The second volume of Nekomint’s manga adaptation of FUNA’s Abilities Average light novel series focuses on Mile and company’s time at the Hunters’ Prep School, more specifically the graduation exam.
Something – or rather, someone – who didn’t make it into the anime adaptation appears in this volume of the manga. This one covers chapters seven through to eleven.
Front cover of the second volume of Didn’t I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?! The Manga, featuring Reina
Above Average
Graduation exams at the Hunters’ Prep School are swiftly approaching – but before the girls are ready to prove themselves on the battlefield and graduate, they have to master a few new skills. It’s time to level up and put their abilities to the test!
In this volume, we have Mile teaching Reina and Pauline new magic techniques. As for Mavis; she gets her own unique training.
That leads up to the Hunters’ Prep School graduation exam, where Mile gets to demonstrate being a totally “average” student. Not.
Mile’s plan to not stand out involves a character that light novel readers will be familiar with; an orphan boy named Veil. When it all comes down to it, though, his inclusion seems kind of pointless in the manga.
He did get a couple more appearances after the graduation exam in the light novel, but honestly, he doesn’t add much there, either. Veil is just introduced so Mile can throw him under the bus, so to speak.
So far, the manga has been closer to the original light novel than the anime adaptation has been, but all forms of Abilities Average have proven enjoyable enough. Even though it is my third time experiencing it, the whole graduation exam is a lot of fun.
Being closer to the original light novel means we get a better look at just how violent the fights got; especially Pauline’s. Of course that is a prime opportunity for Pauline to present some incredible healing magic, but that does mean seeing her with a broken arm. A visibly broke arm, too; it is all twisted out of shape. Her long sleeves prevent the reader from seeing the full extent of the damage.
Regardless of whether it is in light novel, anime or manga form, the Crimson Vow’s adventures are always fun. Sometimes key things might be missing, or things are included that are somewhat extraneous, but there’s plenty to enjoy here.
Rory Muses 