Saihate no Paladin: Tetsusabi no Yama no Ou

The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountains

Characters

William Maryblood

MAIN

Hiram

SUPPORTING

Agnarr

SUPPORTING

Meneldor

SUPPORTING

Ghelreis

SUPPORTING

Anna

SUPPORTING

Marcus

SUPPORTING

Robina Goodfellow

SUPPORTING

Antonio

SUPPORTING

Stagnate

SUPPORTING

Dinelind

SUPPORTING

Bart Bagley

SUPPORTING

Vindalfar

SUPPORTING

Reystov

SUPPORTING

Valacirca

SUPPORTING

Gracefeel

SUPPORTING

Augustus

SUPPORTING

Scarabaeus

SUPPORTING

Ethelbald Rex Southmark

SUPPORTING

Grendir

SUPPORTING

Demon

BACKGROUND

Dwarf B

BACKGROUND

Gaikotsu Dwarf A

BACKGROUND

Oak no Ou

BACKGROUND

Glen

BACKGROUND

The Faraway Paladin Season 2: A Deeper Dive into Will’s Epic Journey

The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain, the second season of the beloved isekai anime, premiered on October 7, 2023, and concluded on December 23, 2023, delivering another chapter in the heartfelt saga of William G. Maryblood. Adapted from Kanata Yanagino’s light novel series and produced by OLM and Sunrise Beyond, this 12-episode season builds on the foundation laid in Season 1, taking viewers on a grand adventure filled with emotional depth, world-building, and classic fantasy tropes. While it retains the series’ introspective charm, Season 2 has sparked mixed reactions among fans and critics for its pacing and narrative focus. Here’s an in-depth look at what The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain brings to the table.

A New Chapter in Will’s Journey

Set two years after the events of Season 1, The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain follows Will, now the lord of Beast Woods, as he takes on new responsibilities in a world still brimming with mysteries. Raised by his undead guardians—Blood, Mary, and Gus—Will has grown into a capable paladin, guided by his devotion to the goddess Gracefeel. This season shifts focus to a grander conflict, centering on the dwarven kingdom of the Iron Rust Mountains and the looming threat of the dragon Valacirca. Accompanied by his trusted companion, the half-elf Meneldor, and new allies like the young dwarf Ru, Will embarks on a quest to aid the dwarves in reclaiming their fallen kingdom.

The narrative delves into Will’s growth as a leader and warrior, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and the burdens of heroism. A pivotal moment comes when Will confronts his own doubts about his near-divine abilities, reflecting on his past trauma of loneliness from his previous life. This introspection, a hallmark of the series, grounds the fantastical elements in a deeply human story. However, the season also introduces a climatic battle against Valacirca, drawing heavy inspiration from high-fantasy epics like The Lord of the Rings, complete with ghostly dwarven knights aiding Will in a bittersweet finale.

Production and Staff Changes

Season 2 marks a shift in production, with OLM and Sunrise Beyond taking over from Children’s Playground Entertainment, which handled the first season. Directed by Akira Iwanaga (Arifureta), the season features character designs by Tatsuya Arai and Koji Haneda, with Tatsuya Takahashi returning as series composer. The animation quality is a step up, with stylized visuals and high production values, particularly in the climactic dragon battle. The soundtrack, composed by Ryūichi Takada and Keigo Hoashi of MONACA, complements the epic tone, while Nagi Yanagi’s opening theme “Meika” (Fire of Life) and Kotoko’s ending theme “Puzzle” add emotional resonance to the series.

A notable change is the recasting of Will’s voice actor. Shōya Chiba voices the adult Will, replacing Maki Kawase, who portrayed the younger Will in Season 1, reflecting the character’s maturation. The returning cast, including Maki Kawase for young Will and Meneldor’s voice actor, maintains continuity, while new additions like Gou Shinomiya and Kenichiro Matsuda enrich the ensemble.

Strengths: World-Building and Character Moments

One of Season 2’s strongest aspects is its world-building. The introduction of the dwarven culture, the history of the Rust Mountains, and the divine interplay between gods like Gracefeel and Stagnate add depth to the series’ mythology. The new character Ru, a shy young dwarf and descendant of the dwarven king Aurvangr, brings a fresh dynamic as Will’s squire, his growth from timid to courageous mirroring Will’s own journey. The interactions between Will, Menel, and other companions like Robina and Reystov feel authentic, with dialogue that highlights their unique personalities and shared bonds.

The season excels in quieter, character-driven moments. Will’s reflections on his role as a paladin and his struggles with courage, spurred by a prophecy from the Lord of Holly, resonate with viewers who appreciated the introspective tone of Season 1. The reappearance of Stagnate, the god of the undead, adds a compelling layer to the story, challenging Will’s faith and offering a nuanced antagonist whose motivations are more complex than those of a typical villain.

Criticisms: Pacing and Predictability

Despite its strengths, Season 2 has faced criticism for its pacing and reliance on familiar fantasy tropes. Some reviewers, like those on Draggle’s Anime Blog, found the season “mind-numbingly predictable,” arguing that the shift to a generic adventure story—culminating in a dragon-slaying quest—lacks the emotional weight of Season 1’s opening arc. The focus on Will’s near-divine abilities often overshadows the dwarves’ struggle, making the story feel more about showcasing his prowess than exploring the collective stakes. Critics also noted that the dialogue-heavy episodes can feel long-winded, with some conversations dragging at the expense of action.

On platforms like Reddit, fans expressed mixed sentiments, with some praising the character-focused storytelling and others disappointed by the slow pacing and lack of a compelling overarching narrative. The season’s MAL score of 7.18 reflects this divide, with detractors arguing that it fails to live up to the potential of its world-building and initial premise. The change in studios and director also drew scrutiny, with some feeling the animation quality dipped compared to Season 1, though others lauded the improved visuals in key scenes.

Reception and Future Prospects

The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain has garnered a dedicated following, particularly among fans of character-driven fantasy. Reviews on Anime-Planet highlight its satisfying finale and high-quality animation, with some calling it an improvement over Season 1 for its grander scope and deeper exploration of Will’s companions. However, others, including Moonlit Media Room, expressed disappointment in the lack of focus on Will’s adoptive family and the inconclusive ending, which leaves the door open for a potential third season but provides no confirmation. As of June 2025, no official announcement for a third season has been made, leaving fans hopeful yet uncertain.

The season’s streaming availability on Crunchyroll, with both subbed and dubbed versions (the latter premiering October 21, 2023), has made it accessible to a wide audience. Its blend of isekai and high-fantasy elements, likened to Dungeons & Dragons or The Hobbit, appeals to viewers who enjoy epic quests with a touch of introspection, though it may not satisfy those seeking fast-paced action.

Final Thoughts

The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain is a worthy continuation of Will’s story, offering a mix of heartfelt character moments, rich world-building, and a climactic battle that channels classic fantasy epics. While it stumbles with pacing and predictable plot beats, its focus on Will’s growth and the nuanced portrayal of its world make it a standout in the isekai genre. For fans of the first season, it’s a solid follow-up that expands the lore and deepens the stakes, even if it doesn’t fully recapture the magic of the opening arc. Whether you’re drawn to its emotional depth or epic battles, Season 2 is well worth a watch for fantasy enthusiasts—just don’t expect it to reinvent the genre.

Here’s hoping for a third season to continue Will’s journey as a paladin and unravel the mysteries of his faraway world. For now, The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain remains a testament to the power of faith, friendship, and the courage to face one’s destiny.

Sources:

• Wikipedia: The Faraway Paladin
• Anime Ignite: Faraway Paladin Season 2, Everything We Know So Far
• Anime-Planet: The Faraway Paladin 2nd Season
• Moonlit Media Room: Rapid Anime Review: The Faraway Paladin Season 2
• Crunchyroll and Anime News Network for release and streaming details