Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (Light Novel) Vol. 14

無職転生: 異世界行ったら本気だす [Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu] #14

by Rifujin na Magonote, Shirotaka (Illustrator)

WEDDED BLISS--OR BANE?!



A new chapter of Rudeus' life beckons as he throws himself into his research, house-hunting, and planning a wedding. But then an unexpected letter, bearing shocking news, arrives to interrupt the young couple's domestic dreams. It seems the past still isn't done with Rudeus, and neither is a certain mysterious white-masked girl!

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Fiction, Manga, Adventure, Japanese Literature, Harem

364 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2017

Reviews

[Haris Raza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This
This one knocked it out of the park for me
Perhaps due to the lower scale and pace of the previous book and also perhaps because I’m plowing through them so fast but boy oh boy. This one has been A-Tier if not S-Tier.
A brilliant instalment, using all the world and characterisation it has established so far to put forth a gripping story.
Brilliant. I couldn’t put it down, and nearly jumped out of my seat at one instant around the end.

But I feel the need to prefix my previous book’s points and gripes
(My previous book’s review was overall positive. I had some gripes despite enjoying the flow of the book in general
Those gripes were written in a review which was deleted due to goodreads being... goodreads.)
Anyway
I’ll just reiterate them here

(Spoilers ahead)

***

I had much enjoyed the slow space and daily life of Rudeus in volume 13
However my gripes were not on the aspects of seeming mundanity that were shown but rather the increasing sense of wish fulfilment that came along while reading

It progressively and increasingly felt like a harem wish fulfilment volume
And while previously I had always managed to ignore those aspects of the story, that time I wasn’t able to simply ignore it and for me it detracted from the narrative.

And I am overly harsh again because I thoroughly enjoy this series and it’s characters so when it feels like they aren’t behaving as per their potential, it irks me to no end.

In that book I found my misgivings of sylphy’s character being a passive one to be realised. To be such a passive character in that novel really detracted from her agency as a main character. Roxy was okay, but again, as anyone whose read the previous volume would be aware. The fates of these 3 are now completely tied together.
Also the fact that they went there. They actually went that “Fifth Season” route with the relationship was... distracting.

However, these gripes aside.
When the surprise birthday happened. The narrative shined. Their surprise gifts to norn and Aisha. Zeniths reaction. Rudeus’s emotions during it. And then finally Roxy being ‘officially’ accepted by sylphie.
The domestic life after an adventurous escapade is very enjoyable if done well.
And for the most part it was. But the feeling of wish fulfilment tropes being there occasionally just distracted from the fun and charm at times.

***

Now
To this book

All those reservations of Sylphy’s character being a passive one? Gone! Not only does she play an active role in the events that place in this book but also through her mannerisms, she actively shows that she’s not a pushover. It’s just her pure adoration for Rudy that she is able to deal with the weird relationship she has with him. But it’s not like she isn’t prone to get jealous or defensive if someone else comes marching into the harem.
It’s just that she is naturally a very open and kind person. And would always take the benefit of the doubt into account.
And that’s not a bad characterisation at all.
Rudy himself mentions, she got displaced, somehow survived, lost her parents, but still became a royal guard, got married and even had a child.
A matter of perspective really

And then the story itself.
So many things happen so fast

First with Nanahoshi’s disease. Then their escapade back to a familiar kingdom. An encounter with a god. And their subsequent escape while finding a cure.

This book was solid adventure
The fight scenes were exceptional and very easy to follow. Fast paced and full of impact. And really intense.

And then such a twist at the end!?
I nearly jumped out of my couch when I read it.
Just last book Rudeus referenced Steins’ Gate while flirting with Roxy
And then this happened at the end.

While I wonder how the author intends to pull off a narrative that is Finally revealing some cards to the fundamental conflict that is about to come into play. I am equally excited and looking forward, like never before, of where the story goes!

While writing this, I’ve read the first chapter of the next novel. And looks like we’re in for a thrilling ride.

[Fernando Tarango · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volumen 14
Top 1 de lo que llevo de Mushoku, sobre todo al final, en general aun así sin eso, esta por encima de bastantes volúmenes.

Primero, me generó un gran interés (pero mucho) en la guerra anterior entre demonios y humanos de hace 400 años y quisiera incluso un volumen o varios en esa época, con tantos dioses y reyes de razas y estilos peleando en batallas desgarradoras, por mucho que sepamos la resolución, creo que verla escrita tal cual desde varios puntos de vista de personajes ya conocidos estaría muy bien.

Segundo, conocer a bastantes mas personajes, muy importantes en el mundo y que expanden desde conflictos hasta nuevas enseñanzas y futuras cosas, ya hacia falta algo así y creo que fue llevado de manera sencilla, rápida y solida conocer a todos los nuevos personajes involucrados en mayor o menos medida.

Tercero, un cambio de guion por lo que parece ser, puede ser que al final no cambie tanto, pero aun así esta muy bien, sorprende y eso no se puede negar. Es impactante por lo menos para mi pero sin ser exagerado ni algo que no haya sido preparado cautelosa mente y sutilmente, o algo que no tenga lógica en el worldbuilding que ha ido construyendo el autor, no ha sido sacado de la manga y eso le da muchos puntos, ya que incluso libros de renombre a veces hacen estas practicas para poder continuar con su historia, pero ese no es el caso en esta historia, por lo pronto.

Muy contento, con muchas más ganas de continuar.

-Voy a volumen por día...-

[Jacob I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I'm disappointed that I was able to read this so quickly. I can't wait for the next LN in the series. The anticipation is killing me.

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started slow, but then quickly picks up. This novel introduces us to several other and probably consequential characters. Additionally, there was character development specially for Rudeus.
Just as a side note that I need to scream to the heavens, “I still can’t stand Roxy”
Anyhow, it was really sad finishing this story, it took me less than a day, and now I have to wait a little more than 6 months to read vol. 15.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy fuck! What just happened here? One minute we’re going on an adventure to help out Nanahoshi, I got to meet a new character, the fight was very impressive, we’re getting to know Perugius… it all felt like when we were adventuring back when Rudeus was young. And then all of a sudden the Man God appears again and we have one hell of a chapter with one hell of a turning point! I’m still in shock. And I’ve noticed that this author doesn’t just write stuff and then forgets about it, so I better remember all of this information for later. I really can’t believe this story is so good. I’m so impressed.

[Nick Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho-ly SHIT! The ending…. The plots within plots finally revealed. Our perception of the world was wrong. I did guess what going to happen before the big reveal but the content is crazy

[Justin Chesnut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it.

Heres where its starts to get real.
The beginning of the realities of life, less lackadaisical more git it going.

[Humaira Haider · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was such a good book! I loved it!!!! 100000/5 ⭐! Like I'm in love.
Unlike the last volumes it wasn't slow paced, and didn't have any slic of life moments! I loved it sooo much!
First nanahoshi's illness ( best character ♥️ btw ), the journey to her cure was great, I loved meeting demon king alofe , and perugius as well! The fights between rudeus and alofe were top notch. Demon emperor kirishika is my favourite , she is so humorous and funny, totally love her . That was all like the 80% of the novel. And God it was good!!!
Let's talk about the left 20% , BECAUSE OMG OMG WHAT A SHOCKER!?!?!?!
RUDEUS FROM THE FUTURE?!?!?!?! (Is this tokyo revengers) I'M NOT COMPLAINIG?
I LOVED THAT PART! (Kinda cliche but still)
MAN GOD IS THE ENEMY?!?!?
BLOWS MY MIND 🤯
not only that ERIS IS RETURNING!!!!!
Can't wait for the next volume!!

[Caleb Nischara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, let’s dive into *Mushoku Tensei* Volume 14. I’ll be focusing on chapters 1-9, which I’ll review separately since a larger narrative arc kicks off afterward and continues into the next volume. The bulk of these chapters take place in Perugius’s castle, with a brief side trip back to Rikarisu. However, the main plot isn’t closely tied to these locations; instead, it centers on Nanahoshi’s illness, which was hinted at in the previous volume. Perugius’s castle mainly provides a convenient setting for diagnosing her condition and offering some exposition on it. The story revisits information established back in Volume 9: Nanahoshi naturally lacks mana and cannot produce it, while everything in this world is composed of mana. Normally, the mana within a person’s body acts as a shield against external mana, preventing it from poisoning the body. But since Nanahoshi lacks this internal mana, her immune system reacts, causing her to develop severe fevers. However, this immune response is ineffective against the external mana, making the illness fatal without treatment.

The way this explanation is laid out is impressively authentic and grounded, reminiscent of real-world diseases. It explains why Nanahoshi’s isolation delayed the onset of the illness (since she wasn’t exposed to much external mana), and also why the disease has practically died out—people have developed immunity over generations by accumulating more mana in their bodies, essentially through evolution. Treating the illness isn’t particularly difficult either; it involves using certain leaves for a tea that expels the mana through the digestive system. The challenge is that almost no one possesses this knowledge anymore, as the disease has been extinct for so long. This means that Rudeus and his friends have to track down Kishirika, one of the few remaining beings with the necessary knowledge, who then provides the simple solution.

The premise of this story arc is believable without being over-the-top—Rudeus and his friends aren’t required to perform some impossible feat to cure an incurable disease; they just need to uncover lost information. But first, they must find the right person and then locate the right herb, which is only difficult because Atofera is staying at the castle during this time. This creates a plausible scenario where Rudeus’s group must embark on an adventure while also providing a reasonable explanation for why the problem can be solved relatively quickly, without making the story feel like a video game. Interestingly, not only are the setting and plot only loosely connected, but the main theme of the story also heads in a different direction: nostalgia and melancholy.

This entire volume conveys a sense of nostalgia both internally, through the characters’ thoughts, and externally, through the narrative. Externally, this is evident in the return to Rikarisu, the reunions with familiar characters like Kishirika and Nekopara, the exploration of Perugius’s fortress, and the interactions between Zanoba and Perugius as they reminisce about the art of the past. Perugius himself, an old legendary hero from a long-forgotten era, finds peace with Rudeus when the latter helps him resolve a centuries-old conflict with Atofera by giving him an opportunity for revenge. Internally, this nostalgia is reflected in how often Rudeus thinks back to the past: his time with Eris and Ruijerd, the many people they met along the way, Elinalise’s promiscuous past, his evolving relationships with Zanoba and Cliff, his time with Nanahoshi, and, most of all, his daily life with his family. The most powerful moment likely comes when Rudeus murmurs to himself how much he loves life in this world, how beautiful it is, and how he never wants to give it up—a sentiment that gives even more weight to the everyday stories from Volume 13.

But it’s not just Rudeus who is caught up in nostalgia. Zanoba admits to feeling homesick for the first time, Nanahoshi’s longing for the past is stronger than ever, and even Nekopara presents herself differently to Rudeus because of his pleasant memories of Roxy. These three layers—setting, plot, and central theme—initially seem disconnected but ultimately come together to create a cohesive work centered on the theme of looking back at the past and how people cope with it. It’s fitting, then, that one of the most touching moments in the entire series occurs when Nanahoshi reflects on her past and her relationship with Rudeus. After keeping her distance from him—partly because she thought he wouldn’t understand her (he loved the world she wanted to escape), and partly because it pained her to see how well Rudeus was thriving in a world where she was suffering—she finally expresses her sincere thanks and apologizes for how she treated him. Up until now, she viewed their relationship as primarily businesslike, which made her feel compelled to “reward” him for his help. But now, she can finally see him for what he truly is: a friend. This allows her to let go of her greatest fear, which I believe was the third reason she kept Rudeus at arm’s length: the fear of betraying her old home by forming genuine, meaningful relationships in this new world and creating something she might have to leave behind. And after all the recent romantic developments, this moment of open and honest friendship, which beautifully ties into one of the series’ central themes, is a wonderfully poetic moment that brings the narrative arc to a satisfying conclusion.

However, I do have some criticism, mainly concerning Atofera. The main issue with the series is that it has created these “immortal demon god,” beings who are, by definition, unbeatable. This wasn’t much of a problem before since characters like Kishirika and Badigadi were mostly used for comedic purposes, but it becomes an issue when this concept is applied to a serious setting. For Rudeus, this experience was supposed to be existential—he was on the verge of killing someone for the first time, he was terrified of never seeing his family again, or of being unable to save Nanahoshi—yet the tone was more humorous because Atofera wasn’t trying to kill him but to forcibly recruit him. In a way, this mirrors the events in Volume 6 in Shironne, as highlighted by Zanoba’s unusually proactive and simply cool role in this volume. However, in Shironne, the plot didn’t drag, and Rudeus’s attitude toward the events was much more relaxed: he trusted that Ruijerd and Eris would come soon, and he was never really emotionally challenged. The external mood matched the internal one, which isn’t the case with Atofera. On the contrary, the somewhat slapstick battle against her often stood in stark contrast to Rudeus’s inner turmoil, reminding me of the issues I had with the Deku vs. Gentle Criminal confrontation in *My Hero Academia*. This made Chapter 8 feel a bit disjointed. There’s a moment where Cliff rushes toward the teleportation cave, and during that time, an absurd amount of events happen in a “5-Minutes-Namek” style, and Rudeus somehow manages to squeeze in two pages of thoughts in a split second. I’ve never seen *Mushoku Tensei* have such a disharmonious relationship between it's internal and external textual levels. This doesn’t ruin the volume by any means, but it does stand out as a significant issue, especially because I enjoyed the rest so much.

[Vincent Shen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mushoku Tensei has been the only anime I have watched that has nudged me into reading its original source material. The story has a simple premise of an immature 30 year old shut-in dying and regretting his life choices. He gets reincarnated into a medieval fantasy (magic) world as a baby with all of his past memories. The series follows his entire life where he decides to relive it to the fullest while being haunted by his past insecurities and failures.

What drew me to this series was the fact that the characters were much more developed than most series I had ever watched and the side characters were not just forgotten but rather developed. Many recurring side characters had their own stories/regrets behind them. Another reason I was drawn to these novels was because of the world building and how interesting the world around Rudeus (main character) took shape. The obviously had many other-worldly aspects to it yet some areas felt similar to our world. For example, the Church possessing land and power and power struggles between nobles. While there are many western novels that probably have these premises and execute them much better, they don't possess the unique and weird storytelling that Japanese writers possess.

The 14th novel in the series follows Rudeus trying to cure Nanahoshi's disease. Nanahoshi and Rudeus thus far have been the only two characters from Earth that were transported to this fantasy world. Yet, they are foil characters and possess opposite opinions about the world around them. Nanahoshi cannot perform magic and was transported at the age of 17 and has not aged since she was transported. However, Rudeus was entirely reincarnated with the ability to perform magic amongst the other perks of being born into this world. Nanahoshi introduces Rudeus to Perugius because Rudeus had been helping her try to get back home. In the midst of the visit she falls ill and Rudeus needed to find a cure to an ancient disease that doesn't affect anyone today. This concept is similar to how the Native Americans died to diseases like small pox due to their lack of immunity.

Overall the book is quite well paced and the story was engaging enough. This novel is particular was meant to mostly set up for the next book and is more like a side story that overall does not really affect the plot whatsoever. However, I do like how Rifujin uses this book as a way for Rudues and his friends to gain the trust of Perugius. While many writers would rather take the easy way out and have them become buddy buddy after 3 pages, Rifujin makes sure Perugius (A 500+ year old person) exercises skepticism around the group. The series has thus far has been a mixture of slice of life and adventure and the balance between the two genres is what makes this series so great. I look forward to the next translation of this novel and will read it once it comes out because it seems to be going into a much more plot heavy direction for the foreseeable future. Hopefully I will not read it all in one day next time as it deeply saddens me to wait for the next translation to come out in 3 months time.

[Lafi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, each chapter left me with anticipation for the next. Developments were both exciting and moving along smoothly, without feeling rushed or too drawn out. I'm once again incredibly impressed with Rudy's maturity. Willing to turn down several opportunities for sexy time with his wives for their betterment and his own in some situations. Never oogles at other women. Truly a man satisfied with what he has, and willing to protect it, at any cost. I was very excited about the return of Kishiriku, I hope we see more of her. The is it from Rudius' future self was unexpected, I hope we avoid the usual cliches that you usually get with time travel plots. I had a spoiled from you a while ago that the man God was evil, but this reveal was still very satisfying. My heart was racing for the entirety of the last two chapters. I almost skipped writing this review, just so that I could start the next book a little sooner.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At long last, after years of slow growth, family focus, and complacency, it seems that things in the world of Mushoku Tensei are heating up once again. While the last several novels were gratifying in a way, at least at first, they also came with a sense of mundane predictably, where the world seemed to shrink, the mysteries of the world were solved, and everything was as perfect as one could reasonably expect, excluding some hiccups here and there. But now I'm hopeful that once again I will be able to see progression like that of the earlier novels, and experience just what else this universe has in store.

[Basililouis · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion the first 200 pages of this book are almost unreadable with how boring and unitresting I found them with the atofe fight litterally being one of the worst most frustrating fights I've ever read. On the other hand though the last 70 pages or so is 10 out 10 perfect his older selfs introduction and the brief moment with eris becoming a sword king were just perfect. still though It was extremely difficult to get through the atofe fight where they spend 8 pages with rudeus becoming retarded and forgetting hes can cast more magic than low level spells and I just kind of found there time in the floating fortress annoying overall 3/5

[Nuniflex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I wrote that Vol 12 was the best volume just by sheer content, but then this happened. Vol 14 has none of that discomforting polygamy and instead explores TWO new areas and meet interesting characters. Knowing that any good ship between the girls has sailed, this is the last hope of Mushoten I hold. Now, it's time to wait for the new volumes to be translated. Godspeed.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

No esperaba darle 5 estrellas a este volumen pero el cuarto punto de inflexión me ha dejado sin palabras. No me creo lo que leído porque esto cambiará el rumbo de la historia.

El momento de Nanahoshi ha sido emotivo, realmente me sorprende el cariño que le he tomado al personaje.

Pero es que esos dos últimos capítulos... madre mía. Estoy ansiosa por ver cómo continuará la historia.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the whole Brust feel, meeting powerful people in a floating castle, even returning to the Demon continent, and having a great little encounter with demon kings.

But it was the later part, the nice little plot reveal, that has changed the entire feel of the series... again. :)

Fun stuff.

[Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re unfamiliar with this series, every once in awhile there will be a chapter titled “Turning Point” marking significant moments in the story. This volume contains the 4th and best turning point in the series. It recontextualizes the story in such an interesting way. I’m really excited to see where the story goes from here.

[Jesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good.

I can't believe what happened in this volume. Rudy still has people look at him with suspicion. But I'm glad his future self came to warn him. I can't wait to see how Eris reacts to Rudy.

[Giaconia Nicolas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic volume. New characters introduced, some nice action and displays of Rudeus's power, and an absolutely insane plot twist at the end. I also love the extra chapters catching up on what Eris is doing.

[Jorge Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

and this is where the story really begins

What a chapter the story keeps getting better and better and I highly recommend everyone to give it a read. It’s been a long time since I’ve been hooked on a story from the beginning.

[Donny Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book at 1am today. At the beginning of the book it is quite slow, but it slowly building up the momentum, and it gets very interesting towards the end of the book. They let us know who’s the true antagonist of the whole light novel, overall 10/10 :D.

[Titus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cost me $30 to get this in the US at the time, and several weeks of dealing with suppliers telling me they had to cancel the order due to not actually having it in stock after the order was accepted.

The series is good enough to continue despite such obstacles!

[R.Zoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

the only problem I felt in this volume is even after being mage king he looks weak in front of demon king.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning point 4 is insane

[Karsun B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world-building and character introductions in this book were so good also what is with Japanese people and sibling love it doesn't really pop up in this novel but sheesh.

[Adam Zabirowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect way to create plot twist. Such an interesting world building and it keeps going.

[Alex Buchkovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

[EpiclyY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely blown away by turning point 4. Though it only gets better after this.

[Dylan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! There were so many crazy things that happened in this book, between Rudeus meeting is older self, Eris becoming a sworn King and a huge fight with Atofe! This book has me very excited for #15.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5