Reader’s Question:
I recently watched the anime and manga of “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” up to the point where Rimuru decides to kill 10,000 humans to revive Shion and his friends. I also checked out some of the side stories. Honestly, I felt a bit uncomfortable with
Rimuru’s decision to kill so many people so easily, especially since there wasn’t much focus on his interactions with Shion or his emotional state. I had a similar feeling during the Shizu arc, but there were later explanations that helped me understand better. However, this time, the discomfort is much stronger. Having watched “Overlord” first might have influenced my perspective. Ainz prioritizes his subordinates and has no qualms about revenge or killing, which makes it easier to accept. But Rimuru, who has always been friendly towards humans, suddenly deciding to kill 10,000 of them feels too abrupt. I know he has killed before without hesitation, but the scale and the fact that they are humans make it feel very real. I also wonder how deeply he was attached to his friends. I understand that the other side is at fault, but I think the mass killing is excessive, and the lack of emotional depth makes it hard for me to follow Rimuru’s actions. I get the reasoning behind it—it’s an act of revenge, and I understand the “an eye for an eye” mentality. However, I’m surprised that Rimuru seems so indifferent. I expected him to hesitate a bit, especially considering he was human and has experienced war, so I thought he might feel some pain for Shizu. The series often lacks emotional depth in its characters. For instance, the other transfer students and kids like Chloe don’t seem to express feelings about their parents or a desire to go home, which feels off. Shizu had a lot of supplementary material that helped me connect with her, but I wonder why the kids don’t seem desperate to return home at that age. Isn’t it a bit too easy for them to adapt? Will these feelings be explored later? If I read the light novel or web version, will the additional context help resolve these feelings of discomfort? Or can the story redeem itself in the upcoming developments? Is it just that the anime has cut out some of the important details?
Reflections on “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime”: Rimuru’s Dark Turn
So, I recently dived deep into the world of “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime,” and let me tell you, it’s quite a ride! If you’re anything like me, you probably binge-watched the anime and devoured the manga, only to hit a wall of discomfort when Rimuru decides to take out 10,000 humans. Yikes! I mean, I felt a knot in my stomach too, and it’s not just because I’m a fan of slime-based protagonists. There’s a lot to unpack here.
The Moment of No Return
First off, let’s talk about that pivotal moment when Rimuru chooses revenge over compassion. I get it; he’s hurting after losing his friends—Shion being a major part of his emotional core. But to see him go from this friendly, approachable dude to someone who casually decides to off 10,000 people? That’s a massive leap! It left me feeling cold, and I wasn’t the only one.
It’s interesting to note that the other commenters pointed out that Rimuru had strong emotional ties to his friends, particularly Shion. He kept her close as his secretary, which certainly adds layers to their relationship. But why did it feel like this emotional depth was missing during that climactic decision? I found myself questioning his emotional state—was he really that indifferent? Or was it just the storytelling that didn’t do enough to portray his internal struggle?
Comparing to “Overlord”
Now, here’s where it gets complicated for me. Having watched “Overlord” first, I noticed that Ainz operates on a different moral compass. He has no qualms about killing—it’s almost expected. So when he does take a life, it feels more in line with his character. Rimuru, however, has always shown a level of empathy towards humans throughout the series. Watching him take such a drastic step felt jarring and left me uneasy. It raises the question: is it easier to accept dark actions from characters who are portrayed as inherently ruthless? Or should we expect the same from those who have displayed kindness?
The Emotional Disconnect
As I think more about it, this emotional disconnect goes beyond just Rimuru. The series, at times, feels like it lacks emotional depth. Take the other transfer students and characters like Chloe—do they even care about their families back home? The absence of desperation to return home feels a bit off, especially for kids who should be missing their parents. It made me wonder if the world-building was too simplistic or if the characters’ emotional arcs were undervalued. You’d think that anyone, especially kids ripped from their homes, would have a little more emotional turmoil to deal with.
It’s almost as if the kids adapt too easily to their new reality, and that didn’t sit right with me. I mean, can you imagine being in their shoes? One minute you’re in your school, and the next, you’re a magical being in a fantasy world, with no concept of how to return? Surely there would be some level of longing for a normal life, right? I found myself hoping these feelings would get explored more in the future, rather than brushed aside.
Can the Light Novel Save the Day?
So, does reading the light novel or the web version offer the emotional nuance that the anime seems to lack? From what I’ve heard, the novels provide a richer narrative, filled with character thoughts and emotions that the anime sometimes skips over. I’m genuinely curious if they dive deeper into Rimuru’s psyche during that dark moment. It feels like there’s a treasure trove of context just waiting for those willing to turn the pages.
And if the anime is cutting out critical elements that could help us understand Rimuru’s emotional turmoil better, it makes me wonder if I’m missing a huge part of the story. I mean, how many times have I heard fans of various series say, “You have to read the manga/light novel; the anime just doesn’t do it justice!”? It’s a common complaint, and here I am, wondering if I’m falling into the same trap. It feels like a rite of passage for many anime fans, doesn’t it?
In Conclusion
At the end of the day, Rimuru’s decision might be justified in the grand scheme of things, but the lack of emotional weight certainly left a mark on me. I’m still holding onto hope that future developments will shed light on the complexities of his character. Maybe this story can redeem itself—after all, isn’t that the beauty of storytelling? There’s always room for growth and understanding.
So, if you’re feeling the same discomfort I did, consider picking up the light novel. Who knows, it might just provide that emotional depth we’re all craving! And if you’ve already ventured into the novels, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did they help clear up the confusion? Let’s chat!
