The theme of being kicked out of the hero party is a popular trope in light novels, with many authors exploring the consequences of being expelled from a group of powerful and revered heroes. These stories often feature main characters who are initially celebrated for their heroic deeds, only to be cast out for various reasons, such as their flaws or the machinations of others. In this article, we will be looking at 10 light novels where the MC is kicked out of the hero party and their subsequent journey to redemption, revenge, or self-discovery. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming stories of friendship and growth, these light novels showcase the wide range of narratives that can arise from this particular trope.
“Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest” by Ryo Shirakome
In “Arifureta,” the main character, Hajime Nagumo, is summoned to a fantasy world along with his classmates to defeat the demon king. However, after a betrayal by one of his companions, Hajime is left for dead in a dungeon and forced to fight for survival. Through his resourcefulness and determination, Hajime rises from his lowest point to become one of the strongest beings in the world. However, he is cast out from the hero party for his brutal methods and must forge his path to defeat the demon king. “Arifureta” is a thrilling and action-packed light novel that explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and self-discovery. Hajime’s journey from a powerless and betrayed hero to a feared and respected warrior is sure to captivate readers who enjoy a good action-adventure story.
“Rising of the Shield Hero” by Aneko Yusagi
In “Rising of the Shield Hero,” the main character, Naofumi Iwatani, is summoned to a fantasy world along with three other heroes to protect the kingdom from a wave of monsters. However, Naofumi is falsely accused of a crime and ostracized by his fellow heroes and the kingdom. Determined to clear his name and seek justice, Naofumi sets out on his own and discovers that he has the power to control a legendary shield. With the help of his companions and the people he meets along the way, Naofumi embarks on a journey to save the kingdom and prove his innocence. “Rising of the Shield Hero” is a captivating light novel that explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the power of friendship. Naofumi’s struggle to overcome his unfair treatment and become a true hero is sure to resonate with readers who enjoy a good underdog story.
“Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash” by Ao Jyumonji
In “Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash,” the main characters are transported to a fantasy world with no memories of their past lives. They join a party of adventurers and begin to explore the world and battle monsters, but their lack of experience and training soon becomes apparent. After a disastrous battle, the party is forced to disband, leaving the main character, Haruhiro, and his companions to fend for themselves. They must learn to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world and eventually join a new party to continue their adventure. “Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash” is a poignant and introspective light novel that explores themes of identity, grief, and resilience. Haruhiro’s struggle to find his place in a world where he has lost everything is sure to resonate with readers who enjoy a more character-driven story.
“Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?” by Okina Baba
In “Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?”, the main character is reincarnated as a spider monster in a fantasy world. She quickly discovers that she is in a dangerous and deadly environment and must fight to survive and level up. As she gains more power and abilities, she begins to realize the truth about her past life and the reason for her reincarnation. However, her journey takes a drastic turn when she is kicked out of the hero party and forced to rely solely on herself to survive and achieve her goals. “Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?” is a unique and fascinating light novel that explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and survival. The main character’s struggle to come to terms with her new life and find her place in a dangerous world is sure to captivate readers who enjoy a more unconventional story.
“Goblin Slayer” by Kumo Kagyu
In “Goblin Slayer,” the main character is a silver-ranked adventurer who specializes in hunting goblins. After a disastrous encounter with a group of goblins, he joins forces with a priestess and other adventurers to take on a greater threat. However, after a controversial and brutal battle, he is cast out of the adventurer’s guild and forced to operate on his own. He must continue to fight against goblins and other enemies while dealing with the consequences of his actions. “Goblin Slayer” is a dark and gritty light novel that explores themes of violence, trauma, and revenge. The main character’s obsession with goblin hunting and his willingness to do whatever it takes to protect others is sure to captivate readers who enjoy a more mature and intense story.
“Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!” by Natsume Akatsuki
In “Konosuba,” the main character is transported to a fantasy world after dying an embarrassing death in the real world. He is given the choice to bring one item with him and chooses a useless goddess as his companion. Together with his companions, he sets out to defeat the demon king and become heroes. However, their ineptitude and bickering often get in the way, and they are frequently kicked out of towns and shunned by the people they are trying to protect. “Konosuba” is a hilarious and lighthearted light novel that explores themes of friendship, humour, and adventure. The main character’s struggles to become a hero while dealing with his incompetent companions are sure to entertain readers who enjoy a good comedy.
“DanMachi: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?” by Fujino Omori
In “DanMachi,” the main character is a young adventurer who dreams of becoming a hero and winning the heart of a powerful and beautiful goddess. He joins the adventurer’s guild and begins to explore the dungeon, fighting monsters and levelling up. However, after a disastrous encounter with a powerful monster, he is kicked out of the guild and forced to rebuild his reputation and strength. He must work with his companions and other adventurers to defeat powerful enemies and prove himself as a hero. “DanMachi” is a fun and engaging light novel that explores themes of adventure, romance, and self-improvement. The main character’s journey to become a hero and win the heart of his goddess is sure to captivate readers who enjoy a good fantasy romance.
“Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody” by Hiro Ainana
In “Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody,” the main character, Ichiro Suzuki, is transported to a fantasy world and gains immense power and wealth through a stroke of luck. However, he is cast out from the hero party for his overpowered abilities and must navigate the politics and dangers of the new world on his own. Ichiro must balance his desire to live a peaceful and carefree life with his responsibility to protect those around him from the dark forces that threaten the kingdom. Along the way, he forms unexpected friendships and allies, including a group of girls who become his travelling companions. “Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody” is a lighthearted and entertaining light novel that explores themes of power, responsibility, and the joys of exploration. Ichiro’s laid-back attitude and unflappable nature make him a fun and relatable protagonist who will appeal to readers looking for a more whimsical and carefree adventure.
“Classroom of the Elite” by Syougo Kinugasa
In “Classroom of the Elite,” the main character, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, is a student at an elite high school where the students are divided into classes based on their academic performance. Kiyotaka is initially expelled from his class for failing to participate in class activities, but he soon reveals himself to be a master manipulator who is playing a long game to achieve his own goals. As Kiyotaka navigates the cutthroat world of high school politics, he forms alliances and rivalries with his classmates and teachers. He must balance his desire to maintain a low profile with his ambition to climb the ranks and take control of the school’s power structure. “Classroom of the Elite” is a psychological and political thriller that explores themes of power, manipulation, and the dark side of ambition. Kiyotaka’s cool and calculating demeanour makes him a compelling and unpredictable protagonist who will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
“Re: Zero − Starting Life in Another World” by Tappei Nagatsuki
In “Re: Zero − Starting Life in Another World,” the main character, Subaru Natsuki, is transported to a fantasy world and gains the ability to rewind time after he dies. However, he soon discovers that his actions have consequences, and he must use his power wisely to prevent the people he cares about from dying. Subaru’s journey is a complex and emotionally charged one, as he faces challenges that test his resolve and force him to confront his own flaws and shortcomings. He forms bonds with a diverse cast of characters, including a half-elf named Emilia who becomes his love interest and ally. “Re: Zero − Starting Life in Another World” is a gripping and intense light novel that explores themes of trauma, redemption, and the value of life.
In conclusion, the theme of being kicked out of the hero party has proven to be a popular trope in the world of light novels. Through these 10 examples, we have seen the wide range of narratives that can arise from this particular trope, from action-packed adventures to heartwarming stories of friendship and growth. These light novels explore themes such as betrayal, redemption, self-discovery, resilience, and the power of friendship. The main characters in each of these stories must overcome significant challenges, both internal and external, to achieve their goals and find their place in their respective worlds. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures or more introspective stories, there is a light novel on this list that is sure to captivate and entertain you. So, grab a copy of your favourite title and dive into the exciting and emotional world of light novels today!
