I don't usually write reviews, but the only one here doesn't make it justice. There're lots of criticisms you can have, but seriously, not understanding the dialogue? That's on you for not paying attention.
Anyways, without spoiling anything, it's important to understand what the first volume is about. The first half of the story is an introduction to the world, the context and the massive cast of characters (at least 15 I can think of rn). There's a political conflict involving 2 kingdoms after the death of the Great Demon King and they need to solve that before the promised tournament. So, the second half of the volume is the war.
If you like stories like those of Ryohgo Narita (Baccano, Durarara, Fate/strange Fake and more) you'll immediatly like the style used to follow all these characters. This cast includes lots of overpowered monsters like a swordsman who can cut through anything, a wyvern commanding a loyal flock, a skeleton who can break the sound barrier and more. Their powers are surprisingly well balanced and their fights are written with such levels off details that it makes you wonder how much money will the production of the anime need to faithfully adapt all these conflicts. Also, the author has no problem killing some of them so be careful with spoilers.
It is not an easy book to follow. The first chapters are a bit confusing since the author first throws you into this world without many info dumps. You gotta have patience and connect some dots to understand the character's relations and motivations. It took me like 2 weeks to get through the first half, but once the war starts it's a neverending compilation of incredible fights and well written conclusions to the characters who die. The slow pace at the start is a price worth paying for such a climax that leaves you satisfied with the conflicts and their resolutions.
Well, at least, that's what I can say about the first volume. Can't wait to start the second rn.
