I don't usually write reviews for books I've read, but this time, my disappointment warrants a few words. Let me clarify, though, this isn't a negative review born from hate; it's more a reflection of my dissatisfaction. The concept intrigued me from the beginning – a harsh, dystopian world teeming with monsters (youkai), and an ordinary man struggling to survive without any extraordinary abilities. That premise had me hooked.
However, the execution falls flat. The constant reminders that the story takes place within a game feel forced and repetitive, despite my initial surprise that others seemed to handle this aspect better than I expected. Excessive information dumps about the game's mechanics and backstory become tiresome, disrupting the immersion I initially sought.
The main character, while portrayed as a meek servant, lacks depth and authenticity. He's a clichéd "innocent hero" archetype, devoid of any real desires or negative emotions, which is hard to swallow in a world where survival is paramount and betrayal is common. His blandness stretches the limits of suspension of disbelief.
Lastly, the attempt to make the narrative appear intelligent only serves to convolute the plot, highlighting its shortcomings. The translation quality, while readable, appears amateurish, detracting from the overall experience.
In conclusion, I'm giving this book a disappointing 3 out of 10,惋ishing the missed potential. I hope future chapters improve, but for now, it's an average read with unfulfilled promise.