Manga Like Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Chapter 3: Truth of Zero

Exiting a convenience store, Subaru Natsuki finds himself in a lively town inhabited by both humans and demi-humans, where dragons and carriages serve as modes of transport. Realizing this is not modern-day Japan, Subaru assumes he’s now a protagonist in a fantasy world with immense magical abilities. His hopes are soon dashed when he encounters a group of attackers. A silver-haired beauty named Satella comes to his rescue while looking for her lost insignia. Feeling indebted, Subaru decides to help Satella in her search, leading them to a pawn shop. Expecting to recover the insignia, they instead face a deadly encounter with an assassin, resulting in their demise. Miraculously, Subaru doesn’t find himself in the afterlife but instead returns to the same spot in broad daylight, as though nothing had happened. Thus, his existence in this alternate world begins anew, a mystery he must unravel.

In the first chapter of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Subaru Natsuki is walking home from a convenience store when he suddenly finds himself in an unfamiliar city, surrounded by people speaking an unknown language. Realizing he has been transported to another world, Subaru is soon chased away by a shopkeeper due to his lack of money. Cornered by a gang of thugs, he thinks his fate is sealed until a mysterious girl named Satella intervenes and saves him. Satella had been tracking a thief she noticed earlier in town, and with the thugs driven off, Subaru feels compelled to help her in her pursuit. Their investigation leads them to a house with a storeroom filled with stolen items. Inside, they are ambushed by a shadowy figure, and both fall victim to the assault. Awakening moments later, Subaru discovers he has been sent back to earlier in the day, starting a bewildering cycle of time loops where he relives the same sequence of events.

After their fierce confrontation, Battler Ushiromiya reflects on the sudden resignation of the Golden Witch Beatrice, who now appears as little more than a faint echo of her former confident self. This dramatic shift compels Battler to reexamine every detail from the first four games. Though he wishes to remain by her side, he resolves to take back control of the current situation, where Lambdadelta and Frederica Bernkastel have taken charge of the fifth game board. Following Kinzou Ushiromiya's death, Krauss Ushiromiya becomes the family head, but he faces serious financial troubles from poor investments that could lead to creditors seizing the estate. His siblings may take legal action against him under these circumstances. Natsuhi Ushiromiya, supporting her husband, seeks Beatrice's help to revive the former head of the family, hoping to hide the truth until the debts are resolved. Erika Furudo, a self-proclaimed detective, arrives on Rokkenjima Island as the family reunion begins. Welcomed as a distinguished guest, Erika quickly becomes fascinated by the ongoing discussion about the epitaph riddle. However, her relentless investigation into uncovering the hidden treasure triggers a chain of events that threatens to disrupt the Ushiromiya family's stability.

In Chapter 2 of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Subaru Natsuki regains consciousness in a strange room, attended by the twin sisters Rem and Ram. He makes a joke about their identical way of speaking, but his amusement is interrupted when Emilia, the girl he saved at great personal cost through his "Return by Death" ability, appears. Emilia tells Subaru she brought him to her mansion because of the injuries he sustained while defending against Elsa Granhiert. There, he meets Count Roswaal L. Mathers, the eccentric owner of the estate. During breakfast, Subaru asks to work as a butler alongside Rem and Ram, and Roswaal agrees without hesitation. Though his new role seems to go smoothly, Subaru's peace is shattered a few days later when he abruptly returns to the starting point of his journey, a grim reminder of his power. Now, Subaru must uncover the mystery behind his repeated deaths before his resolve gives out.

Subaru and Emilia turn their attention toward the Sanctuary, a witch's resting place, with the goal of awakening Rem from her unexplained sleep. They go back to Roswaal's mansion to search for clues about this hidden location, where Ram and Roswaal have already taken refuge. The journey ahead is full of unforeseen complications, especially for Subaru, who finds himself accompanied by a mysterious ally. As this new phase begins, an exciting new adventure awaits.

A year after the events of the Sanctuary, Subaru Natsuki dedicates himself to rigorous training in order to better prepare for any trials that lie ahead. The tranquil period ends when Emilia receives an invitation from Anastasia Hoshin, one of her rivals in the royal selection, to attend a meeting in the Watergate City of Priestella. Recognizing the meeting's importance and the potential dangers Emilia might face, Subaru and his friends accompany her. Upon arriving in Priestella, Subaru reunites with familiar allies and companions, but soon powerful new adversaries emerge. Motivated by fanatical convictions and employing merciless tactics to achieve their objectives, these enemies set their sights on Emilia and threaten the very survival of the city. Gathering his allies, Subaru must once again give everything he has to stop their sinister plans from becoming reality.

An alternate story where Subaru accepts the deal with Echidna.

Guts, once known as the Black Swordsman and a mercenary, pursues a path of vengeance. After enduring a brutal childhood, he finds someone he can trust and respect, but that bond is shattered when that person betrays him, stripping away everything precious to him in pursuit of their own ambitions. Now marked for death, Guts faces unrelenting persecution from dark forces. Driven by a grim and tragic mission, wielding immense strength and a colossal sword, he pushes forward undeterred by any obstacle, even death itself, until he can confront the one who stole his and his lover's humanity. This synopsis also includes a one-shot titled "Berserk: The Prototype," featured in Volume 14.

Long ago, humanoid creatures called Titans appeared, threatening humanity with their immense size and appetite for human flesh. To survive, humans built massive walls, creating a safe world within their confines. In this isolated world, peace has lasted for years, with no Titan attacks seen. Three young friends—Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert—dream of exploring the world beyond the walls, inspired by tales of the unknown. Their dreams are destroyed when a colossal 60-meter Titan breaches their defenses, revealing the harsh reality of their situation. Witnessing the devastation firsthand, Eren vows to eliminate all Titans, determined to reclaim freedom for humanity beyond the walls.

In a world where alchemists can alter and transform matter through their expertise, these practitioners are esteemed for their knowledge and abilities. Yet, despite alchemy's immense power, it cannot accomplish everything—especially human transmutation, which is forbidden due to its severe repercussions. Disregarding these warnings, the brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric attempt to bring their deceased mother back to life through human transmutation. The attempt ends in catastrophe: Edward loses his left leg, and Alphonse loses his entire body. In a desperate move, Edward sacrifices his own right arm to bind Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor. Time passes, and the two brothers set out on a journey across the nation in search of the Philosopher's Stone, hoping to regain their original bodies. Their quest, however, reveals far darker truths than they ever anticipated.

For years, Twenty-Fifth Bam lived a solitary life until he met Rachel. With her decision to climb the Tower firmly set, Rachel prepares to leave Bam behind to chase her ambition. Following Rachel through a radiant barrier, Bam begins his journey to ascend the Tower, driven by his wish to reunite with her. The Tower, however, is a treacherous realm filled with ancient mysteries, formidable creatures, and hostile individuals. Each floor is overseen by an Administrator who imposes rigorous trials on those brave enough to face them, pushing their limits to the extreme. When confronting Headon, the Administrator of the first floor, Bam learns he is classified as an "Irregular"—someone who entered the Tower without being chosen by it, an exceptionally rare occurrence. Even with this revelation, Bam's path forward remains unwavering. Whether it be riches, strength, fame, or reunion with Rachel, the summit of the Tower promises to fulfill every desire.

In the depths of the unfathomably deep Abyss, one girl and a mysterious robot embark on a perilous journey to unravel its secrets. Orth, a town constructed around the edge of the immense Abyss, thrives on the tales of those who dare to explore its uncharted territories, known as Cave Raiders. Among the town's residents is Riko, a young girl whose mother, a legendary Cave Raider, disappeared on an expedition years ago. Riko's destiny shifts when she discovers Reg, an enigmatic robot seemingly originating from the Abyss itself. Believing Reg to be a message from her lost mother, Riko decides to venture into the Abyss with Reg, ready to confront the myriad dangers that await them.

With the Demon King finally vanquished, the victorious hero party gathers one last time before going their separate ways. A decade of adventure has bonded mage Frieren, hero Himmel, priest Heiter, and warrior Eisen, but as they prepare to part, Frieren—being an elf—must face the painful reality of watching her friends grow old and die due to the vast difference in elven lifespans. Before his passing, Heiter entrusts a young human mage apprentice named Fern into Frieren’s care. Driven by her enduring passion for collecting all kinds of magical spells, Frieren sets out with Fern on a journey to revisit the places where the heroes once fought. Along the way, Frieren struggles with regret over the chances she missed to build deeper bonds with her late companions.

Long ago, six meteorites struck Earth, creating six moons and leaving only a single island intact. Those who failed to reach this island were submerged in the ocean and, over immense spans of time, transformed into crystals. Eventually, 28 of these crystalline beings, called the Lustrous, emerged to live on the island. Guided by the wise Kongou-sensei, they defend themselves against the relentless Lunarians, moon-dwellers who seek to use the gems' bodies for weapons and ornaments. The story focuses on Phosphophyllite, a gem nearly three centuries old. Known for being clumsy, extremely fragile, and lacking any notable abilities, Phosphophyllite is among the weakest of the Lustrous, struggling to make a meaningful impact in the battles against the Lunarian invaders. However, as the conflict continues, Phosphophyllite discovers that strength often comes with a heavy price that no one should have to bear.

Seiichi Osabe is an only child living a quiet existence, engaging in ordinary middle school routines like forming friendships and developing a romantic interest in a classmate. His parents, particularly his mother, are highly protective, causing others to perceive him as excessively reliant on her. Initially, Seiichi does not challenge his mother's behavior, but a particular event gradually exposes him to the perilous extent of her obsessive affection. As he strives to escape her control, he discovers a truth far more sinister than the ordinary life he had previously known.

In 1999, a massive meteorite impact on Antarctica melted the ice sheets, causing global sea levels to rise dramatically and altering the world's climate, resulting in the deaths of over half of Earth's population. By 2015, the remaining human civilization faces new threats from mysterious beings called Angels—creatures of unknown origin that relentlessly destroy what is left of the world. Shinji Ikari, a 14-year-old boy, arrives in the fortified city of Tokyo-3, destined to fight these Angels. Recruited by his father's secret organization, NERV, Shinji is tasked with piloting an Evangelion, a colossal bio-mechanical robot built to battle the Angels. Bearing the burden of saving the world, Shinji must find the courage and resolve to protect both the future and himself. However, as the frequency of conflicts between Evangelions and Angels increases, the grim truth about their world slowly comes to light.

College student Nao Kanzaki is known for her unwavering honesty. When she receives an unexpected package containing one hundred million yen, she unknowingly becomes a participant in the "Liar Game," a competition where players must manipulate and deceive each other to win large monetary prizes, with the penalty of lifelong debt for those who lose. Desperate and without any other options, she seeks help from a professional trickster. At the same time, Shinichi Akiyama, a cunning con artist renowned for bankrupting a major corporation, is released from jail that same day. Having studied psychology, he possesses the skills Nao needs. Though initially reluctant to take on another illegal venture, Shinichi is ultimately persuaded by Nao's earnestness and persistence to assist her. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of the Liar Game, both Nao and Shinichi uncover deeper truths about the game and its players, while also discovering their own motivations for being involved.

In "Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign," Yuuichirou Amane loses his parents at age eight and is raised at the Hyakuya Orphanage, where he struggles to connect with his new "family." His difficulties intensify when a global pandemic kills everyone over 13, causing previously hidden vampires to rise and enslave the remaining humans for their blood. Four years into this new reality, Yuuichirou has adapted to life under vampire rule but remains determined to destroy them and end their oppression. This goal often conflicts with Mikaela Hyakuya, another orphan who advocates for survival through cunning and adaptability. Mikaela, having gained the trust of influential vampires, gathers secret information and plans a daring escape. During the attempt, the group is ambushed by vampire official Ferid Bathory, leading to a massacre. Yuuichirou alone escapes to the surface, where he meets the Moon Demon Company, a military force dedicated to vampire extermination. Seeing a chance to fulfill his mission and avenge his family, Yuuichirou eagerly joins their ranks.

A twenty-year-old otaku named Naofumi Iwatani is suddenly whisked away to the fantasy kingdom of Melromarc. Brought before the King, Naofumi and three other summoned individuals discover that they are the Four Cardinal Heroes, chosen to defeat the destructive "Waves of Catastrophe." Naofumi, however, is handed nothing but a humble shield and labeled the "Shield Hero," the weakest of the four heroes. Because of his perceived uselessness, none of the kingdom's mercenaries are willing to assist him—except for the nation's beautiful princess, Malty Melromarc. Yet the very next morning, Naofumi wakes up to find all his belongings stolen and himself falsely accused of rape by Malty. As a Cardinal Hero, Naofumi is spared execution, but his fabricated crimes are broadcast to the public. Struggling to find any kindness, Naofumi purchases a demi-human slave girl named Raphtalia to help him, then sets out on a dangerous quest to exact revenge on those who wronged him, uncovering the mysteries of this new world as he goes.

Kazuki Hoshino values his ordinary daily life above all else. His school days are filled with easygoing moments spent with friends—until the transfer student Aine Aya arrives and shatters that peace. The moment this cold, beautiful girl appears in his classroom, she speaks to him in baffling terms: "I've come to destroy you. This is my 13,118th transfer. After going through so many, I started getting bored, so this time I'll add some fun by making a formal declaration." With these enigmatic words, Kazuki's cherished everyday life descends into chaos and dread—Aya's sudden arrival hints at hidden secrets behind his seemingly ordinary friends, including the mysterious devices known as "boxes."

Chise Hatori has always been able to see supernatural beings, but that ability has never brought her happiness. Abandoned by her parents, she endures a harsh life and eventually decides to sell herself at a slave market in hopes of finding a place to belong. There, she is offered as a rare "Sleigh Beggy," someone with extraordinary magical sensitivity. Her last hope is Elias Ainsworth, a mysterious magician who appears more creature than human. Instead of making her a slave, he chooses to take her in as both his apprentice and his bride. Taken to Elias's home in the English countryside, Chise enters a world where fairies and dragons live alongside humans. But she soon realizes that her new life brings fears as well as wonders. At the center of it all is the unsettling question of whether she has fallen into the hands of something even more dangerous than the hardships she left behind.

In "Sweet Home," Cha Hyun, a high school student who prefers being alone and playing video games, experiences a major change after losing his family in a car accident. Moving to a new apartment, he deals with money problems and annoying neighbors. But these issues become minor when he sees people around him turning into monsters, throwing the world into chaos. Hyun soon realizes he himself is starting to change into a monster, with a growing voice in his head. Running out of time, he must join forces with other residents of the building to find the cause of the transformation and fight to survive in this grim new world, while trying to keep his humanity.

In "Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNICL," kind-hearted Syaoran is a close friend of Sakura, the princess of the Clow Kingdom who possesses the extraordinary ability to reshape reality. When a shadowy figure attempts to seize control of Sakura's powers, her memories scatter into various dimensions as feathers. To rescue her, Syaoran seeks help from the Dimensional Witch and joins forces with two other wanderers—Kurogane and Fai D. Flourite. Kurogane, an expelled ninja with exceptional fighting skills, longs to return to his homeland. Meanwhile, Fai, a sorcerer from Celes, aims to travel through different dimensions to escape his troubled past. To cross dimensions, each of the trio must sacrifice something precious. Syaoran agrees to give up his bond with Sakura as the price to the Dimensional Witch. United in purpose, Syaoran, Kurogane, and Fai embark on a quest across numerous worlds, confronting their destined challenges.

In the kingdom of Tanbarun, Shirayuki, a renowned herbalist, catches the unwanted attention of the conceited prince Raji Shenazard because of her striking red hair. Faced with the unpleasant proposition of becoming his concubine, she decides to cut her hair and flees the country under the cover of night. During her escape through the woods, she encounters Zen Wistalia, the prince of the neighboring nation Clarines. After Zen consumes a poisoned apple sent by Raji to lure Shirayuki back, she swiftly employs her expertise in herbs to save him. With Zen and his allies Kiki and Mitsuhide by her side, Shirayuki journeys to Clarines, aspiring to establish herself as a court apothecary. As her sentiments towards Zen deepen beyond simple camaraderie, they both must address the challenges posed by their differing statuses while pursuing their own aspirations. Additional one-shots included: Volume 1: Hachigatsu no Shikisai (Colorful Seasons of August) Volume 2: Bokura wo Tsunaide. (Connect Us) Volume 13: Shizuku no Saki ni (Beyond the Drops) Volume 14: Natsuyasumi 00-nichime (00 Days of Summer Vacation)