Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss But I'm Not the Demon Lord

A former college student who just wanted a quiet life wakes up as Yumiella Dolkness, the hidden villainess inside an otome game. Rather than play the part expected of her, she quietly gives up the scheming and settles into an undersung life, trying to avoid attention. Her plans go off script when her old gamer instincts take over and she grinds to level 99 by accident, which draws suspicion and fear from NPCs and players who think the Demon Lord might be rising. The show follows how she copes with unwanted fame, odd alliances, and the practical problems of being overpowered in a romantic fantasy setting, without spoiling how things resolve.

This animated TV adaptation premiered in 2024, created by Satori Tanabata with series composition by Fumihiko Shimo. The main cast includes Fairouz Ai as Yumiella, Azumi Waki as Alicia, Taku Yashiro as Edwin, Rina Hidaka as Eleonora, and Kohei Amasaki as Oswald.

As of early 2024, the series has not received major industry awards or high-profile nominations. It has, however, registered steady viewer interest and online ratings that reflect a modest but engaged audience.

The show has sparked conversation among fans of isekai and otome genres for flipping the usual villainess script, and for mixing game mechanics with slice-of-life humor. Viewers have highlighted Yumiella's ironic contrast between overwhelming stats and a desire for normalcy, which makes for frequent fan art and discussion threads, especially around her interactions with other lead characters.

Critical and audience response leans positive, with a vote average of 7.1/10 from user ratings. Reviewers and viewers often point to the series' light-hearted tone, ironic take on role labels, and focus on character relationships over straight action. Major themes include identity, how power changes perception, and the comedic friction that comes when real feelings meet game logic.