By Touwa Akatsuki and Falmaro. Released in Japan as “Last Boss Toubatsu Go ni Hajimeru Nishuume Boukensha Life: Hajimari no Machi de Wakeari Bishoujotachi ga Mechakucha Natsuite Kimasu” by Fujimi Fantasia Bunko. Released in North America by Yen On. Translated by Kamishiro Taishi.

And here’s where we find out why this series didn’t last past the second volume, and any goodwill I had towards it quietly vanishes. There’s a reason that writers love to create conflict for their characters: unless it’s handled well, everyone getting along is boring. Rearguard has a similar problem, but usually moves at a fast enough clip that it can avoid the worst of it. This book, though, really doesn’t pick up till about 2/3 of the way into it. Not great. And there’s also Falmaro’s art. I used to, if not like, at least not mind Falmaro as much. But as time as gone on, their art is not only fanservice for fanservice’s sake, but looks tedious. Everyone seems to fall with their legs spread open, or dance so their panties fly up. I think it’s meant to be funny? Hey, look at the obvious? It made me groan and want to move on.

(See? Even the cover art is an upskirt shot.) Returning back to their hometown after defeating the demons from Volume 1, Might and company get a hero’s welcome. They’re headed off to the capital as well, but there’s a bit of a worry. As Raksha, the dead demon who manages to nevertheless be alive enough to exposit, tells them, there’s another demon, a vampire, who’s even stronger than the ones from the previous book. And as they set off for the capital, it would appear that the vampire’s kin have been getting busier and busier recruiting new women (always young women), and they’ve even gotten a hold of one of Might’s old allies, Elk. Actually, Might’s old allies from his former “life” may end up being the cause of all these issues, along with a goddess who may not be what she seems…

So now that I’ve bitched about the entire book, what did I like about it? I did like how they worked in the old cast, though “mischievous sister goddess pretends to be her good twin to cause chaos” is a bit eye-rolling. Falina’s a good, noble girl who’s tricked badly and has to do her best not to turn evil. Unfortunately, vampirism is a real threat here, plus of course she’s in love with Might along with every other woman in the cast, so it’s hard to simply sit and do nothing. And given this is a book where everyone gets along, it was appropriate that Might’s vampire cure ended up making everyone fine with no after effects. Likewise, when Lystia returns home after running away, the reaction of most everyone is “ah well, you had your reasons.” Also, when we hear that Might’s so young at this point his voice hasn’t dropped yet (isn’t he 15?!), it makes sense why all the sexy teasing goes absolutely nowhere. This is about family, not who gets to be his lover.

The end of this volume wraps up most of the plot points that were outstanding, and it’s pretty easy to not write more. The author seems to have returned to Rearguard after a hiatus to write this. I hope they concentrate more on that, Best Lizard could kick the ass of any of these girls.

By Touwa Akatsuki and Falmaro. Released in Japan as “Last Boss Toubatsu Go ni Hajimeru Nishuume Boukensha Life: Hajimari no Machi de Wakeari Bishoujotachi ga Mechakucha Natsuite Kimasu” by Fujimi Fantasia Bunko. Released in North America by Yen On. Translated by Kamishiro Taishi.

Just the title should tell you that we’re in old, familiar territory. First of all, this is from the author of ridiculous OP harem battle light novel The World’s Strongest Rearguard, whose anime is out soon. More importantly, there are levels and classes and stats, though thankfully a lot fewer stat screens than Rearguard ever had. New Game Plus is what some games have where, after finishing the game, you get to start over at Level 1 but you get to keep all your old gear and skills. In return, there’s stronger everything. That’s essentially what happens to our main character here. He also gains a bevy of new party members, who dominate the cover art. (He’s in the upper left corner. You’ll have to squint.) They’re fanservicey as hell, and all fall in love with him immediately. But don’t worry. Just like Rearguard, nothing will actually happen. This is about comfy rather than horny.

A young boy, Crow, is a thief. Who has no mana, unlike almost everyone else in the world. Naturally, he’s abandoned and lives in the slums. Fortunately, he can make friends and allies, even though he longs to be a magic user. Years later, he is Level 100, and he and his three level 100 party members (all gorgeous women) face off against a demonic dragon. They win, but Crow dies taking a curse meant to kill their swordfighter. He wakes up (sigh) talking to a goddess, who says he can be resurrected, and change his class. He immediately wants to be a Sage, the most powerful magic class. Now called Might, he’s back in the starter town he grew up in, and also looks 15 again rather than in his late 20s. But… he’s a sage! He can use magic! It’s just he’s Level 1 again. But… as he finds out, he’s still as strong as he was before.

If you’re looking for serious and deep, flee. If you’re looking for a long-running, consistently released series, flee as well – this had two volumes and then stopped, the author seems to be like that. If you’re looking for goofy fun with really likeable girls, some gratuitous fanservice, and an immediate found family, this is for you. If you’ve read Rearguard, no, he doesn’t have magical orgasm powers when his party sleeps like Akihito does. That said, I’m going to append a “yet” to that, because we also see him drawing out the girls’ secret hidden powers by kissing their hands. He can see locks on people’s chest that break when they fall in love with him, and he is breaking locks left and right, because he’s nice, powerful, polite, and doesn’t leer. Much. As for the girls, there is blue-haired swordfighter with a rather poorly hidden secret, her friend who claims to be a paladin but see previous secret, and an awkward mage with a large hat, small bust, and love of making her own homebrew potions rather than following the recipe. They’re all great, and funny. Might? You know what Might is like, you’ve read these. He’s a potato-kun. But a nice one. Kazuma wishes he were this guy, but Kazuma is more entertaining.

Again, this series has one kind of audience: those who like fantasy books with cute girls who like a nondescript hero. It’s a must for Rearguard fans, though, despite not having Best Lizard.