Parallel World Pharmacy(or Isekai Yakkyoku) introduces a relatively unique magic system whereby each user has an affinity for a particular element.During a reincarnation mishap(or in this case, a blessing), a 31-year-old world-famous medical researcher works himself to death, only to reawaken as a young Royal Court pharmacist’sapprentice.
Falma de Médiciss (also spelled Farma, for pun’s sake) has a second chance at life, this time around with the added benefit (and subsequent consequences) of unimaginable magical attributes, elevating the 10-year-old boy to god-status overnight.
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A Magic Medicinal Mixture
Parallel World Pharmacyincorporates Science into the supernatural world in a unique and compelling way (particularly in Falma’s case.) In this medieval setting, it seems only those born of Noble blood arebestowed with magical talents, emphasizing the element of exclusivity, which is a long-running theme throughout the storyline. Within a world where demons possess humans and the church has a worrying amount of authority, everyone appears to be trying to make a pretty penny from the pharmaceutical field by selling overpriced medicines, astrology-based healing, or unverified herbal remedies to chronically ill (or simply superstitious) customers.
The political hierarchy of the San Fleuve Empire is greatly influenced by each candidate’s Divine Arts, with the Empress supposedly sitting at the highest level (although, ironically, Falma faces possible jail time or worse if his extensive magical attributes are discovered.) To prove one’s worth, a holy crest marks the bodies of those blessed by the gods, with Falma’s divine mark conveniently forming two Lichtenberg shapes which could be explained away by science,yet their symbolic value remains undeniable.
In a similar manner toAvatar: The Last Airbender, those bestowed with magical blessings can subsequently manipulate a particular element to their will (including Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and the mysterious “None.") However, these magic users have to depend on the help of a wand or staff to concentrate the metaphysical energy, accompanied by a spoken spell (usually articulated in the French dialect.) No wonder magic seems to be reserved for the Nobles, as the necessary equipment and language lessons surely come with quite a substantial price tag!
Each elemental affinity is represented by a corresponding patron guardian deity (withseemingly Greek Mythological references) that is highly celebrated by every sect. These elemental powers have another layer of complexity to them, as magical wielders can either be positive or negative users of their respective fundamentals. The powers of destruction or creations are not self-appointed, but thankfully negative users are a rare occurrence (and generally feared by most.) Non-elementals also exist in this world, however, such power is considered to be exclusively for deities.
The God of Medicine
The 10-year-old Falma breaks all stereotypical boundaries in the San Fleuve Empire, as he has had imaginable powers bestowed upon himduring the reincarnation process.Believed to now be a combination of a young apprentice and highly revered deity, not only does the water-loving Falma display both positive and negative attributes, but he can also manipulate non-elementals too! His left hand is responsible for generating substances and is most often used during his pharmaceutical experimentations, whereas his right hand negates the target (best not to get those two mixed up!)
It seems that during the lightning-induced reincarnation, Falma’s body became residence to both the genius-level pharmacist, Yakutani, and Panactheos, the God of Medicine; perfectly balanced with seemingly unlimited potential. While Falma’sCreation and Destruction magic is unparalleled, his capabilities are limited to his understanding of the chemical composition of each “ingredient”, which seems to be of little issue to the esteemed mind of Yakutani. As long as he can picture the molecular structure of whatever he wishes to construct, Falma can essentially assemble any material out of thin air.
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Additionally, Falma has access to the Divine Eye ability, which allows him to thoroughly assess each patient’s health on an anatomic level with the use of his left eye. By gazing through his V-shaped fingers, Falma can identify themedical issue and deduce the diagnosis, with an accurate evaluation indicated by a glowing white light, and an incorrect one turning red instead. The light visible only to Falma will fade away if a full recovery is possible, however, chronic illnesses will continue to omit a faint luster. To a layman, this power would be completely useless as it does not provide the correct answers and only confirms previously acquired knowledge, but thankfully the professor at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences has plenty of wisdom in storage.
Isekai with a Difference
For those reluctant to take onyet anotherPharmacy Isekai storyline, give Falma a chance, as he breaks the mold almost as successfully asAscendance of a Bookwormdoes. Many Isekai adventures these days traverse through multiple genres to spice up the rather oversaturated trope, each leaving a unique impression on viewers.
In comparison,Drugstore in Another Worldis a lot more slapstick,Dr. Stonetakes moreof an adventurous Apocolypse route, andSnow White with the Red Hairhas the fantasy-romance fans covered. So whileParallel World Pharmacycovers the cliched medicinal Isekai theme, its unique magical system allows Falma to stand out from the crowd. Thanks to such intricate World Building, there are still plenty of mysteries for fans to uncover as Falma pushes the boundaries further each day with his revolutionary pharmaceutical concepts.
Season 1 ofParallel World Pharmacyis streaming onCrunchyroll, with new episodes released weekly on Sundays.
