Mushoku Tensei III Episode 8: Perugius Appears, New Arc Begins, and Nanahoshi Cries Over Japanese Food

The summer anime Mushoku Tensei III: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu aired its eighth episode, “Air Fortress,” on August 16, 2026, at 24:00. With the new “Chaos Breaker” arc now underway, fans have been quick to share their excitement: “I’ve been waiting for this. It only gets more interesting from here,” and “I’ve been waiting for Perugius!”

Based on the novel series by Rifujin na Magonote, which began serialization on the web novel site Shousetsuka ni Narou in 2012, Mushoku Tensei follows a 34-year-old shut-in who is reborn as Rudeus Greyrat in a fantasy world. Carrying the memories and regrets of his past life, he resolves to live his new life to the fullest. The TV anime’s first season aired from January 2021, with the second season covering the “Muddy Swamp,” “Ranoa Magic Academy,” and “Teleport Labyrinth” arcs. The third season, which began on July 5, 2026, started with the “Eris Training Arc” before moving into the new “Chaos Breaker” arc featuring the Dragon King Perugius.

Note: The following contains spoilers for those who have not yet watched the episode.

Heading to Perugius’s Floating Fortress

Rudeus and his companions accompany Nanahoshi, a special student at Ranoa Magic Academy who is researching ways to return to her original world, to meet the Dragon King Perugius. Perugius is a hero who commands twelve familiars, revived an ancient floating fortress, and once sealed the Demon God Laplace alongside his comrades. The fortress, which the preview jokingly called “Perugius Land,” is definitely not an amusement park.

To reach the fortress, Nanahoshi uses a flute to summon the “Shining Almanfi,” the man who appeared before Rudeus and Sword King Girenu just before the teleport incident (see Season 1, Episode 8, “Turning Point 1”). Fans were delighted to see him again: “Almanfi after so many episodes!” and “It’s been a while, Almanfi!” Almanfi is voiced by Kengo Kawanishi, whose casting was announced back in February 2021.

This time, Nanahoshi brings along Rudeus, Roxy, Sylphiette, Ariel (the second princess of the Asura Kingdom), Zanoba (the third prince of the Shirone Kingdom), and Elinalise, who entered Ranoa Magic Academy with Rudeus—eight people in total. The number is fine, but Almanfi says, “No demons allowed.” Even the generous Dragon King dislikes demons, it seems. Roxy, a long-lived Migurd, says, “It’s fine, I’m used to this,” and Rudeus adds, “I’ll bring you back a souvenir.” Fans were not happy: “He’s supposed to be generous, but this is a compliance issue?” and “Why does Roxy have to be left out?!” With Roxy staying behind, the group heads to the floating fortress “Chaos Breaker.”

The Air Fortress “Chaos Breaker”

Using Perugius’s teleportation magic, the party arrives at the fortress in an instant. It sits above the clouds, with vast lands far below. “How do you like the view from our air fortress?” asks Silvaril, Perugius’s first servant, who appears to greet them.

Silvaril gives a tour of the fortress, and the new opening theme “Hikari no Uta” by Yuiko Oohara plays over the scene. As they pass through a large gate, Silvaril poses a question: “Does the name Hitogami ring a bell?”

That name hasn’t come up in a while. “That question again…” “Hitogami-related questions are already scary.” “Come to think of it, Hitogami hasn’t shown up recently.” “I almost got killed for answering that question carelessly before… I’m nervous.” The internet shudders. In his youth, Rudeus had answered “Yes! He appears in my dreams sometimes…” and nearly died as a result (Season 1, Episode 21, “Turning Point 2”).

“No, I haven’t,” Sylphiette answers. “Does hearing that name stir up anger or murderous intent?” Silvaril continues. “No,” Sylphiette replies. “Same here,” Rudeus adds. This time, they manage to avoid trouble.

Fans were amazed by the fortress’s scale: “So this is what it looks like in the anime!” “It’s a hundred times bigger than I imagined.” “Laputa is right here!” The air fortress, which readers could only imagine, has finally been brought to life on screen, and everyone is thrilled.

Audience with Perugius Dora

At last, they meet the Dragon King. “I am Perugius Dora, the Dragon King,” he declares with a sharp gaze and commanding presence. After a brief exchange with Nanahoshi, who knows him, the introductions begin. Ariel is first, but Perugius is stern: “Did you come here hoping to borrow my power?” Then he turns to Rudeus: “It took some effort to teleport you here. Your mana reminds me of Laplace. Do not even think of using that disgusting mana within this castle.”

Nanahoshi intercedes: “Could you be a little kinder?” Perugius relents: “Very well. Then I shall be kind. What do you wish for, collaborator of Nanahoshi?” Rudeus asks about his mother Zenith’s illness.

After listening, Perugius says, “I don’t know the details, but I know a woman who went through a similar fate,” and names Elinalise. Rudeus asks Elinalise to tell him more later.

Then it’s Zanoba’s turn. Holding a book, he asks about the crest on its cover. The crest resembles those on the fortress gates and the walls of the audience chamber. Perugius answers, “I know it. It belongs to the Mad Dragon King Chaos.” But Chaos passed away decades ago, and Zanoba’s joy is short-lived. However, when Zanoba explains how he found the book, Perugius is impressed: “You seem to understand art.” He adds, “There are some of Chaos’s works in the treasure hall. I’ll show you later.” Zanoba is overjoyed.

Fans were surprised by Zanoba’s composure: “Zanoba has nerves of steel.” “He never wavers.” “Business as usual for Zanoba.” “He’s already won Perugius over!” “Perugius seems to enjoy talking with Zanoba.”

Finally, Sylphiette tries to ask a question, but Perugius turns it around: “Before you ask, answer me this: do you have a son?” “Only a daughter…” Sylphiette replies. Perugius says that if a son is born in the future, he will bestow a name upon him. Fans were relieved: “I thought Perugius would be terrifying, but he’s actually generous and kind.” “He looks tough but seems like a good guy.” “He listens to everyone’s names and wishes. How generous.” “He’s a great hero, but he’s also approachable and has human emotions.”

Sylphiette then asks about the teleport incident, but Perugius says, “That was not man-made. It happened by chance.”

Elinalise’s Confession

“About 200 years ago, when I was rescued from a labyrinth, I had lost my memories and emotions,” Elinalise begins, alone with Rudeus after the audience. She had once been in a situation similar to Rudeus’s mother Zenith. After her rescue, she was placed in an elf village, and within a few years her emotions returned. She married a man from the village and lived happily, even without her memories. “After that, many things happened, and now I’m an adventurer,” she says. Rudeus is speechless.

Some viewers recalled Elinalise’s line from Season 2’s finale, Episode 22, “Parent,” where she casually mentioned, “I know someone who went through something similar to Zenith, and she’s still alive.” It turns out she was talking about herself.

Nanahoshi’s Japanese Meal

Though there was no progress on Zenith’s condition, Rudeus attends summoning magic classes with Nanahoshi (taught by Silvaril), and Almanfi brings ingredients for a “fake Japanese-style set meal.” Nanahoshi grumbles about the miso soup, “You didn’t even make dashi…” but tears fall from her eyes. For Rudeus’s past-life self, it wasn’t actually delicious, but the nostalgic taste makes both of them unable to stop eating.

Fans were moved: “The food looks so real.” “It’s Japanese food-ish.” “I want to eat something like that too.” “First Japanese food in years. I almost cried too.” “Nanahoshi has been alone for so long.” “Seeing her cry made my heart clench.” Nanahoshi presses her hands together and says, “Thank you for the meal,” and Rudeus looks satisfied.

The Mural and Nanahoshi’s Collapse

After lunch, Zanoba and Cliff discover a passage to the basement, where Rudeus sees a huge mural depicting a story that feels vaguely familiar. Perugius says the mural was already there when he obtained the fortress, but it gives him “a bad feeling.” The group leaves, but fans are unsettled: “Was that Hitogami in the mural?” “Wait, is Hitogami depicted there?!”

That night, Rudeus spends time alone with his wife Sylphiette. When he mentions eating Nanahoshi’s hometown food, Sylphiette notes, “Rudy, you’re pretty close with Nanahoshi, aren’t you?” Viewers loved her expression: “Jealous Sylphie is cute.” “Jealous Sylphie is adorable.” The original author, Rifujin na Magonote, wrote on social media, “Sylphie doesn’t dislike Nanahoshi.”

Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. Nanahoshi is there, still coughing. She asks Sylphiette to detoxify her, but her condition doesn’t improve with magic. The cough worsens, and Nanahoshi spits up blood. “Blood in the phlegm is bad…” “This is getting serious.” “Is Sylphiette’s detox magic actually poison for Nanahoshi?” “Don’t die, Nanahoshi! You haven’t even returned to the modern world yet!” “That’s a lot of blood…”

What will happen to Nanahoshi? The new “Chaos Breaker” arc seems to be heading for turmoil.

Next Episode and Broadcast Info

That wraps up the summary of Episode 8, “Air Fortress.” The next episode is titled “Lamentation.” Fans are already anxious: “The title ‘Lamentation’ is too worrying.” “I looked it up, and it’s bad!” “There’s an ominous atmosphere building.” Before the episode aired, ABEMA broadcast a special program marking the new arc, and its free archive is available for one week.

Mushoku Tensei III: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu airs every Sunday at 24:00 on TOKYO MX and BS11, at 24:45 on KBS Kyoto, at 25:30 on Sun TV, and on AT-X every Tuesday at 22:30. Streaming begins simultaneously on ABEMA and d Anime Store every Sunday at 24:00, with other services following.

Staff

Cast

(C) Rifujin na Magonote / MF Books / “Mushoku Tensei III” Production Committee