Okay, let's talk Classroom of the Elite! You've probably heard whispers about this anime and light novel series – the one with the ridiculously smart protagonist and the crazy competitive school. But before you dive in, you might be wondering: "How many books am I signing up for, exactly?"
The Volume Voyage: A Two-Part Journey
Think of the Classroom of the Elite story as a grand two-part road trip. First, you have the original series. Then you've got the sequel series, Classroom of the Elite: Year 2.
Original Series: The First Three Years
The first leg of the journey, the original Classroom of the Elite, spans the students' first three years at the prestigious Koudo Ikusei Senior High School. This part comprises 14 volumes in total (Volumes 1-11 and 4.5, 7.5 and 11.5). It’s where you first meet Kiyotaka Ayanokoji and witness his seemingly apathetic exterior mask a truly brilliant mind.
We see him manipulate events from the shadows. It's a wild ride of psychological games!
Year 2: The Saga Continues
But the story doesn't end there! We then get Classroom of the Elite: Year 2. This is where things get even more complicated, with new students, new challenges, and even more mind games.
As of right now, Year 2 currently has 11 volumes published in Japan (Volumes 1-11). The saga still ongoing! So, you know there's more to come.
Why So Many Volumes?
You might be thinking, "Wow, that's a lot of books!" You’re right, it is! But this isn’t some simple, straightforward story.
Each volume delves deeper into the characters' motivations, secrets, and hidden agendas. The author, Shogo Kinugasa, clearly loves to play the long game.
Is It Worth the Commitment?
Absolutely! While the sheer number of volumes might seem intimidating, each one is packed with intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists. Plus, watching Ayanokoji outsmart everyone around him is endlessly entertaining.
The character development is excellent, and the plot keeps you guessing until the very end (or, well, until the latest volume!). It's like a chess match where you're trying to figure out everyone's strategy at once.
Don't Be Intimidated!
So, the next time someone asks, "Classroom of the Elite, how many volumes?" you can confidently say, "A lot! But every single one is worth it!" Just remember to pace yourself.
You can read the volumes one after the other or one volume each day. Just enjoy the psychological roller coaster that is Classroom of the Elite!
The main charm of the series is the intricate plot filled with unexpected turns.
Who knows? Maybe you'll even start strategizing your own way to the top, just like Ayanokoji.
