Guimi Zhi Zhu

Lord of Mysteries

Characters

Klein Moretti

MAIN

Roselle Gustav

SUPPORTING

Audrey Hall

SUPPORTING

Leonard Mitchell

SUPPORTING

Alger Wilson

SUPPORTING

Dunn Smith

SUPPORTING

Melissa Moretti

SUPPORTING

Daly Simone

SUPPORTING

Azik Eggers

SUPPORTING

Lord of the Mysteries Season 1: A Deep Dive into a Masterpiece of Mystery and Imagination

Lord of the Mysteries Season 1, the animated adaptation (donghua) of Cuttlefish That Loves Diving’s acclaimed web novel, has arrived with a force that redefines the boundaries of dark fantasy and supernatural storytelling. Released in the summer of 2025, this Chinese production by B.CMay Pictures has garnered widespread attention for its intricate narrative, breathtaking visuals, and a world so vividly realized it feels like a living, breathing entity. This review explores the series’ strengths, nuances, and occasional stumbles, offering a comprehensive look at why Lord of the Mysteries is a standout in the crowded landscape of fantasy anime, without resorting to hyperbole or promotional fluff.

A World Steeped in Shadows and Steam

Set in an alternate Victorian-inspired world in the Fifth Epoch (year 1349), Lord of the Mysteries introduces us to Zhou Mingrui, a modern Chinese man who awakens in the body of Klein Moretti, a history graduate who has just committed a questionable suicide. This steampunk realm, brimming with airships, cannons, and difference machines, is layered with occult horrors, secret organizations, and a magic system that feels both alien and meticulously crafted. The show’s setting is a character in itself, blending the industrial grit of a Victorian era with Lovecraftian dread and Xuanhuan mysticism. From fog-choked streets to opulent churches, every frame is drenched in atmosphere, creating a sense of unease and wonder that persists throughout the season.

The world-building is deliberate, almost methodical, in its pacing. Early episodes take their time establishing the rules of this universe—Beyonders, individuals with supernatural powers gained through potions; the 22 Pathways to godhood; and the ever-present threat of madness from otherworldly entities. While some viewers may find this initial slow burn challenging, it lays a foundation that pays off spectacularly as the season progresses. The show doesn’t spoon-feed its audience, instead inviting them to piece together the puzzle of Klein’s new reality alongside him. This approach mirrors the novel’s strength: a world so dense with history and secrets that every detail, from coinage to ancient diaries, feels purposeful.

A Protagonist Who Thinks Before He Acts

Klein Moretti, voiced with understated gravitas by Joshua Waters (English dub) and Lei Wu (Chinese dub), is a refreshing departure from the archetypal isekai protagonist. Far from the overpowered, impulsive heroes common to the genre, Klein is calculating, cautious, and deeply human. His lack of inherited memories from his host body forces him to navigate this dangerous world through wit and improvisation. His journey from a confused transmigrator to a cunning manipulator, masquerading as the god-like “Fool” to form the enigmatic Tarot Club, is one of the season’s most compelling arcs. Klein’s intelligence shines in moments of misdirection, such as when he leverages misconceptions about his powers to gain influence, making his growth feel earned rather than ordained.

Unlike many isekai protagonists, Klein isn’t driven by a thirst for power or glory. His primary goal is to return to his original world, a motivation that grounds his actions in relatable stakes. Yet, as he becomes entangled with the Nighthawks—a secretive group of Beyonders operating under the Church of the Evernight Goddess—his journey takes on layers of moral complexity. Klein’s interactions with characters like Dunn Smith, the stoic Nighthawk captain, and Leonard Mitchell, a fellow operative, reveal a protagonist who is both pragmatic and empathetic, making his decisions resonate emotionally with the audience.

A Visual and Auditory Feast

The animation quality of Lord of the Mysteries is nothing short of extraordinary. B.CMay Pictures employs a “one shot & full animation” technique, giving the series a fluid, cinematic quality that rivals the best of Japanese anime. The steampunk aesthetic is rendered with meticulous detail—gas lamps cast eerie glows, mechanical contraptions hum with life, and the gray fog of the mysterious Sefirah Castle feels like a character in its own right. The character designs, while occasionally reminiscent of Japanese anime archetypes, are distinct enough to feel fresh, with each Beyonder’s appearance reflecting their Pathway’s unique traits.

The soundtrack, a blend of haunting orchestral pieces and subtle, unsettling sound effects, amplifies the show’s atmosphere. The music underscores key moments, such as Klein’s rituals or the Tarot Club gatherings, without overpowering the narrative. However, the Chinese voice acting has sparked some debate. While the performances are technically proficient, some viewers have noted a certain flatness in emotional delivery, particularly in high-stakes scenes. The English dub, by contrast, has been praised for its nuanced performances, though purists may prefer the original for its authenticity.

A Power System That Redefines Magic

One of the series’ greatest strengths is its Beyonder power system, a complex and innovative framework that sets Lord of the Mysteries apart from its peers. Each of the 22 Pathways (e.g., Seer, Lawyer, Devil) consists of nine sequences, with powers gained through potions made from mystical creatures. These potions come with a price: the risk of corruption or madness from the “whispers” of otherworldly entities. The system is not just a gimmick but a narrative driver, as Klein’s choice of the Seer Pathway shapes his abilities and challenges. The show introduces this system gradually, ensuring viewers grasp its intricacies without feeling overwhelmed.

What makes this system compelling is its balance of power and consequence. Beyonders must act in accordance with their Pathway’s core concept to “digest” their potions and avoid losing their humanity. This rule adds a layer of strategy to Klein’s actions, as he must embody the Seer’s cunning and foresight to progress. The show’s fight scenes, though sparing in Season 1, are thrilling because of this system, with each move calculated to exploit an opponent’s weaknesses or avoid supernatural backlash.

Pacing and Accessibility: A Double-Edged Sword

The pacing of Lord of the Mysteries is both its greatest asset and its most divisive element. The first three episodes are dense with information, introducing the world, its lore, and Klein’s predicament at a rapid clip. For fans of the novel, this pace captures the story’s cerebral nature, but newcomers may feel lost amid the barrage of terms like “Beyonders,” “Sefirah Castle,” and “Antigonus notebook.” The show mitigates this by releasing the first two episodes simultaneously, allowing viewers to acclimate to its rhythm. By episode four, the pacing stabilizes, and the narrative finds a balance between exposition and action.

The series’ commitment to mystery can also be a barrier. Unlike typical isekai or fantasy anime that prioritize immediate clarity, Lord of the Mysteries revels in ambiguity. Clues are scattered across episodes—diary entries, tarot readings, and cryptic visions—that only coalesce later. This approach rewards attentive viewers but demands patience, which may alienate those accustomed to faster-paced narratives. Subtitles are a must, as the dialogue is rich with context that casual viewing might miss.

Themes and Emotional Resonance

At its core, Lord of the Mysteries is about identity, agency, and the cost of power. Klein’s struggle to retain his sense of self while navigating a world that threatens to consume him is a universal theme, rendered with surprising emotional depth. The season’s climax, which involves a confrontation tied to the Antigonus notebook and a chilling revelation about the Fourth Epoch, leaves viewers questioning the boundaries between human and divine. The emotional weight of Klein’s relationships with his sister Melissa and brother Benson adds a grounding element, making the stakes feel personal despite the cosmic scale.

The show also explores the tension between knowledge and ignorance. Klein’s pursuit of answers—about his transmigration, the gray fog, and the true history of the world—mirrors the viewer’s experience, creating a meta-narrative that feels uniquely engaging. The Tarot Club, with its enigmatic members like Justice and The Hanged Man, serves as a microcosm of this theme, as each character grapples with their own mysteries while trading information under Klein’s guise as The Fool.

Critiques and Room for Growth

No series is without flaws, and Lord of the Mysteries has its share. The initial information overload can be daunting, and while the pacing improves, it never fully sheds its deliberate slowness. Some side characters, such as the Nighthawks’ supporting members, feel underdeveloped in Season 1, though the novel suggests they gain depth later. The animation, while stunning, occasionally leans on what some viewers perceive as AI-generated aesthetics, particularly in background crowd scenes, which can feel jarring next to the hand-drawn precision of key moments.

The voice acting, particularly in the Chinese dub, has been a point of contention. While not detracting from the overall experience, the lack of emotional range in certain scenes can lessen the impact of pivotal moments. Additionally, the show’s reliance on subtitles for clarity underscores the need for better localization in future seasons to broaden its accessibility.

A Cultural Milestone with Global Appeal

Lord of the Mysteries is more than just an anime; it’s a cultural phenomenon that bridges Chinese and global audiences. The novel’s massive following—tens of millions of readers and a #1 ranking on Qidian—has translated into a fervent fanbase for the donghua, with social media buzzing about its potential to rival heavyweights like Solo Leveling. Despite some review-bombing from rival fandoms, the series has maintained strong ratings, reflecting its quality and appeal. Its blend of Eastern and Western influences, from Lovecraftian horror to Victorian aesthetics, makes it a universal story that transcends cultural boundaries.

Conclusion: A Slow Burn Worth Igniting

Lord of the Mysteries Season 1 is a triumph of ambition and execution. Its dense world-building, intelligent protagonist, and innovative power system create a narrative that feels fresh and profound. While its pacing and complexity may not suit every viewer, those willing to invest in its mysteries will find a richly rewarding experience. The animation and music elevate the storytelling to cinematic heights, and Klein’s journey as The Fool sets the stage for a saga that promises to grow even grander. This is not just an anime; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling that respects its audience’s intelligence and curiosity.

For those who crave a dark fantasy that challenges as much as it captivates, Lord of the Mysteries is a must-watch. Just be prepared to take notes—and maybe read the subtitles twice.¹