- #1
This novel is the cream of the crop of regressor novels, the purpose of regression is to explore the possibilities and stories behind characters and events that would be impossible under normal circumstances and this novel accomplishes exactly that. It's very similar to SSS-class su*cide hunter as it's written by the same author but it doesn't get bogged down by unnecessary plot points. I love that that the author has perfected his craft with this novel, the main character Undertaker is very mature and aloof, it always seems like he doesn't take things seriously, but explaining things in a joking manner even as his allies and companions die makes you respect the journey he's undertaken, living thousands of years and developing his mental fortitude to never break. What I'm so impressed by is that you don't simply learn about the main character through his own thought process. When a character has perception manipulation as their main ability that makes them appear to be the most agreeable and likeable person to every individual, the author utilizes this character to display the kind of human with the values that Undertaker looks for in this devastated world. Romance is foregone compared to his other novel which gives me a sigh of relief (I did find the romance arc in SSS-class su*cide hunter to be extremely good but Undertaker is much more focused because of the lack of it), the author also specializes in minute nuances such as why he never says his real name aloud and creating dangerous anomalies that can cause a very real and genuine threat to a regressor. Even in scenarios where the protagonist needs a break from his constant suffering to regain his sanity, you learn more about the side characters alongside him from these out of the way interactions. I've never seen a regressor novel be told from the point of view of someone who failed, but it's not a concept that's unique just to be unique, I genuinely believe that if this were ever made into a manga, manhwa, or anime that it would top every list for the season.
