Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? volume 5

A true dungeon crawl in this volume. Basically, the entire volume is set within the Dungeon. This is great for adventure, for world building, and for team-character moments. Comparing it to the anime, this covers the final few episodes of season 1.

*****

Beware of Spoilers!

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First, I want to highlight a particular section in the early parts. It is when Bell's party is subjected to a "pass parade" by another Familia.  A "pass parade" is when one adventuring party kites a monster mob into another party in order to escape said mob, thus putting the second party into danger, especially if they were already fighting monsters. The light novel makes a much bigger deal about it than the anime, a matter of life and death rather than a breach of dungeon etiquette (maybe that's the MMORPG talking). 

The tension that follows is more sustained in the light novel as well. In the anime, we don't get a sense of just how desperate the situation is, and just how long it takes Bell's party to reach the safe zone in the 18th floor. In this light novel, we see just how close they come to wearing out and giving in. 

We see the true value of supporters, as Lilly brings out an item to ward away monsters.  We see perspectives from different characters, even a harrowing glimpse into Welf's mind as he gives up on life. Exhaustion comes closer to defeating Bell than any previous foe. 

The world building picks up here as well. The middle levels are where higher-level adventures go. It's a whole different experience from the upper levels. Differences in equipment, tactics and survival all come up. Then there's the economics of the town in the safe zone. The phrase "water in a desert is worth any price" comes to mind. The idea of Familia crests being used for credit is an interesting idea, and one can only assume that monsters don't like the smell of perfume.

If I had to critique something, then it would be an event in the climax, where Bell uses Argonaut on the Goliath, fails to kill it and is able to try again shortly afterward. Argonaut is supposed to exhaust Bell to the point of uselessness, right? Trying again soon after cheapens that for me but, on the other hand, it only happens after Hermes does a morale boost based on a memory crucial to Bell's identity and dream to be a hero, and this unlocks a new skill for Bell called "Limit Release". Given all the prior build-up of Hermes testing Bell, it seems as though Hermes wanted to see if Bell had what it takes to push past his limits, and keep going even if, logically, he shouldn't be able to. Given the mechanics of this 'verse, I'm willing to give it a pass. Besides, it is a cool-set up and execution, where other characters can shine as well. 

Trickster Eric Novels gives "Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?  volume 5" an A+

Click here for my next book review:  Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn

Click here for my previous book review:  The World's Strongest Rearguard - manga volume 4

Brian Wilkerson is an independent novelist, freelance book reviewer, and writing advice blogger. He studied at the University of Minnesota and came away with bachelor's degrees in English Literature and History (Classical Mediterranean Period concentration).

His fantasy series, Journey to Chaos, is currently available on Amazon as an ebook or paperback.