The Squishy Swordsman with Zero Attack Power ~Abandoned by His Childhood Friend Oracle, He Entered the Magic Academy, and Ended Up Looking After the Demon Lord~

My Thoughts on The Squishy Swordsman with Zero Attack Power Abandoned by His Childhood Friend Oracle, He Entered the Magic Academy, and Ended Up Looking After the Demon Lord

This title is quite a mouthful, isn't it? I dove into "The Squishy Swordsman" expecting a fun subversion of typical tropes, and while it has moments of brilliance, I ultimately found myself a bit torn. It's not a terrible read, but it didn't quite live up to its potential.

First Impressions

The initial setup is promising: a protagonist, Eugene, seemingly shafted by fate and his childhood sweetheart, thrust into a magic academy, and saddled with the responsibility of looking after a Demon Lord. It has all the ingredients for a comedic, action-packed fantasy. However, I quickly found myself struggling to connect with Eugene.

What Works Well

The world-building, while not always front and center, is a definite plus. I particularly enjoyed how the story ties into the author's previous work, "Clearing an Isekai with the Zero-Believers Goddess." Spotting those little lore connections was a treat. The dynamic between Eugene and the Demon Lord, Erinyes, is also a highlight. Their interactions are often genuinely funny and provide a nice contrast to the more serious aspects of the plot.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue lies with the main character himself. Eugene often comes across as bland and passive, lacking the depth and development I crave. I felt like I was being told about his growth rather than seeing it. His relationships, especially with the childhood friend, felt forced and unconvincing. The "beta male" trope is strong with this one, and not always in a good way. I also found the power-ups to be somewhat arbitrary, appearing without much foreshadowing or explanation. It felt like the author was pulling skills out of thin air whenever convenient.

Final Verdict

"The Squishy Swordsman" has its moments, particularly in its world-building and the dynamic between Eugene and Erinyes. However, the weak character development, inconsistent power scaling, and reliance on tired tropes ultimately hold it back. It's an okay read if you're looking for something light and don't mind overlooking its flaws, but don't expect a groundbreaking masterpiece. I'd give it a tentative 3 out of 5 stars.