I've just watched Tensei Kizoku. The related manga series is no masterwork, but it's fun; and the animation kept its "childish hopefulness" mood really well. And it delivered well the points behind Ars meeting Rietz:
- the prejudice against the Malkan
- Rietz being grateful to Ars for saving him from famine, and trusting him
- the test not being for Rietz' fighting ability, but also for Ars' talent recruitment one