Synopsis

After developing the Glass Eye, a magic tool that grants him sight, blind sorcery prodigy Kunon Gurion heads to magic school in the city of Dirashik to further his studies. There, he finds cutting-edge facilities and a host of talented teachers and friends. Naturally, the whole school, including the immortal witch herself, is paying plenty of attention to the new student, thanks to his eccentric behavior and shocking skill. Kunon, however, seems most interested in Reyes, a saint who can use rare light magic…and who wants nothing to do with him! (Source: Yen Press)

Kunon Makes Waves at the Academy!

Managing to find a love of magic and ultimately creating a glass eye to see, the second volume in the blind sorcerer’s tale finds him attempting to improve his abilities by attending the Dirashik magic academy.

Before Kunon can reach the academy, however, he first has to go on a journey to get there. This journey starts the volume and sees Kunon and his new maid, Rinko, take in a little sightseeing. While not a long trip, certainly not by medieval standards, these days, before they reach the academy, offer the two the perfect opportunity to get to know each other. Moreover, this part of the volume provides a welcome refresher on how Kunon’s magic works, as he touches various animal-related items and accurately creates the creature they came from.

Reaching the academy safe and sound, the meat and bones of the second volume get underway. Placed in the advanced classes, Kunon takes to the academy like a duck to water. With a wealth of magical knowledge at his fingertips, he throws himself straight into the deep end, getting involved with factions, creating a magical business, and helping to research new magical cure-alls. Consequently, we’re given a lot of information about how the academy works and how it differentiates itself from other magic academies within the fantasy light novel genre.

Magic academies have always been present within the fantasy light novel genre. From being used as a setting for Otome heartbreaks to a place for battle royale action to even housing fan-service eroge dungeons, these academies come in all shapes and sizes. To stand out from the crowd, The Sorcerer Can See’s academy works in such a way as to be tougher on nobles who’ve lived sheltered upbringings. Those in advanced classes aren’t given any special treatment, as they have to earn their own money and pay their own staff or risk demotion to a lower class.

As well as showing off the academy, Kunon’s new academic life introduces a brand new cast. Constituting his new classmates, they each have their own scenes dedicated to how they have to get used to Kunon’s gentlemanly persona, although they could’ve been better served with a scene that introduced them and their motivations.

Unfortunately, by the end of the volume, Kunon’s academy antics end up running a bit thin. Thanks in part to a lack of an overarching storyline, there’s very little conflict in this volume to speak of. Kunon’s slice-of-life stories are just that, slice-of-life stories. Beating other students and teachers with ease; there’s no conflict and little character development. As a result, this volume comes across almost as filler as the author waits for the next big storyline to present itself.

Overall, Kunon the Sorcerer Can See’s second instalment is good but lacking in bite. There are some great moments to be had as Kunon shows off his magic or parts of the academy are introduced. However, the volume could have benefited from some conflict or something to challenge Kunon’s ability, resulting in some much-needed character development.

I Give Kunon the Sorcerer Can See Volume 2: 7/10