The second season of the anime "Ascendance of a Bookworm" will begin soon in April. The setting has shifted from the trading guild to the temple, and we're already looking forward to the new story. However, for those who missed the first season, starting with the second season can be daunting. If you're going to watch it anyway, you'll want to get a good grasp of the story from the first season. But buying all the DVDs and Blu-rays can be expensive... For those of you in this situation, we'll introduce ways to watch "Ascendance of a Bookworm" for free.
How can I watch it for free?
There are several ways to watch "Ascendance of a Bookworm" for free. The easiest way to watch is to go to one of the sites listed in the "Streaming" section of the official website. Since these sites are officially released, this is the safest and most reliable method. However, of course, these sites have a monthly fee that's a drawback. However, most sites offer a special service when you first sign up, and if you use it wisely, you can watch for free.
Watch the First Episode on Nico Nico Douga
When watching any anime, many people probably want to just watch the first episode to see if it's right for them. Even if it's free, it would be a shame to go through the hassle of signing up only to find out it's boring and then cancel... For those people, we recommend "Nico Nico Douga"! Nico Nico Douga allows you to easily watch the first episode of an anime for free without signing up for a paid membership. Episodes after the first cost more than ¥220, so we recommend watching the first episode on Nico Nico Douga first, and then, if you find it interesting, using the services of other video sites to watch it for free.
You can also watch it on illegal upload sites, but...
When looking to watch anime for free, many people probably search for something like "Ascendance of a Bookworm free anime." This brings up many well-known paid sites, some of which seem a bit shady—these are very likely illegal sites. As you'll immediately notice once you open the site, the defining feature of illegal sites is that when you click on the "Ascendance of a Bookworm episode XX" section, the anime doesn't start, but instead a list of multiple video sites appears. Since the anime has been illegally uploaded to various video sites, proceed at your own risk—that's the way illegal upload sites work.
Is watching illegally uploaded videos a crime?
Most people probably know that illegally uploading anime, dramas, and other content is a criminal offense. But what about just watching? Strictly speaking, recording or recording illegally uploaded videos is a crime, but the general consensus is that simply watching isn't subject to criminal punishment. However, the actual trial is conducted by the court, and in some cases, you could be subject to criminal penalties... Even if you're found innocent, it's not worth risking your life in court and having to go to trial.
Illegal upload sites also carry viruses
Even if you know that illegal upload sites are dangerous, you've probably visited one at least once. It's not uncommon to unknowingly connect to such sites while browsing the internet. I've been redirected to such sites a few times myself, and my virus security software reacted violently (lol). Some sites even scare you with incomprehensible warnings! Illegal upload sites like this are full of viruses that can be dangerous to your PC, so if you do connect to one without realizing it, stay calm and close the page immediately.
VOD is the best way to watch "Ascendance of a Bookworm" for free and safely
Rather than risking various risks to watch "Ascendance of a Bookworm" for free on an illegal upload site, VOD is the safest and most recommended option, offering the best picture quality. While all sites charge a monthly fee, as mentioned earlier, most offer free trial services. These services typically offer two weeks or 31 days of free trial use upon initial registration. While filling out the necessary information and registering is a bit of a hassle, during the free trial period you can watch a variety of videos, including "Ascendance of a Bookworm."
Don't forget the timing for cancellation!
Most sites offer free trials and other trial services for two weeks or 31 days. However, after the 31 days, you won't be able to watch videos; you'll automatically be charged a monthly fee starting the following month. So, if you want to watch for free, be sure to cancel within that period! If you're worried, just to be safe, check before signing up to see if you can cancel during the free period and avoid being charged a monthly fee. Then, sign up for a free trial.
If you want to watch "Ascendance of a Bookworm," we recommend FOD Premium!
While "Ascendance of a Bookworm" is available to stream on various sites, my personal recommendation is FOD Premium. It costs 888 yen per month, but as mentioned earlier, you can enjoy the full FOD Premium plan for free for one month with a first-time subscription. Another great thing about this site is that, like Nico Nico Douga, you can watch the first episode without any registration required. It clearly states, "If you cancel within one month of registration, you will not be charged the monthly FOD Premium subscription fee," so you can use it with peace of mind. Instead of casually charging a monthly fee, the My Menu displays a helpful message saying, "Free trial period ends at XX days." Another great feature is the recommended feature.
"Ascendance of a Bookworm" Free Viewing Summary
So far, we've introduced ways to watch "Ascendance of a Bookworm" for free. While it's true that illegal upload sites allow you to watch without the hassle of registration, we hope you're aware of the many risks involved. Recently, many official and safe sites have emerged, so if there's an anime you're interested in, be sure to take advantage of free services and check it out on VOD!
