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Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest Light Novel #3
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest, Volume 3
Meetings old and new await our hero, who has begun to walk down the path of the world's strongest. Along with some farewells...
After clearing the Reisen Labyrinth, Hajime and Yue welcome Shea into their party and make for the independent city-state of Fuhren. They get roped into helping the adventurer's guild look for a certain missing person, leading to an unexpected reunion with someone Hajime thought he'd never see again. Shortly thereafter, Hajime has a run-in with one of the strongest creatures in the world, a black dragon. Does Hajime have the resolve to bear the burden of being the strongest!?
After clearing the Reisen Labyrinth, Hajime and Yue welcome Shea into their party and make for the independent city-state of Fuhren. They get roped into helping the adventurer's guild look for a certain missing person, leading to an unexpected reunion with someone Hajime thought he'd never see again. Shortly thereafter, Hajime has a run-in with one of the strongest creatures in the world, a black dragon. Does Hajime have the resolve to bear the burden of being the strongest!?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 8, 2021
Hajime and his crew are at it again.
There is a lot in this volume that I enjoyed, and a lot of it has to do for the reasons I love this series. Hajime continues to be his usual overpowered self, and it really shows in this book. More so than the anime I think, as a lot of the carnage he causes comes through a lot stronger. Not really spoiling much here, but we also get to see him meeting up with some of his old classmates. This was a real treat for me, and anyone who enjoys this series for the same reason I do is going to get a kick out of it.
The intro of a new character works and her dynamic compared to the other two women is quite unique. I am curious as to where they take her in later books, but for now she is delightfully annoying and frustrating in equal measures. She also presents a character that actually challenges Hajime when they fight, and proves that despite how over powered Hajime is, there are things in the world that can make life difficult for him.
Lastly, there are some elements in this book that set up a potential plot later on if my guess is right. This just wants me to read more as every element that is added that hints at the things to come just drives my curiosity further. This is something that I don't see a lot of in other light novels weirdly enough. Most are fairly episodic with their own resolutions instead of a strong over-arching plot or goal like Arifureta has.
In the end, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series as I believe it will finally surpass where season one of the anime left off. If you want unashamed power fantasies with a little hint of revenge thrown in, this series is for you!
There is a lot in this volume that I enjoyed, and a lot of it has to do for the reasons I love this series. Hajime continues to be his usual overpowered self, and it really shows in this book. More so than the anime I think, as a lot of the carnage he causes comes through a lot stronger. Not really spoiling much here, but we also get to see him meeting up with some of his old classmates. This was a real treat for me, and anyone who enjoys this series for the same reason I do is going to get a kick out of it.
The intro of a new character works and her dynamic compared to the other two women is quite unique. I am curious as to where they take her in later books, but for now she is delightfully annoying and frustrating in equal measures. She also presents a character that actually challenges Hajime when they fight, and proves that despite how over powered Hajime is, there are things in the world that can make life difficult for him.
Lastly, there are some elements in this book that set up a potential plot later on if my guess is right. This just wants me to read more as every element that is added that hints at the things to come just drives my curiosity further. This is something that I don't see a lot of in other light novels weirdly enough. Most are fairly episodic with their own resolutions instead of a strong over-arching plot or goal like Arifureta has.
In the end, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series as I believe it will finally surpass where season one of the anime left off. If you want unashamed power fantasies with a little hint of revenge thrown in, this series is for you!
December 14, 2017
Tio is amazing
Could not stop laughing at Tio's masochistic tendencies, hysterical. Not too mention the whole reunion went rather well.
Eagerly awaiting the next volume.
Could not stop laughing at Tio's masochistic tendencies, hysterical. Not too mention the whole reunion went rather well.
Eagerly awaiting the next volume.
January 15, 2023
I had my qualms with the MC’s character in the last volume, but in this one I found him to be way more likable. As always, this is a good story if you love power fantasies.
I found this volume to be a page turner, and overall just enjoyed it.
I found this volume to be a page turner, and overall just enjoyed it.
May 11, 2020
I really like the series so far.
It's an asian light novel, so I expected something else and I got something else and that's exactly what I wanted.
The protagonist is so overpowered that it's absolutely over the top but I like that for a change. To always be sure he will win anyway. Sometimes that's bad, somethimes that's just right and here it fits what I'm searching for.
But I do have some problems with this series.
I absolutely don't get the romance. I don't feel any sparks between Hajime and Yue at all. Nothing. She has been in the dungeon for 300 years without contact to anyone, so it may be logical to cling to your rescuer. He is a guy in the middle of puberty, so if a girl ambushes him in the bath... what can he do? But there is nothing more. I can't see any real romantic feeling. Especially Yue shows very little feelings in general. That the author described their relationship at first more like her molesting him may not have helped. Of course it was told with a wink, but since the earnest part was missing, it didn't work for me.
I'm just really bad with the 'romantic' parts, because I don't find them romantic at all.
I also dislike Aiko-chan. I think she is supposed to be the perfect teacher, loved by all her students, but I just don't.
She is such a goody two-shoes. She acts all high and mighty about her virtue as a teacher. She only wants to protect them, she dosn't want them to have to fight, she dosn't wants them to risks their lives, ... . They don't have to fight for these stranger, they shouldn't risk ther lives for a them, they are just children, ... . All true. I'm absolutly with her.
But if she is the one to asks them to fight, to kill monsters, to risk their life, then it's the right thing. If she deems something worth saving even her precious students have a moral obligation to go to war.
She does realizes how wrong that is and she also does know that she is very contradictory, but it still angers me to no end.
But overall it's quite good (if its specific genres and topics are what you like right now).
It's an asian light novel, so I expected something else and I got something else and that's exactly what I wanted.
The protagonist is so overpowered that it's absolutely over the top but I like that for a change. To always be sure he will win anyway. Sometimes that's bad, somethimes that's just right and here it fits what I'm searching for.
But I do have some problems with this series.
I absolutely don't get the romance. I don't feel any sparks between Hajime and Yue at all. Nothing. She has been in the dungeon for 300 years without contact to anyone, so it may be logical to cling to your rescuer. He is a guy in the middle of puberty, so if a girl ambushes him in the bath... what can he do? But there is nothing more. I can't see any real romantic feeling. Especially Yue shows very little feelings in general. That the author described their relationship at first more like her molesting him may not have helped. Of course it was told with a wink, but since the earnest part was missing, it didn't work for me.
I'm just really bad with the 'romantic' parts, because I don't find them romantic at all.
I also dislike Aiko-chan. I think she is supposed to be the perfect teacher, loved by all her students, but I just don't.
She is such a goody two-shoes. She acts all high and mighty about her virtue as a teacher. She only wants to protect them, she dosn't want them to have to fight, she dosn't wants them to risks their lives, ... . They don't have to fight for these stranger, they shouldn't risk ther lives for a them, they are just children, ... . All true. I'm absolutly with her.
But if she is the one to asks them to fight, to kill monsters, to risk their life, then it's the right thing. If she deems something worth saving even her precious students have a moral obligation to go to war.
She does realizes how wrong that is and she also does know that she is very contradictory, but it still angers me to no end.
But overall it's quite good (if its specific genres and topics are what you like right now).
July 6, 2019
It's Arfureta. If you've read the first couple of volumes you have an idea of what to expect. Hajime is hired to go find a lost adventurer. Along the way we meet yet another female, Tio, who wants to join the group, this time one of the Dragonmen who was beaten down by Hajime and of course discovered she actually liked being abused and of course through the rest of the volume mentions it frequently. Depending on your level of tolerance for such things you may find it amusing or annoying. I was somewhere in between.
In the midst of that, Hajime encounters a number of his former classmates and Aiko-sensei. There is some entertainment to be had with this section and the silliness involved with Aiko's knight guards from the church and her students. Hajime puts some things in motion that may very well put her in direct conflict with the primary worldview of most people in a bigger way than I think he imagined. We'll have to see how it goes.
Once again the bonus stories were meh. A lot of useless drivel that focuses too much on the harem aspects of the characters. One of them even included Kaori who wasn't even really part of this book! If you skip the bonus stuff you aren't missing anything. I keep reading it so I can tell you guys if there is anything worthwhile.
Verdict: If you have enjoyed Arifureta, this one should be right up your alley. If you're put off by the (probably) excessive amounts of fan-servicey content... Arifureta probably isn't for you.
In the midst of that, Hajime encounters a number of his former classmates and Aiko-sensei. There is some entertainment to be had with this section and the silliness involved with Aiko's knight guards from the church and her students. Hajime puts some things in motion that may very well put her in direct conflict with the primary worldview of most people in a bigger way than I think he imagined. We'll have to see how it goes.
Once again the bonus stories were meh. A lot of useless drivel that focuses too much on the harem aspects of the characters. One of them even included Kaori who wasn't even really part of this book! If you skip the bonus stuff you aren't missing anything. I keep reading it so I can tell you guys if there is anything worthwhile.
Verdict: If you have enjoyed Arifureta, this one should be right up your alley. If you're put off by the (probably) excessive amounts of fan-servicey content... Arifureta probably isn't for you.
January 4, 2019
When Hajime takes on a request to find a lost adventurer, the last thing he expects is to run into some of his old classmates. At least with the monsters he's on more familiar ground. For his classmates, it's a shocking revelation that Hajime even survived, let alone how much he's changed.
This volume contains the moment I was hoping for since the end of the first book: Hajime's reunion with his classmates. And it was every bit as funny as I anticipated. Hajime immediately goes rather grumpy and close-mouthed, possibly trying to tone things down for the teacher who's been so distraught over his situation. But he can't change the obvious fact of his current strength, which in its own way says more than words ever could.
I like that we get the perspective of Aiko, his teacher. She can't help but see herself as responsible for all these kids, and the fact that they're now in a world where death is just around the corner bothers her to no end. She doesn't even have a combat class that she could train to keep them safe. And because Hajime knows this, it makes their reunion even more awkward, because she's one of the only people he can respect.
Also a major highlight is the continual shock and awe tactics Hajime pulls off. The battles are a lot of fun---and I love how Aiko accurately calls him out on what he didn't say when she originally asked him about the army.
But it's not entirely a volume without problems. Yet again we have medical procedures interpreted as kissing, and I'm doubly annoyed that this time it's with his teacher. Tio, however, was even more eye-rolling. She was better before she joined the party, because once she does she's yet another flat character whose whole existence becomes getting Hajime to sleep with her (and also punish her, because she's into S&M). Which means yet another character has a really annoying behavior pattern that's constantly popping up.
Overall, if you liked the first book I would say give this one a shot because it makes a nice benchmark to show how far Hajime has come. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
This volume contains the moment I was hoping for since the end of the first book: Hajime's reunion with his classmates. And it was every bit as funny as I anticipated. Hajime immediately goes rather grumpy and close-mouthed, possibly trying to tone things down for the teacher who's been so distraught over his situation. But he can't change the obvious fact of his current strength, which in its own way says more than words ever could.
I like that we get the perspective of Aiko, his teacher. She can't help but see herself as responsible for all these kids, and the fact that they're now in a world where death is just around the corner bothers her to no end. She doesn't even have a combat class that she could train to keep them safe. And because Hajime knows this, it makes their reunion even more awkward, because she's one of the only people he can respect.
Q: After you fell from the bridge, what happened?
A: I went through hell.
Q: How come your hair is white now?
A: Because I went through hell.
Also a major highlight is the continual shock and awe tactics Hajime pulls off. The battles are a lot of fun---and I love how Aiko accurately calls him out on what he didn't say when she originally asked him about the army.
But it's not entirely a volume without problems. Yet again we have medical procedures interpreted as kissing, and I'm doubly annoyed that this time it's with his teacher. Tio, however, was even more eye-rolling. She was better before she joined the party, because once she does she's yet another flat character whose whole existence becomes getting Hajime to sleep with her (and also punish her, because she's into S&M). Which means yet another character has a really annoying behavior pattern that's constantly popping up.
Overall, if you liked the first book I would say give this one a shot because it makes a nice benchmark to show how far Hajime has come. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
January 30, 2022
Again this was read over a weekend where I was trying to shift the January blues and again this books had me in stitches. It takes the over the top ridiculousness of book 2 and cranks it up a notch by introducing a masochistic pervert of a dragon.
Just in case there is any doubt in anyone's mind this is in no way a serious book! I am not going to critique or comment on the writing style/narrative flow and character growth because a. this is a translation and b. that is not what these books are about in my view.
Yet again I found it funny, entertaining and surprising. The author manages somehow to make a story work despite creating a possessive vampire princess, a lust obsessed pneumatic rabbit girl and an overpowered cynic as the main characters. This book sees Hajime, Yue and Shea meeting Tio (aforementioned dragon) whilst on a quest to rescue a missing boy. Said meeting is definetly more than any of them bargained for and the narrative at that point is eye opening to say the least. Yet again there is there are some serious plot elements here. Betrayal, the philosophy of hope and loyalty are all discussed here and whilst it is often wrapped up in a thick layer of hyper sexualised silliness it is present. I would not say this is a deep book by any means but I am finding that this series is more than what its cover artworks suggest.
Just in case there is any doubt in anyone's mind this is in no way a serious book! I am not going to critique or comment on the writing style/narrative flow and character growth because a. this is a translation and b. that is not what these books are about in my view.
Yet again I found it funny, entertaining and surprising. The author manages somehow to make a story work despite creating a possessive vampire princess, a lust obsessed pneumatic rabbit girl and an overpowered cynic as the main characters. This book sees Hajime, Yue and Shea meeting Tio (aforementioned dragon) whilst on a quest to rescue a missing boy. Said meeting is definetly more than any of them bargained for and the narrative at that point is eye opening to say the least. Yet again there is there are some serious plot elements here. Betrayal, the philosophy of hope and loyalty are all discussed here and whilst it is often wrapped up in a thick layer of hyper sexualised silliness it is present. I would not say this is a deep book by any means but I am finding that this series is more than what its cover artworks suggest.
June 19, 2019
This is another Isekai light novel series.
This particular volume was meh.
Not just 1 or 2 ordinary everyday people summoned to another world - but an entire school classroom of students AND their teacher!
There's also the added twist that the main character is the odd one out and had absolutely average stats and skills compared to his classmates.
Things swiftly went from bad to worse for our main protagonist in spectacular fashion, and in the previous volumes the main character went through absolute hell - becoming insanely powerful in the process - meeting more characters and stumbling through more adventures in search of other Labyrinths.
This book was paced ok, but had several glaring typos and missing words. This being a Light Novel of a Manga series, there are a few of the usual let downs - namely occasional fan service moments.
Volume 3 is meh. It loses stars for some subtle and not so subtle homophobic elements and character discourse.
1 out of 5. (Would have been 3 out of 5 if there wasn't any homophobic narrative)
This particular volume was meh.
Not just 1 or 2 ordinary everyday people summoned to another world - but an entire school classroom of students AND their teacher!
There's also the added twist that the main character is the odd one out and had absolutely average stats and skills compared to his classmates.
Things swiftly went from bad to worse for our main protagonist in spectacular fashion, and in the previous volumes the main character went through absolute hell - becoming insanely powerful in the process - meeting more characters and stumbling through more adventures in search of other Labyrinths.
This book was paced ok, but had several glaring typos and missing words. This being a Light Novel of a Manga series, there are a few of the usual let downs - namely occasional fan service moments.
Volume 3 is meh. It loses stars for some subtle and not so subtle homophobic elements and character discourse.
1 out of 5. (Would have been 3 out of 5 if there wasn't any homophobic narrative)
January 25, 2019
Hajime makes his way to the third dungeon. Fortunately for the series, the volumes aren't merely about conquering dungeons. On the way, Hajime encounters his school teacher. Her passion for teaching and watching over students' physical and psychological well-being makes Hajime reconsider his ruthless personality. This is a welcome change because it shows continual development in the protagonist; however, he is the only character that seems to progress as a character. This is of course due to the harem trope. Which is fine if you can accept the story for what it is--a harem isekai.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2024
I must be getting a bit used to the low level of writing of this series, or maybe the author is getting a little better at it, but I finally got to some not-too-trash moment! Tio is one of the most annoying character trope that was popular at the time of release, but let's say that the meeting was memorable at least. I also very much enjoyed all the interactions with Aiko, who's out there being the heroine of a story in a totally different genre, and really tries her best to be a teacher moral figure in the middle of this mess.
November 14, 2018
He's slowly gathering the entourage of women that is supposed to be the harem, but he wishes to stay monogamous. The dry humor is not very funny, mainly because the girls use sex appeal to cover for the bad humor, except it's not visible because it's a novel. After Shimizu attacks the town to show his power and get attention like the child he is... he gets executed. This is the worst type of antagonist; a stupid antagonist. This marks the first death of an otherworlder, there was no climax.
October 30, 2021
Awesome
Another great book in the series. As usual it's like the directors cut of the anime. A lot of things were explained in greater detail, like the knights that guard Aiko. Also I'm noticing both in this book and the last Shea has a much larger role than in the anime. In that it seems like Hajime is doing it all on his own. It also helps to get to hear the characters perspective which you only get in the books. Great book, I can't wait to start on the next one.
Another great book in the series. As usual it's like the directors cut of the anime. A lot of things were explained in greater detail, like the knights that guard Aiko. Also I'm noticing both in this book and the last Shea has a much larger role than in the anime. In that it seems like Hajime is doing it all on his own. It also helps to get to hear the characters perspective which you only get in the books. Great book, I can't wait to start on the next one.
August 5, 2019
Important to the flow and a new harem member
Well, this book was filled with surprises including a new member to the harem. Fortunately, this is not like any other harem story. Hajime is a serious bad ass and he's in love and everyone knows it including the girl. This is refreshing as opposed to the normal clueless hero story. On to book 4!
Well, this book was filled with surprises including a new member to the harem. Fortunately, this is not like any other harem story. Hajime is a serious bad ass and he's in love and everyone knows it including the girl. This is refreshing as opposed to the normal clueless hero story. On to book 4!
October 26, 2025
Por fin conocimos a la dragona pervertida, el personaje de Tio me encanta porque es una rara pero al mismo tiempo tiene tantas matices que me parece muy impresionante.
Amo mucho a el trio del Hajime, Yue y Shea y mucho mas cuando se reencuentran por fin con el pasado del Hajime y Aiko-chan logra entrar un poco en el corazón del la bestia del abismo
Amo mucho a el trio del Hajime, Yue y Shea y mucho mas cuando se reencuentran por fin con el pasado del Hajime y Aiko-chan logra entrar un poco en el corazón del la bestia del abismo
March 31, 2018
Great sequel.
Another great book on this serie. Nice story, great characters and well narrated. The story gets better and the characters are well developed through the story. The mix of action and humorous moments are really good.
Another great book on this serie. Nice story, great characters and well narrated. The story gets better and the characters are well developed through the story. The mix of action and humorous moments are really good.
January 2, 2019
Hard to put decide. I really like Aiko’s character and how she’s determine to keep her students safe and bring them back, despite the fact that Hajime has been turned into a completely different person after what he went through in the previous books.
February 21, 2020
Thanks
To put it simply watch what I could of the anime and read what I could of the manga so I wanted to read the book to see what's left out this book is amazing as are the first 2 when I can I'm getting the next book in the series thanks for this amazing series
To put it simply watch what I could of the anime and read what I could of the manga so I wanted to read the book to see what's left out this book is amazing as are the first 2 when I can I'm getting the next book in the series thanks for this amazing series
May 15, 2020
Perfect Balance
This volume had the perfect amount of humorous and serious moments. I really enjoyed seeing Tio’s backstory; I can actually appreciate her as a character now instead of just a nuisance. 10/10 would recommend!
This volume had the perfect amount of humorous and serious moments. I really enjoyed seeing Tio’s backstory; I can actually appreciate her as a character now instead of just a nuisance. 10/10 would recommend!
May 11, 2021
In the stores of our trio a one epic side story at first turning to one giant piece of the story, revisiting old characters, meeting new characters as well, and new enemy. One of the most hilarious book in the series, and action pack non-stop.
May 12, 2018
I really enjoyed it and I laughed when Tio goes hard core mashocist when she gets ignored and physical shot at.. what a character!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2018
Simply amazing
Lots of thought and feeling was put into this novel. Simply a great read. Definitely would continue reading the sequel.
Lots of thought and feeling was put into this novel. Simply a great read. Definitely would continue reading the sequel.
April 24, 2019
Another good entry into an entertaining series. Tio will take some getting used to though.
August 26, 2019
At a loss for words
The anime does not do this story justice. When they meet Tio I lost all comprehension and started laughing to the point of nearly passing out.
The anime does not do this story justice. When they meet Tio I lost all comprehension and started laughing to the point of nearly passing out.
November 22, 2019
Me encanta!! La aparición de Tío me ha hecho la lectura, seguiré esta serie hasta el final.
July 17, 2020
Not as Dark and gruesome and taking a deeper look into Hajime's emotional development through the series + Aiko-sensei
August 14, 2020
I really did enjoy this ark. It was a bit dull and boring. It's a definite pass for me.
December 19, 2020
It's junk food. like the main idea and how some of the story builds on that, the main char being a weak nice guy and having to change into a bit of a jaded butt head. But it's potato chips.
February 1, 2021
The adventure continues, but now with an S&M dragon. Boy, Hajime sure is getting all the girls.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews