The Beginning After the End episode 2, entitled The King, Under Attack, debuted on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. This installment follows Arthur’s journey alongside his parents and members of the Twinhorns to the city of Xyrus. Progressing in his training, Arthur’s mentor, Reynolds, believes it’s time for him to find a dedicated master for further instruction.
On their way to Xyrus, the group encounters a band of bandits, leading to a gripping conflict. During this confrontation, Reynolds unveils a significant secret concerning Alice, Arthur’s mother. In a moment of bravery and sacrifice, Arthur risks his life to protect his mother. With this episode, the narrative of The Beginning After the End deepens, revealing new insights and scenes that showcase King Grey.
Disclaimer: Spoilers for The Beginning After the End episode 2 follow.
The Journey to Xyrus: The Adventure Begins
Episode 2 opens with a flashback to Arthur’s previous life as King Grey, where the Royal Council deliberates on the fate of an emissary accused of attempting to assassinate the King. While the law demands execution, the Council chooses to show mercy and sends the emissary and his family back to their homeland for sentencing.
Desperate, the emissary pleads for his family’s safety, claiming his return home would be worse than death. Tragically, his pleas fall on deaf ears as Grey horrifically executes the emissary’s wife and son. This shocking act of violence leaves the Royal Council in disbelief, with Grey’s brutal decision being perceived as a twisted form of mercy. The emissary’s final, tearful thanks reveal the deep trauma and despair he faces. The narrative then transitions to King Grey’s new incarnation as Arthur in Sapin.
In this new reality, Arthur demonstrates his growth by wielding a wooden sword under the tutelage of his father, Reynolds Leywin. To everyone’s astonishment, Arthur successfully imbues his sword with mana—an extraordinary feat for a four-year-old. Recognizing Arthur’s potential, Reynolds believes it’s time for his son to learn from a proper master. However, Alice is reluctant to separate from her young son, advocating for family unity. Cleverly, Arthur suggests they all travel together, earning him praise from his parents.
The narrative progresses as the family prepares for their adventure towards Xyrus, accompanied by Reynolds and Alice’s former companions from the Twinhorns. Characters such as Adam Krensch, Angela Rose, Durden Walker, and Helen Shard introduce themselves to Arthur, while Jamine Flamesworth observes silently. As they set off on their journey in carriages pulled by formidable beasts, Alice asks Arthur if he feels excited about the trip.
Arthur reflects, comparing their primitive mode of transport with the advanced technology he knew as King Grey. Despite his thoughts, he remains intrigued by this new experience. The party makes its way toward Xyrus, the anticipated destination of their journey.
Challenges Along the Way
After a stretch of travel, the group decides to take a break, but their peace is short-lived as they are ambushed by wild beasts. In this thrilling sequence, members of the Twinhorns spring into action, allowing Arthur to observe their coordination in combat. He deduces the abilities of his companions, identifying Adam, Helen, and Jasmine as Augmenters while Angela and Durden wield conjuration powers. Inspired by their prowess, Arthur aspires to train harder and match their strengths.
The successful hunt yields food for their evening meal, and as night falls, Alice realizes Reynolds has sustained an injury and offers to use her healing powers. Fellow party members advise caution and examine their surroundings before permitting Alice to utilize her skills. She’s identified as an Emitter, a rare mage with unique healing capabilities, and these skills place her family at risk, highlighting their need for anonymity.
As the evening progresses, Adam proposes a sparring match between him and Arthur. Even though Arthur is aware of his youth, he accepts with enthusiasm. Armed with a wooden sword, he faces Adam, who momentarily imbues his weapon with mana. Although Arthur displays two forms of magic to enhance his agility and strength, his physical limitations prevent him from achieving victory, garnering praise instead from Adam for his potential.
This exchange piques Jasmine’s interest, prompting her to request that Arthur teach her his techniques. The friendly rivalry fosters a budding connection between the two. As their journey continues, Arthur teaches Jasmine while receiving a dagger as a token of her gratitude, an indication of her growing affection for him.
As they navigate toward Xyrus, the group is suddenly accosted by bandits. Despite their valiant efforts to fend off the attackers, the overwhelming number of foes leaves Reynolds with no choice but to instruct Arthur to flee with Alice. Torn between loyalty and fear, Arthur’s resolve strengthens when Reynolds reveals that Alice is pregnant, igniting in him a fierce determination to protect her.
In a dramatic turn, as Arthur hastens to lead his mother to safety, he faces a dangerous bandit employing wind magic against them. In a moment of instinct, Arthur sacrifices himself, pushing Alice to safety while braving the magic head-on. Though he falls from a cliff, he manages to take down the bandit during the descent. In this heart-stopping moment, he comprehends the anguish of the emissary and his family, caught in a cycle of despair and sacrifice. Paradoxically, even as he nears what seems like his end, he inexplicably survives the fall, concluding with a thrilling post-credit scene featuring Arthur encountering a dragon-like creature that greets him warmly.
Conclusion
Episode 2 of The Beginning After the End not only introduces new characters but also delves into Arthur Leywin’s character development. With the revelation that Alice is carrying another child, the episode leaves viewers with unresolved questions, particularly regarding the identity and intentions of the mysterious creature that knows Arthur’s name. This thrilling cliffhanger sets the stage for the evolving narrative and the challenges that lie ahead.