The Fruit of Evolution
| Industry | Light novel, manga, anime |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 2014 |
| Founder | Miku (author) |
| Headquarters | Japan |
Area served | Worldwide (including English release) |
Key people | Miku (author), U35 (illustrator), Sorano (manga illustrator) |
| Products | Light novels, manga, anime television series |
| Owner | Futabasha (publisher), Hanashi Media (English light novel rights) |
is a Japanese fantasy light novel series authored by Miku with illustrations by U35. It originated as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in January 2014 and was later picked up by Futabasha for print release under their Monster Bunko label, spanning 15 volumes from September 2014 until December 2022. The English light novel rights are held by Hanashi Media. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Sorano, has been digitally serialized since September 2017 through Futabasha's Web Comic Action and subsequently Gaugau Monster, accumulating 11 volumes. The franchise further expanded with an anime television adaptation produced by Hotline, which aired two seasons between October 2021 and April 2023.
Plot
Seiichi Hiiragi, an overweight high schooler subject to bullying, along with his classmates, is transported to a fantasy world resembling a sword-and-sorcery video game. After inadvertently consuming the "Fruit of Evolution," Seiichi undergoes a remarkable transformation in both physique and capabilities, propelling him to prominence as a formidable "winner."
The story explores a social hierarchy where ordinary citizens tend to be virtuous, while nobles and royalty exploit the summoned individuals. The dungeons and their bosses are manifestations born from the grudges of past victims.
Characters
- Seiichi Hiiragi
- Once a bullied student, he becomes a powerful adventurer after consuming multiple Fruits of Evolution. He acquires the skill to learn spells through observation and eventually serves as an instructor at Barbador Magical Academy following his defense of Tillburt city.
- Saria
- A monster girl from the Kaiser Kong race who develops romantic feelings for Seiichi. After eating the Fruits of Evolution, she gains the ability to assume human form and shift between forms freely. She suggests entering a polyamorous relationship involving Seiichi and Artoria.
- Artoria Gremm
- An experienced adventurer nicknamed the "Calamity" due to her persistent misfortune, which is reversed after receiving a magical ring from Seiichi. She wields an imposing Grand-Axe and masters ice magic through further training.
- Lulune
- Originally a donkey transformed into human shape by Seiichi via a Fruit of Evolution. She is notable for her tremendous appetite.
- Oliga Calmeria
- A catgirl assassin who was enslaved by the Kaiser empire but later liberated and taken under Seiichi’s care.
- Karen Kannazuki
- The president of Seiichi’s student council who supports him. Although conscripted as a soldier for the Kaiser empire, she secretly acts as his informant after being freed from enslavement bracelets.
- Louise Balze
- Commander of Wimburg’s elite Valkyries military squad and a prodigious swordswoman. She becomes Seiichi’s disciple after losing a sparring match against him.
- Guscle Clute
- The loudmouthed guildmaster of Telbert Adventure Guild, known for his brash demeanor but ineffective control over his guild members.
- Eris McClain
- Receptionist at Telbert guild and former S-class adventurer, recognized for her sadistic tendencies during her guild duties.
- Mr. Sheep
- Administrator of dungeons who engages with Seiichi following dungeon clearances.
- Other notable characters encompass Airi Seto, Xeanos the Noble of Darkness, Destra, Vitor, Demiolos, Angurea, Beatrice Roegner, Agnos Passion, Brud Lev Kaiser, Helen Rosa, Baird Lutra, Theobold Terra Kaiser, and God—the entity responsible for summoning the students.
Media
Light novels
Authored by Miku with illustrations by U35, this series initially appeared online in January 2014 on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō platform. Futabasha released a total of fifteen volumes under their Monster Bunko label between September 2014 and December 2022. The English-language rights for the light novel were acquired by Hanashi Media.
Manga
The manga version, illustrated by Sorano, began digital serialization through Futabasha’s Web Comic Action in September 2017 before transferring to Gaugau Monster in December 2019. To date, it has been collected into eleven tankōbon volumes.
Anime
The anime adaptation was announced in January 2021 and produced by Hotline, with Feel and Children's Playground Entertainment serving as co-producers. Yoshiaki Okumura directed the series, with Gigaemon Ichikawa supervising the scripts and Minami Eda handling character design. It aired from October to December 2021 on TV Tokyo’s networks. The opening theme featured vocals by Yoshino Nanjō, while Poppin'Party performed the ending theme. Crunchyroll streamed the show internationally outside the Asia-Pacific region, where Medialink held the licensing rights. An English dub became available on Crunchyroll in May 2022.
A second season was announced in April 2022, featuring Shige Fukase as director and Yoshiaki Okumura as chief director, with new character designers Iroha Mizuki and Nobuhide Hayashi joining the staff. This season aired from January to April 2023, showcasing an opening theme by Nano and an ending theme performed by Erii Yamazaki.
Series overview
Season 1
The inaugural season chronicles Seiichi’s journey after being transported to a different world and embracing the life of an adventurer. Major storyline elements include his partnerships with Saria and Artoria, overcoming formidable dungeon adversaries such as the Black Dragon God, affiliating with the Tillburt adventurer’s guild, and protecting the city from monster incursions. Additionally, Seiichi takes on a teaching role at Barbador Magical Academy while navigating intricate relationships and political conflicts involving nobles and demon factions.
Season 2
The sophomore season centers on Seiichi’s position as an instructor at Barbador Magic Academy, where he oversees classroom 7—students characterized as both troublesome and gifted—and confronts emerging dangers including assassins tied to political conspiracies. The plot delves into classroom interactions, confrontations with invading forces, and expanded character arcs for both Seiichi’s allies and enemies.
See also
- I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too – Another light novel series penned by the same author
- I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too: Girls Side – A spin-off derived from this series