Episode 1 – “Typical Nobody” – April 6, 2022
Episode Summary
The Great Demon Lord, Varvatos, has grown isolated. Due to his immense strength and unrivaled power, no one dares approach him. Thus, after achieving his conquest, Varvatos wishes that he can make at least one friend in his next life.
Recalling that wish, Varvatos reincarnates as Ard Meteor, a typical nobody in a remote small town who has retained his immense aptitude for combat and magic. Not wanting to make the mistakes of his former life, Ard does everything he can to approach the local children, but to no avail. Despite his skills, he has never learned casual speaking.
Downtrodden, Ard seeks guidance from Sir Olhyde, an old comrade of Ard’s parents. Olhyde explains that Ard needs only to treat people with kindness and respect. Ard runs off to implement Olhyde’s advice, but the results are no different.
Frustrated, Ard runs off into the nearby forest, where he runs into a young girl fighting some local monsters. Impressed by the girl’s magical prowess, Ard approaches. For the first time, Ard thinks he has found some receptive to his attempts. However, the moment he suggests friendship, the girl storms off in a tear-filled rage.
Confused, Ard goes to complain to Olhyde that kindness hadn’t worked either. But to Ard’s surprise, with Olhyde is the girl, who turns out to be Olhyde’s daughter, Ireena.
Not wanting to give up, Ard begins to do everything he can to befriend Ireena, who refuses his every advance. She insists there is no possible way Ard could ever understand her.
One night, a hoard of goblins attacks Ard’s village. As everyone is running, Olhyde informs Ard’s father that Ireena is alone in the woods. Without hesitation, Ard sets out for the rescue. Upon finding Ireena, Ard effortlessly disposes of the goblins surrounding her.
Now alone, Ireena asks why Ard would save her. He tells her that he wants to be her friend. Still, Ireena believes that no one can understand the loneliness she has suffered. Ard explains that he understands her more than she can ever know and will never abandon her. At long last, Ireena agrees to be Ard’s first friend.
Since that day, several years have passed. Ard and Ireena are much older and much closer. Our episode ends with Ireena suggesting she and Ard should enroll in the Academy of Magic.
Episode Impressions
Although I am going to say The Greatest Demon Lord’s standing is good, that does not mean I am overly impressed by it. As it stands, the show is not unwatchable, just a bit bland. However, if we get a few more episodes like this, it might turn into another story.
I wonder if this series will go into how Ard managed to maintain his powers during his reincarnation. Or does this show expect us to accept that that’s simply how it works? I don’t mind making that leap if necessary, but The Greatest Demon Lord will have to step up its game significantly.
To tell you the truth, though, I have a suspicion this series will become nothing more than subpar. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and I am certainly not wowed.
