Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Isekai

Sub-Tags: OP, Strong Lead, Slapstick, Dungeons

Seiichi Goes to the Races!

Love and Avoidance

Continuing where Evolution’s second volume left off, the latest in the series finds a sense of awkwardness between Altria and Seiichi. Seiichi’s unplanned proposal has left the two of them with an ultimatum – whether to take their relationship forward, making a twosome into a threesome, so to speak.

As is the case for most harem series, reluctance toward polyamory is quickly put to rest, and a confession ends on a positive.

I do find myself rather enjoying this confession scene as it gives first love the importance it deserves. Moreover, with Altria joining the fold, it has given some time for Seiichi to reflect. The author shows that Seiichi has some self-awareness, realising that if it wasn’t for the fairer sex, he’d be stuck between a rock and hard place.

The Difference Between a Horse and a Donkey

Having settled their romantic issues, the story then turns back to adventuring. Becoming an adventurer with a reputation requires the right equipment, specifically a horse. Although, as with most things in this series, the best-laid plans often go awry.

Reading through this section of the volume, you can tell just how much fun the author and the translators had with this plot. It is genuinely hysterical. The running gag of creatures that aren’t horses is great. We’re treated to a plethora of different riding species, all of whom fail to meet Seiichi’s expectations – from bullying dragon horses, a being of pure chaos, to a Dorse, a creature so stupid it even forgets it’s dead. 

In the end, Seiichi picks a donkey named Lulune. Stubborn and proud, she ultimately makes a good companion for the gang and, true to form for the series, ends up turning into a woman and eventual harem candidate.

Kaizell and the Heroes

Finally, the latest volume illuminates the true motives behind the Kaizell Empire. In every previous volume, the reader has been drip-fed information that has painted the Empire in a bad light. As it turns out, the Empire is just as bad as the stories have told.

There’s no length that they would not go to defeat the demonkin. Enslaving the heroes from another world and attempting to assassinate another kingdom’s sovereign – they’re turning into quite the antagonists for Seiichi in later volumes.

To conclude, the third volume of The Fruit of Evolution continues to be a fun read. Still retaining its charm and humour, those who are fans of the series won’t be disappointed – Seiichi’s dealings with the donkey making a particular highlight!