Hello, I’m Hiro Ainana.
Thank you so much for picking up Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody, Vol. 24!
This series has only continued this long because of all my readers.
As ever, I’ll try to avoid getting stuck in a rut and seek new frontiers in entertainment, and I hope that’ll earn your continued patronage.
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For those of you who read the afterword before you buy, let me recap the last volume and explain the highlights of this one.
Last time we left the western regions, arrived at the fortress city in the Jungle Labyrinth, and encountered a girl named Roro—who looks just like Lulu. Helping her out brought new life to the Hero’s Rest, and with the Divine Beast Fenrir, they slew the greater demon and the necromancer that attacked the city.
This picks up where that left off.
Satou has been helping to expand the Hero’s Rest, but his protective instincts are causing new problems.
His party attempts to become people he can rely on, and Roro hires new staff, learning what it means to manage.
Like I said above, avoiding ruts was the goal, and I’ve got several places here where it seems like it’s gonna be business as usual, but there’s a surprise in store.
Once you finish this volume, I suggest reading both volumes back-to-back for even more fun.
Unlike last time, this entire volume is brand-new—(i.e., not in the web novel; readers of that version can relax and enjoy).
Will the connection between the Great Sorceress and Roro become clear? Why was the centaur alchemist recruited away from the Hero’s Rest? Why did the necromancer, Zanzasansa, attack the fortress city? Many secrets left at the end of the last volume get revealed here, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy every second.
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Naturally, sightseeing remains a pillar of this series.
For reasons, Satou’s party spends some time away from Arcatia, exploring the countries that neighbor the jungle, discovering buildings and landmarks only other races could devise, trying on local clothing, window-shopping in the markets, and savoring the local flavors.
In the courtroom of the last country they visit, they get to experience a legendary game. You will not believe what that is—but it involves the Merrymaker privilege bestowed earlier in Shiga’s capital.
In the epilogue, we finally meet a character who’s been sidelined far too long, so I hope you’ll keep expectations in your heart until the final page.
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Before greetings, three promotions.
Volume 13 of Ayamegumu’s manga adaptation is on sale the same day as this. It covers the first half of the fifth novel, so lots of Sara and Karina action! If you’ve been missing Sara, check it out.
But that’s not the only thing on sale that day—we’ve also got an anthology comic with a dazzling lineup of creators! I would love for you to pick that up, too. Any number of manga artists have contributed delightful tales, and I know you’ll be satisfied.
Starting in the February issue of Dragon Edge, Tsumumi will be serializing a spin-off manga called Death March to the Parallel World Revelry. Please check it out! At the moment, all we’ve got done is character sheets and outlines, but they’re all coming to life and adorable, and I’m sure the manga will be a delight.
Finally, there’s a survey. If you read the QR code below, you’ll be taken to the survey site—so unleash your passions there!
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Now for the salutations!
My editor Mr. I and Boss A were a huge help. This is a long series of over twenty volumes, but they’re keeping things alive with spin-offs and anthologies and special editions, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I’m looking forward to years of more advice (and whipcracks).
As always, thanks to shri for bringing the world of Death March to life in your art. It’s not a light novel without a visual aid!
And my thanks to everyone at Kadokawa Books editorial, and to everyone involved in the production, distribution, sales, advertising, and media mix.
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Finally, my greatest thanks to my readers!!
Thank you for reading to the end!
Next time, we’ll meet in the Shiga Kingdom’s Holy Husk Mobile Armor arc!
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Hiro Ainana