The popular isekai light novel series, The World’s Strongest Rearguard – Labyrinth Country’s Novice Seeker (Sekai Saikyō no Kōei: Meikyūkoku no Shinjin Tansakusha) by Tōwa, is officially receiving a television anime adaptation. The announcement was made on Monday with the launch of a teaser website and an official X (formerly Twitter) account for the upcoming project. Further details regarding the anime’s cast, staff, and release window are anticipated to be revealed at a later date.
The Journey of a Corporate Slave to a Rearguard Seeker
The series follows the relatable premise of a modern-day individual reincarnated into a fantasy world. The protagonist, Arihito Atobe, was an overworked businessman who met an untimely end in a bus accident. He finds himself reborn in a fantastical “Labyrinth Country” where he is designated as a “Seeker,” tasked with exploring its treacherous labyrinths.
Upon registration, Arihito is assigned the seemingly ambiguous job class of “Rearguard.” However, he soon discovers the immense power and versatility of this role, enabling him to provide critical attack, defense, and recovery support to his party from the back lines. A unique aspect of his rearguard abilities is that simply being at the rear of his party increases his companions’ fondness for him. Freed from the drudgery of his past corporate life, Arihito embarks on his new adventure, gradually assembling a diverse, all-female party that includes his former demanding boss, Igarashi Kyouka, and a mysterious demi-human mercenary girl named Theresia.
From Web Novel to Popular Light Novel and Manga Series
Tōwa originally launched The World’s Strongest Rearguard as a web novel on the Japanese online platform Shōsetsuka ni Narō in April 2017. Its popularity led to its acquisition by Fujimi Shobo, which began publishing it as a light novel series under their Kadokawa Books imprint in November 2017, featuring illustrations by Huuka Kazabana. As of November 2021, the light novel series has released eight volumes. The series has achieved significant success, boasting a circulation of over 1.7 million copies.
A manga adaptation, illustrated by Rikizo, also began serialization on Kadokawa Corporation’s ComicWalker service in March 2018. The manga has released nine volumes as of February 2025. Both the light novel and its manga adaptation are licensed for English-language release by Yen Press.
Anticipation for the Anime Adaptation
The announcement of an anime adaptation has generated excitement among fans of the light novel and manga, eager to see Arihito’s unique adventures and his growing relationships with his party members animated. While specific production details remain under wraps, the opening of official channels suggests that more information will be released in the near future. Fans are looking forward to witnessing the “world’s strongest rearguard” in action as he navigates the dangers of the Labyrinth Country with his unique support abilities and charming companions.
