Best Fantasy Anime of 2023

Over a ten-year quest to defeat the Demon King, the hero's party—comprising Himmel himself, the priest Heiter, the dwarf warrior Eisen, and the elven mage Frieren—form deep bonds through their adventures and battles, creating unforgettable precious memories for most of them. However, the time Frieren spends with her comrades amounts to merely a fraction of her life, which has spanned more than a thousand years. When the party disbands after their victory, Frieren casually returns to her "usual" routine of collecting spells across the continent. Due to her different sense of time, she appears to hold no strong feelings toward the experiences she went through. As the years pass, Frieren gradually realizes how her days in the hero's party truly impacted her. Witnessing the deaths of two of her former companions, Frieren begins to regret having taken their presence for granted; she vows to better understand humans and create real personal connections. Though the story of that once memorable journey has long ended, a new tale is about to begin.

In a world where a facial mark identifies those born with magic, anyone unable to use it is eliminated to preserve society's magical purity. Hidden deep in the woods, however, lives Mash Burnedead—a boy who casually lifts weights with one hand and a cream puff with the other. Despite having no magical powers, he possesses immense superhuman strength and enjoys a peaceful life with his father away from civilization. Mash's quiet existence is shattered when authorities discover his lack of magic. They give him an ultimatum: become a Divine Visionary, forcing society to accept him, or face eternal persecution. To protect his family, Mash enrolls in the prestigious Easton Magic Academy, an institution reserved for the most elite and talented students. Now, he must overcome his deficiency as a magicless individual and outshine his peers using nothing but his muscles.

After his relationship with Eris Boreas Greyrat escalates to a new level, Rudeus Greyrat is overjoyed. However, his happiness is fleeting when Eris suddenly departs to pursue her own path. Convinced that Eris has lost all affection for him, a devastated and despondent Rudeus travels toward the Northern Territories. With his only aim being to find his mother across the vast continent, he questions whether continuing to live each day is worth the anguish, falling into a mechanical routine as he endlessly broods over his lost romance. But the perils of the North soon make it clear that a dulled mind cannot survive. While on a mission with the party Counter Arrow, which he recently joined, Rudeus narrowly escapes death—an incident that finally forces him to break free from his despair. Alongside his new companions, he rediscovers the joy of everyday adventuring and presses on toward his original ambition of making the most of his second chance at life.

Drawn by tales of immense riches, Cid Kagenou accompanies his sister, Claire, to the notorious Lawless City. This lawless territory is governed by three rulers: Yukime, the Spirit Fox; Juggernaut, the Tyrant; and Elisabeth, a dormant progenitor vampire known as the Blood Queen. For Claire, hunting Elisabeth offers the ideal chance to demonstrate her true capabilities. Cid, however, has other plans: he aims to slip away from Claire’s watchful eye, gather as much treasure as possible, and time Shadow’s magnificent appearance for maximum effect. With Elisabeth’s awakening approaching, her subordinate Crimson executes a deceitful scheme that plunges the town into chaos. While Claire searches for her missing brother, she finds an unlikely partner in Mary, a vampire hunter, and together they rush to the Crimson Tower, the lair of the Blood Queen. Simultaneously, Beta and a small group of Shadow Garden recruits reach the Lawless City. As the central figures gather at the Crimson Tower, the stage is set for a major showdown beneath the crimson moon.

Despite stopping the latest Wave of Catastrophe, Naofumi Iwatani, the Shield Hero, cannot let his guard down. Queen Mirelia Q Melromarc reactivates his responsibilities by notifying him that the other three Cardinal Heroes have vanished without a trace and commanding him to track them down. With no clues regarding their whereabouts, Naofumi redirects his attention to a more pressing issue: the growing demi-human slave trade. Determined to fix this injustice, he and his companions travel to Zeltoble, a nation of mercenaries where the illegal trafficking of demi-humans has become very profitable. To raise the money needed to free the enslaved, Naofumi and his allies wear disguises and participate in underground coliseum matches, deliberately throwing fights to manipulate the betting odds and secure a huge reward. Yet, as the threat of another Wave of Catastrophe looms, the Shield Hero must stay devoted to his mission to find the missing heroes in order to protect the people he holds dear.

High school student Rakurou Hizutome has a unique pastime: he enjoys playing terrible games—those that are unbalanced or riddled with bugs to the point of being nearly unplayable. Those few who share this hobby might recognize him by his in-game name, Sunraku. For his next game, Rakurou is recommended Shangri-La Frontier, a popular and well-crafted virtual reality game, as a break from the awful games he has been playing lately. Once he starts the game, Rakurou decides to sell off most of his starting equipment for extra cash, leaving himself with only a pair of boxers, a bird mask, and some weapons. He quickly becomes hooked as he carefully levels up his avatar. However, after encountering some fearsome monsters, he realizes that he may have underestimated the challenge a mainstream game can offer. As Rakurou progresses, he must rely on all the skills he has honed through his previous gaming experience. Before long, Sunraku's eccentric playstyle takes Shangri-La Frontier by storm.

Second season of Goblin Slayer.

Peace settles over the demon realm, and Anos Voldigoad yearns to shed his fearsome image as the Demon King of Tyranny, wanting only to resume his life as an outcast at the prestigious Demon King Academy. But this calm is fleeting, as malevolent demons, kings, and deities conspire in the shadows to engineer his downfall. Rumors spread about the "Child of God," a being whose power may rival Anos's own. To probe these whispers and neutralize the looming threat, Anos must journey into the enigmatic spirit world, a realm reachable only through a series of arduous trials. Armed with overwhelming strength and unshakable confidence, Anos prepares to crush numerous formidable foes bearing grand titles. Yet, with his loyal comrades at his side, he finds the effort trivial, breezing through obstacles as the true Demon King of Tyranny.

Throughout his life, Yuuya Tenjou has faced relentless hatred and scorn from those around him, including his own parents. Matters grow worse when his grandfather—the only person who ever showed him love—dies suddenly, leaving Yuuya entirely alone. Despite his efforts to remain kind through these hardships, even the most patient person has a breaking point. At his lowest moment, Yuuya finds a strange door in his bathroom leading to an abandoned house in another world. This gateway grants him RPG-style stats and abilities, and the property itself once belonged to a sage, providing him with unique weapons, equipment, and powerful crops. Armed with these immense advantages, Yuuya evolves from a social outcast into an unstoppable force able to achieve his true potential.

Megumin is a spirited young magic user hailing from the Crimson Demon Village, an isolated settlement of mages distinguished by their red eyes and theatrical tendencies. She has dedicated herself entirely to perfecting explosion magic—a formidable yet inefficient spell that exhausts her mana and renders her immobile for the remainder of the day. Despite this, she stubbornly avoids learning any alternative abilities. Alongside her childhood friend and self-appointed rival, Yunyun, Megumin joins the Red Prison, a prestigious institution for Crimson Demon magic practitioners. There, she uncovers the hidden truths and history of her clan, as well as the dangers and obstacles they must confront. While honing her abilities at the Red Prison with aid from her loyal familiar Chomusuke and her adorable little sister Komekko, Megunst strives to become the most legendary explosion wizard ever!

Miyo Saimori has known nothing but hardship from the very beginning. Born from a loveless arranged marriage, she was cast aside after her mother's untimely death. Her father took a new wife, and while her younger half-sister Kaya received all the warmth and attention, Miyo was reduced to nothing more than a servant. Without the will to resist her family's cruelty, she has long given up any hope of a better fate. Then, without warning, her father summons her with an astonishing announcement: she is to marry Kiyoka Kudou, the head of the prestigious Kudou family. Despite his high status, Kiyoka is rumored to be a cold-hearted man who has already driven away every previous fiancée. When Miyo arrives at the Kudou estate, she braces for mistreatment and expects to be cast out. But to her surprise, Kiyoka offers her the kindness and affection she has always been denied. This marriage may be Miyo's only chance to escape her cruel family and finally find the happiness she deserves.

Salaryman Tsuyoshi Mukouda gets accidentally summoned as a hero to the Kingdom of Reijseger in another world, meant to help defend against their enemies. Suspicious of the royal family's true motives, Mukouda manages to talk his way out of the situation thanks to his non-combat skill, "Online Supermarket," which is dismissed as worthless. But this power proves to be far from useless. With this ability, Mukouda can purchase food products and utensils from Japan at low cost—most of which are considered luxuries in this world. As Mukouda cooks up a storm using his skill, he catches the attention of the fearsome mythical wolf Fel. The legendary beast quickly negotiates a contract to become Mukouda's familiar, unable to resist the delicious dishes. With Fel by his side, Mukouda travels the world, earning his living as an adventurer and merchant while enjoying delectable meals.

In a desolate world overtaken by alien-made Machine Lifeforms, humanity braces for its ultimate fight. Having fled to the Moon for refuge, people place their trust in a squad of artificial androids called YoRHa soldiers. Commanded by the versatile combat android YoRHa 2-gou B-gata "2B," this unit battles to reclaim Earth from its alien-controlled occupiers. As the struggle against the machines intensifies, the YoRHa begin to uncover fragments of the truth behind the brutal war. Confronted with this harsh reality, the resolute fighter 2B starts to doubt her own purpose and the extent of what she must give up for humanity's survival.

In the final years of his life, Hiraku Machio was confined to a hospital bed with a terminal illness until he passed away. Taking pity on the unfair life he endured, a god decides to reincarnate Hiraku in another world where he can live as he pleases. Wanting to try farming in this new life, he is granted an all-in-one "Almighty Farming Tool" that can transform into any useful implement he desires. Hiraku is then transported to a forest seemingly far from civilization. There, he plans to build and farm everything from scratch—gradually transforming the lifeless area into a thriving new society.

Second part of Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka IV.

A mighty necromancer, the Corpse God, falls in an epic battle, only to be reincarnated as Polka Shinoyama, a young boy in present-day Tokyo. Struggling to adjust to his new human form, he soon becomes the target of multiple groups involved with the supernatural. Among them is Misaki Sakimiya, a high school girl who can perceive spirits and immediately seeks to kill him. Trying to understand why unknown forces want him dead, Polka eventually crosses paths with Takumi Kuruya, a contractor skilled in surveillance and hacking, and Lisa Kuraki, a crime boss operating out of Shinjuku. With these—and other unexpected—allies by his side, Polka faces danger head-on as he seeks the truth behind his reincarnation and the destiny that awaits the world he now inhabits.

Dragons from an ancient bloodline, considered humanity's natural enemies, roam the world. Only two methods are effective for killing them: freezing their blood with silverine, an aura emitted by silver weapons, or having their bodies incinerated by sunlight. Young hunter prodigy Leonica is accompanied by her close friend Ragna, who lacks the necessary skills for their profession. Many shun Ragna, believing him cursed because dragons always seem to attack him and slaughter those close to him. Despite this, Leonica sees potential in Ragna and gladly partners with him. Similarly, Ragna is confident that Leonica is immune to his misfortune due to her incredible strength. However, Ragna's confidence is shaken when he dreams of Leonica's death, believing it to be a prophecy. On the destined day, he comes face to face with his future self, who grants him enormous power and memories from the future to ensure Leonica's safety. To succeed, Ragna must join forces with a mysterious figure named Crimson and eradicate all dragons for good.

Standing at the pinnacle as the ultimate exorcist, Haruyoshi Kuga craved even greater strength, only to be killed by those jealous of his power. In his final moments, he uses a spell to reincarnate, vowing to be more cunning so his efforts will serve him in his next life. He is reborn in a different world as Seika Lamprogue, the illegitimate son of a noble family that values magic. His family largely ignores him because of his lowborn status and lack of magical talent. Unfazed, Seika uses his past life's knowledge to form strong alliances. As he tests the true extent of his abilities, he must stay alert to the same pitfalls that ruined his previous existence and avoid repeating his old mistakes.

After making significant progress in New World Online's past events, the now well-known Maple Tree guild eagerly looks forward to exploring the newly unlocked floors. Even though their guild is already quite intimidating, each member is determined to acquire even more powerful skills to broaden their tactical options in upcoming encounters. Recognizing the value of building connections, the guild also establishes friendly ties with other prominent guilds like the Kingdom of the Flame Emperor and the Congregation of the Holy Swords. Led by their eccentric guild master Maple, the members of Maple Tree keep finding inventive ways to utilize their abilities, much to the frustration of the game developers.

Himuro-kun is a kind-hearted man with an unfortunate trait: whenever he’s deeply focused, stressed, or flustered, he unintentionally creates blizzard conditions for himself and those around him. On his first day at a new job, he experiences one such incident and meets the beautiful Fuyutsuki-san, who helps him break free from his nerve-induced ice. It turns out Fuyutsuki-san is his new coworker. At the office, the calm and collected Fuyutsuki-san provides simple, logical solutions to Himuro-kun’s icy problems—from helping him garden without freezing his plants to ensuring he doesn’t melt during their tropical work retreat. Every time Fuyutsuki-san does something kind for him, the storm of emotions he feels inside embarrassingly manifests on the outside. Because of these frequent snowstorms, Himuro-kun’s feelings for Fuyutsuki-san are impossible to conceal. Even though Fuyutsuki-san is unfamiliar with love, Himuro-kun is determined to repay her kindness and warm her heart in any way he can.

Fate Graphite leads a miserable existence working as a gatekeeper in a world where a person's entire life is determined by the skill they are born with. Cursed with the seemingly detrimental skill Gluttony, which leaves him constantly hungry, he is mistreated by the holy knights—the very people meant to protect the citizens—who see him as worthless because of his skill. But Fate's fate shifts dramatically when he kills an injured thief trying to escape. To his shock, Gluttony activates, boosting his stats and granting him new abilities. After this eye-opening event, Fate gets a job offer from Roxy Hart, the only kind-hearted holy knight in the city, which he gladly accepts. Eager to uncover Gluttony's true power, he teams up with a mysterious sentient sword named Greed, who cautions him that Gluttony is a forbidden skill that defies the world's natural order. Forced to lead a double life, Fate must slay monsters each night to sate his awakened hunger for souls, or else risk losing control and forfeiting any chance at happiness.

Believing that the all-powerful god Mitama will eventually save him, Yukito Urabe takes part in a ceremony to become the new head of his father’s religious group. However, he drowns during the ritual and wishes to be reborn in a world free of gods and faith. He awakens in a completely different realm where spirituality does not exist. There he meets a strange girl named Aruaru, who shows him around her village. Yet his perfect image of this world’s society shatters when he sees a public mass suicide and discovers the nation’s policy on death: at any time, the government can order any citizen to die. Aruaru and her sister are soon dragged away to be executed, and Yukito rushes to save them—but fails. In desperation, he remembers his father’s lessons and prays to Mitama for help. As if in answer, a small girl descends from the sky and destroys everyone who harmed Yukito and his friends. To his shock, the girl identifies herself as Mitama.

Princess Anisphia "Anis" Wynn Palletia has longed to soar through the sky ever since she could remember, even though the people of her kingdom dismiss it as a foolish aspiration. Standing in the way of her dream is the fact that Anis cannot use magic despite being born into nobility. Unwilling to surrender, she gives up her claim to the throne and dedicates herself to creating "magicology"—a field that mixes resources from her world with knowledge she retained from her past life on Earth. Because of Anis' unusual behavior, the burden of the kingdom's future falls onto her younger brother, Algard. When he is pressured into a political marriage with Euphyllia Magenta, a girl he scarcely knows, Algard resists by spending his time with a commoner rather than his fiancée. After Euphyllia attempts to step in, Algard publicly cancels their engagement and accuses his ex-fiancée of being a bully. Crashed into the banquet where Algard is making his announcement, Anis swoops in on the flying broom she is testing and rescues Euphyllia. She then offers Euphyllia a position as her assistant, which the other girl reluctantly accepts. Although their partnership might seem like a random occurrence, Anis has a hidden reason for wanting Euphyllia around.

In a world where witches were once revered and feared for the divine magic they used to guide humanity's progress, times have shifted. As science advances, humans have caught up to witches in power, and the mighty Redia Empire now seeks to eradicate all witches and claim dominance over the world. Fleeing this deadly decree, the renowned witch Chloe and her apprentice Adonis seek shelter, but the Empire corners them and brutally executes Chloe. Devastated by his master's death and humanity's cruelty, Adonis swears revenge, promising to use the very magic they aim to destroy to wipe out mankind.

While heading to a convenience store, Kazuya Shiina attempts to protect two young girls from an armed attacker, but ends up being stabbed and dying on the spot. This selfless act allows him to be reborn with all his memories intact in another world as Cain von Silford, the third son of a margrave. When Cain reaches the age of five, a baptismal ceremony at the church grants him an audience with the seven gods who rule over the world. The gods not only explain the details of his reincarnation but also bestow upon Cain their individual divine protections—enabling him to wield cheat-like abilities in swordsmanship, magic, and numerous other fields. Armed with these blessings, Cain embarks on a quest to live a rewarding life that he considers a dream come true. Yet it quickly becomes apparent that the gods have far greater intentions for him than merely granting a random gift of overwhelming power.

Despite possessing a broad set of skills as a handyman, Saitou finds himself constantly undervalued and poorly compensated. After voicing his complaints, he is dismissed by his boss, who asserts that he can be replaced without difficulty. As if his misfortune weren't already severe enough, Saitou soon finds himself nearly struck by a truck while walking home. Surprisingly, Saitou does not perish; instead, he is whisked away to a different world. There, he encounters a party consisting of the female knight Raelza, the moonlit fairy Lafanpan, and the mage Morlock. By coincidence, they are searching for a new member whose abilities align with Saitou's talents. During their adventures together, Saitou applies his know-how to aid his companions and gradually gains the appreciation he had never imagined possible. Yet his arrival may prove to be the spark that links a varied group of individuals from various backgrounds, slowly revealing a destiny that could usher in a profound transformation for this realm.

Apprentice mage Chise Hatori receives an invitation to enroll at the College, a prestigious institution where sorcerers study, in order to examine and find a way to remove the curses she carries. Although her groom, Elias Ainsworth, is hesitant about the idea, Chise accepts the offer because she believes attending the school might help her curb her habit of sacrificing herself. Right from the start, Chise draws the attention of both her classmates and professors, who have never witnessed a mage in action before. Yet a sinister scheme is unfolding behind the scenes at the College, and the young mage must figure out who is an ally and who is an enemy to stop it.

Ray White is the first commoner ever admitted to the prestigious Arnold Academy of Sorcery, and from the moment he arrives, he faces disdain from several noble-born students. What they don't know is that Ray is actually the legendary Iceblade Sorcerer—a hero who turned the tide of a past war and one of the seven most powerful sorcerers in existence. Despite his incredible reputation, Ray simply wishes to experience the ordinary school life he was never able to have. Thanks to his warm and friendly personality, Ray quickly forms close bonds with some of the academy's most influential students. But as shadowy figures with sinister intentions start to act, Ray may be forced to unleash his true power to protect the friendships that make his new life worth living.

A twenty-year-old recluse is teleported from his room and ends up before a goddess, who gives him a new chance at life. She bestows incredibly strong magical powers upon him in this new realm, but when he is reborn as the infant Prince Reinhardt, his abilities are ranked at just Level 2. Believing their child to be a total disappointment, his royal parents abandon him in a forest. There, the prince—who later calls himself Haruto—meets Flay, a Flame Fenrir who chooses to dedicate their life to serving him. Haruto's relative, Gold Zenfis, comes across the two in the woods and decides to take the boy in as his own. Nine years go by as Haruto grows up with the Zenfis family. His command of his immensely powerful barrier magic improves each day, although Haruto would prefer not to employ it for others. He trains his magic secretly, wanting his family to think he is weak. Yet his younger sister, Charlotte, uncovers his true strength, and with Flay's aid, Haruto defends her and the rest of the Zenfis household from danger. A shady conspiracy is brewing in the kingdom; Haruto only wishes to stay indoors and watch anime, but it appears he will need to use his magic to protect the family that took him in.

Veteran adventurer Nick, mage Tiana, cleric Zem, and half-dragon Curran each arrive alone at a tavern, ending up seated together at the same table. As the evening progresses, they take turns sharing their complaints and the hobbies they've adopted to cope. Though their stories differ greatly, they share one thing in common: betrayal. Each of the four, having been deeply betrayed by someone they cherished, has developed a profound distrust of humanity. Beyond their similar outlooks, the four also share another problem: a severe shortage of funds. Realizing they can't continue like this, they decide to form a party, raise their rank, and earn as much money as possible to fund their respective hobbies. What these disillusioned adventurers don't realize, however, is that they will eventually save the world from unimaginable danger.

After dying unexpectedly, Rinko Hanasaki is reborn as Raeliana McMillan and isn't sure whether to be grateful or not. In the novel Rinko had read, Raeliana is a minor character—the eldest daughter of a newly wealthy baron—who lives a carefree life until she is killed by her fiancé, Lord Francis Brooks. Determined to dodge that fate, Raeliana resolves to break off the engagement. But when Francis refuses to end things, Raeliana turns to someone with more influence: Duke Noah Wynknight, the novel's male lead. Using her foreknowledge of the story, she piques his interest by offering a deal: she will keep his secrets if Noah pretends to be her fiancé. What she doesn't realize is that getting tangled up with a duke who only reveals his real self around her might bring more than she anticipated.

A man was once summoned to another world and saved it. Naturally, he became extremely popular there, turning into an isekai-normie. But he fell into a "trap" and was forcibly sent back to his original world, where he had to start over as a baby! This tale follows the overly fantastic ex-hero, now living as a gloomy high schooler, as he gets summoned once more to that same other world in a completely unexpected turn of events!

After serving in the Demon King's army for over thirty years, Dariel was raised by Granbarza, one of the Four Heavenly Generals. But because he possesses no magical aptitude, Granbarza's son, Bashbarza, sees him as an embarrassment and fires Dariel as soon as he takes over his father's position as a general. Left without a home or a job, Dariel wanders through the forests, where he encounters a human girl named Malika fleeing from a monster. After Dariel rescues her, she invites him to stay at her village as thanks. There, he learns that the reason he has zero compatibility with magic as a demon is that he is actually a human. Yet Dariel is no ordinary human. With potential far exceeding even that of heroes, he may soon become entangled in the seemingly endless conflict between humans and demons, now facing the race he once considered his comrades.

Theodore McFarlane, an instructor at Kimberly Magic Academy, is impressed by Nanao Hibiya's swordsmanship and rescues the samurai from certain death during a fierce battle. With his encouragement, Nanao enrolls at the academy and quickly becomes famous after she and four of her peers save a student from a rampaging troll. Guided by Oliver Horn—a young man who appears to conceal a troubled past—Nanao and her new friends begin their magical apprenticeship at Kimberly, where only four out of five students survive to graduation. It does not take long for Oliver and his companions to encounter the academy's dangers firsthand, as a near-fatal incident in the labyrinth beneath the school leaves Nanao grappling with her bloody history. These inexperienced yet resolute students must stick together if they hope to survive and uncover the mysteries hidden within the academy.

Set in nineteenth-century France, the wife of vampire noble Jean Duchet Godard is killed within her residence. When local human officials refuse to conduct a thorough inquiry, Godard engages two private detectives who specialize in the supernatural: Tsugaru Shinuchi, who carries an enigmatic birdcage, and his partner, Aya Rindou. The mysterious pair has traveled from distant Japan with a singular goal—to locate the individual who stole Aya’s physical form and stripped Tsugaru of his humanity.

A man who has a deep love for vending machines wakes up to discover he has died and been reborn as one of his favorite machines. Though he is a modern appliance dropped into a fantasy world, he still needs money to keep running. He remains stuck in place until a young girl named Lammis finds him. Fascinated by the drinks and food he sells, Lammis uses her "Blessing of Might" to easily carry him and bring him back to the village of Clearflow Lake. There, she officially gives him the name Boxxo. Unable to talk to the villagers, Boxxo still becomes a vital part of their community. His products provide food and drink, and as he unlocks new abilities and merchandise, he becomes a regular fixture in daily life. No one stays as devoted to Boxxo as his very first and best customer, Lammis. The more time he spends with her, the more he strives to help her grow stronger as a young hunter.

The conflict against the forces of darkness is drawing to a close, with the Undead King Leonis Death Magnus standing as the last surviving Dark Lord. Realizing he cannot defeat his enemies alone, Leonis seals himself deep underground, intending to reincarnate after a thousand years and rebuild his demonic legions. But over the course of that millennium, the world has transformed entirely. The great war that led to Leonis's downfall is no longer remembered; instead, humanity faces a new menace—monstrous beings called Voids. Magic has been supplanted by technological devices, and individuals with special abilities—channeled through weapons known as Holy Swords—train at Excalibur Academy to combat the Voids. Reborn as a ten-year-old human boy, Leonis encounters Riselia Ray Crystalia, a dutiful girl who discovers the ruins of his hibernation chamber. Assuming Leonis suffers from amnesia, Riselia takes him under her wing and enrolls him at Excalibur Academy. Though Leonis still harbors plans to conquer the world, he must first adapt to a reality utterly foreign to everything he once knew.

The hero-king Inglis, who devoted his entire life to building his nation, now nears death. To honor his noble accomplishments, the goddess Alistia appears and offers him one wish. Since he was never able to master the sword, Inglis asks to be reincarnated for that purpose. In an instant, Inglis is reborn in the distant future as a daughter of the Eucus noble family. By age six, she is discovered to be Runeless—unable to use the runes that allow magic in this era—and thus cannot become a knight. Yet this suits Inglis’s plan perfectly: she chooses to become the squire for her cousin, Rafinha Bilford, allowing her to focus on pushing her own limits. For Inglis, the challenges this familiar yet different world presents are simply opportunities to refine her abilities—and perhaps become an extraordinary squire along the way.

After spending ten years fighting monsters in the Shadow Labyrinth—an expanding cloud of dark magic threatening to consume the world and eradicate all life—mage Desir Herrman and his five companions confront their ultimate enemy: the dragon of destruction, Boromir Napolitan. Though the hero group succeeds in defeating this powerful foe, the immense mana stored within the dragon's body unleashes an unstoppable explosion that destroys the rest of the world. Instead of perishing, Desir is transported ten years into the past with full memories of future events. He enrolls at Hebrion Academy, resolved to eliminate the classist discrimination within the magical world that will ultimately cause humanity's downfall. His struggle begins early during the entrance exams: despite ranking first in his group, Desir is placed in Beta Class, the default class for commoners. Now, Desir's next goal is to recruit someone he failed to save in his previous life: wind mage Romantica Eru. Then, with his newly formed party, Desir must prove his worth to the Alpha Class if he hopes to save as many lives as possible.

Touya Mochizuki has settled into his existence in a different world. With his dependable smartphone, the young man takes on minor tasks at his own pace, enjoying time with his betrothed companions: Yumina Urnea Belfast, Yae Kokonoe, and the twin sisters Linse and Elze Shileska. Yet, even in a peaceful setting, Touya is only starting to grasp the weight of the commitments tied to these engagements. Beyond his romantic complications, the elder fairy Lean seeks to find the missing fragments of Babylon, the floating isle created by the enigmatic Professor Regina Babylon five millennia ago. Touya reluctantly agrees to her plea and searches for the teleportation circles leading to those islands. But strange monsters have appeared—ones potentially capable of destroying the world. To protect the second life granted to him, Touya must harness ancient technologies to fight these creatures, all while juggling his overwhelming number of relationships.

The special is a collection of short stories that reveal earlier moments of bravery and self-improvement among the characters of Ranking of Kings.

Ryouta Satou spent his life as a corporate drone, enduring relentless stress, overwork, and isolation. Even after being hospitalized from exhaustion, his grueling days only grew worse. Before long, sheer fatigue caught up with him, and he died in his sleep. But Ryouta was granted a second chance: he awoke in another world as a slime drop—much to the shock of Emily Brown, a petite blonde girl who had just defeated that same slime. Learning the rules of this RPG-like world, Ryouta discovered he could never rise past level 1. However, he also realized one of his skills was already maxed out: the skill that determines the rarity of monster drops. This let him obtain not only the finest quality items but also some that had never been heard of. Ryouta set out to make the most of his ability—meeting new friends, grinding through dungeons, and collecting unique items along the way. Reveling in his new life felt like the long-awaited, well-earned reward for all the hardships he had endured.

The Gates of Hell burst open once more, plunging the world into chaos and unleashing demons to terrorize the land. These upheavals seem irrelevant to eccentric villager Touka Scott—until a demon attacks his childhood friend, Yuna Eunice. Fortunately, the legendary hero Sion Blandan arrives just in time to slay the monster. Unfortunately, Sion soon dies after inadvertently falling into a trap Touka set to protect his radish field. Anri Haysworth, Sion's necromancer companion, revives the hero by transferring Touka's soul into Sion's corpse. Now inhabiting the legendary hero's body, Touka is saddled with the mission of resealing the Gates of Hell and defeating the demons threatening peace. Alongside Yuna and Anri, Touka navigates his new reality and Sion's heroic legacy as he sets out to save the world.

Rei Oohashi is a worn-out office worker during the day, but at night she becomes Rae Taylor, the heroine of an otome game. After her long shifts, Rei escapes into the world of her favorite dating sim, Revolution, where she attends the prestigious Royal Academy in the kingdom of Bauer. Rather than pursuing the male love interests, Rei is fixated on the romantic rival: the game's villainess, Claire François. One evening, however, Rei's exhaustion overwhelms her and she dies. When Rei opens her eyes again, she has been reincarnated as Rae and is standing right in front of her beloved Claire. Seizing this miraculous chance, she immediately confesses her love for the golden-haired villainess and her charming attempts at bullying. Winning Claire's heart is no simple task, especially since the game keeps pushing the three male leads toward Rae—but she has no intention of letting dating sim logic get between her and the one she truly loves.

In the kingdom of Highland, fairies once lived freely until humans betrayed them. When a fairy loses a wing, whoever possesses it gains complete control over that fairy's life. Exploiting this, humans have enslaved fairies, yet 15-year-old Ann Halford dreams of a future where fairies and humans are treated equally. Aspiring to become a confectioner, Ann aims to achieve the rank of Silver Sugar Master, following in the footsteps of her late mother. To reach this ambitious goal, she travels to the capital city of Lewiston, where the annual Royal Candy Fair is held. However, to earn the prestigious title, her silver sugar confection must receive a royal medal at the competition. Ann hires a sharp-tongued warrior fairy named Shall Fen Shall to serve as her bodyguard on the dangerous journey. After rescuing him from a cruel fairy trader, she promises to return Shall's wing once they reach the capital—a pledge that leaves him perplexed. As the two continue traveling together, their time spent side by side deepens, and they begin to understand more about each other and their own true aspirations.

Just as he is about to receive a promotion, a salaryman dies unexpectedly. A mysterious being takes pity on him and grants him a second chance at life in the world of Galdardia, reincarnated as a teenager. Naming himself Luciel and choosing to become a healer, he heads to the nearby town of Merratoni. There, he discovers that healers are highly sought after but often exploit others for profit. Determined to be different, Luciel joins the local Healers' Guild and starts unlocking his magical abilities. After failing to save someone with his magic, Luciel becomes resolved to grow stronger. To enhance his physical prowess and refine his magical skills, he registers as an adventurer and undergoes intense training under Brod, the chief instructor of the Adventurers' Guild. Over time, Luciel finds his way through Galdardia, building a reputation as a selfless healer who helps others without concern for cost.

After vanquishing the Demon Lord, the legendary hero Blade teeters on the edge of death. He manages to survive, but loses a large amount of his power. Being relieved of his overwhelming strength releases Blade from the burden of serving as humanity's savior. He decides to use his new free time to pursue a different goal: making friends. Blade enrolls at Rosewood Academy, a school that trains aspiring heroes into genuine champions of justice. He quickly settles in, forming bonds with his classmates and assisting them as they face the challenges and hardships of the journey to becoming heroes.

Two years had passed since Will left the City of the Dead, and he had turned seventeen. As a lord, he had built up "Torch Port, a river port of light," gradually bringing back the people's activities and smiles to the Beast Woods. Yet, out-of-season flowers were blooming in abundance, and an abnormality was detected in the forest. To solve this mystery, Will and his companions ventured deep into the woods, where they received an ominous prophecy from the forest king. "In the Iron Rust Mountains, the 'Fire of Black Calamity' will awaken. The fire will spread, or it will consume everything in this land." What is the calamity slumbering within the ruined dwarven city of Tetsusabi Sanmyaku...!?

After being compelled to reveal his magical abilities publicly, Polka Shinoyama's life is thrown into chaos. His fortune-telling business draws the interest of multiple individuals determined to expose his secret identity as the reincarnated Corpse God, a necromancer from another realm. Matters worsen when Polka and his allies are falsely accused of murdering an employee of their guardian. When fellow group member Takumi Kuruya is kidnapped by his former boss, Kuon Higuro, Polka dispatches his most trusted companion, Misaki Sakimiya, to rescue their friend. The recent incidents entangling the group prove to be connected, forcing Polka to exercise extreme caution if he hopes to survive this treacherous web of dangers.

After being reincarnated into another world, Ryouma Takebayashi has employed the blessings bestowed on him by the gods to tame countless slimes and use them to enhance the lives of those around him. Following the tremendous success of his laundry business, Bamboo Forest, he is now prepared to venture into new territory by opening a branch in the neighboring city of Lenaf. Keeping the promise he made with his dear friend Eliaria Jamil, Ryouma makes the most of each day—whether it's mastering new skills, forging bonds, or uncovering additional slime varieties.

After Finn discovers his orphanage is about to shut down due to money troubles, the boy, who had been living freely on the streets, heads to a casino hoping to strike it rich. But nothing could have prepared him for the nightmare that awaits. At the casino, Finn witnesses a car chase and a bloody shootout triggered by a man's "lucky" card. Finn will eventually learn the truth behind the shootout. A set of 52 X-Playing cards can control the world order, granting different superhuman powers and abilities to those who possess them. With these cards, people can tap into the hidden power of the "buddy" within themselves. A secret group of players called High Card, directly ordered by the king of Fourland, works to collect the cards scattered across the kingdom while moonlighting as employees of the luxury carmaker Pinochle. Recruited to become the group's fifth member, Finn soon joins the players on a dangerous mission to find these cards. "All you need in life are manners, dignity, and the will to bet on your own life." However, Who's Who, the rival carmaker obsessed with defeating Pinochle, and the Klondikes, the infamous Mafia family, stand in the gang's way. A frenzied battle among these card-obsessed players, fueled by justice, desire, and revenge, is about to begin! Are you ready? It's Showdown!!

Accused of crimes she never committed, the fallen aristocrat Charlotte Evans flees until she collapses in a dense forest. The sorcerer Allen Crawford, who is called the "Demon Lord," discovers and protects Charlotte from those chasing her. With nowhere else to turn, Allen feels compassion for Charlotte and suggests she work for him as a live-in maid. Allen soon notices that Charlotte has endured mockery and disdain from her supposed noble relatives her entire life, and she has never experienced genuine liberty. He resolves to instruct her in all the mischievous pleasures life can provide and encourages her to give in to her desires and urges. Charlotte's gentle naivety hinders his efforts, yet Allen is steadfast in revealing the existence her family kept from her. Even though he loathes social interaction, Allen gradually becomes more open with Charlotte. As they continue living together, they uncover more and more common ground. Despite being forsaken by nearly everyone, the pair vows to remain by each other's side, unaware of the romantic emotions slowly growing between them.

In a world where death is not final, Terakomari "Komari" Gandesblood has spent the last three years as a self-proclaimed professional recluse. As a member of the noble Gandesblood family, she once tried to live up to her lineage's expectations. But being a vampire unable to use magic or drink blood, she soon abandoned her dream of becoming an imperial general like her forebears. A misunderstanding with her father, however, lands her the daunting role of one of the Seven Crimson Lords—the most powerful warriors and generals in the Mulnite Empire. Now, Komari must conceal her ineptitude from the soldiers under her command, or risk being overthrown. With the help of her newly assigned maid, Villhaze, she manages to deceive her unit into seeing her as a ruthless warlord, even vowing to conquer the world. Yet, as more people begin to admire Komari, her life becomes increasingly endangered when a vampire from her past resurfaces, determined to kill her for good.

Eight-year-old Pride Royal Ivy suddenly remembers her past life as a fan of the otaku game Our Ray of Light. While heading to replay it, she tragically died and was reincarnated as the game's final boss and firstborn princess of Freesia. Her knowledge of the game's events makes everyone believe she has the power of precognition. But unlike the game's original princess, this new Pride does not want to torment those around her, such as her younger sister and adopted brother. Haunted by nightmares of her other self's atrocities, Pride resolves to protect her family and country while advancing the story. As the world around her changes, she prepares for the day she must die at the hands of the game's main characters. Nevertheless, before that happens, Pride will either transform her kingdom for the better or fall under the weight of her possible crimes.

After eating the Fruit of Evolution, Seiichi Hiiragi's new existence in another world grants him trustworthy companions and the ability to craft powerful magic. His talents draw the notice of Barnabus Ablitt, head of the Barbador Academy of Magic, who asks Seiichi to join the faculty. By chance, Seiichi's old Earth classmates are now students there, setting up an awkward encounter if they cross paths. Meanwhile, a mysterious group known as The Great Devil Order plots in secret to revive their god, using the students of Barbador as sacrifices to speed up the ritual. Since Seiichi possesses unrivaled strength, he must shield not just his friends but the entire world from the approaching threat.

While saving a child from danger, otaku Asahi Ikusaba gets transported to another world and thinks he has reincarnated with cheat skills like those from his favorite games and novels. However, reality hits when he encounters a powerful monster and discovers he is still just an ordinary person. In this moment of extreme peril, Asahi instinctively calls out to his overly protective sister, Maya, who appears out of nowhere, wielding the overpowered abilities he thought he possessed. Maya is overjoyed to see her brother again and vows to use her new powers to protect him at all costs. Together, the close-knit siblings try to find a way back home while enjoying their new lives. But it soon becomes clear that their arrival in this world may have been intentional. With the Demon King's overwhelmingly strong army approaching, no one except Maya seems capable of standing in its way.

After a string of assaults that have drained both teachers and students of their magical energy, headmistress Liza Quillyn chooses to seal off the College, making it impossible for anyone to enter or exit the premises. This leaves Philomela Sargant unable to follow her grandmother Lizbeth's command to leave the school. Trapped within the College, Chise Hatori and her fellow students start adapting to their unfamiliar and tense situation. However, as days pass, Philomela's condition deteriorates further, both mentally and physically. At the same time, more details about the painful history of Chise's roommate, Lucy Webster, come to light. While Chise struggles with concerns for her friends and her own changing self, the true identity of the mysterious magic-draining culprit haunting the College may finally be revealed.

Three months after the Demon King’s defeat at the hands of a hero, humanity celebrates its triumph while the inhabitants of the demon realm mourn their loss. To determine the next ruler, a tournament is organized to find the Demon King’s successor. Overseeing the contest is Vamirio, a fiery and formidable member of the Four Heavenly Kings. She harbors deep suspicion toward Helck, a human participant who professes a hatred for his own kind. Although Vamirio wishes to eliminate him, his immense power and widespread appeal make this difficult. During the competition, she learns that humans have disappeared from numerous towns. In response to this mystery, Vamirio devises a scheme to ensure Helck’s defeat, hoping to expose his true loyalties and protect the demon world from potential danger before it is too late.

Mitsuha Yamano's life could hardly get any worse. After failing to get into her preferred university and losing her entire family in a tragic accident, she ends up falling off a cliff when a guardrail gives way. By what seems like the only stroke of luck she has left, Mitsuha's fierce refusal to die causes her to be sent to another world, where she survives. In this unfamiliar realm, Mitsuha wanders for days until she collapses from exhaustion and is taken in by a young girl named Colette. Soon after, she gets caught in yet another life-threatening situation, and her unyielding spirit once again shines through, leading to an audience with a divine cosmic entity. The entity informs Mitsuha that she has gained not only superhuman regeneration but also the power to travel freely between worlds. With this knowledge, Mitsuha starts brainstorming ways to make full use of her new ability. Realizing she can bring goods from Earth and sell them in the other world at a higher price, she decides to save up eighty thousand gold coins so she can retire in comfort.

Broadcasting club member Shihono Kobayashi constantly enthuses to her friend Aoto Endou about MagiKoi, an otome game where protagonist Fiene attends the Royal Academy of Magic. Though the cast is diverse, Kobayashi's primary fixation is the villainess Lieselotte Riefenstahl. Despite her harsh comments toward Fiene, Lieselotte actually yearns to be friends with her. She is also deeply in love with her own fiancé, Prince Siegwald Fitzenhagen—the main love interest of the game. However, Lieselotte meets a tragic end in nearly every route. Kobayashi persuades Endou to play MagiKoi as a way to improve his speaking ability. What starts as an ordinary playthrough becomes extraordinary when Siegwald unexpectedly hears the players' voices inside the game! Now hailed as "gods," Endou and Kobayashi use their remarks and analysis to rescue their beloved tsundere villainess from her predetermined doom.