I want to blow Jere and Ylfa up. Which is my way of saying I experience intense affection for them. They’re really, really good. The earnestness and sincerity that their feelings and lives are conveyed with here is really what does it. Tiny details and little moments of emotion are highlighted, building their relationship in an intimate and show-don’t-tell style. Additionally, the situations around them are tough. It’s no wonder they’re drawn to each other, and also because of their traumas, their bond feels even closer.

Jere especially is very taciturn, and so no emotional beat feels melodramatic. At the same time, though, it usually doesn’t feel too dialed down or unfeeling. There are moments where I thought there were too much or too little thoughts and feelings put in, but only by a hair each time. And as the main character, Jere is very likeable and unique for an isekai.

This story’s weakness is probably its war aspect. Because the main characters are soldiers and the author openly likes military fiction, I expected more drawn out battles and conflicts. Instead, the main characters just boss every encounter and the antagonists feel shallow.

I honestly mind the shallowness, but not the bossing. It’s actually fun and satisfying to read these guys absolutely destroying their opponents, and it lets the emotional story, which is the strongest, shine. However, I would’ve appreciated lengthier, well written fight scenes, as well as more strategy and setup from both army sides.

In conclusion, though, I really liked this story and it sincerely has no glaring weaknesses. It’s well written, easy to read, and has a very strong core.