You never know what you’ll find in the Dungeon … even a new friend.
Creative Staff:
Original Story: Fujino Omori
Illustrations By: Suzuhito Yasuda
Translation: Andrew Gaippe
What They Say:
Within the Colossal Tree Labyrinth, Bell meets a dragon-girl named Wiene. Far from an ordinary monster, though, Wiene is capable of speech, and extraordinary ability that makes her a target of adventures and monsters alike. Word of her existence send shock waves through Orario, and Bell’s resolution to protect her challenges the very pillars of society. Chaos erupts, and at its epicenter, one frightened monster stands behind her hero …
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The rogue town of Rivira sent out an urgent quest to eliminate an infestation of firebirds, and as many adventurers answered the call, Bell and his friends were not ones to turn down a request for help. However they were instantly separated according to skills for different strike teams, and the white haired rabbit soon found himself headed in a different direction once they arrived on the nineteenth floor. This level was called the Colossal Tree Labyrinth and for good reason – the entire layout of the maze appeared to be constructed of roots and moss laden stones, making the area seem like a giant forest. But it was not long after their arrival did the chaos of ferocious flying creatures attacking from above and an uncoordinated attack structure cause his team to be scattered, every man for himself.
With the roars of monsters and screams of unprepared hunters adding to the cacophony of an unpredictable battlefield, Bell did his best to navigate through the winding maze of flora, but soon found himself hopelessly lost. At every turn he became deeper entrenched within the undergrowth, and while his salamander wool cloak may nullify fire attacks, the heavy material only made the search all the more exhausting. Now tired and overheated, he slowed his pace until he spotted a petite humanoid form, edging its way across the pandemonium of fighting, trying to put as much space as it could away from the madness. However even as it tried futilely to escape from this oncoming enemy, the Little Rookie could clearly see a badly mangled leg prevented any reasonable progress, only able to pitifully drag its useless limb behind in protest. It was only after it found an alcove between the roots did was this adventurer able to see something amazing, a creature which looked almost human.
He had never seen anything so amazing before – it had long silver-blue hair draped past its shoulders with a gently alluring face, however embedded upon its forehead was a sparkling red gem which twinkled in the dim light. While a majority of the skin appeared smooth, some areas were covered in matching scales, but sadly the entirety of its exposed feminine body was dotted with scrapes, cuts and abrasions. Aside from its odd appearance, if he hadn’t see the odd coloring, she could appear to be a young humanoid girl about his age, although completely naked. Was this some kind of new Irregular? While the anthropomorphic form was not unusual having seen harpies and sirens before, this one was something entirely new, a type of dragon called a vouvivre, but she is a human dragon hybrid. However as his eyes adjusted to the minimal illumination, there was one other feature Bell could not ignore … this monster was crying.
It is only once Bell approached with Hestia Knife drawn did she flinch even more, a noticeable reaction for the number of blade scrapes and claw marks all over her body – she had been attacked by both adventurers and monsters. Not wanting to frighten her more, he quickly put away his blade away and examined the injuries, the broken leg was obviously the worst of the lot. Curious to see if a potion would do anything to cure this new creature, Cranel slowly extracted one and explained what he would do … only to be stunned by her clumsy pronunciation of the word. This monster could speak? Of all the inhabitants within the Dungeon, he has never heard of any one being able to imitate human speech, and if there was encountered before, the Guild never posted anything about it. With this new puzzle something to think about, Bell gingerly poured some of the elixir on the fractured limb and allowed her to drink the rest, relieved to see the panacea working its magic. With a gentle hand, he draped his fire salamander cloak over her body and supported her weight along his shoulder as they gradually made their way toward the lost exit.
Once they had reached the Under Resort, the rest of Hestia Familia, Welf, Lilly, Haruhime and Mikoto greeted their absentee leader, worried about his extended stay during the mission. However all that worry soon vanishes as soon as they see the stranger being held up by Bell. Although they wanted nothing more than to question as to the identity of this straggler, Cranel waved them aside and lead the group into the thick forest before answering any queries. As soon as he was sure everything was clear, Bell slowly drew back the hood and revealed his injured companion, much to the combined surprise of his friends. While everyone may react just as he did when they first meet, his companions take no haste than to unsheathe weapons as soon as they see the inhuman face. Bell does not hesitate in shielding the hybrid, much to the shock of his comrades who verbally barrage him with even more questions. It is not until the humanoid vouvivre opens her slight lips and gently speaks his name does the vocal onslaught turn into utter and complete surrender. Hatred has now been replaced by confusion – monsters have always been the enemies of the citizens of Orario since Ancient Times, with no exceptions … until now. After hearing Bell’s passion plea, the family now had no other choice than to bring this creature above ground and present her to their goddess Hestia. She will make the final decision and they will abide to it, no matter what the conclusion.
Only after waiting for nightfall does the group finally exit Babel, wishing for their elusive movements to draw less attention as they are hidden by shadows. Taking back alleys and side streets as much as they can, the team swiftly dodges any crowds attracted by the exciting after hours parties in bars and adventurers wandering in drunken stupors. With a collective sigh of relief they finally reach Hearthstone Manor, but first allow Lilly to slip inside as she relieves Lord Miach and his family from house guard duty. Only after they are sure no one can see their entry do the rest escort this mysterious visitor through a back entry and then summon Lady Hestia. While her reaction is not as extreme as the others, she still does repeat the warning of how monsters and children of the lower realm as being mortal enemies, but she is not one who will turn away someone who shows such much sincere emotion. The vouvivre girl has been tightly gripping Bell’s arm during the entire explanation, however it is only now does the goddess ask if she has a name yet. Confused and puzzled by the question, the family immediately breaks into argue with various suggestions, until they turn toward their leader to settle the dispute. Although Cranel suggests a variation of Melusine, a fairy of with light wings from a popular story who rescues a hero, by using Wilusine, a combination of the sprite’s name and her species, this idea is quickly dismissed. It is not until a short time later do they all agreed upon a shorting of this moniker, by simply calling the new member of Hestia Familia … Wiene.
But even as this childlike irregular begins to ingrain herself into her new family’s daily lives, it does not mean everyone will so readily accept her, either within or without Orario. Her kind is meant to live in the Dungeon and not in the sunlight … no matter how innocent she may seem, she is still a monster.
In Summary:
I am not shy to admit this volume had me in tears by the end of the story, and this is the first time having reviewed any books from this title. Omori-sensei has composed such an engrossing arc through this light novel that prior knowledge is not necessary, all that matters are events which unfold within the Dungeon and around Hestia Familia. The manner by he ensures we are emotionally invested within his tale carries warm feelings forward: a need to watch over Wiene and secure her safety is paramount, all while Bell tries his best to hide a secret from the rest of the world, knowing she is a danger to his family if anyone finds out. And yet, a father/child relationship grows between and those closest to him, none wish to give up on something which looks like a monster, but at the same time still has the emotional awareness of any humanoid. A classic example of the axiom “never judge a book by its cover” – so appropriate to see it now carried out in practice.
When I first reading this novel, I was a bit concerned by the switching of narrative perspectives – from first person with Bell then allowing third person to take over to give a more generalized overview of the surroundings. Normally this transition would be confusing and non-conducive to smooth telling of a story, with tenses in verb states causing a clumsy rhythm to take over and make it difficult for a reader to comprehend what is happening, but Omori-sensei manages to pull it off by addressing Bell’s viewpoint as if he is recalling events, instead of telling it in the present. This method allows for a more heartfelt telling, permitting his emotional state to break through and making the impact more forceful … and all the more insightful once we recall it later. You begin to turn each page with anticipation, allowing each word to slowly seep into memory as events unfold with such subtle gentleness it seems as if you are watching your favorite melodrama. Even as I am writing this, one cannot but help to gasp in memory and tear up, words having such a powerful impact on how I will forever look upon this series.
This volume of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? is striking in its adaptation of a narrative standard, and yet creative by which it is told through the prejudices of Orario’s children: monsters and people have always been mortal enemies, and nothing more will ever come of it in the future. And yet it is our hero’s big and open heart which prevails against all odds, allowing understanding to take hold and let willingness to shine against the darkest of all emotions – hatred. You cannot but admire Omori-sensei for taking on this subject, telling it within our idolized setting of Bell and Hestia Familia, and then allowing all to sparkle like none other … as the heroes. If I did have a minor criticism for this story, it would be the cliffhanger ending which makes the reader question what happens next, but at the same time, it also guarantees we will return for the next profound book.
Content Grade: A+
Art Grade: A-
Packaging Grade: A-
Text/Translation Grade: A+
Age Rating: 13 & Up
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: September 19, 2017
MSRP: $14.00
