TV-Series
Description
Apeas, also known by the name Apis, is a character from the anime Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage. He is a prominent figure in the kingdom of Bosse, recognized as one of its Four Heavenly Kings and bearing the title of the King’s Spear. This title reflects his role as the monarch’s most direct and trusted guardian, a position he assumed after replacing his predecessor, Dorshe. Physically, Apeas is a tall man with a long face, a prominent nose, and small grey eyes. He typically wears a silver-white breastplate over khaki garments, a dark green half-cape with a red collar, and black knee-high boots.

The personality of Apeas is defined by his stoic and composed demeanor. He is known for being a man of few words, with a stern expression that rarely reveals his inner emotions. This quiet and serious nature made him well-suited to serve the king and keep the realm’s many secrets. However, beneath this icy exterior, he is a person of deep loyalty and personal conviction. Miranjo, a key figure in his past, noted that he was actually a sensitive individual who could easily understand the suffering of others. This sensitivity, combined with a past marked by timidity, shaped his motivations.

The core of Apeas’s motivation stems from a profound sense of duty and a personal debt of gratitude. He follows the orders and wishes of King Bosse with unwavering faith, even beyond the call of normal duty. Because King Bosse’s will named the first prince, Bojji, as his successor, Apeas became one of his most ardent supporters. During the vote held by Queen Hiling to decide the next king, Apeas cast his ballot for Bojji, a decision that led to his exile from the castle. Later, his loyalty was further complicated by his deep friendship with Miranjo, to whom he felt immensely indebted for transforming his life.

The role of Apeas in the story is significant, as his loyalties place him at the center of the kingdom’s political turmoil. Initially, his support for Bojji puts him in direct opposition to the new King Daida. After being marked for assassination by Daida, he returns to the castle to kill the young king, only to be stopped by the voice of Miranjo from the Magic Mirror. Recognizing her, he becomes an ally to her plans, even though her machinations amount to a coup against the kingdom. This creates an internal conflict for Apeas, as he feels deep guilt for betraying the kingdom he swore to protect, all while trying to honor his separate oaths to Bosse and Miranjo.

Key relationships define Apeas’s journey. His relationship with King Bosse is one of absolute loyalty, as he refuses to violate the late king’s last will. His connection to Miranjo is more personal and foundational. In his youth, Apeas was talented but timid. King Bosse introduced him to Miranjo, who took it upon herself to train him. She had him battle monsters repeatedly until he developed superhuman combat prowess, and her encouragement helped him overcome his fears. Apeas feels that she is the sole reason he rose to the ranks of the Four Heavenly Kings, and he sees her as a selfless benefactor to whom he owes everything. For her part, Miranjo considers Apeas a true friend. This bond compels him to assist in her plans, even when it puts him in opposition to the rest of the kingdom, including his fellow warriors. He also has a notable relationship with Bebin, whom he defeated in a one-on-one confrontation after being sent into exile.

The development of Apeas sees him transform from a seemingly one-dimensional, stoic royal guard into a conflicted man torn between competing loyalties. He begins as the King’s Spear, whose primary duty is to Bosse. This duty leads him to support Bojji, which gets him exiled. When his life is threatened, he attempts to assassinate the new king, an act of defiance that shows his willingness to act on his convictions. His re-emergence as an ally of Miranjo shows the power of his personal gratitude, which rivals even his duty to the kingdom. Ultimately, he feels enormous guilt for his role in the coup and seeks redemption. After nearly dying and being revived, he joins the other Heavenly Kings to hold off the immortal Ouken. In the aftermath, he is among those who plead for forgiveness from the newly-crowned King Bojji, who grants it and allows him to continue serving the kingdom.

Notable abilities of Apeas are centered on his mastery of the long spear, a weapon from which his title and name are derived. He was specially selected and trained to be an exceptional warrior, with his grueling training under Miranjo pushing him to the limits of human capability. He is considered a master spearman, and it is suggested that his combat prowess is nearly powerful enough to rival that of a king.