Magical★Explorer: Reincarnated as an Eroge Hero's Friend, I'll Live Freely With My Eroge Knowledge (マジカル★エクスプローラー エロゲの友人キャラに転生したけど、ゲーム知識使って自由に生きる Magical★Explorer: Eroge no Yuujin Kyara ni Tensei shita kedo, Game Chishiki Tsukatte Jiyuu ni Ikiru?) is a fantasy web novel written by Iris, which was later published as a light novel featuring illustrations by Noboru Kannatsuki, and a manga illustrated by Yukari Higa.
The official English title is Magical★Explorer: Reborn as a Side Character in a Fantasy Dating Sim.
Story[]
Reincarnated as a character in the legendary erotic game, Magical★Explorer, it doesn’t take long for our hero to discover that he’s been designated the unlucky side-character rather than the game’s lady-killer protagonist. Not to worry, though! Armed with his vast knowledge of the game (and a few cheats) he’ll do whatever it takes to win the hearts of the game’s heroines and emerge as the most accomplished student at the Magic Academy!
The legendary game full of pretty girls: Magical Explorer! Getting transported into your favorite harem romance game is the dream, right? But when one poor guy is cast as the main character’s BEST FRIEND, it’s more of a living nightmare! After all, living as Kousuke Takioto means watching his best friend win over all the girls—and getting none for himself. That’s how the script goes, anyway. But if he uses his full knowledge of the game to his advantage, maybe there’s still a chance! A chance to turn his nightmare into his own private paradise...
There exists a legendary bishoujo game that gained great popularity among Japanese gentlemen.
Its name is "Magical★Explorer", aka Magiex or Magiero for short.
The game's protagonist has cheat-like abilities with 12 different beautiful heroines to flirt with, including the 12 additional heroines from the add-on disc, it's a harem of 24 beauties! And now I have become that protagonist! ………………Not. Instead, I have become the comic relief character who's always laughing like an idiot next to him.
Of course, I was in despair at first. It's only natural. If I were the protagonist I could've had all 24 heroines for myself along with unparalleled cheat powers. Alas, as I am merely the comic relief side-character, no heroine would lay their eyes on me.
But now I couldn't care less about the protagonist and his heroines. Why? Because I discovered magic. While I was using it, I became interested in it, and desired to master it. I want to become the strongest. Thus, I've made a decision. I shall abandon half my role as the protagonist's friend to focus on training my magic, until I gain the power to beat the hell out of that cheat who can solo the Demon King.
...... Is what I thought I'd be doing, but why have I become friends with the eroge's heroines? And why are so many eroge protagonist-like events happening?!Media[]
Web Novel[]
The original web novel written by Iris. It started in February 26, 2018 and is still ongoing on an irregular schedule.
Light Novel[]
Written by the same author, this published version features illustrations by Noboru Kannatsuki. This version features extensive rewrites compared to the web novel. The first volume was published on November 1, 2019 by Kadokawa under the Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko label.
The novel series was licensed for an English release by Yen Press on May 21, 2021 and began releasing on December 14, 2021.
Manga[]
The manga adaptation illustrated by Yukari Higa. The manga started as a promotional piece for the light novel released on October 15, 2019. The series proper began serialization on August 10, 2020 on Young Ace Up. The first volume was releases on March 10, 2021.
The manga series was licensed for an English release by Yen Press on December 20, 2021 and began releasing on July 12, 2022.
Anime[]
An anime adaptation was announced on September 24, 2023 during the Sneaker Bunko 35th Anniversary livestream.