Jun 10, 2022
The story follows a boy named Hikaru with the ability to modify skill trees using a soul board. This story falls into the trope of having an overpowered main character. However, the author makes an effort to tone down his abilities. The synopsis listed on this site only applies to the first few chapters of this series. After the first few chapters, the main protagonist goes on an adventure around the world while messing around with the politics of the world. His methods are quite unorthodox when compared to other series in this genre. Although this series has its flaws, it was quite enjoyable to
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read. Hikaru’s trickster personality and the development of some of the other characters are very entertaining. However, the world-building is sometimes subpar, converting the story into a mystery and moving away from the initially established premise of the story.
During his journey around the world, he plays psychological warfare on people, albeit sometimes unintentionally. For instance, during his first registration with the adventurer’s guild, he unintentionally guilt trips the receptionist and took advantage of her protectionist instinct. In addition, Hikaru played psychological warfare on the Queen of Forestia by threatening her sense of security with his stealth skills.* Also, Hikaru utilizes psychological warfare on the Beastman King by waking him up in the middle of the night. Then, he lured the king to the throne room. In the throne room, Hikaru sits on the throne and taunts the Beastman King before sneaking away. Hence, his trickster behaviors in psychological warfare are enjoyable.
*Hikaru’s interactions with the Queen of Forestia are along the lines of:
1. Hikaru detects hostile spies on the roof of the palace and promptly knocks them out.
2. He then proceeds to sneak into the queen’s office and deactivates his stealth.
3. Hikaru: There were some spies on the roof. Oh yeah, can you sign this document for me?
4. The queen reluctantly signs the paper.
5. Hikaru takes the paper and sneaks back out.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 every time Hikaru needs a political favor.
Although Hikaru does not have much character development aside from growing stronger, the other characters do see tremendous growth. For example, Paula grows from being an insecure villager to leading a cult with her healing skills. Furthermore, though most of Selica’s growth is only mentioned through flashbacks, she grew from being a normal reincarnated girl to being one of the best mages in the new world.
Some major flaws are present in the use of characters in this series. For example, Hikaru refuses to allocate more skill points towards skills with proven and emphasized effectiveness. Also, Hikaru loses his virginity to Lavia very early into the first volume. However, the author refuses to progress their romance further. Although Hikaru shows progress in accepting Paula as a second love interest, she is still left as a “side chick”.
Another major flaw of this series is the plot shifting away from the original premise. Hikaru certainly does display his strength in this new world. However, the story shifts from the fantasy genre to the mystery genre. For example, the author adds the mystery of a tentacle mind control monster during the Forestia arc. Furthermore, the author's world-building by using mysteries; a new mysterious continent devoid of strong magic is added for the protagonist to explore and solve. Lastly, the disappearance of a village hidden in a gold mountain is introduced for Hikaru to solve.
This series follows some common tropes of its genre. For instance, the damsel in distress trope is used when Hikaru rescues Lavia. Moreover, the typical elements of a fantasy series, such as adventuring quests, dungeon exploration, and a magical church are shown in this series as well. In addition, deus ex machina is used the monster invasions in the new continent.
Overall, unique characters enhance the mundane setting to create an entertaining story. I liked Hikaru’s trickster personality and the character development displayed throughout the series. However, other aspects of the story are quite ordinary for its genre. The story is left open-ended and seems unfinished which is a big con for this series.
Story 6
Cover Art 8
Character 10
Enjoyment 10
Overall 8.5 rounded to 9
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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