I know it's nothing to be proud of, but I certainly am proud to have found this novel quite a while before it's NU debut. [This review contains spoilers]

This story is built on a tried and tested heroes journey structure. MC starts weak, gets strong, beats the enemies. Like many modern favorites, the twist is that the MC is on the side of the monsters, aka demon king.

The setting is mostly on earth, but in prefab dungeons so it feels mostly like an Isekai. The demons, who consist of... more>> all sentient non humans, hire humans from earth to test their dungeons and provide feedback for improvement. They're at war with the humans of their world because the God of Light is a massive a**hole.

MC not only climbs in levels but also climbs the corporate ladder, from simple beta tester, to section chief/trainer to demon king's general. The haremizing feels natural and has good explanations in story and the kids (because duh they're adults and s*x = kids) don't become complete placeholders either. There are parts where it turns into an actual Isekai adventure too, like when MC has too save a bunch of kids who got their while class summoned by the humans. There are also parts in modern Japan like when MC and a wife go on a date.

Overall, other than the parts where this story is a great action shonen, it feels a lot like an ad for good corporatism. MC and a lot of the human characters suffer from the Japanese employment situation what with all those black companies... The story equates good capitalism with rpg mechanics, how hard work should have equal rewards and make promotions actually worth it. Where your bosses are strict for your own good but will help you if you ask in earnest. Where the competent women in the office are also single! <<less

A pretty good start! I like the adult salaryman perspective, who doesn't completely go the opposite direction from his past ways (a.k.a. "Relaxed" OP isekai) but rather still works hard (though not insanely so) for the good of his new company. The office romance is enjoyable too.

If you liked older protagonists (nearly 30s) who have the social sensitivity to not get into teenage / chuunibyou situations, but still enjoy career-progression ambitions in a fantasy world, this is for you.

It's ok. MC is likeable enough. He's hardworking, socially adept (mostly) and relatable. Some parts feel inconsistent though. Like the MC is almost 30 so he's usually more practical, but he splurges most of his initial money on a sword that's basically a gacha item that has a high likelihood of being useless even though it's his main weapon. I'm also not feeling the chemistry between the initial love interest and him so far, though that might just be the TL.

TL is also not great. A lot of parts read... more>> very awkwardly, especially dialogue. <<less