Why the hell did I delay this made of awesome?! (Oh yeah, lack of free time). But anyway, I've finally managed to read it before the next chapter comes out (seems to be on the October issue I think).As usual, though it seems to have the typical fantasy shounen elements . . . it only seems like it, but it's still not. In other words, the things that seem stereotypical in this series aren't exactly stereotypical at all. What's more, the artwork's really gorgeous, the characters are awesome, and the story keeps on getting more interesting and surprising! Oh I totally love this~[ MAGIC ]The artworks on the magical scenes in this series are really really FANTASTIC!!! If ever there'll be an anime adaptation on this, I highly hope that it'll be by an animation company that can do good quality animation . . . or else it won't do the manga justice!Anyway, we learn more about how exactly Mahiro can do magic. From the previous chapter we learn that he relies on Hakaze's magic in order to do magic, but in this one we learn that that happens through Hakaze's talismans. If your skin touches the talisman, you just wish for something and it will grant it to you. However, you're only limited to three wishes. After that, the talisman's powerless. Hakaze's voice is also required to activate them.I find it interesting that our main characters aren't exactly magic users for a fantasy series. I also find it cool that magic is being used for detective work in this series (like in this case, tracking the killer's steps.)[ ACTION ]Aside from the magical parts, the action parts are also AWESOMELY illustrated~I look forward to seeing more fights in this series~ Oh this would really cool animated~[ VILLAIN ] We got introduced to a new villain by the way. He's a sorcerer and a part of the clan that betrayed Hakaze. I'm happy that even though Mahiro had managed to get away, there was no shounen miracle of him beating a stronger enemy. I hope we learn more about this enemy soon. He seems to be an interesting fellow~ Though I do wonder why he has a lot of talismans on his fingers, and on his wrist if he doesn't really need them since he's an actual sorcerer.Anyway, I'm curious on how Mahiro would be able to either beat or escape from the guy. He has Yoshino by his side now, so even if they both rely on talismans, it's still 2 against 1. The stronger one doesn't always win; it's the strategic one~[ FRUIT ]When I saw the butterflies, I thought they were only around because whatever they're facing (of all things it's some gigantic fruit wtf), it had something to do with death; or with magic (like with the golden ones in Umineko no Naku Koro ni). And butterflies, specifically black ones, are often associated with death in the anime. But it seems that in this series, there's just a lot of them because they're attracted to the scent of the fruit. So most likely there won't be butterflies around after this arc *is sad*.Anyway, I find it . . . really weird. It's this gigantic fruit that's causing the catastrophe. And there are many of such in different locations, and it'll be the world's destruction if they get combined. The bad guys seem to be summoning something ("return!" "return!" "return!") . . . they seem to have some connection . . . but still, weird. It's a unique type of BIG villain but still . . . weird.[ KILL ]From the first chapter, when Yoshino fought back against the armed woman, I thought he just had guts and bravery for an ordinary kid. I don't think he's not the type who had fighting background (I mean, someone who's into sports like kendo, martial arts, etc.)But when I saw the raw version of this chapter, I thought I was mistaken and he actually has fighting skills after all.But when I've read the translations, it turns out that those cool moves of his were because of magical assistance. In other words, Yoshino relied on magic.It would be typical shounen for a main character to have real fighting abilities and be that good . . . so I find it more interesting this way~My big surprise though is that though Yoshino seemed to be the nice guy type, he's actually capable of killing without second thoughts. There's certainly something more into his character than it seems. He has a dark side! Even though Mahiro is the more violent type, Yoshino seems to be the scarier one. Cool~But he ended up not killing her though because he thought of having a deal. How smart of him to think of making use of her. Hehe.[ YOSHINO ]Speaking of Yoshino, from the first chapter I thought he was just the type who neglects his girlfriend. He just looked at her tex message but isn't really willing to go to their date.But it turns out that his girlfriend is Aika, Mahiro's dead sister! (I exclaimed "OHMYGOD" when I've learned about that.) He actually loves and misses her so much that he still looks at her last text message even after her death! Whoooooaaaaa . . . .I totally didn't expect this twist.They pretended not to like each other though . . . it appears to be because of Mahiro . . . the overprotective brother. Hehe.So it turns out that both the main characters love Aika a lot, but unlike Mahiro, Yoshino didn't lust for revenge since . . . killing the killer won't change anything anyway.Main characters with very different point of views . . .interesting~[ MAHIRO ]Mahiro is really really obsessed with his sister that he didn't let anyone in his mansion (it's not a house!!! I call it a mansion!!! It's so big!!! They're loaded, whoa!!!) after her death. It looks like he's more affected of his sister's death than with his parents. Brother complex to the max . . . I can imagine great depression on the time when he learned that his sister died.With all this love for Aika, it's making me interested on what Aika had been like that these two had loved her so much. Hopefully she's not the weak type like Haruka of Bloody Monday, not that I hate Haruka (Maybe younger sisters are just often like that . . .).[ OTP ]Yoshino x Aika is canon! Makes me sad that Aika died . . . I think they would've been a cute pairing . .But I still have a favorite couple in this series, and it's MAHIRO x HAKAZE!!! As Yoshino said, they have personality problems! Hahaha!!!! They're both wackos and their interactions had been fun~ They're mean to each other, and they don't exactly get along but they still work together. Ooooohhhh . . . I wish they meet personally already!!!! And is it just me or Hakaze and Aika look somewhat similar??? Oh Mahiro, you're working with an awesome babe!!!! Please meet already~ Ohohohohoho![ FRIENDS ]Aside from my OTP, my other favorite relationship are of course: THE BEST FRIENDS!I've found it odd that though they're very close childhood friends, Mahiro didn't thinking of making Yoshino team up with him (it's more fun to have your best friend as your ally instead of doing everything alone, even if it's dangerous, right?) But it looks like Mahiro didn't involve Yoshino because he has heard that Yoshino had a girlfriend who would worry about him. How considerate of you~ But it would certainly be a big surprise to him that not only that Yoshino's girlfriend no longer exists, she's also his sister! Haha![ LOLz ]More of the best friends . . . they are so crack~ Oh the main trio's crack~ The series doesn't have much comedy, but when it inserts funny parts, they are really cutely hilarious and not out of place~ Hehehehehe~[ CANDY ]Some parts are actually funny even if they're not drawn in a comedic way. Like, when Mahiro said he was angry, FOOD ACTUALLY CAME! Hahahahha!Anyway, starting now, Yoshino is officially part of Mahiro's saving the world adventures~ I look forward to those~Speaking of which, it seems to be the "main characters are heroes who save the world" cliche, right? But I think this one's different. Mainly because the savior in this series isn't being idealistic, nor was he chosen to become one. He's only doing this because of a deal, and for selfish reason. While his partner, is just tagging along and wants to help his friend out. And the hero's selfish aim is somewhat connected to what's important to the partner anyway.Oh I love this series for being so unique and wonderful~ It hasn't failed to impress me! I highly look forward to the next chapter! Yay!Note: Before anyone sues me, I only take claim on the image editing, NOT the raw scan, and ABSOLUTELY NOT the series itself. So don't be surprised on the not-so-great editing quality ^^;
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