#He wants A Human and he has His Human but hmmm ♪

[sysig]

Wouldn’t want him getting lost now, would we (Patreon)

[aentrilon]

I won't let anyone lay their finger on my beloved one.

Hey, hey, how many transformation patterns do you have, Lancelot? Hmmm… out of them, there are 5-6 favorite ones of mine. Pugoh

Percival Sword (sword consisting of the fragment of the Coffin of Eternal Darkness) Material: Steel Weight: 3.2kg Maker: Howzer Magic enchantment: none A sword whose blade is attached to the fragment of the Coffin of Eternal Darkness that sealed the Demons in the past. The handle being heavy, a thick blade had to be attached to it to restore balance. No sort of magic was enchanted onto it, but its robustness is guaranteed. The name Percival Sword is not very popular.

Divine Sword Rhitta Material: Unknown metal Weight: 38kg Maker: Unknown Magic enchantment: Unknown The weapon was made of the fragment of the Divine Axe Rhitta owned by the Lion's Sin of Pride Escanor of the Seven Deadly Sins, it is too large and heavy to be a one-handed short sword. It is enchanted with the magic that makes it to answer its wielder's call and fly to them even from a distant location. It also has a special characteristic to store the power of the Sun.

Estarossa (front) and Mael (behind) Material: Steel Weight: Estarossa - 2.1kg; Mael - 0.6kg Maker: Rizer Magic enchantment: Thitis Two swords that bear the names of Estarossa of the Ten Commandments and Mael of the Four Archangels. Estarossa has the power to break the target's magic defenses but Mael is enchanted with magic so that he the enemy's mental attacks can't reach him so easily. Tristan being ambidextrous, these weapons are made for him.

Spirit bow Material: Ebony Weight: 0.1kg Maker: Lancelot Magic enchantment: Harlequin Lancelot made his own short bow by scraping ebony wood. His uncle Harlequin the Fairy king blessed it so it is as light as a feather but when held by anyone but Lancelot, it returns to its former weight. The arrows are imbued with magic so that once taken out of the wristholder, they revert to their original length.

Sleipnir Cernunnos Arakdo Cynopronpi King of Purgatory

The Purgatory is a different dimension not belonging to this world, the Celestial realm, the Demon realm or the Fairy realm. It is a world of toxic atmosphere where the burning heat and the freezing cold mix, and the creatures that inhabit it have all a very tough life force. It is said that a king called the Mother of Chaos lives there. It seems like the king Arthur entrusted his retainers and Holy Knights Turret and Rothes to capture the Purgatory creatures.

Heh, did you think I can only transform into the fox!? Pugoh.

Ooooh!! You myst be fatty and yummy… no, you are a cute little pig!!

Look what else I can do!

Hoh hoh.

Heheh.

I can even turn into a mini-sized Giant. Whoaaaah!

Oooh.♪ You are quite talented as a performer! You've got quite a wide range of transformations. If I had to say something, it feels like they all have a scary look in their eyes…

Does the Fairy blood runs in Lancelot's veins? In fact, not all Fairies can transform. The ones who can don't geneerally possess that many patterns.

It is camouflage arts for them. It'd be nice if they could transform into one shape other than that of a Fairy. But Lancelot tends to be a perfectionist about it, I heard he had a strenuous training to transform into different patterns.

It may have been his half-Human blood running his body that does it to him… Don't you go explain things on your own! I didn't want him to hear everything!!! Heh…

THE END

Algimesol Delkiorasso Melpa Derpas Liogiratte Pudding Du Pon

Huuu.

Pudding to pop? Don't peek wihtout permission!!!

You seemed to have fun by yourself so I got curious. This isn't a game, got it? This is high-level magic. I seal the freshly made pudding in the incantation orb so I can eat it anytime I want.

Interesting!! I think Anne will enjoy it too!! However there's one problem…

Oh.

Everything until the sealing in the incantation orb works out but as soon as I break the orb, the pudding loses its shape!!! Outside: Raaaaah! And hardening it would spoil its taste… Can I tell you something?

How about you put pudding in a container and seal it in the orb?

A-a-a… are you a genius!? Arrow: Was listening Are they okay…?

THE END

[pardi-real]

Main Story Ep. 2 / Part 2 / Chapter 3 - Mysterious Girl

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Note: this chapter contains violence & some swearings

Angel: " 'Die. For life.' "

Shunk…! *Cutting/stabbing SFX*

Angel: " 'D...Die… F, F-Fo…' "

Lato: "How nice~ ♪ This is a pleasure."

Boschi: "Good grief... When did these guys start flocking together? It's such a hassle…"

Slash

Haures: "Certainly...there's no end to it."

Lato: "Please come more… more... This feeling of crushing angels... It's just… the best feeling ever."

Lucas: "Maybe they're trying to wear us down?"

Miyaji: "Hmm… no matter how many there are, it's not a problem. I've got plenty of stamina left."

Lucas: "You're still as strong as ever in that form, Miyaji."

Miyaji: "Shut up… Lucas. Don't talk to me about anything other than the mission. I'll kill you."

Lucas: "In that form, you tend to speak more, but your hostility towards me is also more apparent…"

Berrien: "Are you all right, my lord?"

> "Yeah…"

Berrien: "Please rest assured. There are quite a few angels, but... no problem. All of them are very strong butlers."

> "Yes" > "I'm feeling reassured"

Mysterious Voice: "Somebody, help…!"

> "Hm…? Whose voice was that?"

Berrien: "What's the matter? My lord?"

Mysterious Voice: "S-somebody...!"

> "I can hear a voice asking for help!"

Looking at the source of the voice... There was a child sitting down with her head in her hands.

Haures: "Th-that's...!"

Lucas: "A child…?"

Boschi: "Tch… What's a kid doing in a place like this!"

Berrien: "I-Is she lost?"

Miyaji: "Is it even possible to get lost here?"

Haures: "A-anyway! I'll go help her! I will leave the formation for a moment! Please attend my part."

Lucas: "Roger… ♪"

Miyaji: "Leave it to me."

Dash

Mysterious Voice: "Sob… sob…"

Haures: "Hey! Are you okay! It's okay now. Come, let's go over there. It may be scary, but raise your head…"

Mysterious Child: "Th-thank you… I…"

Haures: "!? W-why…  are you... here?"

Boschi: "Hey! What are you doing! Haures! Quickly bring that kid back!"

Haures: "T-Tricia...!"

Boschi: "Tricia? Isn't that… your sister's name…"

Haures: "W-why are you here…"

Flap, flap

Haures: "Ugh…"

Boschi: "Wh-what...!? This strong gust…"

Intelligent Angel: "All riiight~ Stop right there…"

Grab

The intelligent angel has seized the mysterious child.

Mysterious Child: "Ah! H-help me!"

Haures: "Hey you! Let go of that girl!"

Berrien: "It appeared. That is the intelligent angel."

Lucas: "I've heard of it... So that's the intelligent angel."

Miyaji: "It really talks."

Lato: "Ooh~… It's quite beautiful."

Scout Leader: "Is that the intelligent angel from the report…"

The intelligent angel is flying while holding the mysterious girl.

Berrien: "This is an unexpected situation."

Lucas: "Hmmm… First, should we prioritize rescuing that girl?"

Berrien: "But the problem lies in the number of angels. If we break formation to pursue them… it might leave the lord vulnerable."

Miyaji: "That's what we need to avoid the most."

Berrien: "For now… don't break the guard formation… Keep hunting until there are fewer angels."

Lucas: "Roger… ♪"

Lato: "I want to take that guy down already… but if our priority is the lord's safety, I'll hold back."

Intelligent Angel: "Oh well? What's with all the tension? Show me some flashy fighting. Humans like to fight, aren't they? Since we've been killing each other for a long, long time… Now, now... don't disappoint me."

Flap, flap…

Angel: " 'Die. For life.' "

Boschi: "Shit… A lot more angels… Haures! Retreat for now! Let's rearrange the formation!"

Haures: "B-but… At this rate…"

Berrien: "Boschi is right...! First of all, let's focus on defeating regular angels! Once the number of angels decreases, we will move on to capturing the intelligent angel!"

Haures: "W-wait… Let go… of that girl."

Boschi: "Hey! Haures! Can't you hear me? Go back quickly!"

Haures: "I, I… will rescue that girl…"

Dash...

Boschi: "Hey! Stop!"

Berrien: "Haures!?"

Boschi: "Tch...that guy... He's completely out of his mind. He's going to go in there no matter what…!"

Flap, flap...

Angel: " 'Die. For life.' "

Lucas: "It's dangerous to be alone when there are so many angels around."

Boschi: "Mr. Lucas! Mr. Miyaji! Lato! I left this to you for a bit. I'm going to deal with Haures!"

Lucas: "Understood, but please make it quick. Handling this with just three people is tough given their numbers…"

Miyaji: "Our primary focus is protecting the lord."

Boschi: "Understood!"

Dash…

Lucas: "Now… I'll guard the front. Miyaji, I count on you to cover the rear."

Miyaji: "No need to tell me, I'm already doing it. When in danger, ask for help. I'll help you if I feel like it."

Lucas: "How reliable you are~ Miyaji… Lato, please deal with the angels coming from above. It's a wide range, but I'm sure you can manage, right?"

Lato: "Kufufu... absolutely. I'll go wild as long as my stamina holds."

Angel: " ''Die. For life.' "

Slash

Haures: "Get out of the way!"

Angel: " ''Die. For life.' "

Slash

Haures: "Move! Don't get in my way!"

Flap, flap…

Haures: "Dammit…" (What am I so fired up about… I... I have to return to the formation quickly…) (Even though protecting my lord is my top priority… My body... won't stop... Even though there's no way...)  (Even though there's no way Tricia would still be alive...!)

Slash

Intelligent Angel: "Oooh~... That's amazing~... How devilishly terrifying. As one would expect from a man who has a devil in his body. Now then, can you make it this far? Haures."

Mysterious Child: "H-help me...!"

Haures: "Damn... There are 12 angels, including the intelligent one...  Dealing with all of them at once is incredibly dangerous... But... Still…"

Smack...!

Haures: "Urgh…!"

Boschi: "Hey! Cut it out already, Haures!"

Haures: "Bo-boschi...!"

Boschi: "Calm down! How reckless are you, moving on your own!"

Haures: "But... Tricia…"

Boschi: "There's no way Tricia is still alive! Isn't that just a similar-looking kid?"

Haures: "That's…"

Boschi: "Tch... you're so distraught... No matter what happens, control your emotions when fighting! That's what you always teach your juniors!"

Haures: "Ugh…"

Boschi: "Anyway! Let's rearrange the formation! Don't you understand that your selfishness is putting our lord in danger!"

Haures: "The lord… …… S-sorry, Boschi. It's okay now... I've calmed down."

Boschi: "In that case, let's quickly return to formation! Hurry up! Haures!"

Haures : "Y-yeah…"

Dash...

Lucas: "Oh…! You're back ♪"

Haures: "I-I’m sorry…!"

Lucas: "We managed to hold out somehow ♪ Miyaji and Lato are doing a great job."

Miyaji: "Shut up, Lucas. If you've got the breath to talk, use it for moving your body instead…"

Lato: "More… more… ♪ I want to tear apart more angels!"

Intelligent Angel: "Sigh... I guess it's not that easy after all. Even though he is a devil butler, he is still a human being. I thought playing with his emotions would be effective…"

Flap, flap

Haures: "Hey! Wait!"

Intelligent Angel: "I'll take this child along."

Mysterious Child: "H-help me!"

Haures: "Dammit...!"

Intelligent Angel: "It's okay... You can always come here again. Because I'm here. Haures."

Flap, flap

Boschi: "They're gone…"

Haures: "T-Tricia…"

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[akuaya-eng]

(Main story) Chapter 5 - Episode 6

- CALAMITY TRIGGER -

Rosé

Hm hmm~ hmmm ♪ Huh~? Something feels off… Hello, Is anyone there~?

…Oh, it's big bro and Vanis! What~, you've already figured it out? That's boring. Vanis, did you read the letter, the one addressed to me? I would've told you if you asked~! Are you interested in my mysterious activities?

Hey, it's not too late, you can join--

Adder

Rosé. What are you planning with the Gloriosa family?

Rosé

Huh. Big bro, are you angry?

Vanis

… Just noticing now?

Rosé

Eh, yeah. Big bro only makes that face when he's a little bit angrier than usual, right?

Vanis

If that's the case, he's had that face for quite a while before you showed up.

Rosé

What~!? So, he's been angry for a long time? What's wrong, big bro? Did something happen? Want me to listen to your story?

Vanis

Is he really not doing this on purpose? In a way, it's impressive, Rosé.

Rosé

Vanis, you compliment me quite often.

Vanis

I guess. But I'm not praising you.

Rosé

If you like me that much, I'd like you to help me with my research ♪ So… what was it again? Oh, right, what I'm planning with the Gloriosa family? Thanks for asking! So~, a huge number of humans are supposed to die! Where was it. Oh, right, around the outskirts of the Aquilegia Empire?

Anyway, the location doesn't matter, but they're going to cause a calamity there. Tons of people will die. Their souls will be up for grabs. Isn't that great? In exchange, I shared a bit of my technique with the Gloriosa family ❤️

Vanis

And you plan to use all those souls for your research, right?

Rosé

Exactly! There might even be more than I need~, so I thought I'd eat the rest. But there's gonna be too much, so I'll share some with you and big bro ♪

Vanis

I'll pass. Even as a fallen angel, human souls don't suit my taste.

Rosé

You're still saying that? Just give up. I know your type gets hooked eventually ♪

Adder

It's too much for the Gloriosa family alone… Who's leading them?

Rosé

As expected of big bro, you're so smart~. I definitely feel like wasn't a pure Gloriosa devil. What was the name again… I forgot, but I believe it was a former fallen angel. Maybe one of Vanis' friends?

Vanis

……

Rosé

Oh, and they said something else interesting. They plan to have the calamity caused by a failure.

Adder

…! Are they planning to incorporate that failure? What's the point of using them?

Rosé

They were rambling about something, but I wasn't listening. I don't care who causes it. As long as it happens quickly and kills lots of humans ♪ that's all that matters ♡

Adder

………

Rosé

Oh, what happened to that Gloriosa guy? We were making good progress, but he got greedy and asked for more of my wonderful techniques~. I came here to set him straight. Vanis, has anyone been here?

Vanis

Yes. And they're gone. Look… near your feet.

Rosé

Feet…? Oh~, this big stain!? Oh no, he ended up like this~? If I had come a bit earlier-- I could have let him experience those techniques to his heart's content ♪ What a shame. Really~, what a shame…

Vanis

… Not that you were trying to help him. As expected of Rosé.

Rosé

He was too familiar. Going on about Gloriosa this and Belladonna that. Instead of chatting, he should've caused the calamity already. Right? Vanis, you think so too, right?

Vanis

Yes… It seems Adder was right.

Rosé

Hm? What are you mumbling about?

Adder

… I see, I get it now.

Rosé

Hey. Big bro~? Hello~?

Adder

………

Rosé

Both Vanis and big bro are grumbling… Oh well ♪ Can I go home now?

Adder

--Wait.

Rosé

Geez~, I've told you everything. Is there more?

Adder

Of course. You cooperated with the enemy, the Gloriosa family. You'll be punished for that. Look forward to it.

Rosé

Oh! So that's why you were angry!? Fine~. Let me know when you decide the punishment ♡ Vanis, let's go home together ♪

Vanis

I'm going home, but I won't help with your research.

Rosé

You're so stingy. (walk away)

----------

Adder

… Now that I think about that time…

----------

???

…Uh…

Vanis

It's happening again.

Adder

Everyone is so talkative.

???

… No… This calamity… It's orchestrated... the red moon…

Adder

… A ghost related to the calamity of the scarlet moon.

Vanis

………

???

The prince is… not the beginning. Just… a device. The beginning is another… more evil… And not alone…

----------

Adder

…......

(thinking) The specter that appeared then… said the "Red Moon Calamity" wasn't caused by Dia. That bastard is just a device… Is there something to this matter...?

…! Typical Rosé, incredibly lucky. Seems I won't have to kill him. Pitiful Gloriosa, you'll be used for the benefit of the Belladonna family.

Curse's Voice

…Oh…oh…

Adder

How annoying… It's from that ship, huh?

[resurrection-of-soul]

Flashback | PSYCHOBREAK 10

Writer: Akira (日日日)

Characters: Rei, Adonis, Koga

[ For the best viewing experience, please read directly on my blog! ♪ ]

Time: One week later. The day before the battle to subjugate the "vampires," now named "Flashback (tentative title)," as well as the day UNDEAD first met.

Location: The graveyard located at the Hasumi family's temple.

Rei: Ghosts 're great, ain't they? ♪ Ghosts 're great, ain't they? ♪ Forget about workin' or studyin', let's just hold a concert at this here graveyard~ We'll start at noon~ ♪

Adonis: What's wrong, Sakuma-senpai? Are you drunk?

Rei: I ain't old enough t' drink my problems away~ It might be easier if I was, though~ ♪

Adonis: I am not sure what's going on, but you seem to be in an unusually good mood… There's been a gloomy atmosphere around you lately, so this is a bit of a relief.

Rei: Ohhh… Ya actually noticed I've been feelin' down? That's amazin', real impressive. Even though people often claim ta love or respect someone, humans generally don't care enough to pay much attention ta others' affairs or try ta understand 'em.

Adonis: It's simply because I've known you longer than the others have, so I was able to notice the difference sooner.

Rei: So modest. Even my little brother, who's been with me since birth, doesn't bother to try n' figure out how I'm feelin'. Even though I try to get his attention by goin', "Hey, hey, can ya guess what big bro's thinkin' right now?" too.

Adonis: Won't that just make him think you're annoying and cause him to dislike you?

Rei: H-he won't dislike me~! Even the bible states that a younger brother will love his older brother as much as the older brother loves his younger brother!

Adonis: Is that so? Then my opinion was mistaken, and I apologize.

Rei: Adonis-kun, has anyone ever called you a joke killer?

Adonis: Killer…? I try to keep a low profile to avoid such dishonorable nicknames. I am a foreigner. In this country, even if I do not want to stand out, I unavoidably do. It's sad, but I often get stuck with strange labels, and mothers with children often become unusually vigilant around me. That is why I believe I should behave like a good kid who is excessively docile, earnest and harmless.

Rei: Hmmm. It seems you've got such keen eyes, ya end up seein' things ya shouldn't even bother lookin' at. How the hell did I get it into my head that a kid as well-behaved as you was behind the "vampire" attacks? I've kiiinda got this unsettlin' feelin' my thoughts're bein' guided by someone else, n' it's been particularly bad recently. It's like some stranger's forcin' me into the role of a character in their story. It's seriously creepy. Is this just a common thing durin' adolescence? What do ya think, Adonis?

Adonis: I do not know, but… I do agree it seemed out of character for you to suddenly assume I was responsible and condemn me as the culprit. Fortunately, it seems the suspicion has cleared up, but to be honest, it hurt a little. I found myself thinking, "So even Sakuma-senpai doesn't understand me?"

Rei: Ahh, I'm very, very sorry, okay? Ya know I really do love ya, right?

Adonis: It isn't a matter of whether you like or dislike me. It is about perception and understanding.

Koga: …The hell have you guys even been goin' on about? We were supposed ta be practicin' for the showdown against the "vampires" today, but… That — what was it, Hakaze or whatever? — guy ain't no~owhere t' be seen. And just when I'm thinkin to myself, "Finally, Sakuma-senpai's here!" you n' that guy over there, umm…

Adonis: I am Otogari Adonis. I've introduced myself several times, haven't I?

Koga: Right, Adonis…. You n' Adonis just keep talkin' about toootally unrelated bullshit. We seriously gonna be okay like this? Can we really beat the "vampires" at this rate? Though a' course, we're invincible as long as you're here, Sakuma-senpai, but—

Rei: I dunno 'bout that~ I might just betray ya again like I did durin' the "Dead Man's Live," y'know? It's troublesome if ya depend on me too much, cause I'm fundamentally a pre~etty unmotivated kinda guy. If yer worried about it, ya should try n' motivate me, Pup¹~♪

Koga: I dunno if this'll motivate ya, buuut… For that DreFes thing, I was thinkin', if we're gonna be doin' a live then we need at least one song to sing, right? So I tried writin' some myself.

Rei: Oh? That's cool, very band-like ♪ Show me, show me ♪

Koga: I-it's not very well done, so please don't get your hopes up, alright? I just started getting into this hobby a few years ago, and I'm entirely self-taught, so it's all kind of messy—

Rei: Why're ya suddenly speakin' so politely? Cut it out, you're messin' up yer image. Durin' the "Dead Man's Live," ya spoke like you were gonna bite my head off, didn'tcha?

Koga: I was so excited back then… Now we're in a band together, and the closer I get to you, the more you seem larger than life. I-I didn't mean to get all nervous… I'm sorry. If it makes you uncomfortable, I'll go back to aggroing you again soon.

Rei: "I'll go back to aggroing you again soon" sure is a funny lil' phrase. ….Hmhm, mhmm? 'Kay, I've got your song memorized, Pup. Shall we go ahead n' give it a try? ♪~♪~♪

[ ☆ ]

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Rei calls him wan-chan (typically used by Kaoru) rather than the usual wanko here. It means the same thing, but sounds a little more diminutive and cutesy.

[twilightmalachite]

ABYSS - The Ocean of ■ That Drips Downwards 5

Author: Akira

Characters: Souma

Translator: Mika Enstars

"If you mess with a human’s stuff, you’ll get a big scolding! “Bad!”"

Season: Winter

Location: Kanzaki Residence

Reminiscence. Right after the funeral for Kanata Shinkai’s mother, at Souma Kanzaki’s residence…

Souma: [Reflection Letter].

[I, Souma Kanzaki, disobeyed my parent’s teachings, with this profigate]

Pro… pro… profliga…

Profligate, was it? There, there it is! ♪

(Hm, you can find anything in the dictionary!)

(If I don't use the right words, I won't be able to convey my feelings correctly.)

(Maybe I should carry a dictionary with me from now on.)

(Dictionary in the right hand, sword in the left!)

(Yes, I’ll be unstoppable! ♪)

(Though I’m still small, so both are still too heavy for my stature…)

(But I’m not allowed to touch the sword, a family heirloom to be eventually passed on to the next generation. Not even for rituals. It’s to be only viewed from afar.)

(Someday, I hope to become a person deserving of it!)

(A full-fledged samurai, always with a sword at his waist.)

(And to achieve that, I must repent earnestly here and train myself.)

Souma: Hmm. [with this profligate behavior of mine, I have violated the taboo and disgraced my family name.]

[Hereafter, I vow to reflect upon my behavior so that I do not make the same mistake.]

Hm, all done. The brushwork is good and the content is good. Perfect workmanship.

Now, to deliver this to Father…

(Hm? Is there a guest? Who is it that Father’s talking to?)

(I mustn’t interfere. I’ll wait for a bit. I don’t want him to raise his voice at me again.)

…Oh, a cat’s in the garden.

A cute, cute little calico kitty![1]

Move on, there are no fish here! If you’re gonna fish, fish elsewhere.

If you mess with a human’s stuff, you’ll get a big scolding! “Bad!”

(Hmm… I had no intention to eavesdrop, but Father’s voice is so loud I can hear what they’re talking about.)

(…I-I keep hearing my name here and there. I’m embarrassed. Are you complaining to your guests about your son’s incompetency?)

(But Father~! I’m reflecting properly! I shall never again repeat the same mistake!)

(Please forgive me already—Hm?)

(God? Did Father just say “god”?)

(…That mysterious child I met at the funeral that day seemed like he was a god.)

(Now that it’s been said, it makes sense, that’s the kind of atmosphere he had…)

(And, although my household isn’t of a shrine, and instead of samurai, we seem to be a household involved in Shinto rituals for generations.)

(I’ve observed rituals many times. I’ve rehearsed all sorts of things for them—)

(As to ensure that rituals honoring gods will continue to be carried out flawlessly.)

(It’s not something that Father has said explicitly, but that’s the impression I’ve gotten.)

(Because on that day, I unknowingly met a great person of whom I will eventually serve.)

(As my superior, of a higher class, I was not even allowed to even speak to him to begin with.)

(And so, it only makes sense that I’ve been scolded. If it were the olden days, something like beheading would have been too lenient for such an unforgivable act.)

(I’m reflecting properly… I swear I will never again defile God’s eyes.)

Souma: (No, that god was wearing a mask of sorts, it’s possible that he hadn’t been able to see me.)

(Although that does sound a bit lonely…)

(The fingertips of God that touched my head that day were gentle, soft, and warm.)

(He felt sacred to me, even when I didn’t know that he was God.)

(Is that how God is supposed to be?)

(Then, it would be wonderful to serve and worship them, wouldn’t it?)

Souma: …Hm?

(Hmmm~? What is it that Father’s been talking about since a bit ago?)

(“Abisu”? What’s “abisu”?)

(I keep hearing that word from Father and the guest.)

(Somehow, the atmosphere is kinda extraordinary… Like a warlord before entering a great battle. It’s cool.)

(But, what's this “abisu”? It’s a word I don’t yet know.)

(However, heheh, I have a dictionary right at hand!)

(I can look up words I don’t know right away. As such, it is important to understand every mysterious thing that surrounds us!)

(A, a, abisu. Abisu… Oh, here it is!)

(What does it mean?)

(Umm, it’s English, meaning “hell”.)

(Or, it can mean a deep… …What reading is this? Umm, I think I saw it in a book once, and worked hard looking it up in the dictionary back then too?)

(Right, abyss! Abisu means abyss (shin’en)!

(A very deep, pitch-black ravine within the sea.)

(It can also mean “deep sea” (shinkai) huh? Hm, hmm… I’m learning a lot!)

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1. Fun fact! The "mike" (三毛) from "Mikejima" (三毛縞) means "calico". Madara has a pretty strong cat motif throughout his character.

[hi2chan]

Hiroki Reviews! Tengoku Struggle Strayside [Common route]

Some minor disclaimers before continuing.

There WILL be spoilers

Most of these are of Hiroki's personal opinion and preference, if you think differently, it is OK.

All CGs rightfully belongs to the production company and are not of Hiroki's property.

You can jump to 'Read more' for the summarised review.

｀、ヽ｀ヽ｀、ヽ(ノ＞＜)ノ ｀、ヽ｀☂ヽ｀、ヽ

Game Title: Tengoku Struggle Strayside Game port: Nintendo Switch Language: English Gameplay status: 2/5 routes completed [Sharaku & Kiku] Started on: June 2024 Game Plot/Premises: Rin Enma, adopted daughter of the king of the underworld, has been tasked with tracking down and recapturing a group of escaped sinners. Accompanying her on her journey are four sinners hand-picked by her father. Will Rin succeed in her mission… and will she discover love?

♫•¨•.¸¸♪ Common Route ♪¸¸.•¨•♫

The opening shows Goemon at his execution ground, and then the scene with the MC appears with a narration about her loving some guy. With how they literally put Goemon before this scene… It felt as though Goemon is the said person and while it could be a very obvious plot line, I didn't want to jump the gun. It is certainly nice that there were some slight animated scene as an opening to the game!

After the OP video (which was sung by one of my fav utaite-), the game shows Rin with a friend called Oshichi. The nickname did catch me off guard since they didn't really explain it right off the bat…(if I am remembering correctly) This scene with Oshichi kind of sets the pace where the focus and setting of the game is about Hell, punishments and even 'rewards' for those in Hell for redemption etc. The premises about a 'model prisoner' is allowed to work outside of Hell is interesting. Even more interesting that there are humans in that specific section just chilling with all these 'model prisoners'. The part where Goemon suddenly pops up near Rin at the sanzu river… His personality certainly feels more hmmm how do I put it… He obviously knows who she is, more than an average Hell prisoner… he acts really nice, and then poofs off after helping her. I honestly didn't know what to make of that scene until I remembered the whole "crossing sanzu river" legend.

So basically, almost everyone in Hell kinda has a 'soft spot'(?) for Rin and also looks up to her as not just King Enma's daughter, but also because she is like a model student of sorts. Then there is a Hell Cat…kek, I mean Tamao (whom they shorten to call as just Tama throughout the series). Certainly cute, but definitely has a blind devotion to Rin// There was a tiny segment of Sensei Tama's Lecture where Tama teaches the terms used for Hell etc and I really wanted more of it but… sighhhhh I really wondered if there was a need to talk about the realms since there wasn't much exposure for the other 3. (Human, Heavenly, Starving, Asura, Hell, Beast realm) I was more interested in the different types of hell!

The first scene with King Enma made me jump because of how LOUD he is. It doesn't help with his way of speaking… ESPECIALLY WITH THE "MY SWEETIE" LEMME ROTTTT I don't completely dislike his voice, it is just… the premises and.. I was playing this game at past midnight// Sir was literally booming in my speakers while everyone else was soft- Anyways. The scene with the 4 dudes entering made me chuckle a little since it felt like a fight entry scene. The thing that stood out the most was… Goemon… no, not him but his clothes. I really wondered why was he the only one wearing that// (I STILL DO) The nicknames King Enma gave each of them made only half sense to me at the start. (Taro = Goemon, Aka = Yona, Shiro = Sharaku, Pochi = Kikunosuke) They all seemed way too obedient and Goemon was clearly acting like it was his first time EVER meeting Rin. It was heck freaky with all the guys answering so unitedly…

Nono-sensei (whose full name is Ono no Takamura) gives off the super sus vibes but not in a bad way which is later shown that he is exactly like that. I love his Angyu and Ungyu though! Remember how I said the 4 dudes was being weird? Yea, it's because it is a facade. They have also been to the human realm a few times, even as a prisoner. Which explained why they were more adapted to the things in the house etc. At this point, Rin gives off a "super sheltered ojousama" vibe, with a good moral compass(?). There are some important facts that keeps getting brought up with is Rin being a transient (a soul with no memories when they were alive, usually disappears quickly) and 'desire' (a type of..power?). These 2 feature becomes quite important in different ways in each route. As I am currently still on my 3rd route, I have to say that it is interesting how each route uses that 2 details differently from each other.

So the main mission in this game is to recapture/surveillance on some 'escapees' from Hell. (The actual person behind this is an idiot btw. Dude so cute but dumb.) After getting the explanations and some details from Nono-sensei, the 4 guys start showing their real attitude towards Rin. As much as Rin doesn't trust men, these men don't trust women either. Hence, there is a huge conflict from the start. However, it is quite interesting to note that Rin's 'hatred' is mostly due to crappy male prisoners who kept wooing her in Hell and what she has seen in Hell, but that means she herself has not experience what it is like being around men. As a transient, she doesn't even remember such feelings etc. Which is why I personally felt that she would likely drop her guard really quickly with the group. She just had some biased views without having her own experiences.

The not so mystery of the sandwich placed at her door was initially something I thought would be the trigger to choosing a route. Like maybe, I pick a dude who I think gave me that sandwich as a route LOL IT TURNED OUT TO NOT BE TRUE SINCE THE COMMON ROUTE WOULD BE TOO SHORT IF SO// What's surprising despite Rin and the men saying they don't like men/women… is that they are still very civil… Goemon with Coffee… Kiku with onigiri… Sharaku cleaning… Yona…….. Yona with……………what does he do? Anyways, they also each briefly reveal bits and pieces of their past life, except Goemon. It is clear that eventhough it SEEMED like he was also sharing something about himself, there are mostly things that others had already known/open and public information since he was famous. There are also times where he is clearly helping out Rin with voicing out things in a way that the other guys would understand etc. Man legit made me so confused on whether he is a good guy or not… but his face is…

Moving on, finding out that Kamuro, the being with the highest position in the Heaven realm was the reason why/how some prisoners were able to escape Hell…….. Dude deserves a punch tbh, the main charas are being way too civil about this. I mean, they did kinda verbally abuse Kamuro at every chance LOL We then get a bit more information about the situation etc and stumbled upon a male kiddo (Fujimori Shin) who was about to be mugged and the gang saves him lol. I guess this the scene where Rin seeing them in a slightly better light. I MEAN, JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE IN HELL DOESNT NECESSARILY MEAN THEY ARE BAD, RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT- ……

I'll be honest, I'm getting a little lazy to continue with talking about the common route ヾ(´〇`)ﾉ

Oh! Gotta talk about the AMAZING ONSEN (yes, that means some naked torso for sure-) The fabulous onsen that can heal any injury if it is within 24hrs! I want one too… (￣▽￣) To showcase the wonders of this miraculous onsen, they have their first battle against uhhh Asaemon who is quite literally the guard for Shinobikuni. Ofc, the team lost! This was all in play for them to use the Hell onsen in their house backyard to heal~ Although their injuries were healed, their bruised ego and pride did not… so Kiku and Yona kinda decided to slack off lol Then they got scolded badly by Sharaku since they put sand in the living room. I actually like the scene of them doing grocery shopping and having a barbeque at the rooftop. They may not fully trust each other yet, but it definitely seem like they are taking the first step! THE CG IS GORGEOUS IN THIS SCENE. The following part where they all start to actually buy things to decorate their own rooms is pretty cute. Despite saying they wouldn't listen to Rin, they started getting stuff when she told them they could.

Around ch.6? is when the plot thickens! Root Joudo mobile app, an application that will allow you to be pardoned from going to hell! AS LONG AS YOU PAY A FORTUNE! Damn, this is scamming on a whole other level… I was going to say it sounded so stupidly crazy until I realised that the premises of this game is that those living in Asakusa knows of Hell's existence and also 'model prisoners'. I have to say that the thing that caught me off guard was that Azamin is Kiku's sister… cause I thought they just happened to look similar… We also get the naked torso scene………………….. NO BUT WHY DOES SHARAKU HAVE SUCH TONED ABS TOO??? Anyways, Rin slowly gains a bit of her memory from her past? It's quite vague, but it's something. Nono-sensei and King Enma also begins to reveal what Rin's 'desire' is, where it is located and how she can utilise it for combat against the escapees. …yea, her's is on the tongue. I was sincerely wondering where she gotta lick to use it- Moving on, the gym room in the house was hilarious to me. IT FELT SO MODERN XD The onsen scene of Rin with the other guys were…..ummmmmm IDC how to say it, but it was…ok……….? Not too bad since they all conversed and teased each other. It's the part with Hari - a spirit in Rin's phone - who keeps track of their 'blood bond' aka trust between each guy and Rin. Pretty interesting set up since it really only shows the trust bond, not really the 'affection' rate. It's not very linear, but a good gauge of how close Rin is to the love interest.

✺◟( • ω • )◞✺ LONG STORY SHORT! I love the pacing! It didn't feel that long despite having 7 chapters. There's quite enough data/info to move on with a route, and each characters have their distinct traits which makes them distinguishable. Even the side characters such as Azamin, Shinobikuni, Asaemon, Fujimori, etc. Plot and setting of the game is quite interesting as it is a full mixture of fantasy, lore, modern, etc.

Regarding the characters… Rin: Maybe due to her being a transient, she definitely seem super clueless with some basic stuff lol. Her obsession of saying she hates men definitely stemmed from only what she has heard and seen in Hell, with 0 self experience to back it. However, despite this, I like that she does admit when she is in the wrong and wants to be better.

Goemon: …THE ONLY THING I CAN TALK ABOUT IS HIS CLOTHES? LIKE BRUH? YOU ARENT COLD? YOU DON'T HAVE CLOTHES? WHY? Like… his super casual shirt at home looks good, but he mostly wears that…garb with little cloth… Besides talking about his clothes, as I've mentioned, Goemon subtly helps Rin when she is unable to properly convey something to the other three. He is also quite elusive when talking about himself. He knows he is famous and he goes along with it, but without revealing anything too personal. He does occasionally let slip some stuff later on// I'm just pissed the game had that very last scene of him saying he loves Rin. GDI STOP TOYING WITH ME.

Yona: uh…. hmmmm Ok, I initially did kinda characterised him as muscle brained Mineo (CxM). Yona's personality felt really close to Kiku's at the beginning since they are both quite vocally straightforward. However, he just has a lot of pride. I'm genuinely interested in knowing who exactly he was when he was still alive, since I am not well versed with his story basis.

Sharaku: I DISLIKE HIMMMM- was my first thought since I generally do not like 'sexually foul mouth' characters. Although he seem as though he speaks straightforwardly, his words always sound like sarcasm or laced with some hidden meaning. Basically, he feels like someone I gotta peel all the layers to understand even if the bulb inside is essentially similar/close to the outer layer.

Kikunosuke: My first thought was "why does this VA somehow always voice charas of this type…" Anyways, Kiku and Yona are quite similar, but I thought Kiku would be the 'quieter' version. However, he isn't LOL Maybe it is because he died really young? That's why he still has that child innocence, especially when it comes to things he likes. Adorable but aint my type-

Pacing of the common route was great, it kept me intrigued and invested that I went on to play a route right after.

✿Hiroki's rating: 8.5/10✿

Thank you for reading! ☆’.･.･:★’.･.･:☆’.･.･:★’.･.･:☆’.･.･:★’.･.･:☆

[humancomedy]

Human Comedy: Tragedy - 6

Mika: (Sigh... What on earth am I tryin' to do?)

Content Warning!

Mention of suicide within.

Location: Rooftop

Mika: (Sigh... What on earth am I tryin' to do?)

('S not like Oshi-san's the one at fault here; he's been real good about tellin' me things like what he's thinkin' and what he wants t'do after graduatin'.)

(And he's tryin' his best to understand me, too.)

(But that's all wrong! I'm the one that should be makin' that kinda effort! It's up to me to figure it all out and be able to send him off with a smile.)

(Instead, even though he's the one leavin', I'm the one makin' him worry, an' that ain't right at all!)

(I'm still a far cry from Nazuna-nii, but 's all thanks to Oshi-san that I've become the best doll I can be.)

(But... In terms of bein' human, I'm still nothin' but a failure.)

(Normally, if somethin' this defective got made, it'd be returned to whoever was responsible right quick to be all fixed up.)

(...Speakin' of bein' returned, maybe it's high time I go back to my hometown.)

(The contract fer my apartment's not set in stone yet, an' since I ain't actually moved in, 's not gonna cost me a penny to pull out...)

(I can toss everythin' away and head on home instead.)

(Oshi-san's made up his mind about leavin', so there ain't a point in me stickin 'round here.)

(Even if everyone seems to think I'm gonna stay at Yumenosaki to lead Valkyrie...)

(There's no way I can! Folks're only gonna be all disappointed and let down! So ain't it better to leave 'em with all the gorgeous dreams 'n memories that Oshi-san produced and...)

(...Ahh, what the heck am I even sayin'? There's people out there doin' their best fer my sake, so I can't just turn tail and run.)

(We got fans, too... Can't just throw everythin' all away.)

('Sides, the whole reason I got outta that place was 'cause I couldn't see any sorta future fer me there, so I ended up dependin' on Oshi-san t'light the way.)

(Ah, I've got nowhere left t'go.)

(But... I feel like I ain't gonna be able to properly live my life if I stay here, either.)

Arashi: Mi~ka-chan. ♪

Mika: Whaaa!? Ya came outta nowhere, Naru-chan... It ain't good to just hug me from behind with nary a warnin', y'know?

Arashi: How rude! I love surprising people—those are the moments when they're the most honest, you see. ♪

Mika: What's that even supposed t'mean? Anyway... Didja need me or somethin'?

Arashi: Hmmm. I just happened to notice you from over there when I was out running with the track club, and wanted to check in.

What's up? You've been so down lately. From the look on your face, it almost seemed to me like you were about to jump off the roof from up here... We're friends, right? If you're struggling with anything, you can always tell me. ♪

Mika: Naru-chan...

Arashi: Oh my, you started clinging to me right away... You're really just a spoiled child, after all.

There, there. It seems like something's truly gone and upset you, hasn't it? It's alright, cry as much as you want on me!

You boys always try to act so strong, but by law it's totally okay to break down in front of a beautiful woman you feel comfortable with!

Mika: Huh, what kinda place has a law like that?

Arashi: The Queendom of Narukami Arashi, naturally. ☆ ...Anyway, you're the one in charge of the outfits for the live your unit has the day after tomorrow, right?

You mentioned that they were giving you trouble—is that what's making you worry?

Mika: Ah... Yep, I'm havin' a real tough time. Oshi-san told me that this is gonna be the last chance we'll get t'perform before he graduates, so I wanna make 'em the best outfits ever.

But I just can't do it... It's real hard, an' I'm really doin' everything I can, but there ain't no way.

Arashi: Oh, goodness... But wait, if that's supposed to be your last performance, does that mean you won't be part of the Repayment Festival?

Mika: Yeah, that's the idea. Y'see, Oshi-san's grandpa's in the hospital, right? He's real old, too, so... 'S too risky to plan fer anything past that.

There ain't no way Oshi-san could perform at his best with that hangin' over him.

Arashi: Oh, is that what's going on!? How dreadful—and this time of year is already so hectic for graduating students, too...

Mika: Yeah... 'S why I don't wanna bother him by askin' fer help or gettin' his advice fer the outfits... So I've been tryin' to do 'em myself, but I just don't feel satisfied with 'em.

Oshi-san saw the rough draft I came up with and said, "This is acceptable," but still, I dunno...

I'm gonna keep pushin' myself 'til the very last second... If I gotta stay in the handicrafts club room all night, then that's just what I'll hafta do.

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[dholwrites]

Congrats on Endwalker being done (ouo)/ Im kinda curious but can we get a play-by-play of your reactions? Doesnt have to be spoilery. ^_^ I went from gasping to crying to ugly crying by the end myself xD Did you enjoy it? Was it better or elevated Shadowbringers in your experience? Has your husbando list grown? (>u<)

You can't ask me something like that and expect a very simple answer (*/ω＼*)

The best summary for me would be I went from (●__●) hmmm not bad to （⊙ｏ⊙）Oh? this is getting pretty good to Σ(っ °Д °;)っWait no to o(TヘTo) ouchie. I'll put the rest of the reaction to avoid spoiling anyone.

I enjoyed the story, not as much as I did with Shadowbringers. I will admit that I had a thought that it might suffer from the same thing as Stormblood where it doesn't quite meet the hype following a really good expansion. Endwalker wasn't bad in any sense, I think the most is that there are certain areas where I would have liked it if they slowed down or spent a bit of extra time focusing on what is happening in the story. But I don't want to get into too much detail on what.

I included my feeling of some of the areas below.

Sharalyan is pretty, the music is nice and I really dig the Greece inspiration. Their white uniforms remind me of the white ao dais that students used to wear they go to school. I really really really wished that the outfits become available for us to wear at some point (we got an entire side quest where you get to try it on!! `(*>﹏<*)′, they're just teasing us at this point.) My favorite moment in this zone is between Urianger, Thancred, and Y'shtola having a drink together vs Alisaie and G'raha passing out reading up on books.

Labyrinthos is where all the gleaners are! I see strong OC possibilities here. This reminds me a bit of Elpis, where the citizens have an area where it's used to obverse creatures and learn their behaviors. It's funny that as humans, from the beginning to now, we push to learn everything we can about the things around us.

Thavniar only made me want to see what ideas they have for Nangxian even more. They represent Indian culture quite well to me and it made me happy to see that they are being respectful from the places they get inspiration from. (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧ I'm happy that Vrta grew out of his feeling of wanting to stay in the shadows but I feel like it would have been nice if we got to know more about the 'fake' satrap and his family. Clearly, there is a lot of lore there to unveil.

Garlemaul reminded me of Ishgard with its eternal winter. The tragedies that we faced during this period are grounding, especially for the twins when we tried to help the pair of siblings. It's a reminder that there are innocent people on both sides and perceptions are warped based on how people grew up. Though that doesn't stop me from wanting to slap the shit about of old man when he decides to put the collars on the twins(╬▔皿▔)╯. Also, that scene where Thancred whispers in your ear... (¬‿¬)

Yes, my list of husbands has expanded! I now will include:

Hermes (✿◡‿◡)

Hythledaous (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

Erenville ♪(´▽｀)

Jullus （︶^︶）

I'm off mind to add Lucia onto the list too.