This Volume was nice change of pace. For once, Naofumi isn’t betrayed, and he doesn’t have to deal with idiots who hold major power. Falling into a trap by following Kyo into Glass’ world, Naofumi and Rishia are dumped into a labyrinth prison, separated from the rest of the Shield party. The first thing Naofumi and Rishia realize is that their levels are reset to Level 1.
So, now while trying to figure out where they are, they have to make sure they aren’t killed due to the loss of their stats, skills and bonuses. During their time trying to level up and regain some the strength they’d lost, they come across monsters too strong for them to take down. In swoops a new character, Kizuna Kazayama, the “Hunting Hero,” who fills them in on where they are (the aforementioned prison). What follows is a struggle to escape the prison, and track down Raphtalia and Filo, as well as Glass, Therese and L’Arc.
Of course, trusting Kizuna doesn’t come easy for Naofumi, as most of the people he trusts ends up hurting him somehow, so he’s a a bit antagonistic. At least he realizes that his attitude and outlook are problematic, though I’m not sure if its something that’ll be addressed moving forward. I hope he comes to be more trusting, as not everyone is out to get him. Despite the fact that he’s been betrayed quite a few times.
I did enjoy this story set in another world. An isekai within an isekai…isekai-ception. In all seriousness though, following Naofumi as he, Rishia and Kizuna search for the rest of their respective parties, well it was a fun journey. We also learned more about the other heroes, the way the vassal weapons work, and the role the heroes of world play. It’s always always enlightening when we learn more about the world(s) and how things work.
What’s the purpose of the Waves? What are the heroes to do? Can all the different worlds survive, or will they be doomed to destruction. Only time will tell how the revelations in this Volume impact things in the future.