Time to show some more love from the Crimson Vow as I take a look at the seventh light novel in FUNA’s Didn’t I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?! series.
This time around, the Crimson Vow have to contend with a kidnapping, bandits and a marriage proposal.
The seventh volume of the Abilities Average series contains chapters fifty-seven through to sixty-two.
Front cover of the seventh volume of Didn’t I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?!, featuring Mile
Matchmake or Break!
When adorable little beastgirl Faleel is kidnapped by a bunch of religious fanatics intent of summoning an entity with power rivalling the nanomachines, it’s up to the Crimson Vow to save the day. Meanwhile, Mavis’ father has decided to arrange a marriage for his only daughter! Fighting monsters is one thing, but can the Crimson Vow break up this unwanted engagement? Their future as a party depends on it!
That synopsis makes Mavis’ arranged marriage seem like a big deal, but it actually kind of isn’t. I’ll get to that in a moment.
The first major event to take place in this light novel is the kidnapping of Faleel, which leads to the Crimson Vow cooperating with another party, the Servants of the Goddess, to bring back the catgirl. Just like the Crimson Vow, the Servants of the Goddess are an all-female party.
Various things happen, but it is probably worth mentioning that Reina seems to take quite a shine to one of the members of the Servants of the Goddess, which ends up being quite a shock for the rest of the Crimson Vow.
What is particularly amusing is the Servants of the Goddess reacting to the Crimson Vow doing things in their own inimitable way. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll get tired of the Crimson Vow’s fellow hunters discovering just how incredible Mile and the others really are.
This whole turn of events also gives us a rare instance of Mile being angry, and everyone being able to plainly see it. Never attempt to bring harm to a cute catgirl when Mile is around.
Another major thing to come from this event actually provides a little more insight into the world that Mile was reincarnated in. The kidnappers are doing something that even cause concern for the nanomachines.
The kidnapping incident is followed up by the Crimson Vow embarking on a secret mission, where they get to change up the roles they play a little bit. The same chapter also goes to great lengths to show what the justice system of the Abilities Average world is like. Perhaps it goes on a for a little too long, though…
Of course, Mile does manage to slip in a very appropriate reference from her previous life.
That is followed up by the chapter with Mavis’ father arranging a marriage for her. However, said chapter really doesn’t flow with the rest of this volume. It feels like something that perhaps should have come up earlier in the story, or maybe have been left until later. The change in location and time is jarring, particularly when the following chapter goes back to being more in line with the rest of the volume.
Considering there’s no change to the status quo, it almost feels like that particular chapter is nothing more than filler.
This volume also ends by setting up what will most likely be the next major arc for the eighth light novel. Reina, Pauline and Mavis have all had various drama concerning their personal affairs, so next it is Mile’s turn.
Another decently enjoyable read from Abilities Average, even if the flow does get a bit out of wack. Ultimately, though, the Crimson Vow continue to entertain on their adventures.
Rory Muses 