This is an absolute gem, as are the novel and the anime. Just like the anime adaptation, the manga is very faithful to the light novel, of which it adapts the first narrative arc. The story is a classic magic school ecchi one, full of many classical themes and sterotypes of both ecchi and battle shounen genres, but don't take it lightly, for each and every aspect is extremely well refined and beyond the boobs hides some really solid content that defies any attempt of banalisation.
The story is well constructed, linear and yet gifted with the ability to surprise the reader, with a good and consistent pacing all throughout. The characters have generally a clear intent,something that might make them plain at a first glance, but they all get characterizing backstories that add so much to them and, what's most important, THEY ALL GROW, both in combat abilities and personality. Stella, the female lead, is a bit of a tsundere, something I usually hate because they oftentimes are just way too over the top, doing things they should never get away with, and yet in this case she is still whithin the boundaries of reasonable. She is just an evident example of how all the characters, despite having very distinct stereotypical features, still feel extremely human. Just like Shizuku's flashbacks are chilling whithout the need to be absurd.
The MC is someone who works extremely hard to overcome every obstacle, faicng challenges head on, with a cool head. But he has his weaknesses, not just lack in strength or talent, but his psychological reactions to the events are still those of a human, who will certainly falter at some point, and more than once. The valu of working hard, the moments whithin the mind of the character who finds his motivation to push forward, fundamental elements in almost every battle shounen, are both depicted splendidly in this manga, conveying all the depth those moments can have, together with some simple yet very real and deep philosophical messages.
The arstyle is amazing, the body lines feel natural despite the classic character design of most fantasy manga nowadays, with crazy dry and slim bodies especially for the boys. The fanservice is simply top knotch.
Having said all that, the best element of this manga are no doubt its fight scenes. It appears evident that the author knows something about martial arts, because the principles behind all thes fights are absolutely correct and all characters truly employ their strengths in clever ways. The beauty of such fight scenes is breathtaking, visually but also in the outstanding precision of their moves and in the weight behind the choices of each character. The last duel in the selection tournament is among the best I've ever seen in manga, look forward to it.
In short, to say it with someone else's words practically perfect in every way!
I really do hope they continue the manga, because the story going forward is great and I would love to see it adapted, especially to see Ikki's exponential growth and his relationship with Edelweiss.
