Failure Frame Vol. 12 (Light Novel): Touka finally confronts Goddess Vicius? [Story Overview & Review]

Last Updated 22 June, 2025.

Book title: Failure Frame: I Became the Strongest and Annihilated Everything With Low-Level Spells (Light Novel)

Author: Kaoru Shinozaki

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You can read Volume 12 on Kindle now. The print version's release date on July 29, 2025. It's also available to read online on 小説家になろう.

Story Overview

Prologue

Yasu Tomohiro, traveling with Rinji and his group toward Yonato, hears that Ayaka Sogou is battling against the armies of Mira. He decides to go back to Mira to find Ayaka and expresses gratitude to and part ways with Rinji's group. However, shortly after, Rinji's group is attacked by golden eye monsters.

March on the capital of Alion

Touka, Ayaka, and the Takao sisters join the anti-goddess alliance to face off against Alion's forces. Thanks to Touka's skills and the other heroes' powers, the alliance overwhelms the enemy. 

Before advancing into Alion, Touka, the other heroes, and their allies take a pause to rest and reaffirm their bonds. Touka also reunites with Eve Speed, receiving advice for defeating the goddess.

Divine Labyrinth

As the anti-goddess army draws near, Vicius conjures a divine labyrinth to disappear into its depths. The heroes, Pigimaru, Seras, and Munin, are scattered throughout the labyrinth, forced to fight enemies while searching for one another. 

After Touka, Pigimaru, Seras, and Munin reunite, they set their sights on the castle, determined to settle things with Vicius once and for all, and Touka begins preparing his strategy.

Review

A flat opening

The early chapters focus on battles against the armies of Alion, but the heroes' overwhelming power makes things feel too easy. Without unexpected turns, the early pacing feels a bit flat and lacks tension.

However, the description of the side characters isn't bad. Yasu's emotional growth, Pigimaru's gaining a new ability, and Touka's reflective moments with Seras and other comrades help add emotional weight.

Battles in the Divine Labyrinth

Vicius' strategy of scattering Touka and the others forces them into isolated fights, bringing more tension and variety compared to the earlier battles. Many encounters feel like close calls, raising the stakes considerably. 

The highlight here is undoubtedly the Takao sisters. Their battle had me on edge the entire time, but the deep bond between them was truly moving.

Does Touka confront Goddess Vicious in Vol. 12?

Although I expected a direct confrontation between Touka and Vicius, it doesn’t happen here. Instead, Vicius speaks briefly with Ayaka, then disappears deeper into the labyrinth. 

Vicius seems to be hiding further tricks, so a confrontation with Touka likely won’t happen any time soon. Touka's revenge will likely take some more time to reach its conclusion. With Yasu’s evolution and the appearance of Asagi at the end, I'm curious to see what part they'll each play in the next volume.

The English version of Volume 13 hasn't been released yet, but the Japanese version is already out. You can read my full review and summary.