"I Was Reborn as a Vending Machine and Wandered the Labyrinth" is a work serialized on the novel submission site "Shousetsuka ni Narou," and the anime adaptation will be broadcast in July. This work also features the reincarnation into another world that is unique to the Narou genre, but the protagonist ends up becoming a vending machine in the new world. With a unique setting in which the protagonist becomes neither human nor animal, but a machine, it is a work that has already generated high expectations. There are several technical terms used in this work, and knowing them beforehand will help you enjoy the anime even more, so I would like to introduce them in this article!
Introduction: What is the story?
A vending machine enthusiast, "I," is involved in a traffic accident and is crushed to death by a falling vending machine while trying to save it. When he wakes 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 superhuman girl named Ramis, who recognizes him as a sentient magical tool. He is transported to a village within the labyrinth, where he is named Hakkon and begins selling food and drink from Earth to the inhabitants of another world. Hakkon's mysterious life in another world begins.
Term #1: Points
Points are needed for various purposes, such as stocking and expanding vending machine products and adding new features. They are an invisible, almost conceptual resource. You can obtain them by earning currency or defeating monsters. They are also necessary for maintaining your body, and even when you're not doing anything, points are consumed instead of electricity. Since points can be obtained by customers purchasing products from vending machines, it is very important to sell products and earn points. Another challenge is to stock new products with new features and types, increase customer numbers, and earn points, repeating this cycle. Essentially, it is possible to purchase anything that is sold in a vending machine. It is also possible to transform a vending machine into one with functions similar to a coin laundry or coin shower, where inserting money allows the machine to be used a certain number of times or for a certain period of time. However, there are various conditions to fulfill in order to do so. First, the protagonist must be aware of the existence of the vending machine. Furthermore, if the vending machine's shape itself needs to be changed, more points are required than usual. As a result, the points required to maintain the body also increase. In addition to being able to transform, the protagonist can also obtain abilities that transcend the capabilities of vending machines, such as blessings (described below). However, the downside is that the number of points required is orders of magnitude higher.
Term #2: Protection
This refers to a special ability. While some people possess multiple protections, surprisingly many do not. Just as Ramis possesses superhuman strength, protections grant supernatural powers. Depending on the type of protection, a rookie hunter with protection can sometimes outperform a seasoned hunter without it. This is how powerful this ability is.
Term #3: Labyrinth
This term is also included in the title of the work. Simply put, it's a dungeon, an alternate dimension inhabited by various monsters. Dungeons are an essential keyword for works with an alternate world theme. They are divided into multiple independent levels, where hunters build settlements to make a living by hunting monsters. While indoors, some levels feature natural features like forests and rivers, and open skies. Other levels are completely mazes. Furthermore, there are levels with eerie atmospheres like graveyards and swamps.
Term #4: Floor Master
They're like boss characters waiting on each floor. Defeating them earns special coins, which are said to be necessary for granting wishes during the labyrinth. The protagonist will explore the labyrinth while being carried by Rammis, but how will they fare against such a powerful boss? While Rammis's incredible strength may be enough at times, it will be interesting to see how Hakkon will perform in times of crisis.
A Summary of Terminology Appearing in the Series
Familiarizing yourself with the terminology used in the series will undoubtedly enhance your enjoyment of the anime. The original novel is also popular, so if you're interested, be sure to read it before the broadcast! That's all for today. Thank you for reading.
