Chillin’ in My 30s after Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army: A Gentle and High-Quality Narou-kei Fantasy Review
Chillin’ in My 30s after Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army (解雇された暗黒兵士（３０代）のスローなセカンドライフ)
Overview
- Original work by: Okazawa Rokujūyon-sensei
- A fantasy isekai story originating from “Shōsetsuka ni Narō”
- Targeted at a male audience
- “A capable protagonist is expelled and thrives in a new environment” type of story
- Adapted into an anime in January 2023
This is a story about a man who gets fired from the Demon King’s army and starts a new life in a human village.
It was originally published on *Shōsetsuka ni Narō* between 2018 and 2020.
After being turned into a light novel and a manga, it was also adapted into an anime in January 2023, making it a popular title among Narou-kei stories.
The voice of the anime protagonist is Tomokazu Sugita.
With a comedic tone, he brings his usual charm to the role.
(Okazawa Rokujūyon, Chillin’ in My 30s after Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army Production Committee, from the PV)
This article is based on my impressions after reading the comic version.
Impressions
Among the Many Narou-kei Stories, This One Stands Out in Overall Quality
A straightforward heroine who appeals to male readers — and that’s perfectly fine.
(Okazawa Rokujūyon, sage・Joe, from Chillin’ in My 30s after Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army, ep1, p31)
It strikes a good balance of light ecchi and entertaining comedy!
The characters are well fleshed-out and likable.
The artwork in the manga version is detailed, and the female characters are especially cute.
While some Narou-kei manga adaptations tend to feel rushed or lack polish,
this one feels solid and well-executed.
There were almost no plot inconsistencies or frustrating moments (at least for me),
and I think the overall quality is very high.
Light on Brutality, Making for a Relaxing Read
It’s a typical “exiled protagonist” Narou-kei story,
but with fewer harsh developments than others, making it more comfortable to read.
(Okazawa Rokujūyon, sage・Joe, from Chillin’ in My 30s after Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army, ep1, p7)
Although the protagonist is kicked out of the Demon King’s army,
the story doesn’t revolve around revenge.
In fact, he sometimes even shows concern for the army he left.
There are no extreme revenge plots — the story unfolds peacefully,
allowing the reader to relax and enjoy the pace.
That said, it lacks edge-of-your-seat suspense,
but that’s okay — it *is* an isekai after all.
Instead of tension and intensity, it leans a little more into comedy.
The humor is well-crafted and subtly surreal, which I found quite enjoyable.
Original Work: Okazawa Rokujūyon Manga: Rurekuchē Character Design: sage･Joe
,
Chillin’ in My 30s after Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army, Volume 1, Kodansha, March 27, 2020, p25
Final Thoughts: A High-Quality Narou-kei with a Gentle Atmosphere
Almost no brutal scenes.
A soft, gentle tone.
Yet unmistakably a Narou-kei story.
It’s the perfect kind of series to read when you’re worn out from work —
something you can enjoy without using up much energy.
It truly is one of those “This is exactly what I needed!!” kind of works.
