Why Did You Summon Me?

Imagine being forced to live, after death, as incorporeal bodies trapped in a vast space of nothingness for thousands of years, with nothing to do but exchanging past memories with other cohabitants (read: weirdos). Everybody wanted out, but there was no way to leave the Void… Until one day, a young man was finally summoned, as a powerful but reluctant mentor, by a bubbly and motivated but completely naive young girl. Baiyi, finally out of the Void, was the only one who could save all of the other 32 souls from their prison and his summoner might just be The Key to their freedom. However, Baiyi had to use the techniques and abilities the other souls had taught him throughout the years, and together with his own extensive knowledge of anime and game tropes from his shady and dangerous past as an otaku, to face the biggest challenge of them all: training the clumsy young girl he was forced to partner up with… into a competent sorcerer! This is a story of heroic adventures, cunning strategies and romantic tales. How will our MC thrive in a world completely strange to him? Where will his ambitions and abilities take him in the palace?

Original Publisher

qidian

English Publisher

webnovel

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Why Did You Summon Me? "Why Did You Summon Me?" initially hooked me with its intriguing premise: an old master reincarnated into a new world, summoned by a young girl. The added twist of a "gang" of other masters whispering in his ear, vying for their own reincarnation, promised a unique and comedic spin on the isekai genre. However, my journey through this novel has been a bit of a rollercoaster. ### First Impressions The early chapters were promising. I found the initial info dumps about the MC's goals and motivations refreshing. The slice-of-life elements and "moe" interactions were enjoyable, and the MC's actions, although not perfect, were at least convincing given his background. It felt like a light, easy read with a clear direction. ### What Works Well The character interactions, particularly the banter between the MC and the "Voidwalkers" in his head, are genuinely unique and often humorous. The novel shines when it explores these dynamics, creating memorable and engaging moments. Some readers have praised the simple yet distinct character names, making it easy to keep track of the large cast. I also appreciated the references to older games like Heroes of Might and Magic III and Warcraft III, which added a nostalgic touch. ### Areas of Concern As I progressed, I noticed some recurring issues. The pacing often felt sluggish, with too much emphasis on comedy at the expense of plot progression. Some found the humor, reminiscent of "Cultivation Chat Group," overused and disruptive to the story's flow. The sexualization of female characters, with excessive descriptions and suggestive situations, became tiresome and felt like padding. I also felt that the MC, while initially mature, sometimes flip-flopped between being a father figure and a potential romantic interest, creating an uncomfortable dynamic. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several readers have mentioned significant plot shifts later in the novel that drastically altered their perception. These include random appearances of characters from the "Fate/Stay" series, time travel, and a sudden jump to a more modern world with cell phones. These elements were described as jarring and detrimental to the overall narrative, suggesting a lack of clear planning and a tendency for the author to introduce elements without proper integration. ### Final Verdict "Why Did You Summon Me?" has moments of brilliance, particularly in its character interactions and unique premise. However, the uneven pacing, overreliance on comedy, and problematic sexualization ultimately detract from the overall experience. While some may find it enjoyable as a light and fluffy read, others may be turned off by its inconsistencies and questionable narrative choices. Proceed with caution, and be aware of the potential for significant plot shifts later on. For me, it's a mixed bag with too many downsides to wholeheartedly recommend.