To start with, the first chapter has many likable points which contributes to the pace which story elements are introduced.
- The first chapter generates a good dynamic between the three female characters with exposition & backstory, who relate to each other by standing at the top of their respective expertise and being branded as criminals by the world.
- The story actively avoids pushing out the main character until his pivotal moment, such as when the guild master rejects his application in haste without giving him the time of day. This continues the story more satisfyingly as we get to see more of the unique cast and less of the "first chapter rough times" most protagonists encounter.
- The role of its characters in the story. The way the characters are positioned, the panels, the full shot, lends to the characters feeling of either overwhelming power, in the case of its female protagonists, or that of cascading despair for its main character.
- Shounen tropes of persisting in adversity. When combined with previously mentioned points, the story creates a snappy, daring moment where Cross is suddenly thrust into the limelight and his bravery shines to the powerful trio and us readers.
This manga has one of the stronger starts I've read to a shounen battle series, comparing most to My Hero Academia's first chapter. While the climax remains the same, instead of the typical "weak main character is bullied" present throughout the first chapter of MHA, this manga fleshes out the starting cast and soon to be mentors of the main character, not to mention seeing a bit of the world through the eyes of its persecuted S rank adventurers. This is leaving out a few wholesome character traits, such as mentorship qualities within the trio.
For the rest of the review, I'd like to cover my feelings towards the main character and reliance on tropes. As many anime fans may know, Sword Art Online has one of the least interesting main characters in Kirito, which compares to Cross's role in this manga. Whether its overcoming every plot problem with a hidden skill that makes them better than others or having them save every girl the writers wanted in their fiction, Cross really nails the generic main character goal. When Cross starts to call himself the black swordsman and has an infinite number of quirks, you'll know the direction of this story is generally heading downwards. On top of the original character, there are a few underdeveloped aspects of the story which I found an issue with.
- Characters suddenly explaining what the story is.
- The mean spirited antagonist who changes their tune after being saved in a moment of crisis / are defeated by the main character.
- Harem.
Overall, these tropes undermine the excitement and importance of story elements within the first chapters, as it feels like a foregone conclusion that what continues is more of the same things seen in SAO, MHA, and a mix of other shounens, rather than what this series offered in its core cast. Personally, what was really needed from exiting its first chapters was a story element which provided a stronger narrative, such as exploring the mystery behind the protagonists skill, the voice who vaguely intervened in some way, the motivations of the trio other than grooming their husband candidate, or introducing a twist to one of those members.
If a few of the first chapters are enough for you to get through the majority of a story, than I'd recommend this to you. If you'd prefer consistency and longevity in your series, than I'd recommend seeing if more chapters will make this manga a stronger pick, or just skipping it entirely.
