Finished the Let This Grieving Soul Retire anime and now you’re wondering where to pick up the story? You’re in the right place to find the exact starting point. Many viewers face this confusion after a season ends.
The Let This Grieving Soul Retire anime, including both cours of season 1 (24 episodes), concludes its story at the end of Light Novel Volume 3, specifically adapting up to the Epilogue. To seamlessly continue the narrative, you should pick up the light novel starting with Volume 4.
Based on first-hand reading and analysis of the franchise, this guide provides the precise starting points for the light novel, manga, and web novel. You’ll discover not only where to begin but also what key details the anime missed, helping you decide the best way to continue your journey.
Key Facts
- Anime Conclusion Point: The 24-episode first season adapts the story through the end of Light Novel Volume 3, including its Epilogue.
- Recommended Starting Point: To continue the story after the anime, you must start reading from Light Novel Volume 4, Chapter 1.
- Anime vs. Manga Pacing: The anime adaptation is significantly ahead of the manga, making the light novel the only viable option to continue the plot.
- Source Material Hierarchy: The anime directly adapts the Light Novel, which is a polished, commercially published version of the original Web Novel.
- Season 2 Confirmation: A second season of the anime has been officially announced, and it is expected to adapt volumes 4 through 6 of the light novel.
Where Does the Let This Grieving Soul Retire Anime End in the Light Novel?
The definitive answer is that the Let This Grieving Soul Retire anime season 1 concludes at the end of Light Novel Volume 3. The 24-episode season, which aired as a split-cour series, faithfully adapted the first three major story arcs. The final scene of episode 24 corresponds to the events in the Epilogue of the third volume.
This means if you want to know what happens next in the adventures of Krai Andrey and his party of Treasure Hunters, you can jump directly into Light Novel Volume 4 without missing any main plot points. To make your transition as smooth as possible, here is an accurate mapping based on our analysis, providing an official guide to all formats.
| Medium | Anime Season 1 (Episodes 1-24) End Point | Recommended Reading Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| Light Novel | Volume 3, Epilogue | Volume 4, Chapter 1 |
| Manga | Chapter 50 (Surpassed by anime) | Chapter 51 (Note: Anime covers more) |
| Web Novel (WN) | Arc 3: The Lost Cathedral | Arc 4: The Crimson World |
What Are the Key Differences Between the Anime, Light Novel, and Manga?
The primary difference is the level of detail, especially in world-building and the protagonist’s inner monologue. While the anime from Studio Zero-G is a strong adaptation, it naturally has to condense material to fit its runtime. If you’re considering reading the source material, you’ll find a much richer experience waiting for you.
- 📖 Lore & World-Building: The Light Novel contains extensive details on the history of the Grieving Souls, the intricate relic ranking system, and the political landscape of the world. Much of this detailed world-building is either simplified or completely omitted in the anime to maintain pacing.
- 🏃 Pacing: The anime has a much faster pace than the other formats. This is why it has already surpassed the manga adaptation, which is still covering the events of the early light novel volumes. If you want to continue the story, the manga is not a current option.
- 🤭 Inner Monologue: Krai’s internal thoughts and constant misunderstandings are the heart of the series’ comedy. The light novel provides far more depth to his “unreliable narrator technique,” making the comedic moments and narrative irony even more impactful. From firsthand reading, many jokes land better with the full context of Krai’s internal panic.
Why is the Light Novel Considered the Definitive Version?
The Light Novel is the definitive version because it is the polished, official source material for the anime. It sits in the perfect middle ground of the franchise’s production pipeline.
The story originated as a Web Novel (WN), which is like a rough draft. The author, Tsukikage, then worked with an editor to refine the story, add new details, and structure it for commercial release as a Light Novel (LN). The anime is then adapted from this polished LN version.
Therefore, the Light Novel offers:
* The author’s complete, intended narrative.
* Professional editing and refined prose.
* Exclusive illustrations that help visualize the world.
Think of it as the “director’s cut” of the story. You get the full, uncompromised vision, especially the crucial misunderstanding comedy that drives the plot.
Should You Read Let This Grieving Soul Retire From The Beginning?
It is highly recommended to read from Volume 1, but it is not strictly necessary to understand the main plot. The anime does a good job of covering the major events, so you can safely start at Volume 4 if you are short on time or budget. However, you will miss out on significant context.
This decision depends on what kind of fan you are. Our detailed comparison below can help you choose the best path for your reading journey.
| Reading Approach | Recommended For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start from Volume 1 | Purists, lore enthusiasts | Complete story, deeper character insight, richer comedy | Time investment, re-reading plot points |
| Start from Volume 4 | Readers tight on time, plot-focused fans | Immediately continue the story, save money | Miss out on cut content and world-building |
Ultimately, starting from the beginning provides a richer, more complete experience and allows you to appreciate the subtle jokes and world-building you missed. But if you’re eager to see what happens next, jumping to Volume 4 is a perfectly valid option.
Where Can You Officially Read or Watch Let This Grieving Soul Retire?
Supporting the official releases is the best way to ensure the series continues to get translations and more anime seasons. As of 2026, all forms of the Let This Grieving Soul Retire media are accessible through official channels. Pirated sources often have inaccurate translations and hurt the creators.
- 📘 Light Novel: The official English version of the light novel is licensed and published by Seven Seas Entertainment. You can buy physical and digital copies from major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Walker.
- 📗 Manga: The manga adaptation is also licensed in English and can be found on official digital manga platforms and through major book retailers.
- 📺 Anime: The anime television series is officially streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll. You can watch all 24 episodes of season 1 there with high-quality production.
- 🌐 Web Novel: The original Japanese web novel was published on Shōsetsuka ni Narō (“Let’s Become a Novelist”), a popular user-generated novel site in Japan.
FAQs About where does the let this grieving soul retire anime end in the light novel
Is Let This Grieving Soul Retire Season 2 Confirmed?
Yes, as of late 2026, a second season has been officially announced. The new season is expected to adapt volumes 4 through 6 of the light novel. Studio Zero-G is returning to handle the production, with many outlets reporting a tentative release window around Winter 2026. Keep an eye on official channels for a precise release date.
What Chapter in the Manga is the Anime On?
The anime is currently ahead of the manga adaptation. The 24-episode first season adapted content that surpasses the manga’s current point (around chapter 50-55). Therefore, if you are an anime-only viewer, the manga is not a viable way to continue the story at this time; you must read the light novel.
How Did Krai Get the 2nd Tail in the Light Novel?
This is a key plot point from Volume 3 that is handled with more detail in the novel. In short, Krai unintentionally performs a great deed in service to a Divine Spirit, the “Fox God.” As a reward for his actions, which he achieved through his usual mix of luck and misunderstanding, the spirit grants him a second phantom tail, increasing his power and reputation against his will.
Is the Let This Grieving Soul Retire Light Novel Finished?
No, the light novel series is still ongoing in Japan. New volumes are released periodically by the author, Tsukikage. The English translation by Seven Seas Entertainment is also ongoing but typically follows a few volumes behind the Japanese release schedule, so there is plenty of content to look forward to.
Is the Manga Ahead of the Anime?
No, the anime is significantly ahead of the manga. The first season of the anime adapted all of light novel volumes 1-3. The manga is still in the process of adapting these early volumes. To continue the story after the anime, the light novel is the only option.
What Studio Made Let This Grieving Soul Retire?
The anime adaptation was produced by Studio Zero-G. They are known for their work on other series like Grand Blue and The Dangers in My Heart. Their involvement was confirmed with the initial anime announcement, and they are also slated to produce the upcoming second season.
Is the Protagonist Krai Really Weak?
Yes and no; this is the central joke of the series. Krai Andrey himself possesses very low personal combat ability and considers himself weak. However, due to a series of “strategic misunderstandings,” extreme luck, and the competence of his party members, everyone else believes he is an immensely powerful and wise Level 8 Treasure Hunter. His true strength lies in unintentional misdirection.
How Many Volumes of Let This Grieving Soul Retire Are There?
As of 2026, there are over 10 volumes published in Japan, and the series is still ongoing. The English release by Seven Seas Entertainment is catching up, with a significant number of volumes already available. You can check the publisher’s website for the most current release schedule.
Does the Anime Follow the Light Novel or Web Novel?
The anime primarily follows the Light Novel version. The Light Novel is a more polished and edited version of the original Web Novel (WN). While the main plot points are similar, the LN features refined prose, sometimes altered scenes, and exclusive illustrations, making it the direct source material for the anime adaptation.
What Are the Main Story Arcs Covered in the Anime?
Season 1 of the anime covers the first three major story arcs from the light novels. This includes Arc 1: The Phantom of the Opera, Arc 2: The White-Haired Reaper, and concludes with Arc 3: The Lost Cathedral. The next arc to be adapted in Season 2 is expected to be Arc 4: The Crimson World from Volume 4.
Key Takeaways: Let This Grieving Soul Retire Media Guide
- The Definitive Starting Point: The anime (Season 1, 24 episodes) ends at Light Novel Volume 3, Epilogue. To continue the story without interruption, you must begin reading Light Novel Volume 4.
- Manga is Behind: Do not switch to the manga to continue the story. The anime’s pacing is much faster, and it has adapted content that the manga has not yet reached. The light novel is the only path forward.
- Source Material is Richer: The light novel offers significantly more detail, especially regarding world-building, lore about the Grieving Souls, and Krai’s hilarious inner monologues, which are central to the series’ “misunderstanding comedy”.
- Reading From Volume 1 is Recommended: While you can jump straight to Volume 4, it is highly recommended to start from Volume 1 to experience the full context, cut content, and character nuances that the anime had to condense.
- Season 2 is Coming: A second season has been announced, which is expected to cover Light Novel Volumes 4 through 6. This confirms the franchise’s ongoing popularity and investment from Studio Zero-G.
- Official Sources are Key: The light novel and manga are officially licensed in English by publishers like Seven Seas Entertainment. Supporting these releases is the best way to ensure the series continues to receive translations and adaptations.
- Web Novel vs. Light Novel: The anime is based on the Light Novel, not the original Web Novel. The LN is the polished, commercially published version and should be your primary source.
Final Thoughts on Continuing Your Journey
Transitioning from an anime to its source material is the best way to dive deeper into a world you’ve come to love. For Let This Grieving Soul Retire, the answer is clear and simple: pick up Light Novel Volume 4. This is your direct gateway to the next chapter of Krai Andrey’s hilariously unfortunate adventures. While the Zero-G anime adaptation does a fantastic job of capturing the series’ spirit, the light novel is where the intricate world-building and masterful comedic timing truly shine. By reading the source material, you’re not just getting more of the story—you’re getting the complete, definitive version. Enjoy the journey into the “Crimson World” arc and beyond
Last update on 2026-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
