By Riku Nanano and cura. Released in Japan as “Koujo Denka no Kateikyoushi” by Fujimi Fantasia Bunko. Released in North America by J-Novel Club. Translated by William Varteresian.

Last volume I started with the plot synopsis to avoid instant spoilers, but there’s no need for that here. The last volume featured several big surprises, not least of which was Lydia taking a curse meant for Allen and almost dying, a state that she pretty much stays in this entire book, so Lydia lovers may be a bit sad. (Good news about the next in the series, fear not.) But again, I think we were all expecting that. We were also expecting Allen’s reaction, and the theme of this book is that everyone knows what he’s going to do, they just have to figure out when he’ll do it and bring enough firepower to stop him. Allen’s never met a problem he won’t solve on his own by trying to sacrifice his own life, after all. They can read him like a book, despite his best poker face. Also, as it turns out he’s just like Lydia, really. When faced with her possible death, he also goes bonkers. Just… politely.

The author says the cover is a contrast to Tina on the cover of the first book, and certainly the climax of the story shows how far she’s come, both in terms of overall magic power and in terms of strategic thinking. (Admittedly, I think much of the strategy was Stella.) She is technically the second protagonist, so her doing cool things is welcome. No worries for Tina haters, though, she gets the first half of the book, where she’s so naive that she gets called a sucker by a great elemental. I also joked online about this biggest shock of the book being Ellie doing something, but she also gets more than once chance to be awesome. I really appreciated Allen trying to distract Ellie by mentioning her mother is actually alive, and her response being “fantastic but I’m going to stop you anyway”. And the other main heroines (bar Lydia, obviously) all get nice bits to do and show up near the end (bar Stella, Lily, and Cheryl, who are on “don’t let Lydia die” watch.)

The series remains a breezy, fun read, but its flaws are still its flaws. This series has a monstrous, gigantic cast, and you’re supposed to remember everyone. And just in case you don’t, the characters make sure to use everyone’s full name, nickname and job title whenever they meet them, just so that you can update your boards with little pins in them. The characters spend any time that they’re not having wacky romantic hijinks praising each other to the skies, to the point where it starts to get annoying. I love Ellie, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t need the entire cast to tell me how awesome she is. As for what they say about Allen, I can think of an appropriate metaphor, but I’ll keep this clean. It’s why this series will always be fun but not great.

Still, good news, Lydia fans! No, not her eventual return in Book 21, though I’m pretty sure that happens too. But we’re getting a Volume 0, taking place during Allen and Lydia’s time at the academy. Will we finally see the backstory that’s been hinted for so long? (This came out in Japan at the same time as Book 20, but you know North American publishing doesn’t work that way.)