The Strongest Sage With the Weakest Crest

'The Sage' - a man who has devoted most of his life to strengthening his magic - has finally reached his limit to what he could achieve with magic too weak to face the universe, but he hasn't given up yet. In order to break his limits, he reincarnates: awakening in a changed world but gaining the means of being able to face not only the world but maybe even the universe.

Marked for Failure, the World's Strongest Sage Reincarnates for a Do-Over! is a light novel by Shinkoshoto which started publication in 2016. A manga adaptation began in 2017. The artists of the manga are Hyoukou and Kanshou of Friendly Land.


 * Catchphrase: Matthias always says "Subjugation Complete." whenever he finishes a fight.
 * Distinguishing Mark: In the past, Fourth Marks were seen as having the strongest in magic while the First being the weakest. The present has the reverse perspective, even though it's contrary to the truth: the First is called the Mark of Honor while the fourth is called an Inferior Mark.
 * Functional Magic: In this universe, magic is a combination of Inherent Gift and manipulation of magic power in one's body to perform supernatural acts. Chants for magic can help activate it more easily, but the magic loses effectiveness and power. It can just be activated for a greater effect yet casting is more difficult. There are different types of magic such as fire, spatial, physical enhancement, magical enchantment, and so on. Each person is born with a Mark that shows their type of magical aptitude:
 * The First Mark specializes in production such as magic augmentation. This mark is ill-suited for combat compared to others.
 * The Second Mark specializes in power but doesn't have many common features. With enough practice and time, a bearer can eventually use high-level fire magic.
 * The Third Mark specializes in the fast casting of magic that is weak in effect. Strength can be gained through practice over time. It is best for cleaning up the battlefield thanks to the rapid casting.
 * The Fourth Mark specializes in close combat and is short range. It can also utilize both fire magic and rapid-casting magic of the second and third types. It also specializes in body enhancement magic.
 * Hammerspace: How storage magic works. It is based on the amount of magic power that a person has.
 * Wizarding School: Magic Academy in the past would require a person to have a Mark other than a First to attend. In the present, in order to attend a school, one must succeed in practical and written exams. There are also deductions and awards are given the scores based on their Marks which the Fourth is given the most in losing points.
 * Magitek: A common form of technology in the past, but magitek items are legendary artifacts in the present.
 * Magic Knight: The way Matthias fights is by using physical enhancement while also other forms of magic that give him the edge in battle.
 * Mana: Magic Power is something people, Magic Beasts, and Demon Beasts are born with. A magician can absorb the Magic Power of these creatures once they are killed.
 * Playing with Fire: A common use of offense for most people is fire magic
 * Power Tattoo: A Mark is an emblem a person is born with that determines their affinity for magic. The mark cannot be changed, no matter what.
 * Reincarnation: Matthias uses this to be born with a new mark to gain greater strength.
 * The Archmage: Matthias in his previous life was known as 'The Sage' and reincarnated with all of his knowledge. Even with the lower amount of magic power, he is more formidable due to being born with the Fourth Mark and his wide range of magic expertise.
 * Weapon of Choice: Matthias uses a sword as his main weapon and even enhances it through magic augmentation. Ruri also uses a sword that has been strengthened by Matthias as well.
 * Alma, who has the Second Mark, uses a bow and arrow along with empowering arrows with magic power.