Rating: too early to say. 4.5, maybe? (-0.5 for lacking storyline.)

I'm only on the second arc, and it's hard to say what the final rating will be. This is a military story without a clear goal or antagonist, but the writing is also exceptional, and the translation is fantastic. Battles are interesting with lots of twists and turns, and the MC is very funny to watch. She's got a massive ego, but is also capable, and not shy about speaking up. Wins and losses both happen, so you're never... more>> sure reading a battle sequence just how it will turn out.

Taking a step back though, by it's nature the story has a very positive perspective of the military, verging on the point of propaganda. The only things saving it are the setting not being identifiably connected to the modern day, and the MC being from the distant past. There's also the question of whether it's feminist or sexist; It's treading the line a bit, honestly. Cultural behaviors that re-enforce sexism are called out, but the portrayal of the secondary and tertiary female military students is lacking. If women don't often join the military tracks in this sci-fi future then the ones that do persevere are likely to be far more mentally tough than the average male student. Instead they're happy to accept the babying of the male students. One or two of them doing this? Sure, there's always people tempted by an easy handout. All of them? No way. Feels like a way to frame MC as tough and "not like the other girls". At least we haven't gotten any real statements about girls being naturally weaker or whatever from anyone in a position of strength, so there's that.

Note for the translator: Thank you so much for all your work, you've done a truly wonderful job so far <3 <<less

I'm a bit torn with this story.

And the story, well, I actually enjoyed it but I can't say I'm satisfied. It's long yet felt short. There's an action but I wasn't so invested in it. Maybe because I kept comparing it to Smash All Pots and Pans To Go to School (in terms of action, shenanigans, friendships, plot, it's a whole new level, highly recommended!) They're completely different of course. But because these two were the only mecha stories I've read, I can't help but compare them which is unreasonable. Lol

The ending was anticlimactic. And the romance? Well, the last few paragraphs (from the extras) wrapped it up.

It's like eating an appetizer and then realizing that was the whole meal.