zephyr07

the whole book is 260 pages long, so there's about 210+ pages left. chapter wise i'm left with 4 pages then the 1st chapter is officially complete.

the main problem with these time discrepancies is that the character's ages are never explictly stated (as far as I know.) The "over ten years" part may just be an expression for several years, but again, it's really the problem about how old all the characters really are.

i think it's jin's story mode in cs. very minor nitpick, but if you're going by the story mode in cs then technically jin had it for 2 years before the church burning because it's already the new year in cs. The material collection's actually full of interesting hints. Like the acknowledgment of the existence of the initial loop, but it doesn't go into detail

the new drama cd has one giant mind fuck. wth. Brief summary: Tsubaki becomes Jin's secretary, and she calls him Jin-niisama instinctively when they first meet. Jin has no idea she's his secretary because he doesn't read his mail. Tsubaki reminds Jin of a meeting he has to go to later, and and some persuasion Jin says he'll go. He then leaves for another thing but tells tsubaki to cut back on the sweets. Makoto sneaks up on tsubaki and they talk. makoto notices chocolate on tsubaki's chin/cheek, so tsubaki realises that jin also saw that earlier. they both go to eat chocolate parfaits, and talk. makoto tells her about the grim reaper. hazama comes up and introduces himself, recognising tsubaki as one of the duodecim. he offers to pay for their tea because "you won't know whether you'll be able to have tea like this again." makoto says hazama creeps her out. hazama walks away and relius is there. relius is interested in tsubaki, because he also had a daughter. later tsubaki returns and can't find jin anywhere. hazama appears and tells her that jinhas gone chasing after ragna. Makoto tries to stop Tsubaki from chasing after Jin, but tsubaki says she has to go and promises she'll return to eat chocolate parfaits together. She runs into the kagutsuchi branch and finds jin who's becomed obessed with his nii-san. he knocks her away and she faints. She sees the vision Tsubaki then screams for her to get away from jin and she awakens and sees hazama. he tells her to go down into the caludron. Instead of Ragna fighting hakumen, hazama does. relius isn't interested at first, until hakumen attacks him. he then summons ignis. hakumen recognises ignis (probably as something similar to nirvana) hakumen gets teleported out. Tsubaki runs in to see ragna and jin fighting. jin loses and she stops Ragna from killing Jin. Nu awakens and goes psycho on tsubaki because she thinks ragna is cheating on her. Ragna protects tsubaki and they both fight. Ragna loses. They fuse. tsubaki tries to stop jin from going towards them but he slaps her away. Nu tries to stab jin but tsubaki takes the blow. Nu stabs tsubaki more because she doesn't like tsubaki. ragna tries to stop nu. jin promises to get help for tsubaki but his legs can't move. they have their last conversation before tsubaki dies. jin doesn't take it well. ragna and nu fall into the cauldron. hazama kicks the dead body of tsubaki.

not too sure on some of them, but this is what i could make out. gonna skip the valk bits. Ragna: 5D on grounded opponents no longer floats 3C is techable 5B>6A gattling is gone Inferno Divider no longer has wall bounce Belial edge doesn't bounce as high any more (can still follow up with a quick 5D) Jin: 2C>5C gattling added (cannot re-input 2C) B musou knocks down again Noel: 2C>5C gattling added (cannot re-input 2C) j4D is damn fast. As if you can't see her falling from the air. 5D reduced invincibility frames Rachel: Overall damage increased 5B>2B gattling added 6A activation speed increased 6B on counter slides 6B jump cancel possible on block 2C hit stop increased 5C>C now slides. Mid screen C lobelia>3D> Sword iris/BBL combos. In corner 5C>C>3C can be done for 2 loops. j2C can be canceled into attacks on landing Lobeilas come out even when hit George has been changed (there's a frog gauge now) Tempest dahlia? what the heck is that? [i think he means it's been removed] Tager: Nothing known. something about his collider mechanics being revised Taokaka: new jB, cat motion 2's animation for 2 hits old jB is now j2B taunt loop's been nerfed bad. it's now a joke. drives are more stiff(?), increased hit stop. health increase [i think.] Arakune: overall damage decreased guarded drive moves give less curse meter Litchi: more gattlings without staff 6A with staff must be RC otherwise no followups available 4D slides. follow up possible in corner 6D's level(?) decreased. [maybe priority?] jC without staff is now techable Bang: 5B slower start up 2B slower start up 2B>5B gattling added. (cannot reinput 2B) heavenly phoenix thrust no longer wall bounces for both air and ground 3C is techable ashura slower start up, no more invincibility frames, has become a joke DD Carl: 2B>5B gattling added cannot re-input 2B) ada's gauge recovers slower hakumen: jD cannot be followed up 5D increased damage [something about his yukikaze.] other than that don't know much Lambda: 5DD activation slowed blade summonings are slower Tsubaki: 5D instantly gives 1 stock, but holding down D gives a slightly slower charge speed 2D starts out slow but the charge speed rapidly increases. Also more stiff now. jD charge speed increased 5B more strong 2BB>5BB gattlings added (Cannot re-input 2BB) 236A start up time increased, if comboed into cannot be follow up [i think.] 214A, B doesn't float opponent even when done by itself 623A on counter hit, untechable time decreased so cannot follow up cannot cancel into any move from throw, throw slides. mid screen do 236D to follow up, in corner can follow up with normal combos. after air throw timing for follow up attacks more strict Hazama: Ouroboros start up and move speed slowed (although it really feel like there's no difference) Ouroboros gauge takes longer to recover 5B level reduced. If 5B>3C is not inputted with the fastest timing it won't combo. Makoto: parry cancel gone 5B faster start-up, can jump cancel even on block. Valkenhayn: cannot block or crouch in wolf form. cannot switch directions.

The comparison to johnny and slayer is reference to valk's "veteran" accent. His drive works by pressing (not holding) the D button to switch forms. Wolf form: less reach and less attack power, but moves faster Human form: more reach and attack, less speed. It looks like attacking in wolf form drains the gauge. Just being in wolf form doesn't do anything to it.

Phase 0. before every chapter there's a log from shuuichirou's journal. 1st chapter gets 2 short logs. the rest have 1 long one. @harmless: shuuichirou gets more insecure in the later logs.

— Log 1 The collaborative research with him up till now is progressing well. His knowledge and skills will be useful to my personal research work. Progress* from now on will be enjoyable. Relius Clover. He's a genius. — Log 2 Today, a weird visitor came to visit. He had green hair, and a snake-like smile. A really suspicious guy. He showed a great deal of interest in our research, and requested that we develop a special prime field device. Of course protocol dictated we refuse his request, but he accepted. Relius is always like that. Acting on his own impulses. In the first place we weren't expected to listen to the pipe dreams of a man whose background we knew nothing about. However, if we were follow that man's words, there may be a possibility that we will be able to contact the original unit. If that happens I'll consider it a sufficient harvest. That man certainly had a strong grasp of the areas we were lacking knowledge in. It didn't take long for Relius to decide to collaborate with him on a whim. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *The word used for progress is 発展. It can also mean gay sex, so... yeah.

Iron Tager (Trust You) —Where is this place? The man's consciousness returned. His vision was blurry. He blinked several times, before his sight finally came into focus, and a woman in a white coat stood before his eyes. “It looks like you finally opened your eyes. How're you feeling?” The man didn't answer. No, he couldn't answer. It was as if his head was filled with lead, his senses still dull and heavy. His consciousness was hazy, and he felt like his entire body was stuck to the floor by some sort of magnetic force. Only his eyes could move slightly, as he tried to recognise what was by his side. There were various apparatuses and liquids which he didn't know their uses for, samples from creatures, as well as books and sheafs of papers piled up in a corner. Somehow, it looked like he was in a lab. “I'm Kokonoe. A scientist from Sector Seven” Just like that, the woman named Kokonoe introduced herself briefly. Only being able to move his eyes, the man observed Kokonoe. It was a unhealthy and ill-humored face that looked like all the lack of sleep in the world had been crammed into it, the man thought. Clad casually in a shabby white coat, small glasses lying apologetically on top of a small nose. I see, her appearance makes it hard for me to disagree with her statement that she's a scientist, the man thought. There was something in her mouth. He thought it was a toothpick or a cigarette, but it turned out to be a stick of candy. “... Tager“ “... what?” “It's your name.” “My... name...?” The man mumbled while staring at the cold and robotic light that illuminated the room. Tager... Was that really a name? He tried to remember his own name but gave up after a while. His memories were still cloudy, and he couldn't compose his thoughts properly. “So my name is Tager?” “Yeah. I just decided on it.” The man named Tager was at a loss for words at Kokonoe's casual remark. He waited for her next remark. However, it didn't look like Kokonoe was going to open her mouth. Occasionally she moved the stick of candy in her mouth. Some time passed in mutual silence, and in that time his consciousness cleared up. “I'm sorry but, I don't understand the entire situation. Can you explain?” “Let's see... Well, originally it seems you were the captain of some investigative unit. And then, you got caught up in some battle somewhere and you died.” As if to signify the explanation was over, the stick of candy— it looked like a catnip lollipop— rolled around in her mouth again. Investigative unit... Captain... Battle... The blurry images in his head cleared a little, and he felt he could grasp his situation a little better. “ What is this feeling...?” “You shouldn't try to recall so much. Otherwise you'll get errors in your engine.” “ Did you say... engine...?” At the moment, he experienced a pain that felt like something was clamping around his head. For a moment, towards the end of the pain his view was covered by was he thought looked like spinning lights. “Am I... dead?” “See for yourself. Don't you think you're splendidly alive?” While saying all that, Kokonoe twisted one of her long strands of hairs around her finger. “You, did you help me?” “You can call me Kokonoe.” “Kokonoe... You said you were a scientist...” She was more like a doctor. Although even if she was a scientist or a doctor, he thought she looked more like a young girl. Kokonoe stood up. Hands thrusted into her pockets, she walked up briskly to Tager's side. “If left alone you'd probably have died. I thought it'd be such a waste, so that's why...” At that moment, Tager noticed it for the first time. From the girl's back a tail forked into 2 was waving about. Although she had hid most of the fur on top of her head, on top of that sat a pair of tiny, chubby cat-like ears. “ A beastkin...?” As if saying it is as you see, Kokonoe ignored him and begin casually extracting codes installed into Tager's body. “... how is it, can you move?” Tager moved his modified body. His body, which up until now he had lacked total control over, surprisingly moved smoothly. He took a light breath, and exerted his upper body. He easily pulled himself upright. “What the heck is this...?!” “I picked it up from the scrapheap where my colleagues dump things they deem “beyond help”. I thought that I might be able to save this one.” Kokonoe picked up a test tube placed to one side, and a rare expression of happiness surfaced. “... And that?” “Recently, unique cells were discovered in the oriental region. Put simply, they posess the ability to stimulate the functions of living creatures. However, because their effect is too strong, injecting them into a normal human is tantamount to killing them.” Disturbing words were rapidly coming out of Kokonoe's mouth. “ Despite that, you turned out to be a splendid match. Incidentally the damaged tissue which couldn't be healed with this I replaced with cyborg parts. In simple words, you were revived as a cybernetic organism.” It was true... looking at his image reflected in the glass, Tager understood. His muscles had been bulked up immensely. His enormous body's skin was colored red. Buried in his angular face were two sharp eyes. Furthermore, his mouth contain two “fangs”, to put it politely. His appearance was as one of those “demons” from the oriental fairy tales. ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ With no say in the matter Kokonoe had rescued, modified, and renamed him. With really no say in anything Tager now found himself in his current situation, furthermore he was now working with Kokonoe. Although he was said to be working with her, his job didn't consist of him by her side offering assistance. Although a member of Sector Seven's investigative team, he primarily participated in the “beastkin's” research. Kokonoe's pretext was to “return him back to his original state.” The first mission for the newly refurbished Tager, was a “request” from Kokonoe. Upon asking for more details, it seemed that the central city of Ikaruga had disappeared not too long ago. His mission was to take advantage of the chaos, and sneak in to retrieve “a certain something”. Carrying a large package on his back, Tager landed at the objective site and stood up. He surveyed the area with his own eyes and grew suspicious. For a place that had just been the site of a heated battle, the traces left behind were definitely odd. “... did they just send a single person?” From the footprints left on the ground the direction the battle took could be roughly conjectured. Most of the footprints were probably from the scared Ikarugan soldiers. Their footprints were all pointed in one direction. However those footprints suddenly vanished midway. “Just what did they use to fight these Ikarugans?” Looking around him, he could see that the buildings had definitely been hacked and sliced by an extremely sharp bladed object. It was almost as if this were an optical illusion wherein the buildings were made of butter. At that moment, he felt someone's stare from behind. As he turned he momentarily saw a “green shadow”like thing. He suddenly felt dizzy. “There's some noise interfering with your thought patterns. Tager, is there a problem?” Kokonoe opened a channel on the communications device. “... Ah, no, it's nothing.” Surveying his surroundings again he noticed nothing. It was probably his imagination. Right now he was in a middle of a mission. Also he was carrying something very important in his arms. He shouldn't be thinking so much unnecessary thoughts— Tager shook his head. Kokonoe also guessed something had happened, so she didn't pursue the matter any further. “So, have you found it, “that thing” I mentioned earlier?” “Yeah. However, the 13th is completely missing, and the 12th is empty. I've secured number 11, but since it was on the verge of being scrapped it's in terrible shape.” “I see... I guess we were a little late then. Well it can't be helped. Even if it's just number 11 it'll be fine...” What to do from now on— The communications device crackled and a voice could be heard. “Well then Tager, return to base directly. I think you already know this, but that thing is a living creature. There's no dry ice. If we're going to prevent it from rotting you better get back here at top speed.” “... Roger.” Saying that Tager moved towards the huge crate marked “11” — it resembled a coffin— and grabbed it securely. “TR/ 0009 Tager... Heading back now.”

I always thought his arm was made from the remnants of the black beast, and now it can't function because it doesn't have the azure so he can't do all his soul eater stuff, and it doesn't have sethir so it can't even move. his eye is implied to be caused by rachel. i wouldn't call his arm an ars magus per se, but yeah it most likely needs sethir to function properly

Sorry the last 3 won't be up so soon. Actually tager's halfway done but I managed to get the phase 0 novel so I'm gonna read that first before resuming.

Bang Shishigami (Fortune favours the bold): AD 2110. Thanks to the efforts of the 6 warriors the Black Beast is destroyed, and the war that spanned a hundred years or so between humanity and the Black Beast is finally put to an end. The people started to call the 6 warriors as “The 6 Heroes”. However, humanity's joy was short-lived. The war which had dragged on for so long, had caused the world's population to drop to half it's original number, and various important cities around the world were destroyed. The damage the conflict caused was enormous. On top of that, from within the body of the fallen Black Beast a jet-black mist— later termed as sethir— gushed out, and covered the entire planet's surface. Humanity's war with the Black Beast would become known as the “First War of Magic”. Amongst the 6 Heroes the genius sorceress Nine would combine her “sorcery” with the crystalisation of humanity's intellect, “science”, to form a new technology known as “armagus”. Books with details on how to use this “armagus” would become known as “grimoires”, naturally, humanity began to amass large quantities of said books. Most of these grimoires were controlled by the “ Void Space Information Management Bureau” AD 2111. The Void Space Information Management Bureau which controls most of the “grimoires” increases it's influence, and establishes an organization for governing the whole world. It also changes it's name from “Void Space Information Management Bureau” To “Novis Orbis Librarium”, and gathered it's elite soldiers— later called Knights— and organised them into an armed fighting corps known as the “1st Thaumaturgical Division”. Their influence grew more and more. Placing the revival of the human race as an urgent agenda, the “Novis Orbis Librarium”—shortened as the Librarium, stepped forward to lead humanity. AD 2112. About a year after construction began, the project deemed as the cornerstone of the restoration of humanity, the 1st integrated city “Izanagi” is completed. After the Black Beast was defeated the “sethir” it poured forth had covered the entire world's surface. The deterimental effects of excessive intake of sethir by humans as well as it's effect on the ecosystem was established.To escape the sethir on the planet's surface humanity moved into the hills and cut out cities to live in. After that, the restoration steadily proceeded on, and construction of hundreds of mountain cities of various sizes proceeded till the later half of AD 2100. In the midst of those 23 multi-storied cities were designed and constructed, which would be known as “Hierachical Cities”, and the Librarium developed each respective city to be the centre of that particular region. In order to consolidate those 23 citites, the Librarium established the “Unified World Organisation”. With that announcement the Librarium governed the world both in name and in reality. AD 2190. The 5th Hierachical City “Ibukido” withdraws from the “Unified World Organisation”, effectively announcing it's independence from the Librarium. The following year 4 other cities follow the lead of “Ibukido”— the 6th Hierachical City “Yabiko”, the 7th Hierachical City “Kazamotsu”, the 8th Hierachical City “Wadatsumi”, and the 9th Hierachical City “Akitsu” and announce their seccession from the Librarium. From this point on the group of the 5 Hierachical Cities would be named as the “Ikaruga Federation”. The Librarium immediately brand the “Ikaruga Federation” as rebels and begins military suppression. However, the Ikaruga Federation's unity and military strength proves stronger than anticipated, and the duration of the war increases. AD 2192. With the absorption of several smaller cities, the Ikaruga Federation's influence and teritory both increase. In response, the Librarium criticises the Ikaruga Federation's aggresive behaviour, and asserts that it has legitimacy and is the just side in the war. The conflict continues. AD 2194. The key city of the Ikaruga Federation “Ibukido” mysteriously vanishes. Rumour is that the Librarium used some sort of orbital satellite weapon to attack, but until now the reason for it's disappearance has never been disclosed. With the loss of it's key city the Ikaruga Federation slowly begins to collapse, on top of that, their unity begins to waver. Their headquarters shifting from place to place, the resistance movement continues. AD 2196. Having lost 4 Hierachical Cities, the Ikaruga Federation attempts to negotiate a peace treaty with the Librarium. However, the Librarium rejects the offer, and the Ikaruga Federation retreats to their last stronghold “Wadatsumi”, determined to resist to the bitter end. AD 2197. The siege of Ikaruga which was expected to be a prolonged one unxpectedly ends abruptly. A young Knight of the Librarium, Jin Kisaragi, infiltrates the castle alone and performs a lightning-fast strike— raiding the keep, he assasinates the supreme commander and ruler Tenjou. With the loss of their leader, the Ikaruga Federation finally crumbles. ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ In the lower half of the 13th Hierachical City “Kagutsuchi”, in the district which would later come to be known as “Ronin-gai”, the men were having a friendly chat. It was the early afternoon. The men had finished their morning's work, and were now stuffing themselves with their wives' homemade rice balls, catching a breather. Approximately half a month had passed since the fall of Ikaruga. The survivors of the siege of Ikaruga, in their search for a place to start their lives anew, ended up in the lower half of the 13th Hierachical City. Unlike the strictly controlled uper half of the Hierachical City, the hand of the Librarium did not reach the lower areas, naturally making it a new haven for them. To the Ikaruga survivors, this became their new home. They built houses, grew crops, and had all the raw materials and goods nessecary for daily life. “Alright, that should do it.” The large male who was silently writing— his name was Shihigami Bang— raised his head. The finest ninja of Ikaruga respected and adored by his fellow countrymen, and once feared by all his enemies. Currently he was leading the former residents of Ikaruga in his dead master Tenjou's stead. “Boss. What were you doing just now?” Seeing the figure of the chief quietly writing something wasn't something normal, so one of his subordinates inquired with a puzzled look on his face. “Mm. The truth is like this. I was writing a history textbook.” “A history... textbook?” It was an unexpected answer. His subordinate's voices were raised with incredulity. “That's right. To redress those Library scum's wrong doings, and to clear up my master's regrets, that is my mission. So for that sake first we have to leave behind for the future generations a record of all the Library's transgressions.” Hmmm, thought his subordinates as they listened intently to their boss's words with fire in their hearts. “When I was young our master taught me all about the world and it's history. From what I can recall of them, I'm writing down these opening words right here.” I see, thought this subordinates as they nodded vigourously with sparkling eyes. “Even so I still can't remember all the small details.” “The master's words, some portions I definitely recall without question. Such as that this 55-sun (about 165 cm, or 5.4 feet) nail will break, that I definitely cannot forget.” “As expected of our boss. However, I don't think this 55-sun nail will break so easily nor that soon.” “Mm. This a memento from our dead lord. It shouldn't be expected to break.” That wasn't what he meant. He wanted to tell his subordinates that the “large iron nail” wasn't going to break physically, but he couldn't get the words out of his mouth. He had to handle his subordinates carefully with his hot-headnesses. Bang slowly stood up, his fists clenched. “Today we might only number in the hundreds, but the men sweat and toil, and the women weave at the looms and give birth. If we keep doing that, then soon we will number in the thousands, and ten thousands. This is the unyielding spirit of the Ikaruga people!” “Yes sir!” “Well then, it's about time to get back to work!” “Yes sir!” At their boss's signal, the men rose as one, and returned to their respective tasks. While Bang stared at their backs as he sent them off, he hefted a piece of timber, and wiped the sweat that had started flowing.

she is litchi. that woman is kokonoe.

Arakune (The Diary): Day 1 I've started a brand new journal. Anything that's new is always a good thing. Since I'm not the kind that's methodical, as this journal progresses the entries might get sloppier and sloppier. Today they started discussing a new particle that could completely destroy sethir without requirng sethir itself. I'm not entirely sure who brought it up but they started to discuss that, even though it was obvious they were just going around in circles. Being surrounded by their rock-like faces, and having to seat in that room's uncomfortable chairs was so annoying. After I told her this she started laughing. I didn't really think it was that funny, but I hadn't laughed in a while so I laughed along with her. Day 2 Today she strangely came to wake me up. I'm not a morning person so at first it was pretty annoying, but she grabbed my hand and dragged me into the E5 lab. When I asked her what had happened in here, she pointed to a one of the cases and the kid inside had... well. She being so transparent makes her personality easy to understand. She hasn't been discriminatory about the going ons here so far, but I think she took that one to heart. Me and her both understood there was nothing more we could do. I did my best to comfort her, but she still seemed desolate. I think I prefer working. Day 5 I'm not in a good mood today. I'll spit it out completely in here. In every way we are unable to comprehend one another, that woman and I. Honestly speaking I don't hate that woman as a person. I'm not sure if calling that woman a person is a good thing or not. There's a part of me that's indebted to her, also it's not as if I can't understand what she's saying, and for some reason or another I understand her viewpoint and way of thinking. The only thing is... perhaps I should say there's this part of me which is definitely unable to get along with her. Somehow that woman has too much common sense for her own good. You could say she's very smart. You could also say she comes from a good lineage. However, it doesn't mean that she's excessively obstinate about what she does. In that way that a person is born with nothing, and has to gain knowledge while pruning off the bad stuff, with the idea of practicality in mind other people's ideas are rejected. How tiresome. (There a portion that has traces of it being erased off.) Day 6 Recently no matter how much I sleep I still still feel tired. Besides fatigue I also feel anxious. Sometimes I even find myself forgetting what am I doing here. I think I really need to pull myself together or everything will be in vain. Day 13 I've managed to get a little free time for myself. As far as possible I'd like to write daily. Because I've been busy and also that woman is being a pain in the ass, I've gotten a lot more unhappy. At those times, she would always tell me to not give up and encourage me. I'd really like to thank her but, I wonder why she does it... Somehow or another i think it's because she's working directly under that woman and she's doing pretty well. However to get depressed would be bad. Everytime that happens I always feel like I'm just a regular person, no, even if that is so, I wish to think I'm not just that. So I'm going to work my socks off . That's how I'm different from that woman. Day 14 I caught a cold. She came to visit and helped me out with various tasks. Day 32 I made a discovery. It's was a dramatic one and I lost track of time because I was too immersed into it. I've already summarized the general outline into a report, but I'll just briefly scribble the points here as well. Currently even though it's true nature and form has yet to be determined, many people still are able to use sethir, however the old school of thought that sethir is just a form of magic converted from life force is wrong. Sethir actually is ____________ In other words our current research into armagus is equivalent to _______, which means it's the same as that thing. Yes, which is why that woman who refuses to use armagus doesn't understand. Don't tell me she's deliberately refusing to assess the idea that __________ (The entry is cut off midway rather unnaturally.) Day 35 Why do they not understand, why doesn't that woman understand? As I've already said, this is a discovery that was lurking in the blind spot of our research. When it's the genius talking, and because a lot was said that today I feel it deeply. I definitely feel it. Firstly, only taking a light glance at it, then rejecting it as if some kind of dirt had touched it. Have you seriously stopped to think about it? It's possible. So why deny that possibility exists? If you have an answer within you then prove it to me. Something has to be done about that strange person. I've alwats felt that that woman is a strange one. Even if due to the deparment's spike in ability she may be a genius but that is different. In spite of being called a god that woman is useless. That woman is useless. Day 42 Today I threw myself into work only. She read my paper seriously, but she didn't even give a nod. Is it not that woman but me who's become strange? Those old scholars also treat me like some strange person more and more. If those people are really saying that they should have spoken the truth to me right? Have I been mistaken all this time? Even though there is evidence here. (The evidence mentioned, appears to be something written over 10 pages starting from this page, however what exactly it's trying to point out is unknown.) Day 43 It's alright, I still haven't disappeared yet. It se ms t ey haven't noticed the extensive swelling. It would be disastrous if it were to show on the surface so that's a relief. The transformed pattern is automatically not rejecting the suppresion. That is_________ Da_ 4_ Why can't I use it, even though I'm so close to the truth. Although I'm close, if I use that I don't know if I'll be able to escape. Even though I'm unable to do it, why don't you understand? Go through the pipe, someday the directive for going through the pipe will come. Stop hammering, it's noisy, how many years have passed since then, I can escape it, then that's useless, those damned idiots, wrong, I am. Someday we'll go down, godowngodowngodown and draw patterns of the depth's interval _________________________ Noisynoisynoisy Stop getting in my way! Day 51 Today I composed my thoughts once more. Today I had a little doubt about the design of the patterns so I omitted several vital parts in the previous entries. Right now humanity is flowing like blood, I'll explain now. It's become like this. Firstly about anti-sethir, it's the same phenomenon as the phenomenon of the ars armagus phenomenon. To compensate for this ___ definitely the dangerous Azure which no one has noticed I'd do it once, eventually I want to skillfully, skillfully, do it. I'll have to discreetly do _________ thing ___ and that ______ was unexpected. Different from armagus. Different from those library vermin's armagus. The huge Azure and azure's ______ bursts open, and the relief that forms quickly grows big, definitely rarely big so you cannot not notice it. Drawing near is dangerous, so first I have to extract that from the rear. It's directly close to the spine.If I rush there I'll die, that's for certain. After I extract the Azure ______ I'd really like to do that. I'll certainly have finally reached. I explained it with all my heart and soul, but no one is listening? to me it seems. So then I should just gently delete everyone. Gentlygentlygently___________ ge t y

Carl's uncle and aunt are probably on his mother's side, if phaso 0 is true and relius is really 100 years old. Interestingly they don't seem to ask about his mum, so something might have already happened to her (ignis)

Actually, yes. It's only you. Seriously though, Litchi's story won't be done so soon, because I think the other stories are more interesting and so I'll be doing them first

Carl Clover (Puppeteers): The estate was completely deserted. It was a very handsome building which was apparently built to house 20-30 people. However, from within the western-styled house there was totally no signs of human life. Sensing a weird atmosphere, the team members exchanged nervous looks with one another. “...Doctor Relius? ...Doctor Relius?” The team leader directed his voice in the direction of the door. However, there was no response. The team members looked at each other once again, then started whispering amongst one another in subdued voices. Before long, they reached a conclusion, and and one of the group placed his hand on the doorknob. It seemed the door wasn't locked. Cautiously pushing it open, the musty and pungent smell of chemicals wafted through from inside. “Doctor Relius Clover, we're from the Sector. If you're in here, please respond.” The group members carefully entered one by one. The place was dark and gloomy. Dust had accumulated in every corner. Spreading out to divide the workload, they moved to search the entire estate, but they couldn't detect even a single person's presence. “That's strange... why is there no one here? What happened to the people who were supposed to keep him under surveillance?” Those people who had infiltrated the estate in order to keep an eye on him—— disguised as his subordinates—— there should have been 4 to 5 of them here. However, they were nowhere to be found. “...Wh, what the hell... is this?!” About an hour had passed since the search had started, when suddenly 1 of the group members raised his voice. The group members quickly headed towards the member who had shouted. It came from Relius's underground lab. “What happened? Is the Doctor here?” The member shook his head, and with his brow wrinkled deeply he pointed at the laboratory bench. Apparatus and chemicals were scattered all over the place, and on the surface it looked like the experiment was in a state of half-completion before someone was forced to abandon it. The crucial parts of the experiment subject were nowhere to be found. It was as if the entire Clover family had been spirited away entirely... “Where did the doctor and “that thing” in his posession disappear to? ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ “Sis, you're tired are you? Is everything ok?” The pale youth—— Carl Clover turned and gently asked his sister. Upon seeing her nod, a smile of relief broke upon Carl's face. “That's good to hear. So from here on out... what should we do?” “...” Turning to his sister who had tilted her head, Carl smiled lonesomely. “That's right, we should head to Uncle Francis's place. It's a bit far but if we walk all night we should be able to reach it. Don't worry, if it's uncle and aunt then I'm sure they'll be able to advice us on what to do next so...” Carl's blue eyes lit up as he spoke, and with a happy expression his sister nodded deeply. However, in reality the distance was much further than what Carl had imagined. His sister's pace was slow and cumbersome. Occasionally different people would give his sister strange looks and stare. Hiding his sister while traveling at a snail's pace was a undisputably unenjoyable trip. Eventually, 3 days after their departure, Carl and his sister finally reached their uncle's house in the dead of the night. “Good evening, sorry for calling on you this late. Uncle Francis, it's Carl. Carl Clover.” A haggard expression on his face, Carl knocked weakly on the brass doors with the knocker. Shortly, the thick doors opened, and the figure of Francis in his nightgown, with lamp in hand, appeared. On his guard against a visitor this late at first, once he realised it was Carl he hurridly opened the gate with an astonished look on his face. “Well if it isn't Carl?! What happened, for you to come this late?” Carl weakly shook his head. “What exactly happened... Furthermore, you're in uniform?” With a worried look on his face he supported Carl's shoulder with his hands. “In any case we shouldn't just be standing here talking, come in. Did you come alone?” Once again Carl wordlessly shook his head, and with a thin finger pointed behind him. Francis shone his lamp in the direction of Carl's finger, and was struck speechless. “Wh, what is this?” “... My sister.” “... Sister?” Francis waited for an explanation, but with a lonely expression on his face Carl stopped talking. Guessing some sort of situation had happened Francis led Carl and “Carl's sister” into the house. Only his aunt was in the living room. Once she recognised Carl's figure she drew close. “Aunt Rosenne...” “Carl, just what exactly happened? At this time of the night——“ The moment she started to speak, the figure of of Carl's sister following behind him came into view and without thinking she clasped her hand over her mouth. With a frightened expression she demanded an explanation from her husband, however a complicated expression just emerged on Francis's face. “Carl, leaving aside your abrupt visit, what is that large thing you're carrying with you?” “She's not a thing!” His eyebrows shaped into a “V”, Carl shouted back. “It's my sister, Ada. Ada Clover!” “There's no way, you must be lying.” “Well, wait a moment Rosenne. It seems some sort of incident has happened.” Francis rebuked the bewildered Rosenne. “Even if you say that... This thing is somehow Ada... No matter how you look at it...” Rosenne hesistated to finish her reply. The expression in her eyes was like she had just seen a monster. “The only thing you can see is that it is just a mere doll——“ ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ After telling them the details, the weight that he had carrying up to now started to overflow, and finally, acting like a boy his age, Carl started to sob. “So this is... really Ada...?” Unable to hide her surprise, Rosenne looked at the “changed sister” standing next to Carl. What Carl called his sister, in reality was a metallic doll which was at least twice little Carl's height. The Ada that the 2 of them knew, was a beautiful girl with the same blue eys and blond hair as Carl. The Ada now was a doll with a strange expressionless face. Somehow or other it seemed to have a will of it's own, could walk by itself, and could respond to questions by nodding. “What you told us is the really the God-honest truth right?” “Yes. That's really... my sister. And my father... I don't know his whereabouts.” While hiccuping Carl appealed to his uncle and aunt. The 2 of them met his gaze with serious faces. If that was the truth then the worse was yet to come. “I understand. You can stay at our place for a while.” “Dear...” Carl wiped his tears off with his uniform's sleeve, and mumbled a “thank you very much” in response. “Rosenne, go prepare the bed. Carl is probably exhausted too. We'll call it a day here.” She understood, and nodded at Carl to follow her. “However, from today onwards you' and your sister will sleep in seperate rooms. Is that fine?” With tears in his swollen and red eyes, Carl stared at Francis. “I don't know whether that sister is really your sister, but there's no denying she's different now. You understand right?” “... It'll be fine. Up till now everything's been peaceful so there shouldn't be a problem.” Francis tried his best to persuade Carl, but he firmly refused to yield. Before long, Francis realised persuasion was useless, and patted his head saying “If anything happens tell us immediately.” Slipping into the prepared bed, his nervousness fading like a string that's been cut, fatigue rapidly overwhelmed Carl. Within the darkness of the room, Carl turned to face his sister who was standing next to the bed. “What a relief. It really is a huge relief, sis.” With a dull metallic sound his sister rose, and made a gesture that resembled someone tilting their head to the side. Carl looked at that gesture, then closed his eyes and went to sleep. The silent Ada stood there, staring straight at the sleeping boy.

lol. I should mention I'm a guy. I was going to do arakune but carl's looks easier so i'll do his first I guess.

Hakumen (Innocent Black): It was pitch black. I'm not really sure what's going on but. Everything that was reflected in my eyes was pitch black. It's low . Very low. A very low and deep groan could be heard. Like an earth tremor. Low. It's a very low sound. Just as I noticed it the sound stopped. My ears hurt because it's too quiet. There really is no sound at all. Is there really no sound at all? Or perhaps my ears have been broken? I don't know. Am I standing? Am I sitting? Or am I floating? It's hard to tell. I want to open my eyes but my eyelids are so heavy. Somehow or other I open them and. What surrounds me is some kind of blue mist and I get the feeling that I'm hugging it A light which I never felt before till now suddenly shined through. As if I was still in the middle of some fantasic dream... At that moment, for the first time. ——I became aware of my existence. Am I alive? I see. I am alive. Are my heart and organs still there? I don't know but. Certainly, I get the feeling that I'm alive. However, I feel a pulse. It's a delightful, fast pounding feeling. It's like if I got to see all the people I love. All the important people to me. That kind of palpitation. Faintly. From within myself. A voice that's not mine can be heard It's calling out a name. It's a girl's voice. However. I don't know it. I stare at my hand. The jet black hand has countless red fissures running along it. I think to myself what is it? But I don't know. I can only think “How did I become so black as well?” The beautiful blue mist dissipates And in it's place stands a white... something. Because it looks human shaped I think it is a human ——What is a human? The white person slowly draws close. I observe the surroundings and I can make out 5 other shadows. However. The surroundings are too dazzling so I'm not very sure. In the midst of that I see a shadow that looks like a “cat”. ——What is a cat? While I was thinking that That white something somehow came to a halt right in front of my eyes. The white person and his many eyes Fixedly. Intently. They stare at me. “How pitiful... So this what your existence has finally come to huh...” The white person is saying something. But I can't understand it. “...No. Perhaps this is just the “beginning”?” The white person is saying something. But as I thought, I really can't understand it. The white person slowly raises something overhead. From the eye something warm overflows out Just what that is, I don't know. But. I feel that the wide “Azure sky” behind the white person is really very beautiful. In the instant something is swung down, the whole world ends. ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ “And thus... this world ends. But before long, it will start again.” From somewhere unknown, I became aware I could hear that voice.

Yeah, I forgot to mention ada is already nirvana. Aunt more or less freaks out because she's a nox. Uncle believes carl (that ada is nirvana). I'll just write what I've gleaned from the rest of the stories that I've already glanced at. Bang Chronicles the ikaruga civil war. Then jumps to bang in ronin gai talking to his subordinates about writing down their tenjou's legacy since the nol's version is probably heavily distorted. Arakune His descent into madness. According to the story he starts to really lose it around day 43 onward. By 51 he's almost incoherent and just rambling.

Nu-13 (an evil sign): The only noises that could be heard within this silent room was the hum of the machines and the footsteps of the scientists who were deep in thought. On the screen of the central main monitor, the image of a girl with numerous cables attached to her was displayed. On top of that, the cable attached directly to her right eye made her a rather unusual sight. The girl was motionless. Whether she was alive or dead... That was something that was hard to be sure about. “The readings have stabilised” The female voice of the operator resounded through the loudspeaker. “Right, that's good. Increase sethir levels by 500... inject it in!” The old man in a white lab coat sitting in front of the main monitor issued out the order. “Roger. Injecting an additional 500 amount of sethir.” As the operator's voice resounded, simultaneously the noise level of the machines began to increase. After a moment, the cable attached to the girl's right eye began to undulate, and shortly became dyed black. Instantly, like the beat of a pulse, the girl began to quiver slighty. “Woooah!” The surrounding scientists cheered slightly. Before reaching this stage, there had been countless failures. “Right, all that's left is to wait for the establishment...” “Yeah, it will take quite a while till the awakening. However, it seems we will be able to finish within schedule.” The short and slender-built assistant seated next to the old scientist replied. “Because this one took so long to reach us, I'm a little uneasy... The delivery is set for tomorrow at 1030 hours right?” “Yes, it's scheduled to be delivered to the 13th Hierachical City Kagutsuchi tomorrow at 1030 hours.” The 13th body delivered to the Hierachical city numbered 13... such an ominous combination, the assistant thought but kept it to himself. The old scientist and his seated assistant gazed intently on the monitor with some emotion. After this all that was left was for the seithir to fully permeate, and then wait for the establishment process. Each of the scientists began to relax. “Nevertheless, this 13th subject that we confiscated from Ikaruga... it seems it's level of completion is different than from what was declared” “Yeah, it's something that Sector Seven made that was desgined by Dr. Relius” “Hm, that puppeter huh? I guess I should say as expected of his work then. But still, to think that those damned Sector Seven could advance to this point...” “They nearly stole a march on us. Nonetheless, it's too early for us to let our guard down” “Yeah. There were 3 bodies that were built in Ikaruga. Out of those 1 was retrieved by us, the Libarium, and is now here but...” “The whereabouts of the remainding 2 are unknown. While in the midst of recovering this subject, the Libarium's special forces ran into interference from a giant individual resembling a “demon”, and it seems another body was unfortunately stolen. The delay in the arrival of this subject is also the fault of the interference caused by the unknown individual” “ A giant resembling a “demon” huh. I wonder who's he working for... and which other body did he steal?” “Well, that has yet to be investigated into. Still, if it's the 12th then it's going to be a little bit troublesome...” The 2 men frowned. “Still, regarding the demon in Ikaruga, that's certainly some sort of fairy tale right?” The old scientist uneasily shrugged the subject off. The other scientists laughed. The many tales of the “demons” and “monsters” in Ikaruga was widespread and was treated as common knowledge amongst them. “Ah yeah, there's one more. There's this one case of the “grim reaper”. Have you guys heard about it?” “You mean the one who's destroying the boundary contact mediums and cauldrons? Who or what is he? “I don't know much. Other than the fact that he's dressed in red and has silver hair...” The assistant disappointedly shrugged his shoulders. “Boy oh boy, the intelligence department are rather useless aren't they...” The old scientist replied. At that moment, a click sound indicated the door had opened. “Ah~ sorry, am I interrupting anything? Pardon me...” Suddenly, a voice they weren't used to hearing echoed from behind them, and the scientists turned around. Other than the half opened door, the top half of a slenderly built male suddenly popped out of the gap. He was clad in a dark suit, and held a hat in his hands. His eyes seemed to not know how to open. “Hey, this is a restricted zone! How did you get in!?” One of the scientists raised the alarm over the conspicious suit-clad outsider. With an innocent look on his face, the man in the suit casually slid into the room. “I apologise for the sudden intrusion. I am Hazama from the intelligence department. So sorry, to have come while you're all in the middle of work...” His voice dripping with sarcasm, Hazama introduced himself. It seems he had been observing their idle chatter. Whether he had heard their criticism of the intelligence department was undiscernable. “... And what does the intelligence branch want?” The old scientist replied with a level voice. Walking with steady and light footsteps, Hazama stood before the scientist. “I came to retrieve the 13th subject but... I guess it'll take a little more time hm?” “Retrieve? Isn't the 13th subject scheduled to be transported to Kagutsuchi tomorrow at 1030 hours?” His face showing doubt, the scientist posed the question. The surrounding scientists' wariness of Hazama increased. “Ahh~, well circumstances have changed somewhat. No actually, everything's going according to plan.” “I do not understand what you're saying. Please explain.” “You could call it a bluff. To decieve your enemies, first decieve your friends, as they say, right?” As he said that, Hazama looked around at the scientists' faces. The old scientist quickly caught on. “I see. In other words, the official order was just a diversion, huh...” “That's right, that's right. The 13th subject is very important after all. If it were to be destroyed or stolen then, it'd be very bad wouldn't it?” “...” “Sector seven has already begun to move, and when they'll come here to cause disruptions is undeterminable. And also, there's...” Hazama stopped mid-sentence. With one eye slightly opened, he continued in a low voice. “... The situation regarding the “grim reaper” too.” The scientists murmurred amongst themselves in low voices “It seems you don't believe me. Then, I guess it can't be helped. Look here, this is the imperial edict” While saying so Hazama casually drew out a what appeared to be a note written on a piece of paper from his inner pocket. “The seal of the Imperator is present, do you see it?” It was said with a light tone. “No, it's fine. I understand. We will make preperations for the transport immediately. Please give us a while to make all the arrangments.” “Ah, before that. The truth is, aside from the retrieval I was given a special order as well...” “Special order?” “It would be bad if there were some sort of mistake. So then, I need to confirm the number of the subject with my own 2 eyes.” “Impossible...! How could there have been a mistake!?” The assistant raised his voice, to insist that their work was without flaw. Hazama turned to face the outburst, his expression unchanging. “... I understand. However, I will have to accompany you in, that won't be a problem right?” The old scientist rebuked his subordinate, and tried his best to give a calm response to Hazama. “No, of course it won't be” The old scientist led Hazama along, into the depths of the research lab, and guided him into the subject's room. Attached to the binding devices, the 13th subject's body which hung from the restraints, was unmistakably alive. As Hazama approached he climbed up a stepladder, and examined the middle of the 13th subject's neck and chest. “Ah, I see. It's unmistakably the 13th , yes.” While tracing the number 13 engraving with his finger, Hazama smiled as he spoke. “Are you satisfied now?” “Yes, thanks to you” “Then, let's hurry up and leave.” Snapping the file shut with a bang, the old scientist pressed Hazama to leave. Then, he turned on his heels and began to walk quickly towards the door. Hazama turned and followed suit. However, on his way out he turned to face the 13th subject, and with both eyes opened began to mutter “Yo, doll. It's about time to wake up from your dream. There'll be plenty of time to continue the rest in reality... no?” As if in response, the 13th subject's left eyelid appeared to flutter weakly.

Jin Kisaragi (purgatory hell): Flipping through the pages, Jin let out a sigh. Field officers and higher ranks were given an official office in the main branch of the Libarium. In a short while, the organisation was set to publish a new book entitled “Biographies of Heroes”. It covered heroes both past and present from the Libarium, as well as exploits of these heroes compiled into an omnibus format and written in an autobiographical style. As Jin was one of the top heroes still alive in the present age, not only did his face adorned the front cover, but a fair amount of the book was devoted to his introduction and exploits. The one that was in his hands was just a manuscript. “The person himself should confirm all the facts” was a duty Jin was ordered to do, which was why he was even bothering to skim through the book. “Ridiculous...” There was nothing to confirm—— The introduction chronicled his life from the day he was adopted into the Kisaragi household, and the climax covered his activities during the Ikaruga Civil War. However, there were a lot of portions that differed from the reality as it had happened, and several parts were heavily dramatised. If everything was written the way it had really happened, then a lot of the book would have to be cut. As he was about to sign off “No Problem” on the manuscript's first page, there was a knock on the office door. “... Come in.” It was a command given without even raising his head from his desk. With an “Excuse me”, the door opened. A young female officer respectfully bowed and entered. Jin's posture remainded unchanged, his vision still focused on the book on top of his desk, and he spoke. “... What do you want?” “ —— 2nd Lieutenant Noel Vermillion reporting. It's been a long time, Major.” “... Noel... Vermillion?” A name he had heard before. Jin knew this girl. It wasn't the first time they had met. During his time at the military academy, they had numerous conversations before. —— Why is this girl suddenly back at my side? She's pissing me off...!! Jin hated this girl's face. To the point where just imagining it would fill him with disgust. Noel stepped forward and presented something to Jin. Jin stretched out for it with only his hand—— it appeared to be a letter. He examined the letter, then broke the seal. He grew dizzy. From it's contents he thought that it might be the higher ups all ganging up on him with this unknown scheme. It said Noel Vermillion was “to be appointed as a special solo soldier tasked mainly with intelligence and assasination, to be place under direct supervision of a division commander.” —— Why? It wasn't as if she had come from a special family line. If you looked at her grades they weren't excellent. The only thing that could be considered for special mention was her remarkably high armagus aptitude scores. She had little experience, and possesed insufficient knowledge. Jin went through the various information and details in his head, trying to mesh his speculations into coherent thought. However, no matter how hard he thought about it he couldn't recall any special reason for this girl to be appointed as his direct subordinate. Once again, he grew dizzy. Just what kind of torture was this... He gritted his inner teeth. —— This woman is the same. At that point Jin raised his head for the first time. Her cheeks stiffened, a nervous look upon her face as she stood there. The Libarium's orders were absolute. Even a hero like Jin could ill-afford to go against them without severe consequences. This moment was another example of him always being unable to go against the Libarium's implicit laws, and it annoyed him immensely. “... Congratulations on your new appointment, Lieutenant Vermillion. Further instructions will be issued to you in another room. Look for the person in charge. That is all; you're dismissed.” Drowning the girl under all the instructions given in one shot, Jin hurriedly chased the newly appointed female officer out of his office. “Damn it...” Once he had confirmed that the girl had left his office, Jin let out an irritable sigh, and slammed his fists on his desk. “Why... Of all things... That girl is...!!” His irritation grew. As he exhaled and calmed down, Jin noticed an unusual feeling and turned around. Placed on a sword rack was the ice sword Yukianesa, and some kind of weird air seemed to be seeping out of it. “... Bastard. What do you want to say?” Jin directed his query at the sword of ice. However, there was no response. ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ The next day, the Libarium's main branch was in ahuge uproar. Recently, a certain individual had been breaking in, destroying, and killing the personel in succesive Libarium branches in Hierachical cities. Reports that last night, a person thought to be the same criminal with the same M.O had destroyed the entire branch of the 9th Hierachical City, had filtered into the main branch. As an aftermath of that incident, on that day Jin was swamped in paperwork coming in from all the other branches, and by the time he managed to finish up all the documents, it had already become dark outside. As he finished up the last of his paperwork and was contemplating putting down his pen, there was a knock on his door and at the same time a girl's voice could be heard. “Excuse me Major. 2nd Lieutenant Noel Vermillion reporting.” Ignoring her wasn't possible, so faced with no alternative Jin responded. “... Enter.” The massive doors slowly opened. Jin's vision remained firmly on his desk's surface. He paid no attention to Noel and resumed his work, until she handed him a letter. “... What is it?” With a suspicious expression Jin took the letter. Noel's hard expression remained unchanged. The letter had been sealed with a high level armagus. A level S-class code—— which meant a highly classified document. Only division commanders and higher ranks had the nessescary cipher and the the aptitude to use such high level armagus. Without both the letter could not be opened. Noel took a step back and stood rigidly at attention. Although he wanted to tell her to leave if she was done, it was likely that the main branch had issued other orders to her. Furthermore the fact that she had specially hand delivered this letter to him probably meant that there was some further mission concerning her in it. Jin irritatedly glanced up from reading the letter, his eyes resting on Yukianesa, which was resting on the sword rack. Just like before, it was showing some kind of reaction. Bit by bit it seemed Yukianesa was transmitting some sort of pulse. —— Is it this girl? He glanced at Noel for an instant, but it seemed she wasn't paying any attention and was looking elsewhere. Jin began to chant the armagus code to decrypt the letter. The invisible letters appeared in quick succesion. Jin skimmed through the text. —— The Grim Reaper again?! Somehow the letter's contents were mainly about the rumored “Grim Reaper”. He had heard of a solitary person's criminal behaviour, but to think that such an individual could destroy several Libarium branches... “—— In accordance, Noel Vermillion is to head to the 13th Hierachical City “Kagutsuchi” to investigate into the matter of the “Grim Reaper”. Also, detailed information of the “Grim Reaper” will be announced to the public, and the vigilantes will be informed accordingly. In addition, the name of the “Grim Reaper” is “Ragna the Bloodedge” ——“ “—— Ragna” The words flowed naturally out of his mouth. In that instant, with a loud and flashy bang the scenery that Jin was seeing suddenly warped and distorted. When the broken pieces finally patched themselves together, the scenery was a totally different colour. Something from deep within him started to stir, as if in a hurry to be let out. “ Ragna——” Once more, he spat out the name. He couldn't be stopped. It was repeated over and over again. As if a bind had been loosened, blood rushed throughout his body properly for the first time, to him it was a great feeling. —— Why, how could I have forgotten it till now. This, this rush of emotion!

Noel Vermillion (THE BLUE): Noel Vermillion. That became the girl's new name. The girl that was a war orphan was adopted by Edgar Vermillion and his wife Clair into their family, and at the same time, that name was given to her. The Vermillion household were nobility of some renown which, for many generations, had produced many distinguished knights who served in the Librarium. However, due to a weak constituion the current head Edgar was unable to join the military campaigns; in addition, they did not have any children to succeed the family line. Also, because they weren't afraid to openly criticise and protest against the Librarium (even though they were nobility), the Vermillion household was frowned upon by the Librarium and the other nobles, had their aristocratic privileges reduced, and their family line was ostracised. While surviving on their dwindling family fortune their ancestors had amassed, the ruined family carried on with their lives and adopted Noel. In a tiny cottage in a backwater area with shallow sethir levels, Noel grew up showered with love from her adoptive parents. They were moderately happy, and the days passed by as such. ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ A few years after her adoption, Noel came to know about the impending termination of the Vermilion household's aristocratic privileges. The Vermilion house banished from the Librarium, and loss of their aristocratic privileges—— If that happened, that would mean even day to day life would soon become difficult. Worried about the future, Noel decided to become a knight in the Librarium, and so decided to take the entrance exams for the Military Academy. “Dad, Mum. I, I want to become a knight in the Librarium.” Noel suddenly dropped the bombshell while looking straight into her parent's shocked eyes. “Noel...” The knights of Librarium, as their names implied, were soldiers under the Librarium. Naturally, as a soldier, one was expected to devote their entire being to the service of the Librarium. If Noel became a knight then her family's privileges would be restored, and they would once again enjoy the patronage of the Librarium. Noel knew all that. Even though her parents protested against her decision, Noel's resolve remained firm. The result of their discussion was that Noel was not to enlist as a combatant but to do office work—— which could be said as their final compromise. Thus, Noel took the entrance examination for entry into the Military Academy. But, because she was entering halfway, she had to deal with another test. An test which placed priority of Ars Magus aptitude over knowledge, you could call it the real barrier within the barrier that stood in her way of enlistment. However, not only did Noel's aptitude levels exceed far beyond the required standards, it was also the highest level ever recorded in history. For the 2nd time in recent years, the previous record was once again smashed by the current one. Noel easily passed her exams—— in addition, she was specially invited into the Military Academy. ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ 6 months before Noel was due to graduate from the Academy, an incident happened. The school was abuzz with a certain topic. “Did ya hear did ya hear!? Kisaragi-senpai, he went and did something cool!” The one who noisily rushed into the classroom after school was none other than Noel's roommate, the half squirrel beast-kin Makoto. “Please calm down Makoto. What happened to Jin?” Also Noel's roommate, hailing from 1 of the Duodecim's families, Tsubaki Yayoi chided her friend while calmly replying. “After evaluating his actions during the Ikaruga civil war, he's been promoted by 2 grades!” While waving a newspaper that had the words “Extra!” printed on it in large font, Makoto excitedly continued to blab on. The newspaper caption read “1st Lieutenant Jin Kisaragi, has been promoted to become the youngest Major in recorded history. He also has been appointed as the division commander of the 4th Thaumaturgical Division” “ A double promotion... Besides those who were killed in the line of duty, has that ever happened before?” “Somehow, since he was only there for 2 days, I think a single promotion would have fitted more-” As soon as she recalled that name that was already fading from her mind, Noel remember her deeply emotive feelings. 1st Lieutenant Jin Kisaragi... wrong, Major. A graduate of the Academy, a a student senior to Noel and company. Serving in the student council she had faced him numerous times, and had spoken with him before. Perfect in every way and quiet... no, that wasn't right, his frosty image made him a difficult senior to deal with. Noel absent-mindedly stared at the large photo of Jin published in the newspaper that was lying on top of the desk. “Jin Kisaragi...” While saying his name, the image that Noel only saw once in her entire time in school; the image of Jin with a lunatic expression on his face, flashed across her mind, and Noel caught her breath. “What's wrong? Your breathing seems ragged... Are you that happy for Jin's accomplishments?” “N-no, that's not it...” “You really shouldn't joke about this kind of thing... so, you are really feeling ok?” With a worried face, Tsubaki looked over at Noel who had denied not feeling well with a weak voice. “Ah, yes. I'm fine.” Noel did her best to smile as she replied. ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ That person arrived exactly on time. A solidly built old man dressed in a blue uniform. “Ms Noel Vermillion?” “Yes.” Her nervousness increased. “I am from the Personnel Department of the main branch. My purpose today is to inform you about the orders regarding your transfer. Do you understand?” “... Yes." “Very well. These are the instructions given from the Librarium to you. Cadet Noel Vermillion. We at the Novis Orbis Librarium hold your potential in extremely high esteem. We hope to appoint you to an official posting. In exchange the Vermillion family will have it's rights restored and you will be guaranteed your posting permanently." Noel's eyes widened. Resisting the urge to ask him to repeat himself, Noel scrutinised his expression. His face remained unchanged. The Librarium being interested in a lowly cadet to this extent was unheard of. “Um... That is... What would I have to do... if I accepted?” “Firstly, you'll have to take and clear an exam, then you'll be entered into the 4th Thaumaturgical Division. Following that you'll be assigned to Jin Kisaragi as a special solo combatist under his direct supervision, and you'll be observing his actions as our “link” to him” —— Why me? Put simply, a “special solo combatist” was a spy and an assassin. Officially she would be under Major Kisaragi to do paperwork, in other words she would become his ministral secretary... Noel bit her lip. In her mind Jin's image flashed before her. (Kisaragi-senpai's direct subordinate...) Cold sweat trickled down her cheek. It was true that her Armagus aptitude scores were the highest ever recorded in history. However, she thought that couldn't be all. If you talked about results then Tsubaki was head and shoulders above her, and in terms of battle ability there were plenty of more outstanding people. Noel thought about it long and hard. In the midst of her indecision, she finally came to 1 acceptable conclusion. Put simply, even though “her level of potential” and “her level of results” weren't exactly very high, to the Librarium, she was just usuable in her own way, and simply another “disposable when convenient person”... Futhermore the Librarium had caught on that “Noel's weakness” was her family, and were taking advantage of this fact However, even with those conditions, if she were to accept—— With a frail cough her father discussing their loss of special rights and her mother encouraging him. And also the image of her only looking from shadows without being able to do anything. That scene ran through her mind. —— I humbly accept the posting. I intentionally gave my answer respectfully. That's right, the me now should be able to endure it. I should kill off my heart. That is what I was taught being a Librarium knight means.

Rachel Alucard (Endless Waltz) The sound of the teacup being placed onto the saucer echoed throughout the garden blanketed with red roses. The sky had long since set, and it was the hour which the stars illuminated the night with their cold fire. At her side an old butler with a long beard stood in silent repose. Furthermore at his side a bat and a large black cat were huddled together, snoozing away with light and easy breaths. Rachel's teatime. Ever the same. Skin as white as snow. Beautiful blonde hair. Red pupils. Rachel Alucard was a girl in possesion of a doll-like beauty. The girl usually dressed in black. As a foil to her white skin, this created a superb contrast, which only further enhanced the elegance of the girl. At a glance, the girl resembled nothing more than the young daughter of a noble family, however in reality she was a vampire who had already lived for several hundred years. The enormous castle built upon the vast grounds belonged to the Alucard household, a noted family amongst the vampire race. The girl was the current head of the household. Even though she was called the head of the household, the actual occupants of the castle other than Rachel were her butler Valkenhayn, the bat Gii, and the black cat Nago. These 4 people (?) were the only ones left. Moistening her mouth with the warm black tea, with one breath she looked up at the sky inlaid with stars. Rachel waited in still silence. For their first meeting. That was a day in the life of Rachel. A day in the life of a girl who experienced endless rewindings of time. ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ “We're going.” The leisurely sleeping Nago and Gii were rudely aroused from their slumber by a shoe kicking them awake. Jumping up in shock, their unhappy protests were duely ignored by Rachel. She then pinched and slapped them for good measure. The 2 creatures yelped out loud, and hurridly began to prepare for departure. Ignoring the flurry of activity from the 2 creatures, Rachel looked over at her butler Valkenhayn, who appeared to be holding something in. After looking into Rachel's eyes and reading what was in there, after a few moments passed, Valkenhayn quietly said a very short “Take care milady”. Elegantly settling herself down with ease, she tidied up her attire, and started to exude a strong sense of awareness and control over the shadows flowing withing the shadows. Rachel mumbled something softly, and her figure slowly slipped into the darkness. Valkenhayn wordlessly bowed, as his lady—— Rachel, he silently sent off. ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ The first thing noticable after stepping out of the darkness was that needle-like raining was falling. Before the eye a grusome scene stretched out for miles. What was once a church surrounded by lush woods and beautiful flowers had crumbled beyond any vestige of recognition, the surrounding area was burnt down to the ground, as if the arsonist was not only satisfied with mere kidnapping. In the forefront of that scenery, there was a lone youth in front on the destroyed church. Cradling his right arm in his lap, his voice all but spent, he was yelling something as if his life depended on it. “How shameful.” Rachel noiselessly drew close to the youth's side, saying so as he looked down upon the squatting youth. The surprised youth looked up with a stunned expression on his face. With eyes like jade he scowled at Rachel. Rachel's expression remained unchanged as she stared at the youth for a little while, then turned her gaze to the ruins of the church. As if surveying the place, Rachel looked over the church and it's surrounding regions, then elegantly raised her left hand to her chest level. Her fingers resembling white fish, she traced several circles in the air, and gently opened her palm. As soon as she did that, a drop of transparent light fell from her hand and spilt onto the ground. The instant the drop hit the ground, from what could be termed as the core of that place, blue light begin to form in the outline of a cross. In a blink of an eye the blue light suddenly traced itself out into a magic square. Once it was done it hard to say if the magic square looked like some sort of family crest or not, but ground began to collapse as if a whole region had just fallen out of the ground. The youth glanced over and saw that something imcomprehensible had awoken. However, without having even enough time to scream, he was swallowed into the hole. Before long things finally started to calm down. Occasionally, the cracking of rocks as they tumbled down into the hole could be heard Rachel teleported to the bottom in a flash, the youth was lying flat on the ground like a cotton cloth drenched with water. Rachel stared at his unmoving figure from the shadows. Presently, the youth who was thought to be dead struggled to get up, as if his body were as heavy as lead. Using his left arm to support his body, he called out in a feeble voice. Fresh blood flew out from his mouth. The youth once again fell down onto his back. Ragged breaths and desperate yells issued from his mouth. It was easy to see he wasn't long for this world. “How unexpectedly sloppy of you...” Rachel spoke. It seemed the youth finally managed to turn his head towards Rachel, she narrowly coming into sight. Without tears nor vitality, it seemed he realised that there was only one possible outcome. As if looking for the entrance to death itself, his eyes scanned the surroundings rapidly. “Would you like some assistance? If so, then I'll help you stop the bleeding by drinking your blood alright?” Saying this caused an expression of dismay to rise in the back of her mind, and her cheeks flushed red. And then once again, she looked down silently at the youth. Some amount of time passed, and it seemed the rain had finally stopped. The majority of the sky was still covered in clouds, amidst the gaps some rays of light managed to poke through. One of the rays lighted up the youth's vacant eyes. His right eye, which was beautiful like transparent jade, was now red as if stained by blood. “If you don't wish to die, then stand before me.” Suddenly, the youth broke eye contact. It seemed he had spotted something. With his last bit of strength he walked over to the wall as if his life depended on it. Gritting his teeth, he supported his body on his remainding arm. After finally reaching the wall, with only the right eye which had been dyed red, the youth began scrutinisng the wall for something. The burnt wall exposed a most unusual object. It was a jet black rock which looked like some sort of obsidian without any lustre. It was shaped in the fashion of a human. However, everything above it's neck was missing. To this strange rock that had a weird shape, without any trace of hesitation, the youth walked over as if drawn to it by some unknown force. And then, he touched the rock with his bloodied left arm. In that instant, the rock begin to rumble like the beat of a drum. What seemed like sand began to crumble from the rock, followed by a jet black mist spewing out of the rock with fierce vigour. In an instant the black mist turned into some form of darkness, and swallowed the youth whole. Watching up to that point with her own eyes, Rachel turned to depart. “Princess, shouldn't we watch all the way to the end?” The black cat Nago, with a worried expression his face, asked. However, Rachel didn't reply. “Yes, yes that's right! Princess! Isn't he someone very import- gyaa!!” Meeting Gii's outburst with silence and a beating, Rachel shook her head slighty and muttered. “... What an irony.” He was always seeing himself as a “Grim Reaper”. Rachel sat down on Nago and closed her eyes. And then they all vanished into the darkness. Shortly after, the darkness was dispelled. In it's place stood the figure of the youth. He took several deep breaths. The youth's body which had lost it's right arm was now whole once again, the right arm back where it should be. However, that blackness that was the right arm—— it was the same as the strange rock. That form it took—— the arm of Hades borne of blood, that was what it was.