Title

Ordinary Soldier Dreams of the Past

Also known as: Hiraheishi wa Kako wo Yumemiru, 平兵士は過去を夢見る

by Izo Suzuki, Yuu Okano

Score from AniList: 63/100finished7 volumes62 chapters

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After a long battle, John Celias, a soldier of the Demon punitive force, sees the hero topple the Demon King at last...and he is defeated by the remnants of the enemy. When John, who should have died in the war, wakes up, he finds that he has become a baby in his hometown... the same hometown that should have been destroyed by the demons. John realizes that he has actually gone back in time and decides to use the fighting prowess and the knowledge he gained in his previous life to change his tragic fate! It's a story of a soldier and his time travel counterattack fantasy! (Source: Alpha Manga)

Chapters available: 62
Type: Manga

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 3/5

A demon-army soldier wakes as a baby in his hometown, the very place that was meant to be destroyed, and sets out to change what happened, in a regression fantasy with a sharp sense of loss.

Pros

Strong emotional stakes from a changed past
Battle experience carries over into childhood
Clear motive to protect his hometown

Cons

Regression beats are familiar
Early chapters can feel slow while he is a baby

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Read the full take

A soldier who fought in a demon punitive force is defeated just as the hero topples the Demon King, and then wakes as a baby in his hometown, the very place that should have been destroyed. He realises he has gone back in time. The premise is a regression story with a strong sense of duty.The strongest element is the motive. His knowledge of the war and his desire to save his home drive the story forward, and his battle experience gives the action weight. The contrast between a warrior's memories and an infant's body is effective.The weakness is familiarity. Regression stories follow set patterns, and the early chapters can feel slow while he grows up. Some supporting characters are less developed than the lead.If you enjoy regression fantasy with a clear mission, it is a solid pick. It is earnest and focused. Expect a determined veteran, a village with a dark future and a story about changing a fate that seemed set.