"I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in The Real World, Too Volume 1" is a recently published book by Yen Press that offers an intriguing story. The protagonist, Yuuya Tenjou, is a high school student who has endured neglect from his parents and bullying at school due to his appearance. Following the passing of his grandfather, Yuuya stumbles upon a secret passage in his grandfather's house, which transports him to a fantasy world.
Within this fantasy realm, Yuuya discovers a note indicating that the house and its contents now belong to him. He is astonished by the impressive array of weapons and the abundant garden filled with medicinal herbs and delicious fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, Yuuya finds himself equipped with extraordinary abilities and game-like attributes in this world, intensifying the sense of disbelief mixed with excitement.
By vanquishing a monster in this new world, Yuuya experiences a sudden surge in power and receives skill points to enhance his capabilities. Overnight, he undergoes a remarkable transformation, shedding excess weight and blossoming into a handsome young man. His good fortune continues when he receives an invitation to a new high school, offering respite from the torment of his past bullies and the opportunity to forge new friendships.
Nevertheless, the first volume primarily revolves around Yuuya's initial steps toward building a better life. While he frequently transitions between the fantasy world and Earth, his adventures in the fantasy world are limited to training and battling a few monsters. The lack of substantial depth in both the story and Yuuya's character development leaves one questioning the reasons behind the series spanning ten volumes in Japan.
Concluding the book as a standalone story, with Yuuya having overcome his personal struggles and confronted those who have harmed him, would have been more fitting. The author attempts to justify Yuuya's deserving of a second chance, yet it remains challenging to fully embrace the rapid turnaround in his life. One positive aspect is that Yuuya's transfer to a new school stems from his heroic act of saving the headmaster's daughter from thugs early in the book. It is refreshing that his benevolent deed plays a significant role in his newfound opportunities.
The English translation of "I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in The Real World, Too Volume 1" by Noboru Akimoto reads smoothly without any noticeable issues. Volume 2 is scheduled for release in December, and there is also a manga adaptation available for those who prefer visual storytelling.
All in all, "I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in The Real World, Too Volume 1" is a book that may not leave a lasting impression. While the concept is intriguing, the execution falls short. It may not resonate with readers seeking more engaging and substantial narratives.
