Finished watching the A Certain Magical Index and Railgun anime and don’t know where to start the source material? You’re not alone; many fans hit this exact wall. It’s a confusing jump from screen to page.
The A Certain Magical Index anime concludes with Volume 22 of the light novels, marking the end of the original series known as the “Old Testament.” To continue, you must start with “New Testament: Toaru Majutsu no Index” Volume 1. The A Certain Scientific Railgun anime adapts its manga, not the novels directly, but its timeline intertwines with the Index story.
Based on a detailed analysis of the canon source material, this guide provides the precise starting points you need. It breaks down the separate paths for the Index light novels and the Railgun manga. You’ll discover the exact volumes and chapters to begin your journey into the deeper story.
Key Facts
- Index Anime Endpoint: The three seasons of the A Certain Magical Index anime adapt the entire original 22-volume light novel series, often called the “Old Testament”.
- Railgun’s Source is Different: A Certain Scientific Railgun is not adapted from a light novel; its source is a separate, ongoing manga series.
- The Story Continues: The main Index plotline did not end with the anime. It continues in a sequel series titled New Testament and a third series called Genesis Testament.
- Railgun Anime Endpoint: A Certain Scientific Railgun T (Season 3) adapts the manga up to approximately Chapter 97, concluding the “Daihaseisai” and “Dream Ranker” arcs.
- Broadcast Order is Recommended: For newcomers, watching the entire anime franchise in its original broadcast order is highly recommended to avoid major spoilers between the two series.
Where Do the ‘A Certain Magical Index’ and ‘A Certain Scientific Railgun’ Anime Leave Off in the Light Novels?
The short answer is that the Toaru franchise [a collective name for the series] requires two different starting points depending on which anime you finished. For A Certain Magical Index, you’ll be jumping into a sequel light novel series. For A Certain Scientific Railgun, you will switch media entirely and begin reading its source manga. Understanding this core difference is the first step to continuing the story correctly. This guide, updated for 2026, is designed to give you precise, actionable starting points based on the canon source material.
This distinction is crucial because the two series, while interconnected, follow different publication paths. Index is the main story originating from light novels written by Kazuma Kamachi. Railgun, the popular spin-off focusing on Misaka Mikoto, is a manga series that runs parallel to the events of Index. To simplify this complex relationship, here is a quick summary of where each anime adaptation leaves off and where you need to begin reading.
| Series | Last Anime Season | Corresponding Material End Point | Where to Start Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Certain Magical Index | Index III | Original “Old Testament” Light Novel Volume 22 | “New Testament” Light Novel Volume 1 |
| A Certain Scientific Railgun | Railgun T | Railgun Manga Chapter 97 (Daihaseisai Arc) | Railgun Manga Chapter 98 |
| A Certain Scientific Accelerator | Accelerator Season 1 | Accelerator Manga Chapter 25 | Accelerator Manga Chapter 26 |
Where Does A Certain Magical Index Season 3 End in the Light Novels?
The third season of A Certain Magical Index concludes the adaptation of the original light novel series, ending precisely at Volume 22. This volume covers the finale of the climactic “World War III Arc.” To continue the story of protagonist Touma Kamijou, you must begin reading the direct sequel series, titled New Testament: A Certain Magical Index, starting from its Volume 1.
The three seasons of the Index anime cover the entirety of the first light novel series, which is unofficially known by fans as the “Old Testament” (OT). This original run consists of 22 volumes. Season 3, in particular, was notorious for its incredibly fast pacing, adapting nine entire novels (Volumes 14 through 22) into just 26 episodes.
Because of this condensed adaptation, many critical details were left out. Here is a brief overview of the major arcs that were rushed in the final season:
* Document of C Arc (Volume 14): Touma’s venture into Avignon, France.
* Battle Royal Arc (Volume 15): A fan-favorite arc introducing multiple new factions and characters in Academy City.
* British Halloween Arc (Volumes 17-18): A large-scale conflict involving the British Royal Family and the Knights of England.
* World War III Arc (Volumes 20-22): The global-scale culmination of all previous events, marking the end of the “Old Testament” story.
The story does not stop here. Author Kazuma Kamachi continued the saga with New Testament, which ran for 23 volumes, and is now writing the third series, Genesis Testament. Your journey is just beginning.
Why Do Experts Recommend Reading the Light Novels from the Beginning?
While you can jump straight to New Testament, experts and long-time fans often recommend starting the Index light novels from Volume 1. The reason is simple: the anime adaptation, especially Season 3, cuts a massive amount of crucial content. Reading from the beginning provides the complete, unabridged experience that the anime could not deliver.
If you ever felt that a character’s motivations were unclear or a plot point seemed to come out of nowhere, the light novels almost certainly contain the missing context. Here’s what the anime adaptation primarily omits:
- Internal Monologues: The anime rarely shows Touma Kamijou’s internal thoughts. His intellect, reasoning, and emotional struggles are a core part of his character in the novels but are largely absent on screen.
- Detailed World-Building: The intricate workings of the Magic and Science sides of the world are explained in much greater detail. Complex theories and historical context are often reduced to brief lines of dialogue in the anime.
- Skipped Subplots & Character Arcs: Many side characters and even some main characters have their development and backstories significantly trimmed or completely removed.
- Pacing and Atmosphere: The rushed pace of the anime, particularly Index III, prevents many emotional and suspenseful moments from having their intended impact. The novels build tension and atmosphere far more effectively.
Think of the anime as a summary of the plot’s main events. The light novels are the full story, rich with the details that make the Toaru universe [the fictional setting of the series] so compelling.
Where Do the A Certain Scientific Railgun Anime Seasons End?
The A Certain Scientific Railgun anime adapts its own manga series, not the Index light novels. This is the most common point of confusion for fans. After finishing the latest season, Railgun T, you need to pick up the A Certain Scientific Railgun manga at Chapter 98. The anime concludes its adaptation of the “Daihaseisai Arc” and the “Dream Ranker Arc” around Chapter 97.
Unlike Index, the Railgun anime seasons have a more complex relationship with their source material, often including “anime-original” content—story arcs that were not in the manga created by author Kazuma Kamachi and illustrator Motoi Fuyukawa. While some of these arcs are well-regarded, they are not part of the primary canon story.
Here is a breakdown of where each season of the Railgun anime leaves off in the manga:
| Railgun Season | Key Arcs Covered | Manga End Point | Where to Start Reading Manga |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Level Upper Arc, Anime-Original Arcs | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 |
| Season 2 (S) | Sisters Arc | Chapter 39 | Chapter 40 |
| Season 3 (T) | Daihaseisai, Dream Ranker | Chapter 97 | Chapter 98 |
It is important to note that the “Sisters Arc” in Railgun S (Season 2) is widely considered the definitive version of that story, offering a more emotional and in-depth perspective than the version seen in Index Season 1. This is a prime example of why many fans recommend watching both series.
What Is the Recommended Watch and Read Order for the Entire Toaru Series?
For first-time viewers, the Broadcast Order is almost universally recommended. This means watching the seasons in the order they were released. This approach preserves the narrative reveals and mysteries as the creators intended, preventing the spin-off Railgun from spoiling major plot points in the main Index story.
The “Broadcast vs. Chronological” order is one of the biggest debates in the Toaru fandom. While a strict chronological viewing is possible, it is incredibly complex and can ruin the dramatic tension of the main Index storyline. The broadcast order provides a balanced experience, introducing concepts and characters in a way that makes sense for a newcomer.
Here is a comparison of the simple Broadcast Order versus a more complex Chronological approach:
| Broadcast Order (Recommended for Newcomers) | Chronological Order (For Re-watch/Advanced) |
|---|---|
| 1. A Certain Magical Index | 1. Railgun S1 (Eps 1-14) |
| 2. A Certain Scientific Railgun | 2. Railgun S1 (Eps 17-20) |
| 3. A Certain Magical Index II | 3. Index S1 (Eps 1-6) |
| 4. A Certain Scientific Railgun S | 4. Railgun S1 (Eps 15-16, 21-24) |
| 5. Movie: Miracle of Endymion | 5. Railgun S |
| 6. A Certain Magical Index III | 6. Index S1 (Eps 7-9) |
| 7. A Certain Scientific Accelerator | 7. …and so on, becoming very complex. |
| 8. A Certain Scientific Railgun T |
The Verdict: Stick to the Broadcast Order. It is the simplest and most enjoyable way to enter the sprawling world of Academy City without getting lost or spoiled.
FAQs About where does a certain magical index a certain scientific railgun anime leave off in the light novels
What comes after the Index: New Testament light novels?
After the 23 volumes of New Testament conclude, the story continues in a third series titled Genesis Testament: Toaru Majutsu no Index. This is the current, ongoing light novel series by Kazuma Kamachi. Fans who have finished New Testament should start with Genesis Testament Volume 1 to follow the latest events in Touma Kamijou’s journey.
Does the Railgun anime spoil the Index anime?
Yes, watching Railgun out of its release order can spoil parts of Index. The most significant example is the “Sisters Arc,” which is the main focus of Railgun S (Season 2). Watching it before Index Season 1 reveals major plot twists about the Misaka clones and Accelerator from a different perspective, lessening the impact of the mystery in the main story.
Is the A Certain Magical Index movie, The Miracle of Endymion, canon?
The movie is generally considered anime-canon; its story was outlined by Kazuma Kamachi, but it is not adapted from a light novel. Its events do not contradict the main plot, and you can safely watch it anytime after Index Season 2. It offers a fun side story but is not required to understand the ongoing narrative.
Do I need to read the A Certain Scientific Accelerator manga?
Reading the Accelerator manga is optional for understanding the main Index story. It is a completed side story that focuses exclusively on Accelerator’s development after the “Sisters Arc.” Its anime adaptation covers roughly the first half of the manga. If you are a fan of the character, it provides valuable insight into his path to redemption.
What are “Old Testament,” “New Testament,” and “Genesis Testament”?
These are fan-coined terms to differentiate the three major light novel series for A Certain Magical Index. “Old Testament” (OT) refers to the original 22 volumes covered by the anime. “New Testament” (NT) is the 23-volume sequel series. “Genesis Testament” (GT) is the third and currently ongoing series.
Is the A Certain Magical Index light novel series finished?
No, the overall story of A Certain Magical Index is not finished. While the original series (“Old Testament”) is complete, author Kazuma Kamachi continues the saga with the ongoing Genesis Testament series as of 2026.
Where can I read the Index light novels legally?
The Index light novels (“Old Testament” and “New Testament”) are licensed and published in English by Yen Press. You can buy physical and digital editions from major retailers. Supporting the official release is the best way to show support for the author and encourage future localizations.
What is the difference between the Index light novel and its manga adaptation?
The Index light novel is the original source material for the main story. The Index manga is a separate adaptation of the light novels, but it runs significantly behind both the novels and the anime. To continue the story after the anime, reading the light novels is the only correct path.
Is there going to be a Season 4 of A Certain Magical Index?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for A Certain Magical Index Season 4. However, with the entire 23-volume New Testament series available as source material, there is more than enough content for several new seasons. The demand from fans remains high.
Is the Railgun manga finished?
No, the A Certain Scientific Railgun manga is still ongoing. New chapters written by Kazuma Kamachi and illustrated by Motoi Fuyukawa are released periodically, continuing the adventures of Misaka Mikoto and her friends.
Key Takeaways: Toaru Series Continuation Guide
- For Index, Start with New Testament – The A Certain Magical Index anime (Seasons 1-3) covers the entire original 22-volume “Old Testament” series. To continue, you must start reading the sequel series, New Testament: A Certain Magical Index, Volume 1.
For Railgun, Switch to the Manga – The A Certain Scientific Railgun anime adapts its own manga series, not the light novels. After watching Railgun T (Season 3), you should continue with the A Certain Scientific Railgun manga at Chapter 98.
Broadcast Order is Best for First-Timers – The most recommended way to experience the entire anime franchise is in its broadcast (release) order. This preserves the intended narrative reveals and avoids spoilers that can occur with a strict chronological viewing.
Anime Cuts Content – The anime adaptations, especially Index Season 3, are heavily condensed and cut significant amounts of world-building, character development, and internal monologues. For the complete story, reading the light novels from the beginning is highly recommended.
The Main Story is Far From Over – While the “Old Testament” is finished, the main story of Touma Kamijou continues in the sequel light novel series. After the 23 volumes of New Testament, the story is currently ongoing in the third series, Genesis Testament.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Toaru Saga
Navigating the transition from the Toaru anime to its source material can seem daunting, but it unlocks a story far richer and more detailed than what is shown on screen. The anime serves as an excellent introduction, but the light novels and manga are where the deep lore, complex character motivations, and intricate plot threads truly shine. By following this guide, you now have the clear, correct starting points to continue your journey.
Whether you choose to dive into the main plot with New Testament Volume 1 or follow Misaka’s story in the Railgun manga, you are stepping into a vastly larger world. The investment is well worth it for any fan who wants to experience the full, unabridged saga of Academy City. Happy reading
Last update on 2026-01-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
