Episode 10 of Beheneko: The Elf-Girl’s Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster! sees Tama, the cat, finally embracing his true power as an S-Ranked Behemoth in a desperate fight against a revived member of the Four Fiends. As Aria and her companions face overwhelming odds, Tama’s evolution becomes their only hope.
The Four Fiends Return: A Desperate Battle in Ruine
Aria and her friends discover that one of the Four Fiends has resurfaced within the labyrinth of Ruine, their home city. Accompanied by Julius and Cedric’s knights, they venture into the deepest level of the labyrinth, where they confront Vasago, a formidable member of the Four Fiends.
Vasago proves to be a terrifying opponent, summoning two incredibly powerful monsters of unknown rank: Cyclops and Orthros. The heroes are quickly overwhelmed, and even Julius, still weakened from a past battle, is unable to withstand the assault. The situation grows increasingly dire as the group is pushed to the brink.
Tama’s Transformation: From Cat to Behemoth
With Julius incapacitated and the party facing annihilation, Tama makes a momentous decision: he will evolve into his third Behemoth form. This transformation marks a significant turning point in the series, as Tama sheds his cute cat persona and embraces his true identity as a devastatingly powerful monster. While the transformation provides a surge of power, some reviews note that the impact is lessened by the fact that others mistake his new form for just another creature.
Aria’s Awakened Power: A New Skill Emerges
As Stella bravely defends Tama, Aria suddenly unlocks a new skill, “Excalibur.” This newly acquired ability unleashes a holy blast that obliterates both the homing lance and the Orthros’ body. The coordinated efforts of Tama and Aria manage to turn the tide of the battle.
Aftermath and Future Threats: Lumines in Danger
Following the intense battle, Tama reverts to his cat form. Back in the capital, Belzebuth reveals that Vasago’s forces are now advancing towards Aria’s home village, Lumines, seeking the Philosopher’s Stone hidden there. This revelation sets the stage for the next arc of the series, as the group resolves to defend Lumines from the impending demonic invasion.
Episode 10 Review: A Mixed Reception
Reviews for Episode 10 have been mixed. Some viewers felt that the episode came close to eliciting genuine emotion, only to fall short due to a lack of emotional connection and lackluster animation. There’s criticism of the villain having no buildup, and Julius not dying, even after a proper buildup.
- Julius’s Near-Death Experience: The episode teases the possibility of Julius’s death, with his weakened state and the gravity of the situation suggesting a “passing of the torch” moment. However, the show ultimately “chickens out,” as Julius is fine by the end of the episode.
- Stella’s Character: Stella receives praise as a well-developed character with a compelling backstory and a meaningful character arc. Her willingness to sacrifice herself for Tama further solidifies her position as a fan favorite.
- Tama’s Transformation: While Tama’s transformation is a significant plot point, some reviews suggest that it lacks the intended impact. The fact that his new form is mistaken for another creature diminishes the dramatic effect.
- Aria’s New Skill: Aria acquiring a powerful new skill is criticized by some as feeling like a convenient plot device, pulled “out of her butt.”
- Overall Impression: Some viewers express feeling “incredibly empty” by the end of the episode, citing a lack of emotional investment and underwhelming execution.
Key Characters
- Tama: The protagonist, a knight reincarnated as an S-Ranked Behemoth who is mistaken for a cat. Voiced by Tasuku Hatanaka (as Behemoth) and Riho Sugiyama (as the cat).
- Aria: An elf girl and novice adventurer who adopts Tama, unaware of his true identity. Voiced by Hinaki Yano.
- Stella: Voiced by Hitomi Ueda.
- Julius:
- Vasago: A member of the Four Fiends and the antagonist in this episode.
