The phrase "reinventing the wheel" applies to many creative fields, especially when genres become saturated with repetitive ideas. This is true for the AniManga industry, where even promising new trends like the "Villainess in an Otome Game" theme can fall victim to formulaic storytelling. However, this season, two light novels are breathing fresh air into the genre: "Loop 7-kaime" by Touko Amekawa and "Villainess Level 99" by Satori Tanabata.
What makes "Villainess Level 99" so enjoyable is its ability to set up a familiar Otome Game scenario and then completely subvert it. The main character, Yumiella Dolkness, finds herself reincarnated into the world of an Otome game she once played. While she possesses the memories of the game, she's not actually the Demon Lord as everyone expects, but a hidden boss with immense power. Yumiella longs for a peaceful life, but her dark appearance and magic make her an outcast. To avoid trouble, she spends her childhood diligently training, unknowingly reaching the unheard-of level 99 by the time she enters magic academy. Now, Yumiella must navigate her place in this new reality, prepare for the true Demon Lord's arrival, and overcome people's prejudice against her. This unexpected turn of events throws a wrench into her plans for a quiet life, forcing her to balance her duties with building relationships.
Yumiella doesn't care about the main plot. In the typical Otome Game story, the heroine wields light magic and fights the Demon Lord. Yumiella, however, is stuck completing odd jobs (like side quests) to get back on track with the pre-written story, while accidentally pushing the other love interests' paths forward.
Meet the Hero (sort of). Alicia, the supposed hero, uses light magic, making her Yumiella's opposite. Both girls are assumed to be low-level (around 10). This worries Yumiella because she's destined to fight the Demon Lord much later, and Alicia seems unprepared. Initially, they clash due to their opposing magic. Alicia even gets close to the capture targets (the guys you can romance in the game). However, the game has been messed up, and Yumiella has to replay parts to get back on track. This makes Alicia dislike Yumiella even more, fearing Yumiella weakens them for the future battle against the Demon Lord.
This game flips the script on typical otome RPGs. Capture targets, meant to be helpful companions, are now arrogant and self-serving. This separates Alicia and Yumiella, who were supposed to work together, and throws Yumiella under the bus with accusations of faking her abilities. Edwin Valschein, the second prince and a magic swordsman, exemplifies this shift. Though talented, he's overshadowed by his attendants: the gifted mage Oswald and the master swordsman William. These three, known for their arrogance, constantly torment Yumiella, except for Edwin who merely insults her. Unlike them, Yumiella hides a secret: powerful level 99 skills and dark magic. This makes her both a target and a valuable asset, as she's the only mage capable of facing large demons.
The saying "revenge is a dish best served cold" applies perfectly to Eleonora Hillrose, daughter of the noble faction leader. Everyone picks sides at the magic academy, but Yumiella remains neutral. This frustrates Eleonora, who tries to recruit her. Interestingly, Eleonora is both lovestruck by Prince Edwin and part of a jealous clique that resents Yumiella's connection to him. Ironically, Yumiella ends up defending Eleonora from her own friends, bonding over their shared love of dragons. This act of kindness earns Yumiella a best friend, proving her loyalty lies with those who deserve it.
Highly recommend "Villainess Level 99"! You won't be disappointed.
