Reign of the Seven Spellblades Volume 3 from Yen Press has two battles as Oliver and his friends discover one mystery after another. Written by Sakae Esuno, original story by Bokuto Uno with character design by Ruria Miyuki, translations by Andrew Cunningham, and lettering by Brandon Bovia, this story starts fascinating and just gets better. Reign of the Seven Spellblades delivers an engaging journey with action, comedy, and deeper secrets that make you crave the next volume.
The story opens with the fight between Garuda and both Oliver and Nanao. The winged creature is no joke, and Oliver takes some damage that would kill anyone else. His guts were out. Thank heavens for magic. But magic is also what’s making the Garuda so challenging. Nanao cannot get close enough for a lethal strike without the wind deflecting and knocking them back. If Mr. Andrews did not step up to assist it would be a wrap.
Mysteries Solved, But More Arise
But the Garuda is not the only mystery. There is still the question of the troll hurtling towards Kate during the entrance ceremony. Because of Kate’s beliefs, she does not want the troll to suffer. She visits and talks to him often despite ridicule. Trolls do not talk, but this one surprises Kate and warns her to go. Then someone kidnaps Kate, and Oliver and Nanao once again have to team up to rescue Kate from a strong adversary.
Characters Take A Backseat, But The Volume Does Not Drag
The story and Nanao, in particular, are the best parts of Reign of the Seven Spellblades. Nanao’s fearlessness and joy in combat may bring Kenpachi Zaraki from Bleach to mind. Although Nanao does not have the degree of bloodlust he has, her enjoyment of battle is obvious. I am excited to learn about the other Spellblades and the history of this campus, where surviving and graduating is a feat in itself.
Although Reign of the Seven Spellblades Volume 3 focuses on the mysteries they are trying to unravel, there are hints of more future character development. The cliffhanger shows more to Oliver than the volumes have shown, and Nanao also has a surprise up her sleeve even though she does not know about it. Kate may not be as strong as the others, but she feels determined and steadfast in her belief in equality.
Do Not Send Your Kid Here
The school doesn’t care about the character of students or staff, prizing strength and ability. All magical schools are the same, or this school is elite because no parent would be okay sending their child there. Strength and weakness are both dangerous, so Mr. Andrews warns Oliver to be careful.
Oliver’s reason for attending Kimberly Magic Academy has to do with more than academia. Whatever happened in his past left an indelible scar that haunts him. Maybe Oliver will focus on that, or his friends will shift his focus. After all, staying alive and protecting your friends seems like a full-time gig at this school. Plus, each of the girls, Chela, Nanao, and Kate, kissed him on the cheek, so there may be a love triangle or quadrangle happening at some point. That could put him in a position of choosing friends and love over his mission.
Favorite Magical School Story
Reign of the Seven Spellblades Volume 3 has entertaining fights, mysteries, and characters that show a depth beyond simple good or evil. We also learn the reason for the title. There were six spellblades, but not anymore. I read the light novel which is amazing as well, but it is great having images of the fights. I hope future volumes keep this pacing and balance character development with more mysteries so Reign of the Seven Spellblades remains a page-turner.
