Does Paul die in Mushoku Tensei season 2? Fate of Rudeus' father, explored

Modified Jun 17, 2024 10:10 GMT

Does Paul die in Mushoku Tensei season 2? Fate of Rudeus — Paul Greyrat as seen in Mushoku Tensei season 2 (Image via Studio Bind)

With the release of Mushoku Tensei season 2 episode 22, the anime concluded one of the most significant story arcs, the Labyrinth Arc. Given that Rudeus's father, Paul, was close to reuniting his entire family, the story arc should have ended on a happy note. However, an untimely death saw the entire narrative take a drastic turn.

Mushoku Tensei's Labyrinth Arc had several heartwarming moments. This included Rudeus developments involving Rudeus, Roxy, Paul, and others. With such moments, fans expected Zenith's return to have a similar disposition. Unfortunately, while the search party managed to bring back Zenith from the Labyrinth, they had to say their goodbyes to Paul.

Rudeus's father, Paul Greyrat, dies during battle in Mushoku Tensei season 2

Rudeus and Paul as seen in Mushoku Tensei season 2 (Image via Studio Bind)

Since the Teleport Incident, Rudeus's father, Paul Greyrat, had been trying to reunite his entire family. After having found everyone, he only needed to rescue his wife, Zenith, from a labyrinth. Hence, when he saw Zenith entrapped in the sixth stratum, he went berserk and attacked the Hydra guarding her.

However, the battle wasn't easy as the Hydra had regenerative powers and was safe from all magic attacks launched from a distance. Despite Paul's wish to save his wife swiftly, the entire party retreated to the fifth stratum to formulate a plan. Paul was initially angry at Rudeus for being very calm but later praised his son, asking him to sacrifice himself to save his mother if required.

Rudeus Greyrat as seen in Mushoku Tensei season 2 (Image via Studio Bind)

As for the plan, Rudeus and Roxy's knowledge of Hydras helped them deduce that the monster was safe from magical attacks from a distance and could be burnt to prevent regeneration. Right after, with a proper plan in place, the party attacked the Hydra a second time.

Their plan worked as they were able to deal significant damage to the monster and were close to defeating it after a while. These developments saw Rudeus become complacent and put down his guard, forcing Paul to rescue him twice. Right after, Rudeus refocused on the fight and defeated the Hydra with some help from Roxy Migurdia.

Paul Greyrat as seen in Mushoku Tensei season 2 (Image via Studio Bind)

Unfortunately, the second time Rudeus's father had saved him from the Hydra, the monster had succeeded at biting Paul, splitting his body into two. With that, Paul Greyrat died during the battle against the Manatite Hydra and was cremated inside the Labyrinth itself.

Fortunately, not all was lost as the party succeeded at rescuing Zenith from the crystal and bringing her back to their inn. During this, the anime saw the party breaking the news of Paul's death to Lilia Greyrat and others.

Zenith Greyrat as seen in Mushoku Tensei season 2 (Image via Studio Bind)

Everyone seemed heartbroken by the news, but at least they had something to look forward to, i.e., Zenith's awakening from her coma.

Unfortunately, Zenith's reunion with Rudeus and Lilia did not go as everyone expected. This is because, after Zenith woke up, it was revealed that she had suffered from brain damage, making her incapable of speaking to others.

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Edited by Shreya Das