"I Was Reborn as a Vending Machine and Now I Wander the Labyrinth" is a light novel by Hiruma, serialized on "Shousetsu ni Narou" (Let's Become a Novelist) since March 2016. While the reincarnation story is typical of the Narou genre, this work features a unique worldview, with the protagonist reincarnated as a vending machine. With an anime adaptation scheduled to air in July, this work is already garnering attention. In this article, we'd like to introduce the characters (even though the protagonist is a machine)!
Synopsis
The protagonist, a vending machine enthusiast, is involved in a traffic accident and is crushed to death by a falling vending machine while trying to save it. Upon waking up, he finds himself reincarnated as a vending machine, unable to move and only able to speak a limited number of pre-recorded words. While spending time alone, he meets a superhumanly strong girl named Ramis, who recognizes him as a sentient magical tool. The vending machine "I" is taken to a village within the labyrinth, where he is named Hakkon and begins selling Earthly food and drink to the inhabitants of the other world. Hakkon's mysterious life in this other world begins.
Hakkon (formerly "I")
The protagonist of this work. Before his reincarnation, he was a Japanese man with a vending machine enthusiast, and after his reincarnation, he himself became a vending machine. The locals believe him to be a type of magical tool. He retains memories of his past life, is knowledgeable about vending machines from all over the world, past and present, and has accumulated information about the products they sell, giving him solid knowledge of vending machines. He is capable of thought, but as a vending machine, he is unable to move or even hold everyday conversations. He communicates creatively by using the vending machine's built-in voice function. He holds Ramis dear, who helped him after he was reincarnated into the labyrinth. He is quick-witted and sometimes gets out of tight situations by using his own blessing and the products from the vending machine. "Points" earned from the local currency are needed to replenish products and repair damaged machines. Incidentally, Hakkon can optionally erase empty containers of products dispensed by him, as long as they are from food or drink. The vending machine can also handle waste disposal on its own, which is very convenient.
About Hakkon's Eyes
By the way, in the story, vending machines have eyes, making them look like characters, but this is the default for readers and viewers. From the perspective of the protagonist and other characters in the story, the eyes are invisible and they just look like regular vending machines. To the characters, they see it as "just a vending machine," so it would be strange if it had eyes. However, to readers and viewers, a mere machine with nothing in it would be boring. I think this setting strikes a good balance.
Rammis
The heroine of this work, a rookie female hunter. When she is about to collapse from hunger, she meets the protagonist's vending machine, names him Hakkon, and they begin traveling together. She boasts of her superhuman strength, being able to shatter boulders with her bare hands and easily lifting and carrying Hakkon, who weighs several hundred kilograms, all by herself. However, because her strength is so great, she is unable to make good use of it and ends up spinning around aimlessly. By carrying Hakkon on her back, her center of gravity is stabilized, allowing her to make full use of her amazing strength. She cares deeply for Hakkon, who saved her life, and sometimes her words and actions make it seem as if she is dependent on him. Although she has a simple personality, she is sensitive to the nuances of people's emotions and accurately understands Hakkon's intentions, even though he can only communicate using a limited combination of voice functions. Hakkon is extremely heavy, so Ramis is the only one who can carry him, and they are recognized by those around them as a team. To an outsider, Ramis carrying the vending machine may seem stranger than the vending machine itself.
The Fool's Fantastic Troupe
This group exudes a shady atmosphere, and is made up of eccentric characters, including their leader, Kelioil. To conquer the labyrinth, they team up with Ramis and Hakkon. Leader Kelioil is seeking coins, which are the price for granting wishes. Firmina: Vice leader, and is actually married to the leader. Other members include twins, and one member has been a victim of marriage fraud, making for a unique group of characters.
Character Summary
Although the series doesn't have a large cast, each character is unique. The main character, Hakkon, is a very quick-witted character, and Ramis serves as a good partner to Hakkon. I think that this is a work that will be enjoyable not only for those who have read the original work, but also for those who are not familiar with it, as it is a unique isekai reincarnation story! That's all for today. Thank you for reading.
