The broadcast of Episode 13, titled "The Diary", in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 marked a dramatic turning point for the animated adaptation by Studio Bind. Original author Rifujin na Magonote warned fans on social media beforehand to prepare for the heavy emotional toll, and the episode delivered an unforgiving sequence detailing the dark timeline recorded in Old Rudeus's journal.
Visualizing the Timeline
Rather than simply having Rudeus read entries from a book, Studio Bind chose to fully animate the tragic alternate future recounted by Old Rudeus. The nightmare begins immediately as Roxy contracts the fatal Magic Stone Disease. Rudeus sets out to secure a cure in the Holy Kingdom of Millis alongside Cliff and Zanoba, but the mission ends in disaster—Cliff loses his life in an ambush, forcing Rudeus to commit his first murder under overwhelming desperation.
Upon returning home without a cure, Rudeus finds Roxy already dead. Overcome with grief, he falls into severe alcoholism, leading to estrangement from Sylphiette. Subsequent events snowball into tragic consequences: Sylphiette is executed during Princess Ariel's political struggle in Asura Kingdom, Nanahoshi takes her own life, and Hitogami tauntingly reveals his manipulation behind Roxy's death and pregnancy.
Tragic Climax
The timeline culminates in the loss of Aisha, Zanoba, and ultimately Eris, who sacrifices herself to protect Rudeus during a clash against Atoferatofe. Before passing away, Old Rudeus decides to travel back in time to pass his diary to his younger self, setting the stage for the true timeline's upcoming conflict in Episode 14, titled "Resolution".
Production for the third season continues at Studio Bind, under the direction of Ryosuke Shibuya, with music composed by Keiichi Fujisawa. Main cast members include:
- Yumi Uchiyama as Rudeus Greyrat
- Konomi Kohara as Roxy M. Greyrat
- Ai Kayano as Sylphiette Greyrat
- Tomokazu Sugita as Old Rudeus / Previous Life Man
