Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero (Japanese: はぐれ勇者の鬼畜美学, Hepburn: Hagure Yūsha no Esutetika) is a Japanese light novel series written by Tetsuto Uesu and illustrated by Tamago no Kimi. A 12-episode anime adaptation by Arms aired between July and September 2012. It has been licensed in North America by Funimation with the Blu-ray version released on December 17, 2013.[2]
Plot
The story follows a world where several young men and women regularly find themselves spirited away to a world of sword and magic called Alayzard (アレイザード, Areizādo). Those who survive and return are typically gifted with magic abilities. An international training organization named Babel protects these young returnees and trains them in the use of their power. A wayward hero named Akatsuki has come back to his world, along with a beautiful girl called Miu who is the daughter of the Last Dark Lord, whom he defeated in battle.
Akatsuki is the male protagonist and the titular "Rogue Hero". Akatsuki is a tall young man, with messy purple hair and blue eyes. He is usually seen wearing either the standard Babel uniform or gym clothes; while in Alayzard he wears sleeveless medieval-style leather armour. Akatsuki returns to Earth after killing the Dark Lord and becoming a hero in Alayzard. The dying Dark Lord entrusted his daughter, Miu, to Akatsuki and to keep her safe, he brings Miu back to Earth. Like other returnees, Akatsuki attends Babel school along with Miu (who poses as his long-lost sister - although while talking in his sleep, he reveals that his sister is dead.) Akatsuki is usually very laid back and displays an almost arrogant (although justified) confidence in his abilities. Although usually presenting a rough and perverted personality, deep down he is really a noble character. Though he does not seem to pay attention much in class, he performs very well academically. Akatsuki, unlike most Babel students, cannot use magic, since he did not learn or pick up any magic in Alayzard. However, he is a master of Renkankei-kikō, which is the ability to control the Chi (energy flow) of oneself, others and the surroundings. He was taught how to tap into this power while in Alayzard and in the anime he states that he chose to learn this power in preference to learning magic. The full nature of this power has not been revealed.
Arms Device (or "AD" for short) are wristbands that are given to students during training. When an AD is worn, it conforms to the user's natural powers and abilities and transforms into the weapon most suitable for the user. Akatsuki could not initially generate an AD because he had only been given one of them and it was not strong enough to manifest his power. Upon noticing that something happened when he put on an AD borrowed from a fellow student in addition to his own (believing that his own may be broken), Akatsuki kept putting on more AD (seven) until his AD weapon finally manifested in the form a huge, unusual sword with tremendous power. The seven AD are the minimum number needed to manifest the sword - if he wears more AD wristbands the sword changes shape and becomes even more powerful. This other-dimensional sword, which is called "Laevateinn", has writings engraved upon it. Since discovering this new ability, Akastuki regularly employs it in battle. He also managed to control "Sleipnir", a magical supersonic motorcycle once driven by his father.
Miu is the main heroine, and the Dark Lord's daughter, whom Akatsuki brought back to the real world to fulfill her father's last wish that he take care of her. Miu is portrayed as a sweet and innocent 16 year old girl with green eyes and pink hair that is usually kept in twin tails. She is a busty young girl of average height; a running gag being her difficulties in finding clothes large enough to fit her chest. She poses as Akatsuki's long-lost little sister to conceal her identity and relies on him for guidance. Miu is initially conflicted about Akatsuki. She knows that she should resent him for killing her father, but she is also grateful to him for saving her from her enemies in Alayzard and looking after her in the real world. She gradually comes to accept that Akatsuki had his role to play (as the Rogue Hero) just as her father was the Hero's enemy and she falls in love with him. Miu has a high level of magical skills, being able to generate Shield Magic without any effort and also use multiple magic spells - from different elements, no less - at one time, and in rapid succession. She seems to favor using Air-type Magic, as most of her magical circles appear green in color. Miu's AD weapon takes the form of a staff with an elaborate head, called Holy Tin. So far she has only been shown using it as a blocking weapon. It is assumed this staff can enhance Miu's magic as well.
Kuzuha is a young girl with turquoise hair and blue eyes. She is considerably shorter than the other students due to her age; she was originally enrolled in the grade school branch of Babel before being moved to the high school branch due to her remarkable intelligence. She is the class rep for Class B and takes her job very seriously despite her age. While not liking Akatsuki at first, she grows closer to him, even developing a small crush, after he helps her regain her spirit after an encounter with the Student Council. Akatsuki often teases her about her lack of stature, although not maliciously. She is a close friend of Miu, along with most of the other girls in the story. Her element is Earth and her AD weapon is a giant hammer.
Chikage Izumi (五泉 千影, Izumi Chikage)
Voiced by: Kana Ueda (Japanese); Ryan Reynolds (English)[3]
Chikage is Akatsuki and Miu's classmate. She is a friendly, tomboyish girl with short brown hair and amber eyes. She becomes friends with Miu immediately. She is also a lesbian, and shamelessly admits it, though she develops a slight "liking" for Akatsuki. Her element is Water and her AD weapon is a longbow.
Kenya is a problematic student who was demoted to Class B from Class A. He does not get along with other students and tends to bully them. Akatsuki sets him in his place on the first day of school, leading to him resenting Akatsuki, but during the Babel Ranking Tournament incident he bravely confronts Phil by himself. His element is Fire and his AD weapon is 2 pair of chakrams.
Kaidō is a laid-back, troublemaker student who declares himself to be the "leftover" of Class A. Despite talking to Akatsuki only a few times, Kaidō declares himself Akatsuki's best friend and calls him "Akki". He is implied to have ulterior motives (something to do with the organization known as Scarlet Twilight) and be very powerful, but so far has refrained from confronting Akatsuki, who he believes has yet to reveal his true strength.
Kyoya is the Student Council's President. He has silver hair and blue eyes. A member of the COCOON, he usually has a manipulative smile on his face and a cold look in his eyes. He is calm and collected towards Akatsuki's taunts to fight, however he has an interest in Akatsuki. He is also implied to have power equal to that of Akatsuki. His element is Ice and his AD weapon has not yet been seen.
Haruka is the Vice President of the Student Council. He has long, green hair and green eyes. She takes an initial dislike to Akatsuki for his non-compliant behavior in school. This dislike escalates to a deep resentment after he humiliates her by stealing both her panties and bra while being disciplined by the student council. She often refers to Akatsuki as a "wolf" and other predatory names, but she seems to develop a crush on him later on after seeing glimpses of the noble character hidden by his rough and tough exterior (during the hostage taking, for example). Her element is Wind and her AD weapons are two push knives (similar to Eskimo Ulu).
Ryohei is the Secretary of the Student Council and has brown, short hair. His element is Fire and his AD weapon is a Dao (Chinese Broadsword). Although in Season 1, episode 8 it briefly shows him standing on the cliff holding a Dao in his right hand while another hilt is shown protruding from his left waist so it may be that he actually uses a pair of Dao.
Minami is the Treasurer of the Student Council. She has long brown hair and brown eyes. A quiet girl, she says things only when she needs to. Her element is Earth and her AD weapon is a single headed chain weapon known as a Liuxing Chui (Meteor Hammer).
Alayzard
Listy El Da Sherfied (リスティ・エル・ダ・シェルフィード, Risuti Eru Da Sherufīdo)
Listy is the Princess of Sylphid, a country in Alayzard, whose brother died protecting Akatsuki. After the Dark Lord's demise, she attempts to prevent Akatsuki from returning home, unaware of his oath to protect Miu. She also seems to have some kind of affection towards Akatsuki. (She also does the previews for the next episodes in the anime adaptation.)
Leon Aceperio (レオン・エスペリオ, Reon Esuperio)
Leon was a hero of Alayzard who was engaged to Listy. He was killed by Galious while fighting him alongside Akatsuki and a splendid tomb was constructed for him. Unfortunately, the tomb was destroyed by Phil out of resentment over his own status and that the people were honoring someone who had failed.
A holy knight of the Disdian army. He is ordered to capture Miu and return her to Alayzard for execution. He is also ordered to kill Akatsuki if he interferes. Phil made a contract with Zahhaku, a devious dragon from Alayzard, and uses it to attack anyone who stands in his way, especially Akatsuki. His weapon is capable of inflicting poison, which typically results in instant death. Phil destroyed Leon's tomb out of resentment and for glory, referring to Leon as an eyesore to him.
The light novel series written by Tetsuto Uesu and illustrated by Tamago no Kimi was published by Hobby Japan in eleven volumes from May 1, 2010 to February 28, 2013.
No.
Title
Release date
ISBN
1
Kichikuna Yūsha ga i Sekai kara Kaettekita! (鬼畜な勇者が異世界から帰ってきた！)
Judging from the illustrations, this novel focuses on Akatsuki and his friends confronting terrorist organization Scarlet Dusk (led by Akatsuki's father Gouki), as well as Listy beginning to live in Akatsuki's world.
7
Inbō Uzumaku Baberu. Sono Chūshin ni Iru no Wa? (陰謀渦巻くバベル。その中心にいるのは？)
A manga adaptation illustrated by Haiji Nakasone was published in Hobby Japan's web magazine Comic Dangan from January 20, 2012 to June 21, 2013 and compiled into three volumes. The manga is licensed in English by Manga Planet.[15]
A 12-episode anime adaptation by Arms and directed by Rion Kujō began aired between July and September 2012.[19] It has been licensed by Funimation in North America.[20] Following Sony's acquisition of Crunchyroll, the series was moved to Crunchyroll.[21] The opening theme is "Realization" by Faylan and the ending theme is "Ai no Sei de Nemurenai" by Aki Misato. Seven special short episodes titled "Hajirai Ippai" (numbered 0 to 6) were also included with the Blu-ray releases.
Episode list
No.
Title
Original airdate
1
"New Game Plus" "Tsuyokute Nyū Gēmu" (Japanese: 強くてニューゲーム)
July 6, 2012 (2012-07-06)
Akatsuki Ousawa, an Earthling summoned to the world of Alayzard, has recently defeated a Dark Lord who threatened the realm. He flees through a forest pursued by warrior maids whom he defeats by stealing their underwear. Princess Listy tries to stop him from leaving by confessing her feelings for him, but after kissing her, he insists he must return home and enters a portal. Upon returning home it is revealed he has brought with him Miu, the Dark Lord's daughter who was entrusted to him by her father with his dying wish. Together they attend entrance exams for a special school where they both prove to be extraordinarily gifted in combat based magic. Akatsuki has an encounter with student council president Kyoya Hikami.
2
"Bonds of Holy Water" "Seisui no Kizuna" (Japanese: 聖水の絆)
July 13, 2012 (2012-07-13)
Miu considers killing Akatsuki in his sleep but reconsiders just as a still asleep Akatsuki defends himself in an unusual manner. They both enroll in a special school for people who have returned from other worlds with magic powers. Akatsuki immediately get into trouble by beating up the class bully Onizuka, earning him the attention of the school's Discipline Committee, especially student council Vice President, Haruka Nagase, whom Akatsuki deliberately aggravates by managing to steal her underwear. Akatsuki is later accidentally locked in a storage room with Miu and his classmates Kuzuha Dōmoto and Chikage Izumi. Dōmoto eventually needs to go to the toilet, and Akatsuki handles the situation by magically manipulating pressure points on Miu and Chikage's bodies, using the logic that it won't be as embarrassing for Domoto if all three girls wet themselves, which they then do. After beating him up the three girls shower together and end up becoming friends via their new mutual dislike for Akatsuki, leaving Miu to wonder if Akatsuki made himself the bad guy on purpose so she could make friends.
3
"To Become an Adult" "Otona ni Naru niwa" (Japanese: 大人になるには)
July 20, 2012 (2012-07-20)
The student council orders Kuzuha, as the class representative, to keep watch over Akatsuki and report his actions to them. It turns out that she is concerned about going to school with students so much older than she is. Akatsuki cheers her up and tells her to do as the student council has asked, since it will not deter him in the slightest. Later, during combat practice, the students find that their foe, a low level cockatrice, has been tampered with and is now too powerful to handle.
4
"The Hero's Back" "Yūsha no Senaka" (Japanese: 勇者の背中)
July 27, 2012 (2012-07-27)
Akatsuki figures out how to summon his Arms Device, a large demonic sword previously used by Miu's Dark Lord father, and after dispatching the monster, exposes the culprit behind the attack as one of Onizuka's victims who wanted to frame Onizuka. The culprit is subsequently frozen in ice by the student council president. After helping Miu recover with healing magic and helping her come to terms with losing her father, Akatsuki meets Class A student, Kaidō Motoharu, who attacks him to measure his strength.
5
"Just a Short Repose" "Tada, Sonna Kyūjitsu no Hitotoki o" (Japanese: ただ、そんな休日の一時を)
August 3, 2012 (2012-08-03)
Akatsuki joins Miu and her friends for a trip to the mall so Miu can make new happy memories. At first Akatsuki appears to be peeping on Miu while she tries on bras in the dressing room, but due to his "extensive" knowledge of such things, ends up helping her find one that fits her perfectly. Haruka is also out shopping for new exotic underwear that she hopes even Akatsuki will not find easy to remove.
Kaidō introduces Akatsuki to the director of the school's mechanical department where they see Sleipnir, a powerful magical bike that rejects anyone it deems unworthy of riding it. It initially rejects Akatsuki, but after learning that his father rode the bike, he becomes more determined and subdues Sleipnir. However, when Haruka attempts to remove Akatsuki from the bike Sleipnir responds by disintegrating her clothes. Akatsuki takes pity on her and gives her his jacket. Later Akatsuki joins the student council in dealing with a hostage situation and succeeds in saving a young girl. Haruka berates him for being reckless and arrogant, until the young girls mother mistakenly thanks Haruka for saving her daughter. Elsewhere in the building Kaido violently deals with another terrorist while revealing he may be more dangerous than he appears. Later Haruka, who is starting to become attracted to Akatsuki, returns his jacket to Miu, too flustered to face him personally.
7
"A Crude Panic on the Beach!" "Nagisa no Kichiku Panikku!" (Japanese: 渚の鬼畜パニック！)
August 17, 2012 (2012-08-17)
Akatsuki and his friends go to the beach and join a special game of tag wherein you are tagged out if you lose your swimsuit. Using his considerable skills Akatsuki succeeds in removing the bikini tops of every girl on the beach, including Haruka who also loses her bottoms. However, Akatsuki is disqualified during his attempt to remove Miu's bikini as he leaves the designated game area. Meanwhile, in Alayzard, Emperor Baram of Disdia learns that Miu is on Earth and sends his envoy, Phil Barnett, to capture her.
8
"BABEL's Ranking Matches Begin" "BABEL Rankingu Sen, Kaishi" (Japanese: BABELランキング戦、開始)
August 24, 2012 (2012-08-24)
The annual ranking tournament, held to measure the strength of the students, has arrived. Akatsuki, Miu, Kuzuha and Chikage team up and easily subdues all opposition. That evening, Akatsuki accepts the student council's challenge to fight him. Their match is interrupted by Kaidō, who warns that the magic barrier that protects the students from actually being harmed has been sabotaged and if the fight now they will kill each other by mistake.
9
"On Such a Beautiful Moonlit Night" "Konna nimo Kirei na Tsukiyo no Ban ni" (Japanese: こんなにも綺麗な月夜の晩に)
August 31, 2012 (2012-08-31)
The intruder is revealed to be Phil, who chases after Miu while severely wounding everyone else who has crossed his path. As Phil confronts Miu he reveals Miu is to be publicly executed for political purposes and then attempts to sexually assault her. Akatsuki arrives just as Miu sheds a tear and swears to make Phil pay for making Miu cry.
10
"Where I Belong" "Boku no Ibasho" (Japanese: ボクの居場所)
September 7, 2012 (2012-09-07)
After a vicious battle, Akatsuki knocks Phil down. Thinking that neither Alayzard nor Earth are safe as long as she is present, Miu jumps into the river but is saved by Akatsuki. He talks her out of committing suicide and ends up kissing her before collapsing from a poisoned wound he received from Phil. Stripping them both naked Miu helps Akatsuki heal by sharing her body heat, though it turns out this was unnecessary as Akatsuki had been awake the entire time, much to Miu's embarrassment. However, Phil appears once more claiming he will no longer hold back against Akatsuki.
11
"Before Daybreak" "Yoake ga Kuru Mae ni" (Japanese: 夜明けが来る前に)
September 14, 2012 (2012-09-14)
Phil summons a huge dragon and fuses with it. To give time for Akatsuki to recover from the poison, Miu and the others engage in a duel with the dragon. When Akatsuki recovers and rejoins the fight, the dragon uses its breath weapon to obliterate everything around it.
12
"The World is Watching You" "Sekai ga Kimi o Mitsumete" (Japanese: 世界が君を見つめて)
September 21, 2012 (2012-09-21)
Akatsuki protects the others from the blast but loses his ability to summon his demon sword. However, with help from Miu he manages to summon his sword and unlock its full power. The dragon is defeated when Akatsuki cuts it in half from nose to tail. Soon after, Miu reveals the truth about herself to Kuzuha and Chikage. The members of COCCOON analyze recent events and their impact on their plans. Akatsuki and his team placed first in the rankings tournament and are moved into the A class. Akatsuki and Miu are now dating. Akatsuki later realizes that Alayzard is in turmoil and decides to return there to check on the situation. Miu, Chikage and Kuzuha insist on going with him, and Haruka and Kaidō arrive just in time to join them as well.
Special–0
"Queen's Blade: Rebellion vs. Hagure Yuusha no Estetica"
June 27, 2012 (2012-06-27)
In a crossover with Queen's Blade Rebellion, Akatsuki finds himself in the Continent and effortlessly defeats Branwen, Liliana, Mirim, Luna, Sigui, and Annelotte. Deciding this world is interesting, Akatsuki departs through a portal.
Special–1
"A New Battle Suit?" "Atarashī batorusūtsu?" (Japanese: 新しいバトルスーツ?)
January 20, 2013 (2013-01-20)
Miu is displeased with her battle uniform, so Kuzuha tells her she can alter it with her mind. She tries, but to her dismay, it transforms into a maid outfit, then a nurse outfit, then a Playboy Bunny. Chikage realizes this is because Miu is subconsciously thinking about pleasing Akatsuki and urges her to clear her mind. She tries again and it turns into a tied up BDSM outfit. Kuzuha and Chikage conclude Miu must really love Akatsuki while Miu screams in embarrassment.
Special–2
"What Does It Take to Be a Grown Woman?" "Seichōshita josei ni naruniha nani ga hitsuyōdesu ka?" (Japanese: 成長した女性になるには何が必要ですか？)
January 20, 2013 (2013-01-20)
Chikage starts teaching Miu and Kuzuha how to be grown ups and first gets Miu to wear a revealing kimono, then the naked apron. Miu is embarrassed when Kuzuha points out Chikage simply wanted to see her naked. Akatsuki walks in and makes the other two wear the naked apron as well. He gives Kuzuha a lesson on being a grown up by using pressure points and groping to make Miu and Chikage orgasm. Kuzuha says she already knew about that while Miu says being a grown up is hard.
Special–3
"Bound By the "Holy Water"" "`Seisui' ni shibarareta" (Japanese: 「聖水」に縛られた)
January 20, 2013 (2013-01-20)
Haruka buys chastity belts to prevent Akatsuki from stealing her underwear. She gives one to Minami as well, but when Minami needs to pee, Haruka realizes she lost the key to the belts. Akatsuki shows up and uses pressure points on Haruka to make her need to pee as well, reasoning that it won't be embarrassing if both of them do it. Despite their best efforts, both of them wet themselves, then an irate Haruka punches him.
Special–4
"Mixed Bath on the Shore" "Kaigan no kon'yoku" (Japanese: 海岸の混浴)
January 20, 2013 (2013-01-20)
Set after "A Crude Panic on the Beach!", Miu, Kuzuha, and Chikage relax in a makeshift hot spring. Just as Chikage starts groping Miu, Akatsuki shows up and saying he will relax them, inserts his Chi into the two, making them orgasm and pass out. When he is about to do it to Kuzuha, Miu and Chikage wake up and attack him. He effortlessly counters them, then says he needs to start over again and corners the three much to their dismay.
Special–5
"Ranking Battle Side Story-Another Sexy Version" "Rankingubatorusaidosutōrī - betsu no sekushīna bājon" (Japanese: ランキングバトルサイドストーリー-別のセクシーなバージョン)
January 20, 2013 (2013-01-20)
During a training exercise, several girls get attacked by a slime monster. Miu and Haruka destroy it, but they are all weakened by contact with the slime. Akatsuki tells them they have been poisoned, so they must remove their slime-soaked clothes and then he will cure them. They are too embarrassed to undress, but they have been paralyzed, so Akatsuki strips them naked and gropes them while sharing his Chi, making them orgasm while curing them. As he works on the other girls, Miu and Haruka comment Akatsuki is even scarier than a slime monster.
Special–6
"The Beautiful Demon Warrior, Miu" "Utsukushī akuma no senshi, Myū" (Japanese: 美しい悪魔の戦士、ミュウ)
January 20, 2013 (2013-01-20)
Miu and Haruka abruptly wake up in Alayzard, then Listy walks up and says their friends have been captured. Before they can move, a plant monster appears and captures them with its tendrils, then starts stripping and molesting them. Listy sees Miu's legs are spread and says it is a sacred pose that excites monsters. Miu suddenly wakes up in front of the TV and Akatsuki tells her to stop staying up so late and go to sleep. She wonders if that was really a dream.
