other great swordsman in the kingdom, they each choose a different route to take in the battle. While some opt for a direct attack, others choose to take a more strategic approach. As Rudy struggles to find the best route for himself, he must also grapple with his own past.

The episode begins with Rudy and his fellow warriors arriving at the outskirts of the capital. There, they meet with the defenders of the city and are briefed on the current situation. The demon army has already breached the city's outer defenses and is now pressing forward towards the heart of the capital.

As the group discusses their options, Rudy finds himself at odds with the other great swordsman. While some of them advocate for a direct attack on the demon horde, Rudy feels that a more strategic approach is needed. He suggests that they split into two groups, with one group mounting a diversionary attack to draw the demons away from the main force.

To his surprise, not everyone agrees with this plan. Some of the warriors see it as cowardice and feel that a frontal assault would be more honorable. Rudy argues that the goal is not to win honor, but to win the battle. Eventually, the group splits into two, with Rudy leading the diversionary force.

As the battle begins, Rudy and his group set out to draw the demons away from the main force. They succeed in doing so, but not without taking heavy casualties. For Rudy, the experience is a harsh reminder of his past failures. As he fights to keep his comrades alive, he is plagued by memories of the people he was unable to save.

Despite the losses, Rudy's plan succeeds in drawing the demons away from the main force. With the demon horde now divided, the defenders of the capital are able to mount a more effective defense. The battle rages on, with both sides taking heavy losses.

In the midst of the fighting, Rudy receives an unexpected message. It is from a member of his old adventurer party, who has been fighting in another part of the kingdom. The message informs Rudy that his old party has been wiped out by the demon army, and that he is the last surviving member.

The news hits Rudy hard, and he is briefly overcome with grief. However, he knows that he cannot let his emotions interfere with the battle. He rallies his troops and presses on, fighting harder than ever.

In the end, the defenders of the capital are able to repel the demon army. The surviving warriors regroup and share their experiences from the battle. Rudy reflects on his own journey, and the road that has led him to this point. Despite the losses he has suffered, he knows that he must continue fighting to protect the people he cares about.

Overall, "Route Selection" is a thrilling and emotional episode that showcases the intense battles and conflicting ideologies at play in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. With stunning animation, complex characters, and high-stakes action, this episode is a standout moment in the series.