Have you heard of the wildly popular novel "So I'm a Spider, So What?"? It tells the story of a high school girl who is reincarnated as a spider in another world. It's becoming increasingly popular with the upcoming anime adaptation. Isekai reincarnation novels have become incredibly popular recently, and their complex, intertwined worldview is one of the reasons for their popularity. In this article, we'll focus on the "magic" that is so integral to the world of "So I'm a Spider, So What?". What kind of magic is there?
What is "Magic" in "So I'm a Spider, So What?"
"Magic" exists in the other world. There are many different types, and they're extremely useful in combat. In this world, magic is defined as a phenomenon established by transforming magical power through "skills." The protagonist is eager to use magic from the beginning. In addition to the protagonist, there are many other people who can use magic, including companions and monsters who have been reincarnated into another world.
Magic #1: "Abyss Magic"
"Abyss Magic," one of the types of magic, is a powerful spell. It is the most powerful of the dark magic types, and its power increases in the order of "Shadow Magic," "Dark Magic," and "Dark Magic." The first level of the Abyss Magic is called "Hell's Gate," and it's powerful enough to erase the terrain at its explosion point. However, it's extremely difficult to use and takes a considerable amount of time to cast, making it difficult to use in actual combat. Even the protagonist needed parallel minds to use the magic.
Who possesses it?
The protagonist and the Demon King Ariel possess it. The protagonist used level 1 "Hell's Gate" on the Fire Dragon Rend. It's a massive energy source that engulfs everything in a vast darkness, obliterating everything. Because it's such a powerful magic at this point, even casting it is quite a challenge.
Level Variations
Level 1: "Gate of Hell," Level 2: "Hell of Unbelief," Level 3: "Hell of Lust," Level 4: "Hell of Gourmet," Level 5: "Hell of Greed," Level 6: "Hell of Wrath," Level 7: "Hell of Heresy," Level 8: "Hell of Cruelty," Level 9: "Hell of Deception," Level 10: "Hell of Rebellion." While it's unclear exactly what happens when using levels 2 and above, even level 1 was quite powerful, so it's clear that something terrible will happen. It can even penetrate "immortality" and disintegrate souls.
What about lower-level magic?
"Shadow Magic," a lower-level magic, controls shadows, but isn't particularly useful. However, "Dark Magic" and "Dark Magic" are quite practical, and the protagonist uses them.
Magic #2: "Spatial Magic"
"Spatial magic," as the name suggests, refers to magic that affects space. Examples include spatial teleportation and spatial severance. While difficult to construct, spatial magic is extremely useful. Even an average person would have to abandon all other skills to train in this form.
A Very Rare Magic
Spatial magic is extremely rare, and those who can master "long-distance teleportation" are often the exclusive preserve of important national figures. There are similar things called "teleportation gates" that connect specific locations and allow long-distance teleportation, but these are also often under strict state control. Spells that can be acquired through spatial magic include "coordinate designation" and "empty storage," which allows you to retrieve and store belongings from other dimensions. The protagonist is depicted as being quite adept at using these spells.
Other "Magic"
Other spells that the protagonist acquires early on are as follows:
"Heresy Magic"
This is a magic (skill) the protagonist acquires by eating his spider siblings and earning the title "Blood-Eater." The acquired skills are "Discomfort" and "Phantom Pain." It is known as a magic that directly violates the soul.
"Shadow Magic"
This is a lower-level dark magic that manipulates shadows. The acquired skill is "Deep Shadow." The available magic changes depending on the level.
"Poison Magic"
This magic allows the protagonist to control poison, and the acquired skill is "Poison Touch." The spells available here also vary depending on your level.
Useful for casting spells! The skill "Magic Manipulation"
In the other world, there is a skill called "Magic Manipulation." The main users of this skill are the protagonist Kumo, Shun, and the Earth Dragon Kaguna. This skill allows you to control the magical energy within your body, circulating it. By increasing the circulation speed and concentrating it in your hands, you can convert it into high-energy magical energy and cast spells.
About Shun
One of the people who can use this "magic manipulation" is a very important character named "Shun." He is also a reincarnated person, and his real name is "Shrein Zagan Anareich." In his previous life, he was named Shunsuke Yamada, an ordinary high school boy. However, he now lives a life of luxury as the fourth prince of the Anareich Kingdom.
Earth Dragon Kaguna
Earth Dragon Kaguna is a gigantic earth dragon. Specialized in defense, it is also known as a "moving fortress." Incidentally, the second time the protagonist encounters him, it's with the Earth Dragon Geere. Unlike Kaguna, Geere is a sleek Earth Dragon with a fast combat speed.
[So I'm a Spider, So What?] A Summary of "Magic"!
That concludes our summary of the "magic" that appears in "So I'm a Spider, So What?". Being set in a different world, various special abilities, magical powers, and skills appear in addition to magic. These are essential for fighting and surviving in this world. It's exciting to watch your level and skills increase as the story progresses. The world of "So I'm a Spider, So What?" in particular is very detailed, so I'm really looking forward to seeing how it's portrayed in the anime.
