Lately, I’ve been on a journey of reflection, especially as I’ve started to realize that I might be neurodivergent. So many things that seem effortless to others—simple social interactions, tasks that demand a lot of executive function, and even processing conversations while maintaining relevant facial expressions —can feel like climbing a mountain. I’ve found that, while I have strong visual memory, I sometimes have frustrating lags in auditory processing, especially during social situations. Social gatherings, phone calls, changes in plans, transitioning between different tasks like laundry or making appointments, and even sensory issues like itchy clothing tags can throw me off balance. It can sometimes feel like a battle to navigate a world that wasn’t quite made for me.
In some ways, this journey reminds me of Will Serfort from the anime Wistoria: Wand and Sword.
The anime is set in a magical world where academy students use powerful magic and combat dangerous creatures in dungeons. Will, a student unable to use magic, dreams of becoming a Magia Vander, the highest rank of magic users in this world. His ultimate goal is to reunite with his childhood friend Elfaria. She became a Magia Vander herself, and they were separated when she achieved this status.
*Before diving deeper, I want to give a quick heads-up: if you haven’t seen Wistoria: Wand and Sword yet, there will be brief mentions of some plot points ahead. Feel free to read on if you don’t mind light spoilers!
Will, unable to use magical power in a world that revolves around magic, faces struggles that seem insurmountable. He doesn’t fit into his school’s expectations and is forced to find his own path, just as many neurodivergent people struggle to fit into societal norms. Yet, through all his struggles, Will remains determined to achieve his dream. This determination resonates deeply with me—how often I’ve felt like I’m pushing through barriers that others don’t seem to face.
Will’s story teaches me about courage in the face of limitations. He faces his fears, especially when it comes to the close combat he’s required to use without magical abilities. I think about my own fears—facing awkward social situations, managing overwhelming tasks, or simply admitting when I need help. It brings me courage to remember God’s words: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). In those moments of fear and uncertainty, His grace carries me through. I can always rely on Christ for strength, just as Philippians 4:13 says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’
Moreover, Romans 5:3-4 explains: ‘Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.’ I can rejoice in the hope that every obstacle I face may be shaping me in ways I can’t yet see.
Will’s story also highlights how empathy and support from others can make all the difference. His bonds with his friend Colette and the elf Wignall reminds me of Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Will and Wignall eventually grow stronger through their friendship, despite their differences in abilities and backgrounds as human and elf. Colette, Wignall, and later the entire party that Will joins for the dungeon practical exercise, support Will’s unique strengths and weaknesses, just as I’ve been learning to lean on those who have my back in hard times.
This theme of personal growth through connections with others carries over into other characters as well. One notable moment is seeing Julius learn humility by washing the dishes in the tavern, a gesture of repentance to the dwarves he wronged. In the manga, Julius later helps Will train to improve his new technique, Wis, to impress scouts, join a faction, and move past the first level of the tower. His eventual willingness to serve as a way of making things right reminds me of 1 Peter 5:6:“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand…” There’s a beauty in learning from our mistakes, humbling ourselves before others, and allowing growth to take root.
Finally, we can’t ignore the miracles woven into the story—like when the party is miraculously saved in the dungeon by the Magia Vander king. This speaks to God’s grace, the way He can step in and make a way when it feels like we’re backed into a corner. Psalm 46:1 reassures me of God’s protection: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ In my own life, I’ve seen moments where God’s grace carried me through what seemed impossible. Isaiah 41:10 is a powerful reminder: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Whether it’s through anime or everyday life, I’m learning that my struggles don’t disqualify me from grace or from growth. Will Serfort’s journey may be fiction, but it reflects real truths that I hold onto as I navigate my own path. God’s grace is enough for me, even in the moments where I feel different, limited, or overwhelmed. As Isaiah 40:31 reassures, “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength… they shall run and not be weary.” With faith, I can continue forward, determined to live out the purpose He has for me, one step at a time.
This post ties together a reflection on my own journey with neurodivergence, the inspiring themes from Wistoria: Wand and Sword, and the truths found in scripture. I hope it resonates with others who may also feel like they don’t quite fit the mold, but are determined to keep moving forward.
Vivi’s Blog - Random Reflections from a Christian Otaku 
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