It’s almost Valentine’s Day! But while that would be on the average lady’s or gentleman’s mind, of course, the Devil King and his companions are far from ordinary. And as the light novel reminds us, even the human teen Chiho is becoming less ordinary every day.
The Devil is a Part-Timer! is not the most complicated light novel series out there, but it isn’t one of the easiest either. With so many races spread across two worlds, details can get muddled between life in Japan and life in Ente Isla. Volume 16 does well as a recap and mapping out the plan and who’s who. If you’ve skipped some books here and there, this latest entry will help get you back up to speed.
And right now, the gang’s mission is to gather certain artifacts, but Maou and Emi are mostly out of commission to prevent any uproar in Ente Isla. Maou finds all the quiet at his place unsettling, although of course he doesn’t want to admit it. His training and getting Valentine’s chocolate from another attendee provide a bit of a distraction, but that last bit of news is very distracting for the females around him. After all, he’s kind of left Chiho hanging in regards to a response, but MgRonald rules means that chocolate can’t be passed around as a general thank you to the work staff.
But in the world of Ente Isla, Suzuno and others must find a way to get a spear, which currently serves as a landmark on the Northern Island. That discussion ultimately leads to Chiho being summoned to enter a competition so they can take it.
While volume 16 provides a nice summary of the story until now, its biggest flaw is that it itself can be summarized rather easily. For instance, a mixed group of comrades head to meet with the Northern Island’s chief, and Wagahara spends an entire chapter just so say, “Bring in Chiho.” Sure, readers are introduced to a new character and learn a little more about Ente Islan culture, but every chapter felt like it could have been half its length. While it was good to see some characterization (Maou feeling lonely, for instance), too much of the volume is just characters standing (or sitting) around talking. Maou talking about his training classmates with Acieth, Chiho’s friend worried that Chiho is passing up a chance on Valentine’s, the chieftain giving Suzuno a nickname — there’s a lot of talking but little doing.
Yes, part of the point of these chapters is for Maou and Emi to take on less responsibilities. But with all of these powerful allies — not to mention the Devil King and the Hero — Wagahara again turns to Chiho to be the ace up their sleeve. I mean, I like Chiho, but I don’t know about her gaining so much influence in the story. Between magic and Earth conveniences like the wonders of wigs and hair coloring, was Chiho really the only one who could have filled in? She competes in an archery tournament, and yes, that’s her hobby, but Laila uses her magic anyway to help ensure victory. Maou and Emi may reluctantly be assisting Laila, but they should be doing more than Chiho! Plus, the two of them are both kept out of the loop, only summoned in time for Chiho to dazzle them. And she calls herself “selfish” in regards to wanting her feelings answered, which everyone knows Chiho is not. I’m worried Chiho is going down the path of the Mary Sue.
But who knows what Wagahara plans for her. I just know that in volume 16, I didn’t like how the only real action features a character whose role was initially emotional support.