Volume 5 of Wistoria: Wand and Sword left us on a cliffhanger. Will and his group had safely returned from the dungeon, but our protagonist was about to take a crucial exam that could change everything. With Volume 6 in hand, it’s time to dive into what happens next.
Will’s Setback
At the end of Volume 5, we saw Will fail Professor Edward’s final exam. This failure means he can no longer pursue his dream of climbing the Tower to become a Magia Vander—where his childhood friend, Elfie, awaits him. Crushed by this setback, Will runs away from the dorms. His friends, concerned for his mental state, begin searching for him.
Terminalia Festival and a New Threat
As Will deals with his personal crisis, the school and surrounding town prepare for the Terminalia festival, an annual event marking the end of the year. During this festival, the five Magia Vander gather to renew the Great Barrier, which has protected the world for 500 years. Should they fail, the world will face destruction.
However, the spell to renew the barrier is so draining that the Magia Vander can’t fight afterward. Unfortunately, this year’s festival becomes the target of a group of evildoers who teleport powerful dungeon monsters into the town. With the Magia Vander unable to defend themselves, it’s up to the students of Regarden Magical Academy to fend off the attack. The instructors provide backup, but the situation looks dire. When Will hears about the chaos, he rushes to the scene. But what can a failed student like him do against such powerful enemies?
The Halfway Point and Rising Stakes
In the afterword of this volume, artist Toshi Aoi reveals that the series has passed its halfway point. This news was surprising, as many readers likely expected Wistoria to run for much longer, especially with Fujino Omori, the author of DanMachi, at the helm. DanMachi is nearing its twentieth volume, not counting the side stories, so a longer run for Wistoria seemed likely.
However, knowing there’s an end in sight offers some reassurance. In a crowded market of shonen series, a shorter, well-paced story can stand out more than one that drags on. This is especially true for battle shonen like Wistoria.
As we hit this pivotal point, the story ramps up the drama. Will’s expulsion from the academy and the attack on the festival push the plot forward in exciting ways. The chapters are filled with thrilling action scenes and much-needed worldbuilding. Wistoria has sometimes struggled to balance its action with developing the setting, but this volume strikes a good mix. The Great Barrier and the Magia Vander are central to the story, so learning more about them deepens our understanding of the world. Add in another gripping cliffhanger, and this volume will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Translation and Release
Wistoria: Wand and Sword Volume 6 is brought to English-speaking audiences by Kodansha, with translation by Athena and Alethea Nibley. As always, the translation reads smoothly, and there are no notable issues. Volume 7 is set to release in English in March, and although the schedule has slowed down now that we’re almost caught up with Japan, the wait won’t be too long.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Wistoria: Wand and Sword Volume 6 delivers a solid entry in the series. While I was surprised to learn we’re already past the halfway mark, this knowledge gives me confidence that the story will continue to deliver as it heads toward its conclusion. If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, Volume 6 won’t disappoint.
