The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic (治癒魔法の間違った使い方 ～戦場を駆ける回復要員～, Chiyu Mahō no Machigatta Tsukai-kata: Senjō o Kakeru Kaifuku Yōin, lit. "How to Use Healing Magic Wrongly: Main Recovery Team Member Running Through the Battlefield") is a Japanese light novel series written by Kurokata and illustrated by KeG. It began serialization online in March 2014 on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō. It was later acquired by Media Factory, who published twelve volumes between March 2016 and March 2020 under their MF Books imprint. A manga adaptation with art by Reki Kugayama has been serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's seinen manga magazine Comp Ace since April 2017. It has been collected in fourteen tankōbon volumes. Both the light novel and manga are licensed in North America by One Peace Books. A sequel light novel series, The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic Returns, began publication in December 2023. An anime television series adaptation produced by Studio Add and Shin-Ei Animation aired from January to March 2024. A second season has been announced.
Plot
Ken Usato is an ordinary high school student, while his classmates Suzune Inukami and Kazuki Ryusen are the president and vice president of their school's student council, respectively. On a rainy evening, they are walking home from school when a magic circle transports them to another world in the Llinger Kingdom. Its king, King Lloyd, informs them that they have been summoned as heroes to defend the Kingdom from the Demon Lord and his army, which was repelled after attacking the Kingdom two years ago and is preparing for another invasion, and that there is currently no way to return them to their world. They also learn that only Inukami and Kazuki were meant to be summoned, and that Usato was summoned by accident. When they are tested to determine what magical powers they possess, Usato discovers that he is able to use healing magic, which is rare, but considered to be weak and almost useless compared to other forms of magic. Upon learning this, Rose, the captain of the Kingdom's Rescue Team, enlists him into her team and begins training him to be a healer on the front lines of battle, while Inukami and Kazuki are trained as warriors. As the battle approaches, Usato is determined to save as many people as possible and prove that healing magic is not to be underestimated.[2]
An ordinary high school student who is accidentally transported to another world. He has black hair (which can appear dark-violet in certain lights) and violet-colored eyes, and proves to have an affinity for healing magic, one of the rarest affinities; as such, Rose recruits him into the Kingdom's Rescue Team. Though shy at first, over time he becomes more selfless and stronger both physically and mentally, becoming a worthy member of the Rescue Team determined to save others. On Earth, like other boys at school, he had a crush on Inukami, and now considers her a close friend; like her, he sees life in this world as a chance to live a fulfilling and purposeful life. He is initially afraid of Rose, but over time comes to respect and admire her. During his travels on King Lloyd's ambassadorial mission, he develops new ways of using healing magic "the wrong way" and makes new friends and allies among both humans, demi-humans and non-humans.
A high school student and president of her school's student council, who is transported to another world. She has brown hair and green eyes, and has an affinity for thunder magic. She maintained an aloof persona and led a restricted life, possibly due to being born into a wealthy family, but now that she is from that life, she is excited by new experiences. She admits to Usato that she prefers this world to Earth and does not want to return, seeing it as a chance to be truly free and herself. However, after entering into battle with the Demon Lord's army, she understands the reality of warfare and the possibility that she could be killed. As the story progresses, she seems to develop feelings for Usato, and in Chapters 60 and 61 of the manga, publicly proclaims her feelings in an attempt to refuse a prince's offer of marriage.
Voiced by: Kengo Takanashi[3] (Japanese); Matt Holmes (English)
A high school student and the vice president of his school's student council, who is transported to another world. He has reddish-brown hair and grey-blue eyes, and has an affinity for light magic. While he appeared to be subservient to Inukami at school, he is sensitive, intelligent, caring, and loyal to his friends. He is also trusting, leading Usato to think of him as "pure, sweet [and] innocent" and to hope that he will never change; he also seems a little dense about personal relationships, as he is seemingly unaware of Princess Celia's feelings for him.
The captain of Llinger Kingdom's Rescue Team, who has a rare affinity for healing magic and is powerful both magically and physically. She has long dark-green hair reaching past her shoulders in front and midway down her back and green-gold eyes. Formerly a Battalion Commander in the Llinger Royal Army, she resigned both her command and her knighthood after her subordinates were killed in a battle with demon monster hunters, blaming herself and her arrogance for their deaths. A wound from a cursed sword in that battle left her with a scar on her right eye, which she refuses to heal and covers with her hair. After learning that Usato also possesses healing magic, she recruits and personally trains him to be a member of her team. Though her training style and regimen are harsh, she has high hopes for Usato, believing him to be the "subordinate who will never die" that she has been searching for (although she'll never actually tell him so), and is determined to make him her "right-hand man" and "the ideal healer". She is occasionally accompanied by Kukuru, a greyish-black "noir rabbit".
A Blue Grizzly, a bear-like creature with blue fur, that Usato adopted as a cub after he was orphaned and gave him his name. Rose permitted him to stay at the Team's residence, and he is officially considered the "property" of the Rescue Team. Blurin is affectionate towards Usato and originally only allowed him to pet him, though he later allows Aruku to pet him (anyone else gets their hand forcefully slapped away, as both Inukami and Ururu learned); during their stay in Luqvist, Amako helps look after him, and by Chapter 32 of the manga, he allows her to ride on his back in an emergency. He accompanies Usato when he and the Heroes depart on King Lloyd's ambassadorial mission, and, with his speed and strength, proves himself to be a powerful ally in battle despite being a cub.
A 14-year-old fox beastkin who is an Oracle of Time, a person possessing the power of precognition, and believes that Usato has the power to change possible fatal futures. She appeared in the castle town two years ago after leaving the Beastlands in search of a healer to save her mother, as only humans can use healing magic; until she met Usato, she had not found one strong enough or willing to help her. In Llinger, she works as an aide to an old woman who sells fruit in the town and took her in. As a reward for her prophetic help, King Lloyd agrees to have Usato accompany her back to the Beastlands when he and the Heroes depart on King Lloyd's ambassadorial mission, during which she and Usato develop a close comradeship and trust. She is friends with beastkin twins Kyo and Kiriha, who live in Luqvist, having stayed with them for some time while traveling and later staying with them along with Usato while in Luqvist.
A member of the Rescue Team who is part of the Team's "rear support". He runs a clinic in the town with his sister Ururu after they were unable to keep up with Rose's training. While he is able to heal others, he admits that he is not strong enough to heal himself; however, Usato sees that his healing magic is stronger than his.
A member of the Rescue Team who is part of the Team's "rear support". She runs a clinic in the town with her brother Orga after they were unable to keep up with Rose's brutal training and is very protective of him.
A knight of Llinger Kingdom. He is usually a guard at the castle gate, but also acts as protector of the Rescue Team's Rear Support during battle. He describes himself as "clumsy" and best suited to be a guard, but his fellow guards assure Usato that he is skilled in both magic and swordsmanship. Usato personally selects him to join him and the Heroes on King Lloyd's ambassadorial mission, and he accompanies Usato and Amako when their paths diverge from the others after visiting Luqvist.
A member of the Demon Lord's army, who was originally part of its second legion and served under Amila's command. Until her true identity was revealed, she was known as the Black Knight because of the magical living black armor she wears, which is self-regenerating and has abilities that can also be used for offense. After Usato defeats her, Rose uses a talisman to seal off her magic and forcibly recruits her into the Rescue Team to become one of the Runners. She secretly admires Usato for his strength and endurance as well as his kindness towards her, and he is seemingly the only person that she has revealed her true name to.
The commander of the third legion of the Demon Lord's army. She and Rose have been mortal enemies since she nearly killed her master Nero Arjence two years ago. In Volume Two of the light novels and Chapter 18 of the manga, the Demon Lord demotes her from commander to common soldier after Llinger's defeat of the Demon Army, believing that she can serve him better in the ranks.
A researcher in the Demon Lord's army who created two giant serpent monsters. One was killed in the Darkness of Linger forest by Usato and Rose and the other in battle by Inukami and Kazuki.
The leader of the Demon Army, who is centuries old and calm to the point that he does not seem to be angered by the failures of his subordinates.
Media
Light novels
The series written by Kurokata began serialization online in March 2014 on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō. It was later acquired by Media Factory, who have published twelve volumes with illustrations by KeG between March 25, 2016 and March 25, 2020 under their MF Books imprint. The light novel is licensed in North America by One Peace Books.[5]
A sequel light novel series by the same author and illustrator, titled The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic Returns, began publication on December 25, 2023.
A manga adaptation with art by Reki Kugayama began serialization on Kadokawa Shoten's Comp Ace magazine on April 26, 2017.[22] It has been collected in fourteen tankōbon volumes as of March 26, 2024.[23] The manga adaptation is also licensed in North America by One Peace Books.[5]
An anime adaptation was announced during the MF Books 8th Anniversary livestream event on August 15, 2021.[1] It was later announced that it would be produced by Studio Add and Shin-Ei Animation and directed by Takahide Ogata, with Shogo Yasukawa in charge of series composition, Keiji Tanabe as character designer, and Elements Garden as music composer.[39][40] The series aired from January 6 to March 30, 2024, on Tokyo MX and BS11.[a] The opening theme song is "Cure", performed by Waterweed, while the ending theme is "Green Jade", performed by ChouCho.[2]Crunchyroll licensed the series,[42] with Muse Communication licensing it in South and Southeast Asia.[43]
A second season was announced at Otakon on August 3, 2024.[44]
"Dragged Into Another World!" Transliteration: "Makikomarete Isekai!" (Japanese: 巻き込まれて異世界！)
Takahide Ogata
Shogo Yasukawa
Takahide Ogata
January 6, 2024 (2024-01-06)
Ken Usato, along with his two new-found friends from their school's student council, Suzune Inukami and Kazuki Ryuusen, are transported to another world via a summoning circle. While Usato and Kazuki are stunned, Inukami is thoroughly excited. The Kingdom of Llinger summoned them using forbidden magic to serve as heroes. A demon lord has been attacking Llinger for several years and the trio of high school students is their solution. While the Demon Lord's forces and power grow, the kingdom's diminish. With no way to return to their own world, they reluctantly agree to comply. However, while it seems Usato was summoned accidentally, he possesses extremely rare healing magic. The Llinger officials seem terrified about Usato's affinity and it's soon revealed why: Rose, who is a healer herself and will no doubt want him on her team if she finds out about his magic, is eccentric and a brutal trainer. Rose abducts Usato in order to train him to become a full-fledged healer and introduces him to her equally eccentric team.
2
"The Training from Hell Begins!" Transliteration: "Jigoku no Hajimari!" (Japanese: 地獄の始まり！)
Takahide Ogata
Shogo Yasukawa
Takahide Ogata
January 13, 2024 (2024-01-13)
The day after being summoned, Usato is visited by Inukami and Kazuki then begins his "training from hell", which is all physical and not magical. Usato's training is easier than he imagines at first, but gets progressively more difficult. Rose proves every bit the brutal teacher he expected, but his magic begins to manifest after a few days. After nearly two weeks, Rose finally tells him why he's training his body and not his magic: he needs to be able to outrun the enemy and rescue injured allies quickly. His training only gets more difficult. Inukami and Kazuki visit again (along with Princess Celia) and notice the fruits of his efforts. Rose drops the bomb that she's training him to become her right hand man. Realizing how brutal Usato'ss training is compared to theirs, Inukami and Kazuki gloss over their training, then leave content after seeing Usato has acclimated well to his new environment and can be himself. Rose takes Usato outside the city to the Darkness of Llinger (a forest), telling him not to come back until he's killed a grand grizzly, the rare and evolved form of a blue grizzly, then physically throws him off a cliff into the forest.
3
"Brutal! The Darkness of Llinger!" Transliteration: "Kakoku! Llinger no Yami!" (Japanese: 過酷！リングルの闇！)
Takahide Ogata
Shogo Yasukawa
Takahide Ogata
January 20, 2024 (2024-01-20)
After a crash landing, Usato immediately encounters a Grand Grizzly and two Blue Grizzlies (papa, mama and cub) that chase him down. He escapes into a river and begins the hunt in earnest the next day. He uses his magic to heal an injured rabbit monster that ends up following him around. It can seemingly understand what he's saying and leads him to the grand grizzly's den--where the same bears that chased him before make their home. Usato waits to attack, encountering a massive white serpent in the meantime. When he finally works up the will to kill the grizzly, he finds the two adults killed, likely from the serpent from a few days prior. Unwilling to overlook that the serpent killed not for food but out of malice and out of sympathy for the now-orphaned cub, he leaves to avenge its family. Some time later, the rabbit leads him to the serpent, where he finds the cub trying to battle it. Although wounded and poisoned by the snake's venom, Usato nearly defeats it and is rescued by Rose in the end when she crushes its skull under her boots. He also learns the rabbit is her pet and has been watching over him. Usato has passed her test and the cub becomes Usato's new companion.
4
"Rescue Team Member Usato!" Transliteration: "Kyūmeidan-in Usato!" (Japanese: 救命団員ウサト！)
Takahide Ogata
Shogo Yasukawa
Takahide Ogata
January 27, 2024 (2024-01-27)
The time for battle with the Demon Lord's army draws very near, and Rose informs Usato he'll be on the front lines with her healing the wounded. The blue grizzly cub, whom Usato has named Blurin, joins in on Usato's training; his role is to be carried on Usato's back to simulate wounded soldiers while he continues his running routine. While running through town carrying Blurin, Usato also learns more about the Rescue Team's somewhat infamous reputation and meets Orga Fleur, one of the Team's healers, who helps Usato understand the significance of having a healer on the front lines. Usato makes his way to the castle to visit Inukami and Kazuki, but Kazuki is on a training excursion in the Darkness of Llinger. After a pleasant chat with Inukami (and a failed attempt on her part to pet Blurin), Usato finds his resolve and shares a moment with Rose.
5
"Usato, Back in the Forest!" Transliteration: "Usato, Futatabi Mori e!" (Japanese: ウサト、再び森へ！)
Masayuki Egami
Shogo Yasukawa
Takahide Ogata
February 3, 2024 (2024-02-03)
Per the King's request, Usato joins Inukami (along with knight Aruku and a mage) on her training mission in the forest and brings Blurin along (the cub dislikees everyone but him, so he can't be left with the Rescue Team). On the outskirts of the forest, bandits attack the group. The battle is interrupted by stampeding boar monsters, and Usato and Inukami get separated from the others. They make camp in a cave for the evening. Kazuki learns they went missing and tries to go after them, but is stopped by Rose who proudly proclaims that if Inukami is with Usato, they'll be fine. That night, Usato and Inukami discuss if they want to go home to Japan or not. They reunite with the others the next day, led by Blurin who followed Usato's scent.
After the King apologizes for allowing Usato and Inukami to get lost, Kazuki reprimands Usato for his blase attitude about going missing, then gets some reassurance from Celia. Back in the King's throne room, Rose and Siglis are informed that the bandits that attacked the party in the forest were from the Grasslands, where creatures (like the boars) are fleeing their natural habitats, indicating the demon army's imminent return. Rose is ordered to do some reconnaissance and find their exact location; the king also requests that Rose rejoin the armed forces and lead Llinger's army as she did in the past--which she declines, revealing more of her past. In addition, she makes mention of wanting and searching for a "subordinate who will never die," naming Usato as this subordinate. Rose finds the demons building a bridge into human territory and destroys it. Delivering a letter from Rose to Orga, Usato meets Orga's younger sister Ururu, who is also a healer and who talks about her and Orga's experiences with Rose; later, Usato gets some hands-on training by healing some injured civilians. Amako, a fox beastkin, shows Usato a vision of the future where Inukami and Kazuki die.
7
"A Night of Decisions!" Transliteration: "Ketsui no Yoru!" (Japanese: 決意の夜！)
Shuji Saito
Shogo Yasukawa
Takahide Ogata
February 17, 2024 (2024-02-17)
Usato tries to find the fox girl to ask about the vision without success. When Rose returns to the city from her patrol, Usato learns from her that the Demon Lord is coming, then she reports to the King. Inukami and Kazuki are briefed and told to prepare. That night, Kazuki visits Usato, admitting that he's terrified of war, and Usato comforts him. Kazuki finds his own resolve after talking it out with Usato, and Inukami overhears the entire conversation after having followed Kazuki to check on him. The next day, the King informs his army and the citizens about the impending invasion. Kazuki visits Celia and vows to come back. As the Rescue Team prepares for departure, Blurin reaffirms that he only likes Usato when he refuses to let Ururu pet him, and the rest of the Rescue Team readies for war. Rose explains to Usato how she and he will operate on the field, and he receives an official Rescue Team uniform. Rose tries to drill into him that the worst thing one can do on the battlefield is forget the value of their own life.
As Llinger's forces make their way to the battlefield, Rose flashes back to two years ago when she was still a knight. Her first team is introduced, and their fateful mission is recounted, starting slow and uneventful as a scouting of demon activity in the Darkness of Llinger. Rose and her deputy commander, Aul, have a heart-to-heart, and Usato's similarities to Aul are revealed. The next day, the team continues their recon mission and encounters demons hunting monsters in human territory as part of some hidden scheme. Rose tries to get them to leave peacefully, but the situation devolves when the demons attack. Rose goes after the leader, Nero Argence, shocking him with her strength, speed, and healing magic.
9
"The End and the Beginning" Transliteration: "Owari to Hajimari" (Japanese: 終わりと始まり)
Takeshi Nezu
Shogo Yasukawa
Takahide Ogata
March 2, 2024 (2024-03-02)
As the flashback continues, Rose's team battle the demons whilst Rose continues her battle with Nero. Nero unleashes a cursed blade and some kind of power that turns the tide of the battle, making the other demons stronger, immune to their own pain, and willing to sacrifice their lives without hesitation. One of Rose's squad is killed, shocking and discouraging the others, causing the rest to be killed as well in short order. Rose loses her composure and, as a consequence, suffers a wound to her right eye, which can't be healed because the damage was inflicted with a cursed item. Before Nero strikes the killing blow on Rose, Aul jumps in front of her and takes it herself. Using her grief and rage, Rose overpowers Nero. Before she can kill him, a younger Amila rescues him and Rose is emotionally unable to give chase. Later, Rose debriefs the King and requests to be demoted, mourning her team and blaming herself. After about a month, Rose recovers enough to decide to create the Rescue Team. Back in the present, she commends Usato for his accomplishments (although his semi-snarky replies earn him "correction").
10
"Unhinged!? The Black Knight Appears!" Transliteration: "Saikyō!? Kurokishi Arawaru!" (Japanese: 最狂!? 黒騎⼠現る！)
Masayuki Egami
Shogo Yasukawa
Takahide Ogata
March 9, 2024 (2024-03-09)
At the base camp, Usato wakes early and runs into Inukami, who seems far too excited for a battlefield. Kazuki rescues him from her fangirl moment and takes her to meet with Siglis. Sometime later, the battle begins; Usato, Rose, Orga, and Ururu remain at the camp for now to tend the wounded while the other Team members bring them back from the front. Another giant white serpent appears on the battlefield, as does the Black Knight, who can't be harmed due to their unique Reflection magic. Usato and Rose finally go into battle, separating to cover more ground, and begin healing the injured after Rose gives Usato one last piece of training. Inukami and Kazuki run into the Black Knight, and the vision of the two dying at the Black Knight's hands suddenly replays in Usato's mind, causing him immense pain. The two heroes fall prey to the Black Knight's Reflection magic.
The episode begins with a flashback to Japan from Inukami's perspective, where she remembers meeting Usato for the first time and getting to know him in their new world. On the battlefield, Usato arrives just in time to save her and Kazuki, landing a punch on the Black Knight and damaging their armor. The Black Knight, who is revealed to be a female, is furious at being hit and actually injured. She chases Usato as he tries to get his friends to safety, and Usato eventually takes her on himself so he can get to the other wounded soldiers. The Reflection magic appears useless against Usato's healing magic, giving him the upper hand. After a quick but fierce battle, the Black Knight's armor is destroyed by his Ultimate Healing Punch, knocking her unconscious. He then tends to the wounded and the demon army breaks, preventing more injuries. Meanwhile, the white serpent is still wreaking havoc, and the healed Inukami and Kazuki take on the serpent and kill it. After Amila learns of the Black Knight's defeat, she orders the demons to retreat. Rose and Usato head back to camp, and Rose commends Usato for saving the heroes and defeating the Black Knight.
12
"The True Face of the Black Knight!" Transliteration: "Kurokishi no Sugao!" (Japanese: ⿊騎⼠の素顔！)
Takahide Ogata
Shogo Yasukawa
Takahide Ogata
March 23, 2024 (2024-03-23)
After returning from battle and being officially commended, Usato is summoned back to the castle (getting mobbed in town by grateful citizens on his way there). At the castle, the King requests that he speak to the Black Knight, who refuses to divulge information unless she can meet with Usato. Inukami tags along with him and Siglis as they make their way to the Knight's cell; after learning from Siglis that dark magic and healing magic basically cancel each other out, Usato realizes that none of the damage he inflicted on the Black Knight healed and she's likely in critical condition. He heals her properly, causing her to weep from his magic's warmth. Later, Rose begins training Usato in dodging attacks, since healing injuries caused by cursed weapons is impossible, meaning that he needs to practice how to properly avoid being hit. He complains about his harsh training to the Black Knight, whom he has been visiting regularly. Rose meets with the King and, under his orders, offers the Black Knight a choice: rot in a cell or be trained by her as part of the Rescue Team--not really much of a choice, since Rose takes her by force anyway after sealing her Dark magic away. Rose informs Usato that he, Inukami and Kazuki will soon be tasked by the King with delivering official missives to neighboring territories asking for aid against the Demon Lord. Later, while in town with Inukami, Usato spots and catches up with Amako, who tells him her mother needs his help.
Usato and Inukami talk to Amako at Rescue Team HQ. Amako reveals that she left Beastkin Territory two years ago to find a healer, as humans are the only ones capable of wielding healing magic, and it can only be Usato since he's a healer AND a fighter. Usato decides to use the diplomatic mission as an excuse to go to Beastkin Territory and save Amako's mother. Apparently, Beastkin value their Oracles of Time (in this case, Amako), so escorting her back to her people is good diplomatically. Later, Usato learns the Black Knight's name is Felm, gifting her a diary to write in while she's training, and she spies on his personal training with Rose (he's progressing, albeit slowly, and she is horrified by the nature of the training). Later, the King thanks Amako for giving Usato the vision and thereby saving the kingdom, giving Usato his blessing to help her, and that he'll be delivering the King's missive to four territories on the way to Beastkin Territory. Usato requests Aruku to be one of his special escorts and Blurin another. Elsewhere, Rose catches up to Felm, who, after learning about Usato's mission, had run away intending to tag along with him secretly. Rose gives Usato some final advice and tells him she believes in him. Everyone sets off on their journeys to see new nations and people.
