“The World’s Strongest Rearguard” confirms its anime adaptation for this summer

The acclaimed light novel series Sekai Saikyou no Kouei: Meikyuukoku no Shinjin Tansakusha (The World’s Strongest Rearguard: Labyrinth Country’s Novice Seeker) has officially confirmed its anime adaptation. Through a statement on its official website, the production committee revealed that the series will begin airing in July 2025, joining the competitive summer season.

The story follows Arihito Atobe, a former office worker who is reincarnated into a world ruled by video game mechanics and labyrinths. Unlike the usual protagonists who seek to be the offensive vanguard, Arihito discovers his calling in the position of “Rearguard,” a support role that turns out to be incredibly broken and essential to the group’s survival.

The production has also revealed the first key visual, where Arihito can be seen alongside his group of companions, including the Valkyrie Igarashi and the beast girl Teresa. Although the animation studio has not yet been clearly specified in the first teaser, rumors point to a studio with experience in fantasy and slice of life. Fans of the novel are celebrating the fact that the tactical and administrative approach of the work is being transferred to the screen, offering a breath of fresh air compared to the brute force isekais.
Technical details:

• Publisher: Kadokawa (MF Bunko J).
• Publication start date: 2017.
• Release date: July 2025.
• Synopsis: A reincarnated salaryman decides to be the best “support” in a fantasy world, using buff and management skills to make his team the strongest in the labyrinth.
  The isekai genre remains saturated, but Rearguard stands out for its mechanics. Focusing on “support” allows for a more strategic narrative that is less centered on the lone “OP protagonist.” If the adaptation manages to capture the team’s chemistry and the mechanics of the labyrinth, it could be the surprise of the summer season.