Noblesse

Episode 1: What Must Be Protected / Ordinary

Synopsis

Raziel, protector of the nobles, along with his loyal butler Frankenstein and former Union experiment M-21, continue to spend their days at Ye Ran High School while keeping their true identities secret. They are living their lives as normal until one day, a violent gang barges onto the school grounds. M-21 is forced to make a choice in order to protect the students. Meanwhile, DA-5, a mysterious special forces team, is dispatched to Japan on an investigative mission. What will become of the trio's peaceful new life?

Plot

An unnamed soldier is talking to his base telling them he's the only survivor of his combat unit, before his contact is cut off and he is killed by Kranz. Several survivors are trying to escape, when they are killed by Hammer and Shark. Watching from his base, Tao tells the group the target they're looking for isn't at that location and sends Takeo to intercept. Takeo takes out the soldiers easily and apprehends the target. Shark and Hammer are complaining that they weren't satisfied killing all those people and were hoping for more action. Kranz tells them to stop complaining and informs his team that they have a new mission and they're to head to Japan.

In Japan we see Raziel staring up at the full moon, standing outside on the balcony.

 Han Shinwoo and Woo Ik-Han are walking to school and are surprised to see a new guard. The two greet M-21 and after he enquires about Tashiro's arm, he explains that he got into a car accident protecting Manabu.

 Frankenstein and Raizel are watching events from his office. In a flashback M-21 tells them about the Union and about the rest of the M-Series experiments, as well as giving them further information on Jake and Mari. He explains that he is the only survivor and expresses regret at not being able to save his comrade. Frankenstein states he is free to stay with them if he needs a place to stay and offers him a job at his school.

Raizel tells Frankenstein he is ready, and Frankenstein opens his desk drawer wondering if his Master is going to try what he suggested last night. Raizel enters the classroom and heads towards Tashiro and Manabu. He stares at Tashiro's cast for a while before taking out a pen and drawing a cute cat on it.

Frankenstein sits in his office wondering if his Master is enjoying himself. Tashiro uses his phone and takes a picture of what's written on Mr. Park's blackboard. At dinner, Raizel is waiting for his ramen to grow when he overhears a student on the phone tell his parents he'll be late since he's hanging out with a friend after school. At the end of the day the students are heading home, Manabu asks Raizel if he'd like to come over to his house, but then they remember he lives with the director and doesn't have a phone.

Raizel meets with Frankenstein and M-21 on the roof of the school and tells him about his day. He tells him about the children having something he lacks and after dropping several hints Frankenstein realises he's talking about a mobile phone. Frankenstein tells him that he'll get one for him as soon as possible.

The next day at school, M-21 is greeting students at the gate when Tashiro calls him an old man, making M-21 cringe. In the classroom, they notice Raizel has a smart phone and Manabu teaches him how to use it. Raizel sends an email to Frankenstein which makes Frankenstein happy. M-21 is watching the students play in the courtyard and the Janitor approaches him and tell him the school is a great place and speaks highly of the director.

A car swerves into the courtyard almost running over a few students. A gang start harassing the students looking for Tashiro. M-21 notices the incident and wants to help, but is reluctant because he's keeping a low profile.

The Janitor steps in telling him that vehicles aren't permitted here and that he should leave. The guy having had enough, breaks the Janitor's broom and is about to punch him, when Tashiro steps in. The guy is angry because Tashiro apparently made a move on his girlfriend, when Manabu asks him about it. Tashiro explains he was on his way to school, when the man's girlfriend tripped, he caught her and that was it.

He tells the man's girlfriend to explain the situation, which she refuses to do, so Tashiro has no option but to fight. Tashiro successfully avoids a few attacks by the man, before a blow lands. M-21 is still unsure about stepping in when he senses Raizel behind him.

He wonders why Raizel is staring at him like that, as the man continues to attack Tashiro. Getting up, Tashiro manages to land a blow, before being knocked back. The Janitor steps in a second time, and the guy picks him up by the scruff of the neck, when M-21 approaches telling him to let the Janitor go.

The man attempts to punch M-21, who avoids the attack and grabs him by the chain he's wearing. M-21 doesn't budge when the man tries to get up and instead flings him against the bonnet of another car. He kneels next to the man, and tells him if no-one was watching he'd be dead. The man tells his gang they're leaving and they all get in their car and take off.

The children thank M-21 and compliment his strength as Raizel goes back to his ramen which has grown sufficiently. Later in the evening, M-21 is standing on the balcony and recalls his past. He wishes for an ordinary life and remembers the promise he made to find their names.

Frankenstein approaches him and mentions he heard what happened at the school. M-21 apologises and Frankenstein tells him to restrain himself so as to not kill anyone. M-21 tells him he made a promise that he wishes to keep and asks Frankenstein if he can live with them. Frankenstein states it's what he suggested from the beginning.

Frankenstein goes and talks with his Master, stating he understands his decision to let him stay with them. M-21 still on the balcony looks out at the night sky and swears to keep his promise.

On a rooftop in Japan, DA-5 are discussing their mission of investigating Jake and Mari's deaths as well as looking into the disappearance of two failed experiments.

After the end credits we see Seira J. Loyard and Regis K. Landegre looking out across the city.