The Beginning After the End (最強の王様、二度目の人生は何をする?) is an American web novel series written by TurtleMe and illustrated by Fuyuki23. It began serialization on the web fiction platform Royalroad[1] in October 28, 2015 to August 24, 2025 before migrating to Tapas in January 2017. A webtoon adaptation, also illustrated by Fuyuki23, began serialization on Tapas in July 2018. Yen Press is publishing the webtoon in English; as of February 2026, ten volumes have been released. An anime television series adaptation produced by Studio A-Cat aired from April to June 2025, with the second season premiered in April 2026.
Premise
It follows the life of the late King Grey after his untimely and mysterious death. Reborn as Arthur Leywin, he seeks to correct his past mistakes in the vibrant new continent of Dicathen, a world of magic and fantastical creatures. Equipped with the knowledge of a powerful king at the age of 38, Arthur navigates his new life as the magic-wielding child of two retired adventurers and gains purpose through each of his new experiences—something he lacked in his previous life. When a kind dragon sacrifices her life to protect him, Arthur resolves to live a sincere, kind, and courageous life with those he loves. With the help of a lost elf princess and the Elven Kingdom of Elenoir, Arthur begins his long journey to find his true place in the world.