Tyrannical demon king Anos Volidgoad has destroyed humans, spirits, and gods alike, but eventually tires of endless war. Dreaming of a peaceful life, he reincarnates two thousand years into the future, only to find his descendants weak and complacent, and modern magic a joke. But when he enrolls in Demon King Academy hoping to regain his former glory, he's labelled a failure and a misfit! What's going on with this world?
It's perhaps nothing special, but the sheer ludicrousness of how OP Anos is makes this a delight. How can you not love a guy who says things like, "You didn't think I'd die just because you killed me?"
(And who says those things while not being Dio, of course.)
I noticed this with the manga and now I'm wondering about the light novel as well. I sincerely believe the manga was revised and updated to match the anime some time after I read it the first time. If this is the case, I still like it, but that is disappointing. I was hoping the manga and light novels would take the story beyond where the anime left it.
It was a fantastic read. Props to the first season of the anime too for keeping the important bits close to the source (tho it’s way better in the VN ofc). Anos is glorious!
Two thousand years ago, the war between humans, demons, gods, and spirits ended when the leaders of each faction cooperated in the greatest spell ever cast by the Demon Lord, who spent his life to ensure it would succeed. But when he left, he promised he'd return. The present day is now the promised time, but even as the demons are eagerly awaiting the return of their former King, they don't seem to know what exactly they should be looking for . . .
I love this story for one simple reason: Anos Voldigoad is the overpowered protagonist played absolutely straight. He has nothing to prove, because he knows he's the best. If other people label him a misfit or despise him and work against him, he doesn't waver in his own convictions. And to him, the petty machinations of this current era are like little puppies yapping for attention instead of the giant monsters he used to slay.
Also that "secret passage" trick will never get old. Anos correctly points out physical power is just as useful as magical power, and in many cases more so.
If you're coming here after having watched the anime, this volume covers the first few episodes about Sasha and Misha. I like that sibling relationships is one thing Anos values very highly, and even though his "common" sense is usually way off the mark, he's very consistent about urging the people around him to value their own families more. And he'll put himself through extra work to allow them the opportunity to forgive each other.
If you're looking for a comedy, or just appreciate a story where the main character isn't constantly doubting himself, this one's pretty good. I'm so glad we finally get the English release. I rate this book Recommended.