Fans of How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the anime adaptation and the resolution of the lingering romantic tension. The ending, while satisfying for some, left many wanting more. This post explores innovative solutions for a more fulfilling and impactful ending, addressing fan concerns and proposing exciting new directions for the story.
Addressing Unresolved Romantic Tension: A Multifaceted Approach
One of the biggest criticisms of the ending focuses on the unresolved romantic feelings between Diablo, Shera, and Rem. The anime cleverly balanced these relationships, but a definitive conclusion was missing. Here are some ideas to address this:
1. The "Three's Company" Approach: A Harmonious Polyamorous Relationship
This bold solution embraces the existing dynamic. Diablo's unique personality and the strong bonds he's developed with both Shera and Rem could naturally lead to a polyamorous relationship. This approach requires careful handling to avoid clichés and to respect the characters' individual agency and emotional growth. The focus should be on the strength of their bonds and the mutual understanding and respect they share. This would be a unique and progressive take on the harem trope.
2. A Gradual Progression of Relationships: Time and Patience
Alternatively, the ending could focus on a more gradual progression of relationships. Instead of forcing a conclusion, the story could focus on the characters' continued growth and development, allowing their feelings to evolve organically over time. This approach would allow for more character-driven storytelling and would leave the ultimate pairing open to interpretation. This would be very satisfying for viewers who prefer slow-burn romance.
3. The "Choice" Scenario: Individual Paths and Acceptance
This approach allows each girl to pursue her own happiness. Diablo could acknowledge and respect the feelings of both Shera and Rem, while simultaneously understanding the importance of letting them make their own choices. This could potentially lead to individual storylines, exploring their growth and independence beyond their romantic feelings for Diablo. The focus would shift to self-discovery and personal fulfillment.
Expanding the Lore and Worldbuilding: Unlocking New Possibilities
Beyond the romance, the ending could have benefitted from expanding on the lore and world-building of the How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord universe.
1. The "Hidden Threat" Revelation: A Larger Conflict
Introducing a previously unknown threat or a larger-scale conflict would provide a compelling reason for future installments. This could involve a powerful antagonist or a major world event, demanding the combined strength and unique skills of Diablo, Shera, and Rem.
2. Exploration of the Demon Lord's Past: Unveiling Mysteries
Delving into Diablo's past, exploring his origins and motivations as a Demon Lord, would add depth to his character and the overall narrative. This could introduce new conflicts, revealing hidden enemies or allies. This would deepen the backstory making fans more invested in the world and characters.
3. Expanding on the Magic System: New Spells and Abilities
Expanding on the existing magic system and introducing new spells and abilities would add a layer of excitement and intrigue. This could be explored through training sequences or discovering ancient magical artifacts. This would be exciting for fans who enjoy the fantasy elements.
Conclusion: The Potential for a Richer Narrative
The ending of How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord certainly had its merits, but there's significant potential to explore richer narratives. By addressing unresolved romantic tension creatively, expanding the world-building, and adding new layers of conflict, the story could reach an even higher level of engagement and satisfaction for its devoted fans. Ultimately, the most successful conclusion would respect the established character dynamics while offering exciting new avenues for future installments.
