Anti-Magic Academy: The 35th Test Platoon

• Author: Tōki Yanagimi
• Genres: Fantasy Phương Tây, Học Đường, Harem, Light Novel
• Status: Completed
• Rating: ★ 4.0 / 5
• Published: 2026-10-04

An Age of Guns

Set in a turbulent world plagued by an ongoing war between humanity and witches, the Anti-Magic Academy was founded to train an elite generation of Inquisitors. Armed with modern firearms, their primary mission is to crack down on dangerous magic-wielding criminals. Yet, prejudice and deep-seated hatred continue to cast a dark shadow over everyday life.

Against this backdrop, high school freshman Kusanagi Takeru walks a lonely path, fighting solely with a traditional sword. Despite being mocked as a misfit swordsman with zero talent for firearms, he remains stubbornly determined to prove the worth of his blade. Driven by curiosity and a selfless urge to shoulder half of everyone else's burdens, he strives to become one of the true Inquisitors.

The Misfit Squad

Fate eventually thrusts Kusanagi Takeru into the role of captain for the 35th Test Platoon, a quirky bunch mockingly dubbed the Small Fry Platoon. This squad serves as a dumping ground for unruly, uncooperative students plagued by intense internal conflicts. Yet beneath their dysfunctional exterior, each member is actually a specialist harboring incredibly unique talents.

This ragtag lineup features the powerful and vengeful Ōka Ōtori, the anxious sniper Usagi Saionji, the tech genius Ikaruga Suginami, and the amnesiac witches Mari Nikaido. The plot thickens with the arrival of Lapis, posing as Kusanagi Takeru's sister, alongside his complicated bond with his actual sister, Kiseki Kusanagi. Together, they must learn to understand one another and share their pain to survive the life-or-death trials ahead.

A Compelling Magic System

The series features a highly engaging and detailed magic system, highlighted by the contract mechanism of the Relic Eaters. These powerful ancient magical artifacts can form covenants with individuals to grant them overwhelming power, best exemplified by Ōka Ōtori's dual guns, Vlad. Standing against them are dangerous magic users who wield devastating Ancient Attribute Magic.

To combat evil, Kusanagi Takeru's ancient swordsmanship is meticulously detailed across two styles: Kusanagi Shinmei-ryu and Kusanagi Moroha-ryu. His ultimate technique, Soumatou, grants him superhuman reaction speed to neutralize firearms head-on. This is perfectly showcased in his high-stakes showdown with the magical criminal Haunted, who wields a terrifyingly destructive Despair Magic.

The High Points

The series delivers a highly engaging experience thanks to its coherent, emotionally resonant storytelling. Here are the brightest highlights that readers will easily appreciate:

• Successfully establishes a realistic conflict backdrop between ancient magic and modern firearms.
• The supporting cast is incredibly well-developed, with each character having psychological depth and plenty of screen time.
• A seamless blend of breathtaking action and heartwarming slice-of-life school moments.
• Fully explores the theme of overcoming adversity, showing how perceived outcasts learn to unite.

The Low Points

Despite its strengths, there are still a few minor flaws that hold the story back. Keep these drawbacks in mind before diving into this journey:

• The convoluted romantic elements occasionally dilute the main plot, slowing down the pacing of action-packed battles.
• The resolution of early internal conflicts relies heavily on typical light novel tropes.
• The power imbalances between factions are sometimes resolved through forced, unnatural plot armor.

Community Feedback

While it hasn't completely taken over major forums, the series has proven its unique value through decent community ratings. Here is a look at actual feedback from reputable databases:

• Goodreads: 3.5/5.0 (2 ratings, checked on 10/04/2026) for the manga omnibus edition 'Anti-Magic Academy: The 35th Test Platoon - The Complete Missions', receiving fairly positive reviews.
• Kenmei: 7.5/10 (2 ratings, checked on 10/04/2026) for the manga adaptation 'Anti-Magic Academy “The 35th Test Platoon”', praising the art quality and faithful adaptation of the source material.

The Verdict

The grueling anti-magic crusade of the 35th Test Platoon is a rollercoaster epic of sheer courage and camaraderie. By shouldering half the pain of those around him, Kusanagi Takeru proves that swordsmanship is far from obsolete. His unwavering resolve lights a beacon of hope in a world overrun by prejudice and hatred.

If you are looking for a fast-paced story that perfectly balances school life with high-stakes fantasy combat, this is the ideal pick. Step into their world and witness these breathless battles for survival yourself.

Anti-Magic Academy: The 35th Test Platoon is a thrilling journey of resilient misfits fighting to prove their worth in a ruthless age of guns and ammunition.

Tags: academy, swordsmanship, magic