The Beginning After the End episode 11 review: A-CAT’s emphasis on storybuilding lays an engaging foundation for the finale

The Beginning After the End episode 11 review (Image via Studio A-CAT)
The Beginning After the End episode 11 review (Image via Studio A-CAT)

The Beginning After the End episode 11 premiered on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11:30 PM JST. This installment of Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani wo Suru? delivers several key narrative strides as Arthur’s path becomes clearer. After passing the test set by the director of Xyrus Academy, Arthur confirms his intent to enroll in three years. In the meantime, he sets out to explore the world as an adventurer to gain experience and grow stronger.

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Episode 11 continues the pivotal narrative shift in Arthur’s journey, featuring notable character development. With engaging storytelling, emotional depth, and steady pacing, the episode effectively drives the plot forward. Combined with consistent production quality, it offers an immersive viewing experience.


The Beginning After the End episode 11: A brief synopsis and narrative criticism

King Gray's visage, as seen in The Beginning After the End episode 11 (Image via Studio A-CAT)
King Gray's visage, as seen in The Beginning After the End episode 11 (Image via Studio A-CAT)

The Beginning After the End episode 11, titled "The King’s Decision," focuses entirely on Arthur’s personal growth and aspirations, presenting several key narrative developments. As the penultimate episode of the first season, it marks pivotal developments in the story, highlighting Arthur’s character growth and setting the stage for his journey ahead.

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The episode begins with Arthur’s meeting with the elderly woman, who is revealed to be the director of Xyrus Academy. She summoned him there to test his abilities. Despite putting up a strong fight using fire and wind magic, Arthur is ultimately outmatched.

Still, she’s impressed by his resilience, especially as he remains standing after her final sound magic attack. Recognizing his potential in both sorcery and combat, she declares that he’s passed her test and even offers to personally instruct him in wind magic.

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Arthur faces the academy director in The Beginning After the End episode 11 (Image via Studio A-CAT)
Arthur faces the academy director in The Beginning After the End episode 11 (Image via Studio A-CAT)

Arthur explains his deep desire to grow stronger stems from his need to protect his family. However, he reveals that he doesn’t plan to attend Xyrus Academy right away. Instead, he intends to take the next three years to live with his loved ones, explore the world, and become an adventurer.

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After some convincing, his family agrees to his plan, on the condition that he travels with a trusted guardian. Jasmine from the Twin Horns Party steps up to take on that responsibility. Later, Arthur and the others join Lilia during her meditation practice.

Arthur reflects on Eleanor’s potential, hoping it doesn’t awaken too early and draw unwanted attention. Arthur then visits the Helstea auction house in search of a suitable sword for his adventurer guild entrance exam. Sylvie helps him discover a mysterious katana engraved with "Dawn’s Ballad W.K.IV."

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Arthur with his new katana (Image via Studio A-CAT)
Arthur with his new katana (Image via Studio A-CAT)

Arthur can only unsheathe it after imbuing it with magic. It then astonishingly adjusts to his form, an unheard-of trait. Though he doesn’t understand the inscription, he senses the sword is special. To keep it hidden, he disguises it as a staff and takes an ordinary blade for appearances. A staff member mentions the mysterious weapon was donated by an old man who claimed that there’s no one fit to use it.

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Time passes peacefully as Arthur studies for the exam while enjoying precious moments with his family and the Helsteas. At his ninth birthday celebration, Vincent gifts him and Alice a pair of linked rings, hers programmed to respond if Arthur is ever in danger. Surrounded by love and support, Arthur receives heartfelt words and gifts from all.

That night, as he packs for his journey, Arthur reflects on his second life, the warmth of the family and friends that surround him, and the new world he’s come to cherish. Determined to protect it all, he resolves to grow even stronger than the king he once was. The Beginning After the End episode 11 closes with Jasmine, Arthur, and Sylvie setting off on their new adventure.

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Arthur and Sylvie set out for their adventure (Image via Studio A-CAT)
Arthur and Sylvie set out for their adventure (Image via Studio A-CAT)

The Beginning After the End episode 11 delivers a compelling blend of character-driven storytelling and steady pacing, seamlessly continuing the momentum from the previous episode.

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This installment places Arthur’s personal growth at the forefront, while key plot developments, such as his decision to join Xyrus Academy and his preparations to become an adventurer, add significance to his journey. The emotional undertones remain consistent, with his heartfelt farewell providing a strong emotional counterbalance to the broader narrative progression.

The discovery of the mysterious katana further elevates the intrigue, marking a potentially substantial turning point in Arthur’s path to power. Altogether, The Beginning After the End episode 11 stands out as a thoughtfully crafted entry that not only deepens the overarching story but also sets the stage effectively for a hopefully intriguing season finale.

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The Beginning After the End episode 11: Animation and an overall production criticism

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Studio A-Cat continues to deliver consistent production in The Beginning After the End episode 11. While the episode doesn't introduce any groundbreaking improvements, it maintains narrative momentum, still the show's strongest aspect, as the season nears its conclusion.

Visually, episode 11 continues to remain polished compared to earlier entries, with smoother animation and refined character movements. Though action sequences remain minimal, mainly limited to Arthur’s encounter with the Academy director, they are more fluid than before. The often-criticized "slideshow animation" seen in earlier parts of the season is mostly absent, though it still falls short of fan expectations.

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Arthur in The Beginning After the End episode 11 review (Image via Studio A-CAT)
Arthur in The Beginning After the End episode 11 review (Image via Studio A-CAT)

Outside of action scenes, visual storytelling is better handled. Emotional beats are delivered with care and subtlety, adding dramatic weight and improving the overall experience. The absence of clumsy CGI also contributes to the visual consistency. Notably, Arthur using his charm to persuade Vincent stands out as a fun and well-timed comedic moment.

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Voice acting continues to be solid across the board, while Keiji Inai’s music and background sound design effectively elevate key emotional and narrative moments. Together, they enhance the episode into a more engaging watch.


Final thoughts

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In conclusion, The Beginning After the End episode 11 proves to be an engaging entry with key developments that lay the groundwork for Arthur’s journey as an adventurer. While its technical aspects may not be anything groundbreaking, they effectively complement the storytelling, which remains a strong point, resulting in a satisfying audiovisual experience.

As the Spring 2025 season nears its end, this pre-final episode successfully sustains narrative momentum and sets the stage for the season finale and the second season.

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Edited by Dishani Dutta
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