Synopsis

Ordinary student Sora has been summoned to another world as one of seven “chosen heroes” meant to battle the Demon King. While the other six are blessed with grandiose titles and superlative stats, Sora is stuck with no title, no level, and a single, underwhelming skill: he never gets tired from walking. After being judged useless to the cause, Sora is thrown out into the streets and left to fend for himself. Nevertheless, he grows determined to turn his unjust treatment and seemingly “useless” skill into a positive by earning money, making friends, and seeing sights he’s never seen before! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Power-Up with Every Step!

Written by Arukuhito and illustrated by Yu-nit, Isekai Walking, one of J-Novel Club’s latest titles, takes the use of a gimmick to a whole new step!

Following Sora, a protagonist newly transferred to another world, his dreams of becoming a hero are immediately dashed when it’s discovered that he has no power other than to gain levels while walking. Thrown out on his ear with nothing but a few coins to his name, he’s introduced to a fantasy world in all its glory. With a world to explore and plenty of people to meet, his walking skill is starting to look more useful by the minute.

Despite the original draw of an out-of-the-box gimmick revolving around walking to level up, the first volume in the Isekai Walking series is well-crafted and engaging. The first volume acts as an introduction to the series, displaying the world and its skill system, the people, and ultimately, the dangers that lurk around its dark alleys.

It begins as Sora is thrown out into the world and resorts to using the adventurers guild for a stable income. Given that his skill isn’t combat-based, he takes a different path than most, opting to complete delivery and gathering requests rather than hunting quests. Through these jobs, the story can focus on world-building as well as showcasing how the walking skill works and how it will eventually become overpowered. Moreover, these quests help Sora interact with the local populous, giving him a foothold within the world as a vital part of the community.

As the novel progresses and his skills develop more combat abilities, Sora develops deeper connections and makes friends among his contemporaries. Chris, a mage, and Rurika, a swordswoman, act as Sora’s makeshift adventuring mentors.

They party together throughout the volume, but what makes their relationship notable is that despite their clear romantic interest, they don’t instantly gravitate to him and become blank harem members. Chris and Rurika are on a quest of their own and have goals they need to achieve, and both parties will need to develop before they can meet again. This volume also introduces Ciel, Sora’s contracted spirit. A bundle of fuzzy cuteness, they make for a good series mascot.

After parting with Chris and Rurika, the series makes its final fantasy world introduction to Sora during the climax. Isekai worlds are often filled with danger, and this one is no different. Aside from the occasional monster, Sora quickly learns that humans and humanoids can be just as dangerous. Having a run-in with a slave soldier and a demon points him in the direction of several mysteries and conspiracies that’ll shape the future of the series for several volumes to come.

Overall, Isekai Walking’s first instalment leaves a great first impression. Quickly shedding any notion that the series is all about its gimmick, the story has a lot to get excited about. As an introduction to the series, the first volume gets things right. There’s a focus on world-building and storytelling. Moreover, it subverts expectations by giving its characters purpose and agency.

I Give Isekai Walking Volume 1: 9/10