Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, School Life, Martial Arts, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Game Elements, Eroge, OP, Strong Lead, Dungeons

Kousuke and the Committee Conundrum!

The Truth Behind the Committees

Taking place after Kousuke’s successful dungeon exploration, Magical Explorer’s fourth outing is conveniently split into three plot lines. The first focuses on the academic aftermath of his actions, having been invited to the Moon Court to join one of the three committees.

This plot line heavily focuses on world-building, immersing the reader in the academy’s inner workings and showcasing the committees’ pivotal role in law and order. Kousuke’s decision on the matter is simple, joining the ceremonial committee. In keeping with his character, the ceremonial committee acts up the role of the villains, providing the students with a mutual enemy so that they may improve their abilities and academic performance. 

The committees also play an important role in the original eroge story. Through the connections Kousuke makes here, several avenues are opened to ensure the protagonist can reach his goal of a good ending.

A Smooth Talker

One of the main aspects of Eroge games concerns improving the protagonist’s affinity with each of the main heroines. The second plot of the volume has Kousuke continuing to make headway by asking each of the female leads to take a Seed of Possibility. Rare and expensive items, these seeds help in growing a person’s innate magical and fighting abilities.

The presenting of the seeds takes place one after another, and the influence of eroge games permeates these scenes. They play out like an important decision moment from the game, with each of the heroines offering different reactions depending on how far Kousuke’s raised their affection levels. At this point in the series, only sis refuses, meaning her affection levels aren’t high enough yet. 

Stalkers and Saints

Kousuke’s smooth-talking act is also found in full force with the new characters introduced in this volume. Iori’s step-sister Yuika has arrived at the academy, comprising the third and final plot of the volume – getting the good ending.

Yuika is yet another one of the main heroines in the original Magical Explorer game. Blessed with high levels of holy magic, her issue comes into play earlier than expected for Kousuke.

Kidnapped by a demonic stalker, Kousuke’s plan to save her involves using his newfound influence as part of the ceremonial committee gathering Benito and Shion for a dangerous dungeon mission. The plan bears fruit, and Yuika is eventually saved.

World-building and developments in romance make the backbone of this volume. Taking time out of the dungeon exploration has given some much-needed space for the series to delve deeper into the school setting, thoroughly explaining the committees and the vital role they play in the academy’s development. Moreover, with this volume’s more slice-of-life feel, each of the romantic interests gathered gets a chance to make waves with the protagonist. Overall, Magical Explorer remains a strong, entertaining series even when broaching slice-of-life style plots.