Title The Beginning After the End Vol. 5
Author: TurtleMe (Story), Fuyuki23 (Art)
Publisher: Yen Press, Tapas
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
Genre: Fantasy, Action
Publication Date: April 23, 2024
The Story
The auction is held and Vincent offers up a powerful mana sword for Art; however, he’s not interested in something special like that. During the auction, the King is alerted to someone trying to attack them; however, it’s just Art’s bloodlust when Sebastian approaches him over Sylvie. Thankfully, an intruder was caught and the blame was pinned on them! After the auction, the King is whispered something by Sebastian and he wants to make Art an offer for his bond with Sylvie. When Art refuses, he gets rather crass which earns him a death strike by one of the King’s guards; however, Art’s skills allow him to evade. Art then uses his trump card when Sebastian tries to take things into his own hands but it leaves him unconscious.
After recovering, the King sent a representative to his house to offer his personal apologies. After bickering, they finally accept the compensation just to get the matter over and done with. Next up, it’s Art’s ninth birthday! He receives quite a few gifts that will aid him when he sets out for his adventure/rank assessment. It is also decided that Jasmine will be the one to accompany Art on his adventures.
When it comes time for the rank assessment, Jasmine uses her name as an A-Rank Adventurer to skip the line for Art by sponsoring him. When it comes time for Art’s turn, something is off about his presence and it attracts the gaze of AA-Rank Adventurer Kaspian Bladeheart who was also the one who registered him. A magnificent battle is displayed; however, Kaspian understood what Art, now going by the name Note, was trying to do. Knowing this, he strikes a deal with Art.
Characters
Not much in the way of new characters this time… from a development standpoint. We were introduced to quite a few of them during the examination; however, only three stood out despite there not being much to go by… just yet.
First is Diane Whitehall. She controls water and does a pretty decent job during her examination; however, she has a bit to go. She has a nervous personality and even spouted out her name and age to everyone despite the instructors already knowing that information. However, when she gets going in battle, she’s a bit more composed but not fully confident. She gets an appropriate rank.
The second is Elijah Knight who is automatically assigned a rank without even needing to be tested. All we know is that his status earned him his rank. Outside of looking like some kid you find holed up in a library, there wasn’t much to him for now.
Lastly, we have the one that stood out the most… Lucas Wykes. Not only is he a conceited, self-centered, egotistical hothead, he’s got the fire affinity to match. Of course, his ego gets the better of him once the examination is over and when he receives his rank, he is appalled at their assessment and even states that they are going to have to answer to his parents for their insolence. Sounds like another spoiled noble brat who thinks he’s better than he actually is.
Kaspian surprised me. I thought he was just a simple administrator but he turned out to be a powerful AA-Rank Adventurer with an affinity for Wind magic. To see Art (or Note now) go toe-to-toe with him was highly impressive. I’m not sure what role Kaspian will play from here on out but he sure did give Art one hell of a fight!
Sebastian got a bit too impatient and ended up paying for it. After his outburst, it was claimed by the King that he had been stripped of his position; however, it is of the belief that it’s just for show. Many feel that he, along with the knights who attacked Art, will be reinstated once the drama has subsided. This setback; however, cannot be sitting well with Sebastian. Even if he does remain permanently stripped of his position, I have a feeling this isn’t the last we’re going to see of him. He’s too cunning and sinister to just stay away.
Final Thoughts
Another fantastic volume! It did drag a bit with Art searching for a sword and his birthday but the examination all made up for it. Speaking of the sword, it was quite hilarious how he acquired his perfect weapon. To think that the highly respected auction house had such improper inventory management was quite laughable. Still, it’ll be cool once we see Art get to use his new toy.
I can understand worrying about your son but a mana level detection ring that’s linked together with another one plus a two-way communication scroll, and a glove with instant heal spells built into it is the classic definition of a medieval helicopter parent. Although I joke, it’s nice to see his parents take an interest in his safety. I mean, you can’t blame them because after thinking he was dead and then showing back up, the last thing that they want is to experience that pain all over again. To me, these are just future plot devices. Now we know the ring is going to go off when he’s in a dangerous situation and then when it all settles, the scroll will be used. Of course, the glove will be used to set up the situation when he runs out of healing spells.
The question is not if but when that situation will happen. Otherwise, there was no need to even give Art any of these items. While we can all see it coming from a mile away, seeing it happen should still feel a bit special. Plus, Art says that he can finally cut loose but did he forget about best girl joining him? How is he going to cut loose under Jasmine’s watchful eye?
That will be answered in time but, for now, this was another excellent addition to the series and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites that Yen Press has released from their growing collection of manhwa titles!
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This item was provided for review by Yen Press.
