I thought it was a common isekai novel. But what makes an isekai novel truly 'common'?

Common isekai stories typically follow a set formula. There's the sudden transfer to a different world, often accompanied by a truck-kun moment (where the character is hit by a truck and wakes up in another world). Then, there's the discovery of new powers or skills, making friends or allies, and usually a grand quest to save the new world or achieve something great.

One reason could be the marketing. Maybe it didn't get as much promotion as other popular isekai novels. Without proper marketing, it's hard for a book to reach a wide audience, even if it has good content.

Well, it could be the character development. In some isekai novels, characters are just one - dimensional. But if this one has complex, evolving characters, that's a big plus. Also, the world - building might be more intricate than the common isekai. Instead of the typical medieval - like setting, it could have a blend of different eras or cultures.

A big trope is the 'fish out of water' situation. The character from the real world has to adapt to the strange rules and customs of the isekai world. Also, there's the 'chosen one' trope. The protagonist is somehow destined to save the isekai world or fulfill a great prophecy. And let's not forget the 'gaining levels' or 'power progression' trope, where the character gets stronger as they complete tasks or defeat enemies.

One element could be the setting. For example, instead of the typical fantasy world, it could be set in a post - apocalyptic isekai world where the protagonist has to deal with both the new world's magic and the remnants of a destroyed civilization. Another aspect could be the protagonist's unique ability. Most isekai protagonists have common powers like magic or super strength, but if the protagonist has an ability that's not often seen, like the power to control time in a very limited and strange way, it would make the story less common. Also, the way the story deals with the concept of 'returning' can be different. In a common isekai, the protagonist may not think about returning at all, but if the whole plot revolves around the protagonist's struggle between staying in the new world and finding a way back to the old one, it would stand out.

Betrayal is a very common theme. Usually, the protagonist is betrayed in their original world or in the isekai world they are transported to, which then triggers their desire for revenge.

Well, in a generic isekai novel, the idea of starting from scratch is quite common. The protagonist has to adapt to a new society with different rules, cultures and languages. For example, they might have to learn how to use magic if it exists in that world. Also, the concept of a 'chosen one' is often there. They are seen as the key to solving some big problems in the new world, like defeating an evil lord or saving the world from a great disaster.

Power. Usually, the main character, as a maou, has some form of great power, whether it's physical strength, magic, or strategic intelligence. This power is often used to overcome challenges in the new isekai world.

One common theme is the exploration of identity. In a new isekai world, the gay characters often have to figure out who they are and how their sexual orientation fits into this new society. For example, they might face different social norms compared to their original world.

One common theme is the concept of starting anew in a different world. The protagonist often gets a second chance at life or a new beginning.