Manga Like Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Devilman, the gentle-hearted Akira Fudou frequently finds himself at the mercy of others. Upon reuniting with his childhood friend Ryou Asuka, she reveals a startling truth: demons are real and intend to conquer Earth. Determined to help Ryou protect humanity, Akira agrees to attend the decadent and corrupt Black Sabbath event to merge with a demon. After a near-death experience, he fuses with Amon, a demon feared even by other demons, creating Devilman—a powerful entity that combines Amon's immense strength with Akira's kind heart. As Devilman, Akira uses his new abilities to fight the demonic threat, working to prevent the impending collapse of human society.

Yuugi Mutou, a high school student frequently targeted by bullies, spends his nights absorbed in board games and puzzles within his room. His love for games stems from his grandfather, who runs the game shop where they both live. After solving the ancient Millennium Puzzle one night, Yuugi awakens a concealed, darker identity called Yami Yuugi. In moments of intense stress, Yuugi transforms into this bold and fearsome alter ego, assuming the role of a vengeful figure who challenges bullies and wrongdoers to high-stakes games, where losing brings severe repercussions. As Yuugi and his dark counterpart gain allies among those who once tormented him, they forge strong bonds with these new companions. However, the group soon faces enemies far more dangerous than school bullies—people who twist games for evil purposes, putting Yuugi and his friends' lives at risk.

In the land of Jushin, secret operatives known as the amen osa (referred to as angyō onshi in the original Japanese) worked in the shadows across the realm. Appointed by the king, their mission was to expose and discipline dishonest officials, upholding fairness for the citizens.

Julian sneaks onto a slave vessel, beginning a journey to the expansive continent with a hundred other prisoners, all longing for freedom—until...?! Accompany him on this groundbreaking adventure through a gripping dark fantasy story.

In the vibrant 1920s of America, a time of peace and hope following the Great War, a sinister force threatens to disrupt this tranquility. Sister Rosette Christopher, an exorcist for the Magdala Order, is tasked with battling the demons that emerge and cause chaos. Alongside her is Chrno, and together they frequently find themselves creating more havoc than the demons they aim to vanquish. During a specific mission, they encounter a young girl named Azmaria, known for her enchanting voice, who is in danger from her own stepfather. As Rosette and Chrno strive to protect her, deeper insights into their connection come to light, revealing there is more to their partnership than initially apparent.

1. Hotel: Since A.D. 2079 2. Present 3. Subete wa Maguro no Tame datta (It Was All for the Tuna) 4. Stephanos 5. Diadem

Six years ago, Kamui Shirou was inseparable from his childhood friends Fuuma and Kotori Monou. After the unexpected and violent death of the Monou siblings' mother, Kamui's mother took him away from Tokyo. During their separation, the Monou siblings lived a quiet life, while Kamui developed his innate telekinetic skills. Upon his mother's passing in 1999, her last wish was for Kamui to return to Tokyo and face what she called his "destiny." Returning to the city, Kamui exhibits a changed personality and displays his formidable powers through numerous street battles. Various opponents challenge him, questioning if he is "Kamui" and seeking something far greater than mere recognition. These adversaries are part of two rival groups, the Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Earth, both eager to recruit him. As Kamui uncovers information about the impending "promised day," he realizes that the fate of the world depends on his allegiance. His decision to join one of these Dragon factions could either safeguard the world or lead to its downfall.

In "Red River," Yuri, an ordinary modern-day teenager, is abruptly transported to the ancient Hittite empire in Anatolia. There, she becomes the target of a ruthless queen who plans to use her as a sacrificial pawn to eliminate all other heirs and secure the throne for her own son. Fortunately, Prince Kail rescues Yuri at the last moment. He vows to help her return home, but their efforts are repeatedly hindered by the queen's relentless schemes against them, as well as the growing romance between Yuri and Kail. Additional content includes the one-shot titled "Volume 28: Orontes Renka."

In "Shinobi Life," Beni, a spirited and defiant young woman, remains unconcerned about her own destiny as long as it brings shame to her arrogant father. One day, she encounters Kagetora, a ninja who falls from the sky and swears absolute loyalty to her as her guardian. Having time-traveled from a distant past, Kagetora is committed to protecting Princess Beni. Yet, he does not realize that this Beni is not the true princess. The narrative examines if true love and dedication can persist across centuries in the tumultuous modern era.

During a trip to the National Library, middle schoolers Miaka Yuuki and Yui Hongo get drawn into "The Universe of The Four Gods," an old Chinese book. Miaka becomes the chosen priestess of Suzaku and needs to collect her celestial warriors to call forth the god and get three wishes. At the same time, Yui is forced to be Seiryuu's priestess by the enemy country that follows Seiryuu. Once close friends, they are now pitted against each other, caught up in a drawn-out fight to summon their gods and make their wishes come true.

Haruhiro awakens in total darkness, unable to remember how he arrived or where he is. Others beside him recall little more than their own names. When they emerge from underground, they find a world that resembles a video game. To survive, Haruhiro forms a group with others in the same situation, learns Skills, and becomes a Trainee Volunteer Soldier in the land of Grimgar. What lies ahead is unknown. This is a tale of adventure born from the ashes.

In "Nabari no Ou," Miharu Rokujou longs for a quiet, ordinary existence. However, his destiny shifts drastically when he discovers he holds the legendary ninja ability, "Shinra Banshou." This power marks him as the rightful heir to govern the hidden realm called Nabari, rather than living as a typical high school student. Miharu endures constant assassination attempts and must contend with his teacher's persistent efforts to recruit him into the nindo club. With his life at risk because of his extraordinary skill, the Nabari world becomes Miharu's only chance for survival.

One year ago, Aika Fuwa and her parents died under mysterious circumstances. Her older brother, Mahiro, sets out to find the truth and avenge her death. Unaware to Mahiro, his childhood friend and Aika’s secret boyfriend, Yoshino Takigawa, gets drawn into the mystery when a strange woman confronts him at gunpoint. Yoshino learns that the government suspects Mahiro of being connected to a strange condition called "iron sickness" in areas where he was last seen. As Mahiro and Yoshino become fugitives, their search for Aika’s killers becomes more dangerous and urgent. To find out more about his sister’s murder, Mahiro makes a deal with Hakaze Kusaribe, the most powerful sorceress in the world, who is trapped on a remote island. As the princess and leader of the Kusaribe Clan, Hakaze agrees to help Mahiro’s investigation if he frees her from her exile. Once freed, Hakaze plans to stop the "Tree of Exodus" from being awakened again to prevent a global disaster. Her former assistant, Samon Kusaribe, had her exiled and stripped of her magical powers on the island to stop her from interfering with his plans to bring back the tree. As Mahiro and Yoshino race against time to save the world from the effects of the "Trees of Exodus and Genesis," they get closer to uncovering the deeper secrets behind Aika’s death, realizing that the murder may be closely connected to the chaos happening around them.

In the story "Superior," the Demon Queen Sheila has already killed more than half of all humans with brutal effectiveness. As her reign of terror shows no sign of ending, the surviving humans choose a hero named Exa to defeat her and her monstrous forces. However, Exa's intentions do not match humanity's; he values the lives of both humans and monsters equally. On his journey, the idealistic Exa saves a monster girl from a dragon, unaware that this creature is actually the Demon Queen herself. Intrigued by a human who shows kindness to enemies, Sheila adopts the persona of a shy and lovesick monster, joining Exa on his quest while secretly planning to betray him. Despite repeated exposure to Exa's beliefs, Sheila remains firm in her plans, though she often hesitates to act on them, suggesting that her fabricated feelings may be becoming genuine.

In the centuries following Armageddon, the appearance of a second moon, dubbed the "Vampire's Moon," ignites a conflict between humanity and the Methuselah, vampiric beings that subsist on human blood. Esther Blanchett, an orphan raised in the Church of St. Matthias within the city of Istvan, meets Abel Nightroad, a priest dispatched by the Vatican—an ally of humanity—to address threats. Despite his seemingly mild nature, Abel harbors a concealed identity as "The Crusnik," a vampire that preys on other vampires and serves as the Vatican’s ultimate weapon. Esther's serene existence is shattered when the church faces a bombing, and she is betrayed by her sole confidant, Dietrich. Left with no options, she decides to team up with Abel and Tres Iqus, a humanoid machine, to journey to Rome and discover the truth behind the destruction of her sanctuary. Along their perilous path, they must confront various challenges and delve into the mysteries surrounding Abel's background.

Rain Jewlitt, a 624-year-old immortal known as the Methuselah, is a laid-back individual who dresses like a priest. With his eternal youth, he's become a target, with a substantial bounty on his head for the secret of his immortality. Machika Balfaltin, a 14-year-old tomboy with boundless energy, sets out to kill Methuselah after her grandfather, the renowned assassin Zol the Grim Reaper, failed to do so. Her goal is to claim the bounty her grandfather couldn't. However, Rain continually rescues her from other bounty hunters who attempt to eliminate them both.

In the land of Cruzon, where quartz powers all machines and enables magic, Rygart Arrow is unique as an "un-sorcerer" unable to interact with quartz. Despite this, he attended a military academy and formed close bonds with classmates Sigyn Erster, Hodr, and Zess. After graduation, Rygart's lack of abilities led him to a quiet life as a farmer on the outskirts of Krisna. His peaceful life is shattered when Sigyn and Hodr, now queen and king of Krisna, summon him to the capital. As the kingdom faces war against Athens, tensions rise when Zess, now a general in Athens' forces, launches an attack on Krisna's capital. In the chaos, Rygart discovers an ancient Golem, an advanced mobile suit from a lost civilization. Unlike modern machines, this relic can only be piloted by an un-sorcerer like him. Armed with this powerful asset, Rygart finds himself caught in the conflict between old friends divided by opposing beliefs and warfare.

Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was a highly esteemed Crown Prince of flawless lineage, a favored choice of Heaven with limitless promise. Even after attaining godhood and amassing tens of thousands of worshippers, his destiny turned cruel. Time and again, he was stripped of his power and cast down to the lowest depths. Centuries later, Xie Lian ascends once more, though this time he has no followers or incense offerings. One day, after returning from scavenging, he brings a peculiar young man back to his home. This individual is Hua Cheng, the terrifying Ghost King whose very name sends chills down everyone's spines.