By the Grace of the Gods

By the Grace of the Gods
Industry	Publishing, Entertainment
Founded	January 2014 (online), September 2017 (print)
Founder	Roy (author)
Headquarters	Japan, Japan
Area served	Japan, North America
Key people	Roy (author), Ririnra (illustrator), Ranran (manga artist)
Products	Light novels, manga, anime
Owner	Hobby Japan (publisher)

is a Japanese light novel series authored by Roy with illustrations by Ririnra. The story centers on a man who is reincarnated into a fantasy realm by three deities, where he applies his former life’s wisdom along with newly granted abilities to assist others and create a meaningful existence. The series initially appeared online in January 2014 on the user-generated platform Shōsetsuka ni Narō, with an updated edition commencing in September 2015.

Subsequently, Hobby Japan acquired the rights and has released seventeen volumes under its HJ Novels label since September 2017. The manga adaptation, drawn by Ranran, has been serialized on Square Enix’s Manga UP! website starting November 2017, compiled into fourteen volumes to date. In North America, the light novel is licensed by J-Novel Club, while Square Enix holds the manga rights. An anime adaptation produced by Maho Film aired from October through December 2020, followed by a second season broadcast from January to March 2023.

Plot

After enduring a difficult life and dying unexpectedly in his sleep, Ryoma Takebayashi is reincarnated as a child in another world by three gods. Utilizing his prior knowledge alongside divine blessings, he confronts various trials and strives to establish a rewarding new life.

Main characters

: Ryoma, once an office worker in Japan, gains the favor of three gods who reincarnate him as an eight-year-old boy in their world. He spends three years living in the forest, refining his abilities and taming hundreds of slimes whose powers he employs for fighting, hunting, crafting, and cleaning tasks. Eventually joining the Jamil family, he opts for self-reliance and seeks means to sustain himself independently. It is later revealed that the God of Earth orchestrated Ryoma’s harsh earthly existence intending to break his spirit but, failing that, caused his death instead.

: Eliaria, the eleven-year-old heir to the Jamil dukedom and Ryoma’s closest companion, is a monster tamer with notable magical talent. Initially struggling with control over her abilities, she improves significantly under Ryoma’s mentorship. After Ryoma relocates to Gimul, they maintain correspondence through letters. Eliaria later enrolls at the Imperial Academy in the capital city, broadening her connections.

Jamil Household

: The Duke of Jamil and father to Eliaria, he encounters Ryoma in the forest and subsequently invites him to reside with his family.
: The Duchess of Jamil and Reinhart’s wife, she quickly develops a maternal affection for Ryoma.
: Reinhart’s father and former Duke of Jamil, renowned as a monster tamer. He is among Ryoma’s closest allies and is entrusted with the secret that Ryoma is a Child of God.
: Bodyguard serving the Jamil family who was saved from a bear attack by Ryoma; he later meets Reinhart and marries Lulunese.
: A feline beastkin maid working for the Jamil household who becomes Hughes’ spouse.

Deities

: Goddess overseeing healing and love, depicted as a beautiful young woman. During her time on Earth, she indulged freely in food.
: God of life appearing as a young boy. His travels on Earth included locations like Atlantis and the Sahara Desert.
: God of creation portrayed as an elderly man who spent time on Earth listening to idol groups.
: God of wine and craftsmanship shown as a stout adult man who befriends Ryoma after admiring his stone sculptures.
: God of magic and scholarship depicted as a young man wearing glasses who interrogates Ryoma to ensure responsible use of his powers.
: God governing fishing and ports appearing as an androgynous youth; intrigued by Ryoma’s resistance to divine powers, he uncovers the truth behind Ryoma’s difficult past and premature death.

Bamboo Forest Laundry Shop

: A member of the Trading Guild who oversees Bamboo Forest under Ryoma's leadership and subsequently manages the second branch located in Lenaf.
: Carla’s twin sibling and joint manager at Ryoma’s establishment, frequently encouraging Ryoma to take breaks when he is overburdened.
: A reserved bodyguard employed by Ryoma to safeguard the Gimul shop from envious rivals.
,: Ex-slime researchers who were expelled from the academy, now working at the Lenaf location and appreciative of Ryoma for reviving their careers.
: The chef at Bamboo Forest’s Gimul shop, hired along with Fina, Jane, and Maria.
,: Three workers who left their hometown in search of employment and were recruited by Ryoma, who values his employees’ well-being above profits.
: Former assassins engaged by Ryoma at Bamboo Forest due to significant client demand, receiving additional compensation for protective duties. They escaped political unrest in their native land but have successfully adapted to their current roles.

Adventurer's Guild

: A female cat beastkin adventurer ranked B; Miya becomes Ryoma’s initial client and later his companion.
: The head of the Adventurer’s Guild branch in Gimul, harboring a mysterious past he prefers to keep concealed.
: A female wolf beastman and close friend of Miya.
: A female tiger beastman who is also among Miya’s friends.
: A female rabbit beastman and part of Miya’s circle.
: Reception staff working at the Adventurer’s Guild branch in Gimul.

Merchants Guild

: The guild master overseeing operations at the Merchants Guild.

Others

: Ryoma’s former colleague from his previous existence; Ryoma named his first domesticated slime after this individual.
: A young fox beastkin training to become a merchant like her father; she befriends Ryoma and later attends the Imperial Academy, forming a close bond with Eliaria.
: Miyabi’s father, a merchant descended from a Child of God who upholds family traditions.
: A merchant allied with the Jamil Family and serving as President of Morgan Trading Company; he supports Ryoma’s business endeavors.
: The leader of the Semroid Troupe.
, ,: Three students enrolled at the Imperial Academy from diverse backgrounds who form friendships with Miyabi and Eliaria.

Light novels

The series first appeared online on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō platform in January 2014, authored by Roy. A revised edition was released in September 2015. Subsequently, Hobby Japan acquired publishing rights and issued the initial volume as a light novel under their HJ Novels imprint in September 2017. In North America, J-Novel Club holds the license.

Manga

Ranran created a manga adaptation that started serialization on November 29, 2017, through Square Enix’s Manga UP! app and website. Square Enix holds licensing rights for North America.

Volumes

{{Graphic novel list | VolumeNumber = 4 | RelDate = October 12, 2019 | ISBN = 978-4-75-756343-8 | LicensedRelDate = January 11, 2022 | LicensedISBN = 978-1-64-609088-4 | ChapterList = {{Numbered list|start=15 | | | | |}

Original Story

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Anime

An anime adaptation was announced by Hobby Japan on February 20, 2020, later confirmed as a television series on April 17, 2020. Produced by Maho Film, it was directed by Takeyuki Yanase with Kazuyuki Fudeyasu serving as story editor and scriptwriter. Character designs were handled by Kaho Deguchi based on original concepts by Ririnra, while music composition was by Hiroaki Tsutsumi. The premiere episode debuted early at FunimationCon 2020 on July 3, 2020. The official broadcast comprised 12 episodes airing in Japan from October 4 through December 20, 2020, on Tokyo MX and BS Fuji. The opening theme "Yasashii Sekai" was performed by Azusa Tadokoro, with MindaRyn providing the ending theme "Blue Rose knows."

Funimation licensed the series outside Asia and released an English dub starting October 31, 2020. Following Sony’s acquisition of Crunchyroll, streaming shifted to Crunchyroll. In South and Southeast Asia, Medialink obtained licensing rights and streamed it via their Ani-One YouTube channel.

A second season was declared on June 4, 2021, featuring Yuka Yamada replacing Kazuyuki Fudeyasu as scriptwriter. It aired from January 9 until March 27, 2023. MindaRyn performed the opening "Way to go," while Azusa Tadokoro sang the ending theme "Drum-shiki Tansaki."

External links

on Shōsetsuka ni Narō