Hell Mode (Manga)

Kenichi Yamada, a single, 35-year-old businessman, has spent the majority of his adult life playing every MMORPG to hit the market. Tired of the constant cycle of repetitive, newbie-centric gameplay, he is immediately drawn in by the promise of a new game that, on top of being never-ending, offers up a “Hell Mode”—a difficulty level that makes it nigh impossible to level up but also promises uncapped growth potential. Upon selecting the newly released Summoner class, Kenichi finds himself reborn as Allen, an infant in a serf family, with nothing but his wits and old memories to guide him. Allen works diligently to level himself up despite Hell Mode requiring vast amounts of experience between levels. In doing so, he hopes to uncover the secrets the Summoner class holds. All the while, he dedicates himself to freeing his new family from serfdom.

Kenichi Yamada, now Allen, continues his MMORPG life in Hell Mode. As he slowly levels up, he learns just how gradual his growth is compared to others’. From obtaining new Summons and skills to fighting terrifying monsters like a murdergalsh, his life is still filled with discoveries and hardships! And when the white dragon decides to migrate after a century, his situation changes—he’s now on the hunt to gain as much XP as possible. In contrast to Allen’s determination, however, Mihai, the oldest of the Granvelle children, seems less than thrilled about shouldering his noble house’s responsibility. What emotions hide behind his seemingly fearless smile?

Allen continues his Hell Mode adventure as he fights alongside the famed War Demon Zenof. Upon learning that both Zenof and Viscount Granvelle are aware of Allen’s hidden Talent, he decides to cooperate with them to defeat the monsters surrounding the city. All the while, House Granvelle is hit with devastating news about Mihai, and Cecil faces a life-changing decision. To make matters worse, she and Allen are kidnapped. When the culprit is revealed, Allen must make a choice of his own. Will the two be able to make a safe return to the Granvelle estate?

Allen and Cecil continue their escape from Carnel and his goons. In the process, however, they run into the same murdergalsh Allen fought years ago, turning their situation from bad to worse! Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Allen makes his choice: he’ll defeat the murdergalsh so that he and Cecil can head home. But other questions plague Allen’s mind. What exactly is a “noble duty”? Why must every noble with a Talent be conscripted into the army? Gradually, he finds himself learning the truth of the world he was reincarnated into.

Allen’s Academy life begins! And he has just one goal: to become stronger! To do so, he forms a party with Krena, Dogora, and Cecil. Together, they take on dungeons, earning them levels and money. All in all, it’s looking like a pretty comfortable life. But Allen soon realizes that his party needs a healer. To fill that role, he recruits a mysterious Cleric named Keel. The boy seems a bit shy at first, and he’s clearly strapped for cash, but he hesitantly joins Allen’s party to earn money for his family. But just who is Keel? Will he get along with the rest of Allen’s party? And can Allen accept that being in Hell Mode puts him at a level disadvantage?

New friends like Meruru and Sophie join the No-life Gamers, strengthening the party! Then, the Academy Martial Arts Tournament is announced, with Krena and Allen both agreeing to participate! Allen, who was initially reluctant to enter, is enticed by an offer from the Hero, Helmios. If the Summoner emerges victorious, he can get his hands on the coveted MP Recovery Ring! Meanwhile, Krena’s determined to master her Extra Skill so that she can fight Allen and Dverg—but they don’t have much time to spare. Nerves and training reach an apex when the tournament finally begins! Will Krena successfully activate her Extra Skill? Can Allen defeat Helmios and get that MP Recovery Ring? What emotions hide behind the Hero’s oddly forlorn eyes?

Allen and the No-life Gamers head to Rohzenheim to protect the elves! Luckily for them, Allen can do it all—healing, defending, and even attacking! He quickly comes up with a plan to push back against the Demon Lord Army’s overwhelming numbers, but his services aren’t free. He negotiates with the Sovereign of Spirits to receive a class promotion for the members of his party, then heads out to uphold his end of the bargain. The battle will be a grisly one. Armed with a newly unlocked skill, Allen stands at the vanguard, ready to fight! For the first time, the No-life Gamers must face demons and a Demonic Deity! Can our protagonist attain victory over a god? And will his new skill prove useful in this hellish war?

The battle against the Demonic Deity commences! Allen and the rest of the No-life Gamers are off to Rohzenheim. They’ve joined the war in hopes of turning the tide and protecting the elves, but that’s not all—Allen has his first run-in with a Demonic Deity, Rehzel, who seems awfully obsessed with the World Tree and refuses to return it to the elves. Facing a god?! Everyone pales at the thought. Everyone except Allen, that is, who can’t stop grinning with excitement. It’s up to the Summoner to figure out a plan, and he’s more than happy to use everything at his disposal! With his trusty friends by his side, can Allen overcome this hellish trial and eke out a victory against Rehzel? Or will this be the end of the line for our Summoner of the Beginning?!

The No-Life Gamers are lauded for their bravery following the successful defense of Rohzenheim, but Allen, never one to rest on his laurels, is already off to the next destination: the Tower of Tribulation in Baukis, Meruru’s home! Upon reuniting with his fellow party member, Allen is off to clear the tower and defeat Rank S monsters! Needless to say, it’s never smooth sailing—the tower proves tougher than anticipated, much to Allen’s delight. Fortunately, help arrives in the form of Helmios and his party, Sacred. As the Demon Lord Army’s conspiracies brew in the background, can Allen successfully clear the Tower of Tribulation? Or will it prove too formidable a foe?