How Many Mushoku Tensei Light Novels Are There

Okay, let's talk about Mushoku Tensei. You know, that isekai anime that everyone seems to be obsessed with? Specifically, how many of those light novels are actually out there?

It’s a simple question, right? But trust me, the answer is… surprisingly complicated.

The Official Count (and Why It's a Lie)

Officially, there are 26 main volumes. This is what you'll see plastered everywhere. It’s what the internet parrots back at you. But is that the whole truth?

My unpopular opinion? 26 is a bare minimum. Think of it as the tip of the iceberg, or Rudeus’s repressed trauma – there's more hiding beneath the surface.

But Wait, There's More! (Side Stories, Duh!)

Have you heard of the Jobless Oblige series? These are basically side stories. Think of them as extra helpings of your favorite dish. They give you deeper dives into characters and events you already know and love (or hate).

These side stories aren't technically part of the core 26. But they're absolutely canon. So, shouldn’t they count towards the overall Mushoku Tensei lore quota?

And what about the various short stories released online? Or the ones included as bonuses with the Blu-rays and merchandise? Do these count? I say yes!

The "Everything Counts" Philosophy

Here's my controversial stance. Any official piece of writing that expands the Mushoku Tensei universe should be included in the total. It's like counting all the rings of a tree to find its age.

Ignoring these extras is like saying a pizza is only good if you eat it without toppings. It's just… wrong.

So, if we're being thorough, we're looking at well over 26. Maybe 30? 35? It's hard to say exactly without dedicating my life to compiling a definitive list. Which, honestly, sounds tempting.

Why Does It Even Matter?

Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking: "Who cares?" And fair enough. It's not like the fate of the world hinges on knowing the precise number of Mushoku Tensei books.

But for die-hard fans, completeness matters. We want to soak up every detail of this world. We crave more Rudeus, more Sylphy, more Eris (even though she makes some questionable choices).

And honestly, isn't it more fun to have more content to explore? To delve deeper into the lore? To argue with strangers on the internet about what counts as canon?

So, What's the Real Number?

The unsatisfying answer? It depends on your definition. If you're a purist, stick with the official 26. If you're like me, and you want all the Mushoku Tensei you can get, then the number is "more than 26 and constantly growing."

Ultimately, it's about enjoying the story. It’s about getting lost in the world. Let's embrace the chaos, the ambiguity, and the sheer volume of content that makes Mushoku Tensei so addictive.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go track down every obscure Mushoku Tensei side story ever written. For science! And for my own personal enjoyment, of course.

What's your take? Do you agree with my expansive definition? Let me know in the comments. And be gentle; my love for Mushoku Tensei runs deep.