The Death Mage Who Doesn’t Want a Fourth Time

Amamiya Hiroto is unlucky. His life consisted of misfortune after misfortune, culminating in an unlucky death during an incident on a school boat trip, trying to save a girl he barely knew. After death, he met a god of reincarnation who requested that the hundred or so dead passengers—one of them being the girl he tried in vain to save—be reincarnated into another world. Yet a series of unfortunate events forced Hiroto to reincarnate with even less luck than before, starting with nothing but a tremendous amount of Mana. His second life, far worse than his first, came to a cruel end. However, upon meeting the god a second time, he was informed that there would be yet another reincarnation—one that had already been set in motion and could not be stopped. Not wanting Hiroto to live long, the god cursed him before he was reborn in the hopes that he would either die quickly or commit su*cide. Hiroto was reborn once more as a half-Vampire, half-Dark Elf. A Dhampir. Not wanting a fourth life, he is determined to live this third life with the only things remaining from his previous lives—death-attribute magic and his enormous Mana pool.

Original Publisher

hifumi shobo

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Death Mage Who Doesn’t Want a Fourth Time "The Death Mage Who Doesn’t Want a Fourth Time" is a web novel that certainly sparks a lot of discussion, and after delving into the available information, I've got some thoughts. It's a story with a dark premise that seems to evolve in unexpected ways, which has both captivated and disappointed readers. ### First Impressions The initial setup is undeniably intriguing. A protagonist, repeatedly screwed over by fate and a rather incompetent god, promises revenge. This revenge-driven narrative, coupled with a reincarnation theme, drew me in immediately. The early chapters paint a picture of a world where the MC faces immense hardships. It’s easy to see how this could set the stage for a compelling story. ### What Works Well Many readers praise the world-building, describing it as well-developed and immersive. The translation quality also gets high marks, with some saying it reads like an original English novel. I appreciate that the story doesn't shy away from giving side characters meaningful roles and screen time, adding depth to the overall narrative. The MC's intelligence and strategic thinking are appealing, at least initially. The story, at its core, has a unique spin on the isekai genre, and that originality is a huge draw. ### Areas of Concern However, the biggest point of contention seems to be the shift in the MC's personality. Several readers feel that the initial "revenge flags" are dropped, replaced by a softer, more forgiving protagonist. Some feel this undermines the character development and makes the earlier tragic events feel pointless. The slow pacing and the inclusion of "fluff" or slice-of-life elements also bothered some readers, especially when it comes at the expense of the revenge plot. Some also found the "harem" elements forced and uninspired. The ease with which the MC gains allies and power is another common critique, diminishing the sense of challenge and struggle. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some reviewers expressed disappointment that the MC didn't exact what they considered sufficient revenge on those responsible for his mother's death. The decision to destroy property rather than take lives, especially after vowing vengeance, struck some as a major contradiction. Also, some readers took issue with the harem elements, specifically the MC's involvement with characters who already have children or the perceived lack of genuine romance. ### Final Verdict "The Death Mage Who Doesn’t Want a Fourth Time" appears to be a polarizing novel. While it boasts excellent world-building, strong translation, and a unique premise, the perceived shift in the MC's character and the dilution of the revenge plot are significant drawbacks for some. If you enjoy isekai stories with a focus on character development and world-building, and you're not strictly tied to the revenge theme, this might be worth a read. However, if you're looking for a dark, ruthless revenge story, you might find yourself disappointed. Approach with cautious optimism, and be prepared for a potentially significant shift in tone and focus.