The Story in 3 Sentences

William Von Ainsworth is reborn into the world of Hestia after multiple tragic lives, destined to overthrow the gods as the prophesied Prince of Darkness and God Slayer, burdened with a fate that spans across lifetimes and pantheons .

Granted a unique system by the patron god Gavin, he must navigate the political intricacies of the Ainsworth Empire, the elven hunt for his existence, and the complexities of his divine heritage while gathering power and allies .

His journey escalates from a boy with a damaged soul to an emperor challenging celestial order, forging a legendary harem and confronting the very architects of fate, ultimately sacrificing himself to become a power source for humanity’s future .

Why It Stands Out

1. A Tapestry of Reincarnation and Destiny

The novel’s core premise weaves together multiple lifetimes of the protagonist, from a god slayer in Gaea to a bastard son in Camelot and a sacrificed orphan on Earth, creating a profound narrative depth where each past life informs the current one, making William’s journey feel epic, fated, and emotionally resonant across millennia .

2. A System of Divine Favors and Strategic Growth

William’s power progression is uniquely tied to patron gods and gifted divinity rather than a standard system, with blessings that enhance experience gain and skill points, forcing him to rely on strategic alliances with divine beings like Gavin, Lily, and Issei, which adds a layer of theological intrigue and negotiation to his growth .

3. A Harem with Multidimensional Depth

The romantic subplots are intricately tied to William’s past lives and cosmic fate, with heroines like Belle, Wendy, and Celine having connections that transcend dimensions, ensuring that each relationship feels earned, emotionally significant, and central to the overarching plot rather than superficial additions .

Characters That Leave a Mark

There’s Celine Dy Wisteria – the powerful and manipulative dark magic instructor who initially enslaves William with a slave collar, subjecting him to brutal training and torture, yet becomes one of his most complex and devoted lovers, representing the painful price of power and the blurred lines between abuse and affection .

You’ll meet Wendy, William’s first wife in his current life who initially receives his first kiss in exchange for candy and later becomes a central emotional anchor, her relationship with him spanning dreams and reality while providing a crucial touchstone for his humanity amidst his escalating conflicts .

And James Von Ainsworth? He’s the one who serves as William’s grandfather and the formidable head of the Ainsworth family, later revealed to be the reincarnation of Odin, whose hidden power and paternal guidance provide William with both a sanctuary and a legacy of strength that profoundly influences his path to power .

The Flaws Fans Debate

The novel’s extremely complex reincarnation backstory and the sheer number of past lives can be confusing for some readers, making it challenging to fully grasp the emotional weight and narrative significance of each connection without careful attention .

A common point of criticism is the protagonist’s occasional shifts between extreme ruthlessness and sentimental vulnerability, which some fans find inconsistent, especially during his amnesiac phases, though others argue it highlights the trauma of his multiple lifetimes .

The integration of multiple genres—system fantasy, romance, harem, and theological conflict—can sometimes feel disjointed, with tonal shifts between epic drama and lighthearted harem moments that not all readers find seamlessly blended .

Must-Experience Arcs

Ch. 1–150: The Beastkin Sanctuary – The foundational arc where William arrives in the Southern Continent with a damaged soul, is taken in by Chieftain Elane, and begins his rise by mastering his system and forging his first deep bonds while evading elven hunters .

Ch. 400–600: The Lantis Empire Intrigue – A complex political arc where William enters the heart of a powerful human empire, becomes entangled with Princess Esme, and must outmaneuver nobles and adversaries using wit and divine power, solidifying his status as a major player on the world stage .

Ch. 1200–1482: The Celestial War – The epic finale where William, now emperor, leads his harem and allies against universe-level threats, ascending to higher planes and confronting the Primordial Goddess to secure a lasting peace, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice to become a power source for humanity .

Killer Quotes

“I wish not for dominion, but I can’t let the innocent suffer.” - William Von Ainsworth to himself .

“Love is like a stretched rubber band. If their feelings for each other are true, neither of them will let either end go.” - William Von Ainsworth to Princess Sidione and Morgana .

“They see a harem. I see my strength. Each one is a reason to fight, a piece of my world worth protecting.”

Cultural Impact

The novel has developed a strong following for its innovative blend of system mechanics with deep reincarnation lore, often sparking fan discussions and theory-crafting about the connections between William’s past lives and their impact on his current journey .

It is frequently recommended in online communities as a top-tier example of a well-integrated harem narrative where romantic relationships are directly tied to the protagonist’s growth and the overarching plot, setting a benchmark for the genre .

The story’s exploration of theological themes and divine politics has inspired fan content focused on the patron gods and their motivations, with readers drawing comparisons to other works that blend fantasy with mythological elements .

Final Verdict

Start Here If You Want:

A protagonist whose journey is shaped by multiple profound past lives, offering a rich tapestry of reincarnation narratives that explore themes of destiny, love, and rebellion against divine order.

A power progression system that revolves around divine patronage and strategic blessings rather than traditional cultivation, adding a unique layer of theological negotiation and cosmic intrigue to the growth mechanics.

A harem story where each romantic relationship is deeply integrated into the main plot and the protagonist’s past lives, providing emotional depth and narrative significance beyond typical tropes.

Study If You Love:

The intricate reincarnation narratives and cosmic fate found in works like “The Second Coming of Gluttony” or “Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint,” where past lives directly influence the present.

Complex divine politics and patron relationships similar to “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman or the theological struggles in “DanMachi” (Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?).

Harem stories that focus on emotional connection and plot integration like “High School DxD” or “Arifureta,” where relationships are central to the protagonist’s development and the story’s progression.

Avoid If You Prefer:

Stories with a straightforward, single-life protagonist without complex past life connections; this narrative deeply relies on its reincarnation tapestry.

Power systems based solely on traditional cultivation or leveling without divine intervention; this system involves strategic alliances with gods.

Minimal romance or strictly monogamous relationships; the harem element is central and intricately woven into the plot and character development.