Unveiling 'Hundred': Hidden Lore, Character Secrets, and What the Anime Didn't Show

Step into the exhilarating world of Hundred, the 2016 sci-fi anime series that masterfully blended rapid-fire combat sequences with memorable characters and a touch of lighthearted ecchi. Brought to life by the now-defunct Production IMS, the anime immersed viewers in a desperate struggle for humanity's survival against enigmatic alien entities known as 'Savage'. Humanity's last hope lay in formidable combat artifacts dubbed 'Hundred', wielded by specially trained individuals. While the animated adaptation delivered a thrilling spectacle of battles and engaging character dynamics, a deeper dive beyond the screen reveals a treasure trove of fascinating details and profound lore, particularly concerning one of its most pivotal characters and the expansive universe crafted in its original light novel series. The anime truly served as an appetizer, hinting at a much richer narrative tapestry that avid fans would discover by exploring the source material.

The Enigma of Emilia Hermit: A Royal Revelation

One of the most captivating revelations for fans who experienced Hundred solely through the anime revolves around the enigmatic Emilia Hermit. Initially introduced as Hayato Kisaragi's silver-haired and somewhat aloof roommate, Emilia swiftly established herself as a formidable combatant and an indispensable ally. Her combat prowess was undeniable, making her an immediate standout. However, the narrative masterfully orchestrates a significant twist that likely surprised many: Emilia is, in fact, a girl. From her very first appearance, Emilia deliberately presented as male, even sharing a room with Hayato in the male dormitories. This elaborate gender deception serves as a crucial plot device, stemming from Emilia's royal heritage and her urgent need to conceal her true identity to evade a predetermined political marriage. Her authentic name is Emilia Crossford, a princess from the Gudenburg Kingdom. This intricate detail adds a rich layer of complexity to her character, explaining her initial reserved demeanor and her gradual blossoming comfort with Hayato as her secret slowly comes to light. This remarkable transformation, evolving from a seemingly male roommate to a powerful female lead, provides a delightful and enriching twist that amplifies the romantic and comedic elements of the series, showcasing the ingenious narrative choices embedded within the original source material. It's a testament to the light novel's clever plotting that such a significant reveal was handled with both humor and emotional depth.

Unveiling the Deeper Lore of the 'Hundred' Universe

The universe of Hundred itself holds even more intriguing secrets than the anime could fully explore within its single season. The 'Hundred' weapons are far more than mere advanced technology; they are described as sentient-like entities that share a profound resonance with their wielder's unique 'Variant' abilities. These 'Variant' abilities are extraordinary powers possessed by a select few, granting them capabilities far beyond standard 'Hundred' usage. For instance, Hayato Kisaragi's exceptional compatibility allows him to wield multiple 'Hundred' variants simultaneously, a rare and immensely powerful trait that sets him apart from most others. While the anime offers glimpses of this, the light novel delves considerably deeper into the true origins of the Variants, their mysterious connection to the Savages, and the ultimate purpose behind the 'Hundred' technology. It is revealed that the 'Savage' creatures themselves are not simply mindless aggressors but possess a complex biological and societal structure, hinting at a level of intelligence and organization not fully conveyed on screen. Their sudden appearance on Earth is intricately linked to a much grander cosmic phenomenon, hinting at an expansive, interstellar conflict that extends far beyond the scope of the anime's narrative. This expanded lore paints a picture of a universe far vaster and more perilous than initially perceived.

Production IMS: A Legacy in Action-Ecchi Adaptations

Production IMS, the studio behind Hundred, carved out a notable legacy for bringing action-heavy, ecchi-infused light novel adaptations to vibrant life. Renowned for titles such as Date A Live II, Shinmai Maou no Testament (The Testament of Sister New Devil), and Trinity Seven, the studio cultivated a distinctive style characterized by dynamic animation, exhilarating fight choreography, and a confident embrace of the fan-service elements inherent in many of these light novels. Hundred perfectly embodies this stylistic approach, exemplifying Production IMS's adeptness at seamlessly blending intense action sequences with humorous and often risqué situations. Although the studio later ceased operations, Hundred stands as a powerful testament to their specialized expertise in a niche yet highly popular genre, consistently delivering the entertainment value that fans of such series anticipated: an engaging fusion of power fantasy, school life, and lighthearted romantic comedy, all presented in a visually appealing package. The studio’s consistent artistic vision allowed fans to expect a certain caliber of quality and entertainment from their adaptations, making Hundred a familiar and thoroughly enjoyable watch for those acquainted with their prior works and a strong example of their unique contribution to the anime landscape.

Beyond the Screen: The Uncharted Depths of the Light Novels

Furthermore, the anime adaptation covered only the initial volumes of Jun Misaki's extensive light novel series. This means that a wealth of character arcs, significant plot developments, and the ultimate resolution of both the 'Savage' threat and the 'Hundred' mystery remain exclusively within the pages of the original source material. For example, the light novels meticulously explore the full extent of Claire Harvey’s family background and her intricate political struggles within the school and beyond, alongside the deeper emotional maturation of characters like Hayato and Emilia as their unique bond is rigorously tested through various trials and tribulations. Anime-only viewers might be astonished to discover just how much more world-building and character progression unfolds, painting a far more comprehensive and intricate picture of the Hundred universe. The light novels also introduce even more formidable 'Savage' forms and increasingly complex 'Variant' abilities, dramatically escalating the stakes and unveiling the true global scale of the conflict. This profound richness of lore is a common yet often overlooked characteristic of light novel adaptations, where the anime serves as an exhilarating introduction, but the full narrative tapestry patiently awaits those who choose to delve into the original prose. Therefore, for those who savored the on-screen spectacle, an entire universe of untold stories and deeper revelations awaits discovery in the original Hundred light novels, promising a surprising depth far beyond the anime's energetic surface and a truly complete understanding of its compelling narrative.