Vermillion

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

Western VRMMO【DEMONDAL】was known for its extremely harsh game system. To begin with, there were no levels. There were no skills. There were no guilds. There was no inventory. There were no convenient system messages or maps of any kind either. It was so needlessly realistic that it was already basically a VR life simulator.

As for anything game-like, it was basically limited to weapon masteries; a proficiency level that you got from using your weapon, as well as physical strength that increased as well. That was it.

It was a fantasy game so there was magic, but forming a contract with a spirit was extremely difficult, and only 1% of the playerbase were magicians.

In this VR game【DEMONDAL】that was ridiculously close to reality, the protagonist Kei who was a well known mounted archery expert, was one day sent to another world with his Russian【DEMONDAL】friend.

The game that was severe to begin with had turned into a reality, and the harshness increased again――

Associated Names
One entry per line
Vermillion; Étranger À L'arc Rouge
Vermillion;朱き強弓のエトランジェ
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Grimgal of Ashes and Illusion (2)
Dungeon Defense (2)
Akuyaku Reijo Ni Koi Wo Shite (2)
The King’s Avatar (1)
The Lazy King (1)
Sevens (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Series where you get to see the couple be a couple
  2. Novels i like (No Harem)
  3. Novels that I think are worth a read
  4. The best novels I have read
  5. Great Novels Out There And You Won't Regret Clicki...

Latest Release

Date Group Release
03/08/24 Infinite Novel... c39 part3
02/09/24 Infinite Novel... c39 part2
12/29/23 Infinite Novel... c39 part1
12/08/23 Infinite Novel... c38 part4
11/10/23 Infinite Novel... c38 part3
10/13/23 Infinite Novel... c38 part2
10/06/23 Infinite Novel... c38 part1
09/22/23 Infinite Novel... c37 part5
09/08/23 Infinite Novel... c37 part4
08/18/23 Infinite Novel... c37 part3
07/14/23 Infinite Novel... c37 part2
06/23/23 Infinite Novel... c37 part1
05/26/23 Infinite Novel... c36 part2
04/28/23 Infinite Novel... c36 part1
03/31/23 Infinite Novel... interlude 6 part4
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Write a Review
22 Reviews sorted by


taptothebeat
taptothebeat rated it
October 28, 2016
Status: c12 part1
Premise: Two people get trapped in a realistic VR game that they are OP at.

Initial Thoughts: It's okay. It's still early on (ch. 12) so perhaps will get better? My main qualm is that the logic, tactics, and character reactions are irrational based on the facts the author has presented throughout the story thus far. Fights seemed forced to happen rather than via logic, and as such it's hard to take anything in this novel seriously.

I mean, that isn't that uncommon for novels on this site, but for the 'realistic... more>> approach' that this novel seems to be striving for, it seems like an unfixable blunder.

For some quick examples based on what I have read thus far,
Spoiler

MC's poor tactics and logic:

Spoiler

Again remember that the new world he is stuck in is like the game he is an expert at, so one would think that his fighting/tactical procedure should be roughly the same as the game, given how calm the MC is. He was supposedly OP at this game, played it 24/7... yet his fighting/tactics in this new world are embarrassing.

Example: He initiated a fight against a group of bandits and therefore had plenty of time to prepare. 1. He did not even count the number of enemies prior to the fight he initiated? 2. With having lots of power and knowing hand to hand combat... he decided to use a sword instead. Why does he even bother with the sword? The only result of this was completely destroying his partner's weapon and almost dying. 3. He demonstrates that throwing a pebble can kill his enemies... why did he not just continue throwing lots of pebbles to kill all his enemies? 4. He knows enemies get stunned by his bloodlust, why did he not use it to overwhelm the bandits while going for the kill. 5. He ambushed the bandits with an attack that they couldn't avoid, why not kill the boss first -- he was clearly observing from afar and pinpointed who it was?

[collapse]

MC's lack of basic intelligence:

Spoiler

Background Information: The MC's partner had become poisoned by a bandit's arrow in an ambush. The MC successfully escaped the ambush with his poisoned partner to a safe location. The MC incidentally has a stash of 3 OP antidotes, one of which will cure his partner of poison. If he uses the wrong antidote it will backlash and his partner will die. He also still has the poisoned arrow.

His painfully s*upid conclusion to this dilemma was to go and confront the bandits and kindly ask them what poison they used in hopes that they will be honest with him. Hence why I wrote forced fight situations in this review.

He could have skipped the entire farce, by taking the poisoned arrow he already had and tested it. Just catch two small animals (or bandits). Poison them both. Feed both of them different antidotes as he clearly has a stash of antidotes. Then see which one survives. If both die, it's the third antidote.

Then there's the added fact that he didn't even have to continue fighting after killing the first few in his ambush on the bandits. He could have just grabbed the antidote off of their bodies after the other ones escaped. Or mortally wounded one, then after the others escaped, detained him, fed him a potion, then questioned him what the name of the poison was.

[collapse]

The MC's nonsense mentality:

Spoiler

Case 1. The MC had zero hesitation on killing someone for the first time...

Case 2. The MC later lacked the conviction to kill evil bandits to the point where he severely endangered himself in the process. In more detail: The MC has OP hiding skill which he used to kill some of a group of bandits. All good so far... but then instead of remaining hidden to finish them all off he decides to purposefully reveal himself, becoming extremely vulnerable in the process, all just to ask his enemies remaining ones alive a question instead of just killing them all to get the same answer. tldr; in this case, he lacks the conviction to kill to the point where he endangers himself as a consequence.

I mean come on. You can't have both of those types of mentalities together.

[collapse]

Irrational side characters:

Spoiler

There is so much more to tsukkomi but I'll end it with just that there is zero reason for the village to accept them into the village to flee from the bandits. Even if they are not bandits in disguise, there is nothing good that can come from the village accommodating them unless the village people are saints. What luck that would be. Plot armor? Almost all characters in this village seemed truly unreal for this new world they entered.

[collapse]
[collapse]
The novel isn't particularly bad, but the other reviews seem to overhype this novel by a lot, based on what I've read so far. <<less
73 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Oh_itsPj
Oh_itsPj rated it
May 26, 2016
Status: c8 part2
A 10/10 LN, this takes VRMMORPG games to the next level. Thinking outside the box. You take damage for drinking healing potions, man...

The girl MC is pretty and strong yet so vulnerable at the same time. The MC's 6th sense is like a future teller, he knows when he will get attacked, and know when not. This is a true VRMMORPG LN. If I could give a higher score than 5 stars I would
61 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
123jbster
123jbster rated it
May 17, 2016
Status: c12 part2
Wow.

Plain and simply wow.

Currently, for having translations only up to ch. 8 part 2 this has been nothing short of a roller coaster of emotions and amazement. The details are abundant, but never does it feel over the top and nor is there a lack thereof -- unless you want to be nit-picky. The character development has already advanced leaps and bounds due to the crisis of their current predicament. It feels like the two main characters are actually real people instead of just "characters". The initial background, while not... more>> 100% unique, takes an original spin on your usual, "Transferred to a world that is identical to the VRMMO you were playing." which keeps it refreshing and not stereotypical. Most importantly, it does these differences well and does not over-exaggerate them.

I could go on and on with this rant of how amazing Vermillion is. So to save yourself some reading, and myself some typing, I'll just say this: Vermillion is absolutely deserving of 5 full stars. <<less
22 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
hevaLaLuna
hevaLaLuna rated it
June 13, 2019
Status: --
This is what happens when you have gritty, realistic world-building, an amazing down to earth and practical Hero and his amazing journey but you forcibly shove a Mary Sue in there for good measure. It spoils everything. Her b**bs and panty-less low shots spoil everything.

The world building is amazing. The male character is also very good but the way the Female Main Character is portrayed is very, very poor, in typical Japanese beta male fashion.

Does she fearlessly defeat 8 grown men with her lithe but curvy physique and her long,... more>> luscious blond hair, without even dirtying her hand and conscience? Mary Sue YEAH!!!

Is she a cute pixie with b**bs that can be lusted over through her non-existing armor? Yes

Is she really good with children and thinks children are the cutest buns in the world? Hell yeah. Wink, wink

Does she have any type of knowledge pertaining to her European heritage that wouldn't be obvious to someone from a different culture? Hell no!

Is she fondled in public in from of the MC? Yeah

Does her past life trauma and pain play any role in her current personality, outside of giving her a tragic back-story ? You ask too much

She is an OK character for a harem story where you don't feel the consequence of choice, but she doesn't belong here. <<less
17 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Astrum91
Astrum91 rated it
October 7, 2019
Status: c13
The setting starts with a VRMMO with such a heavy emphasis on realism that it almost entirely tosses fantasy aspect out of the window. Then short after, the MC gets sent to another world where the game actually is real, and any fantasy elements get removed entirely.

I couldn't figure out why the author would bother with the initial setting in the first place. It's already a game with an unreasonable focus on realism, then goes all in on the realism with a real world without magic aside from a few... more>> items and potions. Why even bother with the game setting at all in the first place if you're just going to toss everything out the window?

It feels like the author wanted an excuse to give the MC an OP weapon right off the bat but couldn't figure out how to do it, so he made the MC get it in the game and take it with him to the real world version of the game. <<less
13 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
doomeye1337
doomeye1337 rated it
October 11, 2016
Status: --
This is what I wanted from sao and all its clones! Well not exactly, but this shows amazing promise. Wish all the j-novels were this good. Suppose we'll see if it stays good, but for now, amazing stuff
11 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Gordon
Gordon rated it
December 19, 2015
Status: --
This novel is different from the other VRMMO to reality from it's lack of game element. There are menus or health bar everything is just the same as the real world. It makes the story more intresting and it feels fresh. I recommend it for all.
11 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
admira
admira rated it
December 15, 2015
Status: --
It's really, really great that this has been picked up by a translating team! This series is pretty unique in various ways. Even though the MCs are strong in a fight, many of the issues they encounter can't be surmounted with brute force. The truths of living in a (semi-) civilized world.
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
lieun
lieun
May 13, 2018
Status: c21
I'm continuing this series with Google translate, but I'm still enjoying this series. Let me just warn you that I'm only going to touch on the main part that draws me about this series: the two lead protagonists. *Minor spoilers*

First of all, let me clarify that SAO and Vermillion are not the same genre. People can see it as SAO characters in a Overlord setting. At first, I felt that this series was what I wanted SAO to be: an fantasy adventure story where the ML and FL overcome hardships... more>> together and build a relationship in an unfamiliar world. But Vermillion turned out to be more than that. Might be too early to say in 20 chapters, but I can feel how the author carefully develops these two characters.

One criticism about the beginning of this story is that the plot focuses too much on the ML, which was also problem for SAO, where badass FL turned into a housewife in the sidelines as the ML builds an indirect harem by going off on his own.

But we can see that although the FL is more prone to naiivety, there is a reason to their differences in principles. As you have read in the title, Demondal was a hardcore VRMMORPG where the most broken people gather to "live" in a realistic world. And I don't mean NEETS, but tragic pasts that have come to haunt them.

I won't spoil more details, but what I will say is that this is where Kei and Aileen are different. Kei's tragedy has stolen his real life from him. To him, Demondal was already another world. Aileen was someone who seems to have many regrets in her real life, many of which were caused by her tragedy. To her, Demondal is a way to cope with her new reality. When these two transport to the new world, the two already accept it as their new reality. But while Kei adopts the dark aspects of a lawless medieval world, Aileen adopts the ideal that even if this world is shit, the power she has allows her to do more than she ever will in the real world. They are a contrasting couple, and their interactions allow this novel to shine.

I've seen many novels where this dynamic fails: characters often get into a shouting match to argue which of their opinion is better. More often than not, martial arts novels have the protagonists surround themselves with characters who only agree with them, leading to a linear plotline where there are no stakes because the MC is always right and will eventually win. At least from the twenty chapters, Kei and Aileen argue about their ideals but also realize the values of each other's principles. Aileen knows that what Kei says is often rational, but Kei also knows that Aileen represents the humanity that he's gradually losing by adapting to this dark world.

This is why Vermillion is one of my favorite fantasy series. <<less
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Asphyxia778
Asphyxia778 rated it
October 15, 2021
Status: --
I read it way back in 2017 and I was hooked and was left devastated when it went on hiatus.

I really enjoyed this story and now I am happy that it's been picked up for translation again.

This is an isekai story done right and very realistic and the characters' struggling to survive and find their way is a joy to read. There are some cliche elements but they don't hinder the story and I actually find them endearing here. (This story is actually like grimgar which while not popular itself... more>> is one of the best in it's genre)

I'd definitely recommend this. <<less
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
OfficePony
OfficePony rated it
September 20, 2018
Status: c20
This story is heavy. Similar in style to Grimgar Fantasy but giving them game powers. It's gritty and surreal.

Grammar: 4/5

Writing: 4/5

... more>> Story: 4.2/5

The grammar was splendid, the translator and the team behind them probably put in a lot of effort. The writing is quite nice in setting a darker tone with lighter moments interspersed between to keep you from drowning in the tension. The pace is slow, but it builds everything up and the world building is decently done. The characters have yet to experience any real growth aside from the MC. The MC has already started to change due to the harsh nature of the world they were forced into. While the story itself isn't an original concept, the way it's presented is quite a work of art.

A bit of advice, don't read this if you dislike slow-paced stories. It's very slow.

Overall, a good read, but it's sad it was dropped. <<less
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
PrunJuice
PrunJuice rated it
June 20, 2018
Status: c0
Slow pacing, depressing setting, and inconsistent characters.

Good premise that does away with many of the VR crutches that plague isekai light novels but doesn't follow through on the execution.

Less game mechanics =/= less fun. Unfortunately this story is no fun whatsoever.
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
SoloFlame
SoloFlame rated it
September 21, 2016
Status: c11 part 3
This novel seems to be a refreshing take on the VRMMO transported to another world trope, taking a grounded reality/low fantasy angle compared to other novels in the same genre. As the story begins the characters are already thrust into dire straits and within the first couple of chapters you are exposed to mystery and action, simply put, this novel is a must read
5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
zadumu
zadumu rated it
July 16, 2020
Status: c15
The story is pretty great, the writing is actually good, and the translation quality is high. The story is not quite dark but certainly feels heavy. So far, all the character introduced actually have depth and personality.
Lots of reviews say that the MC is not over powered but he most certainly is. Unfortunately, the “unnecessarily realistic” part of the synopsis is absolutely false. IMO it doesn’t really detract from the story, but if realism is what your looking for there are several points where the story departs from reality.... more>> First, characters can gain super human strength. Second, characters can contract spirits. Third, characters can have magic crests engraved on their body. Forth, there’s potions. Shortly after the characters get Isekai’d we find out that getting even a single magic crest is so difficult that it’s basically reserved for nobles plus their equipment might as well be god tier to the average person. In the dead of night, with no light, from over 100 meters away, MC can pin a dude, in leather armor, to a rock wall... if that’s realistic and not over powered I’m apparently reading this from another universe. <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
PloxFGM
PloxFGM rated it
July 27, 2021
Status: c59
Id say this an Isekai done right, while we have the typical "overpowered" (or rather strong as they arent really "OP" in the sense of never facing any life threatening obstacles) MC + FMC it still manages to have stakes.

Another plus is no game elements like skills/levels, which at this point is used 99% of Isekais even if they arent based on games.

The underlying drama is also quite good and hits hard IMO, (Light spoiler on FMC condition)

... more>>
Spoiler

For the MC going home essentially means slowly waiting for death as a vegetable, while the FMC has the decision of going back being paralysed from the waste down in a peaceful world with a good family or staying in a world, thats incredibly hostile, with the MC.

That discussion alone is already something that elevates it from other Isekais ive read where the decision to go home is completely thrown out of the window by transferring by death, is never touched on or is locked behind the quest of "killing the demonlord", which they obviously instantly believe.

[collapse]

As for the characters, the MC is of the calculating, calm type, where he places his and the FMCs safety over that of other people to the point, where even if theres little danger hes still reluctant. Though that doesnt mean he always acts like that he still acts on impulse from time to time.

While the FMC is kinda the opposite being more in line with your standard protagonist, but at the same not overly so.

My biggest problem with the Novel is just that the story isnt really done in those 23 translated chapters, and I dont think its very fulfilling to read if you either cant read japanese to catch up with the WN or are willing to just bite through horrible MTL. (I can also say nothing about how good or bad the the different languages the author uses is)

The WN doesnt have any current translators latest translated chapter was 2017 and sadly nobody has picked it up. While the original is still ongoing with the latest release being a week ago.

All in all 5/5 for an isekai while Id say 4/5 for normal Novels. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
temptest
temptest rated it
January 18, 2023
Status: c16
The author does a lot of things right and they've already been mentioned in the other reviews so I don't feel the need to repeat the same talking points. The reason why I dropped it is because of the interaction between the Male and Female lead.
The two have known each other for like two years before being transported into the game world. There wasn't any romance that was even implied. Literally just two friends playing games with each other.

And then the FL who was arguably supposed to be just... more>> as competent as the ML just turns into a fragile girl for the ML to protect. Not just physically but emotionally too. It feels like she's being treated as an infant.

Spoiler

The ML kills like 8 bandits in front of the FL. One of them is a girl and this is the dialogue that happened afterwards.

The wind changed direction, sending the scent of blood straight to Aileen. She covered her mouth and looked down. Her eyes opened wide at the body she saw.

“A girl... ?”

“Yeah... She had a bandana on, I didn’t notice either. So I didn’t hold back.” Kei averted his eyes and spoke quickly.

He was scared to look her in the eye.

[collapse]

The story would be quite passable and maybe even good if it didn't have a romance tag or didn't have the FL I don't understand how this story is rated 4.5 stars but I guess that's a testament to how much tr*sh there is in comparison. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
chihamin
chihamin rated it
June 7, 2021
Status: c23 part3
Really great writing but I personally had to drop because... (very mild spoiler warning) ... more>>
Spoiler

I was getting too uncomfortable with how much detail the author just suddenly started putting in in a part of a chapter about the MC’s feelings towards the male lead. The explanation escalated way too quickly and it was hard not to cringe or feel uncomfortable by it.

[collapse]

If you’re a snowflake like me and don’t like stuff like that, you might be put off on the stories sudden spike into that description.

I personally prefer lots of hints and slow development until a romance lead eventually is forced to admit they like the love interest, not like 2 or 3 hints and then all the sudden the MC is like “yea guess im in love”

(the chapter I was on might be slightly inaccurate) <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Alucard98
Alucard98 rated it
August 20, 2018
Status: c20
I didn't get it, why the author or translator chose to drop the series. I suppose it was the translator since coo showing 71+ chaps. You made me starving man, seriously. Ok lets head to the review.

This story is just like your common japanese typical isekai. Out of nowhere transported into a game world without knowing how to get back. But wait, your MC is not some godly player with cheat like skill. He actually bleed, desprate, losing his companion and else.

The point is, the world his being at was... more>> very humanly. Beside, The MC's not invincible. Heroine just not spontantly fall in love with him and so do him. All in all, it Means that many possibility for story's progress. Very neat writting and translation, thumbs up. Weakness is really slow pace, to detail on explaining the environment and else.

This story has a lot of potential and possibility It was very infortunate they dropped it. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Alec157
Alec157 rated it
July 3, 2018
Status: c21 part3
It isn’t a masterpiece or anything amazing, just an above average series. Or at least what should be thought of as an above average series. Good character development, interesting new take on the trapped in a game trope, decent world building. The only problem I’d find for some people would be the slow pacing of the series, however this is sometimes compensated by the world building.

If what you are used to is generic isekai harems you’ll be happily surprised with this show. However there is no harem (one great thing... more>> I believe since I dont like harems) which could be a problem for some people.

Overall this is a series I highly recommend even though I believe its a bit overrated. Nonetheless still a good read.

P.S: Im very triggered that the group dropped the series but if they wanted to stop its their choice. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
epicname
epicname rated it
February 9, 2018
Status: c14
Despite the setting is not new (MC being transported into another world), it's absolutely not mediocre like other novels about gameworld transportation, this is probably because the game MC plays is out of the norms (super realistic gameplay)

MC is strong, but not op, theres situations where he has to put his life on the line, and he's not your stereotypical moron

I have only read about 14 chapters so far, rated this 4 stars due to his friend is a male-to-female and he/she has a high possibility of becoming MCs... more>> love interest in the future tho it still hasnt happened in c14 (srsly wtf I dont want to see MC dating his friend just because he now has an appearance of a goodlooking girl :v, gonna drop this when the time comes) <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Leave a Review (Guidelines)
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.