Light Novel Review: Rebuild World Volume 2 Part One - Users of the Old Domain - Page 2 of 2

Moving on from its story, Users of the Old Domain features character development that has its moments of brilliance, yet is inconsistent throughout. This volume provides significant focus on establishing and developing its new characters, specifically Katsuya, Yumina, and Airi. Regarding Katsuya, his development is detailed and engrossing. I appreciate that Katsuya is a flawed character from the start, with his selflessness, usually a praiseworthy characteristic, is so intense that it places himself and his two partners in danger. This idea of selflessness to the point of destructiveness is riveting, especially in this hellish setting. Also, though Katsuya himself is talented, he is immature, a trait displayed when he, again, places his friends in danger, as well as when he needlessly does so for a need to prove himself. In turn, this need for respect is yet another layer, which seems to be developing alongside his frustrations towards Akira. Lastly, Katsuya lets his emotions get the better of him often, as he is overly intense and angry towards those who look down on him, and he comes off as a downer when denied or contradicted. It results in him losing himself internally, thus failing to notice his companions’ care for him, so much so, they get dragged into those messes of his. Selfless and brave against physical threats; a danger to others when his emotions force others’ to act for his mental sake; Katsuya is shaping up to be a terribly vexing, yet engaging character.

As for his partners, overall I like the direction taken with Yumina, who is the voice of reason of the trio. I think her reasonableness contrasts nicely with Katsuya’s personality and I hope to see more of that. I could do without the tropes of her having romantic feelings for the ignorant Katsuya and her penchant to use physical force to rein him in when speaking or acting foolishly. As for Airi, I’m intrigued by her similar backstory to Akira with her desperation to escape poverty and having faced unfair discrimination due to it. She is soft-spoken, loyal, and blunt to Katsuya, and not afraid to point out his flaws in personality and action. Though, of course, she too has feelings for Katsuya. A lingering concern, we’ve seen these tropes and character types before, so I do hope all three evolve beyond these overly familiar frameworks and become deeper, more complex characters.

Reina and Shiori are two more new characters introduced this volume, and although they tie into conflict with Akira quickly and energetically, I find their development lacking overall. It’s immediately established that Reina is an overconfident brat, backed by the skill and power her maid and guard Shiori provides. Reina’s attitude and Shiori’s cold demeanor hiding fierce devotion ultimately lead to hurt feelings, confusion, and poor first impressions with Akira. It’s through misunderstanding and disagreement that we see their characters develop. Unfortunately, too much of said development comes in the form of analysis-sounding exposition. Reina and Shiori spend most of their time interpreting their own or each other’s internal thoughts and feelings. It also reads a lot like we’re being told rather than shown who these two are. I can understand why this approach is taken, as it serves to quickly get these two into the story and interacting with Akira. But, it comes at the cost of proper character development. So, for now, my impression is we have two frameworks that need significant development if they are to become anything more than eventual background characters.

As for returning characters, I like what we see from Alpha this volume, as her cunning and calculating nature begins to border deviousness. Her chilling coldness is slowly revealing that she is ready and willing to manipulate and shape Akira into her desired pawn. And it’s all performed with a calculated smile. I love every bit of it. As for Elena and Sara, they continue to be badasses and the lights in Akira’s darkness. Both continue to demonstrate that they see Akira as so much more than just a fellow hunter, as time and again they directly and secretly have his back and best interests at heart. I’m also noticing that Elena and Sara are starting to feel as if they may become foils to Alpha’s schemes. I really hope this will be the case, as Elena’s and Sara’s warmth and humanity are perfect contrasts to Alpha’s mimicry of care for her own machinations.

Lastly, there’s Akira, who really just gets caught up in others’ problems this time around. The cost of developing new characters results in Akira essentially remaining the same as he’s depicted in Volume 1. A short-tempered teen who wants not for trouble nor to be bothered, and still enigmatic and inconsistent in his decision making, Akira’s established personality traits are acceptably reemphasized this volume. He also progresses in terms of combat skill and his knowledge of society and relic hunting, but has zero mental or emotional growth. I understand that complexity and evolution of character takes time, so I can overlook this if his development goes beyond skill and competency in the near future.

Rebuild World Volume 2 Part One – Users of the Old Domain is a noteworthy follow up to the two parts of Volume 1, providing deep world building, dynamic, compelling action sequences, and glimmers of excellent character development. It also provides adequate emphasis for established characters and core aspects of the life of a relic hunter in this rebuilding society. Regarding new characters, Katsuya receives solid development as a flawed character and I’m looking forward to seeing more of his interactions with his partners, Yumina and Airi, as well as future clashes with Akira. The extra side story adds impressive depth to Katsuya, Yumina, and Airi, and further explores more personal elements like attitudes and biases. And as for those actions scenes, I appreciate that the line between sci-fi and fantasy is better toed this time around. Issues I have, including how the story reads like a set of video game missions, and the overuse of exposition both in world building and to describe characters’ thoughts and feelings, are too great for me to overlook, however. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the read throughout. A praiseworthy continuation of Akira’s tale, Rebuild World Volume 2 Part One – Users of the Old Domain provides enough excitement and immersion to find myself looking forward to Volume 2 Part Two.