Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Slice of Life, Isekai

Sub-Tags: OP, Strong Lead, Cute, Heartwarming, Dungeons, Family

Knights Upturn The City of Adventurers!

Knights in a Hunter’s World

Obtaining a guild ID and officially becoming a citizen of Rosa, One Step at a Time’s sequel sees Sara finally settling into life in the adventurer’s city. Whilst still trying to find Nelly, she’s managed to squeeze out a life for herself in this harsh town by picking medicinal herbs and working at the guild. Unfortunately for Sara, Rosa’s harsh reality isn’t just for its outsiders, as political upheaval and outside influence have started to creep in.

Sara’s troubles, this time, begin with the arrival of a group of knights from the capital. Originally sent to search for a familiar-sounding young lady, they stay on after gathering interest in the tents outside the city walls. One knight in particular, Liam, takes an interest in Sara. Shocked by her tent life, he offers her a job as his live-in maid. Sara refuses his offer, only to discover that it was less of an offer and more of a command.

Sara quickly discovers these knights’ nice smiles and courteous nature are just a façade. Unaccustomed to rejection, they think little of causing a scene and the ramifications that it may cause. Damaging property, injuring adventurers and attempting to paralyse Sara earn them the ire of the entire town. So low are their tactics that even Ted joins Sara’s side.

With help from the whole guild, the town manages to get rid of the knights, but their antagonistic influence remains long after they depart.

Conflict Outside the Wall

Acting as the de facto villains for the second volume, the knights are most effective when using their connections within higher society. In Sara’s case, their influence is felt in the ability to affect Rosa’s policy.

Skewing their official report to the capital, the lawmakers of Rosa have no choice other than to create discriminatory policies that decimate the lives of those living beyond the wall. As a result, Sara and Allen are forced to move into the city and farther away from their usual harvesting ground.

Whilst the knight’s influence on Rosa and Sara could be considered indirect, their treatment of Nelly is far less subtle. Kidnapped in broad daylight, ever since coming down from the Black Mountain, she’s been forced into slaying the annual flock of migrating dragons.

The Reunion

Towards the end of the volume, the story showcases Nelly’s perspective fully for the first time. While fighting dragons, there isn’t a second that goes by where Nelly doesn’t think about Sara’s wellbeing. It is clear the two have forged a strong bond even though Nelly’s stoicism can be hard to read.

As part of the build-up to the volume’s final act, Nelly escapes her duties, leading to a much-anticipated reunion.

Overwhelmingly heartwarming and filled with good humour, the reunion between the two is a welcome sight. They clearly haven’t missed a beat since being apart, as their conversation is as natural as can be – filled with back and forth expected from two great friends.

Detailing Sara’s continuing adventures in Rosa, One Step at a Time’s second instalment makes for a wonderful sequel.

In the second volume, the author moves to explore the challenges facing Sara from the wider world. Taking the form of knights from the capital, these challenges push Sara to become even more resourceful in the face of such a harsh world. As villains, the knights play the role brilliantly, using methods of soft and hard power to push their goals forward. Their only issue was trying to use their powers against an invited and the strongest person in the country.

Additionally, this latest volume features the much-anticipated reunion between Nelly and Sara. Equal parts heartwarming and humorous, it perfectly sets the scene for the series’ continuance.

Overall, One Step at a Time moves from strength to strength by expanding world-building and pairing Nelly and Sara back together.