Speaking of isekai transfer works, it is standard for the protagonist to be given a flashy occupation such as a hero, sword saint, or sage, but “Saikyou no Shokugyou wa Yuusha demo Kenja demo Naku Kanteishi (Kari) Rashii desu yo?” had an impressive start that seemed to pierce through to the exact opposite. Manabe Hibiki, who was an ordinary high school student, was suddenly thrown into a vast alternative world where monsters exist. And the abilities given to him were the “Appraisal” skill, which does not look suitable for combat at all, and a somewhat unreliable occupation called “Appraiser (Temporary)”. Moreover, because the characters “(Temporary)” are attached, it is interesting that it starts in a way that makes even the person himself feel anxious, wondering, “Is this really going to be okay?”, and it makes you feel an atmosphere slightly different from royal road fantasy right from the beginning.

The charm of this work lies in the fact that it is not the type to matchless with overwhelming power from the beginning, but carefully depicts “how to make use of an outwardly plain ability”. The appraisal skill does not have the flashiness of flashy attack magic, but by seeing through information about objects and opponents, there is a brain-battle-like fun to advance combat and adventure advantageously. That is precisely why the process of Hibiki gaining experience little by little and realizing the potential of his own ability is extremely pleasant. An occupation that was thought to be “looking weak” might actually be so important as to involve the very foundation of the world—such excitement always drifts in the depths of the story, and the meaning of the title gradually takes effect the more you read on.

In isekai works, the existence of companion characters is extremely important, and I felt that this work has a quite comfortable balance of that. While Emalia, a blonde elf, is an existence who guides Hibiki, a beginner in the alternative world, she does not end as a mere guide and firmly adds depth of emotion to the story. Claude, a cursed beastman, has a heavy background, and Lilian, a future sage, gives a mysterious breadth not only to the knowledge aspect but to the story as a whole. And because the existence of Vene, a white cat holy beast, softens the atmosphere that occasionally becomes serious, a gentle reading taste was created in the work as a whole. Rather than an adventure just to defeat enemies, it is precisely because “the fun of traveling with companions” is firmly depicted that this work has a unique warmth.

In isekai transfer works, there are many protagonists who adapt too much to the new world and their lingering affection for the original world becomes thin, but Hibiki firmly continues to hold the emotion of “I want to return to my original world”. This part creates a strange reality in the work, becoming a charm that does not end as a mere fantasy adventure tale. Even if he gets used to life in the alternative world, companions increase, and he obtains power, the feelings toward “his original place belonging to him” do not completely disappear. It is precisely because of that emotion that there is a human-likeness in Hibiki's choices, and I think it is easy for readers to empathize.

There is a slightly comical atmosphere at the point of the title, but when you actually read it, it is not a work that is just light. While there are many well-tempoed exchanges and comical scenes, the characters each carry worries and wounds, and they grow as the story progresses. In particular, Hibiki was adventuring as if being washed away while being bewildered at first, but gradually comes to try to protect his companions by his own will and understand his own role. That change is natural, and after reading, it made me feel that the meaning of the word “strongest” is not mere combat capability.

What left the biggest impression on me after reading this work is that the protagonist is by no means a typical hero. He does not mow down enemies with a single sword, nor can he use the world's strongest magic from the beginning. Even so, in his figure of thinking about what he can do, using wisdom, and moving forward while supporting each other with companions, there is a charm that strangely makes you want to cheer him on. That is precisely why the outwardly plain occupation of “Appraiser” looks more reliable than anyone else before you know it. I thought it is a work that deeply resonates not only with people who like isekai fantasy, but also with people who have grown a little tired of the “strongest from the beginning” type of protagonist.