I Became The Academy’s Blind Swordsman

My Thoughts on I Became The Academy’s Blind Swordsman

This web novel definitely had my attention with its intriguing premise: a protagonist wielding a sword while seemingly blind in an academy setting. The blend of action, fantasy, and school life genres initially felt promising. However, after diving in, I found myself with mixed feelings.

First Impressions

The initial chapters were captivating, drawing me into the world and introducing the main character, Zetto, with his mysterious blindfold and exceptional swordsmanship. The concept of him being transplanted into a game world with a hidden, overpowered item was interesting. The early stages offered a glimpse of exciting possibilities, and I was eager to see how the story would unfold.

What Works Well

I appreciated the unique character archetype of Zetto. The author skillfully portrays him as both calm and ethereal to those around him, while also giving him a relatable and human inner monologue. This duality made him an engaging protagonist. I also found the storyline involving Aizel, the regressor, to be particularly compelling. Her memories of past cycles and Zetto's attempts to break her cycle added a layer of depth and mystery. The fight scenes are also well-choreographed and exciting.

Areas of Concern

One of my biggest issues is the "blindness" itself. The fact that Zetto isn't truly blind and can see through the blindfold undermines the potential for deeper character development and unique combat scenarios. The relationships he forms based on the pretense of blindness feel somewhat disingenuous. The harem aspect also felt forced. Many of the female characters seemed to be introduced solely to expand the harem, sometimes with cringe-worthy and unnecessary fan service scenes. Furthermore, the plot sometimes felt disjointed, with leaps in the story and character relationships that lacked sufficient explanation.

Final Verdict

"I Became The Academy’s Blind Swordsman" has moments of brilliance and a unique premise, but ultimately falls short of its potential. The intriguing character of Zetto and the mystery surrounding Aizel kept me engaged to a degree, but the flawed execution of the "blindness" concept, the forced harem elements, and the disjointed plot prevented me from fully enjoying the novel. I'd recommend it as a time-killer if you're not too critical, but don't expect a masterpiece.