I'm impressed with the overall change in production values of animation for the second episode, compared to the first.
The character's move more fluidly and their gestures, particularly the eyes, show more expression. Colors are neat and neither so gloomy nor so bright.
As for the music, it is mostly generic soundtrack but there were quite few tunes that I liked played with string guitar, especially for the duel fights.
It proves that the producers did not spend a nine month hiatus to waste.
Just like in the previous episode the plot moved very fast, though it kept argument and storytelling devices concise and synthesized so as for the viewer to grasp what is going on in that world.
Fortunately, some questions raised in episode one are answered in this one.
Spoiler:
The realm of Phantasmagoria, the world where both Yuuto and Kaori were summoned, uses mana as a means of living and to develop technology to aid in its civilizations. However, the surplus of mana is highly limited, which leads kingdoms throughout all Phantasmagoria employ 'spirits' as war machines.
The rulers and nobility always have set their eyes on others countries's mana sources, henceforth, have spirits raid neighboring kingdoms to conquer them for stealing their mana surplus.
Spirits in Aseria fullfill the same role as Otome in Mai-Otome, save that Spirits are seen in negative stance and fear by all the humans of that world. Because each nation rulers misuse Spirits, and only think of them as nothing more than expendable tools for fighting, therefore, war is an everyday norm in that realm.
Spirits themselves do not object by the wishes or intentions of their contractors nor do they question their duties at all. They are raised to accept their role as fighter weapons.
Humans have contempt for Spirits, and the raid to Rakios Castle slightly hints at that Spirits also reciprocate the feeling.
In addition, episode two addresses another argumentative device. Each kingdom in Phantasmagoria is able to summon their own Etorange from our world, henceforth, by no means there has to be only one Etorange summoned.
Evidence is supported by the Spirits of the enemy empire who address Yuuto as the Etorange from Rakios.
Putting the pieces gathered.
Plus some interesting characters arise.
Episode two brings forth interesting characters and twists plus much cool action, though it still left unanswered some issues.