Finished the Combatants Will Be Dispatched! anime and now you’re wondering where the story goes next? You’re not alone. Many fans are left searching for the precise point to jump into the source material without missing anything.
To continue the Combatants Will Be Dispatched! story right after the anime ends, you should start reading from the beginning of Light Novel Volume 4. The 12-episode anime adaptation covers the main plot points of the first three volumes of the light novel series.
Based on a thorough analysis of the source material, this guide provides the exact starting points for the light novels. You’ll discover not only where to begin reading but also what to expect from the story arcs that follow the anime’s conclusion.
Key Facts
- Direct Continuation: The anime concludes at the end of Light Novel Volume 3, making Volume 4 the official starting point to continue the story.
- Anime Coverage: The 12-episode anime series adapts the events of the first three light novel volumes.
- Manga Status: The manga adaptation is complete but does not cover the entire story, ending after adapting the events of Light Novel Volume 7.
- Light Novel Status: The light novel series, which is the original source material, is currently on an extended hiatus as of 2026.
- Author Connection: The series is written by Natsume Akatsuki, the same author behind the popular satirical isekai, Konosuba.
Where Should You Start Reading Combatants Will Be Dispatched! After the Anime?
The definitive starting point for the light novel after finishing the Combatants Will Be Dispatched! anime is the beginning of Volume 4. This volume picks up immediately after the final events of episode 12, ensuring a seamless transition from watching to reading. The anime adaptation was designed to cover the story’s initial major arcs, which are neatly contained within the first three books.
While Volume 4 is the direct continuation, some readers prefer to start from the beginning of Volume 3. The final episodes of the anime condensed some of the events and character interactions from this volume for pacing. Reading Volume 3 provides a richer context and deeper understanding of the world-building details and internal monologues that were trimmed for the screen.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference. If you want to jump straight into new content, Volume 4 is the perfect place. If you don’t mind a little overlap for a more complete experience, starting with Volume 3 is an excellent option. Both paths lead you into the exciting next phase of Kisaragi’s planetary conquest.
What Light Novel Volumes Does the Anime Actually Cover?
The Combatants Will Be Dispatched! anime covers Light Novel Volumes 1, 2, and 3. The 12-episode season is structured to adapt one full volume approximately every four episodes, which is a common pacing for light novel adaptations. While the anime is considered a faithful adaptation that captures the main story and key comedic moments, some details from the source material were condensed.
From our analysis of the adaptation, the anime successfully translates the core plot, but certain elements like internal monologues from Combat Agent Six and minor character-building scenes were shortened or skipped entirely for broadcast. This is a standard practice to fit the narrative into a limited number of episodes.
Here is a simple breakdown of how the anime corresponds to the light novels:
* Episodes 1-4: These episodes adapt the main events of Light Novel Volume 1.
* Episodes 5-8: These episodes cover the storyline presented in Light Novel Volume 2.
* Episodes 9-12: The final episodes of the season adapt the plot of Light Novel Volume 3.
Because of this structure, you can be confident that starting with Volume 4 means you won’t be retreading major plot points you’ve already seen in the anime. However, the “skipped content” is often what encourages fans to read the source material in the first place.
Should You Start with the Light Novel or the Manga After the Anime?
It is highly recommended to read the light novel instead of the manga after finishing the anime. The core reason is simple: the light novel is the original, complete source material, whereas the manga adaptation ended before the full story was told. To experience the entire narrative as intended by the author, the light novel is the only correct path.
The Combatants Will Be Dispatched! manga adaptation officially concluded with chapter 66. However, it only covers the story up to the events of light novel Volume 7. This means if you choose the manga, you will hit another abrupt ending long before the story concludes. This was likely a planned conclusion for the manga, possibly due to it catching up to the light novel’s slower release schedule.
Here is a clear comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Light Novel (Source Material) | Manga Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Story Status | On Hiatus | Finished |
| Content Covered | The full, original story | Adapts the light novel up to Volume 7 |
| Ending | Story is ongoing (on hiatus) | Abruptly ends at Chapter 66 |
| Recommendation | ✅ Recommended Path | ❌ Not recommended for the full story |
For fans who want to see the adventures of Combat Agent Six and Alice through to the very end, the light novel is the only format that offers the complete story.
What Is the Starting Point for the Manga After the Anime?
For those who still wish to read the manga despite its incomplete story, there is a clear starting point after the anime. If you want to continue with the manga after the Combatants Will Be Dispatched! anime, start with Volume 6, Chapter 28. This is where the manga’s plot begins to cover events that occur after the anime’s conclusion. Just remember that you will only get a portion of the post-anime story before the manga ends.
What Key Story Arcs Happen in the Light Novels After the Anime?
After the anime concludes, the Combatants Will Be Dispatched! light novels introduce several major new arcs and characters that significantly expand the world and the Kisaragi Corporation’s chaotic mission. These arcs escalate the stakes and the comedy, making the light novels a rewarding experience for fans.
Based on our reading of the source material, here is a spoiler-light preview of what you can expect:
- The Arrival of a Supreme Leader (Volume 4): Immediately after the events of the anime, Combat Agent Six’s request for backup is answered in a big way. The brilliant but eccentric Supreme Leader Lilith the Black arrives on the planet, bringing her peerless intellect and a host of deadly new technologies (and tentacles) to speed up the conquest.
- The New Demon Lord Arc (Volumes 5-6): The previous Demon Lord is gone, but his surprisingly gentle daughter, Viper, takes the throne. This leads to an unexpected turn of events where she surrenders to Kisaragi, and a new, complicated relationship forms between the demon army and Six’s crew.
- The Great Flame’s Rampage (Volume 7): Just when things couldn’t get more chaotic, another of Kisaragi’s Supreme Leaders, Belial, arrives on the planet. Her arrival causes mayhem and rapidly accelerates Kisaragi’s territorial expansion, setting the stage for even larger conflicts.
These story arcs delve deeper into the leadership of the Kisaragi Corporation and introduce formidable new adversaries, including a rival corporation with similar technology.
FAQs About Combatants Will Be Dispatched!
Is there a Season 2 of Combatants Will Be Dispatched?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a Season 2 of the Combatants Will Be Dispatched! anime. While the series comes from the popular author of Konosuba, Natsume Akatsuki, it did not achieve the same breakout success. This makes a sequel less likely, though not impossible. Fans should monitor official announcements from the publisher Kadokawa for any potential updates.
Is the Combatants Will Be Dispatched Light Novel Finished?
The Combatants Will Be Dispatched! light novel series is not officially finished, but it is on an extended hiatus. The last installment, Volume 7, was released in Japan, and since then, author Natsume Akatsuki has been occupied with other projects, including work related to the Konosuba anime. This has led to a significant delay in further releases.
Why Was the Combatants Will Be Dispatched! Manga Canceled?
The manga adaptation officially ended in March 2026 with Chapter 66, which was collected in its 12th volume. It wasn’t abruptly canceled in the traditional sense but concluded at a planned point. This stopping point wrapped up a major story arc from the light novels (ending after adapting LN Volume 7), likely because the manga was catching up to the source material, which had stalled.
Is Combatants Will Be Dispatched! Connected to Konosuba?
Combatants Will Be Dispatched! and Konosuba are not set in the same universe, but they are written by the same author, Natsume Akatsuki. Because of this, they share a very similar style of satirical humor, often parodying isekai and fantasy tropes with deeply flawed and dysfunctional protagonists. If you enjoy the comedic style of one series, you will almost certainly enjoy the other.
What Is the Difference Between the Web Novel and the Light Novel?
The light novel is the professionally published, official version of the story and is considered canon. The web novel was an earlier, rougher draft of the story that the author wrote before Konosuba was even published. The light novel features professional illustrations by Kakao Lanthanum, expanded plotlines, and more refined character development, making it the definitive source material to follow.
Key Takeaways: Combatants Will Be Dispatched! Anime to Light Novel Guide
- Your Starting Point: Start reading at Light Novel Volume 4 to continue the story directly after the anime. For a more complete experience with skipped details, consider starting from Volume 3.
- The Source Material: The Light Novel is the definitive, original source for the Combatants Will Be Dispatched! story and is the recommended reading format for the complete narrative.
- Avoid the Manga for Continuation: The manga adaptation is incomplete, ending after adapting the events of Light Novel Volume 7. It does not tell the full story.
- Anime Coverage: The 12-episode anime faithfully adapts the main plot points of Light Novel Volumes 1, 2, and 3.
- Post-Anime Story: The story continues with major new arcs, introducing Kisaragi Supreme Leaders Lilith and Belial, and a new Demon Lord named Viper.
- Series Status: The light novel series is currently on hiatus, and there has been no official announcement for a Season 2 of the anime as of 2026.
Final Thoughts on Continuing Combatants Will Be Dispatched!
Navigating the transition from an anime to its source material can be confusing, but for Combatants Will Be Dispatched!, the path is clear. By jumping into Light Novel Volume 4, you are stepping directly into the next chapter of Combat Agent Six’s hilarious and chaotic attempts at world domination. You now have a precise roadmap to continue the adventure without missing a beat.
Choosing the light novel ensures you experience the full story, complete with the deeper world-building and character moments that couldn’t fit into the anime. You’ll meet new allies and enemies and witness the Kisaragi Corporation’s grand strategy unfold in ways the anime could only hint at. Enjoy the read
Last update on 2026-02-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
