His body covered in pitch-black marks,
Meliodas displays phenomenal levels of magic power.
It is a demonic power that far outstrips even that of the New Generation!
Just who is Meliodas?
Are the Seven Deadly Sins truly the enemy?
As they all entertain such thoughts, a new battle is about to start!
And what of the remaining Seven Deadly Sins?
Hang on!
Read...
Read... book.
Reading while walking would constitute a nuisance to others.
Now, then, walk.
If we keep up this pace, we can read by evening.
Gowther... I am happy.
This is a tale of ancient times,
when the human and non-human worlds had not yet split.
Not content with just the Kingdom of Liones,
nations with Holy Knights have extended their reach across all of Britannia!
Magic is power
and it is this power that can sway an entire country's fortunes.
Of all these knights, one group is renowned throughout Britannia.
Their name is...
EPISODE 14: A READER OF BOOKS
Let's settle in here.
Wait!
There you are.
Please wait here for just a moment.
Birds approach vegetation to gather food or to find a resting spot.
To summon birds, let's utilize the laws of nature.
But I'm not a perch.
Nor am I bird food.
Are you laughing?
Then, I, too, shall laugh!
Afraid...
That is a hare. It won't harm you.
Gowther... I'm afraid.
I'll go return it to the forest.
This should do.
It's a perfect fit!
Just as I thought, we're going to need glue or something.
I'll go look for some when it stops raining.
Rain is one process of the water cycle.
When water evaporates from the earth's surface,
it forms clouds around the dust in the air
and the rainfall seeps into the ground, forming rivers, then flowing into the sea.
And then it rises again towards the skies.
Everything in this world is part of a cycle.
Plants and insects, as well as animals...
They eat others in order to live, and return to the earth when they die.
Over and over, in an endless cycle, this process is repeated...
Those who have strayed from that path... where should they go, I wonder?
Book...
Oh, that's right.
Which book would you like to read?
Dark Pulse? Memory of the Darkness?
Her Justice?
You really do adore this book.
Hey, listen! This situation...
I read a book, and you listen.
You're happy, and I learn something.
You and I are part of a cycle, too!
I've never seen this written anywhere before! It's a new discovery!
Yes, you're right. But it is an alluring hypothesis.
At the very least, it interests me.
Thank you. I've learned one more thing.
It's very enlightening to be with you.
Thank... you.
Yes, that's right - thank you.
It's a pity that my journey with you will be ending soon.
Sir Helbram!
What is it? What's wrong? Come on, we're on our break.
Forgive me.
I've received word that the Armor Giant has been spotted
in the Woods of Ordan, east of Vaizel.
Armor Giant?
Surely not one of the remaining Seven Deadly Sins...
Gowther the Goat Sin?
Summon the Roars of Dawn.
That order? But—
Don't let him get away this time. Make sure you finish him off.
Yes, sir!
Dammit! Why do we have to stand by?
Jericho, can't you do something about that mouth of yours?
- After all, you're dressed so fetchingly! - My clothes have nothing to do with it!
Sending in the Roars of Dawn was an unexpected move,
but Sir Helbram must have his reasons.
Keep in mind that we were overpowered by the Seven Deadly Sins.
We should be building up our strength now before the next battle.
- Well, see you! - Hey! Where are you going?
Why not make the most of our break?
But you just said to build up our strength...
Guila!
Missus! See you tomorrow!
I'm home.
Welcome home!
Sister! Welcome home!
- Thank you for all your hard work! - Zeal...
How did you get that cut? Who would...
I'm sorry.
I got this month's pay from the missus, but... this is all that's left.
I'm sorry! It's all because I'm never home...
No... You're a Holy Knight, Sister. Of course you're busy!
If it's for your sake, Sister, I can take anything!
Don't push yourself too hard and get sick, okay?
Okay.
Don't get beaten by the Seven Deadly Sins going after the kingdom, okay?
Okay.
But whatever you do, don't get hurt, okay?
Okay.
- Does that sting? - Nope!
Thank you, Sister!
Disgrace to this kingdom's Holy Knights!
Everyone says that our father, a Holy Knight, fled during a mission,
and because of that, tons of people died.
But I believe in him. Father would never desert his comrades.
It's just that for some reason, he can't make it back home.
Sister, you decided to become a Holy Knight
because you believe in him, too, right?
- It's not quite like that. - Huh?
It was because I wanted to protect you in Father's place.
Because I wanted to become someone you could always be proud of.
I can totally take care of myself, you know.
I'm helping out at the missus's shop, after all!
Zeal...
And so, believing in their father's return,
his two children lived on.
I'll read it again another time.
- Sister? - What is it?
- So you don't like it short? - No, no...
You look really cute.
Thanks.
Hey, wanna go toss another rock?
Huh! That's lame. This time, let's light the place up!
Hey, don't you think that's going too far?
Who cares? Their old man is a traitorous Holy Knight!
Rumor has it that the big sister's a Holy Knight now, too, but who knows?
That miserable Zeal, bragging about his sister every time he talks!
I'm telling you, it's beyond annoying!
What should we do to that little punk next?
If it's for your sake, Sister, I can take anything!
Me, too.
I'll do anything for you.
Slader?
All right, I'm off, then. Please keep quiet.
Captain, is this good?
Yeah! It's a little far from town, but we should be fine if we advertise!
Thank you, Hawk's Mom! Why don't you rest for a bit, too, Diane?
Okay! I'm gonna nap till the tavern opens, then!
Good night!
All right! Why don't we get ready to open the tavern?
Us guys will procure the food.
Elizabeth, I want you out there to promote the tavern.
- And could you also go buy some herbs? - All right!
Hawk, you're providing support.
Fine by me, but do you think Elizabeth will be all right?
Oh, I'm perfectly capable of going shopping!
Yeah, but the Holy Knights are after you, right?
Wouldn't it be better if you stayed here?
Staying cooped up will only dampen her spirits!
Don't worry! If anything happens, I'll be right there!
Sir Meliodas...
- Yeah, but still... - Then why don't you disguise yourself?
Disguise?
Town Girl Style!
Minstrel Style!
Traveling Dancer Style!
Now she really stands out!
Um... I think I'll be fine if I just wear a shawl...
I guess so.
Okay, get changed, get changed!
U-Um...
She can undress herself!
I'll be going, then!
Right! You be careful, now!
Why're you draggin' me into this, too?
Ban! King! Whoever catches the best quarry wins!
No way am I gonna lose!
Huh? Captain, come to think of it, where's your weapon?
You gonna hunt bare-handed?
Oh, hey, I'll figure it out somehow!
- Huh! Victory is mine! - Hey, you're in the same boat!
Don't make too much of a ruckus, okay?
Has Sir Meliodas ever armed himself with a proper weapon?
Don't ask me. Not since I've known him.
I see. He's been carrying the sword with the broken blade till now.
- Is there some reason for— - Elizabeth! Hide!
A Holy Knight from the kingdom...
They've already sniffed you out?
Those Holy Knights are endowed with beast-like senses of smell, eh?
Well, still not as amazing as my nose!
Hello. Are you two playing hide-and-seek, too?
Um...
I beg your pardon. I should've introduced myself first.
- Hello, young lady. - H-Hello!
And also... oink, oink, oinkity-oink!
Are you making fun of me?
Oh, my! Who knew that a pig could speak the human tongue?
Huh?
Yes, it is startling at first, isn't it?
So are those goons from the kingdom after you, too?
"You, too?"
You and the creature as well?
- You're so annoying at every turn! - Hawk...
Book... book... Gowther...
Read... book...
What do you think of this bad boy, Ban?
Sword wolves are mostly red meat - perfect for smoking!
And the hide's worth a pretty penny!
Drawn and quartered rabbits taste great whether you stew, fry, or boil 'em!
And the broth you make from these guys is good for the skin!
Yeah, but as far as the contest goes, I win.
You hopelessly inept kitchen catastrophe with no taste buds... who are you to talk?
King, how did you fare in your...
King!
- Quit goofing around! - Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
He's right!
We've got to offset our losses with a decent haul.
Isn't that good enough?
- Just what you two got? - Nope, not cutting it!
As punishment, go catch something even more awesome than ours!
If you do, Diane might see you in a better light...
No choice, then.
What was that?
Couldn't have been a bear or a boar, right?
The God of the Mountain, maybe?
It totally sounded like Hawk moaning when he has the runs!
Ouch! What do you think you're doing?
Wanna go take a look?
I'm Alan.
- I'm... - Hey, Elizabeth!
Fugitives shouldn't tell people their names!
You're right, Hawk!
Elizabeth and Hawk, is it?
- Oh, no, I did it! My bad, Elizabeth! - I'm sorry!
It's good manners to share names. They're only used in conversation, anyway.
Spreading the word benefits no—
Will this bring me money?
If you're selling out anyone, sell me out!
I'm just kidding.
Mr. Alan... do you need money?
What I need is some glue for armor.
Armor?
Yes. But it's not as if that will truly help.
I don't know what to do for someone who's suffering.
Nor what I should say...
nor what expression I should have on my face.
That's not written in books.
What a weirdo.
There's nothing you can do,
but you also can't just stand by and do nothing...
I understand. All the more if it's someone you cherish.
Someone you cherish?
Isn't this person your lover?
Lover... someone you love...
To love is to harbor strong feelings towards a specific person.
Do you have someone like that, too?
Elizabeth, you're okay, and that's what matters.
Don't worry! If anything happens, I'll be right there!
No... um...
I have a feeling that's not what mine is.
I-Is that right?
Then... a friend of yours?
- A friend? - What, that's not it, either?
A friend... A companion.
What's that?
Hey! Hang in there!
The Roars of Dawn... are responding to the attack.
The Armor Giant...
Stay away! The armor-clad monster...
- Armor Giant? - Armor-clad monster, what the hell's that?
Ban, King, we've found him.
- Huh? - No way!
Yeah. It's got to be him.
Gowther the Goat Sin!
I'm getting quite a clear read on his magical powers. He's close!
Yeah, but he shows no sign of making a move!
Either way, don't let your guard down!
The Roars of Dawn...
I've heard some unsavory rumors about them!
I saw them a couple of times when I was on the Kingdom's side.
Their only mission is to kill their targets.
They're the most vile combat squad ever!
Wouldn't have it any other way! That means I can run wild on them myself!
Perhaps it's no surprise,
but to think that he made short work of wiping out the vanguard we sent in...
Those scrubs who let him wipe them out were just too spineless.
Right, Slader?
Gowther! Are you all right?
Slader, are they...?
No need for superfluous thoughts or inquiries.
Our job is to eradicate our target in solemn silence.
Concentrate.
- Captain... - Whoever moves, loses.
There you are! I apologize for being so late.
I searched all over town, but I was unable to find any glue.
What is it?
- You mean, what's up with you? - Me? I'm—
Afraid...
Gowther... Afraid...
- You! - What are you talking about?
Run!
Kill him.
This guy's powerful!
Run, Gowther!
- Prepare for the second wave. - Hugo, above you!
This is...
Sorry, but I'm turning you into stone till the dust settles.
Simon!
What the...?
You can just writhe there until the dust settles!
It's my turn, next.
- As if I'd let you! - Oh, let me.
Thank you for fulfilling your duties as a lure.
Hey, nothing doing!
- An illusion! - Too bad.
Charging complete. And... mission accomplished.
Gowther!
What had just transpired, none of those present could comprehend...
And like a corpse,
the man just quietly waited for time to pass.
For the arrow that would be hurled from his blind side at full strength...
The price for breaking the seal will be steep... humans.
Seal... did he say?
Hey... the way you talk...
That symbol on your chest... Don't tell me!
Yes. My true identity is...
Whoa, whoa, whoa...
Impossible!
One of the Seven Deadly Sins...
The Goat Sin of Lust... Gowther.