I am re-listening to Ultimate Level 1 to familiarize myself with where the story is. I enjoy the series but it’s also not one that I love. Upon review, I feel like I’d put it in the same category as HWFWM and System Universe (which I know is sacrilegious to some of you, but that’s ok).
The thing that bugs me with all 3 series isn’t the OP MC, but the “NPC energy” that all other characters display. I feel like in each world, everyone is just existing and cannot solve a single problem without the MC. “Oh no, we can’t open this jar of pickles so our world will end. But wait, this 21 year old nobody has figured out a new and improved way! We are saved.” Young main characters showing kings and supposed wise leaders brand new unheard of things and just lapping it up.
“Oh my god, you are giving away gear to the next generation?? Who would have ever considered this?!”
“Oh my god, a comfortable chair?! I’m a 1000 year old elf and I never thought of a cushion before.”
And basically every interaction Jason has with nobility.
Am I off-base here? Is this a foundational requirement of the genre? Maybe I’m just hangry…