Episode 1: And So, Our Story Begins

## And So, Our Story Begins

**And So, Our Story Begins** (はじまりはじまり,, *Hajimari hajimari*?) is the first episode of *The Kingdoms of Ruin*. The episode is directed by Shinya Kawabe, storyboard drawn by Goichi Iwahata and Keitaro Motonaga, with a screenplay provided by Takamitsu Kono. It aired on October 7, 2023 in Japan.

## Summary

Chloe Morgan, the "Ice Witch," and her apprentice, Adonis, are on the run from the pursuers of the Redia Empire. The witches, who were once good neighbors, are now regarded as enemies of mankind, and the two seek a peaceful life in a country that is tolerant of witches. While on the run, they reveal their "feelings" for each other, but are suddenly enveloped by a mysterious power...?

## Synopsis

The episode begins with a narrative explaining how in the beginning, God created, and shared their power with the Witches in order for them to utilize it in helping mankind whenever they needed so. However, in the present day, humanity has advanced so much that their powers are deemed, *useless*, so Emperor Goethe of the Redia Emperor ordered the mass hunting of Witches which began the great Witch Hunt. As witches are being hanged, surrounded by crowds cheering their execution, one witch curses all of humanity before dropping and getting hanged.

At the Solsavian region of the Redia Empire, the Witch's Apprentice Adonis asks Chloe a handful of questions before his mentor, Chloe Morgan, shuts him off. Feeling that it's getting hot, Adonis asks if Chloe could use her magic to make it feel cooler, but Chloe turns him down stating that her magic isn't cheap. Using his smartphone, Adonis tells Chloe that he had found their location, which surprised Chloe. Seeing what machinery he's using, Chloe worries about the possibility of them tracking their location down using that machine, to which Adonis assures her that they cannot do so.

Flexing about the technology, and saying how using paper maps in the era that they're currently living in is lame, Adonis tells her that he would make her, her own smartphone before getting pummeled by Chloe. Adonis then asks Chloe why they were constantly running away, which Chloe calmly answers "it's because I'm a witch." Seeing Adonis getting gloomy, Chloe pats Adonis by the shoulder and suggests that they should go. Adonis, watching Chloe's attitude in their current situation being so free and happy, Adonis wonders how that is the case.

Adonis then suggests that they should eradicate humanity with magic. Chloe however, didn't hear him correctly and their conversation is cut short when something is coming after them. Western Squad 8 of the Redia Empire, spotted a fugitive witch and are moving into engage and eliminate. Adonis then prepares to engage in battle with them with his quill, however Chloe shuts him down commenting that he is too inexperienced. Chloe raises her arm forward, and uses Oliot of the Ice Magic. At the Redia Empire, Goethe calls one of his subordinate an "incompetent fool." The subordinate tries to explain himself however is put at a stop after getting kicked in the face by one of the guards. Goethe tells them to stop, and orders them to bring Chloe the Witch to him immediately. He then states that he won't let her escape.

Back at the battlefield, Chloe had completely obliterated the soldiers using Oliot, then shortly thereafter, the staff disappears. Adonis however, is mad that she wouldn't let him fight. Chloe tries to calm him down, however Adonis then summons a large swords to the ground using his magic via the quill, and comments about how any student of Chloe's could be inexperienced. Chloe lets out a sigh before warning Adonis that she'll get mad if he whines too much. Adonis however, suspects that the reason she wouldn't let him fight is because he's a human like them. Adonis states that he can't stand not being able to protect Chloe. Chloe then rushes in to hug Adonis.

## Characters (In Order of Appearance)

* Adonis
* Chloe Morgan
* Emperor Goethe
* Queen Andromeda
	+ Lady Dorothea Grethe
* General Yamato
* Director Yuki
* Doroka
* Anna
* Warden Palpol