Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 1 Volume 6 (Manga Review)
Ascendance of a Bookworm: I’ll do anything to become a librarian! Part 1 (If there aren’t any books, I’ll just have to make some!!)
Honzuki no Gekokujou: Part 1
本好きの下剋上 ～司書になるためには手段を選んでいられません～ 第一部 「本がないなら作ればいい！」

Welp, time to continue the awesomeness that is Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 1 Volume 6.

–> Buy Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 1 Volume 6 (manga) from Amazon.com

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis

Myne wakes in Freida’s home after channeling excess mana into a special, magic tool. Freida explains how expensive these magic tools are. To that end, Freida is in a contract to become a noble’s concubine as marriage would not be socially acceptable. Myne show’s Freida’s cook how to make a pound cake. She also pays the merchant guildmaster for the use of the expensive magic tool.

Myne’s mother talks with Lutz over his parent’s objections to him becoming a merchant. Otto advises Myne to open up to her parents about the truth of her Devouring disease. The family have an emotional chat, where Myne expresses her desire to stay with her family, even if it means her death. Meanwhile, Myne and Lutz continue to make paper. The Parchment guild are not happy, but unable to prevent the work on plant-based paper.

Myne gets Benno to educate her more on magic contracts. She learns that the woman Benno loved had died before they could get married. In the meantime, Myne sells him more information on paper. As such, Benno joins them in the woods to learn more about paper making.

A Harsh Disease

We already knew that the Devouring was a terrible disease. However, Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 1 Volume 6 really drives that point home. As a poor commoner, Myne’s rare mana abilities would normally mean her death. But since Myne called out to her Motosu self, she bought some extra time. Yet even that move only stayed things off for a while. And yet again, Myne’s life is at stake, were it not for her friendship with Freida.

Though Freida comes from a wealthy family, thanks to her grandfather’s business, she’s still a commoner. As such, she is denied access to the magic items to channel off her mana. So to gain access, Freida now has to be the concubine of a noble. While better than slavery, still, it is rather a jacked up situation. That’s what made Myne’s conversation with her family even more emotional. Myne has effectively decided that she’ll die in a year to stay with her family.

I have to hand it to Kazuki-sensei. This world she has created is quite fascinating. Although it sucks, I do understand the class system when it comes to mana. As such, it makes Myne’s journey all the more interesting. Despite having a jacked up disease, she presses forward. And I like how Kazuki-sensei makes  this happen in a logical, natural manner.

Omake

The omake manga chapter in Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 1 Volume 6 covers Lutz and Myne teaching Benno about making paper. And there’s also a buttered, steamed potato in the mix. There’s also a manga comic strip as well as a couple of pages of art. The short story in this volume is one from Freida’s perspective. There are also the usual notes from Suzuka-sensei and Kazuki-sensei.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Let me wrap up my review of Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 1 Volume 6 with some final thoughts.

• I know they are too young, but I do like the relationship that Lutz and Myne have. I really would like for them to become a couple when they come of age. And I suspect Myne will come of age despite the one year projection of the rest of her life.
• I also like Myne’s friendship with Freida. Not only does this friendship give us valuable information about the Devouring, but it also provides Myne with a girl chum.
• It is interesting how Lutz’s parents object so strenuously to him becoming a merchant.

In the end, I didn’t do justice to how enjoyable Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 1 Volume 6 is. It really is difficult for me to convey into words why this series is so good. But we have a cast of interesting characters, a fascinating isekai world, and more. I’m really glad I decided to dive into this world.