Breaking Down the Turning Point in "Sentenced to Be a Hero" Episode 4

Since its premiere in January 2026, the anime “Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004” has set the internet ablaze with its gripping narrative and high production quality.

The series is based on the acclaimed light novel by Rocket Shokai (with illustrations by Mephisto), which garnered numerous honors including a top spot in “Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! 2023.” The light novel is currently published under KADOKAWA’s Dengeki no Shinbungei imprint.

In this world, the “Hero’s Sentence” is the ultimate punishment—a life sentence with no end. Heroes like the protagonist, Xylo Forbartz, are forced to the frontlines to battle the “Demon King Phenomenon,” where they are denied even the mercy of death.

In Episode 3, the Penal Hero Unit led by Xylo went to rescue miners during a mission at the Zewan-Gan mine shaft and confronted a Demon King. After a desperate battle, they emerged victorious and successfully saved the miners’ lives.

Episode 4, “Standby Order: Mureed Fortress,” aired on January 29th. This episode focuses on Mureed Fortress as the setting, spotlighting the precarious position of Teoritta, the Goddess of the Sword, details of a new mission, and the past of Venetim Leopool, a member of the Penal Hero Unit.

This article recaps the content of Episode 4. Let’s look back together at the story as it reaches a new phase and builds even more excitement!

※The following contains spoilers for Episode 4.

A Temporary Respite at Mureed Fortress

Episode 4 depicts a brief moment of rest at Mureed Fortress, in stark contrast to the intense battles of previous episodes. The heroes spend time as they please, and we catch glimpses of them with their guards down.

Particularly notable was Xylo showing a side of himself you’d never imagine from his usual demeanor, absorbed in reading a collection of poetry. His casual remarks to Teoritta about his admiration for poets—so far removed from battle—convey something of his true feelings hidden beneath his position of constantly being called upon to fight.

What was especially striking this time was how Xylo and Teoritta’s relationship had grown closer than before. Xylo appears annoyed when the energetic Teoritta arrives wanting to play together, yet he doesn’t treat her coldly. Their chemistry is heartwarming to watch.

When Patausche Kivia, the Commander of the Thirteenth Holy Knight Order, comes to take Xylo aside for an important conversation, Teoritta tags along. The scene of the three of them browsing food stalls together has an endearing, family-like quality.

Kivia Reveals Teoritta’s Precarious Position

While spending time with Xylo and the others, Kivia enthusiastically discusses “Muriese Cream,” an ice confection specialty from the First Royal Capital being sold at the fortress, showing a different side from her usual stern demeanor.

When she finds a moment alone with Xylo, Kivia finally gets to the point. While acknowledging that her opinion of Xylo has changed, she begins explaining the circumstances of Teoritta’s excavation from northern ruins and her current position.

Originally, Teoritta was supposed to be managed and operated by Kivia’s Thirteenth Holy Knight Order, but the military and the temple clashed over how to handle her. Furthermore, following Xylo’s killing of a goddess, the military began desiring to analyze Teoritta (effectively dissect her) in order to produce more goddesses.

However, Kivia also reveals that the situation surrounding Teoritta is beginning to improve. Xylo and his team’s defeat of two Demon King Phenomena in such a short time has demonstrated the usefulness of goddesses. Still, the fact that her value is determined solely by her utility reveals the twisted nature of this world.

According to Kivia, goddesses are “gateway-like” entities that descended during the First Demon King subjugation, awakening in response to the appearance of Demon King Phenomena. Compared to the 12 goddesses confirmed so far, Teoritta, the Goddess of the Sword, was judged by the military from the time of her excavation to be significantly inferior in capabilities.

Kivia reveals strong guilt over knowing Teoritta’s situation yet being unable to do anything about it. Upon hearing this, Xylo displays anger and resolves to save Teoritta from the threat of dissection by achieving results in the next mission.

Venetim’s Quiet Contributions and His Past

The new mission facing Xylo and his team is to defend Mureed Fortress from Demon King Phenomenon No. 15, “Iblis,” using only the heroes. They must fight a war of attrition until death, buying time by keeping the Demon King Phenomenon engaged.

At the point when the heroes are annihilated and the fortress falls, the Ninth and Thirteenth Holy Knight Orders waiting in reserve will execute a special poison attack. The fortress is rigged with a massive poison trap created by the Ninth Holy Knight Order’s goddess, designed to eliminate the highly regenerative Demon King Phenomenon.

Terrifyingly, even after successfully luring the Demon King, Xylo and the others are not permitted to evacuate the fortress. If even one hero leaves the fortress, the holy seals carved into their necks will instantly kill everyone—a merciless rule. Under these utterly unreasonable circumstances, we see Venetim skillfully negotiating with the commanding officer about improving the operation.

Venetim became a liar out of a desire not to disappoint people, then had to make things work out to match his lies.

This episode also reveals why this accomplished fraud was sentenced to be a hero. He was brought to justice because an article he once wrote for a third-rate paper unintentionally touched upon “truth.” The content suggested that spies influenced by Demon King Phenomena had infiltrated the highest levels of government. A special mechanism in Venetim’s holy seal prevents him from speaking this truth.

Despite this, he maximizes his exceptional talent for making people believe lies during the preparation phase of the fortress defense mission. He successfully modifies the rule to “everyone dies if everyone evacuates” and ultimately gets all the demands Xylo requested—plus pardons and more. All while shrewdly ensuring his own escape route.

Through these scenes, not only Venetim’s abilities but also his more human side become apparent.

The New Penal Hero Tsav Hints at Coming Turmoil

Episode 4 marks the first appearance of a new hero: Tsav. As mentioned in the episode, he participated in the previous failed operation to eliminate the Demon King Phenomenon “Iblis.”

As evident from Xylo and Dotta Luzulas’s reactions, even among the troublesome heroes, Tsav is a particularly difficult individual. According to Dotta, he’s someone likely to cause problems at any moment.

Near the end of the episode, a gambling scene reveals Tsav’s extraordinary behavior. Despite his casual manner of speaking, he cheerfully severs the wrist of an opponent who cheated. Though his appearance is brief, it leaves a powerful impression on viewers.

Thus, Episode 4 closes in a way that foreshadows coming turmoil.

Reactions from Viewers, Staff, and Cast

Episode 4 of the anime sparked a significant social media buzz, with many viewers expressing surprise and positive reactions to the characters’ unexpected sides.

Xylo: His scene reading poetry generated shock and appreciation for the contrast with his usual demeanor, with comments like “So unexpected, I was shocked!” and “The gap from his usual self is great!”

Kivia: Viewers warmed to her after she displayed knowledge of ice confections, noting her “cute” side and increasing their opinion of her.

Teoritta: Her harsh situation elicited strong anger and indignation, mirroring Xylo’s feelings, with responses such as “That’s terrible” and “It makes me furious.”

Venetim: His skills, particularly his “amazing rhetoric” and being “such a good negotiator,” earned praise. However, his reason for receiving the hero sentence drew sympathy, with comments calling it “pitiful” and “such bad luck.”

Tsav: His debut caused widespread shock—”That introduction was insane!” and “I was so surprised!”—and his ruthless behavior left a powerful impact. Anticipation is now high, with viewers eager to see what he does next.

In conjunction with Episode 4’s broadcast, various posts were shared by the show’s staff and cast. Below are some of those reactions:

第四話のベネティム

素敵な評価をしてくださり本当に感謝です。

彼の言葉のどこまでが本当でどこから嘘なのか、刑に処されている彼にしかわかりません。

これからも是非、

深いのか浅いのかわからない彼の器も

広いのか狭いのかわからない彼の懐も

ハラハラムカムカしながら見てあげて下さい🙏

— 土岐隼一🍥 (@tokishunichi) January 30, 2026

Conclusion

Episode 4, set at Mureed Fortress, depicted a temporary respite for the heroes while revealing Teoritta’s unstable position and details of the new mission.

Teoritta’s reality is especially harsh, and her gentle, innocent demeanor makes it all the more heartbreaking. However, Xylo shows protagonist-worthy resolve in his determination to break through this situation.

Venetim’s contributions were one of the episode’s highlights. His ability to improve the operation and secure multiple demands through words rather than force is spine-tingling. Furthermore, as the reason for his hero sentence was revealed, his more human side also came into focus.

With the impactful debut of hero Tsav in Episode 4, a new mission at Mureed Fortress is beginning. What hardships await Xylo and his team as they face a battle with death at their side? Don’t miss out on Episode 5!

About Anime “Sentenced to Be a Hero”

Synopsis

“Heroism” is the worst punishment in this world. Those who commit grave sins are sentenced to become “Heroes” and forced to fight the Demon King’s army as their penalty. Even if killed, they are revived; they are not even permitted to die.

Xylo Forbartz, a former commander of the Holy Knights sentenced to the “Hero’s Penalty,” leads Penal Hero Unit 9004, comprised of individuals with fractured personalities, as they charge through the front lines of the war.

Amidst these harsh conditions, Xylo encounters one of the strongest living weapons in existence, the “Sword Goddess” Teoritta.

“When we have annihilated the enemy, you are to praise me… and then pat me on the head.”

To survive, and to exact revenge on those who framed him—having formed a contract with the Goddess, Xylo throws himself into a vortex of fierce conflict and conspiracy in a hopeless world.

Cast

Xylo Forbartz: Yohei Azakami

Teoritta: Mayu Iizuka

Patausche Kivia: Shizuka Ishigami

Dotta Luzulas: Shun Horie

Venetim Leopool: Shunichi Toki

Norgalle Senridge: Yoji Ueda

Tatsuya: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

Tsav: Jun Fukushima

Jayce Partiract: Shoya Chiba

Neely: Yoko Hikasa

Rhyno: Yuichi Nakamura

Frenci Mastibolt: Saori Onishi

*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation

Breaking Down the Turning Point in “Sentenced to Be a Hero” Episode 4

Tags: