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The Book of Bantorra (2009) - S01 - Commie vs Dekinai

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Commie

Dekinai

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 01 [9A5FD6B4]

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 01 [CDF41B28]

Colio Tonies, what are humans?

Beings with the right to gain all the happiness this world may offer.

Wounded humans are to be saved.

Suffering humans are to be rescued.

Forsaken humans are to be loved.

Why?

All humans are born into this world to be loved.

To love and be loved... To experience fulfillment, never suffering...

To live a life in utmost bliss...

Then let me ask you this, Colio Tonies:

Why do you do that which you do?

Colio Tonies is not human.

Colio Tonies is a bomb.

Why do you exist, Colio Tonies?

In order to kill Hamyuts Meseta.

Yes, kill Hamyuts Meseta.

Kill... Hamyuts Meseta.

Well now...

And so it begins.

It seems the new Meats you requested from the Kra District are well on their way.

Man and God are one and the same.

Man has but one duty, to fulfill his own desire.

All is for the glory of God.

That is the one, absolute doctrine of the Shindeki Church.

And few are as loyal to their own desires.

I wouldn't be surprised if a True Man were to appear among them, though.

With such a vile existence as theirs?

They grovel on the floor like cockroaches.

It's humiliating.

The truth of a True Man cannot be understood by others.

Even fellow True Men cannot fully grasp it.

You understand, do you not?

Fascinating...

Ah, I care not to waste my glorious, fleeting time on this planet with a senile old man's idle talk.

Cigal!

I shall become a Book greater than all others and ascend into Heaven.

I shall have more pages than any other of you, with the most lustrous spine ever seen!

I shall write the greatest tale of happiness ever told!

Sheesh... He actually thinks he can go to Heaven.

The truth of a True Man cannot be understood by others.

Oops, I may have just understood it.

What just happened?

Is it Armed Librarians?

Hamyuts Meseta...

Good work, Casma!

I hate protection barriers...

I guess the Shindeki Church even has sorcerers!

Is that a Shindeki Church ship?

Your mission, this time, is to investigate the Church and gather evidence.

And don't forget about freeing the Meats.

I'm opposed to calling them that.

Because they used to be-

Mirepoc, they didn't "used to be"!

They were and still are human!

I-I know that, Volken. That's why I-

Is that...

Hey, man overboard!

What? That's bad!

Casma!

Hurry along and die!

Kill Hamyuts Meseta... Kill Hamyuts Meseta...

All True Men are to escape at once!

Let us Mock Men handle the rest.

Where's Cigal?

He's gone already.

Good grief... Always looking out for number one.

You're one to talk.

Open the throttle! We must get in front of the Silver Smoke!

Mirepoc, contact the Acting Director via telepathy!

Okay.

Director, this is Mirepoc Finedel. Do you copy?

Hmm? What is it?

There are Meats jumping overboard, carrying bombs from the Silver Smoke.

They're launching consecutive kamikaze attacks.

Ah... They aren't carrying the bombs.

The bombs are embedded inside of them.

You could call them human bombs.

Human bombs?

Board the Silver Smoke and free any Meats who don't look like they'll detonate.

I'm busy right now.

Director?

Understood? Grab every last shred of evidence.

Okay, go get 'em.

What did the Director say?

She said to go ahead with the mission.

That's dangerous.

We should be more cautious.

Human bombs...

That's it! We're boarding the Silver Smoke!

Th-The Armed Librarians are coming at us!

Damn! We're going to have to fight those monsters!

What you did to those men...

All those inhuman deeds committed by you, the Shindeki Church,

you heretics who have decried the value of love...

You're the ones who aren't human!

Go!

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Commie

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 01 [9A5FD6B4]

Colio Tonies, what are humans?
Beings with the right to gain all the happiness this world may offer.
Wounded humans are to be saved.
Suffering humans are to be rescued.
Forsaken humans are to be loved.
Why?
All humans are born into this world to be loved.
To love and be loved... To experience fulfillment, never suffering...
To live a life in utmost bliss...
Then let me ask you this, Colio Tonies:
Why do you do that which you do?
Colio Tonies is not human.
Colio Tonies is a bomb.
Why do you exist, Colio Tonies?
In order to kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Yes, kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill... Hamyuts Meseta.
Well now...
And so it begins.
It seems the new Meats you requested from the Kra District are well on their way.
Man and God are one and the same.
Man has but one duty, to fulfill his own desire.
All is for the glory of God.
That is the one, absolute doctrine of the Shindeki Church.
And few are as loyal to their own desires.
I wouldn't be surprised if a True Man were to appear among them, though.
With such a vile existence as theirs?
They grovel on the floor like cockroaches.
It's humiliating.
The truth of a True Man cannot be understood by others.
Even fellow True Men cannot fully grasp it.
You understand, do you not?
Fascinating...
Ah, I care not to waste my glorious, fleeting time on this planet with a senile old man's idle talk.
Cigal!
I shall become a Book greater than all others and ascend into Heaven.
I shall have more pages than any other of you, with the most lustrous spine ever seen!
I shall write the greatest tale of happiness ever told!
Sheesh... He actually thinks he can go to Heaven.
The truth of a True Man cannot be understood by others.
Oops, I may have just understood it.
What just happened?
Is it Armed Librarians?
Hamyuts Meseta...
Good work, Casma!
I hate protection barriers...
I guess the Shindeki Church even has sorcerers!
Is that a Shindeki Church ship?
Your mission, this time, is to investigate the Church and gather evidence.
And don't forget about freeing the Meats.
I'm opposed to calling them that.
Because they used to be-
Mirepoc, they didn't "used to be"!
They were and still are human!
I-I know that, Volken. That's why I-
Is that...
Hey, man overboard!
What? That's bad!
Casma!
Hurry along and die!
Kill Hamyuts Meseta... Kill Hamyuts Meseta...
All True Men are to escape at once!
Let us Mock Men handle the rest.
Where's Cigal?
He's gone already.
Good grief... Always looking out for number one.
You're one to talk.
Open the throttle! We must get in front of the Silver Smoke!
Mirepoc, contact the Acting Director via telepathy!
Okay.
Director, this is Mirepoc Finedel. Do you copy?
Hmm? What is it?
There are Meats jumping overboard, carrying bombs from the Silver Smoke.
They're launching consecutive kamikaze attacks.
Ah... They aren't carrying the bombs.
The bombs are embedded inside of them.
You could call them human bombs.
Human bombs?
Board the Silver Smoke and free any Meats who don't look like they'll detonate.
I'm busy right now.
Director?
Understood? Grab every last shred of evidence.
Okay, go get 'em.
What did the Director say?
She said to go ahead with the mission.
That's dangerous.
We should be more cautious.
Human bombs...
That's it! We're boarding the Silver Smoke!
Th-The Armed Librarians are coming at us!
Damn! We're going to have to fight those monsters!
What you did to those men...
All those inhuman deeds committed by you, the Shindeki Church,
you heretics who have decried the value of love...
You're the ones who aren't human!
Go!
Volken.
It smells terrible...
Are those Meats?
They treat them like cattle.
Damn. This is heresy!
They don't seem to be equipped with bombs.
Come on! Step outside!
Okay! Hurry!
Come on. You, too.
Volken!
What's the matter?
More bombs in here, huh?
Same thing with those Meats. The Shindeki Church just likes to blow stuff up.
No, I mean...
I'm sure the ship's fitted with more bombs than these.
Get those people off this ship immediately.
Oh, sure!
"Vend Ruga is alive."
"Alive in the heart of Olivia Litlet."
What is all this?
Olivia Litlet?
What a shame. I really thought that I would end this peacefully.
I guess that's no longer an option.
Okay, stay in your line.
Watch your step when boarding.
Volken!
The rescue ship said they'd arrive in an hour.
All right.
What just happened?
Hey, where'd the Meats go?
They've given up on life.
They're...
Volken!
Hold on tight, okay?
Wait! Don't you want to be rescued?
Why? Why are you just giving up?!
You just have to grab my hand...
Don't you want to survive?!
Volken, there's gonna be another explosion.
We have to get out of-
Don't you want to live?!
That wasn't exactly subtle, Hamy.
What can I say?
I've been called many names.
A nation's saint.
An ever-laughing witch.
Once, it was even a cute name like Calico.
But, in the end, I long to be called by my real name.
When my words reach you,
please go to the place where someone precious lost someone precious to them.
In that brief moment, when the wind lets up,
run straight there.
For I...
Okay, okay! Line up! No pushing.
My autograph? How can I refuse?
Do you have a pen on you, Noloty?
A pen!
Kyasariro!
We don't have time for that right now.
Please come and help me!
Hey, hey.
Don't get careless just because you're busy.
Ireia!
After our lives come to a close and we're buried deep within the earth,
our souls fossilize and become books.
Each of these books contains the record of someone's entire life.
Our duty, as Armed Librarians, is to manage and protect them.
It is for this reason that we are so highly regarded.
Think of what would happen if one of the books should break.
That would be like giving that book's author a second death.
Right.
Noloty, I need that pen! The pe-
Mrs. Ireia.
Dragon Pneumonia germs...
One of the seven war-machines of the past, the spinning fairy Ylucklucu...
But we didn't find the Shindeki Church clergyman's book we were looking for.
I figured we'd be able to unravel the Shindeki Church's mysteries if we just had a fragment...
What are you talking about? We got one of their top echelon leader's books.
The piece contains Shiron Byacornise, the witch with the magic, ever-laughing blade.
We can find as many books belonging to people of the past that we want, but...
The past shines yet more radiant than the present.
Isn't that why we're here in the first place?
Tea time!
There you go.
Oh, Volken!
There's honey, too.
I'm not a child!
Okay, okay.
Director, that witch you mentioned...
Touch the fragment and see for yourself.
That's downright inhuman!
Mirepoc, recite your history lesson.
Certainly.
Dragon Pneumonia was an illness that infected the people of the Ronar Dukedom 280 years ago.
It is said that the only person who knew how to create the cure was Shiron Byacornise.
She spread the disease across the land and extorted incredible profit by selling the cure.
With the magic sword Shlamuffen, she slew all who opposed her.
Excellent. Well done.
Dragon Pneumonia and Shiron Byacornise...
If the Shindeki Church had them both, then well,
it doesn't take a genius to figure that one out.
Luimon has already left for the Toatt Mine.
It's quite possible that he'll find the missing book fragments.
That's true. We should look for Shiron's first-
Director!
Our first priority should be freeing those poor folks from the Shindeki Church's clutches!
Right now, they're-
Calm down, Volken. You'll spill your tea.
You can't drink it without honey, can you?
Huh?
Volken!
The Director's so immature...
Volken, I understand how you feel.
When I saw them, I felt the same way.
We have to act, to prevent certain disaster.
Yes, it's true the Director has some flaws in her personality...
But her powers cannot be denied.
We-
You always state the obvious.
Mirepoc.
What?
I'm sorry for everything.
The Mines are heaven, or are they hell?
Scary Armed Librarians waiting in the lurches...
But if we find that lovely girl's book,
let us give her a kiss!
What's your problem, kid?
Weirdo.
Oh, they've made it all the way here?
A Book fragment...
Whose book is it? Where did you get it?
No matter. It's a far too sophisticated toy for Meat.
Dead humans become books.
Though the pages in yours will be blank...
Huh?
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Meat.
These are your things.
We're...
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Ow!
It hurts...
Ow!
Yeah, it's festering.
Looks like the battle against the Shindeki Church has finally begun in earnest.
We're doing much more righteous acts
than managing library cards in a musty, old library.
Would someone doing righteous deeds deceive their friends?
Was it worth it, going there and doing all that,
Oh fearless Director?
Oh, yeah... He might get my pulse up a bit.
Hm?
I may have found him.
The man who could kill me...
It has to be a mistake!
I'm not a human whom someone could love.
The reason being...
I'm not human.
I love you.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 02 [7A01860A]

Long, long ago, in the distant past,
amidst the blind chaos,
a being calling himself "the Overseer of the Alpha and the Omega" appeared.
His first order of business was creating the Heavens, the Earth, and the oceans from the chaos.
Doing this took him one million years.
Then he molded and shaped the remaining chaos into the animals and plants.
This took...
A hundred thousand years!
Precisely.
He also spent another ten thousand years creating man.
Last, he divided his own body into thirds
and created three Deities.
He gave each of these three Gods a role in watching over the world. These are...
The overseer of life that is yet to come, Orntorra!
The overseer of life that now exists, Towitorra!
Exactly! Exactly!
And the remaining one is
the overseer of life that has passed,
the God who, eons and eons ago, created our almighty Library...
The God of the past, Bantorra!
This is the final destination for all life in the world.
Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to Bantorra Library.
Pardon me! Coming through!
Ah-ah-ah-ah...
The days we allow general admission are so exhausting.
But the show must go on.
Everyone's come so far to see us.
They do say that the Armed Librarian is the most difficult to enter
of all the world's vocations.
Let's see. Next is library four.
Deaths from 1873...
What? That's like fifty years ago!
To defeat the monsters lurking in the labyrinth beneath the annals
and have the strength to oversee the books-
These are the absolute requirements for an Armed Librarian.
And the one who currently stands above us all...
Acting Director Hamyuts Meseta, yes?
No one can deny that she's strong,
but...
But?
Never mind.
How about a scone?
People's deaths are to be mourned.
The ability to save people should be celebrated.
Life itself should be exalted.
Volken...
In Aro Bay, I was unable to uphold my personal ideals of justice.
Do I even have the right to call myself an Armed Librarian?
Word came from Luimon, at Toatt Mine.
They found another fragment of the ever-laughing witch's book.
Oh.
Someone's in a good mood today.
Yeah. We can't wait to get some killing and butchering done, can we, Bunny?
Can't you at least respond, "You betcha!" or something?
You're a bad friend!
You're something else... You know that?
I wonder what fun tricks they'll send my way next...
My friend in the Church of Drowning in God's Grace...
This smoke is nasty. You can barely see the sky.
It's because of the coal they burn in the mines.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta...
They drill out the earth with machines, searching for books.
Colio, have you ever read a book?
That's right. That was a book.
Hey, guys! Interested in books?
What about book central, Toatt Mine?
Just yesterday, they dug these out of the mine.
They're all top-quality, sealed rarities.
Let's go.
Ah, hold on!
I've got a broken fragment, so you can only read a bit of it.
Since it's incomplete, I'll cut you a deal.
What do you say?
Back off.
But the price-
You there!
Bantorra Library forbids all unauthorized book sales.
An Armed Librarian!
Come with me! I've got some questions for you.
Pl-Please... Go easy on me!
Hey, don't grip yourself too hard.
You'll detonate.
Give me a hand, Colio.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta...
Kill-
Relax. Try to breathe.
We're going to explode soon, aren't we?
Then we'd better hurry and find Hamyuts Meseta.
You...
Oh? Not feeling well?
It's because of the nasty air in this town.
Do you think I could get a glass of water?
Also, bread and ale for two.
Absolutely. That'll be one kirue each.
You came to this town because you're interested in books?
You could say that.
Books really are fascinating.
I got sold one once, a long time ago.
So then, my girlfriend and I-
Shut up.
Where's Hamyuts Meseta?
Wh-What's the big idea?
Knock it off, Colio.
Tell me where Hamyuts Meseta is.
Tell me or else.
As I thought.
All three of you, take off your shirts.
An Armed Librarian.
You're with the Church, aren't you?
What are you plotting here?
Answer me!
Guilty!
The ever-laughing witch shall be put to death!
Hey, what's wrong? Hey!
A bladed attack? Where did it come from?
Kill...
Hamyuts Meseta!
Hyoue!
Sir!
Stay back.
Get the hell out of here!
Come with me!
Pathetic.
Damn it. It happened again.
Yet again, I couldn't save someone.
Again?
It's the same as when I left my mother to die.
Bombs fell from the sky.
That time, too, I stood there, powerless.
What do I do?
Should I cry?
But I didn't know Hyoue well enough to cry for him.
We just met...
Let's kill Hamyuts Meseta.
What?
We're the same as he was.
We bear these bombs in our chests to kill Hamyuts, and then we die too.
That's true, but...
Yes. We're not human. We're bombs.
Who would shed tears for a bomb...
Luimon...
Noloty, I'll give you until the sand in this hourglass runs out
to finish your crying.
After that, you're going back to work.
I don't care if you're an apprentice.
Armed Librarians are not allowed emotional weakness!
Really? Luimon's dead?
Yes.
Well, he had it coming. Being that weak...
Acting Director.
I warned him that he wouldn't last, as weak as he was.
I guess that's a lesson you don't learn until you're dead.
Well, well.
Volken?
Director, take me with you!
Mirepoc, who among us is the best massacre artist?
You are, Director.
And who is the worst?
It's you, Volken.
I don't need a child that balks at the sight of dying Meats.
You're strong.
You're smart and talented.
But you
don't have a heart!
Volken...
Mirepoc, what are your thoughts on the forecast?
Forecast?
The one run by the Magic Bureau's Predictions Division.
You mean those weathermen?
They said a typhoon is approaching the Toatt Mine area.
But there's no record of a storm hitting the region within the past hundred years.
That area is strongly aligned to the element of earth. A typhoon hitting it would be...
Really? This is getting more exciting by the minute.
I'm not a bomb.
I used to be a human...
A bomb? Who did it?
The Armed Librarians are searching like crazy for him, apparently.
And where might you be going, Relia?
You...
What is the Church of Drowning in God's Grace?
Tell me,
True Man, Cigal Crekessa.
How do you know my name?
When the Mock Men captured and threw me on the boat, they mentioned it.
Surprising... You have memories from before you became a Meat?
Only a few.
Fine.
Join me for a drink.
We are of the heretic creed, that which the Armed Librarians devote full efforts toward stopping...
The Church of Drowning in God's Grace.
Precisely.
Our doctrine espouses but one directive,
to actualize your every desire.
Desire?
Food, sex, fame...
The desire to rule and the desire to destroy...
And only those who embody the true happiness found by fulfilling one's desires
will be granted entrance into Heaven, upon death.
They will become the ultimate books.
And the Armed Librarians don't like that.
They want to store all the world's books in a central library.
But that's absurd. I will never let them have my book.
Why me?
Why did you turn me into a bomb?
I thought you were a little smarter than the usual Meat...
Yet you don't even know that?
I'm a True Man.
We're the upper echelon of the Church, and we will embody true happiness.
The Mock Men are those who do our dirty work.
And then...
There's your kind, the Meat.
You aren't human. You're disposable, like cattle.
You should feel honored to help me, Cigal Crekessa, find happiness.
I knew it.
I knew I hadn't been human for a long time.
Great.
Now return to your fellow Meats.
Do your job.
Yes, that's exactly what I'll do.
Rot in Hell, Cigal.
This is my job!
Another bomb?!
What's happening to this town?
I can't let a lowly Meat escape before the enemy.
Guilty!
Did Relia escape?
Even if we escape, a bomb can never become human.
Humans are...
I'm done.
I guess you really can be all cried out...
What else is there to do when the person you love dies?
Hey, I'm talking to you.
You're weird.
What's your name? I'm Iea Mira.
Um, the person who died...
Was the person who died human?
Of course.
His name was Carthelo Mashear.
He sold bread by the side of the road.
But in the explosion yesterday...
I was the one who fell for him.
Hey, have you ever fallen in love at first sight?
You really are a weird person.
I'm not a person. I'm...
But I feel a little better now. Thank you.
Acting Director, it's in sight,
the Toatt Mine.
Okay, then I'm counting on you two.
You be careful, too, Acting Director.
Godspeed.
Yeah, yeah.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Mese-
A book...
Could this be his?
Okay, watch and observe.
I shall pull an adorable rabbit out of this hat.
S-Sorry about that.
By the way, that was a calico cat.
Call me Calico.
Meow!
So, do you feel a little better?
Yeah. Thanks.
It's going to itch for a while, but don't scratch it.
Also, promise me that no matter how much it hurts,
you won't drink any water until tomorrow morning.
Okay.
But... Miss, who are you?
I'm...
Sorry.
Oh, here you are...
The nation's saint, the ever-laughing witch.
Wizakh...
That girl...
Why are you running, Colio?
I don't know.
Why do you run?
You're a...
...bomb, aren't you?
You're a bomb, aren't you?
I am. But...
I have to save that girl.
Because she's...
human!
She's not here.
What is that?
Shall we get this show on the road?
Quickly.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Found the first one!
Bingo! One down!
Next!
Oh, she's here at last.
Excellent.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
It's beautiful.
Found ya!

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 03 [6B5D7116]

I see sadness in your eyes.
Huh?
Did something happen to you?
A beautiful girl such as yourself shouldn't look so sad.
For being sad, in and of itself, is a sin.
Wounded humans are to be saved.
Suffering humans are to be rescued.
Forsaken humans are to be loved.
I'll help you forget about it.
This medicine will make you happy.
Hyoue died.
Relia ran away.
And that girl...
is human.
And I...
I...
How was it, sonny?
That book... Did you enjoy it?
I've got the next chapter!
Welcome back.
Late night, huh?
That girl's book...
We'll be together someday.
Freak!
Get out of here!
Leave!
Scram!
Go somewhere else!
They do such mean things to you.
I dream... I dream about the future.
That's why they're afraid of me.
Dreaming is a good thing.
What's your name?
Shiron. Shiron Byacornise.
Shiron Byacornise...
Let us go,
together.
Go where?
To Heaven.
All you need do is tell me what you saw in your dreams.
Do so, and you can be happy.
I dreamt about a dragon...
The dragon...
The dragon is encased in a giant crystal and buried underground.
His Majesty was delighted to receive the crystal of which you spoke.
Please continue to tell me about your dreams.
I'll give you anything you'd like.
Anything... Just say the word.
There's an illness coming from the dragon!
A terrible illness will spread!
So many people will die!
Oh, very good.
But I also saw how to make the antidote.
Make it right away!
Wizakh?
They're sick! Everyone will get sick!
Do something about the dragon!
Officer!
The King's... The King's dragon, it's...
You were unable to see this future, were you not?
Your ability to see dreams is not helping you, Princess.
Our organization grows throughout the world.
You cannot escape our clutches...
You cannot run from the Church of Drowning in God's Grace.
The ever-laughing magic blade, Shlamuffen,
one of the seven war-machines of the past, wielded long ago by the Gods...
It was right where you dreamt it would be.
Excellent work indeed, Princess.
Bruising on his throat?
It's Dragon Pneumonia.
It's the disease of the God of Death!
Is this true?
You can create the medicine that cures the plague?
Oh, saint...
Oh, ever-laughing saint, please give me the medicine, too.
Are you sure it's wise to hand Shlamuffen to her?
Our savior needs a symbol that's worthy of her.
Fear not. The girl lacks the courage to oppose us,
as well as the courage to end her own life.
We'll be together someday.
Defile thyself, Shlamuffen!
What is the meaning of this?
You waited for the illness to spread in order to maximize profits, selling the antidote?!
Cut off her head!
Kill her!
Witch!
Ever-laughing witch!
Off with her head!
Kill the witch!
All finished?
I was waiting this whole time, and you never moved an inch,
Colio Tonies.
That is your name, right?
The innkeeper gave it to me.
Who are you?
Hamyuts Meseta.
Treat me kindly, won't ya?
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts-
You aren't gonna blow yourself up?
You are a bomb, right?
Okay, let's cut to the chase.
Colio,
gimme Shiron Byacornise's book, 'kay?
Huh?
Don't you have another?
A fragment of Shiron's book, that is.
No!
Huh?
Give it back!
That blows.
Nothing impressive's written inside.
Give it back!
My, my. Seems you really grew attached to it, huh?
Or...
Did you fall for Ms. Shiron?
Fall for?
It means to fall in love.
No. That's not what happened.
Why not?
I'm not human.
I could never love.
Because you're a bomb?
In that case...
Look, I made you human,
Colio.
Oh, right.
Do you know where the man controlling you is?
Whoops. You wouldn't know that.
Bye-bye.
Okay, what's your next move, Mr. Bomb-In-Love?
Hamyuts Meseta is here!
Hamyuts Meseta is here!
Hamyuts Meseta is here!
Where do you think you're going?
My book is going to Heaven!
It will be with the Lord!
Heaven, huh?
He's here.
Oh, so you're the one pulling the strings this time,
Cigal Crekessa.
You can hear me, Hamyuts Meseta, yes?
The prologue has ended.
The chapter of my magnificent tale now begins.
It'd be too boring to let you end it here, don't you agree?
I'll make you into a lovely flower to help color my tale,
Hamyuts Meseta.
Ugh, nuts... A creepy guy.
But it sounds like fun, so I'll keep you company.
Make my heart race, will ya?
Is this the place the Acting Director mentioned?
Yes.
This is...
It's been a week.
And man, did they cut them up good.
What kind of weapon did they use?
Mirepoc, inform the Acting Director.
Okay.
Acting Director, we're at the Bujuia City location in your write-up.
A massacre?
They're trying to suppress evidence?
Mattalast thinks if that was the case, they wouldn't have left the bodies.
That's a good point.
All right. Keep investigating.
Roger.
This is Dragon Pneumonia.
What?
From the red bruising on her throat, there's no doubt about it.
Acting Director.
I confirmed it. It's Dragon Pneumonia.
It's advanced, so there must be others infected.
Also, I'm infected.
The symptoms will present in a few hours, and I won't be able to move.
We're also infected.
All the bodies here were infected with Dragon Pneumonia.
It looks like they were using the corpses to breed the germs.
I guess we're...
...screwed.
Mirepoc and the others?
They got Dragon Pneumonia?
They kept the fact that it's Dragon Pnemonuia secret from the populace,
and simply forbade them from leaving their homes as in a normal epidemic.
Where do you think you're going, Noloty?
I'm going to save them!
Huh? What're you gonna do if you get Dragon Pneumonia, too?
But...
Our first priority should be stopping the disease from spreading.
You are to isolate Toatt City with a barrier.
Prepare to leave at once.
But then Mirepoc and the rest will-
This is an order from the Acting Director!
Noloty.
Volken!
You are to guard the Library.
That's not fair!
Is that another one of the Acting Director's orders?
Even if you went, you and the Acting Director aren't getting along right now.
Use this opportunity to rest.
You people stand no chance of achieving happiness.
I need it only for myself.
I, alone, will become the most beautiful book this world has ever seen!
Slaughtering an entire city with Dragon Pneumonia...
Don't tell me that's how your magnificent tale begins.
Nah, that couldn't be it.
How long will we merely sit here?
We can't just walk around, spreading Dragon Pneumonia, can we?
But...
We're interrupting our regularly scheduled programming for some breaking news.
The large typhoon, Captain Chok, expected to head northeast,
has changed route and is heading directly toward the southeastern Toatt City.
What?
It has been a hundred years since a typhoon directly hit the Toatt region.
Acting Director! Acting Director!
No answer.
The first typhoon in a hundred years? That's ridiculous!
Storms are the Acting Director's only weakness.
She loses control of her sensory threads and her hit rate plummets.
On top of that, when the Dragon Pneumonia's symptoms present, she'll be unable to move!
If the enemy attacks now...
Shiron Byacornise's book.
Dragon Pneumonia.
A typhoon.
It couldn't be.
Get down, Mirepoc!
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Kill Mattalast-
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Kill Mirepoc Finedel.
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Those men!
They're not men.
They're bombs.
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Kill Mirepoc Finedel.
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Kill Mirepoc Finedel.
They're trying to delay us here.
But the enemy's true target is...
Oh, I get it.
Shiron predicted this day would come.
The real target isn't the Dragon Pneumonia.
It's me.
Well played, Cigal.
Love?
I'm human now?
That's not right. Humans are...
Beings with the right to gain all the happiness this world may offer.
Wounded humans are to be saved.
Suffering humans are to be rescued.
Forsaken humans are to be loved.
All humans are born into this world to be loved.
To love and be loved... To experience fulfillment, never suffering...
To live a life in utmost bliss...
I love you.
Calico?
Wait a second, Calico.
Calico?
Once again, I can't save anyone?
Who's there?!
It appears there's no one here better suited to pick up this story from where it leaves off,
Master Volken.
Right around here should probably do.
I've kept you waiting, Hamyuts Meseta.
Help me add some excitement to my tale.
You, too...
Let me enjoy this.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 04 [9F7FB500]

Ever-laughing witch, what will you gain by killing me?
By doing so, do you think you'll destroy the Church?
I know I cannot, for I can see into the distant future.
Then why?
Today, I learned that man's name.
It is as beautiful as I anticipated.
So much time passed in the blink of an eye...
When first we met, he was so much older than I was.
Imbecilic woman!
My suffering is God's suffering!
I should have made my decision earlier.
That man fell in love with me when I rose up and fought.
Above you!
Sheesh.
How will I find love if I can only see two seconds ahead?
What was that?
Where's the Acting Director?
No response.
She may have been pulled into battle.
This might be the first time we've met face-to-face.
Though, we've exchanged pleasantries quite a bit via my sensory threads.
I have to say, I was disgusted.
A woman fondling a man's backside is one of the most indecent things this world has to offer.
Do you have Shiron's book?
Right here.
It goes without saying that the Dragon Pneumonia antidote's recipe lies within.
Say, let me ask you a question.
What is it?
Do you really think you can kill me?
So long as I wield this sword, you don't stand a chance.
Shlamuffen...
I'm sure you're aware of it, the Causality-Nullification Attack.
The sword defends and attacks of its own volition.
As long as it's in your possession, the sword will parry all attacks.
Interesting stuff.
Hamyuts Meseta,
you will become the slogan on my book's cover.
It shall be written as follows:
The joy of killing the strongest Armed Librarian, Hamyuts Meseta.
Achoo!
Man, it's freezing.
I've changed my mind.
I was going to spare you if you crapped your pants and cried,
while begging for your life.
See, I knew you were indecent.
Defile thyself, ever-laughing magic blade,
Shlamuffen!
Tsk. Weakling.
Open it. Please open the door.
No. Go away.
I can't allow anyone inside.
Who told you that?
A woman. She told me this cough is dangerous.
Please just leave.
Okay, but please tell me one thing.
Why is your cat named Calico?
Huh?
Please tell me.
Why do you want to know that?
I know someone who was called by that name.
Her hair shared the same pattern.
How do you know of her?
Carthelo had that book.
She's in this book?
Yes. A girl with striped hair.
May I see for myself?
Why are you doing that?
You shouldn't get clean things dirty.
Carthelo used to wash his face like that all the time.
You weren't the one who killed him... Were you?
It wasn't me.
Oh.
Hamyuts Meseta's the one I'm...
No, I'm past that now.
Go ahead.
You wanted to see it, right?
Thank you.
I want to get away.
I want to escape.
Calico, my butt!
You just creep us out!
I live a life of sadness.
Striped-hair!
Striped-hair witch!
And not only in the present.
In the future, as well. Every waking moment...
Only sadness awaits me.
So many people will suffer because of me.
No matter how hard I try to escape...
No matter how hard I try to change it...
I can't do it.
Because I can see it...
Because I can see the future...
Because I can see the things I'll do when I grow up, in the far-off future.
I hate it.
I hate the fact that so many people will suffer because of me.
Tell me what to do.
Why am I even alive?
There's no reason for me to go on living.
Tell me.
Someone...
Anyone...
Shiron!
Who said that?
It's perplexing.
Books are supposed to be from far in the past,
but she heard me when I called to her.
She heard our voices.
What did you say?
I didn't understand why she suffered so,
but Carthelo and I thought long and hard about it.
We needed to say something.
Even if we couldn't save her, we just wanted to help, in any way we could.
What did you say?
That you can't find life's meaning by yourself.
No matter how alone you think you are, you aren't.
No matter how far away we appear, we're right there with you.
Shiron.
Huh?
Shiron... Humans are wondrous beings.
Right.
I have to go.
Where?
I don't know.
Probably to fight.
Fight who?
I don't know. But...
Thank you. I owe everything to you.
I'm not sure I follow,
but I'll be happy if you thank Carthelo instead.
It's thanks to you and Carthelo.
Right. He's out there.
Even if we're apart, he's with me.
I don't know his name, but I know what kind of person he is.
He's strong. Exceptionally strong!
He unsheathes a small knife on a blustery day,
and calls my name.
And we're together. We watch the sunset.
This is in the distant future, after I've grown up.
Isn't that amazing?
Even though we're apart,
even though he's so far away,
I watch the sunset with him!
Aren't you going to beg for your life, you failure of a woman?
Get down, raise your hind legs like a dog, and beg me not to kill you.
What are you talking about, you rat-bastard?
You really are indecent.
Damn.
I'm delighted.
Now my book will shine as gold!
One sentence will ascend to God and penetrate His heart!
My tale of exaltation!
Rapture!
Passion!
Sensation!
Excitement!
Bliss!
Climax!
Admiration!
Awe!
Astonishment!
Intoxication!
Joy!
Pleasure!
Agape!
Screw you!
A hundred-year storm.
The magic blade, Shlamuffen.
I was really psyched for our battle, too.
Shlamuffen just...
Are you wishing for...
My victory?
My death?
You aren't going to attack me?
Scared?
I imagine you would be.
Will you let me give you your final cigarette, now that you're on death row?
Are you cut all the way to your organs?
Or is the Dragon Pneumonia setting in?
In either case, the person on death row is you,
Hamyuts Meseta.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think you'd get the upper-hand on me.
You're...
A Meat?
Why did you come here?
To fight!
Huh?
For what reason? This doesn't concern you.
Beat it.
No.
A Meat thinks it can defeat me with that?
Are you an idiot?
I don't know.
How do you plan on winning?
I don't know!
Beat it, then.
No! I'm fighting!
Why?
She didn't see me running away!
She saw me fighting!
I've never seen such a frantic Meat.
Shiron... Is this when it happens, Shiron?
It happens now, doesn't it, Shiron?
This is when it happens, right?
Shiron Byacornise!
When my words reach you,
please go to the place where someone precious lost someone precious to them.
In that brief moment, when the wind lets up,
run straight there.
When I was a child, it was seeing him that first awoke me to my power.
He ran as he called out my name.
I wanted to see him again.
He roused the power inside me.
Immersed in Wizakh's trickery, I came to hate my ability to see the future,
and I forgot all about him.
But Iea and Carthelo showed me life's meaning.
He restored my soul to life.
And then, seeing him fall in love with me when I rose up and fought,
I realized something.
I love Colio Tonies.
The pain...
It will not be forgiven...
This pain will not be forgiven.
This is a sin, a transgression...
Huh? You're still alive?
"Man and God are one and the same."
"Man has but one duty, to fulfill his own desire."
...Is it?
Isn't that the doctrine you guys adhere to?
Yes! That's exactly what it is!
That's why this must be some sort of mistake!
Mistake?
You should be honored that the boy was able to deliver your death sentence.
What is it, Colio?
What are you so happy about?
Now then, I shall get to work.
One of the war-machines of the past, the stone sword of spent time, Yor.
The quality of the Church of Drowning in God's Grace's books has dropped.
I wait with grand expectations.
This is somewhat unimpressive for the book of a True Man.
One cannot strive to create a quality book and merely expect it to come into being,
for God is hallowed, and Heaven is a far-off place.
I wouldn't want to end up such a book as this.
It's such a mystery!
Three times! Three!
The only explanation is that someone intentionally gave Shiron's books to Colio!
But Colio was also searching for the books on his own.
Still, it's not like they're easily found!
The Acting Director busted her butt looking for them.
I think you're overthinking things.
You were just reading that detective novel author's book, Kyasariro.
And you think that explains it?
Ouch!
Everyone gets four pieces only.
I'll take one, then.
Mattalast!
I-Is everything okay now?
Relax. I'm 100% back to normal,
thanks to Shiron's wonder drug.
What about Mirepoc?
Oh, the virus is more or less out of her system,
but I guess she's still got a cough.
Volken!
I started taking it because it's supposed to help soothe the coughing,
but now I'm hooked on the stuff-honey.
I'm sorry.
I'm glad the bruising didn't leave any scars.
Huh?
Yeah.
Volken!
Huh?
Sorcerer Lascall Othello?
Volken!
Sorry about the other day.
I just had a bad feeling.
I thought we might regret not leaving someone to guard the fort.
Look! It's Ylucklucu.
Embroidered it pretty well for an amateur, if I do say so myself.
The war-machines of the past...
I'm gonna make it into a book cover once I finish them all.
"Vend Ruga is alive."
"He is living inside Olivia Litlet."
I'm sorry, but that glass is just so thick.
You'll have to speak up when you talk to me!
We've got serious trouble, Acting Director!
Ylucklucu was stolen!

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 05 [87E87FA0]

Volken did it?
They're saying he made off with Ylucklucu and left Bantorra.
Seriously? With a war-machine of the past?
I refuse to believe he did such a thing!
Even when he hides his sheets after wetting the bed,
his guilty conscience always makes him confess!
Uh... How long ago was that?
They brought him here as a baby, so he grew up in the Library.
I refuse to believe it!
It's not unheard of, though.
It's always the sheltered ones who act out.
He is always fighting with the Acting Director.
M-My apologies, Ireia!
Stop! I'm gonna vomit!
I'll strangle him for you!
What's all this commotion?
You're supposed to be working!
Get back to your posts and resume work at once!
You, too, Ireia. Don't get caught up in all these rumors.
Y-You're right.
Huh? Mirepoc...
Hmm?
Your jacket's on backwards.
What does it matter, as long as it keeps me warm!
You have a problem?!
N-No...
I've never seen someone so obviously freaking out in my entire life.
It's because Mirepoc and Volken joined in the same group.
I'm sure right now, she has a lot going on in her head.
A lot going on in general...
Luimon's book was stolen in transit,
after it was found at the Toatt Mine.
We suspect...
The Church of Drowning in God's Grace, right?
Yes.
It's extremely rare to dig up the book of someone connected to the Church, let alone a Church member.
Luimon's book might be the key to unraveling the Church's mysteries.
Luimon really looked out for me.
I'm going to give this 110 percent!
I won't return to the Library until I've recovered Luimon's book!
Noloty!
Mirepoc.
Listen. Contact us via telepathy as soon as you arrive.
Make sure to report in every night.
I will. Thank you.
Why is the Acting Director sending you on such a critical mission?
And alone? Is this really a good idea?
Are you all right?
Why do you ask?
Your eyes are red...
Is everything okay?
Will my eyes being red handicap you or something?
O-Of course not.
We're down a flying boat, thanks to you-know-who.
I'll send several Librarians to go investigate.
We'll spot them in no time.
Ylucklucu used to be in the Church's possession.
What Volken did bolsters our enemy, the Church.
He'll probably be executed for treason, if he's caught.
Why did you do it?
If you can hear this, please answer me.
No, you must answer me!
Volken Macmani!
Volken...
You're no fool, Acting Director.
But asking me to use my Sacred Eyes to see Volken's true character?
Were you expecting him to do what he did, all along?
Cut to the chase, will ya?
His dominant trait is honesty, his thoughts are of his ideals, and he wishes for justice.
By no means is he the rebel type.
I figured as much.
No matter where he goes, he'll always be a defender of justice.
Mr. Volken...
Huh?
What's Mirepoc up to?
I can tell you that without using my Sacred Eyes.
Betrayal...
I don't understand it.
He was always right there, beside me. So how could he do that?
Also...
Why did he leave this behind?
Lascall is a mysterious, mysterious proprietor of books.
He gathers books with his mysterious power and flies around the globe.
Then, when girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved.
This is...
Oh... How vain!
"Upon your death,
by the power of Lascall Othello, your book will be brought to be with me!"
Upon my death? What are you talking about?
No. You see, that's not the problem here...
As an Armed Librarian, I take matters of life and death very seriously.
How can I put this...
Oh, I know!
North, in the Library's fourth labyrinth, row E-25,
is the simply perfect book for you.
Perfect for me?
You should study up on these a bit more, like I have-
So you're saying that if I read it, I'll understand why Volken betrayed Bantorra, right?
No.
Thank you for the information!
Is she gonna be okay?
Bantorra Library is divided into six libraries and five labyrinths.
The Age of Paradise, when the Gods ruled mankind...
It was an era of true peace, without war, poverty, or crime.
However, the Gods fled the earth.
The God of the Past, Bantorra, was sealed within the Library He had created.
He left the task of running the Library to the humans.
And such was the birth of the Armed Librarians.
The Armed Librarians were to excavate the books, maintain them,
and destroy any who would do them harm.
And...
The main reason we're called "Armed Librarians"...
That's not fair! Stay away!
Bantorra unleashed beasts in the Library to protect the books from intruders:
Guardian Beasts.
Only those who can make it past their guard are qualified to protect the books.
M-Mirepoc?
You're apprentices, aren't you?
Do you really think you can become Armed Librarians if you're struggling against
the Guardian Beast, Needle Wolf, in the fifth library?
S-Sorry. This is our first field drill.
Then choose a place farther south!
You'll only face cavalry-level ones there.
Y-Yes, ma'am!                               Y-Yes, ma'am!
The Guardian Beasts become much stronger as you descend into libraries four and five.
Also, the more important books are stored there.
Mokkania!
Ants...
Huh?
You'll kill them if you step on them.
It's snack time. Eat up.
Your ability to make decisions dulls as your blood sugar drops.
Um...
They look dull now.
Huh?
Th-Thank you very much.
E-25... E-25...
This is it.
Ah! I had no idea that the one I've been looking for was beside me all along!
I feel the same! Oh, love hides itself in sin!
But you're going to leave me behind, are you not?
Nonsense!
Distance and time do not apply to us.
For love is eternal.
Oh, dear!
This?! Why did I need to see that?!
H-How shameless!
The book!
Excuse me...
Oh, right, right.
Thank you for waiting. This is the book you reserved.
Oh, dear...
This book has been assigned a #5 seal.
Removing it from the premises is strictly prohibited.
If you are found in violation of that rule,
your memories will be erased by the fantasy-slaughter grail, Argax,
and...
Enough with that stuff.
Please sign here, ma'am.
Certainly.
Matt! Matt!
Volken?
Oh, what's up?
Look at this!
I-I'm sorry-
What's the matter with you, Volken?
Acting Director Fhotona.
My sincere apologies. Are you hurt?
Oh, no. I'm fine, thank you.
U-Um...
The Library is a sacred place. What do you think you're doing?
U-Um...
Er...
People's deaths are to be mourned.
Human life itself should be exalted.
And that applies to all life, not just humans.
If you wish to become an Armed Librarian, you must treat all living things with respect.
Oh, hello.
Thank you.
You weren't hurt before?
I'm fine, really.
The Acting Director shouldn't have gotten so angry, too.
Oh, no. Fhotona is absolutely right.
I hope to become an Armed Librarian like him someday.
Then I'm sure you will become one.
Yeah!
He was no different back then.
They were and still are human!
He's so straightforward.
I'm glad the bruising didn't leave any scars.
And so awkward, in his own way...
But the truth is that he betrayed Bantorra.
Where am I?
This is bad. I'm in the fourth library.
An Elephant Guard!
I'm...
done for...
Volken?
Volken!
Matt?
Sorry I'm not Volken.
What's the matter?
You looked bad with long hair, as a kid.
Oh? Maybe I should have let you die, after all.
Volken just has the wrong idea!
He still puts honey into his tea, like a kid!
What did you give her to drink?
Just something like juice.
Betraying Bantorra is an unforgivable offense for an Armed Librarian.
No matter what the reason!
Exactly. He's such a baby.
Don't encourage her.
And he left his comrade-in-arms high and dry, without saying a word to me...
I know, right?
He's a complete jerk.
Don't call Volken a jerk!
He has a sense of righteousness and beautiful hair, the color of fresh grass.
And in battle... He was one of the best among our class...
No, among all the Armed Librarians!
And he loved honey.
And he was kind to everyone.
And he was straightforward
to the point of awkwardness.
That...
That's the Volken I...
You?
I...
Will this do?
Yes, please.
Hey! What's going on?
Mirepoc!
You just figured that out?
Dullness knows no bounds.
Another day's work is done!
Now, one drink before I hit the hay-
Good evening!
Mirepoc?
What are you doing here at this hour?
Ugh. You reek of booze.
Mirepoc Finedel, entering.
Uh, you already entered.
Acting Director, I've come here tonight
to ask for your permission to let me use the war-machine of the past,
the fantasy-slaughter grail, Argax.
Why?
Don't tell me you wanna do something girly, like erasing all your memories of Volken?
What's this? You don't trust him?
No...
You don't have to save your chastity for Bantorra.
As long as you don't let it interfere with your work, who cares if you're in love with a traitor?
I sure don't, that's for sure.
I-In love?
You're not?
N-No, I'm not...
No! Whether or not I'm in love isn't the point!
I just...
You just...?
I'm sick of hesitating.
I realized that
my current state of mind will begin to interfere with my work as an Armed Librarian!
So please, Acting Director...
I see.
Should you have let her use it?
Argax is only to be used to erase the memories of criminals and people who read sealed books-
I had no choice. She's stubborn.
Also,
sometimes love can get close to the truth, you know?
What? You're worried about your beloved subordinate?
No.
All righty, then!
There was something going on between Volken and the Acting Director.
Who knows what the Acting Director is thinking?
Shh! What'll you do if she hears you with her sensory threads?
Ow!
A-Acting Director!
I would never listen to two nobodies like you telling each other rumors.
She was listening!
But not eavesdropping. I just happened to overhear it.
Now, time to give orders.
Whisper what you'd like to forget into the cup, then drink it all at once.
You are no longer to mention Volken in front of Mirepoc.
My memories of Volken Macmani and...
All of my feelings for him.
Got it?
Go use that rumor-spreading skill you're so good at to inform the others.
Y-Yes, ma'am.
But why?
Okay?
Okay!
They're always making me work.
Love, huh?
What do you think you're doing?
Didn't I ask you to sort the fourth library?
R-Right, but Ireia's tea was so good...
Something about her has changed since yesterday.
She has her clothes on straight, for starters.
What?
Oh, nothing! We're off!
Would you like some tea, Mirepoc?
Oh, no. I have work to do.
But you're in no hurry, right?
R-Right.
Thank you.
Oh, Ireia, do you have any honey?
Huh?
You take your tea sweet?
No, I usually don't.
But today, for some reason, I do.
I see...

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 06 [099FD985]

Really?
Yeah. Can you believe it?
So, tomorrow morning-
Get Hamyuts Meseta here.
Who are you, sir?
A monster.
Pl-Please wait a moment.
The Acting Director isn't here today.
I will ask for someone else to-
Huh? What the hell is this?!
Oh, war-machine of the past, the stone sword of spent time, Yor...
Oh...
Hey, are you going to read it?
I've got a fascination for monsters.
Hey, Meats, we brought you some food.
What's the matter? Didn't snag any?
Look. There's a piece right here.
Ow!
Jerk!
What's the matter with you?
Bastard!
Is it cold over there?
Come sit by me.
It's warmer here.
I'm Relia Bookwatt.
What's your name?
Enlike Bishile.
What did you do, Enlike?
"Do"?
I asked for medicine.
My friend was suffering from a fever.
Why?
You must help others when they're suffering.
Why?
I don't know.
But I feel like someone did that for me.
Get out.
U-Um, what about that girl?
She's alive and kicking.
Alive... That's great.
What was that...
I remember seeing it long ago...
It's a smile...
A smile... He smiled.
A smile...
I want to smile.
Well? What's the experiment for this time, old master?
A serum to forcibly bestow magic rights.
An experiment.
I'm going to die... I'll leave this world.
You never tire of that, do you?
I don't need you to understand.
Each True Man is an elevated, isolated existence unto himself.
We don't need to see eye-to-eye on everything.
Huh?
A Meat crying?
Boramotte, pull him out of the cage.
Yes, sir.
Ganbanzel...
Sit him down over here.
You want me to sit next to a Meat?
Disgusting!
Excellent. Sit right here.
Why do you cry?
I want to smile before I die...
But I can't.
Oh, but smiling is the easiest thing in the world!
You just need to do something fun.
Fun...
It means to experience the joy of living.
Do you know what you must do for that?
Kill!
Your opponent dies, and you live.
Can you imagine any better means of realizing the joy of living than this?
Killing... Fun...
Yes...
It's fun.
Have fun, and you'll smile.
Look at my hand.
These days, this old man's hand couldn't kill even a child.
For many years, I lived modestly in a trading town.
I destroyed my desire and lied to myself.
By the time I realized this, it was too late.
As such, I've made up my mind.
I shall create a being of superhuman strength to act on my behalf.
I shall create a monster capable of killing Hamyuts Meseta herself!
A monster?
Yes. A monster!
Minth!
Stop, Minth!
Wh-What is that?
An electric shock. He's projecting electricity from his body.
If your sword touches him, you'll be electrocuted!
He regenerated?
He can use electricity, water and cloth?
How many magic attacks does he have?
Get down, you two!
I'm the only one who stands a chance.
Highly doubtful.
We'll see about that.
He can still move?
Mirepoc! Toss me your gun!
He's out of bullets?
Okay!
Matt!
Minth!
Sorry. I still had a shot left.
Get back here, you jerk!
Minth!
You all right, Minth?
Y-You were able to see all of that?
Who knows...
Sneaky bastard.
Mirepoc, inform the guards.
Tell them that if they see a masked man, to let him through unopposed.
We're just letting him escape?
We can't stop him with our powers alone.
He was from the Church, wasn't he?
If there's anyone else who'd attack the Library,
I'd like to meet them.
Do you think it's connected with the theft of Luimon's book?
Who knows... But...
I don't think that's the last we've seen of him.
Man, who was that guy?
The Magic Bureau only bestows the right to one type of magic per person.
Trying to learn more would lead only to chaos and a sick mind.
And yet...
Look at this.
Huh?
It looks like glass.
It was left behind.
It's probably his hair.
Translucent hair...
It can't be! Did you tell the Acting Director?
Yeah... She ordered a unit to pursue the monster,
and then she left.
Huh?!
What's going through that woman's mind?
Seriously... She never makes our lives easy.
Wait!
Wait, wait, wait, wait!
There he is.
I'm not letting you get away.
Give me back the old woman's purse.
O-Out of my way!
If you don't move, there's no telling what I'll do!
If you return it now, I'll recommend leniency to the police.
Shut up!
Are you having money problems?
If you are, tell me and let's talk!
I don't have much money myself, but...
Shut up and move. Move!
Hand it over, or I'll punch you.
I'd rather not have to.
Please return it at once!
Yes, right there!
Officers, that man stole my purse.
Huh? An Armed Librarian?
Thank you so much.
Take care now!
That was quite commendable, Ms. Armed Librarian.
Impressive work, Ms. Armed Librarian.
Stealing from the elderly...
You shoulda beaten the crap out of him.
Yeah, but I thought he may have had a good reason for it.
Also, I'm really not a fan of punching people.
But you're an Armed Librarian...
Oh! Actually, I'm not an Armed Librarian.
Huh?
I'm just an apprentice.
An apprentice, huh?
The road to becoming an Armed Librarian is long...
There she is.
Noloty!
Huh?
Yoo-hoo! Noloty!
A-Acting Director?!
Hi.
Um, what are you doing here?
Aren't you going to explain how you ended up here?
Huh?
Your mission was to recover Luimon's book, was it not?
Oh... Yes!
He was your drill instructor, right?
Yes.
And?
They found Luimon's book in the Toatt Mine,
and it was brought here, to Bujuia, by train.
From here, it was to be transported to the Library by boat.
But...
The train was attacked, and the book was stolen.
I doubt there are many with enough power to attack a moving train.
I began my investigation with the local criminal organizations,
but I've yet to uncover anything.
Interesting...
Huh? What is?
Oh, sorry, sorry. It's nothing.
But anyway, why are you here?
I heard from Mirepoc that the Library was attacked.
Shouldn't you be leading the search for the monster?
Oh, Mirepoc and Ireia are more than capable of leading the search.
But she said it looked like the Church's doing...
Ooh, a fight!
Huh?
H-Hey!
What? It's glowing!
Such beautiful hair...
"Come and punch me, for a fee of 100 kiluwes per minute."
"Beat me and win 10,000 kiluwes."
Don't you like these types of things?
Well, it's scary.
What are you talking about? You're stronger than everyone there.
I'm still scared.
What if someone gets hurt?
What if I hurt someone?
Strange girl.
Can you tell what's going on, Noloty?
Oh, yes!
The one taking the punches is stronger.
For some reason, he's deliberately taking the blows and pretending they hurt.
Time's up! That was one minute.
Stay home next time, idiot!
It's over!
Who's next?
Right here!
Huh? A-Acting Director?
This girl will fight next!
Huh?
This isn't good...
Could she be testing me?
Um, I know I look like a little girl, but I'm an apprentice Armed Librarian,
so I shouldn't be doing this...
Begin.
I-I'm asking you not to begin!
What should I do?
Punch him! Come on!
Noloty! If you don't take this seriously, you'll stay an apprentice forever.
Huh?
One punch? That's it?
I'll hit you for real now.
Here I go!
No way.
You gonna continue?
Awesome!
Awesome! Awesome! Just awesome!
Will you protect the world with me?
What are you talking about?
You could definitely make it as an Armed Librarian!
Let's save everyone who's in trouble or suffering...
No, let's save everyone who can be saved!
Save?
Acting Director, this man is strong!
Acting Director?
I'm going back.
Huh?
H-Hey, wait.
Excuse me. I'll come back later.
Please think about it.
Why does he expend all his strength doing that?
What a waste...
Noloty.
I have something I want to tell you.
After that, I have orders for you.
Okay...
First, I'll tell you that man's name. It's Zatoh Rondohoon.
He's the one who stole Luimon's book.
Huh? Really?
But how do you know that?
Not tellin'.
Next, my orders.
Now, you can't let the other Armed Librarians know this.
It's what's called a top-secret mission.
Top-secret?
Long ago, that man killed another man and read his book.
He then began to wish for death.
What are you talking about?
This is the mission. Listen carefully.
Save that man, Zatoh.
When he's truly in peril, save him.
Save him...
That's your mission.
Catch ya later.
Hold on!
Acting Director!
H-Huh?
Save him? What on earth...
Hamyuts Meseta.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 07 [1BEDE3DB]

That which goes does not go. That which comes does not come.
The moon is the sun.
The birds are the fish.
Magic begins with visualization.
Destroy the order of the world within yourself,
while visualizing your destruction of the world's order.
The living are the dead.
Steel becomes brittle.
Reality becomes a dream. All fantasy becomes reality.
Using your right to defy the creator,
and deviating from universal law...
This, we call "magic."
That which is, is not.
This which is not, is.
Creation will be rendered false.
I shall now undergo Magical Deliberation.
Invert a cup, and water spills out.
It is this logic that we defy.
This is the first step toward magic... The start of Magical Deliberation.
And if that deliberation is continued...
Incredible...
Am I still unable to become a monster?
You have a long way ahead.
What Master Ganbanzel desires
is Hamyuts Meseta.
I'm starving.
Oh, hey. I'm back.
Welcome back.
Good work today.
Welcome back.
Welcome back.
Yes... It's fun.
Have fun, and you'll smile.
It's so pretty!
It was lying on the beach.
Ronkeny found it.
Thank you so much!
Men read books,
and men return to life inside them.
How fascinating...
What are you talking about, Kayas?
Sure, the fireballs that Ronkeny blows are powerful,
but what's the use if he can't hit his target?
Besides, he can only fire them a short distance now.
Personally, I don't care how much killing power you've got,
it isn't magic if you can't really use it.
You might be right.
What do you think, Enlike?
Leave him alone.
But his Magical Deliberation is further along than the rest of us.
I have no opinion on it.
Oh, he spoke.
I guess even a born killer, when spoken to, will speak.
Sassali!
Whatever...
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Ronkeny.
Enlike...
Tonight. You and me.
No way...
So we're going to practice through actual combat, huh?
Yes.
And we're fighting to the death, huh?
Yes.
Why must we do this?
To become a monster.
I don't want to be some stupid monster...
I want to stay with everyone.
That's impossible.
Why?!
We're only here so we can become monsters.
So, you came.
Yes.
Then let the sparring commence.
Take this!
I don't want it.
It's not for you. I want you to give it to Qumola.
Qumola?
Please!
Without further ado, fight!
Enlike Bishile, wielding thunder.
Ronkeny Loinemoney, wielding fire.
Enlike Bishile, wielding even more powerful thunder.
Ronkeny Loinemoney, wielding fire with even greater precision.
Enlike Bishile, wielding even more powerful thunder with still greater precision.
Ronkeny Loinemoney, wielding even larger, more powerful fire with still greater precision!
Hey!
Zatoh!
Zatoh Rondohoon!
Please say something!
He isn't breathing...
It went through to his heart.
This can't be...
Where is Hamyuts Meseta?
What?
Where is Hamyuts... The Armed Librarian...
Y-You're alive?
Bring Hamyuts here...
Th-This isn't the time for that!
No way.
Suicide? Were you trying to commit suicide?
Yes.
Why?
Are you going through a tough time?
L-Listen!
You aren't going to preach to me that suicide is bad, and I shouldn't do it, are you?
Suicide is bad, and you shouldn't do it.
A-Anyway, don't kill yourself just because you stole something!
I think they'll be pretty lenient if you turn yourself in.
I stole something?
I know you stole Luimon Muhatonn's book,
Zatoh Rondohoon.
I came to this town in search of that book.
You're going to give it to me?
If you want it from me, kill me.
Kill you?
Do it yourself or call another to do it.
Kill me.
What have I been saying?
Sure, stealing a book is a sin,
but it's not worth dying for!
You're wrong!
Huh?
I'm a killer.
I've killed more than I can count.
I can never atone for my sins.
Even so...
Even so, you must not die.
Why not?
Because I'm against it.
You're not getting the book back without killing me.
Noloty, do you copy?
Mirepoc?
I don't have a lot of time.
Did you find Luimon's book?
Yes. I found a book that appears to be his.
Great work. Did you recover it?
No. I found the person I believe to have stolen it, but he's...
Kill him.
Huh? But...
You'll understand why later.
Or rather, the longer you procrastinate, the more danger we'll be in.
But!
That danger may spread all the way to Bantorra!
No, I'm against it.
I will bring the book back. Goodbye.
Noloty, wait!
How come all anyone thinks of is death and killing?
Long ago, that man killed another man and read his book.
He then began to wish for death.
Save that man, Zatoh.
When he's truly in peril, save him.
I thought she'd shed some of her naïveté, given that it's Luimon's book she's after...
Forget that. What are you gonna do about this love letter?
"The one who is with Noloty is the monster who attacked the Library..."
"Please look after things for me from now on."
I've no doubt. This is the Acting Director's handwriting.
The Acting Director, Noloty, whoever...
Why do all women act so stupid?
Oh, sorry! I just forgot that you're a woman, too, Mirepoc!
Well, I can't leave things as they are.
I'll have to dispatch someone.
You're up, Minth.
Me?
I came to this town in search of that book.
Draw your gun, Noloty!
No! I will not use a gun!
Why not?
It's too easy to kill with them!
You end up killing, even when you don't intend to!
You're such a sweet girl.
However, it is our job to oversee death.
You may be reprimanded for choosing not to kill,
but you will never be praised.
I don't care if they reprimand me.
I will protect the world, without killing!
It's getting stronger...
I have to hurry... I have to stop it!
I must admit, I'm surprised.
H-Hamyuts Meseta?!
I'm jealous. You look so happy...
You aren't powerful enough to even approach Hamyuts. However...
If you follow Master Ganbanzel, a day will come when you'll be able to kill her.
This isn't a smile.
Huh?
This...
isn't a smile.
Welcome back.
It's beautiful.
You got this from Ronkeny, didn't you?
How can you tell?
He said he'd bring me another...
Why don't you smile?
Why...
don't you smile?
A back alley?
Yes, according to police intel.
Though, we don't know for sure if he's the monster.
Well, I have an idea.
But I'm not sure if it'll work.
Play nice with my monster, Armed Librarians.
Those guys...
The customers aren't lining up today, huh?
Why are you here?
Because I want to help you.
Then kill me.
That wouldn't be helping you!
That's the only way to help me!
There's another way. I just haven't figured it out yet.
Why are you smiling?
Huh? That's a good question...
It's probably because my mind's at ease...
Because you haven't attempted suicide again
during the time we've spent together.
Someone might punch me to death.
There isn't anyone in this town who can knock you out.
I mean, I don't like watching you get punched,
but it's better than you being stabbed with a knife!
Why did you smile?
Why did you hold my hand?
That was... I already told you!
Because you're going to protect the world with me.
"Come and punch me, for a fee of 100 kiluwes per minute."
"Beat me and win 10,000 kiluwes."
Is that him?
What an awesome mask!
You must be a street performer, huh?
Ow! Ow!
Here's a thousand kiluwes. I'm gonna punch you for ten minutes.
No way! It's one minute at a time!
It's okay.
Huh?
Here I come!
His dominant trait is stupidity. His thoughts are empty.
And he wishes for atonement?
He's nothing like the monster.
However, he did react to my mask!
So why?!
Zatoh!
That man is incredibly strong.
He's on a different level from the others.
And yet, Zatoh is taking all of his blows!
He couldn't be!
Hey!
To be killed by an imposter...
How fitting...
Imposter?
Stop! That's against the rules!
You paid to punch him. You can't do anything else!
Come on. Kill me...
Nothing has changed within him.
There's no trace of the monster within his soul.
Still!
Please stop!
Move.
No.
Move!
Why?
Why do you have to die?
I killed countless people in the past.
The fact that I'm alive is an affront to their very souls.
And your death will make amends for that?
There's no other way!
Everyone dies!
That won't make up for a damned thing!
You have nothing you wish to do before you die?!
Nothing at all?!
There must be something!
At least one thing, right?!
Zatoh!
I want to smile before I die...
I want to smile.
Zatoh...
Zatoh!
Ow-ow...
Minth!
Now you figure it out?
What on earth are you doing here?
We got word that the monster was here.
Monster?
The gold-masked monster that attacked Bantorra.
That lightning attack was unmistakable.
No way. Zatoh's just...
I agree. It doesn't make sense.
Looking at him with my Sacred Eyes, he's a completely different person.
The monster who attacked Bantorra has a dominant trait of misfortune,
his thoughts are of himself, and he wishes for chaos.
He's never thought of atonement in his life!
It was my first time seeing him too,
but he's probably...
I...
I...
Excellent, excellent.
Looks like it's almost time...
For the real monster to be born.
Zatoh!
Stay away, Noloty...
You can smile.
It's easy to smile if you surround yourself with fun things!
Fun things?
Yes!
If you surround yourself with fun things, you'll be able to want to go on living.
Is that so?
So please... Don't die!
Zatoh?
Get the hell away from here, Noloty!
Then I suppose, in the name of living, I'll have to enjoy all sorts of fun.
Fun! Fun! Murder!

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 08 [19303304]

Zatoh...
Long time no see, Mr. Monster.
Wh-What are you talking about? "Monster"?
That's the real Zatoh,
different from the man you were with up till now.
What?
His name is Enlike Bishile,
a pathetic kid who failed to become a monster.
What are your thoughts?
It's fascinating.
A kid who tried to become a monster...
Yes. Fascinating, indeed.
But you don't need to read it.
Why don't you just use your power?
Reading them is fun, too.
Doing the same thing over and over... Honestly, you grow tired of it.
Enlike Bishile, wielding thunder.
Wielding even more powerful thunder.
Enlike Bishile, wielding even more powerful thunder with still greater precision.
Enlike, you've been looking so beleaguered lately.
Qumola.
Huh?
Why doesn't Qumola smile?
She's a rat. Throw her some food, and she'll smile.
Did you become sexually aware, too?
It's not ready yet?
Not yet, but almost!
It's okay, Qumola.
I'll protect you.
Sassali?
It's you and me tonight.
I've been waiting for this day.
Qumola will be delighted to hear of your death.
Why?
Why? You know the answer!
She's afraid of you!
Begin!
Aren't you gonna discharge that thunder you always brag about?
This is revenge for my fallen brothers!
Dam-
Qumola...
He's got the devil's luck.
Still, he probably made for some much-needed medicine.
Struggling against such a weak opponent...
What happened after I passed out?
I'm going to apply some medicine to your back.
But my back wasn't hurt that-
You just can't feel it. Now, please hurry.
Enlike...
That makes five people.
Congratulations. Are you happy,
having won?
I'm not sure.
Why not? Don't you enjoy it?
Doing that to others...
Not me.
I'm sick of killing.
I kill and kill... It's no fun for me at all.
I've never been able to smile.
They taught us that killing is fun.
I used to think it would be, too.
But now...
It's cruel... To say that... Now...
Do you really hate me that much?
Please die, Enlike.
Each time someone dies, a sorrow comes over me and I feel like dying myself.
But I fight through it and survive.
Then someone else dies, the sorrow returns, and yet I still live on...
Qumola, I...
Five people have died already!
And my heart has died five times with them...
Even you, Enlike... You...
You could die too!
What's going on?
Boramotte. Let's stop doing this!
What?
Please let me stop. I can't take anymore.
I...
You shut your mouth!
That dirty vermin planted some weird idea in your mind, didn't she?
If Master Ganbanzel saw the pathetic state of things...
That's it! I'm going to Heaven!
Wait!
Leave him be, Enlike.
Ganbanzel.
You'll never become a monster.
The day you rejected Hamyuts Meseta's smile set all this in motion.
You're a thunder-wielding fool,
yearning for one thing alone, but never to get it.
At the very least, burn through it all, be it without meaning to you!
Those idiots...
Throwing their lives away for a lousy rat!
Kayas...
Enlike, I'm giving you one last chance.
Go find Qumola and kill her.
Do that and-
I...
I...
I...
I...
Welcome back. Welcome back.
Welcome back, everyone. Welcome back.
Welcome back. Welcome back.
Welcome back. Welcome back.
Welcome back. Welcome back.
Welcome back. Welcome back.
Qumola will probably never smile again.
Because there's no one left here.
That was the life of Enlike Bishile.
He was completely helpless.
That's impossible...
I know I spoke with him.
Yes, I've heard.
You can't talk to the dead!
You can read their books, but that's different.
It's because of his power.
What?
You're not as dumb as you look.
I've only read about him.
I didn't think he could actually exist.
They call him the "Book Eater."
That transparent hair of his leaves no doubt in my mind!
Huh?
Seeing is believing, huh?
That's Luimon's...
Watch closely, my dear Noloty.
Noloty...
Someone else has joined us.
Qumola...
Book Eaters...
Even I had only imagined them to be a myth.
They say that, true to the name, they eat books.
He traps those in the books he eats in a separate realm inside his body.
They call it the nonentity entrails.
The soul of the person eaten is a pitiable prisoner.
I like the feel of that.
Uh, let's see... What was it again?
Oh, right. That kid named Ronkeny's power!
Each person can only contain one magic power.
But he can use the powers of each person he eats!
And that's why...
The monster who attacked the Library commanded many different types of magic.
And this is the power of the aforementioned Enlike.
It was hilarious.
That boy's eyes were completely empty when I arrived on the island.
Those brats were only there to become food for yours truly.
All that "becoming a monster" business was just lies.
Fool!
That power...
That's Luimon's!
Damn you!
That huge Librarian...
The only "weapon" he had was strength.
That's enough! You can't stop him!
Please stop talking! I'm angry right now!
So angry!
Oh?
What did you do with Luimon and Enlike?
They're gone now.
You'll never see them again!
You lie!
Now, dear Noloty... Don't be so hard on yourself.
You saved my life.
Who the hell saved you?!
Noloty!
Qumola...
I was inside him that day, too.
This... This is Qumola's book.
And that's...
Oh, I'm glad you're okay now.
Let me see your face.
I'm glad. I was able to save the others.
Glad...
Don't make a sound.
Follow me.
I'm stealing a boat and getting out of here.
I can't spend one more second in this hellhole.
I don't wanna die.
I want to save...
I want to save...
...everyone.
Qumola...
Not me.
I'm sick of killing.
I kill and kill... It's no fun for me at all.
I've never been able to smile.
To say that now...
I hated him so much before that, but a monster...
Why didn't you kill him, then?
Because...
Because he may have killed many people and injured others,
but he was still no different than you and I.
So I want to save him.
Then it's settled. Let's go!
Huh?
We'll kill Boramotte and take one of the ships!
If we work together, we can do it!
We'll get off this island and live!
You'll be fine, Qumola. We'll protect you.
What about Enlike?
He'll come with us, of course.
You said it yourself: He's no different from you and I.
You traitors!
I...
I...
Yes. I, Enlike Bishile,
commandeered this man, Zatoh's, body.
I came to this town in search of a place to die.
But...
G-Give back... Enlike!
Damn it.
I...
Giving up already, Enlike?
You'd better not even consider being the only one to give up.
Guys...
Qumola came with us to rescue you.
Relia showed you kindness. And now...
The girl fighting outside...
...is putting her life on the line to save me.
What do I do?
Think about it, dummy!
You'll search through every square inch of this place for a way out!
Noloty!
T-Take a nap, will ya?
Minth?!
Why not admit defeat like a good girl, Noloty?
He's dead, you know.
No.
He's alive.
Enlike's continuing to fight inside of you!
Can't admit defeat, huh?
Farewell. I'll come find you once you're a book.
Enlike?
Th-That's impossible!
You aren't the only one who can wield thunder, Zatoh Rondohoon.
Enlike Bishile, wielding more powerful thunder, with greater precision than ever before.
See, you can do whatever you put your mind to!
Sassali?
Let's do this, Enlike.
Water, blast!
Blast me, Enlike.
What?
Next!
What? What's going on?
Damn it!
Do it, Enlike.
Ronkeny...
No.
You can't do that.
If you kill him, you'll die, too.
Don't worry about me.
We'll hold him back. Get out of here.
Stop!
Why are you letting me live?
We've had enough of you.
You can be pretty disgusting.
Stop!
Go live a long life.
Smile from ear to ear, like an idiot.
Qumola.
Thank you.
Noloty...
Who are you now?
Don't cry sitting over me.
I can handle the tears, but your snot is dripping on me.
Enlike!
You're heavy and in the way. Move.
Looks like you got a new lease on life.
This isn't the time to smile. Stop.
You stop first.
A-Acting Director?!
Nice job!
Were you watching everything? For how long?
My, whatever are you speaking of?
Don't play dumb.
Anyway, Acting Director,
it's a shame we weren't able to fight the monster.
Huh? Not at all.
I mean, we've got a worthy adversary...
Right there.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 09 (v2) [AEF332A4]

I realized it too late.
No. There is still time.
You want to see the true Heaven, do you not?
Who are you?
I abandoned my human name long ago.
The believers call me...
The Governor of Paradise.
Nope.
I know that there's knowledge contained in the nonentity entrails,
but that's all.
The same conclusion the Magic Bureau reached, huh?
Enlike, you may be able to take over Zatoh's body,
but you won't be able to take over his magic rights.
I'd wager that Zatoh's personal magic right
is the ability to use the powers of the books he eats.
You cannot eat books and you cannot use cloth or water-
You love the sound of your own voice, Mattalast.
Anyway, what do you plan to do with me?
Nothing.
Take your time. Enjoy Bantorra.
Read some books. Go into town and find a girl to fool around with.
Heck, if you want, I'll join you.
Relax. We've already tried to kill each other once. We're brothers now.
Matt? It's Mirepoc.
Do you have a minute?
Sure, I was just getting sick of talking to a stubborn young man.
A graceful lady like yourself is a nice change of pace.
From what we learned from Enlike's statement,
True Man Ganbanzel's estate was spotted in the Ismo Republic.
However, it's completely abandoned, and he's nowhere to be found.
I see. Good work.
Time sure flies.
It's been a week since Enlike came to this island.
Befriending a member of the Church is huge.
I wonder if the Acting Director anticipated all this happening from the start.
Who knows.
Do you think she'll make him an Armed Librarian?
I couldn't say.
Besides, Enlike doesn't seem too interested himself.
You impress me, Enlike.
You're an entirely new person compared to when we met in town.
Say, wanna battle to the death right now?
We can destroy this place without anyone caring.
You may have a reason to fight,
but I don't.
Shucks.
I came here to atone for my sins.
I owe her.
You're so cruel to me.
My heart is broken.
Change your mind someday, will ya? I'll be waiting.
A former Church member becoming an Armed Librarian?
You shouldn't even joke about that.
You're back now, Feekiee?
How did things go on the island?
Not great.
But I did manage to recover Hiza's book.
I see.
True Man Ganbanzel is missing.
And just as with the incident involving Cigal,
we're having trouble finding clues about the Church.
In any case, it's only a matter of time
before that spy shows his true colors.
You think so, too?
Of course.
No matter how you slice it, he's still the man who attacked the Library.
I find it hard to believe that he'd sever all ties with the Church.
Ow-ow...
They told me that you can only use thunder magic now.
My hyper-regeneration is separate from that.
I think Kayas may have left this power behind for me.
Okay then, round two.
This time, you'll be the one knocked down.
Sounds like fun. Bring it on.
Oh! You just smiled, Enlike.
I did not.
You did!
I did not.
All right, 1000 kiluwes on the one who smiled.
I'll bet 2000 kiluwes, then.
Guys... Why are you...
Oh, this guy said he wanted to spar with the "Book Eater".
I'm Ruweek, a 2nd-rank Armed Librarian.
W-Wait. He's not a Book Eater anymore...
Duh, we know that.
That being said...
So you don't trust me.
He's bright. I love men like that.
Guys, let's not go through with this.
If the Acting Director found out...
Shut up, Gamo.
I don't care what the top brass has to say. It doesn't sit right with me.
Gilda, the regular librarian this jerk killed,
was from my hometown!
I'm in pain.
I told you so.
Damn it...
But wow, he sure can use thunder...
Purely in terms of combat prowess,
don't you think he's on par with the 1st-rank Armed Librarians?
He is a monster.
Yeah. What is the Acting Director thinking,
letting him wander free like that?
Don't be worried.
Ruweek, despite his tough looks, is a good guy.
I'm sure he'll come around.
See you again tomorrow.
Yeah.
Show yourself, Ganbanzel.
Ganbanzel? Where?
Are you going to haunt me forever?
Humans...
Beings with the right to gain all the happiness this world may offer.
Where's your body located?
Wounded humans are to be saved.
Suffering humans are to be rescued.
Forsaken humans are to be loved.
What says a monster about this?
The exact opposite.
Wounded humans are to be killed.
Suffering humans are to be trampled.
Forsaken humans are to be devoured.
Enlike, return to me.
You're a true monster. You defeated Zatoh!
Serve my desires. Serve my wishes!
Stay away from me!
My monster... Just you wait...
You will come to me.
I'm impressed.
Sending your spirit after him over and over, at the expense of shortening your own life...
Obsession like that will have Heaven welcoming you with open arms.
What's this? You look like you've seen a ghost.
What did you see?
Why?
Hmm?
How can a woman like you be the Acting Director?
Her smile is practically that of...
A monster?
Thank you for your kind words.
In return, I shall tell you a neat fact.
What I want
is a battle to the death with someone hellbent on killing me.
I see that blood-thirst in your eyes right now.
You're mad!
Oh, you're too kind!
Take that book with you.
It'll give you nice memories when you're feeling lonely.
What? Went into town by himself?
Enlike did?
He'll be fine. We've got surveillance on him.
Noloty!
Hamy, do you really want to fight that boy this badly?
Yeah, I do.
I mean, it's not that I'd fight just anyone simply because they're strong.
After all, I never expected much out of Zatoh.
He was just killing people for fun, right?
Anyone can do that.
The strongest of all, Matt,
are the people who fight to save others.
Those who come at you with everything they've got
regardless if they stand a chance of winning...
For example, that young person.
Anyway, I just want to see what he's made of.
Don't disappoint me, Ganbanzel.
Monster, return to me.
Monster, return to me.
Shut up.
Shut up.
Shut up.
What's he mumbling to himself about?
Who knows...
Noloty!
Enlike!
Is something wrong? You look pale.
Noloty...
Kill. Kill, monster.
Shut up!
You're a monster.
You belong to me.
Enlike-
Shut up!
Just keep away from me.
It's just that we live in different worlds.
Noloty!
Are you okay, Noloty?
That jerk!
Hold on!
But...
He's trying to do something very important.
Uh...
It's fine.
As long as he's on this island,
he won't be able to escape the Acting Director's sensory threads.
That's the Acting Director's transmission capsule.
"Right on!"
"Listen to Noloty..."
"...and don't do anything stupid."
Monster, return to me.
Fine. I'll do as you like.
He agreed?
Yes.
Then I shall send you, man of truth.
Years ago, when you had the misfortune to be in Ronar Dukedom on business,
you ended up in the midst of that pointless war.
Move! A-A-A monster is coming!
Hurry!
Drag him out!
He'll be killed!
Get on! Move!
Let me on, too!
Let me on, too!
The invasion of Ronar Dukedom by the Guinbecs Empire.
And then the military intervention by the Armed Librarians, which you witnessed.
Seeing this awoke you to your true nature, and you began to thirst for overwhelming power.
Are you all dead?
I realized it too late.
No. There is still time.
You want to see the true Heaven, do you not?
Do you know what you should do to experience the joy of living?
Kill!
Your opponent dies, and you live.
That's the joy you'll feel.
You realized this on that battlefield.
You set off to create a monster to destroy everything in your stead.
That pure desire made you into a man of truth.
Do you regret doing it?
You had to abandon everything in your life to accomplish this...
Old friends...
Status which you had spent decades building...
Your beloved wife...
Your precious daughter...
All of them earthly desires.
All of them detestable!
For their lives are...
...all transient in nature.
Welcome back, my beloved monster.
Ganbanzel.
Come, show me your power which shall obliterate all.
I will protect the world, without killing!
I...
You belong to me.
No...
You're a monster. This world has no place for you.
No.
Isn't that right, Enlike?
No!
Yes! That's the way, monster!
Shut up!
Kill everything, just like Hamyuts Meseta does.
Shut up!
Kill! Kill for me!
Shut up!
Yes, show me your power!
Shut up!
How wonderful...
Death rains from the skies, just like that day...
My, such delight.
Achieve thy true desire.
Such is the duty of a True Man.
The books of those who fulfill their desires and live their life in happiness
shall ascend into Heaven.
True Man Ganbanzel,
I can feel your happiness.
I accept your book.
Looks like they didn't make it.
I guess they scored a 65?
All that happened while I was gone?
Did they check whose body it is?
Did they verify it was Ganbanzel's?
We don't know. We have no way to check. Just...
As always, it's what the Acting Director said.
The Librarians seem to see Enlike in a different light now.
Minth's read on him with his Sacred Eyes influenced them, too.
What did he say?
His dominant trait is stupidity,
his thoughts are of chaos, and he wishes for destruction.
A bunch of phonies...
We're in serious trouble with so many weaklings in our ranks!
Where are you going?
Noloty...
We live in a different worlds.
That's what you said, huh?
Yes. I'm leaving this island.
We're the same.
You live in my world, Enlike.
So,
please protect the world with me.
Long, long ago, over 2000 years in the past,
mankind spoke softly and were satisfied with their lots in life.
It is said they lived together in the mutual pursuit of happiness.
It was truly the age of paradise.
But the gods left. The humans, alone, remained to lament and grieve.
But they were ignorant to the fact
that Heaven still exists here on Earth!
My name is the Governor of Paradise.
I carry this secret with me.
Oh, me?
I leave the rest to you.
Much obliged.
Happiness.
Happiness.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 10 [2E408286]

No dillydallying! You'll get eaten by a Guardian Beast!
Right!
What is it?
Probably just my imagination...
Who is it?
You don't know, idiot? It's Mokkania.
Mokkania Fluru!
Pipe down!
The same Mokkania who, on his own, wiped the floor with the entire Guinbecs army four years ago?
The one they claim might be as strong as the Acting Director?
Where is he going?
Back to his room.
His room? So the rumor that he lives in the labyrinth is...
You three!
I sure hear a lot of talking,
but not a lot of working!
W-We're sorry!
Mokkania...
I'm back.
Mr. Bear was the most fearsome in all the forest.
He was always bullying Mr. Fox.
I know who you are.
Then one day, Mr. Bear ordered Mr. Fox to gather him some acorns,
and so, he ran into Mr. Squirrel.
I know everything about you.
He asked, "Can you give me some acorns?"
And then he heard voices.
The ants were calling out to him.
That's right. You're an ant, a black ant.
The ants are the weakest and smallest in all the forest.
The weakest and smallest...
Mokkania, are you in there?
Mokkania!
I'm coming in.
Things are so busy with the open house going on...
Do you think you could help?
I'm busy, too.
I see. Very well, then.
What's this doing here?!
That's not allowed, Mokkania! Books need to stay on the shelves.
This book is very important to you, right?
You must store it properly.
I will.
You're a good boy, Mokkania.
Next...
It's this way.
Oh, I see.
Okay, next up...
Sorry to keep you waiting!
Thank you.
Thanks for your hard work. Please have some.
Oh, that sounds swell. Thank you!
That hit the spot!
Excuse me. We're also looking for a book.
Could you escort us into the labyrinth?
Absolutely.
The pieces are now in place.
Someone's energetic today.
I hear you turned down the offer to be an Armed Librarian.
I have no interest in becoming one.
It's not a bad job.
It pays well, too.
It's a piece of cake as long as things stay peaceful like this.
Peace...
You don't know what happens in the shadows.
Even as we speak...
You're preaching to the choir there.
We're still investigating the Church of Drowning in God's Grace.
Good day, Acting Director.
How about you stop spying and reveal yourself?
I'll show you anything you want to see.
The pieces are now in place.
Pieces?
They cannot be stopped now.
He left. What a naive kid!
I don't actually know for certain.
But I think I've deduced the Armed Librarians' weakness.
Weakness?
A comrade turned traitor.
You've left yourselves wide open to an attack from within.
What's going on, Karune?
M-Mirepoc!
So black... What is this?
Karune? Karune!
Matt!
What is it, Mirepoc?
I just heard Karune screaming. I'm heading his way.
Mokkania? What are you...?
Get out of here.
Huh?
Get out of the labyrinth.
Everyone needs to leave the labyrinth.
I'll kill anyone who doesn't listen.
It's an insurrection!
Mokkania Fluru is revolting in the fifth labyrinth!
An insurrection?
Noloty...
Make Noloty Malche drink water.
Make Noloty Malche drink water.
Bring her to Mokkania Fluru.
Bring her to Mokkania Fluru.
I made Noloty Malche drink water.
I brought her to Mokkania Fluru.
Mokkania's revolting? By himself?!
Route 17 is packed with ants! There are thousands!
They're in the fourth labyrinth, too!
Mirepoc, what's going on?
Get everyone out. We can't counterattack.
Hurry and evacuate!
Mirepoc, where's the Acting Director?
She's still in the labyrinth.
Can you hear me, Hamyuts Meseta?
What's this?
I'm going to kill you.
Excellent. Excellent, Mokkania.
You might have the strength to pull it off.
It's quieted down, huh?
Most of our enemies have left. Only one person remains.
I see.
Watch out!
You're worn out, Mom.
Mom?
Okay.
Take this to my room.
What is it, Mokkania?
It's nothing. Come now.
You really are a good boy, Mokkania.
I reached the Acting Director with my telepathy!
She's in the fifth library. The ants have blocked the way out.
There appears to be no way to approach Shlamuffen in the fourth library.
Mokkania is heading toward the Acting Director.
Also...
What is it?
He called the woman he's with "Mom."
That doesn't make any sense.
Why not?
Mokkania's mother, Renas Fluru, died twenty years ago.
What?
Then the woman with him...
...is an impostor!
She might be a Church of Drowning in God's Grace spy.
I think it's my fault.
Noloty?
Are you okay, Noloty?
I'm fine.
I think I took that woman into the labyrinth.
What do you mean?
They said they wanted me to take them there to find a book.
And...
You took them into the labyrinth?!
I'm so sorry! They didn't look like bad people.
Inexcusable! That's no justification for breaking the rules!
Huh?
It's strictly forbidden for anyone except Armed Librarians to enter the labyrinth!
And don't tell me you forgot, apprentice!
You're lying. There's no such rule.
Noloty! What on earth...
Argax.
No way... The Church has an Argax, too?
That means...
They erased Noloty's memory of that rule
and Mokkania's memories of his mother's face and death.
And then they made Mokkania follow that woman's instructions?
Mirepoc, tell Mokkania that she's not his mother!
On it.
He revolted at his mother's behest? Armed Librarians these days...
I've peered into Mokkania's soul before.
His dominant trait is innocence,
his thoughts are of desire, and he wishes for stability.
He's practically a child.
And we're supposed to accept that?
What is it?
That woman...
She looked too young to pass for his mother.
Mirepoc, have you made contact with Mokkania?
Not yet.
I think we should assume that he's not thinking properly in regards to this insurrection.
That's a good point.
Locking yourself in the labyrinth for four years doesn't exactly scream normal-
Rithly!
Four years ago... Wasn't that the time of the Guinbecs revolt?
I heard that Mokkania hasn't left the labyrinth since that battle.
What happened on the battlefield?
He's just too good-natured.
For an Armed Librarian, that is.
What do you mean?
We don't have time for this!
Feekiee, go to the labyrinth's entrance.
Mirepoc, telepathically ask the Acting Director her exact location.
Everyone else, stay here and stand by.
I'm going in.
Mokkania.
That voice...
Ireia Kitty's coming, Mokkania.
I feel responsible for this.
I didn't show you the proper way.
I didn't show you how to save your soul.
But it's not too late, Mokkania!
Then I have no choice...
As is my duty as an Armed Librarian, I will protect Bantorra Library!
I can't believe she went in alone.
It's not a numbers game against Mokkania.
It'll only raise the number of casualties, should things go south.
Only Ireia's magic right has a chance against him.
The ability to manipulate time...
She can slow time for her opponent.
Though it depends on her opponent's strength,
she can also speed up and stop time for them as well.
Though they must be within her line of sight to work.
If she can stop time for Mokkania, she should be able to negate the ants.
After that,
it all depends on the extent of Ireia's physical strength.
Impressive, old lady.
As are you, shadow lurker.
I apologize for before.
Allow me to properly introduce myself.
I am Winkeny Bizee of the Church of Drowning in God's Grace.
The pieces are in place? Things seem to be going well for you.
So what do you need me for?
Mokkania will kill you,
and I'll retrieve the book you people confiscated, that of Armed Librarian Hiza Meeken.
Hiza's?
No problem. It's all yours.
Thank you kindly.
Oil, huh?
Mokkania's attack won't work on you then, huh?
That's the sole reason I'm alive.
Hamyuts, I leave the rest to you!
Now!
Solid Swimming!
Feekiee can dive through metal and earth as if he was swimming in the sea.
To him, paths or walls are the same!
He can travel a straight line anywhere.
He'll capture the impostor and make them tell us the truth!
I'm not getting any response from Ireia.
That can't be!
It's okay. She just stopped time for herself, too.
This way, she'll be spared any of Mokkania's ant attacks, once his time restarts.
While her time is stopped, she cannot be affected by the outside world.
Way to go, Ireia! So the mission was a success!
Don't relax yet! We don't know when Mokkania's time will restart.
Hurry, Hamy. If you get to the fourth library, we can win.
Stay still.
I'm Armed Librarian Feekiee Quen.
Try to resist, and I'll...
An Armed Librarian? So you're one of Mokkania's comrades, right?
Please... Save... Save Mokkania!
What is it, Feekiee?
Something's not right, Mirepoc. This woman, she's-
Feekiee!
What am I gonna do with you, Feekiee?
I can't trust you to do anything.
In order to protect the weak,
the weak must face one another.
I knew, Mother.
I knew, at least, that the sun isn't red.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 11 [DE3C792F]

Feekiee!
Feekiee!
Feekiee?
This can't be...
He didn't make it in time?
No, he had plenty of time.
Then?
I witnessed Feekiee's state of mind at the very last second.
Something rattled him, so he dropped his guard.
Rattled?
I can't believe he'd kill them both to please that impostor of a mother!
Noloty, you mentioned that she appeared to be too young to be his mother, right?
That's correct. She looked too young to be Mokkania's mother.
He can't comprehend that anymore!
He's gone insane in the four years he's been locked-
Stop talking for a minute.
Mom!
Are you okay? I shouldn't have left you alone!
I'm in pain, Mokkania...
Sorry! I'm so sorry, Mom!
It's okay... But tell me about that man. What happened to him?
He was an enemy.
But that means... you...
Tell me, Mokkania...
It's just as Winkeny claimed, right?
I was kidnapped by an evil organization, the Church of Drowning in God's Grace,
and my memories and eyesight were taken from me.
But then I was rescued by Winkeny, an Armed Librarian just like you.
That's what happened, isn't it?
And you're down here- a secret Church hideout-
pursuing Hamyuts Meseta, the woman who stole a very important book of yours.
The people you killed were bad guys from the Church, too, right?
Yes.
I'm sorry. It's okay.
But do you really have to fight?
Even if they're evil, I'm sure you can talk things out.
This is the only way.
I see...
It's her. Hamyuts is here.
Stay down, Mom.
When I'm around, I just get in your way.
That's why I couldn't stay with you.
Don't say that!
I don't want you to leave me again!
I can no longer bear to see my son fighting.
I'll have the ants lead you to my room. Wait there.
Mokkania.
If you think you can't win, forget about me.
Don't worry about me. You must live on.
You know already, don't you, Mokkania?
Yes. She's not truly my mother.
Bingo.
I'm grateful, shadow lurker.
Hiza's book is below, in the fourth sealed library.
I assumed you'd carry Shlamuffen, Hamyuts.
I knew if I could avoid a pincer attack executed by you and Ireia Kitty, I'd have a chance to win.
Guess I can't get them all with my sword.
Let us go to Heaven together, Winkeny.
We welcome you with open arms, Winkeny Bizee.
Welcome to the Church of Drowning in God's Grace.
Mokkania Fluru.
He's currently training to become an Armed Librarian.
It's been prophesized that he will, someday, become a threat to us.
You will become his mortal enemy.
Ignore the pawns and knights. Aim only for the queen.
That will be your purpose in life.
Work hard and do as the Church instructs.
And remember, no matter how far apart we are, I will always watch over you.
Okay.
Mokkania Fluru was born in this town.
His mother, poor soul, was impregnated with him at the liege lord's whim.
They came into a humble existence.
I am Mokkania.
In this town, I lived a happy life with my mother.
Weak as a child, I was constantly bullied,
but my mother always came to my rescue.
She was such a kind woman...
Hating violence, she would scold bullies.
She always reprimanded the neighborhood kids when they fought.
"Now, now. Play nice." That was her line.
That's why I hate violence myself.
I made up my mind that I'd never do anything my mother would oppose.
But then...
I'm back!
I don't understand.
Why did Mokkania decide to become an Armed Librarian?
Why did he shut himself away after the Guinbecs revolt?
It's as if his heart, itself,
has become a labyrinth of black ants.
Be right there.
Will you be staying the night?
Please fill out this form.
Are you here on vacation?
Humans are beings with the right to gain all the happiness this world may offer.
Oh, you're with the Church. Why didn't you say so earlier?
My apologies. Here is the next directive.
Relia, Hyoue, Colio...
And these three will be staying here?
Mom!
What?
I'm Winkeny!
It's me! It's Winkeny!
Winkeny? I'm sorry... Have we met?
I get it! Now I get it, Mokkania!
This is what losing your mother feels like.
I'm Mokkania. I wanted to make my mother happy.
That's why I decided to become an Armed Librarian.
I can get lots of money if I become one.
But...
She died.
Even so, I didn't give up.
All the world's books are brought to the Library.
So if I wait long enough, perhaps I can see her again.
Mom!
You found Renas Fluru's book. I've made her read it countless times.
Using drugs and hypnosis, I've embedded Renas's memories into her.
An impostor with real memories...
Isn't she too young, though?
I chose this Meat myself. I'm positive that she's the one.
She's perfect...
She's perfect to play Mokkania's mother.
In all the forest, the ants are the smallest and weakest.
So they all worked together, to gather food.
"Because we are not strong, we must help each other."
Seeing the ants help each other, Mr. Fox apologized to Mr. Squirrel.
No!
Stop.
Stop!
After he saw the ants himself, Mr. Bear apologized to Mr. Fox.
And so, together, they were able to live in the forest happily ever after.
The end.
Mom...
What are the conditions?
I want Hamyuts Meseta dead.
Refuse, and I'll tell her the truth...
That she's not really Renas.
If she learns the truth, it will fill her with hatred-
Hatred toward the Church, for taking her memory.
And hatred toward you.
Me?
Don't you know, Mokkania?
All of this was done for you.
You'll do as I say if you wish to stay with your mother...
If you want her to continue being your mother.
Or would you prefer to lose another mother?
Mokkania...
He killed people...
My little boy, a killer...
A Church hideout?
But they said this is a library...?
Something doesn't add up.
Winkeny and the boy are hiding something.
No... This is wrong! How could I-
My cane...
Drown and die, Hamyuts!
I won...
Mom...
Mom?
What are you doing here?
Are you hurt?
That's...
You're still calling me "Mom"?
Isn't this your mother's book?
But it's not me in here.
This isn't my book!
Who am I, Mokkania? Who am I?
Please tell me... Mokkania!
That's not true...
My telepathy isn't reaching the Acting Director.
I see. So that's what happened.
I'm sorry, Mom.
Hiding things from your mother...
Shame on you!
Look. You're all beat up now.
Why?
What?
You don't hate me?
Why should I?
Didn't you fight to keep me safe?
That displayed your love for me.
The fact you love me hasn't changed.
Say it. Call me "Mom."
Except for being Renas Fluru,
I've got nothing.
I'm ready for you, Mokkania.
Shall we fight to the death now?
Hamyuts, you monster... You're still alive?
I'm sorry, Mom.
Huh? Is that how it's gonna be, Mokkania?
Throwing in the towel already?
I lied, I killed... I hated doing those things.
But in my desire to be with her, I forgot all of that.
She wasn't that kind of person...
She wouldn't approve of my behavior...
So don't you want to die alongside her?
I can give you that much.
I thought about doing that.
I'd kill you. Then I'd have all the time in the world to be with her in my room.
And then...
But that was just me being selfish.
Violence is wrong.
The strong shouldn't bully the weak.
I can't let her die.
Is that all you have to say?
Tell the others that I'm sorry...
What a dumb child.
No. He was happy.
When he was first reunited with Renas, he was genuinely happy.
Yeah?
It's odd...
Just seeing the look of contentment on his face made me...
That's it!
All I ever really wanted was to reunite Mokkania with his mother.
You're a dumb child, too.
Nice to meet you. I'm Acting Director, Hamyuts Meseta.
Sorry to rush you, but it's extremely dangerous in here.
I'll escort you outside.
Hamyuts... You're a woman?
Shall I hold your hand?
No. I can walk on my own.
Wait a second, Mokkania.
Look.
Wow!
Don't step on them.
Okay.
Small or weak, we're all God's creatures.
We all cling to life. The ants, you, me - all of us!
So, never bully those weaker than yourself,
and regardless of what happens, don't hurt others.
Because we're all God's creatures.
Don't forget that, okay, Mokkania?
Okay.
I'm back, Mom.
Pressing your thumbs to the back of the neck...
If that's the proof of love,
then the groans of sheer pain
become soft, masochistic gasps.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 12 [6D060E0B]

Looks like your eyesight has returned.
I can't believe the Church would use you like that.
Yes...
You were given orders to steal back a very important book from the Acting Director.
Yes... I think they asked me to do other things, as well.
But my memories are still foggy...
You can't remember?
Mirepoc, Renas is tired.
Call it a day.
Then I have but one final question.
Have you ever heard of Lascall Othello?
Huh?
Stopping by, Hamy?
Mirepoc's been digging for info.
I'm sure she'll come asking around soon.
Her intuition kicks in at weird times, huh?
I'll think about it when she comes.
More importantly, where's the butter knife? It's not where it used to be.
Yeah, my last woman lost it. I haven't seen it since.
Some luck you have.
I hope you find a girl who suits you.
There are plenty of fish in the sea.
Not as many as you'd think...
Partners you find ideal, I mean.
A dream I had earlier got me thinking...
A dream?
Yep. I dreamt I was defenseless, having lost my sling shot,
and was killed.
By Mokkania?
Colio Tonies.
Being killed by him might be the ideal way to die...
Say, Matt?
Hmm?
If no one out there can kill me,
will you do it, Matt?
You're okay with that?
Actually, never mind!
That's right. The world is irrational.
Ever since then, that's been the only constant.
Gamo!
Hey! See this?
It tastes different from cigarettes.
Really?
It smells kind of bitter.
Geez...
Who are you kidding?
That's something an old man who already figured this world out would smoke.
Matt! Lillian was in tears!
You said you'd show her the Balory mansion and then you stuck her with the bill!
You're still doing that?
Nothing gets the ladies like lineage and status.
That goes for you, too.
What are you talking about? I-
Hey! Get off me!
Oh, I get it. You're jealous.
As if! What're you talking about?!
Mattalast.
Ma'am!
I let the police know there's an illegal pub here.
They'll arrive in ten minutes.
I stopped time around your ankles.
Seems you're looking to never make it past trainee, Gamo.
No, I was just...
Can I get you something?
How about some blood from your nose?!
As you requested.
I can't believe you blew off a job personally ordered by the Acting Director.
Fhotona was not pleased.
That's just swell.
I don't like him.
A child prodigy who was promoted to Librarian at fifteen would say that, wouldn't he?
Thank you.
What will it take to satisfy you?
Everything, I guess.
Armed Librarians are the defenders of the world's books and its peace.
It's not a job anyone can get.
Your point?
That precious world of yours is garbage.
The world has nothing but irrationality and dissatisfaction.
What's the point of defending it?
What's so funny?
I didn't become an Armed Librarian because I wanted to!
You guys were just overly obsessed with my talent!
Try clinging to that and don't let go, okay?
Damn you!
Enough!
Your eardrums will get smashed again!
Damn!
What huge breasts.
Huh?
I just fell in love at first sight with that country girl.
Are you serious?
I'm going home.
What have you got there?
A friend. A friend who's probably this world's savior.
That's pretty lame.
Agreed. I hate it, too.
But it's my only friend.
Then can I be your second one?
You've got nice skin.
That's the first time a girl's said that to me.
That might be the police.
What's your name?
Hamyuts. Hamyuts Meseta.
What's yours?
Mattalast Balory, Armed Librarian.
Are you strong?
Uh, I just told you I'm an Armed Librarian.
So? Are you stronger than me?
Care to find-
I knew it!
Chacoly's a big fat liar.
There is someone stronger than me.
I thought you were just a seamstress.
Looks like I made a good friend, though.
Friend? Stop that now.
If I end up truly liking you, the world will be destroyed.
Huh?
We should fight to the death.
If you kill me,
the world might be saved.
Maybe we'd be better off as friends, then.
I was right.
She needs to dodge in two seconds.
Having to use this...
She's strong.
Unbelievably strong!
She's going to miss!
Amazing! You're amazing!
I think you're the man I've been waiting for.
Huh?
Go for it. You want to, right?
You're not a virgin?
I wish I could go back and feel that pain again.
Nothing can top it...
So you're into that stuff?
What stuff?
She doesn't seem like your type.
But isn't she a fun girl, Vizac?
What? So there are little kids here, too.
I-I'm not a kid.
Please stop that!
Volken, infatuation with women will only lead to your demise.
I'm not... I'm...
Young lady.
This is a trainee, Ruweek. You two will spar.
Nice to meet you.
Begin!
See?
Are you plotting something?
World destruction, maybe?
If Vizac is willing to vouch for her aptitude,
I'll permit her to undergo training.
Thank you very much.
He's the top person in charge?
Yeah. He's the revered Acting Director Fhotona.
But he looks so weak.
You can tell, huh?
He's stronger than that old man,
but give me a month and I could beat him.
And the old lady?
Three months.
I'll pass you in six months, too.
Me?
That's about right for you, wouldn't you say?
Stay still.
You'll learn to be more careful, no matter what,
if you don't want to damage your precious skin.
I'm being careful!
Ow!
That hurts, ma'am.
Take a reality check!
No one's ever made it to 1st-rank in four years before.
All eyes are on you now.
Yes, yes.
Got cut up good again, huh?
She's still getting dressed.
Who cares about that?
So? How many soldiers of theirs survived?
None.
Huh?
The target had already escaped,
so we told her she could withdraw.
Pulling out is no fun.
Ireia took these photographs.
Slaughtered, every last one of them.
She's produced results previously unimaginable on her missions.
That's fantastic. It makes our lives easy.
Stop with the jokes.
Likewise, can you stop pretending to be righteous, Acting Director?
She needed a year to move beyond apprentice,
but she hit 3rd-rank in two years,
and 1st-rank in four.
Rather than call it "able," I'd say "peculiar."
To normal people, everyone here looks peculiar and weird.
She's dangerous.
If we do not act, she will pose a threat to us-
No, to the world.
You've heard of the traitor, Hiza, yes?
Ireia told me. He escaped by the skin of his teeth.
We cannot openly act against Imperial forces.
I want you and Hamyuts to take care of him.
Make it clean.
I see. That is how you would think.
In the process, eliminate Hamyuts as well.
I'm starting to really like you.
Mattalast.
You're the one who invited her into our ranks, correct?
She had nice breasts, what can I say?
Are you sure her goal wasn't to come here all along?
And that she didn't con you into inviting her?
What are we talking about, love?
I'm talking about the world.
Huh?
Bring her with you to the second sealed library.
Welcome back!
Hello.
Guess what I made for dinner.
Croquettes.
Nope. Its smell is the hint.
Steak?
No! It's red.
Tomatoes?
You aren't even trying!
I learned the truth about this world.
Yeah? How does that make you feel?
It's just as I thought. The world is pointless and irrational.
That's great! Your prediction was right on the money.
We're doing it, now.
H-Hey! Dinner's gonna get cold!
We'll eat afterwards.
Geez... If you insist...
But make me feel so good I think I'm gonna die.
Of course.
You haven't made me feel like I'm gonna die lately.
When girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved.
Huh? I didn't know you had a pipe.
It was my grandfather's keepsake.
Even when he lost every penny he had,
he never let go of this.
Such ridiculous pride... I feel bad for him.
Oh...
That sounds just like you, Matt.
Hey.
Hmm?
What would you do if I said I'm going to kill you?
You're the only person by whose hands I don't want to die.
The only one...
He's here. Hiza...
Just where the old lady said. How should we do it?
You stay here.
I'll kill him myself.
You're serious?
They've got an entire battalion of thousands in the forest.
They've got all their cannons on it.
and their guard is flawless.
All you have is your ability to see two seconds into the future and your gun.
Right?
This is gonna be fun.
See ya!
Hamy.
Huh?
I'm gonna take a nap.
Knock yourself out.
She's dangerous.
If we do not act, she will pose a threat to us-
No, to the world.
She'll be beyond our reach.
What a load of bull...
Hamy!
This is awesome! I'm having a blast.
Are you all right?
I broke two or three ribs. It felt so good.
Go rest. I'll head in.
Nope.
You can't handle this.
Wait!
Come back, Hamyuts!
Hamyuts!
Oh...
That sounds just like you, Matt.
Tank units prepared to depart.
All soldiers, get ready!
Found ya.
That's her! Hurry!
Understood. Ready the cannons!
Wha-?!
Impossible. Tanks!
Hurry! Now!
Yeah, I love it when it heats up.
This was... Hamyuts's doing.
I think you're the man I've been waiting for.
That's about right for you, wouldn't you say?
You're the only person by whose hands I don't want to die.
We should fight to the death.
If you kill me,
the world might be saved.
Are you sure her goal wasn't to come here all along?
And that she didn't con you into inviting her?
The end already?
Are you gonna kill me?
You're the only person by whose hands I don't want to die.
For whatever reason, no matter where you go,
the world is irrational.
Ugh. I think I used the wrong beans.
Hey.
Huh?
When'd you start smoking a pipe?
You know, I don't remember.
Connected by a God's stone sword:
two beautiful tales.
The bell sounds far and wide, signaling the show's start.
When the curtain rises,
there sits a drenched street corner.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 13 [3C8972CD]

Ismo Republic, Fulbeck City.
The capital of art and culture.
Cinematic actress, Parney Pealrmanta.
Eight years ago, she was murdered in this very town.
She was pursuing Lascall Othello.
I wonder if that's another murder.
Huh?
That serial killer.
There's no connection between the victims.
We have no idea who's behind the attacks.
Sorry to bother you at such a busy time.
She was cut straight through the bone.
One must assume he's a magic user.
It's one giant mystery.
Why are you looking into the Parney murder, though?
Oh, that's for a separate investigation.
They said she was pursuing Lascall Othello?
Lascall Othello...
A sorcerer from a fairy tale...
When girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved.
Eight years ago, a rumor spread through town that Lascall Othello actually exists,
and upon people's deaths, he takes their books to their loved ones.
There were some con artists pretending either to be Lascall himself
or offering to introduce him for a fee, right?
Armed Librarian Hiza Meeken,
was dispatched to calm the situation.
Yes.
According to the investigation, Parney was the source of the rumors.
Using Hiza's book, we confirmed the matter.
He exists...
Lascall Othello really exists.
Will he carry my book for me?
Do you know? Do you know where Lascall is?
I must see him.
Please!
Afterwards,
Acting Director Fhotona made a formal announcement of Lascall's nonexistence...
It quickly put an end to the rumors.
Exactly. He said they were nothing but the ramblings of drunks.
But was that really true?
What are you getting at?
Why would someone proclaim such absurdities simply due to drunkenness?
Parney was murdered right after Hiza arrived in town.
I feel there's more to the story.
Lascall Othello?
Yes.
Winkeny was after Hiza's book.
Hiza was after Lascall.
What if the two were connected?
So?
Please allow me to look into it!
A sorcerer who delivers the books of girls in love...
I never took you as one of the little girls who buy into all that.
What about Colio Tonies having three fragments of Shiron's book?
Is that mere coincidence?
I'm not saying that Lascall is real.
But what if there's someone with the ability to gather books, just like in the legend?
It would also account for the fact that we rarely find the books of Church members.
Are you serious?
One more thing.
There's a legend that says if you pursue him, you'll die.
Hiza, Parney, Winkeny-
Mirepoc.
I'm the one who killed Hiza and Winkeny, dear.
Th-That's certainly true, but...
It's not often we see you so fired up.
What's the matter, Mirepoc?
I'm not fired up!
I'm just...
Just...?
People's deaths are to be mourned.
The ability to save people should be celebrated.
If any suspicion surrounds someone's death, is it not our duty, as Armed Librarians,
Funny you should mention it...
Yesterday, a young boy came by, asking the same questions.
He appeared to be researching Lascall Othello.
A boy?
He looked about ten years old.
I didn't tell him anything, of course.
Who else would be looking into this?
Miss.
Pardon us...
Yes?
Wh-Wh-What the heck?
It looks great on you!
I was asked to find the woman in military fatigues and get her into a dress.
Wh-Who requested that?
Me.
Matt?!
Wow, you look fantastic.
Huh?
Reminds me of the princesses from my school plays.
Military fatigues make you stand out too much in this town.
I figured that would be to your disadvantage.
Thank you for your concern.
Anyway, what are you doing here?
I have a day off, just like you.
Did you come to spy on me?
I've got better things to do than that.
Oh, so you are spying.
Hey, now...
So, how's the capital of art and culture treating you?
Did you take in a film?
Nope.
You don't like films?
I don't care for the arts.
What a lonely life.
What now?
Don't you want to see one of Parney's movies?
They're doing a revival run now.
Huh?
Aren't you looking into her murder?
I knew you were here to spy on me.
Why go so far to look into it?
I already told you!
Because it's your "duty as an Armed Librarian"?
Is that really the only reason?
What are you implying?
Nothing.
That's it. There's no other reason.
Please excuse me.
A fired-up Mirepoc, huh?
What should we do?
Mattalast Balory.
Mirepoc Finedel.
They've come for Parney's book, too.
Why do I carry this around?
Lascall Othello is a mysterious, mysterious proprietor of books.
He gathers books with his mysterious power and flies around the globe.
Then, when girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved.
There are Armed Librarians in town?
So they're the ones who killed this town's Mock Men?
Why would they do such a thing?
It's all Cigal and Ganbanzel's fault!
They challenged Hamyuts Meseta to that stupid fight!
How can they do this to men of truth?
Get a grip! We've reported this to headquarters.
We'll wait for security officers to come.
Wh-Who are you?
Are you a soldier from the Church?
This is great! Please save us!
The Armed Librarians murdered our brothers!
Where's Parney's book?
Huh? Parney?
Do you mean Parney Pealrmanta?
How the heck would we know?! Save us!
Oh, you don't know.
In that case, die!
A red sword... Alme Noten!
Alme, the traitor?
You people were speaking ill of Master Cigal, were you not?
I will not allow anyone to insult Master Cigal.
That goes for those who killed him, too!
I'll kill them all...
Hamyuts Meseta!
Mattalast Balory!
Mirepoc Finedel!
And I'll kill Lascall Othello...
Oh, poor thing...
Beautiful...
The notes you play are replete with frustration and rage.
Master Cigal was killed.
And it's Lascall Othello's fault.
It's because he gave Shiron's book to that human bomb!
From the very beginning, Lascall Othello has had a separate existence from ours.
He is not to be pursued, under any circumstances.
Those who pursue him face certain death.
Hiza's book?
An order from the Governor of Paradise?
I'd rather he let me focus solely on Mokkania.
Oh, well...
Are you the one who spoke ill of Master Cigal?
Or was it you?
Was it you?
Was it you?
Was it you?
Ah, I'll have to ask the front desk to get this laundered.
Be right there!
Seems some people were murdered last night.
There's been a string of murders here.
I'll pay the police station a visit.
Understood.
I'm going to see Keith Quinn.
Keith Quinn?
The one who runs the illegal book-selling operation?
There's a rumor floating around that claims Parney's book is somewhere here in town.
I think the best place to start would be with the organized book thieves.
You know what they use those illegally sold books for, right?
Typically, they use women's books for sexual purposes.
Porn.
Sure you're ready for this mission on your own?
I'm going!
I'll stop every last scumbag out there committing these horrific crimes!
Go easy on 'em.
What's that?
Honey.
For some reason, I'm hooked on the stuff.
Want some?
No, thank you.
Just to be safe, leave the telepathic channel open.
Be ready to communicate on a moment's notice, should anything happen. Okay?
Understood.
I'm also curious about a boy who visited the police.
You got it. I'll ask the police about it.
Thank you.
Keith Quinn...
I've been waiting for you.
He told me that Parney's book isn't here.
He didn't know a damn thing.
Who are you?
Are you with the Church?
What? Shoot me.
Freeze!
Move and I'll shoot.
No dice, missy. You can't kill me with that.
You'll have to attack me with your own hands.
What?
You've never killed someone before, have you?
Now, where were we?
Matt!
You all right, Mirepoc?
Yes...
There are police cordons set up across town.
The Church is up to something, but I don't know why.
At the least, we're certain they're after Parney's book.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Parney's case file... I can't seem to find it.
What are you talking about?
Look, the case is eight years old.
It was probably already boxed up and stored away.
You're lying!
I saw it with my own eyes, yesterday!
Heck, weren't you the one who showed me?
Yesterday? Are you sure you aren't mistaken?
I had never met you before today.
You're lying...
Fine! What about the boy who came by to ask about Lascall?
"Lascall"? What are you talking about?
He wasn't there when I arrived.
I wasn't able to ask about it.
I'm telling the truth! I saw the case file myself!
He told me about the boy, too!
I believe you.
The Church probably got him to drink some water from Argax.
That's all it is.
Investigate that officer again!
We can't let the police know about the Church.
Besides, the Church isn't the type to leave evidence lying around anyway.
But...!
Calm down!
What's wrong with you, Mirepoc?
You've been acting strange lately.
You've lost your composure.
That's not true.
Then why did you come here?
Why didn't you contact me the second you saw the dead body in Keith's mansion?
Did you think you could go this alone?
I-I...
A fired-up Mirepoc, huh?
What should we do?
She's acting in haste.
Her offensive powers are weaker than most Armed Librarians.
That may be weighing on her, deep inside her heart.
Though I don't think she's realized it herself...
Also...
"People's deaths."
"The ability to save."
"Duty as an Armed Librarian."
She's starting to sound like someone else we knew.
Now, who was that again?
Oh, yeah, that's right! Little Mr. Volken.
We have no one else who can use telepathy at her level.
We can't afford to lose her right now.
But a fired-up Mirepoc cannot be stopped.
So what should we do?
She saw right through me,
even though we had never met before.
Damn.
Just awful.
I'm so happy, Master Cigal.
I'm but a lowly Mock Man, serving a True Man.
Is it right for me to feel this happy?
Get out of here, you damned pig!
Master Cigal?
You're a useless piece of trash.
It's not worth dirtying my hands to kill you.
Leave! Get out of my sight!
Lascall Othello is a mysterious, mysterious proprietor of books.
He gathers books with his mysterious power and flies around the globe.
What a wretched sound...
Then, when girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved.
It appears the stage is set.
So it would seem.
Do you think those two can reach you,
Lascall Othello?
Those girls are like precious gems.
They just may be able to...
Meetings and farewells of no significance
flicker violently and crumble apart.
All of its meaningless twinkling,
even when you close your eyes,
remains burned into your vision.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 14 [55C0F00B]

I can see it. I can see tomorrow.
The countless tomorrows of countless struggling souls...
Some of them sad,
some of them in pain,
and some of them joyful.
Their tales continue to progress,
until the tale of the world itself comes to an end.
Long, long ago,
a being known as the Overseer of the Alpha and the Omega appeared.
He created the Heavens, the Earth, and the oceans from chaos.
Then he molded and shaped the animals and plants from the remaining chaos.
He then created mankind from the final remaining chaos.
Last, he divided his own body into thirds
and created three deities.
The overseer of life that is yet to come, Orntorra.
The overseer of life that now exists, Towitorra.
The overseer of life that has passed, Bantorra.
The overseer of life that has passed, Bantorra,
built a Library.
The souls of humans, who have passed on, return to the earth and fossilize.
These fossils are known as "books."
Touching one allows you to read the memories of its owner.
These books are brought to the Library.
A group of humans has been entrusted to watch over them.
Well now...
And so it begins.
The books' guardians, chosen by the God of the Past, Bantorra...
What just happened?
Is it Armed Librarians?
They do say that the Armed Librarian is the most difficult to enter
of all the world's vocations.
To defeat the monsters lurking in the labyrinth beneath the annals
and have the strength to oversee the books.
These are the absolute requirements for an Armed Librarian.
And the one who currently stands above us all...
Acting Director Hamyuts Meseta, yes?
No one can deny that she's strong,
but...
But?
Never mind.
All those inhuman deeds committed by you, the Church of Drowning in God's Grace,
you heretics who have decried the value of love...
You're the ones who aren't human!
There are those who steal from and trample upon others.
There are those who are robbed and trampled.
There are those who have lost everything.
Life, thought, bonds with others...
Kill...
Hamyuts Meseta!
And love.
All humans are born into this world to be loved.
To love and be loved... To experience fulfillment, never suffering...
To live a life in utmost bliss...
Then let me ask you this, Colio Tonies:
Why do you do that which you do?
Colio Tonies is not human.
Colio Tonies is a bomb.
Wait! Don't you want to be rescued?
Why? Why are you just giving up?!
You just have to grab my hand...
Don't you want to survive?!
I shall become a book greater than all others and ascend into Heaven.
I shall have more pages than any other of you, with the most lustrous spine ever seen!
I shall write the greatest tale of happiness ever told!
Whose book is it? Where did you get it?
There are those who dream of having the most beautiful book in the world.
No matter. It's a far too sophisticated toy for Meat.
Dead humans become books.
Though the pages in yours will be blank...
We are of the heretic creed, that which the Armed Librarians devote full efforts toward stopping...
The Church of Drowning in God's Grace.
Precisely.
Our doctrine espouses but one directive,
to actualize your every desire.
Desire?
Food, sex, fame...
The desire to rule and the desire to destroy...
And only those who embody the true happiness found by fulfilling their desires
will, upon death, be granted entrance into Heaven.
They will become the ultimate books.
I see sadness in your eyes.
Huh?
I'll help you forget about it.
This medicine will make you happy.
I need it only for myself.
I, alone, will become the most beautiful book this world has ever seen!
I don't need a child that balks at the sight of dying Meats.
You're strong.
You're smart and talented.
But you
don't have a heart!
Books drift from person to person.
Hey, guys! Interested in books?
What about book central, Toatt Mine?
Just yesterday, they dug these out of the mine.
They're all top-quality, sealed rarities.
Let's go.
Ah, hold on!
I've got a broken fragment, so you can only read a bit of it.
Since it's incomplete, I'll cut you a deal.
Shlamuffen...
Hamyuts Meseta,
you will become the slogan on my book's cover.
It shall be written as follows:
The joy of killing the strongest Armed Librarian, Hamyuts Meseta.
Ever-laughing magic blade, Shlamuffen!
Shiron... Humans are wondrous beings.
I have to go.
Where?
I don't know.
Probably to fight.
Fight who?
I don't know. But...
Thank you. I owe everything to you.
I'm not sure I follow,
but I'll be happy if you thank Carthelo instead.
It's thanks to you and Carthelo.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think you'd get the upper hand on me.
You're...
A Meat?
Why did you come here?
To fight!
A Meat thinks it can defeat me with that?
Are you an idiot?
I don't know.
How do you plan on winning?
I don't know!
Beat it, then.
No! I'm fighting!
Why?
She didn't see me running away!
She saw me fighting!
This is somewhat unimpressive for the book of a True Man.
One cannot strive to create a quality book and merely expect it to come into being,
for God is hallowed, and Heaven is a far-off place.
I wouldn't want to end up such a book as this.
Once again, I can't save anyone?
Who's there?!
It appears there's no one here better suited to pick this story up from where it leaves off,
Master Volken.
Volken did it?
They're saying he made off with Ylucklucu and left Bantorra.
Seriously? With a war-machine of the past?
Why did you do it?
If you can hear this, please answer me.
No, you must answer me!
Volken Macmani!
Volken...
That's great.
I remember seeing it long ago...
A smile...
A young man who wanted nothing more than to smile.
I want to smile.
Damn-
He killed out of his desire to smile.
Thank you very much.
Because all he wanted was to smile...
He awaited the day when he would finally smile.
Qumola will probably never smile again.
No way.
Awesome!
Awesome! Awesome! Just awesome!
Will you protect the world with me?
Suicide? Were you trying to commit suicide?
Yes.
Why?
Are you going through a tough time?
L-Listen!
You aren't going to preach to me that suicide is bad, and I shouldn't do it, are you?
Suicide is bad, and you shouldn't do it.
I'm a killer.
I've killed more than I can count.
I can never atone for my sins.
Killing me is the only way to help me!
There's another way. I just haven't figured it out yet.
Why are you smiling?
Qumola.
Thank you.
Noloty...
Who are you now?
Don't cry sitting over me.
I can handle the tears, but your snot is dripping on me.
Enlike!
You're heavy and in the way. Move.
Looks like you got a new lease on life.
This isn't the time to smile. Stop.
You stop first.
He longed to be with his mother.
He didn't care if it was a lie, if he had to throw everything away.
All he wanted was to be held against your chest once again.
I'm back.
Everyone needs to leave the labyrinth.
I'll kill anyone who doesn't listen.
Mom!
You did it for him.
Are you okay? I shouldn't have left you alone!
No, you did it for yourself.
I'm in pain, Mokkania...
You and he are one and the same.
Sorry! I'm so sorry, Mom!
I apologize for before.
Allow me to properly introduce myself.
I am Winkeny Bizee of the Church of Drowning in God's Grace.
Mom...
Two boys who lost their mothers.
I'm back!
I lied, I killed... I hated doing those things.
But in my desire to be with her, I forgot all of that.
She wasn't that kind of person...
She wouldn't approve of my behavior...
Violence is wrong.
The strong shouldn't bully the weak.
I can't let her die.
What a dumb child.
No. He was happy.
When he was first reunited with Renas, he was genuinely happy.
It's odd...
Just seeing the look of contentment on his face made me...
That's it!
All I ever really wanted was to reunite Mokkania with his mother.
What's your name?
Hamyuts. Hamyuts Meseta.
What's yours?
Mattalast Balory, Armed Librarian.
Are you strong?
Uh, I just told you I'm an Armed Librarian.
So? Are you stronger than me?
Care to find-
I knew it!
Chacoly's a big fat liar.
There is someone stronger than me.
I thought you were just a seamstress.
Looks like I made a good friend, though.
Friend? Stop that now.
If I end up truly liking you, the world will be destroyed.
Huh?
We should fight to the death.
If you kill me,
the world might be saved.
Are you plotting something?
World destruction, maybe?
He's the top person in charge?
Yeah. He's the revered Acting Director Fhotona.
But he looks so weak.
You can tell, huh?
He's stronger than that old man,
but give me a month and I could beat him.
I'll pass you in six months, too.
Me?
That's about right for you, wouldn't you say?
Hurry! Now!
Yeah, I love it when it heats up.
The end already?
Say, Matt?
Hmm?
If no one out there can kill me,
will you do it, Matt?
You're okay with that?
Actually, never mind!
Are you gonna kill me?
You're the only person by whose hands I don't want to die.
Long, long ago, over two thousand years in the past,
men spoke softly and were satisfied with their lots in life.
It is said they lived together in the mutual pursuit of happiness.
It truly was the Age of Paradise.
But the Gods left. The humans, alone, remained to lament and grieve.
But they were ignorant of the fact
that Heaven still exists here on Earth!
My name is the Governor of Paradise.
I carry this secret with me.
Oh, me?
I leave the rest to you.
Much obliged.
Happiness.
Happiness.
I can see it. I can see tomorrow.
We have no one else who can use telepathy at her level.
We can't afford to lose her right now.
But a fired-up Mirepoc cannot be stopped.
So what should we do?
Those who dream...
Those whose dreams come true...
Those whose don't...
When it's all over, they all face the same inevitable end.
What? Shoot me.
Freeze!
Move and I'll shoot.
No dice, missy. You can't kill me with that.
You'll have to attack me with your own hands.
What?
You've never killed someone before, have you?
Damn.
It appears the stage is set.
So it would seem.
Do you think those two can reach you,
Lascall Othello?
Those girls are like precious gems.
They just may be able to...
Despite all this, they continue in pursuit.
Until their last breath, they continue to pray.
For their dreams, for happiness,
for love...
Thoughts become books, living on forever.
As do mine... For all time...
She knows.
She sees.
A weak victory
is proof of defeat.
The girls are alike.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 15 (v2) [11680BF1]

About the boy who was pursuing Lascall...
I've yet to find any clues to his whereabouts.
A red-haired woman has been witnessed at the scene of several homicides,
but she fled each time.
Apparently, she has a scanning ability similar to the Acting Director's.
Now that you mention it,
she seemed to have known in advance that you were coming to Keith's home, Matt.
Could she have sensory threads?
That's very likely the case. But what is she after?
She isn't here, either.
Where are you, Parney Pealrmanta?!
I've come for you.
For me?
Because it would be a shame to lose such an excellent talent.
I'm a traitor.
Oh? Would you tell me what you did?
I lied to Winkeny, tried to get him to steal Hiza's book,
and killed some Mock Men.
Ah, that's nothing.
I'm after Lascall Othello.
You're fighting a battle you cannot win.
And for a man who rejected you, no less.
Shut up!
Damn!
You...
What is it? I'll face you if I have to.
You were playing the violin the other night, as well, right?
The other night? And what if I was?
It sounds dreadful.
Well, I'm sorry it's not up to your refined taste, missy.
Though it sounds dreadful, for some reason, it pierced me to the heart.
What the...? Weirdo!
You're fighting while trying to uncover the correct answer.
Is killing the answer? Is not killing the answer?
What's your point?
I'm saying you're weak.
I kill because I want to,
regardless of whether it's right or not.
And that's something you can't do.
Of course not! I'm an Armed Librarian!
We fight for peace!
And therein lies the problem, missy. You can't win like that.
Wait! Answer my question!
Are you Church members connected to Lascall Othello somehow?
Under no circumstance is Lascall Othello to be pursued.
Those who do will face certain death.
What?
You're funny.
Lascall Othello is out of your league.
I will be the one to kill him!
Then Lascall actually...
Wait a second, Mirepoc!
Lascall Othello really exists!
A member of the Church acknowledged his existence.
The legend is true-
Mirepoc!
We'll discuss this later. Understood?
Okay.
Found it!
True happiness rests within you.
You have what it takes to become a True Man.
I want to act...
I want to act forever!
A pure desire to act... A desire stronger than any others'.
We shall prepare a stage for you.
We shall silence all critics.
You are to act. That's all.
Act as your heart desires.
Ah, this is pure bliss.
I'd walk through fire if it would allow me to act.
The entire world is awaiting my performances!
That was a beautiful performance.
You've scored another blockbuster.
Blockbuster?!
I'm a talentless hack.
The more I try to act, the more apparent it becomes.
Parney Pealrmanta is just an illusion you people created.
Tell me, how much longer?
Lascall will come once I attain happiness, won't he?
He'll take my book to Heaven, won't he?
Please look for him!
Hurry and let me meet Lascall!
The stone sword of spent time, Yor...
We should have harvested you earlier,
at the peak of your happiness.
A True Man who has lost sight of happiness is worthless.
Letting you meet Lascall Othello is our final act of mercy.
Then what was that? What is a True Man anyway?!
No different from livestock, really.
Livestock that gives birth to happiness, for God.
Then... What is God?
Huh? So that's what happened to her.
I had to go all over the place, but in the process, I figured it out...
When a man from the Church of Drowning in God's Grace dies,
Lascall Othello appears to collect his book.
Excuse me.
You're an Armed Librarian, aren't you?
I heard you've been looking for me...
Huh?
My name is Ruly Strait.
Why are you looking for Lascall Othello?
My father, Sharl Strait, was a traveling street peddler.
He was rarely home,
but every once in a while, he'd come back with huge sums of money.
Then one day, we lost contact with him.
I searched for him.
Then, one day, I found him in a town someplace.
But...
But?
He told me to forget about him.
And the people there called him...
Lascall Othello.
What's the matter?
Oh, I'm sorry. It's nothing.
I see... So that's all it is.
I'm so stupid.
He's just a man who adopted the name from the legend.
I have nothing to fear.
Where are you going?
To my hotel, just for a bit.
Are you going to fight my father?
I don't know.
Father?
What is it?
I just saw my father!
Huh?
Don't!
Ruly!
Father!
My son.
Don't go to him! Ruly!
You should have picked
one or the other.
Father...
Are you going to kill me?
Are you going to save Ruly?
Why... Why did you kill him?
Killing at point-blank range is the most efficient method.
First, Ruly.
Next will be Alme.
Lastly, you and Mattalast.
You're still in here, huh?
If what you say is true,
the enemy can appear anywhere, anytime.
It's dangerous to be alone.
Matt, do you remember
the day we met?
Yeah. The Guinbecs revolt had just been quelled.
The Guinbecs army was wiped out.
But the students in the military academy continued classes.
You prevented any faculty or students who tried to escape from doing so.
You said, "When class is in session, the proper thing for an officer in training to do
is to be in class."
No smoking in the lecture hall!
All I've been doing is blindly following the rules.
I never tried judging the situation for myself.
You were right, Alme...
I'm weak, aren't I?
You finally figured it out.
Huh?
Well? Will you just end things as they stand, Mirepoc Finedel?
Cigal was a foolish man.
He never loved you.
How do you know that?
I've read his book.
Do you think you can win against me?
I found you!
You-
You lied to me.
About what?
About Lascall!
Everything you did was a big ruse to protect his secret.
What are you talking about?
I'm fighting Lascall right now!
I see right through your lies!
How?
Did you forget about my ability?
Telepathy...
You never expected us to team up against you, huh?
If Alme and I were to fight,
the moment one of us was defeated, you'd appear.
That was the most efficient method, right?
I'm genuinely impressed...
How do you feel, having killed a man?
Full of regret.
How about you?
You were pursuing Lascall, too, weren't you?
Actually, I don't feel any different at all.
You can chase the past...
You can chase things you've lost...
But nothing will come from it.
That's how I felt when I heard you playing the violin.
You're the second person, Mirepoc...
The second person to like my music.
Shall we get started, Alme?
Nothing will come from the past.
That means I can't win.
She changed,
but I...
Alme, now I know...
I'm weak.
No matter where I go, I cannot fight alone.
Even against Lascall, I needed you as an ally.
You are strong.
You tried to fight him alone.
I respect your willpower.
However, I'm going to win.
Because...
...you're all alone.
You use sensory threads, don't you?
I spoke over telepathy to avoid tipping you off.
That's how I fight.
That's fine.
Fine...
You did well. Let's get out of here.
Okay.
Ah, this is...
I'm so happy, Master Cigal.
I'm but a lowly Mock Man, serving a True Man.
Is it right for me to feel this happy?
Get out of here, you damned pig!
Ah, why doesn't she understand?!
That pig... That damned pig!
The only one in the world to find happiness
and have a glorious, beautiful book will be me!
All for that reason...
You young girls with radiant gem-like glows hidden in your hearts...
Like the others, you never reached the truth.
However, I must salute your foolish, unmitigated devotion.
All the eye sees is a lie.
This stone sword of the gods is myself incarnate...
The stone sword of spent time, Yor.
I possess the ability to alter a person's perception.
Like I did with Ruly.
I suppose you're more than meets the eye, too, huh?
It's all an illusion.
An illusion, huh?
I was surprised when you all contacted me.
Nevertheless, everything went well.
We minimized damage by slaying the traitor,
and you were able to save the young Armed Librarian's life.
Those who pursue Lascall meet certain death.
That is true,
because we kill them.
There is one objective toward which
the Church and the Armed Librarians help each other.
Then... What is God?
I refer to protecting the secret behind Lascall Othello and Heaven.
I wonder how Heaven's doing.
Lascall Othello is a mysterious, mysterious proprietor of books.
With his mysterious power, he gathers books and flies around the globe.
Then, when girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved.
The End.
There is something that even the Sacred Eyes cannot see:
one's own dominant trait,
the sight of one's face gazing back at a past they've long abandoned.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 16 [532CE9C6]

This book's still incomplete.
I wonder if it'll be to your liking.
Humans are difficult creatures.
All they seek is happiness,
but for some reason, they can't get it.
I'm sorry. I'm sure you know all this already.
Mokkania... Feekiee...
Luimon... Casma...
You're exhausted, Mattalast.
Hamy's been sending you on too many jobs.
Damn it!
Minth, how much do you think we'll get for these?
Tough to say...
I'd estimate 10,000.
Hey. Wanna take it and run?
Not for 10,000.
How long are we gonna stay in the thievery business?
All our guys are men who've been kicked out of everyplace else.
Don't talk bad about our comrades.
If we keep stealing books, the Bantorra Librarians will come eventually.
Things won't go smoothly forever!
You're free to leave on your own. I won't stop you.
You've always been like that.
No good will come of staying in the game too long.
Chief!
Is something the matter?
That should be obvious.
You can't keep the chief waiting forever!
My apologies.
I'm sorry, Chief.
It won't happen again.
We had quite the haul today!
Look! We'll sell this and feast like kings today!
Heave-ho.
Heave-ho.
Heave-ho.
Heave-ho.
Snuff books?
Yes. I've heard rumors of people using them lately.
Oh, because they die.
We only sell books for porn here.
Could you let me know if you hear anything?
Absolutely.
By the way, those two...
Is that some sort of punishment?
So this is a black market for books.
Isn't that despicable, Brother?
Go back to the inn, Yuri.
Don't mind them. They're with me.
It's hot enough to make you want to kill someone.
It's physically impossible to keep the search up under these conditions.
You'll have to relieve us, Minth.
Did you think about maybe getting some cooler clothes?
There are tons of shops around here.
Do you honestly think I'd wear clothes sold here?
The doctor told us not to expose our skin to the sun.
Talk about high-maintenance...
Yukizona and Yuri?
Aren't they undergoing medical treatment?
They get whiny if I don't give them work every once in a while.
Also, aren't they of the nobility?
I figured they should see a town like Gandari up close and personal.
I've got a bad, bad feeling about this.
So you're passing on it?
Hmm?
Too bad. The mission involves retrieving some snuff books.
She's so shrewd...
Th-Th-They sell something so shameless?!
I told you not to read it.
We're confiscating your books. Understood?
What? But you can't just...
Hold on.
What did you say?
Our mission is to get snuff books.
Don't do anything that could interfere.
Surely, you're not telling us to overlook it, are you?
How can this barbarian also be an Armed Librarian?
Would you keep it down?
I can hear your entire conversation.
Yo, Minth!
Who the heck are you?
I could ask the same of you.
You on some training exercise?
Don't make me kill you.
Oh... Scary.
That's enough.
If she were serious, she'd kill you in a heartbeat.
I should expect nothing less from an Armed Librarian, huh?
Okay, how about I open my restaurant to you.
Please come this way.
You know this guy?
His name's Greihn. And sadly, I do.
How is it? I made the soup with crawfish, just caught this morning.
It smells sorta muddy.
That just means it's fresh.
The cream and butter are cheap, too.
But it's still good, right?
You Armed Librarians are really harsh, you know that?
I'd like to partake myself.
Yuri! You...
That belonged to a girl who left me, but looks like you like it.
This is better than the junk they're selling in town.
Though it's a bit too big.
Sure your breasts aren't too small?
Minth, I think I'd like to kill him, after all.
Knock yourself out.
Whoa, whoa. Wait a second.
You don't think I can do it?!
Come on. If you're wasted from that tiny bit of booze,
there's no way you can complete your mission.
Drunk?
Y'all are lightweights.
I can't handle cheap alcohol...
Shall I give it a try, then?
It's impossible. Give it up.
Just you watch, you "thief."
If I'm able to get them to talk, I'll be expecting an apology!
Oh, sounds like a bet!
You'll spin around three times and say you're sorry.
Yuri...
Get ready!
Relax. I'll help when the time comes.
You there.
Snuff books?
Yes. I'm interested in them.
That's a dangerous path.
And if I tell you too much, I'll put myself in danger, too...
I'll be sure to properly thank you.
If you know anything about the snuff books, then...
Then?
I'll hold your hand.
Bye.
Don't get me all hot and bothered for nothing, flatty!
No one humiliates me and gets away with it!
Sorry about her.
Up for another drink?
What do you think?
Yeah. I'm pretty sure about it.
All right, lay down.
Try to relax.
A snuff book.
Look for yourself. It's a snuff book!
Holy crap! At the black market, they said they'd pay a million kiluwes for one.
Yep.
We're tossing it.
Minth! What're you, stupid?!
You're the ones being stupid! Do you know what this book is?
It'll make you feel incredible if you read it, right?
This isn't the record of someone's life.
They're made by shattering someone's mind,
granting them to access to the fantasies of pathological criminals,
or the euphoria a serial killer feels when he murders.
A book deliberately created to get people addicted.
The pleasure from reading it will slowly erode one's psyche.
You'll start seeking out the euphoria again.
Eventually, you'll become consumed by the book and die.
B-But...
I came here to steal books,
but I'd like to think I haven't forgotten my respect for them.
Hey!
A thief suddenly has a conscience?!
Wait!
How many years has it been since we've done this?
Beats me.
I had hoped to forget about it.
What on earth?
Do they possess magic rights?
Stand back. I'll destroy them.
Hey.
What's up?
Mind if I have a look at your soul?
Sorry.
Guys...
Nice, Greihn. I figured you'd do it.
Let's hurry, sell the thing, and split the money.
I should have known.
Even here... Once a scumbag, always a scumbag, huh?
Hey, Greihn?
How much per person?
I guess fifty... No, a hundred grand.
One hundred per person.
He really did a number on the place.
I couldn't believe it.
All from merely reading a book.
When a snuff book destroys someone's psyche,
they lose their pain threshold, sense of smell,
and essentially turn into savage beasts.
What is it?
C-Cut me some slack!
Then, you'd better tell me everything you know about the snuff books.
I-I've got nothing to do with that-
Sorry, but I'm gonna have to look at your soul.
M-My soul?
Stay still. It'll only take a second.
Let him go. He's telling the truth.
Wh-Wha...
Let's go.
Why did you lie?
Huh?
That man was hiding something.
You don't trust my Sacred Eyes?
That's not it. You're just choosing not to examine what you saw.
Just what are you getting at?
I'll find out if you're lying.
Oh, that's right.
This book arrived this morning from Bantorra.
It's the book of someone who died from abusing a snuff book.
Reading this will clarify who hooked them on it.
I don't need to read it.
I'm sorry.
I thought I had abandoned stuff like this once I became an Armed Librarian.
Minth?
Go back and get something to eat.
I'll go get the snuff book.
Greihn, please! Greihn!
A little bit! I just need to read it once more!
One million.
I don't have that kind of money!
You let me read it for free the first time!
How much do you have?
This is all I've got.
You get to read it, not to keep it.
What are you doing here so late?
An Armed Librarian reading porn?
Nope, merely a regular book.
The book of a man who died from abusing a snuff book.
It's not like you.
You should have known this would happen someday...
That it'd be left in their books when they died.
Why didn't you rush to sell it?
I found by getting people hooked on snuff books,
I could make more than by selling them.
And this tiny restaurant was all you got for your sins.
I thought about it every day...
Starting a new life down below,
eating soup with a silver spoon.
But I went up a mountain when I had planned to climb down.
Who would do such a thing?
I lied to you,
killed our comrades,
and got the snuff book.
Then I finally came down.
Now, if I want, I can eat buckets of soup with a silver spoon.
But that's not it.
This isn't the world I so desired from afar!
Things haven't improved since coming here.
No, I've gotten even farther away from it.
Greihn...
So what should I do, Minth?
Think expanding this place will bring me closer?
Highly doubt it, huh?
Answer me! How much more money do I need?!
Tell me! What should I do to make it down below?!
Looks like you need our help after all, huh?
Yukizona... Yuri.
So, you came.
Get them!
Not gonna happen!
I'll blow the whole town apart if I have to.
Greihn.
I'll never be satisfied, no matter how much money I get
or how long I stay in this town.
This wasn't worth it at all.
All that awaits me is a lifetime of regret.
I'll keep blaming myself forever.
You wouldn't understand...
You think not?
Actually,
I thought long and hard about selling that book.
Just like you did...
So, when our comrades died, part of me thought,
"I'm saved."
"I can leave this place now without having to commit any sins."
Minth...
I've peered into the souls of countless men with my Sacred Eyes.
Not a single one of them were without sin.
Don't you find that funny?
Committing sins to escape sins you've already committed...
By the time you realize it, you've lost sight of it, buried in your sins...
Lost sight of what you were after in the first place.
Wow! This is great!
Your stew is the best, Greihn!
Isn't it?
Hey! You didn't save any for me!
Damn vultures!
You should open up a restaurant, man.
That's a great idea! I'd definitely eat there.
No other customers would get near the place with you guys there.
That's it...
The world I had so admired and wanted to descend to
doesn't exist anymore.
I forced you to bear the burden of killing our companions alone.
And now...
I will bear it for you.
Thank you, partner...
The ultimate transient happiness.
I wonder if you'll like it.
Seems they do.
So, what happened with Minth?
As you had pointed out, there were far too many problems.
However...
Hmm?
He accepts the entirety of the circumstances.
He possesses both weakness and strength.
That's true.
That might be the most important thing...
For the Governor of Paradise.
A boy becomes a man,
and walks down a road from which he can never return.
A girl becomes a woman,
and softly steps on the boy's shadow, as he leaves.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 17 [7AF54C46]

Noloty's such a hard little worker.
That which goes does not go. That which comes does not come.
The moon is the sun.
No!
The birds are the fish.
The living are the dead.
Steel becomes brittle.
I don't want to remember.
No!
Reality becomes a dream. All fantasy becomes reality.
That which is, is not.
This which is not, is.
Creation will be rendered false.
No!
Renas!
Renas!
Renas Fluru!
Did you hear that verse again?
Why won't you talk to the Armed Librarians?
I'm not able to help you.
I'm sorry. I just can't.
"The moon is the sun."
"The birds are the fish."
That's a verse from Magical Deliberation, used to recover the memories Argax took.
From before they planted those memories in me...
This body's true owner is...
Stop talking like that!
You're Renas Fluru.
Enlike, I'm...
You are Renas Fluru!
Thank you so much.
Your trial's tomorrow.
I don't need to tell you what happens if you're found guilty.
Understood.
So you returned because you're confident you'll be found innocent?
Do you have evidence that'll exonerate you?
At ease!
You can wait for your suspicions to be confirmed before he's killed.
Why did you return?
You betrayed us Armed Librarians and left!
Everyone, please hear me out!
I didn't flee with Ylucklucu to help the Church!
It was for us, the Armed Librarians!
Huh?
What now?
It's been 1900 years
since the Age of Paradise drew to a close, leaving the world to us humans.
Since then, who do you think has protected the books and the peace?
If the Armed Librarians lose their sense of justice, justice will be gone from this world!
Volken...
I have not returned to atone for my sins.
I've returned to drive out the person who has stolen our sense of justice.
I fight for justice!
That was lovely.
Give him a round of applause, everyone.
A-Acting Director...
You gonna applaud him or what?
Acting Director! Shouldn't we lock him up in jail?
He wouldn't come back here and then escape.
You haven't been here for a while. Why not go enjoy Bantorra?
I will not forgive you for what you've done.
I vow this on the justice of the Armed Librarians!
I like this new look in your eyes.
Mirepoc!
Do I know you?
I see. You...
My apologies.
Huh?
We haven't seen that boy since the Dragon Pneumonia incident.
He had been in a rebellious stage since a little before that.
You mean what happened in Aro Bay?
We were investigating the Church, recovering pertinent evidence,
and freeing the Meats kept by the Church.
Right. The former went down without a hitch,
but the latter was a massive failure. Ba-dum.
Failure?
Why did you act back then?
I don't recall any need to blow them up.
I originally went just to have some fun with the Church.
That was all.
But...
There, I learned of a person who must be killed, no matter the cost.
Someone who was probably aboard the ship at that very moment.
No matter the cost?
Yep. No matter the cost.
Oh, no... This can't be.
"Vend Ruga is alive."
Huh?
Man, wasn't Volken's speech amazing?
I wonder if Volken's doing okay.
Mirepoc, too.
There's nothing wrong with worrying about others, but be careful.
Lately, Enlike's been visiting Renas practically every day.
Huh?
Renas... She has this mature allure, right?
A dark side to her.
Completely different from the kiddy vibe you give off.
I'm not following.
I'm just worried about you, is all.
At this rate, you'll end up having to drink water from Argax, like Mirepoc!
Like Mirepoc?
Yes, yes. You'll have to chug it down like Mirepoc did.
Care to tell me what you're talking about?
Ah...
I thought I'd become used to my life here,
and these peaceful days would continue...
But...
Really, I was just in denial.
I beg you...
Please teach me,
little by little,
who I truly am.
E-Enlike?
Who are you?
Huh?
Just who are you?
Enlike-
What a cruel man you are. A monster, indeed.
You even crushed Renas.
What are you talking about?
All the others call me Renas!
I had really convinced myself that I was her.
Then you appeared, and realized who I am.
That's how I became able to surface.
Come on. You're also a Meat, right?
You understand, right?
They ripped all my memories from me
and forced another woman's personality in.
I'm the victim here!
I want you to save me.
I can't even remember my name.
But...
There's something I absolutely must recover.
Something you must recover?
Yes. I can remember a handful of words.
I'm not sure what it means.
"A lead-colored..."
"Ven... Vend..."
Renas Fluru!
Renas Fluru!
Renas Fluru!
You bastard...
Renas.
I heard it all...
It's just as she said.
I'm not the true owner of this body.
It was time for me to hand it back to her.
That's all.
I will protect you.
Huh?
The Armed Librarians began coming to stay here
somewhere along the way.
More than anyone else, Noloty took a liking to you.
So I'm here to protect her and what she holds dear.
To protect something held dear...
My coworker, a man named Volken Macmani...
He stole the spinning fairy Ylucklucu,
retrieved from the Church of Drowning in God's Grace,
and fled the Library.
Ylucklucu has the lowest status of all the past weapons.
A number of replicas of Ylucklucu have been created.
However, depending on how it's used, it can be the strongest of them all.
Ylucklucu can hold the magic rights of multiple persons.
Unleashed, it has power equivalent to many magic users fighting together.
S-See,
And you're such a serious person.
Unable to forgive his betrayal, you drank the Argax water.
A friend's betrayal...
That was enough for me to decide to drink from Argax.
I...
You were right, Alme...
I'm weak, aren't I?
Undergoing Magical Deliberation is the only way to recover my memories.
We protect the past.
Huh?
In the past you drank the Argax water.
Now you can't even fathom such a decision.
Will you turn traitor, too, like Volken?
Wha-
Will an Armed Librarian, tasked to protect the past,
betray her past self?
You're a prized subordinate of mine.
What Matt said is correct.
Until I find that piece of evidence,
I don't stand a chance of winning.
Mirepoc's forgotten about me.
She must have drunk water from Argax.
Volken! Put some effort into it, damn it!
Another 165 laps!
No half-assed running! Give it 110%!
Take this!
Huh? But...
Don't tell Hamy about this, 'kay?
Volken.
People's deaths are to be mourned.
The ability to save people should be celebrated.
Life itself should be exalted.
That is justice to an Armed Librarian.
It is more important than strength or loyalty.
Okay.
Understand this, and you'll become a top-notch Armed Librarian.
I love Bantorra Library!
There are so many unforgettable men and women here.
I have precious memories here.
That's it. Even without evidence,
Mirepoc and the others will understand.
I have nothing to fear. I'm sure of it.
Hamyuts Meseta!
Damn! If only I could find the proof...
If I can just find that woman...
Protect something held dear...
He fought to recover something dear that he once lost.
The personality inside my body...
Just like him, it's fighting to recover something it lost.
Um-
Are you not...
Olivia Litlet?
Yes. I'm...
Olivia Litlet.
Volken's gone?!
So he fled his trial...
I told you, once a traitor, always a traitor.
That guy's a total scumbag!
Volken escaped at midnight last night.
He left in the flying boat that he returned in.
I've received word that it was spotted heading northwest.
He's likely heading to the Darai Mine, which he once oversaw.
Also, one more thing...
He took Renas Fluru with him.
What?
Why her?
We've no choice but to catch him and get the answer from the horse's mouth.
Mirepoc, notify Vizac.
Tell him to hurry to the Darai Mine and to shoot Volken down.
There's no need to hold back.
Leave no survivors.
Th-That's certainly-
The rest of you are to finish your duties for the day and remain on high alert.
Okay, you take it from here, Matt.
Hamy!
Why did Volken take Renas with him?
It's likely she's no longer Renas.
Huh?
The lead-colored man, Vend Ruga...
That name is all I can remember.
Everything else is a blank.
We're heading to the Darai Mine.
I've hidden a book and Ylucklucu there.
Ylucklucu?
It used to belong to you.
I guess I kinda remember that.
What about the book?
Yes...
It appears there's no one here better suited to pick up this story from where it leaves off,
Master Volken.
Truthfully, Miss Olivia Litlet is the one who should inherit this tale.
In light of the circumstances, though, I bestow it upon you.
Why me?
I believe it'll all become clear once you read it.
Written in the book that Lascall gave me...
...was the story of Olivia Litlet, a slave known as a "Meat,"
who led the other slaves and fought.
With Ylucklucu in hand, she tried to accomplish something.
So the owner of that book was a Meat, too?
Yes.
And they died aboard the Silver Smoke.
I read that book.
And I learned that the Silver Smoke's explosion in Aro Bay
was caused by Hamyuts herself.
Hamyuts tried to kill you.
She was afraid of what you may have stirred up by using Ylucklucu.
If you regain your memories,
we'll have proof of the injustice Hamyuts committed!
Man, you're all fired up.
I've been busting my butt for ages now.
I almost completed Magical Deliberation while I was inside of Renas.
All that's left is to get my memory back...
Volken Macmani, do you copy?
Mirepoc!
The Acting Director is after you.
Now's your chance to return to Bantorra.
Why are you telling me this?
Why?
The Acting Director views me as the enemy now, right?
Should you be sharing this info with me?
You've got it all wrong.
This is a warning.
I'm acting as an Armed Librarian.
I'm not ashamed of what I've done.
Then face your trial, Volken Macmani.
Watch me, Mirepoc.
Volken Mac-
What am I doing?
The Acting Director's orders are absolute,
and yet...
I'm shouting out...
I'm shouting out, "He's in the right."
Mirepoc...
Even after her memories were erased, she still understands me.
What an odd lady I am.
This is the second time I've been caught up in an Armed Librarian's revolt.
This is no revolt.
This is a fight to restore justice.
You!
Looks like I've some business to attend to before I can finish telling you the rest.
So it would seem.
Hey! Volken!
Vizac?
Looking good, Volken!
What's with the old man?
He's my mentor.
Shooting each other out of the air is boring.
Let's duke it out on land!
He seems pretty careless, huh?
We can just fly away now.
If I explain things to him, I'm sure Vizac will understand.
Huh?
Hey!
I understand now.
But fighting the Acting Director...
I don't understand you.
I respect all Armed Librarians, especially you!
How can you serve Hamyuts?!
How bright...
What?
Vizac!
You've no hope of defeating Hamyuts if you can't beat me!
I pray for your soul's safe departure. A one-spear funeral banquet!
I gladly accept
your offering.
The broken engine cackles.
Comrades, unable to fully understand one another,
quickly flee in foolish death
and laugh.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 18 [AA2902D4]

Oh... Volken has rebelled, with Olivia Litlet in tow.
Remind me, who is that again?
That woman from the Silver Smoke.
I see.
Hamyuts will probably kill her...
Though... we could lend a hand.
That boy's pretty good.
I'm impressed.
I'm just getting started, Vizac!
An illusion?
That which goes does not go. That which comes does not come.
The moon is the sun.
The birds are the fish.
The living are the dead.
Steel becomes brittle.
Reality becomes a dream. All fantasy becomes reality.
Excellent!
Continue performing Magical Deliberation.
Olivia...
Fight through it! Endure the pain!
To get back...
This is too much!
This is nothing! Nothing!
They'll die if they keep this up!
Die?
Being dead's no worse than being alive, for a Meat.
Don't you guys want to be human?
Well? Don't you?!
I-I do.
Human...
What was that, just now-
That's enough for me.
Not bad.
Vizac...
Do you remember what I always said, when you finished training?
Though I feel a bit embarrassed saying it to you again under these circumstances...
You've become strong, Volken.
I'm sure former Acting Director Fhotona would be pleased.
For all you've taught me, thank you.
Take it all to heart.
I will!
Ow-ow-ow-ow...
I'll be laid up for two hours now.
My pupil has finally surpassed his master.
One of my dreams has come true.
How wonderful.
Would you like to move to the world of dreams now?
Let's hurry. This battle has yet to begin in earnest.
This battle? What are you talking about?
Huh?
That was no battle.
Battles are much dirtier than that.
Have you regained your memory, Olivia?
Somewhat.
I remember that I was pretty nefarious...
That's true.
You're not going to say I wasn't?
Relax. I know someone more nefarious than you.
Olivia Litlet...
Volken and the Silver Smoke...
And finally, Renas Fluru...
There's one thing that ties them all together.
I didn't think he'd still be alive:
Vend Ruga.
Ah! It's a rabbit!
Hamyuts, we don't have time for that.
This mission is being kept secret from the other Armed Librarians.
I'd like to get it over with.
Okay...
It's been a while.
Sorry to make you come all the way out here.
We've locked a traitor inside this fortress.
The enemy is a lone woman.
She's a True Man, but she's attempting to destroy Heaven.
She's taken command of a considerable number of Mock Men.
Also,
they've readied a powerful weapon
in order to make their stand against me.
It's regrettable, but we've run out of options.
Governor of Paradise, to be perfectly frank, I'm disappointed by your work.
You've failed to guard your intelligence.
You lack the traits of a True Man.
I'm considering relieving you of your duties and appointing a new Governor of Paradise.
That's enough small talk.
Let's get this over with, so I can play with the bunny.
I ask that you please take care of the True Man.
We shall give the Violet Sinner
a true death!
Please grant me entrance!
What is this?
It's made of lead?
It's Vend Ruga, the lead golem.
What do you want?
I've got a proposition for you guys...
Something that'll benefit us both.
What?
Can you guys commit suicide for me?
Vend Ruga!
I see. What a pity...
Any survivors?
You're kidding, right?
I'd be lying if I said I weren't torn as to whether or not
all that was necessary.
It was the best course of action.
Violets are pesky weeds, after all.
The Violet Sinner's thoughts resonate with all of them.
This grew their followers, interconnected their minds,
and left them that large.
Opponents like that don't back down easily.
If you leave even one tiny plant behind,
the violets will just overgrow the garden again.
That's reasoning fit for a candidate for the next Acting Director.
Are you ready to show your true colors?
The Mock Men in the fortress had no clue how to fight.
Vend Ruga is their only defense.
However, I don't think them capable of building such a thing.
You're the one who created that weapon, right?
You're pretending to be incompetent, planning an eventual attack on the Armed Librarians.
I'm impressed!
I wasn't worried, having deceived Fhotona completely.
Call it women's intuition.
Vend Ruga was, at one time, human.
I gathered many men of physical strength and erased their memories.
A device was planted into their brains, to make them move via magic.
Golems created from human parts...
They all share a single mind.
Give an order to one of them, and they all receive it.
Your distance from them is irrelevant.
It was meant to be our main weapon in the war against the Armed Librarians.
However, you just destroyed the final two units!
They did put up a good fight...
But no more than something to kill some free time with.
Indeed. In that state, Vend Ruga stood no chance against you.
It took us ten years to develop them.
Oh?
We don't have to give up on rebelling against you altogether.
It'll just be another ten years.
I'll wait.
I'll wait ten years.
In return, you have to let me have my fun, okay?
"Vend Ruga is alive"?
Yes. They say a lead golem is fighting the Church,
in the area of the Kra District civil war.
Hmm...
The Violet Sinner's memories were left in Vend Ruga.
Those thoughts are being propagated among them.
As long as one unit remains, the Violet Sinner will never have a true death.
This ends it for real, huh?
"Vend Ruga is alive."
"He is living inside Olivia Litlet."
I killed them in the fortress.
I killed them in the area of the civil war.
I thought I had eradicated their mind, once and for all.
Over and over again, I killed them.
Ah! Damned cockroach!
What's with this piece of junk?
Since I stole it from Bantorra,
I thought taking a new plane would be too much imposition.
Are you stupid?
Aren't you trying to fight the Armed Librarians?
I'm fighting Hamyuts! Not the Armed Librarians!
Do you copy, Volken Macmani?
Mirepoc...
There's no time to waste. I'll make this quick.
O-Okay.
First off, the Acting Director's plane had some engine trouble.
She won't catch up to you for some time.
Also...
We held an unofficial meeting during the Acting Director's absence.
Most of the Armed Librarians took your side.
Really?
Yes. I will give you the details when necessary.
I see. Thank you for telling me this, Mirepoc.
I'm just letting you know their decision!
That is all.
Guys...
What happened?
The Armed Librarians are supporting us.
We're not alone!
Huh?
I did things that could be seen as crimes,
but they saw through to my true intentions,
and they stand by my side.
Are you serious?
Huh?
It's painfully obvious how naïve you are.
Should you really be so quick to trust others?
It's something that someone as nefarious as you couldn't understand.
Oh, right.
Huh? Where are we?
The Kra District.
The war's over?
Yes. The independence army won.
They then ceased fire.
Volken, land here.
I was here once!
Here with Vend Ruga!
It seems he believed me.
I see.
Funeral bells...
They're ringing for Vizac.
I heard it from Dulltom.
He said he was sliced up with a very sharp blade.
Also, it was...
Volken's Flying Blades.
I don't believe him...
How could he kill his master?
Are we sure he killed him?
I just heard Volken Macmani's thoughts a few minutes ago.
He didn't sound like he had just killed his master at all.
Then who the hell killed Vizac?!
If we wait until Vizac becomes a book...
It's true. Volken hadn't changed at all.
Honest and pure to a fault...
But sometimes, being too pure and strong of will can lead one down the wrong path.
I'm back, Vend Ruga.
Look. He's been waiting for a long time.
Oh, yeah. Do you know about the lead golem?
Yeah, looks like Ranvar got taken before, too.
Man, messed him up good...
This'll satisfy my hunger a little bit-
Actually, it won't.
Give it to me!
Let me go!
One child captured!
That's right... Vend Ruga saved me here.
But, afterwards...
Olivia!
Though it's unlikely she'll catch up to us,
the Acting Director is dangerous!
We don't have time to-
Shut your mouth!
I'm on the verge of getting my memory back, so leave me alone!
You've got fifteen minutes.
A Meat acting all high and mighty...
That damned sorcerer's just being charmed by the Meat.
The Church believes Charlot's teleportation to be important.
We're really in no position to argue.
I love you, Master Charlot.
Olivia...
Hmm?
What are you using Ylucklucu and the Meats for?
I don't like it when you ask me such things.
Olivia...
Please don't say you don't like me, even if you're just kidding.
You're everything to me.
Your delicate shoulders,
your soft skin...
Another one dead?
If you continue Magical Deliberation,
it'll only lead to more of our comrades dying!
Who cares?
We're trying to get back-
He died for you!
Doesn't that sadden you?!
For a Meat, you sure talk a lot.
Why should I feel sad? I'm a Meat, too.
I don't feel anything.
Why must you lie?
It's the truth!
Olivia!
It's the truth.
I'm one crazy woman...
Sacrificing those who adore me for my own selfish desires.
What on earth was I trying to recover that would drive me to do such things?
Olivia.
Renas? Is that you, Renas Fluru?
You're still there?
You still haven't realized the most important thing.
That's why you can't remember what you were after.
Shut your lousy mouth!
I'll erase you in a heartbeat!
Remember, Olivia.
Deep down inside, you're not so heartless.
Remember.
Volken Macmani, do you copy?
Mirepoc!
What is it? Is the Acting Director up to something?
No... I just wanted to check on you.
You were worried about me?
Th-That's not why.
You read Lascall's picture book, didn't you?
What? You're the one who left me that book?
Why would you do that?
I went after Lascall because of that book!
Went after Lascall?
What's wrong?
All I ever did was cause you trouble.
I can't believe you'd go after Lascall because of me...
And drink from Argax because of me.
Volken Macmani?
Mirepoc.
Huh?
I'm sorry for everything.
Mirepoc.
What?
Volken...
Run!
Huh?
Run, Volken!
Don't stay there!
The Acting Director's-
What's going on?
Mirepoc!
What is it, Mirepoc?!
What is Hamyuts going to do?
Olivia!
Hamyuts Meseta, she's...
Before Vend Ruga, my main dish...
Volken, Olivia, since you two are together...
Come out, come out, wherever you are.
A young man has lost everything,
and he has now become free.
But he's gained a witch of reminiscence.
He's embraced everything he ever wanted.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 19 [DA8BB282]

Why?
Hamyuts's plane supposedly had engine trouble.
They set you up.
That's impossible! Mirepoc wouldn't lie to me-
It's no use. She's going to catch up to us.
Let me take the controls!
Olivia-
Once you've given up on life and the fight, you don't stand a chance against her!
Olivia.
What?
So you secretly talked to him via telepathy.
Did your lost memories return?
No.
In any case, Volken's finished.
Huh?
You cannot have the Acting Director note
that you've twice broken the Armed Librarians' code and expect to survive.
I'm fine with you taking the initiative,
but I'd rather you didn't do anything rash.
What is it, Volken?
A Meat?
Governor of Paradise, sir...
Dulltom eliminated Vizac.
It appears the Armed Librarians believe it to have been Volken Macmani's doing.
I stationed the remaining human bombs at Darai Mine.
Is that okay, sir?
Those weapons only work in surprise attacks.
Once they know the trick, they become useless in the game against the Armed Librarians.
This is the end for Olivia.
We've used up all our human bombs, too.
That's all there is to it.
Why?
Take a look, Volken. This is war.
Victory is nothing but a pipe dream.
Everywhere you look, you'll find the enemy.
This is what I remember war to be.
There is such a thing as destiny.
Eh?
The items I must hand over to you are hidden in the mountain hut ahead.
Ylucklucu and the Meat's book?
If you use this and focus,
you'll be able to create illusions, just like me.
Allow me to apologize for calling you nefarious.
You're saying you were mistaken?
No, I'm not saying that.
Hey.
But you've got pride.
Pride as Olivia Litlet...
I tried to abandon my pride as an Armed Librarian.
I, too, will fight.
Just like you...
I will see this fight through to the end!
Of all the people I've met, you're the most childish.
But you're also the most useful.
Good luck in battle!
What's this? I thought you had run away.
Hamyuts Meseta.
Here and now, I'm putting an end
to my fight as an Armed Librarian!
It's begun?
Damn.
Damn it!
Olivia.
You again?
You're not as alone as you believe.
Don't you agree?
Shut up! I know!
No. I knew...
Can we stop pretending that this is more than what it is, Charlot?
Huh?
I'll use you.
You'll use my body.
Let's just leave it at that.
Do you not know how I feel about you?
I'm a Meat, you see.
I'm not a human like you.
In that case...
If I become a Meat, will you understand how I feel?
Huh? What are you talking about?
What are you guys doing here?
You two, come with me!
Well? Hurts, doesn't it?
Who are you feeling all this pain for?
Olivia...
Olivia Litlet-
Done already?
We have a new purpose for you.
We will erase your memories again and send you to the laboratory.
Before that happens, enjoy this spectacle.
A pathetic man who turned himself into a Meat, just to impress you.
Go on, Olivia.
Sleep with this Meat, as you've done so many times before.
I remember now.
They trusted me.
For that reason, they...
I am rotten to the core!
I cast my comrades to the wolves and escaped alone.
But...
Despite all that...
I will survive!
I will survive and reclaim what I need to reclaim!
I missed.
How about here?
More?
How long will you keep this up?!
Ah, damn it!
This is getting old!
Found him!
You've got a lot to learn.
When you aim at someone, aim for the head.
But...
I can see how you managed to kill Vizac.
What are you talking about?
Why do you think I killed him?!
I'm trying to ask you a question, 'kay?
Lascall handed you something, right?
Yes. The book of a pitiable man known as a Meat.
And it was all written there...
All the atrocities you've committed!
All of them?
Yes. You're the one who sank the Silver Smoke in Aro Bay.
You had no reason to kill those men!
True. What else you got?
And you kept functioning as the Acting Director!
You're supposed to lead the Armed Librarians,
the defenders of justice!
You're incredibly confused.
That's why you decided to oppose me?
Huh?
I honestly thought you had uncovered something worse.
That's funny.
I'll let you in on a juicy piece of info, then.
The Church of Drowning in God's Grace was created
by the Armed Librarians.
We make it look like we're at war,
but in actuality, we coexist.
You're lying.
The leader of the Church, the Governor of Paradise,
is chosen from among the Armed Librarians' ranks.
You're lying! You're lying! You're lying!
Who'd believe that nonsense?!
It's a secret entrusted to the Acting Directors.
Of course, that includes your beloved Fhotona.
Fhoto... No way.
That's enough pointless chatter.
Incidentally,
that's also enough of your pointless life.
It can't be...
Vizac is dead?
And Fhotona...
And the Armed Librarians' sense of justice...
I'm going to die.
The Armed Librarians... Justice...
I've lost everything I believed in.
I lost it all.
I feel so light...
My body feels so light.
There is nothing...
left for...
me.
So, his battle is over.
Long time no see, Lascall.
You're much cuter than the last time we met.
Thank you very much.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
I can't let anyone have this.
Your innocence is recorded in this book.
I wish I could send it to Mirepoc for you,
Volken.
But alas,
I am not Lascall Othello.
I can no longer sense Volken Macmani's thoughts.
Are you sad?
I don't know!
Where are you going?
I'm going to ring the bells,
the funeral bells that honor Armed Librarians who've fallen in the course of duty.
I'm afraid you can't do that.
Why not?!
I cannot allow you to ring the bells for a traitor.
I used them.
They trusted me, and now they're all dead.
Are you there, Renas?
Yes, I'm with you.
You don't have to fight alone anymore.
Yeah, that's true.
Your desire to remember Vend Ruga comes from something important given to you.
Remember them... Your true feelings.
My true feelings...
I've long since given up on being human.
Olivia?
But even in the depths of despair,
she never gave up the fight.
She never gave up
on being human.
Olivia,
I wanted to be like you.
No...
Even if I couldn't be like you, at the very least,
I wanted to be able to help you.
I see now...
If I fail now, the resolution I made that day...
The resolution those who believed in me made...
will have been mislaid.
The magic rights those who sacrificed their lives to put into Ylucklucu...
Remember them, Olivia!
Hamyuts!
Olivia.
The Vend Ruga inside of you... I will kill it for you.
I'm so close! I'm on the verge of remembering!
I must remember!
It was nice knowing you.
Charlot?!
A Meat...
A Meat shielded her?
Wh-Why are you here?
Why did you protect me?!
I don't know...
What?
I...don't...know...
You don't know, and yet you protected me?
Your memory will not fade away,
lead golem, Vend Ruga.
"I was born as a weapon."
Weapon?
"I had the person... The person whom I wanted to care for"?
"I care for..."
Are you talking about me?
Protect me, if you want.
And just as he said,
he protected me from the Church of Drowning in God's Grace,
which kidnapped children to turn into Meats.
And on that fateful day...
Vend?
Vend!
Vend!
You're warm...
In that brief moment, when he touched me,
his thoughts spoke to me.
"I am a weapon,"
"but I still see beauty in flowers."
"I want to care for the person I love."
"I don't want you to ever forget about me."
You idiot!
How could I ever forget you?!
That was Vend Ruga's only wish.
He loved and cared for someone, and didn't want them to forget him.
Master Charlot, I'm incapable of loving anyone.
I'm aware, Olivia.
But it's not your fault.
Hmm?
It's because you lost the memories of being loved.
The person who loved me?
Yes.
Love must be learned.
We learn to love others by being loved ourselves.
We're trying to get back-
To get back...
I see. That explains it.
Dance, spinning fairy Ylucklucu!
Reclaim the memories of love for all the Meats the Church holds prisoner!
That's right, Olivia.
You let them die, you deceived them,
and yet you waited, steadfast.
Waited for love to fill your heart...
The Meats regained their memories?!
Charlot!
Charlot!
Charlot...
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
I loved you.
I loved all of you!
Just incredible, Olivia...
Volken, the two of you are such...
Such fools.
Huh?
Mirepoc, I cannot trust him.
I believe it was his Dancing Blades that killed Vizac.
However, we are Armed Librarians, entrusted to protect memories.
Huh?
I remember him as a dumb, stubborn punk.
But I was able to respect him as an Armed Librarian.
We will ring the bells for the Volken we remember.
Everyone...
Hamy, I did stop them...
Momentarily.
Bells?
The woman named Noloty Malche.
She enters people's hearts with wanton disregard.
Indelible footprints.
Incurable claw marks.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 20 [BBB8A67E]

You've improved.
But in your current state, even in a hundred years, you won't become an Armed Librarian.
You'll remain an apprentice.
Let me ask you this...
Suppose an enemy, who will never accept defeat, aims for your life.
Do you refuse to kill them?
I will not kill them.
I will knock them out and capture them alive.
And if, after letting them survive, they attack again?
I will fight them again.
You're merciless, Enlike.
I will fight and win again.
Why are you so opposed to killing?
Hmm, it's tough to put into words...
I doubt anyone would understand my reasons.
See... The truth is, this world belongs to me.
From where to where?
All countries and all people.
All the oceans, mountains, and towns.
And you, too, Enlike.
Yes. It's my world.
Including the fact that you're alive alongside me.
Enlike, I request another fight!
Noloty...
Noloty...
I don't want to lose anyone ever again.
Update me on Yukizona's unit.
They approach the designated point in the water.
I see.
Say, Matt, we've been really going on the offensive lately, huh?
Pretty much.
The reason being...
the mysterious phenomenon that occurred...
shortly after I killed Volken.
The Church's Meats suddenly regained their memories and revolted.
The Meats flooded the shores
of God of the Past Island.
Yes. We had almost driven the Church to the brink of annihilation.
But what's this, then?
Breaking news. Breaking news.
Early this morning, the Ismo Republic cut off diplomatic relations and issued a declaration of war
against Bantorra Library.
Did you see that, Yukizona?
The Ismo flag is waving in the air.
They have a formation of three gunships,
seven cruisers,
and fifteen destroyers.
Yukizona reporting.
The enemy fleet approaches from the northeast, less than one hundred kilometers out.
I repeat,
the Ismo Republic has declared war on Bantorra.
As unbelievable as it sounds, this information is accurate.
It's true.
Ismo Republic is attacking us for real.
They've opened fire. What should we do?
Strike back.
No matter the circumstances,
we cannot let the flames of war reach this library.
Strike back.
Understood.
We might as well assume the Church is involved, huh?
Yes. Otherwise, they'd never issue a sudden declaration of war.
Over the course of many years, we've forged strong ties with them.
The Church may have snuck a member into the Diet, or the president himself could be...
It doesn't matter.
Ismo is the largest country in the world.
We're their equals or better in terms of firepower.
but an early strike is our best option.
What is it?
I dunno, something doesn't seem right.
Ismo Republic is a democracy.
Even if they were able to do something with the president,
he wouldn't have the authority to use the military in this manner.
Something tells me the Church is controlling Ismo by some other means,
a method we would never even imagine...
Bantorra Acting Director, Hamyuts, has finally issued a statement.
"The Ismo Republic is our most trusted ally."
"However, evil powers have caused them to act regrettably."
"One day, Ismo Republic will be our ally again."
You haven't read the next chapter.
Is that you?
I wasn't sure to whom to deliver that book.
But you are the best fit for it, after all.
I don't care what you do to me anymore.
I can't even bring myself to hate the Church.
I see.
But even if you have an empty existence,
I think you stand a chance of inheriting the tale.
Lady Noloty kept one last wish that never came true.
You, too, have the ability to grant it for her.
A mission for you alone?
Yes.
To stop biological terrorism.
Seems the Church is plotting to spread the germs of...
"Cerulean Death."
It is a highly communicable infectious disease.
Those infected are consumed by a vast despair,
and their vision is stained a deep shade of blue.
Because those infected cry, "It's blue, blue," as they die,
they named it Cerulean Death.
Where must you go?
Toatt Mine.
It's where Luimon died.
According to the intel, the driving force behind this plot is Arkit Chloma.
We know nothing beyond the name.
I will go with you.
No. I'm fine, really.
I can do this alone.
But...
Please trust in me.
A child?
That's dangerous.
It's okay now.
Where did you come from?
Nicely done.
Huh?
I infected you! Serves you right!
That's what you get, Armed Librarian!
Suffer for your sins!
That's right. A normal child wouldn't be in this place, huh?
Before I die, boy, will you tell me your name?
I ain't no boy. I'm Arkit!
Remember it. I'm the one who served you your just desserts...
Arkit Chloma.
Oh, so you're the one behind the plot.
Ugh! That was nasty!
It's true there is no antidote for Cerulean Death,
but did you know they made a vaccine?
Biological attacks are frightening,
so we decided to guard against it.
And normal diseases don't affect Armed Librarians.
Die, Armed Librarian!
Die!
Die!
Die!
You...
Kill me.
You don't get to decide that!
Like how you decided the townspeople deserve to be killed...
Don't decide to die on your own. It makes me pretty angry!
Shut up. Don't smile and pretend to be nice.
The Armed Librarians should die.
Every last one of them!
Armed Librarian! Armed Librarian! Armed Librarian! Armed Librarian!
This is how her body looked when we found it.
There was one stab wound in the back.
We also believe her body was dumped there.
Who is this man?
He is my superior.
As you may expect, he vanished around the same time Noloty did.
Neither of their books have been unearthed yet.
I see.
Say, how can I get you to not commit suicide?
Die.
Do that, and I'll cheer up. Then I won't commit suicide.
So die.
Those are some mean-sounding words.
Truthfully, I want to slaughter every last Armed Librarian,
but that's impossible.
So at the very least, you should die.
I don't want to die, either.
Then build up the courage to kill me.
I said no.
Then let me kill myself!
Why are you letting me live?!
There's no reason.
I just don't want to let you die.
What's your problem? I don't get you!
Fine. I'll do what I can for you,
so listen to what I have to say, okay?
Seriously?
Then become my minion.
I'll listen to you if you're my minion.
Hmm... Okay!
What other choice do I have? I'm all out of ideas.
Wait. If I sit and think about this, it's kind of bad,
kind of strange...
But this is the only option.
You're really dumb, huh?
This happened to me once before.
I bet Enlike would be mad at me.
Oh, well. I'm sure he'll forgive me.
I am Noloty Malche.
I'll be your minion starting today.
Treat me kindly.
Noloty...
So, what now?
We kill the Armed Librarians.
You've got nothing else?
Nope. That's it.
Every day, we'll work on our plan and undergo Magical Deliberation.
That's it.
Huh? Magical Deliberation?
You aren't old enough to do that yet. It's dangerous.
If you undergo it when your mind hasn't fully developed, you can go mad and die!
Yes. And my sole wish is to take at least one Armed Librarian with me.
That's crazy. Why are you so obsessed?
That's strange...
The sniper was aiming at you.
Don't be stupid.
The man in the mine was, too.
Say, Arkit, could the Church be out to kill you?
I'm sure one of my comrades acted in order to save me.
I know. If we go to see Kachua...
Kachua?
Our leader. An amazing person.
Kachua's the one who prepared the microbes and gave me minions.
Kachua, the Governor of Paradise...
This is beyond the level of someone merely directing from the shadows.
It's almost as if the entire Ismo Republic has joined the Church.
Could the secret have been leaked?
Could the Governor of Paradise have spilled the beans about Heaven?
That's absurd.
The Church of Drowning in God's Grace must also protect the secret.
Then what about this?
The Armed Librarians are secretly working alongside the Church.
Is that women's intuition?
You worry too much, Hamy.
Someone in the Church saw an opportunity and took it.
That's all it is.
You need to focus on a response.
I hope you're right...
Though I wonder why I feel so impatient.
Kyasariro. Situation report.
We're fighting.
But listen, Mirepoc, should we really be doing this?
Since we don't know the reason for the rebellion,
what happens if we keep shooting and they keep attacking?
It will be fine. We'll make it through this difficult situation.
Mirepoc Finedel, I presume?
Who is it?
Die, Armed Librarians.
We, the mighty Guinbecs military,
have declared war on the Armed Librarians.
Hamyuts, this is an emergency!
The unimaginable has happened!
Ismo, with many other countries, has just waged war on Bantorra Library!
Forming this alliance is the Ismo Republic, the...
Mirepoc, issue a communiqué to everyone not on God of the Past Island.
"Stop what you're doing immediately, and return to base."
Got it?
"Stop immediately. Return immediately."
Everyone?
Of course.
Think about it.
The entire world has declared Bantorra Library its enemy.
Still,
what methods has he employed?
That silly Governor of Paradise.
What a terrifying plan.
Don't get in our way!
We're going to Heaven!
Damn it!
What has the world become?
How does this make you feel?
I have to say, I'm overjoyed.
Thinking back, it's odd.
Hamyuts, Mattalast, Ireia, Yukizona...
They have a veritable galaxy of powerful men and women,
and yet, not one of them chased after me.
They've been in the palm of my hand right from the start.
Only one person,
Noloty Malche,
caught me by surprise.
Very true.
It's bizarre.
That girl whose only strength is kindness was the only one to pursue me.
So, it's up that way?
Yes. Kachua's base is on the mountain ahead, to the north.
I'm certain that Kachua will kill you for me.
And once you die, I'll be free.
Then, I won't commit suicide.
It's the best way to go about it, don't you agree?
Nice. Well done.
But I'm sorry to say, I won't be dying, no matter what.
I won't, no matter what.
Screw you! I'll kill you!
One last wish that never come true, huh?
Now, allow me to bring
destruction upon the almighty Bantorra Library.
Like the logic of rotten boys,
some things should be fed to the dogs.
For if you don't, the world will be eaten instead.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 21 (v2) [B98DE3CF]

Kill the Armed Librarians!
Kill the Armed Librarians!
Sorry. But you're two seconds late!
Damn. Closing time, huh?
Gentlemen, the last drink is on me.
Enjoy every last drop!
So he's this ship's commanding officer?
So it would seem...
Answer me. Why must the Armed Librarians die?
Because Noloty died!
Another one?
Noloty died, and now so will you!
All Armed Librarians should rot in hell!
Then let me change the question.
Did you and Noloty Malche know one another?
Who is Noloty?
Where and when did you meet?
Answer me.
Now!
I-I...
Wh-What's going on?
They all give the same answer!
Yes... So what connection do they have to Noloty?
It's been one day since war broke out.
Bantorra Library and the Allied Forces advance ever deeper into brutal tactical combat.
Sucks to be you!
Go get 'em, Shlamuffen!
Looks like he bought us some more time.
And giving Shlamuffen to Rithly...
The perfect weapon for such an evil-minded person.
Are you okay?!
Damn you...
Damn it! How long will this go on?
The enemy is everywhere.
Everyone pulled together somehow
and managed to stop the fleet about fifty kilometers from shore.
At this rate, it's only a matter of time before they make land.
Hamyuts, we must embark, too.
This is no time to hold back our offensive powers.
Okay.
We'll start our strike with the western Guinbecs's fleet and advance from there.
Hold on a second. Then who will...
Mirepoc, I am designating you Supreme Commander until my return.
What?
You can handle it.
I'll take care of everything, so just act as you see fit.
I will leave this with you, as well.
But that's...
Just to be safe. Good luck.
What? The enemy soldiers all say Noloty's name?
Any idea what that means, old lady?
She would never betray us!
Her sense of righteousness was stronger than anyone's.
It really was...
Though she drove me crazy at times...
In my ten years here, she was the only one who disobeyed my orders.
It's impossible for you.
Even if you manage to become an Armed Librarian, you will die.
I will not die! I will become strong!
I see. In that case, I must determine something myself.
I truly care about you.
I cannot bear to see you killed at the hands of someone uninteresting!
Seriously? That's all you've got?
Go ahead and die.
You still don't have it in you.
Even at the very edge of death,
your fists lacked the resolve to kill me.
It's not a matter of stubbornness, either.
Tell me, what do I do with a girl like you?
Tell me, Noloty.
Yes, to be frank, she had not a speck of aptitude within her.
I tried so many times to make her quit.
But she was a truly mysterious girl.
I was sure it would be impossible for her,
but then one day, it suddenly seemed possible.
I've been an Armed Librarian longer than anyone,
and yet I had never met someone like her.
So it would be fair to say, if she had lived,
she might have surpassed us someday?
Yes.
The very thought frightens me,
but the sky might have been the limit for her.
Hey. I need to ask you this.
Am I smiling right now?
What?
Not at all.
What's going on with me, then? I'm such a weirdo.
I know I'd normally find this fun.
Heck, it should be the most fun thing in the world.
Hamyuts, may I ask you one question, then?
Hmm?
This has always confused me.
Why do you always rush toward death?
Why did you become an Armed Librarian?
What was your goal?
By whom and where were you raised? And-
That's more than one question.
Entering the battle zone.
Please ready yourselves for battle.
Alrighty then.
Maybe I'll answer your questions,
if we both survive.
They keep coming!
Sent to battle just as we got home...
The Acting Director is such a slave-driver!
Seriously.
Look at that blue sky and those white clouds.
It's a perfect day to die.
Don't try to sound all cool.
Ireia!
I am disgusted.
I didn't raise you boys to quit so easily!
Impatient little boys...
must be punished!
Sheesh.
Guess that means it's time for our second wind.
Yeah!
Ah... What a mess.
Noloty's dead!
Kill the Armed Librarians!
Kill the Armed Librarians!
This is so bizarre.
I've been waiting for this day to come, and yet I feel nothing.
Still...
I guess I'll let you humor me.
Try and kill me with everything you've got.
Noloty came from the mountains in the southern hinterlands.
She said it was a tiny village, with no occupations besides tilling the land.
Brace yourself. I'm going to tell you something wild.
She was a princess in her village!
Huh?
It really was a tiny village, though.
What was your last wish, which was never fulfilled?
What're you doing-
You're so light.
Put me down! Don't treat me like a kid!
Noloty, are you out wasting time somewhere?
Ah, Mirepoc!
According to the report, you solved that bio-terror plot already, didn't you?
A-Ah, yes.
Uh, um... Something caught my eye, so...
I'm looking into it right now, alone.
All right. But call for backup if you get into any danger.
Understood?
R-Roger!
You were talking about killing me, weren't you?
Huh? Not at all.
You lie! That's all you Armed Librarians think about.
Yours looks better than mine.
Then eat mine, too.
It's cold, and the air is dry.
If you don't get enough fluids, your body will weaken.
Kachua might kill me, too.
He'll be angry that I'm traveling with you.
Then I'll defeat Kachua for you.
But you'll be killed by one of your fellow Armed Librarians
for being my minion.
Huh?
I-I think I'll be okay.
Though I really don't wanna get demoted...
I still have loans to pay off.
I like this!
Rot in hell, Armed Librarian.
Nothing better than watching an idiot die like an idiot.
All right!
We're almost there.
Um, I'd rather you didn't do that.
What's your deal?!
Why don't you get angry? Are you missing a few screws up here?
Why is someone like you an Armed Librarian?
Huh?
Does someone like you actually do those things?
Killing people for no reason and buying lives with money...
Those things?
Arkit, you're out for revenge, right?
Yes. For no reason at all, the Armed Librarians killed those dearest to me.
Who and when?
Who did the killing?
Who did they kill?
I won't understand if you don't explain!
When did I say I wanted you to understand?
It's true that fighting is in an Armed Librarian's job description.
And sometimes that involves killing.
But that is only when there is no other option!
You're lying!
How... How can even you say such things?
I thought you'd understand!
Who's there?
I am the Governor of Paradise, the leader of the Church of Drowning in God's Grace.
My name is Kachua Beenhas.
Hold on a moment, Noloty Malche.
I have come to talk with you.
I cannot trust you!
I see. In that case, let me do this.
My power allows me to manipulate others' perceptions.
With this, I will appear to be merely a defenseless, old man.
What do you want to tell me?
I am revealing myself to you, after consistently running away.
What else could it be about?
The Church wishes to surrender to the Armed Librarians.
I came to tell you that.
Huh?
Why?
You wish to know why, do you?
You people are the ones who have driven us to the brink of annihilation.
If you know that, then why not surrender earlier?
A war isn't something easily called off.
The people beneath me will not understand why we're surrendering.
However, a decision has finally been reached.
Will you not trust me, Noloty?
Very well. I'll accept your surrender.
Return to Bantorra Library with me and reveal all the Church's secrets.
Absolutely. However, I do have a request for you.
Regarding us bringing the war to an end...
I would like you to rectify a mistake that we made.
What are you talking about?
I want you to kill Arkit Chloma.
Why is this happening to us?
It'll be all right. The Armed Librarians will protect us.
Have no fear, Yukizona!
I'll do it.
I will continue to fight.
You can count on me!
I said I would do it.
Get down, Yuri!
Okay!
Are you okay?
Their numbers are not easily overcome.
Minth! Minth!
Tsamuro, Hony, take the northwest Ronar fleet.
Do not let them advance beyond thirty kilometers east.
Kyzal, Balan, Tena, Clad, I want you four to-
Hello, Acting Director here.
I hate to butt in, but I'm a little worried.
Is it Ireia?
And this makes twenty ships!
I really wish we could stay young forever.
Care to let me take over, old lady?
I can't! If I step out now, Bantorra will...
Just incredible, old lady.
I have the utmost respect for you.
I can't leave the battle now...
Ireia, don't do too much.
Your role now is to rest.
All right...
We're completely outnumbered.
Maybe we shouldn't have split up our forces.
Issue the retreat, Mirepoc.
Recall the troops.
Minth! Where have you been all this time?
I'm sorry. I was being chased by some Mock Men from the Church.
I was in no position to use telepathy.
But I figured out what's going on in this battle.
Huh?
The soul of every soldier attacking the island is filled with unfathomable hatred.
But that's not all.
All of their souls are the same color.
Their dominant trait is rage.
Their thoughts are of enmity.
And they wish for the Armed Librarians' annihilation.
And their souls are blue.
Blue?
Don't tell me you've forgotten. It just happened!
Yes! The Cerulean Death!
The infectious disease that directly manipulates one's soul.
The Church is using it to manipulate everyone and instill in them feelings of hatred!
My, what a beautiful sunset.
Oh... Fear not, everyone.
We will not lose.
Head back. It's your role to remain in a safe place.
Blue...
Huh?
Kill the Armed Librarians!
Kill them! The Armed Librarians!
Old lady?
Wh-What the heck just happened?
Ireia... How could they get you too?
Come in, Mirepoc.
Send reinforcements! We won't last like this.
The townspeople have rushed the main gate!
Are you sure we should be doing this?!
The whole island is blue.
This is a message for all Armed Librarians!
Everyone is to leave the front lines.
Leave your battle posts and retreat to Bantorra Library at once!
What did she say?
No way!
I repeat, everyone is to evacuate the front lines.
All Armed Librarians are to return!
Is she serious?
Hurry!
Establishing a mist barrier!
Leave the front lines and return to fortify the castle!
This order carries the same weight as one from the Acting Director!
Obey it at once!
Kill the Armed Librarians!
Kill the Armed Librarians!
Within Arkit lies the power to instill his hatred into others' souls.
If unleashed, his hatred will spread across the world like an infectious disease.
I've thought about it, and this power may be able to defeat the Armed Librarians.
However, this is not a power to be used in war.
It may lead to the entire world's destruction, not just the Armed Librarians'.
What is it, Noloty?
What are you doing? It's the middle of the night.
Your only option is to kill him,
to save the Armed Librarians and the world.
Stop! Don't listen to him, Noloty!
It's a trap!
Was this our only choice?
You made the right call.
This'll finally bring an end to this mess.
We've received no word from the Armed Librarians.
How many forces remain on Bantorra?
How many Armed Librarians have been ripped to shreds?
Excuse me.
I meant died, no...
Die, Armed Librarians!
Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!
Yes! Yes, we did it!
The Armed Librarians will be destroyed!
Oh, are you awake now,
Arkit?
The tears shed at the worst possible ending
will cleanse all the world's sins.
In a world where hatred is no more,
the footprints will soon fade.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 22 [37E67D10]

We lost our fields, our home, and all respect from the villagers.
Do you feel sorry for yourself?
I don't know.
Don't.
Even if everything is stripped from you,
don't ever feel sorry for yourself.
You can go anywhere and do anything.
I want to see you succeed.
Okay. I understand.
Yeah?
In that case, the world is yours.
The world...
The world is mine.
So I won't kill you.
Even if you're the one who will destroy the world,
I will protect you.
I will protect both you and the world.
You think you can do that?
I know I can!
I won't give up until I can.
Things have gotten out of hand.
What the heck is going on?
A disease of contagious hatred...
A disease?
Hatred toward the Armed Librarians was spliced into Cerulean Death.
But that's... How?
If only we knew...
I am speaking to all Armed Librarians who can hear my voice.
The Acting Director has ordered everyone to gather.
Come to the main lobby at once.
Staying behind the scenes, while he tries to kick the crap out of his master...
I won't make death pleasant for Kachua, that's for damn sure.
It looks like we'll die before it reaches that point.
The barrier will only last three days.
Once it's gone, tens of thousands of soldiers will storm the Library.
So, you're all that remain...
I suppose this is how the king felt when he was killed during the revolution, huh?
From what Minth's been able to ascertain,
the reason for the countries' attacks is related to Cerulean Death.
At this point, the reason is irrelevant.
Acting Director...
We must go forward.
We're left with two choices.
Either we fight our way out,
or we try to protect this place and die like dogs.
Am I wrong?
I will cut down their front-line troops.
I'll rush in and slice our way through the enemy.
Just follow along behind me.
The world belongs to you?
You really think that?
I do.
Then you can do whatever you want,
including killing someone or letting them live.
I mean, it all belongs to you.
Arkit...
Just like an Armed Librarian to think they can do whatever they want...
No! That's not true!
Then return the people who died to me!
Give Berta back to me! And Montgomery and Joseph and Billy!
There's a music corps in the army.
They've got nothing to do with war.
They don't even carry weapons.
I had a fever that day, so I had to stay home.
That's why I was the only survivor.
Everyone else was killed.
He and the others even had the gall to try and buy us off.
They tried to make up for the loss of life with money!
But the worst part of it all
was people saying that Armed Librarians protected the peace!
They call the people who killed my friends defenders of justice!
Do you expect me just to let that go, Noloty?!
Do something!
Doesn't the world belong to you? You can do whatever you want, right?!
Bring them all back!
You can do that, can't you? That's what you said, right?!
I'm sorry.
Let go...
Get your dirty hands off of me!
I'm sorry. This is all I can do right now.
All I can do...
Noloty.
That's my magic right.
I can infect anyone who touches me.
I cannot kill, though.
Arkit-
Shut your mouth!
You can't do a thing.
For Berta and Montgomery and Joseph and Billy!
My hatred will never go away!
My rage will never go away!
You get it, Noloty? Nothing you can say will change my mind.
Nothing you can do will make me forgive you!
Well done. Just like we planned.
Your work here is done. Let's go.
Thanks for talking with me.
Don't try and talk.
Everything's fine. I'll treat you right away.
He's beyond saving.
Keep moving.
What're you doing? That sword parries any attack!
You need to go guard the Acting Director!
I know, but I kind of ran off, and...
So what's happening with the Acting Director?
She's making some good progress.
Don't lag behind.
Is your appetite still whet, Hamy?
There's nothing to be concerned about.
She's an Armed Librarian. Nothing will change that.
I wish she hated me.
If she hated me and came to kill me, I'd have no qualms murdering her.
I wouldn't think twice about pretending to like her and tricking her.
But that's not how she is.
She said dumb things like how she wants to save me,
and she came and hugged me with that stupid look on her face.
And yet you infected her.
Your hatred didn't go away.
That's all it is.
You are a wise man, Master Kachua.
Using poor little Noloty to generate pure hatred...
Merely killing Vizac isn't enough to guarantee passage to Heaven.
Performing one more task just might edge me even closer to Heaven.
Are you still breathing, Noloty?
Dulltom...
Cerulean Death is spread by the black melancholy lizard.
Precisely.
And if one were to implant Arkit's hatred of Armed Librarians into a black melancholy lizard,
and thus into the Cerulean Death germs, which were then spread to humans?
It'd make for some fun, that's what.
Watching the humans being pillaged by said hatred, that is.
Why have you come here?
You aren't going to spout some nonsense about saving the world, are you?
I've merely come to deliver a book.
Sorry. But you're too late.
The Armed Librarians will be destroyed, and the world will be born anew.
I couldn't care less.
I've only come to make good on a promise!
To have Noloty, the only person to open Arkit's heart,
be killed by an Armed Librarian...
I got goosebumps when I thought it up,
to think how deep that hatred runs.
Snow Crystal Barrier.
Noloty Malche... I tip my hat to her.
Without her, Arkit's heart could never have been opened.
And I could never have created such deep-seated hatred.
Everything in this world is my pawn...
You, Noloty, Dulltom, and all the Armed Librarians!
Noloty...
No way...
I brought her back. You should thank me.
Why?
I don't want you to die.
I don't want you to kill anyone.
I tried to kill you!
But you didn't.
Why won't you get angry?!
Hate me! Hate me, damn it! Try and kill me!
I could never do that.
I lied to you!
I trampled you and kicked you!
Hate me, damn it!
I told you. The world belongs to me.
It's all mine.
Why are you an Armed Librarian?
Why?
Why is someone like you an Armed Librarian?!
That's right. She is not fit to be an Armed Librarian.
This traitor...
Hamy!
Matt?
Head back! You can't go any farther!
Head back and do what?
Sorry.
Hamy! From the very start, you...
I must die.
I need to be slashed to shreds
and burned beyond the point of recognition. I will have it no other way.
Then I will become a book.
I will become a book!
Bravo.
Bravo.
Why go so far?
She's long gone, you know.
Shut up.
Don't be so afraid to die.
There is no place for you in the new world I'm creating.
I told you to shut up!
You have a duty to read this book.
Come forward! Heed Noloty's last wish!
No.
I don't want to see her again!
Not that pained look on her face,
not her face as she approached death!
Noloty...
We can't very well let one of Kachua's conspirators survive now, can we?
Damned traitor!
Noloty... Noloty!
No. No...
Why?
Why do the Armed Librarians always take them away?
All of them... All of them... All of them...
Why?
Why?!
Because we're defenders of justice, that's why!
Seems I underestimated your abilities somewhat.
Your hyper-regeneration and thunder magic...
They're more troublesome than I'd expected.
However!
If I can surpass the speed of your hyper-regeneration,
you won't even be able to move.
Noloty...
I was always in your world.
Nothing at all?!
You have nothing you wish to do before you die?!
There must be something!
At least one thing, right?!
Whenever I saw something...
Whenever I heard something...
Whenever I thought something...
Looks like you got a new lease on life.
It was all thanks to you.
Please protect the world with me.
But I'm about to lose everything.
Once this ends, I'll have nothing.
I will stand alone in your world, without you in it.
Kachua, there is one thing which you cannot see.
Are you referring to love?
Or is it a person's heart?
Or courage or the like?
The sky.
Even if I cannot move my body,
I am able to gather clouds.
I can take my time and create a powerful lightning strike.
Well played.
However, my plan's already been set in motion.
You cannot escape annihilation.
And I told you, I could care less!
I've come to deliver this to you.
What a beautiful sky...
Can you see it, Arkit?
Can you?
Just as she gazed upon the sky with loving eyes, she loved everything.
Just as she opened her heart to the sea, she accepted everything.
Just as she closed her eyes to the wind, she tried to feel everything.
Those who hate and those who dislike,
those who steal and even lumps of dirt...
The spring breeze...
Dirty cats...
Flightless birds...
She loved them all equally.
For they were all hers.
That was her land.
You and I were both dwellers in it.
Given that, do you still hate?
Do you still wish to kill?
This is the worst.
With my hatred taken from me, I have nothing.
I've lost the ability to hate.
Will you protect the world with me?
What are you talking about?
You could definitely make it as an Armed Librarian!
Let's save everyone who's in trouble or suffering...
What's so great about the whole world belonging to you?
Nothing could possibly be better!
I mean, if someone, somewhere, is happy,
I get to share in their happiness!
The world is very precious to me.
So very, very precious!
With Noloty taken from me, I have nothing.
This is the worst.
So Noloty stopped it?
The second the source of the hatred vanished,
all the hatred everywhere vanished.
It's the only logical explanation.
Also, the Acting Director knew that this was all put into motion
by the Governor of Paradise, huh?
Could it be...
So where did Enlike go?
It doesn't say anything...
I suppose this is the happy ending to the painful battles
between the Church of Drowning in God's Grace and the Armed Librarians.
And yet, I hear not a word of cheer nor see a single smile.
Is this the tale of man?
Am I to write the next chapter in this frivolous ballad?
Did Kachua say anything...
about Heaven?
A lone violet, forgotten to be plucked,
still sways there.
If you listen carefully to the wind,
you can hear it saying, "Ruruta. Ruruta."

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 23 [E4A24F2C]

The war against the Cerulean Death is over.
In exchange for considerable sacrifices,
Bantorra Library narrowly emerged the victor.
Two months after it ended, the book of a Church clergyman was unearthed.
By reading it,
a hypothesis was born, stating that Heaven, in which the Church believed,
was the dream of a certain sorcerer, whose ability was dream manipulation.
We continued searching, but found no other devotees' books.
This hypothesis was announced to the world, as the final word
on the truth about the Church.
Today's book is about a man so lucky, he'll make you green with envy.
He had five wives, each with a different eye color and skin tone.
Not interested?
You've had no appetite of late.
Oh, well. You can wait then, can't you?
Until the new Governor of Paradise creates a book that'll knock your socks off.
Sir... Sir...
Please wake up, sir.
Please wake up, Governor of Paradise.
Don't call me by that name!
Master Minth, advisor to the Margund Foundation for Humanity's Advancement,
these are the materials on the new candidates to become True Men.
Another one of those women...
This...
Didn't expect it, huh?
The first time I saw it, I felt the same way.
I'm used to being disillusioned...
Because I use the Sacred Eyes.
I knew that the Acting Director and you guys were guarding a pretty major secret,
but I didn't expect you to approach me now.
We will rebuild the Church that that idiot, Kachua, destroyed
and restore peace to the world.
And you're the only one who can lead that effort.
Minth Chezine, you are hereby appointed the next Governor of Paradise.
Do you accept, Minth?
Do you think I'm an idiot, Matt?!
I know I have no choice but to accept it!
I accept! Because I'm the only one who can do it!
You were the one to put an end to the Church's war plans, Master Minth.
Rather than surrounding yourself with greedy Mock Men,
you are gathering conscientious True Men with pure hearts and virtuous wishes...
It's commendable.
Save your compliments.
You found some real characters for me, huh?
A banker who keeps trying to climb icy mountains.
A scientist who's trying to build something called a "rocket" to go into space.
An old man who works at the Morall market?
That's not far from here.
Ah, yes...
Unlike the other True Men candidates, I have no gathered data on him.
However, he possesses a wish that is incalculably grander than that of a common man.
Out of tissues.
You put on a reluctant face,
but you're surprisingly serious about your job.
I have some shopping to do, anyway...
Hey, is he all right?
That's gross. Poke him to see if he's alive.
Pardon us.
Sir, it's him!
We were too late.
Apparently, he was transporting sand and dirt until his death.
No one knew who he was.
Working so hard in such a decrepit body...
What was your wish?
I'm impressed you homed in on him.
Lascall.
Congratulations on your promotion to Governor of Paradise.
Like it's something to celebrate!
Do what you have to do and leave.
Word is that that's a True Man's book.
May I have it?
H-Hey!
Relax.
I will be delivering this book to someone you know very well.
What did you say?
What a lovely night.
You know, I couldn't even die in the Cerulean Death war...
Maybe I should wish on a shooting star.
I've started to think you're not serious about wanting to die.
Hey, Hamy, how do you hope to die?
Well...
I could get married, like a normal person,
be happy and have my family watch me go, with tearful eyes...
Man, that'd be about the lamest way possible to die.
What's lame about it?
The one day a year when we forget our duties and party like fools...
The Armed Librarian party!
Yay!
Except no one's partying...
What do you expect?
We've lost too many brothers-in-arms this past year.
Also...
We're waiting for a wild event to begin.
Where are Yukizona and Yuri?
They're still convalescing.
Rich people have it so easy.
They don't understand what we have to go through.
This is Noloty's book. Enlike brought it.
What?
What on earth?!
That can't be...
Dulltom was connected to the Church?
Yes. "Volken killed Vizac."
Dulltom was the one who fed us that information.
Not one of us actually saw Vizac's death,
nor his book.
So then, Volken Macmani was innocent?
I don't know.
But Volken did say he was going to expose the Acting Director's wrongdoings.
It's possible he was killed to shut him up.
Renas vanished, too...
And Minth quit the Armed Librarians without even saying goodbye.
In any case, I do know one thing.
Kyasariro...
The Acting Director is hiding something from us.
And because of that...
Starting with Noloty, we've lost many comrades.
Sorry I'm late!
Acting Director.
What's this? You haven't started yet?
As this is the one day a year we Armed Librarians can forget our duties,
we are going to break one of Bantorra's rules-
that the Acting Director demands our absolute obedience.
Gamo, you...
All right. So you're saying the festivities are about to begin.
Man, this is boring!
You could have skipped the trial and gone straight to the punishment.
And why did you willingly come here?
I wouldn't have cared if you'd waited in your quarters instead.
It's a formality.
If I'm not locked up, I might run away,
just like that boy.
So cold...
This brings back memories.
I'm coming in, Hamy.
Get out of my sights!
Hurry and finish it, Hamy.
Struggle all you want. It won't do any good.
Get out of my sights, tool!
Stop that, Hamy.
You know deep down inside you love me.
You won't even let me indulge my emotions.
I brought a certain book to you.
Wow. It's not often you bring me a book.
This book...
Seems I have to go out and put her out of her misery...
The Violet Sinner.
The Acting Director's missing?!
Yes! I discovered it when I went to bring her breakfast this morning.
"I escaped, after all."
"Let's hold my trial some other time!"
The magic-powered prop-plane is missing, too!
Start searching!
Find the Acting Director!
Hamy...
We believe the magic-powered prop-plane the Acting Director took
left sometime last night, before dawn.
It was headed toward southwest Ismo.
Enlike, can you hear me?
It's Mirepoc Finedel.
I read Noloty's book.
Our resolve to mutiny against the Acting Director has been strengthened.
However, she's missing.
And here I thought my plan was derailed...
Interesting.
Enlike, losing Noloty hurt us deeply.
Noloty gave her life battling the Church, as they sought Heaven...
But Heaven was just a dream.
But that's why I want you to return, to help us find...
the Acting Director and learn the truth.
You're mistaken, Mirepoc.
Heaven exists.
If I were to inscribe a word on the book's spine, I'd put "Penance."
It would likely become my book's title.
Indulge me, Heaven. Have a drink with me.
The upper ranks and the lower ranks both spilling their guts...
That's what makes for a great organization.
Back then, in my youthful anger,
I thought of revolting against Heaven.
But thanks to your wish, we had quite the bargain for dead men.
What on earth was I thinking?
Can you kill me?
I've sacrificed countless men in an attempt to make my dream reality.
However, I've come to realize it's an impossible dream.
I want you to kill me.
I am a pathetic shell of myself, unable to realize my dream,
and yet unable to let it go.
What, exactly, is your dream?
You need not know.
However, there are two ways for it to come true.
The first is to obtain absolutely perfect and flawless happiness.
And the second
is to destroy the world.
So, if you don't wish to see the world destroyed,
kill me.
Kill Heaven...
Interesting.
I abdicated my title of Acting Director and built a research facility...
All to engineer a tool to destroy Heaven.
I got Hamy to be quiet.
Okay.
I feel bad about what I did to her.
And what I did to you too, Chacoly.
Oh, I don't care about that.
But please, Dad, won't you tell me about him?
Chacoly...
I want to be with him,
to love each other,
and then to die in each other's arms.
You've brought back some painful memories, Makia.
He's already turned into a book...
So why do you continue to investigate that old man?
We watched as he died and his book was taken away...
The thought of ignoring that makes me want to puke.
Also, the look on that dead old man's face...
You looked with your Sacred Eyes?
Yes.
His dominant trait was persistence.
His thoughts were of burning out.
And he wished for Heaven.
Heaven?
Violets in the desert?
Sir.
Things are kept pretty tidy in here.
Hamyuts Meseta?
This one, too. And this one.
A fan of the Acting Director?
Whatever tickles your pickle...
That girl... Sir.
R-Right!
Hold on. I'll unshackle you.
Wha-
Acting Director!
I've come to kill you.
Since I didn't do it back then.
That was the day Kachua sent me to kill the Violet Sinner,
who was locked inside the fortress.
He turned out to be quite a handful,
the lead man.
Long time, no see.
That's right. That man could never love you.
If I kill you here and now, and read your book,
I'll know everything you know.
However...
I could let you, a girl no one could ever love,
continue to live in this pathetic world, rejected by the man whose love you most desired.
That could be fun, too.
Where do you think you're off to?
Hamyuts.
Chacoly...
Y-You...
It's your fault, Makia.
Hamyuts, you...
There's no way I'm just letting you leave her to rot and die.
I want you to dispose of the tool you, yourself, created.
Makia?
I've heard that name somewhere...
He served as Acting Director three terms ago.
How was it, Chacoly?
Living in a world in which no one could love you, for the sole purpose of atonement,
being taken care of by that disgusting old man...
You'd have been better off dead.
Each day was like having your body torn apart.
All we've got is Ruruta Coozancoona.
That's how I was raised.
Ruruta Coozancoona?
There are no people left to watch over you.
If we leave you here, you'll simply wither away over time.
I'm not so evil a person that I'd do such a thing.
So instead, I'll kill you now.
Wh-What are you, nuts?!
We need to protect her!
Love me... Love me...
Please love me.
What the heck?
Get away from her, Minth!
Love me... Please love me!
Olivia Litlet said so...
The Church of Drowning in God's Grace was born from the Armed Librarians.
They worked together
to bring the books of those who find truth and happiness to Heaven.
It all started with Heaven.
Unless you destroy Heaven, you'll never truly exact revenge.
And you said the Violet Sinner is the key to all this?
Yes. The Violet Sinner is in love with a certain man.
If her love succeeds, Heaven will falter.
Noloty...
I will fight, as a dweller in your world.
I will destroy Heaven, the root of all evil,
and offer the world to you.
A girl's first feelings of love scattered away, unrequited.
Now, a woman's final feelings of love
will open the door that leads to the truth.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 24 [E1835DA0]

Oh, Gamo, you looking for a drinking partner?
I just came to make sure you don't try anything funny.
Just try to stay quiet until we find the Acting Director.
Yes, sir.
You have fallen into the role of her right hand man, after all.
A sad fate for a playboy like yourself.
Sad, huh?
Mattalast.
I've come to stop you.
An ex-thief named Minth recently became an apprentice.
They say his ability is the Sacred Eyes.
Which he can use to peer into people's souls.
Yes. He looked at yours.
He said the Acting Director has quite a sizeable plan.
I was surprised, actually. Who'd have thought...
you'd try to rebel against Heaven.
I'd hate to dirty the Library...
You're going to try and kill me?
On the next Acting Director's orders, I can't go quite that far.
The next Acting Director?
Is your new-found fervor for your duties
coming from your feelings towards Hamyuts Meseta?
Would you stop that?
I merely feel compelled to do so upon learning the truth behind the Armed Librarians.
That's all it is.
You may have learned the truth behind the Armed Librarians,
but you don't know the truth behind Hamyuts.
I hate having long conversations when I'm sober.
I think I'll get this out of the way now.
No matter the gravity of your feelings towards Hamyuts...
Farewell, Fhotona.
...you'll be left with nothing.
Farewell.
Left with nothing, huh?
The truth behind Heaven... The Armed Librarians' secret...
Knowing even those, there is still one mystery I cannot crack.
Hamy, who are you?
What the heck?
Get away from her, Minth!
Love me... Please love me!
Sir?
What happened to me?
You desired Chacoly so badly that you forgot yourself?
That is Chacoly's special ability: Soul Transference.
Soul Transference?
It's a superior version of Mirepoc's telepathy.
More than merely communicating thoughts,
she is able to read the other's emotions
as well as implant emotions into them.
If Chacoly feels sad, your heart will weep.
If Chacoly wishes for something, your heart will desire it.
Your actual emotions don't factor in at all.
That old man, Makia...
He used her ability to try and make a certain man fall in love with Chacoly.
In order to save that man from despair.
Hamy... love...
Chacoly, you...
Hamy... love... me... too...
Chacoly, I...
Acting Director!
Hamy... love... me...
Chacoly... I...
...love...
I...
hate you.
Lascall...
No, the war-machine of the past, the stone sword of spent time, Yor...
You're here, aren't you?
You've been busy lately, huh?
Pardon me.
Hey, how does it feel when you turn someone into a book?
Do you get all tingly?
I am nothing more than a stone sword.
I take no pleasure from it.
Although,
I do think it must be quite fun to be human.
Quite fun, huh?
Acting Director...
Help me, will ya?
When was it?
I peered into the Acting Director's soul once, out of curiosity.
"Her dominant trait is villainy."
"Her thoughts are of evil."
"She wishes for bloodstained holocaust."
...is what I expected it to be.
I would picture the same.
However, I began to doubt my ability...
I stopped thinking about scanning her again.
What were her actual traits?
Her dominant trait is self-loathing.
Her thoughts are void.
She wishes for... love.
Chacoly, let me take a look at how you've lived since we split up.
Say, are you the Acting Director?
I'd like you to take me to see Ruruta.
Take... Chacoly...
Ruruta and I can finally meet.
Ruruta Coozancoona.
Who is it?
Chacoly Cocotte.
Forty years ago, I asked Makia Dexiart to kill me.
Did he create you?
He did.
My weakness overcame me that day. My weakness was exposed for all to see.
I've long wanted to erase that day's shameful deed.
You're being silly, Ruruta.
You've been waiting for me for two-thousand years.
The reason you exist is so you can love me.
Let... Let me... go.
Tell me, Ruruta... Do you love me?
I want... to kill you... from the bottom of my heart...
Denied. You have to love me!
Love... you...?
So, Ruruta, will you die with me?
Let's remain as one forever!
Sorry, I can't let you do that. You're going to die with me.
What gives? How are you able to resist me?
Aren't I your everything? Aren't I?
Nie...
What?
Nieniu...
Nieniu? Who's that?
Fine. If you won't tell me, I'll just read your soul.
What song is this?
What?! How can you be with another girl?!
But we're supposed to die together! That's the only reason I...
Make it stop...
Make it stop!
Oh? So that was the cause of Ruruta's despair.
He's nothing but a baby.
And we exerted all that energy over him...
Okay, this is where we go our separate ways.
Chacoly, you cannot let anyone know about my abilities.
Who am I gonna tell?
Besides, you won't be needed once I die with Ruruta.
Are you gonna try and steal my reason for living?
What am I supposed to do if Ruruta goes away?
Well, you could maybe... I know!
You could fall in love and get married, like a normal person.
Say what?
Then, your family will care for you and watch as you go, with tearful eyes. So lame!
Everyone will be like, "No, don't die!" And then you die.
Bye.
Chacoly.
Since this is goodbye, I'll let you read my soul, just this once.
Not interested.
You were such a little brat.
I didn't kill you in the fortress because you kept me entertained for all those years.
But...
Do you know why your Soul Transference didn't work on me earlier?
Love... me...
Because I always loved you.
You little brat, Chacoly.
Over the course of all those years, being brought up as a tool to kill Ruruta,
you were my only friend.
However, I will be the one who kills Ruruta.
A peaceful, warm, and lame death is no longer allowed for me.
"I am sick and tired of waiting for the day to come,"
"and all the living beings in the world."
Where's Rithly?
Out looking for the Acting Director.
What? So we're the only ones guarding the Library?
Letting apprentices stand guard?
Looks like things have gotten pretty chaotic around here.
One must know Heaven to destroy Heaven.
To do that...
This is strange. I can understand the Armed Librarians not being here,
but where are the Guardian Beasts?
This... is Heaven?
So this is Heaven. That makes this...
Ruruta Coozancoona.
Mattalast?
You probably came down here to crash the Armed Librarians' party.
Seems your plan has failed, Enlike.
Because Hamyuts decided to escape, the net result is the same.
There is no problem here.
The fact you know about this is a problem.
This way, Rithly!
What the hell, man? An intruder?
You guys should be able to at least handle the fifth floor-
Ow...
What the heck?
Hey! This guy is dead-
Wh-What's an Elephant Guard doing here?
They aren't supposed to go higher than the fourth labyrinth.
Everyone, return at once!
Guardian Beasts are loose in the underground labyrinths.
All Armed Librarians, head to the Library's labyrinth.
A Guardian Beast?
I am...sad.
That voice...
So very...sad.
Damn! The next two seconds,
and the next, and next, and next, and next!
I am sad.
Hi, guys. How's everyone doing?
Hamy?
So, um,
the beasts you are fighting are known as the "Beasts of the Final Chapter."
Wait!
Long ago, at the Age of Paradise's end,
the overseer of life that is yet to come, Orntorra,
brought them into being as weapons of mass destruction.
They've been known as Guardian Beasts ever since.
We told you they are the guardians of the labyrinths
that Bantorra, the overseer of life that has passed, created.
But it's all a bunch of lies.
A bunch of lies?!
Yep. A bunch of lies.
All Acting Directors, myself included, have lied to you all along.
Tons and tons of big fat lies.
Now, I have a huge announcement for you all.
Ruruta Coozancoona, Director of the great Bantorra Library, which we call home,
has decided to close the Library as of today.
Wh-Who the heck is that?
Ruruta Coozancoona.
The man who ousted the Library's founder, the God of the past, Bantorra,
to become the Director of the Library.
Hamy...
Everyone, I thank you kindly for your years of service.
Today signifies the end of Bantorra Library and the Armed Librarians.
It all ends today.
I will not allow you to die amidst such pain.
You've lived many years for my sake.
This is the one gift I can give to you.
"The Tearless Ending"　 It is power name of Ruruta
Sure is hot again today, huh, Kayz?
You have a letter from your son.
Huh? Snow?
But why?
“The Tearless Ending”　 It is power name of Ruruta
falls upon a world in which the Beasts of the Final Chapter have awakened.
All living beings will fall into a deep slumber,
an eternal slumber where the morn shall never return.
The tale of those who guide the world to its ruin and those who resist...
I just wanted to see how such a tale ends.
However,
such a tranquil grand finale
somehow seems overly poetic.
Is this...
Is this how...it all ends?
I refuse to die!
Say, Matt?
Hmm?
If no one out there can kill me,
will you do it, Matt?
You're okay with that?
You're the only person by whose hands I don't want to die.
The only one...
I will not allow another man to be the one who kills Hamy.
Mattalast...
I haven't made coffee in a while, but this came out pretty good.
It would be a shame if the last cup of coffee had in the world were lousy.
All Ireia ever made was black tea.
Your room is the only place I can drink coffee.
Black tea during the week and coffee on our days off...
Wasting my days away with the Armed Librarians, who couldn't be ruthless if they tried.
Considering my entire life was designed merely to kill Ruruta,
I sort of thought it'd be nice to stay like this for a while.
Ruruta Coozancoona.
“The tearless Ending”. It is power name of Ruruta
falls from a blank sky.
In the arms of your capricious savior's mercy,
rest in peace, sweet world.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 25 (v2) [39B2CD24]

So hot...
Why is it so dry here?
This is the story of a man. A sad, sad man.
The Age of Paradise's end.
Disappointed in the foolish, dimwitted, shallow humans,
Orntorra unleashed upon the world seven angels of punishment, bearing seven war-machines.
Then, prior to their arrival, he announced he would be destroying the world.
I saw it!
A hero will save the world from the Beasts of the Final Chapter!
To assure victory, he requires 100,000 soldiers,
seven war-machines,
and the books of 100,000 soldiers!
Let us offer our books to the hero with transparent hair!
His name is Ruruta! Ruruta Coozancoona!
Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta!
Ruruta! Are the magic rights running rampant?
Ruruta... You cannot handle ninety-nine books.
I will be strong.
Ruruta!
Magic rights are not stored alone within those books.
Each book also contains its author's despair.
The world belongs to them!
A minstrel? That's rich!
You're nothing but a lowly dog without magic rights!
Unable even to die for Ruruta, all you can do is sing!
Her name is Nieniu.
She comes from a tribe of minstrels who use song to heal people's hearts.
She was their last surviving member.
He's crying again.
I'm scared. I'm scared!
Don't be scared. Fear is for the weak.
Hold on!
I can't take it anymore.
The Beasts of the Final Chapter are nearing.
I will defeat them.
I'm scared. I can't slay them!
I'm almost there.
Myself, the others... Everyone will die.
I will emerge victorious!
We'll be slaughtered...
Hold out. I'm nearly there...
Let's die.
Death's the only way. There's no other escape.
Wait! No!
No... You mustn't die!
Who are you talking to?
Huh?
You are...
You... You're Ruruta Coozancoona, the one with transparent hair, right?
Girl, why have you come here?
I followed a boy who shivered in fear, unable to endure the pain.
Ruruta, I came to save you.
Save me? Don't be foolish!
I exist to save humanity.
I exist to protect them.
You think ?
Tell me. Am I truly Ruruta?
Ruruta feels no fear. Ruruta never loses the way.
Ruruta is impregnable. Ruruta is indomitable.
Isn't that how it should be?
Tell me. Am I truly Ruruta?
If I am, then why is life so difficult?
Why do I tremble with fear?
They all believe in me,
nary a doubt in their minds.
Ruruta will save us all!
Ruruta will save everything!
If I lose focus, falling to defeat, I'll never be forgiven.
I will forgive you.
Even if I lose to the Beasts of the Final Chapter?
Yes. I will forgive you.
Look at your face, so deep in thought.
How wonderful...
I guess you had enough in you to tear Chacoly to pieces, huh?
Chacoly? That creepy little girl?
She spoke to me of love.
A foolhardy girl...
Agreed. And then she died in despair.
Like a gramophone, she kept repeating some nauseating love song.
Stop.
Stop. Or I'll kill you here and now.
Fine. I stopped.
Anyway, I'm not into little boys like you, who piss their pants.
You know what, I changed my mind. I am going to kill you.
Hamyuts... is dead?
You've always been like that.
Always running away from me... Never waiting...for me.
Mattalast!
Damn it!
You also need not resist fate any longer.
Sweet dreams, Enlike Bishile.
Don't panic. I'm almost there, Nieniu.
Why? You should be able to handle that level of flame.
Till now, a supreme vocation,
to be the world's saving grace, has supported Lord Ruruta.
His conviction that to lose his way or to feel fear would not be forgiven...
His obsessive belief that he must save the world...
Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta!
If that faith wavers, loss of his power is inevitable.
This is the only way.
Otherwise, I will be unable to protect the world.
I'm sorry, Ruruta.
Why are you apologizing?
Because I forgave you, you lost your power
and continue to suffer.
Don't fight it, and it'll be over soon.
Any final words?
I have one request.
Name anything. I'll do whatever you ask.
Stay, always, in high spirits.
Ruruta?
Ruruta...
I want to protect the world.
Even though you aren't its savior?
Yes, because I love it.
It's the world that allowed me to survive,
the world that allowed me to meet you.
Yes. That's it!
Huh?
Why must I kill you?
You love the world.
To protect you is to protect that world that you love.
The world belongs to you and me.
For your sake, I shall become the world's true savior, Ruruta Coozancoona!
Ruruta, it seems you've once again wakened as the savior.
I shall never waver again.
How stupendous.
The drink Vooekisal served to Ruruta
was out of none other than the fantasy-slaughter grail Argax.
Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta!
The end of days is finally upon us.
I shall go forth!
To save the world from the Beasts of the Final Chapter,
I wield the war-machines of the past!
Ruruta feels no fear!
Ruruta feels no fear!
Ruruta will not give up!
Ruruta will not run away!
Ruruta will not be defeated!
In a new era, ridden of the Gods,
we shall meet again!
Yeah!
Infinite Beasts of the Final Chapter stand before me.
There must be a central being unifying them.
Ruruta found the core controlling the Beasts of the Final Chapter.
I will save the world!
Fantastic work, Lord Ruruta.
Care to read it?
Th-This...
Why...did I...forget you...
Nieniu!
Save me, Ruruta! Ruruta!
Get a load of this. The dumb girl still hasn't figured it out.
You were tossed to the curb...
By Ruruta, after he awoke,
from the nightmare you brought to him, as the world's savior!
My voice is crushed.
I can no longer sing...
...Sing my song, which Ruruta loved.
I...
Die in that pile of crap,
all by your lonesome!
I wish...that I had...never born...
Nieniu, wake up. Nieniu.
Who are you?
I am the God of the future, Orntorra.
The time of ruin has finally descended upon the world.
Ruin?
Fear not. In endings come beginnings.
I shall create a new paradise in the wake of this world's destruction.
A new paradise?
You lived in the 694th world.
The God of the past, Bantorra,
the God of the present, Towitorra,
and I, have created hundreds of paradises.
However, humanity continues to make the same mistakes.
They persecute, they cheat, they steal.
They plant the flowers of sadness in paradise itself.
No! Such a world should not exist!
Destroying it does not mean it is over.
We recreate failed worlds as paradise again.
Is that... so?
So I shouldn't be singing a song of healing.
I should destroy the world.
Ruruta loved the world and me... That is the only way to heal it.
So now Ruruta, too...
That's...
Nieniu...
I forgot all about it.
I wanted to save the world because I wanted to protect
the happiness of Nieniu, whom I loved.
Yet, I...
Lord Ruruta.
This is the only way to make Nieniu happy.
I'm afraid she no longer possesses a human heart.
She wished for destruction and lived in destruction.
She embodied willful destruction.
For you to grant her happiness is absolutely impossible.
Even so...
This is the only way.
And then, on the fifth morn after he left his imperial capital...
It's Ruruta!
Ruruta has returned!
He defeated the Beasts of the Final Chapter!
Ruruta! Ruruta!
Ruruta!
Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruru-
So is that why Ruruta created the Armed Librarians
and the Church of Drowning in God's Grace?
Yes. He kept trying to give books of happiness to Nieniu,
in hopes of saving her. However...
Are you crying, Alme?
I don't understand.
But though I don't understand, I know that this world cannot be saved.
You're right. It's impossible to save Ruruta from despair.
Just excellent, Ruruta!
This is the triumph of ruin.
It is absolutely spotless.
It's exactly as I'd thought it would be, exactly as I asked for.
Screw you, old man!
He consumes another book?
Although the end is nigh,
he remains ever so gluttonous.
Welcome, newly arrived book!
Welcome to Heaven!
A stone pellet?
It's her?
I must go.
Colio Tonies.
Go where?
This entire world now exists in Ruruta's belly!
Hey!
Something's in the nonentity entrails...
I haven't consumed that woman's book.
And yet...
Nieniu.
Seems you couldn't kill me, after all.
So that's why you must survive, Matt.
Survive...
New pages are written into the countless books
that had been stopped dead in their tracks.
To save the world.
And to experience a spectacular second death.

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 26 [12764729]

Nieniu!
Oh, I'm so relieved...
Nieniu...
Hi!
Thanks for before.
Hamyuts Meseta.
You're a tenacious woman.
I was killed back there, but I'll tell you a secret.
You can't finish me.
Chacoly offered you her love and tried to kill you.
Care to guess what I'm gonna offer you?
Not particularly, no.
Fool.
That was pretty good.
Alas, it wasn't enough...
Say, think you can give me
something better?!
Why won't you die?
Oh, that's the good stuff, Ruruta...
You're making my toes curl.
So, you think you could
kill me over and over again?!
I see. Makia's a powerful man, indeed.
You're way off. It's against the rules for the man to lose interest first.
Makia gave you the ability to take pleasure in death.
These nonentity entrails are solely a world for bodiless souls.
Only by losing your heart can your soul receive death.
Put another way, even if you're obliterated in battle, unless your heart is defeated,
your soul cannot die.
An example would be if one enjoys death.
I'm impressed how quickly you deduced that.
You're right. Makia reprogrammed me.
To take joy from pain...
To take pleasure from death...
You're not human.
That's right. We're not human.
We're nothing more than mere tools.
Hey, wanna bring a tool into the bedroom?
This...
What am I feeling?
It's just like that night I spent with Nieniu...
Go ahead... It's okay.
Feast on your true desire...
Stone pellets of sweet death.
I, Lascall Othello, exist for no purpose but to continue the tale,
watching as it unfolds.
However, this obvious plot approaching the ending
has left this captive spectator feeling bored.
Wh-What is this...
Take this!
Get hit by these rocks and you'll feel just like I do.
Doesn't it feel good?
Enough to make you want to die!
No! I must not die!
I have to save Nieniu...
I have to save Nieniu!
Hey, Ruruta.
Looks like we're not the only ones who want to die.
Please kill me...
Kill me!
I was tricked by you!
I'm sick of my magic right belonging to your power!
Put me out of my misery!
Y-You men...
All right! Go ahead and die!
I'll make each and every one of you feel great!
Impossible. My power... Leaving me?
I can die! I can die!
This is pure ecstasy!
That's right! My power comes from their books.
Do not die!
You men cannot die!
At long last!
Wait!
Have you figured it out yet, Ruruta?
You're weak.
You're incompetent.
Incompetent and talentless.
Powerless and pathetic!
I cannot die.
Countless men and women have been sacrificed,
all for the sake of Nieniu's happiness!
What a cheap ending.
At this rate...
Lady Hamyuts will falter.
Ruruta will not give up.
Ruruta will not run away.
Ruruta feels no fear.
Ruruta will not be defeated.
Hey now. What are you babbling about-
Why?
Because my entire being exists to please Nieniu!
Kill Ruruta!
Magic Right Transference.
End target is Nieniu.
Transfer the entirety of my power.
Transfer completed.
Hamyuts, your life must have been rough,
existing simply as a tool designed to kill Ruruta.
I am to blame. I apologize.
It is not something that can be forgiven.
However, I will fulfill the one deed I am able to do.
To atone for sins, if only a tiny portion...
I shall now...
I shall now grant you the gift of death.
Causality-Nullification Effect... Spread.
I am the soul of destruction.
I yearn for the death of all things. Your sling shot has no effect on me.
You needn't struggle uselessly anymore.
You are no longer a tool.
What?!
Yes, you are no longer a soul that seeks pleasure in death.
Please listen closely to the voice of your heart.
You spent countless peaceful afternoons with your companions...
Felt the pure, beautiful love of so many.
And...
You loved Mattalast.
Death, in the world of those you wish to protect,
becomes nothing but wretched pain.
Come now. End the pain.
I shall grant you a death replete with love.
Damn it...
Damn it!
This is as it should be.
Nieniu wins,
and the world of destruction she desires comes to pass.
And yet, something feels off.
Like I'm losing something immensely important...
Damn you... Damn you!
I'll kill every last one of you!
I'll kill off all the despair you bring to the world!
Run all you want, nothing will change.
Hamyuts, you have nowhere to escape.
Death is the only place where your soul can rest in peace.
Will this be your final resting place, Hamyuts Meseta,
buried in the pathetic, greedy, gaudy red earth?
What a perfectly filthy death mask for a sow like you.
Is that...
Colio Tonies?
Colio Tonies?
Long time no see.
I missed you.
Hold on. Where are you going?
You'd leave a woman all alone out here?
Hamyuts Meseta is not alone.
You're spouting that crap, too?
I love death, all right?!
I love solitude!
That's how I was able to kill my one and only sister!
Don't you see?!
I will kill Ruruta! That's all...
That's all I've lived my life to do.
So why...
Why was I born?!
In order to...
...meet your comrades and those you love.
Shiron Byacornise.
I am not alone.
And Hamyuts Meseta,
neither are you.
I'm...
not alone?
Damn it!
Nieniu, are you happy?
Happy? What nonsense.
I am forced to kill those who've clung so hard to life.
Their pain is my pain.
But that's so you can-
Did I ever wish for it?
What?
Due to your selfish actions,
the world sheds tears from the pain inflicted upon it.
Destroying it at the start would have been better.
It would have been painless for them, not even realizing they'd died.
Nieniu?
Even if the world is destroyed, your sins will remain unforgiven.
Ruruta Coozancoona,
I will never forgive you!
Ruruta is crying?
Looks like this tale isn't over yet.
I want to know what happens next.
To do that, I need to wake someone up.
Even if the price of admission is too high...
Lady Mirepoc.
Yes, I knew it. This lowly stone sword was being too nosy.
So now I... Now I get...
An unreadable tale...
An unfathomable ending. A supreme being.
You... Hey, are you asleep?
Wake-
She's dead?
Does anyone copy?
That's odd... Why doesn't anyone respond?
This can't be...
Right!
Acting Director!
Are you asleep? Wake up!
Please wake up!
Why?
Acting Director!
N-No...
No!
Help me, Acting Director...
Volken Macmani...
I had forgotten about you.
My... My...
My Volken was killed by the Acting Director?
Live on, Mirepoc.
Without your power, it's all for naught.
Your job is to stay alive, no matter what.
I'd better not hear you've died.
I don't understand any of this.
Not just about Ruruta, but the Acting Director and Volken, too...
But...
I do know that they all fought with their hearts, for their own reasons.
I may be all alone now,
but...
Nieniu no longer cares for me.
Whether the world is destroyed or not,
Nieniu will never feel happiness.
This fight has lost all meaning.
Life itself has lost all meaning.
I finally found you.
Wait, you're... Colio Tonies.
I see you also address me by name.
That's right, Colio. He calls you by name.
I never ate Shiron Byacornise's book.
So why? Why is she here with you?
I used to have nothing at all.
But now I have the person I love
and this knife.
Huh?
We give this knife to you.
To me?
It was within the world you protected that I met Shiron.
Life has meaning.
It's thanks to you that I learned that love carries meaning.
You haven't lost it yet.
Not as long as your heart beats...
Thank you, Ruruta Coozancoona.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I obtained countless tales,
and there wasn't a person capable of giving Nieniu happiness in a single one.
But in of each and every one of them,
happiness clearly existed.
That's it! I knew the answer all along.
All the people who stood up for something, with nothing,
and yet managed to find something precious...
They've existed inside my body all along.
I can see it now.
Ruruta, atone for your sins.
Ruruta.
Hamyuts?
I didn't want to do it, but what are you gonna do?
They like following my orders, for whatever reason.
You...
Watch me as I use it, 'kay?
The abominable power that rests within me...
Hamyuts Meseta's true power.
Now come forth!
All you idiots who love me!
Huh? What is this place?
You...
Fight for life.
Pray for life.
Sing for life.
Upon the raised fists...
Upon those who clench them...
Shine upon them, life!

▶ [Commie] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra 27 [3C666C8B]

Huh? What is this place?
Why? I'm sure I was...
Acting Director!
You're bleeding like crazy! You'll die like that!
You're dead, too.
Huh?
Why?
I'm sure Ruruta hadn't yet eaten their books.
You're right. This is my special ability.
I am able to force Book Eaters to eat others' books.
And due to this power of mine, I was also able
to enter Ruruta's nonentity entrails.
So this isn't my world, but rather, the world of someone named Ruruta?
I see!
I feel like I can fight comfortably in here!
Vizac!
You took way too long to summon me, Hamyuts!
The books will cease to exist if I keep calling everyone here like this.
Shut your mouth!
Who wants to spend eternity gathering dust?!
Even for just for a second...!
Hmm?
The sand here is very fine.
Not a bad place to go for a swim.
Casma, stand guard for me.
Feekiee...
No problem!
You guys...
Now!
Okay!
Why? This is bad...
I must hurry and end Hamyuts's life for her.
Acting Director!
People's deaths are to be mourned.
The ability to save people should be celebrated.
Life itself should be exalted.
I lost everything because of you!
However...
One thing remains.
And that's...
...the Armed Librarians.
Yes! I am an Armed Librarian!
I shall mourn your death.
I shall celebrate your salvation.
And then, I shall exalt that everyone alive in the world
continues to survive!
I knew you were naïve, but-
Don't stand there doing nothing, Hamyuts Meseta!
Summon more Armed Librarians!
Even if you exhaust all your strength and die again in the process!
You don't get to order me around, cutie-pie.
I will end your life for you.
I will end your life for you.
Let's go!
I will end your life for you.
Someone... Anyone... Please answer me.
Please!
Mirepoc.
Huh?
It's Ruruta. Lend me your hand.
At this rate, the world will be destroyed.
What do you think you're saying?
You've been deceiving us for thousands of years!
You brought the Church of Drowning in God's Grace into existence
and tried to destroy the world!
How could I trust a person like you?
I see.
You don't call me Heaven, or Devil, or even Savior.
You call me a person.
Ruruta?
Hamyuts Meseta and Volken Macmani are both within me.
What? How dare you utter Volken's name!
They are fighting.
In the foolish world I created
in my foolishness.
I beg you!
Why? I can feel your emotion. But...
I, Chacoly Cocotte, will transfer all of my power
into the one who wishes, with all their being, to help Ruruta.
Even I die in the process, the power transference will succeed.
Chacoly!
Hamy.
I can't help it. I love Ruruta.
Maybe I only feel this way because I'm a tool.
But even so, I want to keep loving him.
Chacoly...
Commencing Soul Transference!
I will share the power with all of them,
all those within the Soul Transference's reach.
I shall share the resolve needed to stand and fight once more!
Stand.
Stand once more!
To save the world!
This world needn't be destroyed.
This world is wonderful.
Happiness can be found here!
Wish! Wish that you want to protect the world!
To protect our future!
Believe! Believe that life is splendid!
That this world has value!
This world has a value worth protecting!
Believe!
Thank you. For all of your thoughts...
Thank you.
M-Matt...
You've fought hard. I'm proud of you.
Thank you.
Everyone, let's go!
Carry Mirepoc's wish across the world!
Huh?
Ah, this sucks...
Stay away! Stay away from here!
Go! Go! Go!
Everyone...
Protect Mirepoc!
Ruruta! That knife...
Immense power is being collected.
All the world's people are heeding the call!
Thank you, Chacoly.
You will not be forgiven, Ruruta.
You're a man tainted with sin, Ruruta.
You can reject me.
You can refuse me.
And yet, I wish to continue to love.
For the acting of loving
has meaning!
Protect Ruruta!
Everyone, please understand.
This world harbors nothing but sadness.
It is not worth protecting.
Nieniu.
Please... Please understand.
All I want is to save you all.
Stand your ground!
Noloty! Lord Vizac!
Damn it! Damn it all!
Accosting both myself, and the Armed Librarians, whom I love...
Such unfathomable foolhardiness!
Brace yourselves.
I, Ireia Kitty, am about to hammer out some punishment.
I-Ireia?
How come no one else gets to be young again?
Hey! Hey! Hey!
Ireia Kitty, coming through!
Ah, why did I have to be born to such strength,
Mother?
Mokkania's here, too!
How strange is this, guys?
I'm in a super good mood!
These poor souls...
I imagine they would understand, though.
What are you...? Nieniu!
Beasts of the Final Chapter... Holy Teardrop Sphere.
What is all this?
This is...
It's coming from around Bantorra Library.
There's no way we'll make it there in time.
It's up to you to protect the world, Armed Librarians!
Escape!
Escape to where, exactly?
There is no need to run.
Everyone, drop down!
Initiate Deterioration Wave!
Gross.
What is this?
A barrier?
But it's futile before the Beasts of the Final Chapter.
You're not the sharpest knife in the drawer, Gamo.
It's got nothing to do with the beasts.
It's to keep us from dying in the blast.
Enlike?
So her name is Nieniu?
Seems she's an incarnation of the overseer of life yet to come, the world's destroyer.
That being said, there is a way to deal with her.
It's almost as if this sky was custom made for me!
A-Awesome...
It's not over yet, Armed Librarians.
Let's do this.
Yeah!
Look, Hamy.
The Armed Librarians you brought up are doing a commendable job.
I see they're holding on.
I remember Fhotona saying...
From the day you are awarded the title of Armed Librarian,
you are entrusted with an eternal bond of mutual duty.
All Armed Librarians share one soul!
No matter where you live, where you die...
Back then, I thought it was a bunch of nonsense.
But at the very end, I finally understand.
Both they, and I,
are Armed Librarians.
By our power combined, save the world.
By our power combined, save the world.
It's here! The power of the world!
That's your cue, Ruruta!
Go forth, Ruruta!
We will cut you a path!
Nieniu! Nieniu!
You're the only one who can save her!
Fight, Ruruta!
Hamy!
Acting Director!
Fight...
Fight with your life!
Hamy!
Hamyuts Meseta.
Ruruta.
This world was a mistake!
Yes. And I met you in this mistake of a world.
I love this world. I love you!
I thought I had to leave because you were crying.
Nieniu...
I will not forgive you.
I know. I know, Nieniu.
But...
Huh?
I will sing for you.
For the world?
No. For you, a foolhardy man, tainted with sin.
Is it over?
Yes, it's over.
Then kill me.
We'll soon vanish, along with the nonentity entrails.
There is no need for me to kill you.
Hey, hey. Put me down.
If you act so kindly toward me,
I'll end up dying a happy girl.
Yeah? Then die a happy girl.
Oh, I don't know about that...
What do I do?
I don't know the first thing about happiness...
Since you don't know, I'll tell you.
Close your eyes and think deeply about all the people you've known.
This feels strange...
It wasn't supposed to be this way.
Oh, man...
I'm...happy...
I hear singing.
Soon, we will vanish, too.
Enlike! Take good care of my beloved world!
We protected the pride of the Armed Librarians.
We lived, bearing the pride of the Armed Librarians,
and we can now die proud.
I, too, am happy!
Mirepoc.
It's all over...
Yay!
Yeah!
Are you okay, Yukizona?
Hamy, I just wish...
I just wish I could have held you one last time.
It was on that day, ten years ago, that Bantorra Library vanished from this world.
And then, all the world's truths that had been hidden
by the Armed Librarians were made public.
A political agreement was reached, after much debate and discussion.
The conclusion that they reached, once the chaos ended:
Bantorra Library was destroyed, and the Armed Librarians were dissolved.
Our core work, unearthing books and organizing them on library shelves,
continued after the Armed Librarians disbanded.
Matt, sir!
Why is the Director of the History Protection Bureau calling a fugitive "sir"?
Mattalast, the sole Armed Librarian sentenced to death after all that happened...
How are you still alive?
You know the answer to that. I had to do some questionable things, is all.
Geez...
Say, who do you think saved the world that day?
In the end, I'd say Ruruta did.
No. Ruruta couldn't have saved it by himself.
It was each person in the world who prayed and fought to protect it.
Those are your saviors.
I destroyed many books in my Armed Librarian days,
in order to guard Bantorra Library's secrets.
All those books I destroyed may have belonged to this world's saviors.
However, facing the guillotine won't atone for my sins.
For that, I must restore all those books.
Huh? But how?
By meeting with friends and family of the books' authors, and asking about them.
I will inscribe each of their stories within my very soul.
Matt, sir! Is that why you escaped?
You're still calling me "sir." You really are my beloved subordinate.
Wha-
I don't know how many decades it'll take, but I will return here.
I will become a book recounting the stories of all those men and women.
Matt, sir!
Books are wonderful things. They serve as proof of our lives.
I will wait for you, Matt.
Ruruta Coozancoona's book is stored in the library.
Thousands of people come to the History Protection Bureau each day
to read Ruruta's book.
Each person who reads his book adds a new page to their own tale.
These are stories with no end.
People will continue to laugh, cry, struggle, love, gain, and lose,
each adding to the unique tale embedded in their soul.
And not in Paradise or Hell.
They live on, within this very world.

Changed text

Open file

Dekinai

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 01 [CDF41B28]

Colio Tonies, what are humans?
Beings with the right to gain all the happiness this world may offer.
Wounded humans are to be saved.
Suffering humans are to be rescued.
Forsaken humans are to be loved.
Why?
All humans are born into this world to be loved.
To love and be loved... To experience fulfillment, never suffering...
To live a life in utmost bliss...
Then let me ask you this, Colio Tonies:
Why do you do that which you do?
Colio Tonies is not human.
Colio Tonies is a bomb.
Why do you exist, Colio Tonies?
In order to kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Yes, kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill... Hamyuts Meseta.
Well now...
And so it begins.
It seems the new Meats you requested from the Kra District are well on their way.
Man and God are one and the same.
Man has but one duty, to fulfill his own desire.
All is for the glory of God.
That is the one, absolute doctrine of the Shindeki Church.
And few are as loyal to their own desires.
I wouldn't be surprised if a True Man were to appear among them, though.
With such a vile existence as theirs?
They grovel on the floor like cockroaches.
It's humiliating.
The truth of a True Man cannot be understood by others.
Even fellow True Men cannot fully grasp it.
You understand, do you not?
Fascinating...
Ah, I care not to waste my glorious, fleeting time on this planet with a senile old man's idle talk.
Cigal!
I shall become a Book greater than all others and ascend into Heaven.
I shall have more pages than any other of you, with the most lustrous spine ever seen!
I shall write the greatest tale of happiness ever told!
Sheesh... He actually thinks he can go to Heaven.
The truth of a True Man cannot be understood by others.
Oops, I may have just understood it.
What just happened?
Is it Armed Librarians?
Hamyuts Meseta...
Good work, Casma!
I hate protection barriers...
I guess the Shindeki Church even has sorcerers!
Is that a Shindeki Church ship?
Your mission, this time, is to investigate the Church and gather evidence.
And don't forget about freeing the Meats.
I'm opposed to calling them that.
Because they used to be-
Mirepoc, they didn't "used to be"!
They were and still are human!
I-I know that, Volken. That's why I-
Is that...
Hey, man overboard!
What? That's bad!
Casma!
Hurry along and die!
Kill Hamyuts Meseta... Kill Hamyuts Meseta...
All True Men are to escape at once!
Let us Mock Men handle the rest.
Where's Cigal?
He's gone already.
Good grief... Always looking out for number one.
You're one to talk.
Open the throttle! We must get in front of the Silver Smoke!
Mirepoc, contact the Acting Director via telepathy!
Okay.
Director, this is Mirepoc Finedel. Do you copy?
Hmm? What is it?
There are Meats jumping overboard, carrying bombs from the Silver Smoke.
They're launching consecutive kamikaze attacks.
Ah... They aren't carrying the bombs.
The bombs are embedded inside of them.
You could call them human bombs.
Human bombs?
Board the  Silver Smoke and free any Meats who don't look like they'll detonate.
I'm busy right now.
Director?
Understood? Grab every last shred of evidence.
Okay, go get 'em.
What did the Director say?
She said to go ahead with the mission.
That's dangerous.
We should be more cautious.
Human bombs...
That's it! We're boarding the Silver Smoke!
Th-The Armed Librarians are coming at us!
Damn! We're going to have to fight those monsters!
What you did to those men...
All those inhuman deeds committed by you, the Shindeki Church,
you heretics who have decried the value of love...
You're the ones who aren't human!
Go!
Volken.
It smells terrible...
Are those Meats?
They treat them like cattle.
Damn. This is heresy!
They don't seem to be equipped with bombs.
Come on! Step outside!
Okay! Hurry!
Come on. You, too.
Volken!
What's the matter?
More bombs in here, huh?
Same thing with those Meats. The Shindeki Church just likes to blow stuff up.
No, I mean...
I'm sure the ship's fitted with more bombs than these.
Get those people off this ship immediately.
Oh, sure!
"Vend Ruga is alive."
"Alive in the heart of Olivia Litlet."
What is all this?
Olivia Litlet?
What a shame. I really thought that I would end this peacefully.
I guess that's no longer an option.
Okay, stay in your line.
Watch your step when boarding.
Volken!
The rescue ship said they'd arrive in an hour.
All right.
What just happened?
Hey, where'd the Meats go?
They've given up on life.
They're...
Volken!
Hold on tight, okay?
Wait! Don't you want to be rescued?
Why? Why are you just giving up?!
You just have to grab my hand...
Don't you want to survive?!
Volken, there's gonna be another explosion.
We have to get out of-
Don't you want to live?!
That wasn't exactly subtle, Hamy.
What can I say?
I've...
...been called many names.
A nation's saint.
An ever-laughing witch.
Once, it was even a cute name like Calico.
But, in the end, I long to be called by my real name.
When my words reach you,
please go to the place where someone precious lost someone precious to them.
In that brief moment, when the wind lets up,
run straight there.
For I...
Okay, okay! Line up! No pushing.
My autograph? How can I refuse?
Do you have a pen on you, Noloty?
A pen!
Kyasariro!
We don't have time for that right now.
Please come and help me!
Hey, hey.
Don't get careless just because you're busy.
Ireia!
After our lives come to a close and we're buried deep within the earth,
our souls fossilize and become books.
Each of these books contains the record of someone's entire life.
Our duty, as Armed Librarians, is to manage and protect them.
It is for this reason that we are so highly regarded.
Think of what would happen if one of the books should break.
That would be like giving that book's author a second death.
Right.
Noloty, I need that pen! The pe-
Mrs. Ireia.
Dragon Pneumonia germs...
One of the seven war-machines of the past, the spinning fairy Ylucklucu...
But we didn't find the Shindeki Church clergyman's book we were looking for.
I figured we'd be able to unravel the Shindeki Church's mysteries if we just had a fragment...
What are you talking about? We got one of their top echelon leader's books.
The piece contains Shiron Byacornise, the witch with the magic, ever-laughing blade.
We can find as many books belonging to people of the past that we want, but...
The past shines yet more radiant than the present.
Isn't that why we're here in the first place?
Tea time!
There you go.
Oh, Volken!
There's honey, too.
I'm not a child!
Okay, okay.
Director, that witch you mentioned...
Touch the fragment and see for yourself.
That's downright inhuman!
Mirepoc, recite your history lesson.
Certainly.
Dragon Pneumonia was an illness that infected the people of the Ronar Dukedom 280 years ago.
It is said that the only person who knew how to create the cure was Shiron Byacornise.
She spread the disease across the land and extorted incredible profit by selling the cure.
With the magic sword Shlamuffen, she slew all who opposed her.
Excellent. Well done.
Dragon Pneumonia and Shiron Byacornise...
If the Shindeki Church had them both, then well,
it doesn't take a genius to figure that one out.
Luimon has already left for the Toatt Mine.
It's quite possible that he'll find the missing book fragments.
That's true. We should look for Shiron's first-
Director!
Our first priority should be freeing those poor folks from the Shindeki Church's clutches!
Right now, they're-
Calm down, Volken. You'll spill your tea.
You can't drink it without honey, can you?
Huh?
Volken!
The Director's so immature...
Volken, I understand how you feel.
When I saw them, I felt the same way.
We have to act, to prevent certain disaster.
Yes, it's true the Director has some flaws in her personality...
But her powers cannot be denied.
We-
You always state the obvious.
Mirepoc.
What?
I'm sorry for everything.
The Mines are heaven, or are they hell?
Scary Armed Librarians waiting in the lurches...
But if we find that lovely girl's book,
let us give her a kiss!
What's your problem, kid?
Weirdo.
Oh, they've made it all the way here?
A Book fragment...
Whose book is it? Where did you get it?
No matter. It's a far too sophisticated toy for Meat.
Dead humans become books.
Though the pages in yours will be blank...
Huh?
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Meat.
These are your things.
We're...
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Ow!
It hurts...
Ow!
Yeah, it's festering.
Looks like the battle against the Shindeki Church has finally begun in earnest.
We're doing much more righteous acts
than managing library cards in a musty, old library.
Would someone doing righteous deeds deceive their friends?
Was it worth it, going there and doing all that,
Oh fearless Director?
Oh, yeah... He might get my pulse up a bit.
I may have found him.
The man who could kill me...
It has to be a mistake!
I'm not a human whom someone could love.
The reason being...
I'm not human.
I love you.
The boys they call bombs...
...are made to explode in a burst devoid of emotion.
Gray Town, Red Blood.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 02 [B80EDE88]

Long, long ago, in the distant past,
amidst the blind chaos,
a being calling himself "the Overseer of the Alpha and the Omega" appeared.
His first order of business was creating the Heavens, the Earth, and the oceans from the chaos.
Doing this took him one million years.
Then he molded and shaped the remaining chaos into the animals and plants.
This took...
A hundred thousand years!
Precisely.
He also spent another ten thousand years creating man.
Last, he divided his own body into thirds...
...and created three Deities.
He gave each of these three Gods a role in watching over the world. These are...
The overseer of life that is yet to come, Orntorra!
The overseer of life that now exists, Towitorra!
Exactly! Exactly!
And the remaining one is
the overseer of life that has passed,
the God who, eons and eons ago, created our almighty Library...
The God of the past, Bantorra!
This is the final destination for all life in the world.
Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to Bantorra Library.
Pardon me! Coming through!
Ah-ah-ah-ah...
The days we allow general admission are so exhausting.
But the show must go on.
Everyone's come so far to see us.
They do say that the Armed Librarian is the most difficult to enter
of all the world's vocations.
Let's see. Next is library four.
Deaths from 1873...
What? That's like fifty years ago!
To defeat the monsters lurking in the labyrinth beneath the annals
and have the strength to oversee the books-
These are the absolute requirements for an Armed Librarian.
And the one who currently stands above us all...
Acting Director Hamyuts Meseta, yes?
No one can deny that she's strong,
but...
But?
Never mind.
How about a scone?
People's deaths are to be mourned.
The ability to save people should be celebrated.
Life itself should be exalted.
Volken...
In Aro Bay, I was unable to uphold my personal ideals of justice.
Do I even have the right to call myself an Armed Librarian?
Word came from Luimon, at Toatt Mine.
They found another fragment of the ever-laughing witch's book.
Oh.
Someone's in a good mood today.
Yeah. We can't wait to get some killing and butchering done, can we, Bunny?
Can't you at least respond, "You betcha!" or something?
You're a bad friend!
You're something else... You know that?
I wonder what fun tricks they'll send my way next...
My friend in the Shindeki Church...
This smoke is nasty. You can barely see the sky.
It's because of the coal they burn in the mines.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta...
They drill out the earth with machines, searching for books.
Colio, have you ever read a book?
That's right. That was a book.
Hey, guys! Interested in books?
What about book central, Toatt Mine?
Just yesterday, they dug these out of the mine.
They're all top-quality, sealed rarities.
Let's go.
Ah, hold on!
I've got a broken fragment, so you can only read a bit of it.
Since it's incomplete, I'll cut you a deal.
What do you say?
Back off.
But the price-
You there!
Bantorra Library forbids all unauthorized book sales.
An Armed Librarian!
Come with me! I've got some questions for you.
Pl-Please... Go easy on me!
Hey, don't grip yourself too hard.
You'll detonate.
Give me a hand, Colio.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta...
Kill—
Relax. Try to breathe.
We're going to explode soon, aren't we?
Then we'd better hurry and find Hamyuts Meseta.
You...
Oh? Not feeling well?
It's because of the nasty air in this town.
Do you think I could get a glass of water?
Also, bread and ale for two.
Absolutely. That'll be one kirue each.
You came to this town because you're interested in books?
You could say that.
Books really are fascinating.
I got sold one once, a long time ago.
So then, my girlfriend and I—
Shut up.
Where's Hamyuts Meseta?
Wh-What's the big idea?
Knock it off, Colio.
Tell me where Hamyuts Meseta is.
Tell me or else.
As I thought.
All three of you, take off your shirts.
An Armed Librarian.
You're with the Church, aren't you?
What are you plotting here?
Answer me!
Guilty!
The ever-laughing witch shall be put to death!
Hey, what's wrong? Hey!
A bladed attack? Where did it come from?
Kill...
...Hamyuts Meseta!
Hyoue!
Sir!
Stay back.
Get the hell out of here!
Come with me!
Pathetic.
Damn it. It happened again.
Yet again, I couldn't save someone.
Again?
It's the same as when I left my mother to die.
Bombs fell from the sky.
That time, too, I stood there, powerless.
What do I do?
Should I cry?
But I didn't know Hyoue well enough to cry for him.
We just met...
Let's kill Hamyuts Meseta.
What?
We're the same as he was.
We bear these bombs in our chests to kill Hamyuts, and then we die too.
That's true, but...
Yes. We're not human. We're bombs.
Who would shed tears for a bomb...
Luimon...
Noloty, I'll give you until the sand in this hourglass runs out
to finish your crying.
After that, you're going back to work.
I don't care if you're an apprentice.
Armed Librarians are not allowed emotional weakness!
Really? Luimon's dead?
Yes.
Well, he had it coming. Being that weak...
Acting Director.
I warned him that he wouldn't last, as weak as he was.
I guess that's a lesson you don't learn until you're dead.
Well, well.
Volken?
Director, take me with you!
Mirepoc, who among us is the best massacre artist?
You are, Director.
And who is the worst?
It's you, Volken.
I don't need a child that balks at the sight of dying Meats.
You're strong.
You're smart and talented.
But you...
...don't have a heart!
Volken...
Mirepoc, what are your thoughts on the forecast?
Forecast?
The one run by the Magic Bureau's Predictions Division.
You mean those weathermen?
They said a typhoon is approaching the Toatt Mine area.
But there's no record of a storm hitting the region within the past hundred years.
That area is strongly aligned to the element of earth. A typhoon hitting it would be...
Really? This is getting more exciting by the minute.
I'm not a bomb.
I used to be a human...
A bomb? Who did it?
The Armed Librarians are searching like crazy for him, apparently.
And where might you be going, Relia?
You...
What is the Shindeki Church?
Tell me,
True Man, Cigal Crekessa.
How do you know my name?
When the Mock Men captured and threw me on the boat, they mentioned it.
Surprising... You have memories from before you became a Meat?
Only a few.
Fine.
Join me for a drink.
We are of the heretic creed, that which the Armed Librarians devote full efforts toward stopping...
The Shindeki Church.
Precisely.
Our doctrine espouses but one directive,
to actualize your every desire.
Desire?
Food, sex, fame...
The desire to rule and the desire to destroy...
And only those who embody the true happiness found by fulfilling one's desires
will be granted entrance into Heaven, upon death.
They will become the ultimate books.
And the Armed Librarians don't like that.
They want to store all the world's books in a central library.
But that's absurd. I will never let them have my book.
Why me?
Why did you turn me into a bomb?
I thought you were a little smarter than the usual Meat...
Yet you don't even know that?
I'm a True Man.
We're the upper echelon of the Church, and we will embody true happiness.
The Mock Men are those who do our dirty work.
And then...
There's your kind, the Meat.
You aren't human. You're disposable, like cattle.
You should feel honored to help me, Cigal Crekessa, find happiness.
I knew it.
I knew I hadn't been human for a long time.
Great.
Now return to your fellow Meats.
Do your job.
Yes, that's exactly what I'll do.
Rot in Hell, Cigal.
This is my job!
Another bomb?!
What's happening to this town?
I can't let a lowly Meat escape before the enemy.
Guilty!
Did Relia escape?
Even if we escape, a bomb can never become human.
Humans are...
I'm done.
I guess you really can be all cried out...
What else is there to do when the person you love dies?
Hey, I'm talking to you.
You're weird.
What's your name? I'm Iea Mira.
Um, the person who died...
Was the person who died human?
Of course.
His name was Carthelo Mashear.
He sold bread by the side of the road.
But in the explosion yesterday...
I was the one who fell for him.
Hey, have you ever fallen in love at first sight?
You really are a weird person.
I'm not a person. I'm...
But I feel a little better now. Thank you.
Acting Director, it's in sight,
the Toatt Mine.
Okay, then I'm counting on you two.
You be careful, too, Acting Director.
Godspeed.
Yeah, yeah.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Mese—
A book...
Could this be his?
Okay, watch and observe.
I shall pull an adorable rabbit out of this hat.
S-Sorry about that.
By the way, that was a calico cat.
Call me Calico.
Meow!
So, do you feel a little better?
Yeah. Thanks.
It's going to itch for a while, but don't scratch it.
Also, promise me that no matter how much it hurts,
you won't drink any water until tomorrow morning.
Okay.
But... Miss, who are you?
I'm...
Sorry.
Oh, here you are...
The nation's saint, the ever-laughing witch.
Wizakh...
That girl...
Why are you running, Colio?
I don't know.
Why do you run?
You're a...
...bomb, aren't you?
You're a bomb, aren't you?
I am. But...
I have to save that girl.
Because she's...
...human!
She's not here.
What is that?
Shall we get this show on the road?
Quickly.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Found the first one!
Bingo! One down!
Next!
Oh, she's here at last.
Excellent.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
It's beautiful.
Found ya!
The Church's plot wraps around your toes.
Run. Run for dear life, boy.
She's coming...
...Hamyuts Meseta.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 03 [BEDE9976]

I see sadness in your eyes.
Huh?
Did something happen to you?
A beautiful girl such as yourself shouldn't look so sad.
For being sad, in and of itself, is a sin.
Wounded humans are to be saved.
Suffering humans are to be rescued.
Forsaken humans are to be loved.
I'll help you forget about it.
This medicine will make you happy.
Hyoue died.
Relia ran away.
And that girl...
...is human.
And I...
I...
How was it, sonny?
That book... Did you enjoy it?
I've got the next chapter!
Welcome back.
Late night, huh?
That girl's book...
We'll be together someday.
Freak!
Get out of here!
Leave!
Scram!
Go somewhere else!
They do such mean things to you.
I dream... I dream about the future.
That's why they're afraid of me.
Dreaming is a good thing.
What's your name?
Shiron. Shiron Byacornise.
Shiron Byacornise...
Let us go,
...together.
Go where?
To Heaven.
All you need do is tell me what you saw in your dreams.
Do so, and you can be happy.
I dreamt about a dragon...
The dragon...
The dragon is encased in a giant crystal and buried underground.
His Majesty was delighted to receive the crystal of which you spoke.
Please continue to tell me about your dreams.
I'll give you anything you'd like.
Anything... Just say the word.
There's an illness coming from the dragon!
A terrible illness will spread!
So many people will die!
Oh, very good.
But I also saw how to make the antidote.
Make it right away!
Wizakh?
They're sick! Everyone will get sick!
Do something about the dragon!
Officer!
The King's... The King's dragon, it's...
You were unable to see this future, were you not?
Your ability to see dreams is not helping you, Princess.
Our organization grows throughout the world.
You cannot escape our clutches...
You cannot run from the Shindeki Church.
The ever-laughing magic blade, Shlamuffen,
one of the seven war-machines of the past, wielded long ago by the Gods...
It was right where you dreamt it would be.
Excellent work indeed, Princess.
Bruising on his throat?
It's Dragon Pneumonia.
It's the disease of the God of Death!
Is this true?
You can create the medicine that cures the plague?
Oh, saint...
Oh, ever-laughing saint, please give me the medicine, too.
Are you sure it's wise to hand Shlamuffen to her?
Our savior needs a symbol that's worthy of her.
Fear not. The girl lacks the courage to oppose us,
as well as the courage to end her own life.
We'll be together someday.
Defile thyself, Shlamuffen!
What is the meaning of this?
You waited for the illness to spread in order to maximize profits, selling the antidote?!
Cut off her head!
Kill her!
Witch!
Ever-laughing witch!
Off with her head!
Kill the witch!
All finished?
I was waiting this whole time, and you never moved an inch,
Colio Tonies.
That is your name, right?
The innkeeper gave it to me.
Who are you?
Hamyuts Meseta.
Treat me kindly, won't ya?
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts Meseta.
Kill Hamyuts—
You aren't gonna blow yourself up?
You are a bomb, right?
Okay, let's cut to the chase.
Colio,
gimme Shiron Byacornise's book, 'kay?
Huh?
Don't you have another?
A fragment of Shiron's book, that is.
No!
Huh?
Give it back!
That blows.
Nothing impressive's written inside.
Give it back!
My, my. Seems you really grew attached to it, huh?
Or...
Did you fall for Ms. Shiron?
Fall for?
It means to fall in love.
No. That's not what happened.
Why not?
I'm not human.
I could never love.
Because you're a bomb?
In that case...
Look, I made you human,
Colio.
Oh, right.
Do you know where the man controlling you is?
Whoops. You wouldn't know that.
Bye-bye.
Okay, what's your next move, Mr. Bomb-In-Love?
Hamyuts Meseta is here!
Hamyuts Meseta is here!
Hamyuts Meseta is here!
Where do you think you're going?
M-My book is going to Heaven!
It will be with the Lord!
Heaven, huh?
He's here.
Oh, so you're the one pulling the strings this time,
Cigal Crekessa.
You can hear me, Hamyuts Meseta, yes?
The prologue has ended.
The chapter of my magnificent tale now begins.
It'd be too boring to let you end it here, don't you agree?
I'll make you into a lovely flower to help color my tale,
Hamyuts Meseta.
Ugh, nuts... A creepy guy.
But it sounds like fun, so I'll keep you company.
Make my heart race, will ya?
Is this the place the Acting Director mentioned?
Yes.
This is...
It's been a week.
And man, did they cut them up good.
What kind of weapon did they use?
Mirepoc, inform the Acting Director.
Okay.
Acting Director, we're at the Bujuia City location in your write-up.
A massacre?
They're trying to suppress evidence?
Mattalast thinks if that was the case, they wouldn't have left the bodies.
That's a good point.
All right. Keep investigating.
Roger.
This is...
Dragon Pneumonia.
What?
From the red bruising on her throat, there's no doubt about it.
Acting Director.
I confirmed it. It's Dragon Pneumonia.
It's advanced, so there must be others infected.
Also, I'm infected.
The symptoms will present in a few hours, and I won't be able to move.
We're also infected.
All the bodies here were infected with Dragon Pneumonia.
It looks like they were using the corpses to breed the germs.
I guess we're...
...screwed.
Mirepoc and the others?
They got Dragon Pneumonia?
They kept the fact that it's Dragon Pnemonuia secret from the populace,
and simply forbade them from leaving their homes as in a normal epidemic.
Where do you think you're going, Noloty?
I'm going to save them!
Huh? What're you gonna do if you get Dragon Pneumonia, too?
But...
Our first priority should be stopping the disease from spreading.
You are to isolate Toatt City with a barrier.
Prepare to leave at once.
But then Mirepoc and the rest will—
This is an order from the Acting Director!
Noloty.
Volken!
You are to guard the Library.
That's not fair!
Is that another one of the Acting Director's orders?
Even if you went, you and the Acting Director aren't getting along right now.
Use this opportunity to rest.
You people stand no chance of achieving happiness.
I need it only for myself.
I, alone, will become the most beautiful book this world has ever seen!
Slaughtering an entire city with Dragon Pneumonia...
Don't tell me that's how your magnificent tale begins.
Nah, that couldn't be it.
How long will we merely sit here?
We can't just walk around, spreading Dragon Pneumonia, can we?
But...
We're interrupting our regularly scheduled programming for some breaking news.
The large typhoon, Captain Chok, expected to head northeast,
has changed route and is heading directly toward the southeastern Toatt City.
What?
It has been a hundred years since a typhoon directly hit the Toatt region.
Acting Director! Acting Director!
No answer.
The first typhoon in a hundred years? That's ridiculous!
Storms are the Acting Director's only weakness.
She loses control of her sensory threads and her hit rate plummets.
On top of that, when the Dragon Pneumonia's symptoms present, she'll be unable to move!
If the enemy attacks now...
Shiron Byacornise's book.
Dragon Pneumonia.
A typhoon.
It couldn't be.
Get down, Mirepoc!
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Kill Mattalast-
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Kill Mirepoc Finedel.
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Those men!
They're not men.
They're bombs.
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Kill Mirepoc Finedel.
Kill Mattalast Balory.
Kill Mirepoc Finedel.
They're trying to delay us here.
But the enemy's true target is...
Oh, I get it.
Shiron predicted this day would come.
The real target isn't the Dragon Pneumonia.
It's me.
Well played, Cigal.
Love?
I'm human now?
That's not right. Humans are...
Beings with the right to gain all the happiness this world may offer.
Wounded humans are to be saved.
Suffering humans are to be rescued.
Forsaken humans are to be loved.
All humans are born into this world to be loved.
To love and be loved... To experience fulfillment, never suffering...
To live a life in utmost bliss...
I...
...love you.
Calico?
Wait a second, Calico.
Calico?
Once again, I can't save anyone?
Who's there?!
It appears there's no one here better suited to pick up this story from where it leaves off,
Master Volken.
Right around here should probably do.
I've kept you waiting, Hamyuts Meseta.
Help me add some excitement to my tale.
You, too...
Let me enjoy this.
When the wind dies down, he discovers how slender the woman's fingers are.
Hand in hand, they walk toward the spot where the setting sun and the horizon become one.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 04 [F8AFE3C2]

Ever-laughing witch, what will you gain by killing me?
By doing so, do you think you'll destroy the Church?
I know I cannot, for I can see into the distant future.
Then why?
Today, I learned that man's name.
It is as beautiful as I anticipated.
So much time passed in the blink of an eye...
When first we met, he was so much older than I was.
Imbecilic woman!
My suffering is God's suffering!
I should have made my decision earlier.
That man fell in love with me when I rose up and fought.
Above you!
Sheesh.
How will I find love if I can only see two seconds ahead?
What was that?
Where's the Acting Director?
No response.
She may have been pulled into battle.
This might be the first time we've met face-to-face.
Though, we've exchanged pleasantries quite a bit via my sensory threads.
I have to say, I was disgusted.
A woman fondling a man's backside is one of the most indecent things this world has to offer.
Do you have Shiron's book?
Right here.
It goes without saying that the Dragon Pneumonia antidote's recipe lies within.
Say, let me ask you a question.
What is it?
Do you really think you can kill me?
So long as I wield this sword, you don't stand a chance.
Shlamuffen...
I'm sure you're aware of it, the Causality-Nullification Attack.
The sword defends and attacks of its own volition.
As long as it's in your possession, the sword will parry all attacks.
Interesting stuff.
Hamyuts Meseta,
you will become the slogan on my book's cover.
It shall be written as follows:
"The joy of killing the strongest Armed Librarian, Hamyuts Meseta."
Man, it's freezing.
I've changed my mind.
I was going to spare you if you crapped your pants and cried,
while begging for your life.
See, I knew you were indecent.
Defile thyself, ever-laughing magic blade,
Shlamuffen!
Tsk. Weakling.
Open it. Please open the door.
No. Go away.
I can't allow anyone inside.
Who told you that?
A woman. She told me this cough is dangerous.
Please just leave.
Okay, but please tell me one thing.
Why is your cat named Calico?
Huh?
Please tell me.
Why do you want to know that?
I know someone who was called by that name.
Her hair shared the same pattern.
How do you know of her?
Carthelo had that book.
She's in this book?
Yes. A girl with striped hair.
May I see for myself?
Why are you doing that?
You shouldn't get clean things dirty.
Carthelo used to wash his face like that all the time.
You weren't the one who killed him... Were you?
It wasn't me.
Oh.
Hamyuts Meseta's the one I'm...
No, I'm past that now.
Go ahead.
You wanted to see it, right?
Thank you.
I want to get away.
I want to escape.
Calico, my butt!
I live a life of sadness.
You just creep us out!
Striped-hair!
Striped-hair witch!
And not only in the present.
In the future, as well. Every waking moment...
Only sadness awaits me.
So many people will suffer because of me.
No matter how hard I try to escape...
No matter how hard I try to change it...
I can't do it.
Because I can see it...
Because I can see the future...
Because I can see the things I'll do when I grow up, in the far-off future.
I hate it.
I hate the fact that so many people will suffer because of me.
Tell me what to do.
Why am I even alive?
There's no reason for me to go on living.
Tell me.
Someone...
Anyone...
Shiron!
Who said that?
It's perplexing.
Books are supposed to be from far in the past,
but she heard me when I called to her.
She heard our voices.
What did you say?
I didn't understand why she suffered so,
but Carthelo and I thought long and hard about it.
We needed to say something.
Even if we couldn't save her, we just wanted to help, in any way we could.
What did you say?
That you can't find life's meaning by yourself.
No matter how alone you think you are, you aren't.
No matter how far away we appear, we're right there with you.
Shiron.
Huh?
Shiron... Humans are wondrous beings.
Right.
I have to go.
Where?
I don't know.
Probably to fight.
Fight who?
I don't know. But...
Thank you. I owe everything to you.
I'm not sure I follow,
but I'll be happy if you thank Carthelo instead.
It's thanks to you and Carthelo.
Right. He's out there.
Even if we're apart, he's with me.
I don't know his name, but I know what kind of person he is.
He's strong. Exceptionally strong!
He unsheathes a small knife on a blustery day,
and calls my name.
And we're together. We watch the sunset.
This is in the distant future, after I've grown up.
Isn't that amazing?
Even though we're apart,
even though he's so far away,
I watch the sunset with him!
Aren't you going to beg for your life, you failure of a woman?
Get down, raise your hind legs like a dog, and beg me not to kill you.
What are you talking about, you rat-bastard?
You really are indecent.
Damn.
I'm delighted.
Now my book will shine as gold!
One sentence will ascend to God and penetrate His heart!
My tale of exaltation!
Rapture!
Passion!
Sensation!
Excitement!
Bliss!
Climax!
Admiration!
Awe!
Astonishment!
Intoxication!
Joy!
Pleasure!
Agape!
Screw you!
A hundred-year storm.
The magic blade, Shlamuffen.
I was really psyched for our battle, too.
Shlamuffen just...
Are you wishing for...
My victory?
My death?
You aren't going to attack me?
Scared?
I imagine you would be.
Will you let me give you your final cigarette, now that you're on death row?
Are you cut all the way to your organs?
Or is the Dragon Pneumonia setting in?
In either case, the person on death row is you,
Hamyuts Meseta.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think you'd get the upper-hand on me.
You're...
A Meat?
Why did you come here?
To fight!
Huh?
For what reason? This doesn't concern you.
Beat it.
No.
A Meat thinks it can defeat me with that?
Are you an idiot?
I don't know.
How do you plan on winning?
I don't know!
Beat it, then.
No! I'm fighting!
Why?
She didn't see me running away!
She saw me fighting!
I've never seen such a frantic Meat.
Shiron... Is this when it happens, Shiron?
It happens now, doesn't it, Shiron?
This is when it happens, right?
Shiron Byacornise!
When my words reach you,
please go to the place where someone precious lost someone precious to them.
In that brief moment, when the wind lets up,
run straight there.
When I was a child, it was seeing him that first awoke me to my power.
He ran as he called out my name.
I wanted to see him again.
He roused the power inside me.
Immersed in Wizakh's trickery, I came to hate my ability to see the future,
and I forgot all about him.
But Iea and Carthelo showed me life's meaning.
He restored my soul to life.
And then, seeing him fall in love with me when I rose up and fought,
I realized something.
I love Colio Tonies.
The pain...
It will not be forgiven...
This pain will not be forgiven.
This is a sin, a transgression...
Huh? You're still alive?
"Man and God are one and the same."
"Man has but one duty, to fulfill his own desire."
...Is it?
Isn't that the doctrine you guys adhere to?
Yes! That's exactly what it is!
That's why this must be some sort of mistake!
Mistake?
You should be honored that the boy was able to deliver your death sentence.
What is it, Colio?
What are you so happy about?
Now then, I shall get to work.
One of the war-machines of the past, the stone sword of spent time, Yor.
The quality of the Shindeki Church's books has dropped.
I wait with grand expectations.
This is somewhat unimpressive for the book of a True Man.
One cannot strive to create a quality book and merely expect it to come into being,
for God is hallowed, and Heaven is a far-off place.
I wouldn't want to end up such a book as this.
It's such a mystery!
Three times! Three!
The only explanation is that someone intentionally gave Shiron's books to Colio!
But Colio was also searching for the books on his own.
Still, it's not like they're easily found!
The Acting Director busted her butt looking for them.
I think you're overthinking things.
You were just reading that detective novel author's book, Kyasariro.
And you think that explains it?
Ouch!
Everyone gets four pieces only.
I'll take one, then.
Mattalast!
I-Is everything okay now?
Relax. I'm 100% back to normal,
thanks to Shiron's wonder drug.
What about Mirepoc?
Oh, the virus is more or less out of her system,
but I guess she's still got a cough.
Volken!
I started taking it because it's supposed to help soothe the coughing,
but now I'm hooked on the stuff—honey.
I'm sorry.
I'm glad the bruising didn't leave any scars.
Yeah.
Volken!
Huh?
Sorcerer Lascall Othello?
Volken!
Sorry about the other day.
I just had a bad feeling.
I thought we might regret not leaving someone to guard the fort.
Look! It's Ylucklucu.
Embroidered it pretty well for an amateur, if I do say so myself.
The war-machines of the past...
I'm gonna make it into a book cover once I finish them all.
"Vend Ruga is alive."
"He is living inside Olivia Litlet."
I'm sorry, but that glass is just so thick.
You'll have to speak up when you talk to me!
We've got serious trouble, Acting Director!
Ylucklucu was stolen!
The girl's short-lived, foolish determination...
Who will be able to laugh?
Hamyuts will.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 05 [374E5E25]

Volken did it?
They're saying he made off with Ylucklucu and left Bantorra.
Seriously? With a war-machine of the past?
I refuse to believe he did such a thing!
Even when he hides his sheets after wetting the bed,
his guilty conscience always makes him confess!
Uh... How long ago was that?
They brought him here as a baby, so he grew up in the Library.
I refuse to believe it!
It's not unheard of, though.
It's always the sheltered ones who act out.
He is always fighting with the Acting Director.
M-My apologies, Ireia!
I'll strangle him for you!
Stop! I'm gonna vomit!
What's all this commotion?
You're supposed to be working!
Get back to your posts and resume work at once!
You, too, Ireia. Don't get caught up in all these rumors.
Y-You're right.
Huh? Mirepoc...
Hmm?
Your jacket's on inside out.
What does it matter, as long as it keeps me warm!
You have a problem?!
N-No...
I've never seen someone so obviously freaking out in my entire life.
It's because Mirepoc and Volken joined in the same group.
I'm sure right now, she has a lot going on in her head.
A lot going on in general...
Luimon's book was stolen in transit,
after it was found at the Toatt Mine.
We suspect...
The Shindeki Church, right?
Yes.
It's extremely rare to dig up the book of someone connected to the Church, let alone a Church member.
Luimon's book might be the key to unraveling the Church's mysteries.
Luimon really looked out for me.
I'm going to give this 110 percent!
I won't return to the Library until I've recovered Luimon's book!
Noloty!
Oh, Mirepoc.
Listen. Contact us via telepathy as soon as you arrive.
Make sure to report in every night.
I will. Thank you.
Why is the Acting Director sending you on such a critical mission?
And alone? Is this really a good idea?
Are you all right?
Why do you ask?
Your eyes are red...
Is everything okay?
Will my eyes being red handicap you or something?
O-Of course not.
We're down a flying boat, thanks to you-know-who.
I'll send several Librarians to go investigate.
We'll spot them in no time.
Ylucklucu used to be in the Church's possession.
What Volken did bolsters our enemy, the Church.
He'll probably be executed for treason, if he's caught.
Why did you do it?
If you can hear this, please answer me.
No, you must answer me!
Volken Macmani!
Volken...
You're no fool, Acting Director.
But asking me to use my Sacred Eyes to see Volken's true character?
Were you expecting him to do what he did, all along?
Cut to the chase, will ya?
His dominant trait is honesty, his thoughts are of his ideals, and he wishes for justice.
By no means is he the rebel type.
I figured as much.
No matter where he goes, he'll always be a defender of justice.
Mr. Volken...
Huh?
What's Mirepoc up to?
I can tell you that without using my Sacred Eyes.
Betrayal...
I don't understand it.
He was always right there, beside me. So how could he do that?
Also...
Why did he leave this behind?
Lascall is a mysterious, mysterious proprietor of books.
He gathers books with his mysterious power and flies around the globe.
Then, when girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved.
This is...
Oh... How vain!
"Upon your death,
by the power of Lascall Othello, your book will be brought to be with me!"
Upon my death? What are you talking about?
No. You see, that's not the problem here...
As an Armed Librarian, I take matters of life and death very seriously.
How can I put this...
Oh, I know!
North, in the Library's fourth labyrinth, row E-25,
is simply the perfect book for you.
Perfect for me?
You should study up on these a bit more, like I have—
So you're saying that if I read it, I'll understand why Volken betrayed Bantorra, right?
No.
Thank you for the information!
Is she gonna be okay?
Bantorra Library is divided into six libraries and five labyrinths.
The Age of Paradise, when the Gods ruled mankind...
It was an era of true peace, without war, poverty, or crime.
However, the Gods fled the earth.
The God of the Past, Bantorra, was sealed within the Library He had created.
He left the task of running the Library to the humans.
And such was the birth of the Armed Librarians.
The Armed Librarians were to...
...excavate the books, maintain them,
and destroy any who would do them harm.
And...
The main reason we're called "Armed Librarians"...
That's not fair! Stay away!
Bantorra unleashed beasts in the Library to protect the books from intruders:
Guardian Beasts.
Only those who can make it past their guard are qualified to protect the books.
M-Mirepoc?
You're apprentices, aren't you?
Do you really think you can become Armed Librarians if you're struggling against the Guardian Beast, Needle Wolf, in the fifth library?
S-Sorry. This is our first field drill.
Then choose a place farther south!
You'll only face cavalry-level ones there.
Y-Yes, ma'am!                               Y-Yes, ma'am!
The Guardian Beasts become much stronger as you descend into libraries four and five.
Also, the more important books are stored there.
Mokkania!
Ants...
Huh?
You'll kill them if you step on them.
It's snack time. Eat up.
Your ability to make decisions dulls as your blood sugar drops.
Um...
They look dull now.
Huh?
Th-Thank you very much.
E-25... E-25...
This is it.
Ah! I had no idea that the one I've been looking for was beside me all along!
I feel the same! Oh, love hides itself in sin!
But you're going to leave me behind, are you not?
Nonsense!
Distance and time do not apply to us.
For love is eternal.
Oh, dear!
This?! Why did I need to see that?!
H-How shameless!
The book!
Excuse me...
Oh, right, right.
Thank you for waiting. This is the book you reserved.
Oh, dear...
This book has been assigned a #5 seal.
Removing it from the premises is strictly prohibited.
If you are found in violation of that rule, your memories will be erased by the fantasy-slaughter grail, Argax,
and...
Enough with that stuff.
Please sign here, ma'am.
Certainly.
Matt! Matt!
Volken?
Oh, what's up?
Look at this!
I-I'm sorry-
What's the matter with you, Volken?
Acting Director Fhotona.
My sincere apologies. Are you hurt?
Oh, no. I'm fine, thank you.
U-Um...
The Library is a sacred place. What do you think you're doing?
U-Um...
Er...
People's deaths are to be mourned.
Human life itself should be exalted.
And that applies to all life, not just humans.
If you wish to become an Armed Librarian, you must treat all living things with respect.
Oh, hello.
Thank you.
You weren't hurt before?
I'm fine, really.
The Acting Director shouldn't have gotten so angry, too.
Oh, no. Fhotona is absolutely right.
I hope to become an Armed Librarian like him someday.
Then I'm sure you will become one.
Yeah!
He was no different back then.
They were and still are human!
He's so straightforward.
I'm glad the bruising didn't leave any scars.
And so awkward, in his own way...
But the truth is that he betrayed Bantorra.
Where am I?
This is bad. I'm in the fourth library!
An Elephant Guard!
Oh, no...
I'm done for...
Volken?
Volken!
Matt?
Sorry I'm not Volken.
What's the matter?
You looked bad with long hair, as a kid.
Oh? Maybe I should have let you die, after all.
Volken just has the wrong idea!
He still puts honey into his tea, like a kid!
What did you give her to drink?
Just something like juice.
Betraying Bantorra is an unforgivable offense for an Armed Librarian.
No matter what the reason!
Exactly. He's such a baby.
Don't encourage her.
And he left his comrade-in-arms high and dry, without saying a word to me...
I know, right?
He's a complete jerk.
Don't call Volken a jerk!
He has a sense of righteousness and beautiful hair, the color of fresh grass.
And in battle... He was one of the best among our class—
No, among all the Armed Librarians!
And he loved honey.
And he was kind to everyone.
And he was straightforward
to the point of awkwardness.
That...
That's the Volken I...
You?
I...
Will this do?
Yes, please.
Hey! What's going on?
Mirepoc!
You just figured that out?
Dullness knows no bounds.
Another day's work is done!
Now, one drink before I hit the hay-
Good evening!
Mirepoc?
What are you doing here at this hour?
Ugh. You reek of booze.
Mirepoc Finedel, entering.
Uh, you already entered.
Acting Director, I've come here tonight
to ask for your permission to let me use the war-machine of the past,
the fantasy-slaughter grail, Argax.
Why?
Don't tell me you wanna do something girly, like erasing all your memories of Volken?
What's this? You don't trust him?
No...
You don't have to save your chastity for Bantorra.
As long as you don't let it interfere with your work, who cares if you're in love with a traitor?
I sure don't, that's for sure.
I-In love?
You're not?
N-No, I'm not...
No! Whether or not I'm in love isn't the point!
I just...
You just...?
I'm sick of hesitating.
I realized that
my current state of mind will begin to interfere with my work as an Armed Librarian!
So please, Acting Director...
I see.
Should you have let her use it?
Argax is only to be used to erase the memories of criminals and people who read sealed books-
I had no choice. She's stubborn.
Also,
sometimes love can get close to the truth, you know?
What? You're worried about your beloved subordinate?
No.
All righty, then!
There was something going on between Volken and the Acting Director.
Who knows what the Acting Director is thinking?
Shh! What'll you do if she hears you with her sensory threads?
A-Acting Director!
I would never listen to two nobodies like you telling each other rumors.
She was listening!
But not eavesdropping. I just happened to overhear it.
Now, time to give orders.
Whisper what you'd like to forget into the cup, then drink it all at once.
You are no longer to mention Volken in front of Mirepoc.
My memories of Volken Macmani and...
All of my feelings for him.
Got it?
Go use that rumor-spreading skill you're so good at to inform the others.
Y-Yes, ma'am.
But why?
Okay?
O-Okay!
They're always making me work.
Love, huh?
What do you think you're doing?
Didn't I ask you to sort the fourth library?
R-Right, but Ireia's tea was so good...
Something about her has changed since yesterday.
She has her clothes on straight, for starters.
What?
Oh, nothing! We're off!
Would you like some tea, Mirepoc?
Oh, no. I have work to do.
But you're in no hurry, right?
R-Right.
Thank you.
Oh, Ireia, do you have any honey?
You take your tea sweet?
No, I usually don't.
But today, for some reason, I do.
I see...
A golden monster appears within Bantorra.
Merciless thunder slices through the peace built on falsehoods.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 06 [764A626F]

Really?
Yeah. Can you believe it?
So, tomorrow morning-
Get Hamyuts Meseta here.
Who are you, sir?
A monster.
P-Please wait a moment.
The Acting Director isn't here today.
I will ask for someone else to—
Huh? What the hell is this?!
Oh, war-machine of the past, the stone sword of spent time, Yor...
Oh...
Hey, are you going to read it?
I've got a fascination for monsters.
Hey, Meats, we brought you some food.
What's the matter? Didn't snag any?
Look. There's a piece right here.
Ow!
Jerk!
What's the matter with you?
Bastard!
Is it cold over there?
Come sit by me.
It's warmer here.
I'm Relia Bookwatt.
What's your name?
Enlike...
Enlike...
Enlike...
...Bishile.
What did you do, Enlike?
"Do"?
I asked for medicine.
My friend was suffering from a fever.
Why?
You must help others when they're suffering.
Why?
I don't know.
But I feel like someone did that for me.
Get out.
U-Uhm, what about that girl?
She's alive and kicking.
Alive... That's great.
What was... that.
I remember seeing it long ago...
It's a...
...smile.
...smile.
...smile.
A smile...
He smiled.
A smile...
I want to smile.
Well? What's the experiment for this time, old master?
A serum to forcibly bestow magic rights.
An experiment.
I'm going to die... I'll leave this world.
You never tire of that, do you?
I don't need you to understand.
Each True Man is an elevated, isolated existence unto himself.
We don't need to see eye-to-eye on everything.
Huh?
A Meat crying?
Boramotte, pull him out of the cage.
Yes, sir.
Ganbanzel...
Sit him down over here.
You want me to sit next to a Meat?
Disgusting!
Excellent. Sit right here.
Why do you cry?
I want to smile before I die...
But I can't.
Oh, but smiling is the easiest thing in the world!
You just need to do something fun.
Fun...?
It means to experience the joy of living.
Do you know what you must do for that?
Kill!
Your opponent dies, and you live.
Can you imagine any better means of realizing the joy of living than this?
Killing... Fun...
Yes...
It's fun.
Have fun, and you'll smile.
Look at my hand.
These days, this old man's hand couldn't kill even a child.
For many years, I lived modestly in a trading town.
I destroyed my desire and lied to myself.
By the time I realized this, it was too late.
As such, I've made up my mind.
I shall create a being of superhuman strength to act on my behalf.
I shall create a monster capable of killing Hamyuts Meseta herself!
A monster?
Yes. A monster!
Minth!
Stop, Minth!
Wh-What is that?
An electric shock. He's projecting electricity from his body.
If your sword touches him, you'll be electrocuted!
He regenerated?
He can use electricity, water and cloth?
How many magic attacks does he have?
Get down, you two!
I'm the only one who stands a chance.
Highly doubtful.
We'll see about that.
He can still move?
Mirepoc! Toss me your gun!
He's out of bullets?
Okay!
Matt!
Minth!
Sorry. I still had a shot left.
Get back here, you jerk!
Minth!
You all right, Minth?
Y-You were able to see all of that?
Who knows...
Sneaky bastard.
Mirepoc, inform the guards.
Tell them that if they see a masked man, to let him through unopposed.
We're just letting him escape?
We can't stop him with our powers alone.
He was from the Church, wasn't he?
If there's anyone else who'd attack the Library,
I'd like to meet them.
Do you think it's connected with the theft of Luimon's book?
Who knows... But...
I don't think that's the last we've seen of him.
Man, who was that guy?
The Magic Bureau only bestows the right to one type of magic per person.
Trying to learn more would lead only to chaos and a sick mind.
And yet...
Look at this.
Huh?
It looks like glass.
It was left behind.
It's probably his hair.
Translucent hair...
It can't be! Did you tell the Acting Director?
Yeah... She ordered a unit to pursue the monster,
and then she left.
Huh?!
What's going through that woman's mind?
Seriously... She never makes our lives easy.
Wait!
Wait, wait, wait, wait!
There he is.
I'm not letting you get away.
Give me back the old woman's purse.
O-Out of my way!
If you don't move, there's no telling what I'll do!
If you return it now, I'll recommend leniency to the police.
Shut up!
Are you having money problems?
If you are, tell me and let's talk!
I don't have much money myself, but...
Shut up and move. Move!
Hand it over, or I'll punch you.
I'd rather not have to.
Please return it at once!
Yes, right there!
Officers, that man stole my purse.
Huh? An Armed Librarian?
Thank you so much.
Take care now!
That was quite commendable, Ms. Armed Librarian.
Impressive work, Ms. Armed Librarian.
Stealing from the elderly...
You shoulda beaten the crap out of him.
Yeah, but I thought he may have had a good reason for it.
Also, I'm really not a fan of punching people.
But you're an Armed Librarian...
Oh! Actually, I'm not an Armed Librarian.
Huh?
I'm just an apprentice.
An apprentice, huh?
The road to becoming an Armed Librarian is long...
There she is.
Noloty!
Huh?
Yoo-hoo! Noloty!
A-Acting Director?!
Hi.
Uhm, what are you doing here?
Aren't you going to explain how you ended up here?
Huh?
Your mission was to recover Luimon's book, was it not?
Oh... Yes!
He was your drill instructor, right?
Yes.
And?
They found Luimon's book in the Toatt Mine,
and it was brought here, to Bujuia, by train.
From here, it was to be transported to the Library by boat.
But...
The train was attacked, and the book was stolen.
I doubt there are many with enough power to attack a moving train.
I began my investigation with the local criminal organizations,
but I've yet to uncover anything.
Interesting...
Huh? What is?
Oh, sorry, sorry. It's nothing.
But anyway, why are you here?
I heard from Mirepoc that the Library was attacked.
Shouldn't you be leading the search for the monster?
Oh, Mirepoc and Ireia are more than capable of leading the search.
But she said it looked like the Church's doing...
Ooh, a fight!
Huh?
H-Hey!
What? It's glowing!
Such beautiful hair...
"Come and punch me, for a fee of 100 kiluwes per minute."
"Beat me and win 10,000 kiluwes."
Don't you like these types of things?
Well, it's scary.
What are you talking about? You're stronger than everyone there.
I'm still scared.
What if someone gets hurt?
What if I hurt someone?
Strange girl.
Can you tell what's going on, Noloty?
Oh, yes!
The one taking the punches is stronger.
For some reason, he's deliberately taking the blows and pretending they hurt.
Time's up! That was one minute.
Stay home next time, idiot!
It's over!
Who's next?
Right here!
Huh? A-Acting Director?
This girl will fight next!
Huh?
This isn't good...
Could she be testing me?
Um, I know I look like a little girl, but I'm an apprentice Armed Librarian,
so I shouldn't be doing this...
Begin.
I-I'm asking you not to begin!
What should I do?
Punch him! Come on!
Noloty! If you don't take this seriously, you'll stay an apprentice forever.
Huh?
One punch? That's it?
I'll hit you for real now.
Here I go!
No way.
You gonna continue?
Awesome!
Awesome! Awesome! Just awesome!
Will you protect the world with me?
What are you talking about?
You could definitely make it as an Armed Librarian!
Let's save everyone who's in trouble or suffering...
No, let's save everyone who can be saved!
Save?
Acting Director, this man is strong!
Acting Director?
I'm going back.
Huh?
H-Hey, wait.
Excuse me. I'll come back later.
Please think about it.
Why does he expend all his strength doing that?
What a waste...
Noloty.
I have something I want to tell you.
After that, I have orders for you.
Okay...
First, I'll tell you that man's name. It's Zatoh Rondohoon.
He's the one who stole Luimon's book.
Huh? Really?
But how do you know that?
Not tellin'.
Next, my orders.
Now, you can't let the other Armed Librarians know this.
It's what's called a top-secret mission.
Top-secret?
Long ago, that man killed another man and read his book.
He then began to wish for death.
What are you talking about?
This is the mission. Listen carefully.
Save that man, Zatoh.
When he's truly in peril, save him.
Save him...
That's your mission.
Catch ya later.
Hold on!
Acting Director!
H-Huh?
Save him? What on earth...
Hamyuts Meseta.
The woman named Noloty Malche.
She enters people's hearts with wanton disregard.
Indelible footprints.
Incurable claw marks.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 07 [3AE2E1FA]

That which goes does not go. That which comes does not come.
The moon is the sun.
The birds are the fish.
Magic begins with visualization.
Destroy the order of the world within yourself,
while visualizing your destruction of the world's order.
The living are the dead.
Steel becomes brittle.
Reality becomes a dream. All fantasy becomes reality.
Using your right to defy the creator,
and deviating from universal law...
This, we call "magic."
That which is, is not.
This which is not, is.
Creation will be rendered false.
I shall now undergo Magical Deliberation.
Invert a cup, and water spills out.
It is this logic that we defy.
This is the first step toward magic... The start of Magical Deliberation.
And if that deliberation is continued...
Incredible...
Am I still unable to become a monster?
You have a long way ahead.
What Master Ganbanzel desires...
...is Hamyuts Meseta.
I'm starving.
Oh, hey. I'm back.
Welcome back.
Good work today.
Welcome back.
Welcome back.
Yes... It's fun.
Have fun, and you'll smile.
It's so pretty!
It was lying on the beach.
Ronkeny found it.
Thank you so much!
Men read books,
and men return to life inside them.
How fascinating...
What are you talking about, Kayas?
Sure, the fireballs that Ronkeny blows are powerful,
but what's the use if he can't hit his target?
Besides, he can only fire them a short distance now.
Personally, I don't care how much killing power you've got,
it isn't magic if you can't really use it.
You might be right.
What do you think, Enlike?
Leave him alone.
But his Magical Deliberation is further along than the rest of us.
I have no opinion on it.
Oh, he spoke.
I guess even a born killer, when spoken to, will speak.
Sassali!
Whatever...
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Ronkeny.
Enlike...
Tonight. You and me.
No way...
So we're going to practice through actual combat, huh?
Yes.
And we're fighting to the death, huh?
Yes.
Why must we do this?
To become a monster.
I don't want to be some stupid monster...
I want to stay with everyone.
That's impossible.
Why?!
We're only here so we can become monsters.
So, you came.
Yes.
Then let the sparring commence.
Take this!
I don't want it.
It's not for you. I want you to give it to Qumola.
Qumola?
Please!
Without further ado, fight!
Enlike Bishile, wielding thunder.
Ronkeny Loinemoney, wielding fire.
Enlike Bishile, wielding even more powerful thunder.
Ronkeny Loinemoney, wielding fire with even greater precision.
Enlike Bishile, wielding even more powerful thunder with still greater precision.
Ronkeny Loinemoney, wielding even larger, more powerful fire with still greater precision!
Hey!
Zatoh!
Zatoh Rondohoon!
Please say something!
He isn't breathing...
It went through to his heart.
This can't be...
Where is Hamyuts Meseta?
What?
Where is Hamyuts... The Armed Librarian...
Y-You're alive?
Bring Hamyuts here...
Th-This isn't the time for that!
No way.
Suicide? Were you trying to commit suicide?
Yes.
Why?
A-Are you going through a tough time?
L-Listen!
You aren't going to preach to me that suicide is bad, and I shouldn't do it, are you?
Suicide is bad, and you shouldn't do it.
A-Anyway, don't kill yourself just because you stole something!
I think they'll be pretty lenient if you turn yourself in.
I stole something?
I know you stole Luimon Muhatonn's book,
Zatoh Rondohoon.
I came to this town in search of that book.
You're going to give it to me?
If you want it from me, kill me.
Kill you?
Do it yourself or call another to do it.
Kill me.
What have I been saying?
Sure, stealing a book is a sin,
but it's not worth dying for!
You're wrong!
Huh?
I'm a killer.
I've killed more than I can count.
I can never atone for my sins.
Even so...
Even so, you must not die.
Why not?
Because I'm against it.
You're not getting the book back without killing me.
Noloty, do you copy?
Mirepoc?
I don't have a lot of time.
Did you find Luimon's book?
Yes. I found a book that appears to be his.
Great work. Did you recover it?
No. I found the person I believe to have stolen it, but he's...
Kill him.
Huh? But...
You'll understand why later.
Or rather, the longer you procrastinate, the more danger we'll be in.
But!
That danger may spread all the way to Bantorra!
No, I'm against it.
I will bring the book back. Goodbye.
Noloty, wait!
How come all anyone thinks of is death and killing?
Long ago, that man killed another man and read his book.
He then began to wish for death.
Save that man, Zatoh.
When he's truly in peril, save him.
I thought she'd shed some of her naïveté, given that it's Luimon's book she's after...
Forget that. What are you gonna do about this love letter?
"The one who is with Noloty is the monster who attacked the Library..."
"Please look after things for me from now on."
I've no doubt. This is the Acting Director's handwriting.
The Acting Director, Noloty, whoever...
Why do all women act so stupid?
Oh, sorry! I just forgot that you're a woman, too, Mirepoc!
Well, I can't leave things as they are.
I'll have to dispatch someone.
You're up, Minth.
Me?
I came to this town in search of that book.
Draw your gun, Noloty!
No! I will not use a gun!
Why not?
It's too easy to kill with them!
You end up killing, even when you don't intend to!
You're such a sweet girl.
However, it is our job to oversee death.
You may be reprimanded for choosing not to kill,
but you will never be praised.
I don't care if they reprimand me.
I will protect the world, without killing!
It's getting stronger...
I have to hurry... I have to stop it!
I must admit, I'm surprised.
H-Hamyuts Meseta?!
I'm jealous. You look so happy...
You aren't powerful enough to even approach Hamyuts. However...
If you follow Master Ganbanzel, a day will come when you'll be able to kill her.
This isn't a smile.
This...
...isn't a smile.
Welcome back.
It's beautiful.
You got this from Ronkeny, didn't you?
How can you tell?
He said he'd bring me another...
Why don't you smile?
Why...
...don't you smile?
A back alley?
Yes, according to police intel.
Though, we don't know for sure if he's the monster.
Well, I have an idea.
But I'm not sure if it'll work.
Play nice with my monster, Armed Librarians.
Those guys...
The customers aren't lining up today, huh?
Why are you here?
Because I want to help you.
Then kill me.
That wouldn't be helping you!
That's the only way to help me!
There's another way. I just haven't figured it out yet.
Why are you smiling?
Huh? That's a good question...
It's probably because my mind's at ease...
Because you haven't attempted suicide again
during the time we've spent together.
Someone might punch me to death.
There isn't anyone in this town who can knock you out.
I mean, I don't like watching you get punched,
but it's better than you being stabbed with a knife!
Why did you smile?
Why did you hold my hand?
That was... I already told you!
Because you're going to protect...
...the world with me.
"Come and punch me, for a fee of 100 kiluwes per minute."
"Beat me and win 10,000 kiluwes."
Is that him?
What an awesome mask!
You must be a street performer, huh?
Ow! Ow!
Here's a thousand kiluwes. I'm gonna punch you for ten minutes.
No way! It's one minute at a time!
It's okay.
Huh?
Here I come!
His dominant trait is stupidity. His thoughts are empty.
And he wishes for atonement?
He's nothing like the monster.
However, he did react to my mask!
So why?!
Zatoh!
That man is incredibly strong.
He's on a different level from the others.
And yet, Zatoh is taking all of his blows!
He couldn't be!
Hey!
To be killed by an imposter...
How fitting...
Imposter?
Stop! That's against the rules!
You paid to punch him. You can't do anything else!
Come on. Kill me...
Nothing has changed within him.
There's no trace of the monster within his soul.
...still!
Please stop!
Move.
No.
Move!
Why?
Why do you have to die?
I killed countless people in the past.
The fact that I'm alive is an affront to their very souls.
And your death will make amends for that?
There's no other way!
Everyone dies!
That won't make up for a damned thing!
You have nothing you wish to do before you die?!
Nothing at all?!
There must be something!
At least one thing, right?!
Zatoh!
I want to smile before I die...
I want to smile.
Zatoh...
Zatoh!
Minth!
Now you figure it out?
What on earth are you doing here?
We got word that the monster was here.
Monster?
The gold-masked monster that attacked Bantorra.
That lightning attack was unmistakable.
No way. Zatoh's just...
I agree. It doesn't make sense.
Looking at him with my Sacred Eyes, he's a completely different person.
The monster who attacked Bantorra has a dominant trait of misfortune,
his thoughts are of himself, and he wishes for chaos.
He's never thought of atonement in his life!
It was my first time seeing him too,
but he's probably...!
I...
I...!
Excellent, excellent.
Excellent, excellent.
Excellent, excellent.
Excellent, excellent.
Excellent, excellent.
Excellent, excellent.
Excellent, excellent.
Excellent, excellent.
Excellent, excellent.
Looks like it's almost time...
For the real monster to be born.
Zatoh!
Stay away, Noloty...
You can smile.
It's easy to smile if you surround yourself with fun things!
Fun things?
Yes!
If you surround yourself with fun things, you'll be able to want to go on living.
Is that so?
So please... Don't die!
Zatoh?
Get the hell away from here, Noloty!
Then I suppose, in the name of living, I'll have to enjoy all sorts of fun.
Fun,
oh so fun...
...Murder!
A seashell...
If you put your ear to it, you can hear the melodies of the past:
death throes of fallen comrades,
insignificant chatter,
and laughter.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 08 [5DE09887]

Zatoh...
Long time no see, Mr. Monster.
What are you talking about? "Monster"?
That's the real Zatoh,
different from the man you were with up till now.
His name is Enlike Bishile,
a pathetic kid who failed to become a monster.
What are your thoughts?
It's fascinating.
A kid who tried to become a monster...
Yes. Fascinating, indeed.
But you don't need to read it.
Why don't you just use your power?
Reading them is fun, too.
Doing the same thing over and over... Honestly, you grow tired of it.
Enlike Bishile, wielding thunder.
Wielding even more powerful thunder.
Enlike Bishile, wielding even more powerful thunder with still greater precision.
Enlike, you've been looking so beleaguered lately.
Qumola.
Huh?
Why doesn't Qumola smile?
She's a rat. Throw her some food, and she'll smile.
Did you become sexually aware, too?
It's not ready yet?
Not yet, but almost!
It's okay, Qumola.
I'll protect you.
Sassali?
It's you and me tonight.
I've been waiting for this day.
Qumola will be delighted to hear of your death.
Why?
Why? You know the answer!
She's afraid of you!
Begin!
Aren't you gonna discharge it?!
That thunder you always brag about?
This is revenge for my fallen brothers!
Dam—
Qumola...
He's got the devil's luck.
Still, he probably made for some much-needed medicine.
Struggling against such a weak opponent...
What happened after I passed out?
I'm going to apply some medicine to your back.
But my back wasn't hurt that—
You just can't feel it. Now, please hurry.
Enlike...
That makes five people.
Congratulations.
Are you happy,
having won?
I'm not sure.
Why not? Don't you enjoy it?
Doing that to others...
Not me.
I'm sick of killing.
I kill and kill... It's no fun for me at all.
I've never been able to smile.
They taught us that killing is fun.
I used to think it would be, too.
But now...
It's cruel... To say that... Now...
Do you really hate me that much?
Please die, Enlike.
Each time someone dies, a sorrow comes over me and I feel like dying myself.
But I fight through it and survive.
Then someone else dies, the sorrow returns, and yet I still live on...
Qumola, I...
Five people have died already!
And my heart has died five times with them...
Even you, Enlike... You...
You could die too!
What's going on?!
Boramotte. Let's stop doing this!
What?
Please let me stop. I can't take anymore.
I...
You shut your mouth!
That dirty vermin planted some weird idea in your mind, didn't she?
If Master Ganbanzel saw the pathetic state of things...
That's it! I'm going to Heaven!
Wait!
Leave him be, Enlike.
Ganbanzel.
You'll never become a monster.
The day you rejected Hamyuts Meseta's smile set all this in motion.
You're a thunder-wielding fool,
yearning for one thing alone, but never to get it.
At the very least, burn through it all, be it without meaning to you!
Those idiots...
Throwing their lives away for a lousy rat!
Kayas...
Enlike, I'm giving you one last chance.
Go find Qumola and kill her.
Do that and—
I...
I...
I...
I...!
Welcome back. Welcome back.
Welcome back, everyone. Welcome back.
Welcome back. Welcome back.
Welcome back. Welcome back.
Welcome back. Welcome back.
Welcome back. Welcome back.
Qumola will probably never smile again.
Because there's no one left here.
That was the life of Enlike Bishile.
He was completely helpless.
That's impossible...
I know I spoke with him.
Yes, I've heard.
You can't talk to the dead!
You can read their books, but that's different.
It's because of his power.
What?
You're not as dumb as you look.
I've only read about him.
I didn't think he could actually exist.
They call him the "Book Eater."
That transparent hair of his leaves no doubt in my mind!
Seeing is believing, huh?
That's Luimon's...
Watch closely, my dear Noloty.
Noloty...
Someone else has joined us.
Qumola...
Book Eaters...
Even I had only imagined them to be a myth.
They say that, true to the name, they eat books.
He traps those in the books he eats in a separate realm inside his body.
They call it the nonentity entrails.
The soul of the person eaten is a pitiable prisoner.
I like the feel of that.
Uh, let's see... What was it again?
Oh, right. That kid named Ronkeny's power!
Each person can only contain one magic power.
But he can use the powers of each person he eats!
And that's why...
The monster who attacked the Library commanded many different types of magic.
And this is the power of the aforementioned Enlike.
It was hilarious.
That boy's eyes were completely empty when I arrived on the island.
Those brats were only there to become food for yours truly.
All that "becoming a monster" business was just lies.
Fool!
That power...
That's Luimon's!
Damn you!
That huge Librarian...
The only "weapon" he had was strength.
That's enough! You can't stop him!
Please stop talking! I'm angry right now!
So angry!
Oh?
What did you do with Luimon and Enlike?
They're gone now.
You'll never see them again!
You lie!
Now, dear Noloty... Don't be so hard on yourself.
You saved my life.
Who the hell saved you?!
Noloty!
Qumola...
I was inside him that day, too.
This book is...
...Qumola's!
And that's...
Oh, I'm glad you're okay now.
Let me see your face.
I'm glad. I was able to save the others.
Glad...
Don't make a sound.
Follow me.
I'm stealing a boat and getting out of here.
I can't spend one more second in this hellhole.
I don't wanna die.
I want to save...
I want to save...
...everyone.
Qumola...
Not me.
I'm sick of killing.
I kill and kill... It's no fun for me at all.
I've never been able to smile.
To say that now...
I hated him so much before that, but a monster...
Why didn't you kill him, then?
Because...
Because he may have killed many people and injured others,
but he was still no different than you and I.
So I want to save him.
Then it's settled. Let's go!
Huh?
We'll kill Boramotte and take one of the ships!
If we work together, we can do it!
We'll get off this island and live!
You'll be fine, Qumola. We'll protect you.
What about Enlike?
He'll come with us, of course.
You said it yourself: He's no different from you and I.
You traitors!
I...
I...!
Yes. I, Enlike Bishile,
commandeered this man, Zatoh's, body.
I came to this town in search of a place to die.
But...
G-Give back... Enlike!
Damn it.
I...
Giving up already, Enlike?
You'd better not even consider being the only one to give up.
Guys...
Qumola came with us to rescue you.
Relia showed you kindness. And now...
The girl fighting outside...
...is putting her life on the line to save me.
What do I do?
Think about it, dummy!
You'll search through every square inch of this place for a way out!
Noloty!
Woops.
Take a nap, will ya?
Minth?!
Why not admit defeat like a good girl, Noloty?
He's dead, you know.
No.
He's alive.
Enlike's continuing to fight inside of you!
Can't admit defeat, huh?
Farewell. I'll come find you once you're a book.
Enlike?
Th-That's impossible!
You aren't the only one who can wield thunder, Zatoh Rondohoon.
Enlike Bishile, wielding more powerful thunder, with greater precision than ever before.
See, you can do whatever you put your mind to!
Sassali?
Let's do this, Enlike.
Water, blast!
Blast me, Enlike.
What?
Next!
What? What's going on?
Damn it!
Do it, Enlike.
Ronkeny...
No.
You can't do that.
If you kill him, you'll die, too.
Don't worry about me.
We'll hold him back. Get out of here.
Stop!
Why are you letting me live?
We've had enough of you.
You can be pretty disgusting.
Stop!
Go live a long life.
Smile from ear to ear, like an idiot.
Qumola.
Thank you.
Noloty...
Who are you now?
Don't cry sitting over me.
I can handle the tears, but your snot is dripping on me.
Enlike!
You're heavy and in the way. Move.
Looks like you got a new lease on life.
This isn't the time to smile. Stop.
You stop first.
A-Acting Director?!
Nice job!
Were you watching everything? For how long?
My, whatever are you speaking of?
Don't play dumb.
Anyway, Acting Director,
it's a shame we weren't able to fight the monster.
Huh? Not at all.
I mean, we've got a worthy adversary...
Right there.
A certain True Man desires Heaven.
The morning sun burns the eye, as flowers wilt.
Lightning illuminates the deformed heart of a martyr, and then...
...pierces.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 09 [771D64E3]

I realized it too late.
No. There is still time.
You want to see the true Heaven, do you not?
Who are you?
I abandoned my human name long ago.
The believers call me...
The Governor of Paradise.
Nope.
I know that there's knowledge contained in the nonentity entrails,
but that's all.
The same conclusion the Magic Bureau reached, huh?
Enlike, you may be able to take over Zatoh's body,
but you won't be able to take over his magic rights.
I'd wager that Zatoh's personal magic right...
...is the ability to use the powers of the books he eats.
You cannot eat books and you cannot use cloth or water-
You love the sound of your own voice, Mattalast.
Anyway, what do you plan to do with me?
Nothing.
Take your time. Enjoy Bantorra.
Read some books. Go into town and find a girl to fool around with.
Heck, if you want, I'll join you.
Relax. We've already tried to kill each other once. We're brothers now.
Matt? It's Mirepoc.
Do you have a minute?
Sure, I was just getting sick of talking to a stubborn young man.
A graceful lady like yourself is a nice change of pace.
From what we learned from Enlike's statement,
True Man Ganbanzel's estate was spotted in the Ismo Republic.
However, it's completely abandoned, and he's nowhere to be found.
I see. Good work.
Time sure flies.
It's been a week since Enlike came to this island.
Befriending a member of the Church is huge.
I wonder if the Acting Director anticipated all this happening from the start.
Who knows.
Do you think she'll make him an Armed Librarian?
I couldn't say.
Besides, Enlike doesn't seem too interested himself.
You impress me, Enlike.
You're an entirely new person compared to when we met in town.
Say, wanna battle to the death right now?
We can destroy this place without anyone caring.
You may have a reason to fight,
but I don't.
Shucks.
I came here to atone for my sins.
I owe her.
You're so cruel to me.
My heart is broken.
Change your mind someday, will ya? I'll be waiting.
A former Church member becoming an Armed Librarian?
You shouldn't even joke about that.
You're back now, Feekiee?
How did things go on the island?
Not great.
But I did manage to recover Hiza's book.
I see.
True Man Ganbanzel is missing.
And just as with the incident involving Cigal,
we're having trouble finding clues about the Church.
In any case, it's only a matter of time
before that spy shows his true colors.
You think so, too?
Of course.
No matter how you slice it, he's still the man who attacked the Library.
I find it hard to believe that he'd sever all ties with the Church.
Ow-ow...
They told me that you can only use thunder magic now.
My hyper-regeneration is separate from that.
I think Kayas may have left this power behind for me.
Okay then, round two.
This time, you'll be the one knocked down.
Sounds like fun. Bring it on.
Oh! You just smiled, Enlike.
I did not.
You did!
I did not.
All right, 1000 kiluwes on the one who smiled.
I'll bet 2000 kiluwes, then.
Guys... Why are you...
Oh, this guy said he wanted to spar with the "Book Eater".
I'm Ruweek, a 2nd-rank Armed Librarian.
W-Wait. He's not a Book Eater anymore...
Duh, we know that.
That being said...
So you don't trust me.
He's bright. I love men like that.
Guys, let's not go through with this.
If the Acting Director found out...
Shut up, Gamo.
I don't care what the top brass has to say. It doesn't sit right with me.
Gilda, the regular librarian this jerk killed,
was from my hometown!
I'm in pain.
I told you so.
Damn it...
But wow, he sure can use thunder...
Purely in terms of combat prowess,
don't you think he's on par with the 1st-rank Armed Librarians?
He is a monster.
Yeah. What is the Acting Director thinking,
letting him wander free like that?
Don't be worried.
Ruweek, despite his tough looks, is a good guy.
I'm sure he'll come around.
See you again tomorrow.
Yeah.
Show yourself, Ganbanzel.
Ganbanzel? Where?
Are you going to haunt me forever?
Humans...
Beings with the right to gain all the happiness this world may offer.
Where's your body located?
Wounded humans are to be saved.
Suffering humans are to be rescued.
Forsaken humans are to be loved.
What says a monster about this?
The exact opposite.
Wounded humans are to be killed.
Suffering humans are to be trampled.
Forsaken humans are to be devoured.
Enlike, return to me.
You're a true monster. You defeated Zatoh!
Serve my desires. Serve my wishes!
Stay away from me!
My monster...
Just you wait...
You will come to me.
I'm impressed.
Sending your spirit after him over and over, at the expense of shortening your own life...
Obsession like that will have Heaven welcoming you with open arms.
What's this? You look like you've seen a ghost.
What did you see?
Why?
Hmm?
How can a woman like you be the Acting Director?
Her smile is practically that of...
A monster?
Thank you for your kind words.
In return, I shall tell you a neat fact.
What I want...
...is a battle to the death with someone hellbent on killing me.
I see that blood-thirst in your eyes right now.
You're mad!
Oh, you're too kind!
Take that book with you.
It'll give you nice memories when you're feeling lonely.
What? Went into town by himself?
Enlike did?
He'll be fine. We've got surveillance on him.
Noloty!
Hamy, do you really want to fight that boy this badly?
Yeah, I do.
I mean, it's not that I'd fight just anyone simply because they're strong.
After all, I never expected much out of Zatoh.
He was just killing people for fun, right?
Anyone can do that.
The strongest of all, Matt,
are the people who fight to save others.
Those who come at you with everything they've got...
...regardless if they stand a chance of winning.
For example, that young person.
Anyway, I just want to see what he's made of.
Don't disappoint me, Ganbanzel.
Monster, return to me.
Monster, return to me.
Shut up.
Shut up.
Shut up.
What's he mumbling to himself about?
Who knows...
Noloty!
Enlike!
Is something wrong? You look pale.
Noloty...
Kill.
Kill, monster.
Shut up!
You're a monster.
You belong to me.
Enlike—
Shut up!
Just keep away from me.
It's just that we live in different worlds.
Noloty!
Are you okay, Noloty?
That jerk!
Hold on!
But...
He's trying to do something very important.
It's fine.
As long as he's on this island,
he won't be able to escape the Acting Director's sensory threads.
That's the Acting Director's transmission capsule.
"Right on!"
"Listen to Noloty..."
"...and don't do anything stupid."
Monster, return to me.
Monster, return to me.
Monster, return to me.
Monster, return to me.
Monster, return to me.
Monster, return to me.
Fine. I'll do as you like.
He agreed?
Yes.
Then I shall send you, man of truth.
Years ago, when you had the misfortune to be in Ronar Dukedom on business,
you ended up in the midst of that pointless war.
Move! A-A-A monster is coming!
Hurry!
Drag him out!
Get on! Move!
He'll be killed!
Let me on, too!
Let me on, too!
The invasion of Ronar Dukedom by the Guinbecs Empire.
And then the military intervention by the Armed Librarians, which you witnessed.
Seeing this awoke you to your true nature, and you began to thirst for overwhelming power.
Are you all dead?
I realized it too late.
No. There is still time.
You want to see the true Heaven, do you not?
Do you know what you should do to experience the joy of living?
Kill!
Your opponent dies, and you live.
That's the joy you'll feel.
You realized this on that battlefield.
You set off to create a monster to destroy everything in your stead.
That pure desire made you into a man of truth.
Do you regret doing it?
You had to abandon everything in your life to accomplish this...
Old friends...
Status which you had spent decades building...
Your beloved wife...
Your precious daughter...
All of them earthly desires.
All of them detestable!
For their lives are...
...all transient in nature.
Welcome back, my beloved monster.
Ganbanzel.
Come, show me your power which shall obliterate all.
I will protect the world, without killing!
I...
You belong to me.
No...
You're a monster. This world has no place for you.
No.
Isn't that right, Enlike?
No!
Yes! That's the way, monster!
Shut up!
Kill everything, just like Hamyuts Meseta does.
Shut up!
Kill!
Kill for me!
Shut up!
Yes, show me your power!
SHUT UP!!
How wonderful...
Death rains from the skies, just like that day...
My, such delight.
Achieve thy true desire.
Such is the duty of a True Man.
The books of those who fulfill their desires and live their life in happiness...
...shall ascend into Heaven.
True Man Ganbanzel,
I can feel your happiness.
I accept your book.
Looks like they didn't make it.
I guess they scored a 65?
All that happened while I was gone?
Did they check whose body it is?
Did they verify it was Ganbanzel's?
We don't know. We have no way to check. Just...
As always, it's what the Acting Director said.
The Librarians seem to see Enlike in a different light now.
Minth's read on him with his Sacred Eyes influenced them, too.
What did he say?
His dominant trait is stupidity,
his thoughts are of chaos, and he wishes for destruction.
A bunch of phonies...
We're in serious trouble with so many weaklings in our ranks!
Where are you going?
Noloty...
"We live in different worlds."
That's what you said, huh?
Yes. I'm leaving this island.
We're the same.
You live in my world, Enlike.
So,
please protect the world with me.
Long, long ago, over 2000 years in the past,
mankind spoke softly and were satisfied with their lots in life.
It is said they lived together in the mutual pursuit of happiness.
It was truly the age of paradise.
But the gods left. The humans, alone, remained to lament and grieve.
But they were ignorant to the fact
that Heaven still exists here on Earth!
My name is the Governor of Paradise.
I carry this secret with me.
Oh, me?
I leave the rest to you.
Much obliged.
Happiness.
Happiness.
A foolish clown built...
...a labyrinth of nothingness.
Take one step in, and you'll encounter...
...death as dark as night.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 10 [EDFBEFDF]

No dillydallying! You'll get eaten by a Guardian Beast!
Right!
What is it?
Probably just my imagination...
Who is it?
You don't know, idiot? It's Mokkania.
Mokkania Fluru!
Pipe down!
The same Mokkania who, on his own, wiped the floor with the entire Guinbecs army four years ago?
The one they claim might be as strong as the Acting Director?
Where is he going?
Back to his room.
His room? So the rumor that he lives in the labyrinth is...
You three!
I sure hear a lot of talking,
but not a lot of working!
W-We're sorry!
W-We're sorry!
Mokkania...
I'm back.
Mr. Bear was the most fearsome in all the forest.
He was always bullying Mr. Fox.
I know who you are.
Then one day, Mr. Bear ordered Mr. Fox to gather him some acorns,
and so, he ran into Mr. Squirrel.
I know everything about you.
He asked, "Can you give me some acorns?"
And then he heard voices.
The ants were calling out to him.
That's right. You're an ant, a black ant.
The ants are the weakest and smallest in all the forest.
The weakest...
...and smallest.
Mokkania, are you in there?
Mokkania!
I'm coming in.
Things are so busy with the open house going on...
Do you think you could help?
I'm busy, too.
I see. Very well, then.
What's this doing here?!
That's not allowed, Mokkania! Books need to stay on the shelves.
This book is very important to you, right?
You must store it properly.
I will.
You're a good boy, Mokkania.
Next...
It's this way.
Oh, I see.
Okay, next up...
Sorry to keep you waiting!
Thank you.
Thanks for your hard work. Please have some.
Oh, that sounds swell. Thank you!
That hit the spot!
Excuse me... We're also looking for a book.
Could you escort us into the labyrinth?
Absolutely.
The pieces are now in place.
The pieces are now in place.
The pieces are now in place.
Someone's energetic today.
I hear you turned down the offer to be an Armed Librarian.
I have no interest in becoming one.
It's not a bad job.
It pays well, too.
It's a piece of cake as long as things stay peaceful like this.
Peace...
You don't know what happens in the shadows.
Even as we speak...
You're preaching to the choir there.
We're still investigating the Shindeki Church.
Good day, Acting Director.
How about you stop spying and reveal yourself?
I'll show you anything you want to see.
The pieces are now in place.
Pieces?
They cannot be stopped now.
He left. What a naive kid!
I don't actually know for certain.
But I think I've deduced the Armed Librarians' weakness.
Weakness?
A comrade turned traitor.
You've left yourselves wide open to an attack from within.
What's going on, Karune?
M-Mirepoc!
So black... What is this?
Karune? Karune!
Matt!
What is it, Mirepoc?
I just heard Karune screaming. I'm heading his way.
Mokkania? What are you...?
Get out of here.
Get out of the labyrinth.
Everyone needs to leave the labyrinth.
I'll kill anyone who doesn't listen.
It's an insurrection!
Mokkania Fluru is revolting in the fifth labyrinth!
An insurrection?
Noloty...
Make Noloty Malche drink water.
Bring her to Mokkania Fluru.
I made Noloty Malche drink water.
I brought her to Mokkania Fluru.
Mokkania's revolting? By himself?!
Route 17 is packed with ants! There are thousands!
They're in the fourth labyrinth, too!
Mirepoc, what's going on?
Get everyone out. We can't counterattack.
Hurry and evacuate!
Mirepoc, where's the Acting Director?
She's still...
...in the labyrinth!
Can you hear me, Hamyuts Meseta?
What's this?
I'm going to kill you.
Excellent.
Excellent, Mokkania.
You might have the strength to pull it off.
It's quieted down, huh?
Most of our enemies have left. Only one person remains.
I see.
Watch out!
You're worn out, Mom.
Mom?
Okay.
Take this to my room.
What is it, Mokkania?
It's nothing. Come now.
You really are a good boy, Mokkania.
I reached the Acting Director with my telepathy!
She's in the fifth library. The ants have blocked the way out.
There appears to be no way to approach Shlamuffen in the fourth library.
Mokkania is heading toward the Acting Director.
Also...
What is it?
He called the woman he's with "Mom."
That doesn't make any sense.
Why not?
Mokkania's mother, Renas Fluru, died twenty years ago.
Then the woman with him...
...is an impostor!
She might be a Shindeki Church spy.
I think it's my fault.
Noloty?
Are you okay, Noloty?
I'm fine.
I think I took that woman into the labyrinth.
What do you mean?
They said they wanted me to take them there to find a book.
And...
You took them into the labyrinth?!
I'm so sorry! They didn't look like bad people.
Inexcusable! That's no justification for breaking the rules!
It's strictly forbidden for anyone except Armed Librarians to enter the labyrinth!
And don't tell me you forgot, apprentice!
You're lying. There's no such rule.
Noloty! What on earth...
Argax.
No way... The Church has an Argax, too?
That means...
They erased Noloty's memory of that rule
and Mokkania's memories of his mother's face and death.
And then they made Mokkania follow that woman's instructions?
Mirepoc, tell Mokkania that she's not his mother!
On it.
He revolted at his mother's behest? Armed Librarians these days...
I've peered into Mokkania's soul before.
His dominant trait is innocence,
his thoughts are of desire, and he wishes for stability.
He's practically a child.
And we're supposed to accept that?
What is it?
That woman...
She looked too young to pass for his mother.
Mirepoc, have you made contact with Mokkania?
Not yet.
I think we should assume that he's not thinking properly in regards to this insurrection.
That's a good point.
Locking yourself in the labyrinth for four years doesn't exactly scream normal-
Rithly!
Four years ago... Wasn't that the time of the Guinbecs revolt?
I heard that Mokkania hasn't left the labyrinth since that battle.
What happened on the battlefield?
He's just too good-natured.
For an Armed Librarian, that is.
What do you mean?
We don't have time for this!
Feekiee, go to the labyrinth's entrance.
Mirepoc, telepathically ask the Acting Director her exact location.
Everyone else, stay here and stand by.
I'm going in.
Mokkania.
That voice...
Ireia Kitty's coming, Mokkania.
I feel responsible for this.
I didn't show you the proper way.
I didn't show you how to save your soul.
But it's not too late, Mokkania!
Then I have no choice...
As is my duty as an Armed Librarian, I will protect Bantorra Library!
I can't believe she went in alone.
It's not a numbers game against Mokkania.
It'll only raise the number of casualties, should things go south.
Only Ireia's magic right has a chance against him.
The ability to manipulate time...
She can slow time for her opponent.
Though it depends on her opponent's strength,
she can also speed up and stop time for them as well.
Though they must be within her line of sight to work.
If she can stop time for Mokkania, she should be able to negate the ants.
After that,
it all depends on the extent of Ireia's physical strength.
Impressive, old lady.
As are you, shadow lurker.
I apologize for before.
Allow me to properly introduce myself.
I am Winkeny Bizee of the Shindeki Church.
The pieces are in place? Things seem to be going well for you.
So what do you need me for?
Mokkania will kill you,
and I'll retrieve the book you people confiscated, that of Armed Librarian Hiza Meeken.
Hiza's?
No problem. It's all yours.
Thank you kindly.
Oil, huh?
Mokkania's attack won't work on you then, huh?
That's the sole reason I'm alive.
Hamyuts, I leave the rest to you!
Now!
Solid Swimming!
Feekiee can dive through metal and earth as if he was swimming in the sea.
To him, paths or walls are the same!
He can travel a straight line anywhere.
He'll capture the impostor and make them tell us the truth!
I'm not getting any response from Ireia.
That can't be!
It's okay. She just stopped time for herself, too.
This way, she'll be spared any of Mokkania's ant attacks, once his time restarts.
While her time is stopped, she cannot be affected by the outside world.
Way to go, Ireia! So the mission was a success!
Don't relax yet! We don't know when Mokkania's time will restart.
Hurry, Hamy. If you get to the fourth library, we can win.
Stay still.
I'm Armed Librarian Feekiee Quen.
Try to resist, and I'll...
An Armed Librarian? So you're one of Mokkania's comrades, right?
Please...
Save...
Save Mokkania!
What is it, Feekiee?
Something's not right, Mirepoc. This woman, she's—
Feekiee!
What am I gonna do with you, Feekiee?
I can't trust you to do anything.
In order to protect the weak,
the weak must face one another.
I knew, Mother.
I knew, at least, that the sun isn't red.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 11 [B4A2D2B9]

Feekiee!
Feekiee! Feekiee?!
Feekiee! Feekiee?!
This can't be...
He didn't make it in time?
No, he had plenty of time.
Then?
I witnessed Feekiee's state of mind at the very last second.
Something rattled him, so he dropped his guard.
Rattled?
I can't believe he'd kill them both to please that impostor of a mother!
Noloty, you mentioned that she appeared to be too young to be his mother, right?
That's correct. She looked too young to be Mokkania's mother.
He can't comprehend that anymore!
He's gone insane in the four years he's been locked—
Stop talking for a minute.
Mom!
Are you okay? I shouldn't have left you alone!
I'm in pain, Mokkania...
Sorry! I'm so sorry, Mom!
It's okay... But tell me about that man. What happened to him?
He was an enemy.
But that means... you—
Tell me, Mokkania...
It's just as Winkeny claimed, right?
I was kidnapped by an evil organization, the Shindeki Church,
and my memories and eyesight were taken from me.
But then I was rescued by Winkeny, an Armed Librarian just like you.
That's what happened, isn't it?
And you're down here- a secret Church hideout...
...pursuing Hamyuts Meseta, the woman who stole a very important book of yours.
The people you killed were bad guys from the Church, too, right?
Yes.
I'm sorry. It's okay.
But do you really have to fight?
Even if they're evil, I'm sure you can talk things out.
This is the only way.
I see...
It's her. Hamyuts is here.
Stay down, Mom.
When I'm around, I just get in your way.
That's why I couldn't stay with you.
Don't say that!
I don't want you to leave me again!
I can no longer bear to see my son fighting.
I'll have the ants lead you to my room. Wait there.
Mokkania.
If you think you can't win, forget about me.
Don't worry about me. You must live on.
You know already, don't you, Mokkania?
Yes. She's not truly my mother.
Bingo.
I'm grateful, shadow lurker.
Hiza's book is below, in the fourth sealed library.
I assumed you'd carry Shlamuffen, Hamyuts.
I knew if I could avoid a pincer attack executed by you and Ireia Kitty, I'd have a chance to win.
Guess I can't get them all with my sword.
Let us go to Heaven together, Winkeny.
We welcome you with open arms, Winkeny Bizee.
Welcome to the Shindeki Church.
Mokkania Fluru.
He's currently training to become an Armed Librarian.
It's been prophesied that he will, someday, become a threat to us.
You will become his mortal enemy.
Ignore the pawns and knights. Aim only for the queen.
That will be your purpose in life.
Work hard and do as the Church instructs.
And remember, no matter how far apart we are, I will always watch over you.
Okay.
Mokkania Fluru was born in this town.
His mother, poor soul, was impregnated with him at the liege lord's whim.
They came into a humble existence.
I am Mokkania.
In this town, I lived a happy life with my mother.
Weak as a child, I was constantly bullied,
but...
...my mother always came to my rescue.
She was such a kind woman...
Hating violence, she would scold bullies.
She always reprimanded the neighborhood kids when they fought.
"Now, now. Play nice." That was her line.
That's why I hate violence myself.
I made up my mind that I'd never do anything my mother would oppose.
But then...
I'm back!
I don't understand.
Why did Mokkania decide to become an Armed Librarian?
Why did he shut himself away after the Guinbecs revolt?
It's as if his heart, itself,
has become a labyrinth of black ants.
Be right there.
Will you be staying the night?
Please fill out this form.
Are you here on vacation?
"Humans are beings with the right to gain all the happiness this world may offer."
Oh, you're with the Church. Why didn't you say so earlier?
My apologies. Here is the next directive.
Relia, Hyoue, Colio...
And these three will be staying here?
Mom!
What?
I'm Winkeny!
It's me! It's Winkeny!
Winkeny...?
I'm sorry... Have we met?
I get it! Now I get it, Mokkania!
This is what losing your mother feels like.
I'm Mokkania.
I wanted to make my mother happy.
That's why I decided to become an Armed Librarian.
I can get lots of money if I become one.
But...
She died.
Even so, I didn't give up.
All the world's books are brought to the Library.
So if I wait long enough, perhaps I can see her again.
Mom!
You found Renas Fluru's book. I've made her read it countless times.
Using drugs and hypnosis, I've embedded Renas's memories into her.
An impostor with real memories...
Isn't she too young, though?
I chose this Meat myself. I'm positive that she's the one.
She's perfect...
She's perfect to play Mokkania's mother.
In all the forest, the ants are the smallest and weakest.
So they all worked together, to gather food.
"Because we are not strong, we must help each other."
Seeing the ants help each other, Mr. Fox apologized to Mr. Squirrel.
No!
Stop.
STOP!
After he saw the ants himself, Mr. Bear apologized to Mr. Fox.
And so, together, they were able to live in the forest happily ever after.
The end.
Mom...
What are the conditions?
I want Hamyuts Meseta dead.
Refuse, and I'll tell her the truth...
That she's not really Renas.
If she learns the truth, it will fill her with hatred—
Hatred toward the Church, for taking her memory.
And hatred toward you.
Me?
Don't you know, Mokkania?
All of this was done for you.
You'll do as I say if you wish to stay with your mother...
If you want her to continue being your mother.
Or would you prefer to lose another mother?
Mokkania...
He killed people...
My little boy, a killer...
A Church hideout?
But they said this is a library...?
Something doesn't add up.
Winkeny and the boy are hiding something.
Is he really Mokkania?
No... This is wrong! How could I—
My cane...
Drown and die, Hamyuts!
I won...
Mom...
Mom?
What are you doing here?
Are you hurt?
That's...
You're... still calling me "Mom"?
Isn't this your mother's book?
But it's not me in here.
This isn't my book!
Who am I, Mokkania? Who am I?!
Please tell me... Mokkania!
That's not true...
My telepathy isn't reaching the Acting Director.
I see. So that's what happened.
I'm sorry, Mom.
Hiding things from your mother...
Shame on you!
Look. You're all beat up now.
Why?
What?
You don't hate me?
Why should I?
Didn't you fight to keep me safe?
That displayed your love for me.
The fact you love me hasn't changed.
Say it.
Call me "Mom."
After all,
except for being Renas Fluru,
I've got nothing.
I'm ready for you, Mokkania.
Shall we fight to the death now?
Hamyuts, you monster... You're still alive?
I'm sorry, Mom.
Huh? Is that how it's gonna be, Mokkania?
Throwing in the towel already?
I lied, I killed... I hated doing those things.
But in my desire to be with her, I forgot all of that.
She wasn't that kind of person...
She wouldn't approve of my behavior...
So don't you want to die alongside her?
I can give you that much.
I thought about doing that.
I'd kill you.
Then I'd have all the time in the world to be with her in my room.
And then...
But...
...that was just me being selfish.
Violence is wrong.
The strong shouldn't bully the weak.
I can't...
...let her die.
Is that all you have to say?
Tell the others that I'm sorry...
What a dumb child.
No. He was happy.
When he was first reunited with Renas, he was genuinely happy.
Yeah?
It's odd...
Just seeing the look of contentment on his face made me...
That's it!
All I ever really wanted was to reunite Mokkania with his mother.
You're a dumb child, too.
Nice to meet you.
I'm Acting Director, Hamyuts Meseta.
Sorry to rush you, but it's extremely dangerous in here.
I'll escort you outside.
Hamyuts...
You're a woman?
Shall I hold your hand?
No. I can walk on my own.
Wait a second, Mokkania.
Look.
Wow!
Don't step on them.
Okay.
Small or weak, we're all God's creatures.
We all cling to life. The ants, you, me—all of us!
So, never bully those weaker than yourself,
and regardless of what happens, don't hurt others.
Because we're all God's creatures.
Don't forget that, okay, Mokkania?
Okay.
I'm back, Mom.
Pressing your thumbs to the back of the neck...
If that's the proof of love,
then the groans of sheer pain...
...become soft, masochistic gasps.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 12 [76F0274F]

Looks like your eyesight has returned.
I can't believe the Church would use you like that.
Yes...
You were given orders to steal back a very important book from the Acting Director.
Yes... I think they asked me to do other things, as well.
But my memories are still foggy...
You can't remember?
Mirepoc, Renas is tired.
Call it a day.
Then I have but one final question.
Have you ever heard of Lascall Othello?
Huh?
Stopping by, Hamy?
Mirepoc's been digging for info.
I'm sure she'll come asking around soon.
Her intuition kicks in at weird times, huh?
I'll think about it when she comes.
More importantly, where's the butter knife? It's not where it used to be.
Yeah, my last woman lost it. I haven't seen it since.
Some luck you have.
I hope you find a girl who suits you.
There are plenty of fish in the sea.
Not as many as you'd think...
Partners you find ideal, I mean.
A dream I had earlier got me thinking...
A dream?
Yep.
I dreamt I was defenseless, having lost my sling shot, and was killed.
By Mokkania?
Colio Tonies.
Being killed by him might be the ideal way to die...
Say, Matt?
If no one out there can kill me,
will you do it, Matt?
You're okay with that?
Actually, never mind!
That's right. The world is irrational.
Ever since then,
that's been the only constant.
Gamo!
Hey! See this?
It tastes different from cigarettes.
Really?
It smells kind of bitter.
Geez...
Who are you kidding?
That's something an old man who already figured this world out would smoke.
Matt! Lillian was in tears!
You said you'd show her the Balory mansion and then you stuck her with the bill!
You're still doing that?
Nothing gets the ladies like lineage and status.
That goes for you, too.
What are you talking about? I—
Hey! Get off me!
Oh, I get it. You're jealous.
As if! What're you talking about?!
Mattalast.
Ma'am!
I let the police know there's an illegal pub here.
They'll arrive in ten minutes.
I stopped time around your ankles.
Seems you're looking to never make it past trainee, Gamo.
No, I was just...
Can I get you something?
How about some blood from your nose?!
As you requested.
I can't believe you blew off a job personally ordered by the Acting Director.
Fhotona was not pleased.
That's just swell.
I don't like him.
A child prodigy who was promoted to Librarian at fifteen would say that, wouldn't he?
Thank you.
What will it take to satisfy you?
Everything, I guess.
Armed Librarians are the defenders of the world's books and its peace.
It's not a job anyone can get.
Your point?
That precious world of yours is garbage.
The world has nothing but irrationality and dissatisfaction.
What's the point of defending it?
What's so funny?!
I didn't become an Armed Librarian because I wanted to!
You guys were just overly obsessed with my talent!
Try clinging to that and don't let go, okay?
Damn you!
Enough!
Your eardrums will get smashed again!
Damn!
What huge breasts.
Huh?
I just fell in love at first sight with that country girl.
Are you serious?
I'm going home.
What have you got there?
A friend. A friend who's probably this world's savior.
That's pretty lame.
Agreed. I hate it, too.
But it's my only friend.
Then can I be your second one?
You've got nice skin.
That's the first time a girl's said that to me.
That might be the police.
What's your name?
Hamyuts. Hamyuts Meseta.
What's yours?
Mattalast Balory, Armed Librarian.
Are you strong?
Uh, I just told you I'm an Armed Librarian.
So? Are you stronger than me?
Care to find—
I knew it!
Chacoly's a big fat liar.
There is someone stronger than me.
I thought you were just a seamstress.
Looks like I made a good friend, though.
Friend? Stop that now.
If I end up truly liking you, the world will be destroyed.
Huh?
We should fight to the death.
If you kill me,
the world might be saved.
Maybe we'd be better off as friends, then.
I was right.
She needs to dodge in two seconds.
Having to use this...
She's strong.
Unbelievably strong!
She's going to miss!
Amazing! You're amazing!
I think you're the man I've been waiting for.
Huh?
Go for it. You want to, right?
You're not a virgin?
I wish I could go back and feel that pain again.
Nothing can top it...
So you're into that stuff?
What stuff?
She doesn't seem like your type.
But isn't she a fun girl, Vizac?
What? So there are little kids here, too.
I-I'm not a kid.
Please stop that!
Volken, infatuation with women will only lead to your demise.
I'm not... I'm...
Young lady.
This is a trainee, Ruweek. You two will spar.
Nice to meet you.
Begin!
See?
Are you plotting something?
World destruction, maybe?
If Vizac is willing to vouch for her aptitude,
I'll permit her to undergo training.
Thank you very much.
He's the top person in charge?
Yeah. He's the revered Acting Director Fhotona.
But he looks so weak.
You can tell, huh?
He's stronger than that old man,
but give me a month and I could beat him.
And the old lady?
Three months.
I'll pass you in six months, too.
Me?
That's about right for you, wouldn't you say?
Stay still.
You'll learn to be more careful, no matter what,
if you don't want to damage your precious skin.
I'm being careful!
Ow!
That hurts, ma'am.
Take a reality check!
No one's ever made it to 1st-rank in four years before.
All eyes are on you now.
Yes, yes.
Got cut up good again, huh?
She's still getting dressed.
Who cares about that?
So? How many soldiers of theirs survived?
None.
Huh?
The target had already escaped,
so we told her she could withdraw.
Pulling out is no fun.
Ireia took these photographs.
Slaughtered, every last one of them.
She's produced results previously unimaginable on her missions.
That's fantastic. It makes our lives easy.
Stop with the jokes.
Likewise, can you stop pretending to be righteous, Acting Director?
She needed a year to move beyond apprentice,
but she hit 3rd-rank in two years,
and 1st-rank in four.
Rather than call it "able," I'd say "peculiar."
To normal people, everyone here looks peculiar and weird.
She's dangerous.
If we do not act, she will pose a threat to us—no, to the world.
You've heard of the traitor, Hiza, yes?
Ireia told me. He escaped by the skin of his teeth.
We cannot openly act against Imperial forces.
I want you and Hamyuts to take care of him.
Make it clean.
I see.
That is how you  would think.
In the process, eliminate Hamyuts as well.
I'm starting to really like you.
Mattalast.
You're the one who invited her into our ranks, correct?
She had nice breasts, what can I say?
Are you sure her goal wasn't to come here all along?
And that she didn't con you into inviting her?
What are we talking about, love?
I'm talking about the world.
Huh?
Bring her with you to the second sealed library.
Welcome back!
Hello.
Guess what I made for dinner.
Croquettes.
Nope. Its smell is the hint.
Steak?
No! It's red.
Tomatoes?
You aren't even trying!
I learned the truth about this world.
Yeah? How does that make you feel?
It's just as I thought. The world is pointless and irrational.
That's great! Your prediction was right on the money.
We're doing it, now.
H-Hey! Dinner's gonna get cold!
We'll eat afterwards.
Geez... If you insist...
But make me feel so good I think I'm gonna die.
Of course.
You haven't made me feel like I'm gonna die lately.
When girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved.
Huh? I didn't know you had a pipe.
It was my grandfather's keepsake.
Even when he lost every penny he had,
he never let go of this.
Such ridiculous pride... I feel bad for him.
Oh...
That sounds just like you, Matt.
Hey.
Hmm?
What would you do if I said I'm going to kill you?
You're the only person by whose hands I don't want to die.
The only one...
He's here. Hiza...
Just where the old lady said. How should we do it?
You stay here.
I'll kill him myself.
You're serious?
They've got an entire battalion of thousands in the forest.
They've got all their cannons on it.
and their guard is flawless.
All you have is your ability to see two seconds into the future and your gun.
Right?
This is gonna be fun.
See ya!
Hamy.
I'm gonna take a nap.
Knock yourself out.
She's dangerous.
If we do not act, she will pose a threat to us—
No, to the world.
She'll be beyond our reach.
What a load of bull...
Hamy!
This is awesome! I'm having a blast.
Are you all right?
I broke two or three ribs. It felt so good.
Go rest. I'll head in.
Nope.
You can't handle this.
W-Wait!
Come back, Hamyuts!
Hamyuts!
Oh...
That sounds just like you, Matt.
Tank units prepared to depart.
All soldiers, get ready!
Found ya.
That's her! Hurry!
Understood. Ready the cannons!
Wha-?!
Impossible. Tanks!
Hurry! Now!
Yeah, I love it when it heats up.
This was...
...Hamyuts's doing.
I think you're the man I've been waiting for.
That's about right for you, wouldn't you say?
You're the only person by whose hands I don't want to die.
We should fight to the death.
If you kill me,
the world might be saved.
Are you sure her goal wasn't to come here all along?
And she didn't con you into inviting her?
The end already?
Are you gonna kill me?
You're...
...the only person by whose hands I don't want to die.
For whatever reason,
no matter where you go,
the world is irrational.
Ugh. I think I used the wrong beans.
Hey.
Huh?
When'd you start smoking a pipe?
You know, I don't remember.
Connected by a God's stone sword:
two beautiful tales.
The bell sounds far and wide, signaling the show's start.
When the curtain rises,
there sits a drenched street corner.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 13 [59971505]

Ismo Republic, Fulbeck City.
The capital of art and culture.
Cinematic actress, Parney Pealrmanta.
Eight years ago, she was murdered in this very town.
She was pursuing Lascall Othello.
I wonder if that's another murder.
Huh?
That serial killer.
There's no connection between the victims.
We have no idea who's behind the attacks.
Sorry to bother you at such a busy time.
She was cut straight through the bone.
One must assume he's a magic user.
It's one giant mystery.
Why are you looking into the Parney murder, though?
Oh, that's for a separate investigation.
They said she was pursuing Lascall Othello?
Lascall Othello...
A sorcerer from a fairy tale...
When girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved.
Eight years ago, a rumor spread through town that Lascall Othello actually exists,
and upon people's deaths, he takes their books to their loved ones.
There were some con artists pretending either to be Lascall himself...
...or offering to introduce him for a fee, right?
Armed Librarian Hiza Meeken, was dispatched to calm the situation.
Yes.
According to the investigation, Parney was the source of the rumors.
Using Hiza's book, we confirmed the matter.
He exists...
Lascall Othello really exists.
Will he carry my book for me?
Do you know? Do you know where Lascall is?
I must see him.
Please!
Afterwards,
Acting Director Fhotona made a formal announcement of Lascall's nonexistence...
It quickly put an end to the rumors.
Exactly. He said they were nothing but the ramblings of drunks.
But was that really true?
What are you getting at?
Why would someone proclaim such absurdities simply due to drunkenness?
Parney was murdered right after Hiza arrived in town.
I feel there's more to the story.
Lascall Othello?
Yes.
Winkeny was after Hiza's book.
Hiza was after Lascall.
What if the two were connected?
So?
Please allow me to look into it!
A sorcerer who delivers the books of girls in love...
I never took you as one of the little girls who buy into all that.
What about Colio Tonies having three fragments of Shiron's book?
Is that mere coincidence?
I'm not saying that Lascall is real.
But what if there's someone with the ability to gather books, just like in the legend?
It would also account for the fact that we rarely find the books of Church members.
Are you serious?
One more thing.
There's a legend that says if you pursue him, you'll die.
Hiza, Parney, Winkeny-
Mirepoc.
I'm the one who killed Hiza and Winkeny, dear.
Th-That's certainly true, but...
It's not often we see you so fired up.
What's the matter, Mirepoc?
I'm not fired up!
I'm just...
Just...?
People's deaths are to be mourned.
The ability to save people should be celebrated.
If any suspicion surrounds someone's death, is it not our duty, as Armed Librarians,
to investigate?
Funny you should mention it...
Yesterday, a young boy came by, asking the same questions.
He appeared to be researching Lascall Othello.
A boy?
He looked about ten years old.
I didn't tell him anything, of course.
Who else would be looking into this?
Miss.
Pardon us...
Yes?
Wh-Wh-What the heck?
It looks great on you!
I was asked to find the woman in military fatigues and get her into a dress.
Wh-Who requested that?
Me.
Matt?!
Wow, you look fantastic.
Huh?
Reminds me of the princesses from my school plays.
Military fatigues make you stand out too much in this town.
I figured that would be to your disadvantage.
Thank you for your concern.
Anyway, what are you doing here?
I have a day off, just like you.
Did you come to spy on me?
I've got better things to do than that.
Oh, so you are spying.
Hey, now...
So, how's the capital of art and culture treating you?
Did you take in a film?
Nope.
You don't like films?
I don't care for the arts.
What a lonely life.
What now?
Don't you want to see one of Parney's movies?
They're doing a revival run now.
Aren't you looking into her murder?
I knew you were here to spy on me.
Why go so far to look into it?
I already told you!
Because it's your "duty as an Armed Librarian"?
Is that really the only reason?
What are you implying?
Nothing.
That's it. There's no other reason.
Please excuse me.
A fired-up Mirepoc, huh?
What should we do?
Mattalast Balory.
Mirepoc Finedel.
They've come for Parney's book, too.
Why do I carry this around?
"Lascall Othello is a mysterious, mysterious proprietor of books."
"He gathers books with his mysterious power and flies around the globe."
"Then, when girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved."
There are Armed Librarians in town?
So they're the ones who killed this town's Mock Men?
Why would they do such a thing?
It's all Cigal and Ganbanzel's fault!
They challenged Hamyuts Meseta to that stupid fight!
How can they do this to men of truth?
Get a grip! We've reported this to headquarters.
We'll wait for security officers to come.
Wh-Who are you?
Are you a soldier from the Church?
This is great! Please save us!
The Armed Librarians murdered our brothers!
Where's Parney's book?
Huh? Parney?
Do you mean Parney Pealrmanta?
How the heck would we know?! Save us!
Oh, you don't know.
In that case, die!
A red sword... Alme Noten!
Alme, the traitor?
You people were speaking ill of Master Cigal, were you not?
I will not allow anyone to insult Master Cigal.
That goes for those who killed him, too!
I'll kill them all...
Hamyuts Meseta!
Mattalast Balory!
Mirepoc Finedel!
And I'll kill Lascall Othello...
Oh, poor thing...
Beautiful...
The notes you play are replete with frustration and rage.
Master Cigal was killed.
And it's Lascall Othello's fault.
It's because he gave Shiron's book to that human bomb!
From the very beginning, Lascall Othello has had a separate existence from ours.
He is not to be pursued, under any circumstances.
Those who pursue him face certain death.
Hiza's book?
An order from the Governor of Paradise?
I'd rather he let me focus solely on Mokkania.
Oh, well...
Are you the one who spoke ill of Master Cigal?
Or was it you?
Was it you?
Was it you?
Was it you?
I'll have to ask the front desk to get this laundered.
Be right there!
Seems some people were murdered last night.
There's been a string of murders here.
I'll pay the police station a visit.
Understood.
I'm going to see Keith Quinn.
Keith Quinn?
The one who runs the illegal book-selling operation?
There's a rumor floating around that claims Parney's book is somewhere here in town.
I think the best place to start would be with the organized book thieves.
You know what they use those illegally sold books for, right?
Typically, they use women's books for sexual purposes.
Porn.
Sure you're ready for this mission on your own?
I'm going!
I'll stop every last scumbag out there committing these horrific crimes!
Go easy on 'em.
What's that?
Honey.
For some reason, I'm hooked on the stuff.
Want some?
No, thank you.
Just to be safe, leave the telepathic channel open.
Be ready to communicate on a moment's notice, should anything happen. Okay?
Understood.
I'm also curious about a boy who visited the police.
You got it. I'll ask the police about it.
Thank you.
Keith Quinn...
I've been waiting for you.
He told me that Parney's book isn't here.
He didn't know a damn thing.
Who are you?
Are you with the Church?
What? Shoot me.
Freeze!
Move and I'll shoot.
No dice, missy. You can't kill me with that.
You'll have to attack me with your own hands.
What?
You've never killed someone before, have you?
Now, where were we?
Matt!
You all right, Mirepoc?
Yes...
There are police cordons set up across town.
The Church is up to something, but I don't know why.
At the least, we're certain they're after Parney's book.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Parney's case file... I can't seem to find it.
What are you talking about?!
Look, the case is eight years old.
It was probably already boxed up and stored away.
You're lying!
I saw it with my own eyes, yesterday!
Heck, weren't you the one who showed me?!
Yesterday?
Are you sure you aren't mistaken?
I had never met you before today.
You're lying...
Fine! What about the boy who came by to ask about Lascall?
"Lascall"?
What are you talking about?
He wasn't there when I arrived.
I wasn't able to ask about it.
I'm telling the truth! I saw the case file myself!
He told me about the boy, too!
I believe you.
The Church probably got him to drink some water from Argax.
That's all it is.
Investigate that officer again!
We can't let the police know about the Church.
Besides, the Church isn't the type to leave evidence lying around anyway.
But...!
Calm down!
What's wrong with you, Mirepoc?
You've been acting strange lately.
You've lost your composure.
That's not true.
Then why did you come here?
Why didn't you contact me the second you saw the dead body in Keith's mansion?
Did you think you could do this alone?
I-I...
A fired-up Mirepoc, huh?
What should we do?
She's acting in haste.
Her offensive powers are weaker than most Armed Librarians.
That may be weighing on her, deep inside her heart.
Though I don't think she's realized it herself...
Also...
"People's deaths."
"The ability to save."
"Duty as an Armed Librarian."
She's starting to sound like someone else we knew.
Now, who was that again?
Oh, yeah, that's right! Little Mr. Volken.
We have no one else who can use telepathy at her level.
We can't afford to lose her right now.
But a fired-up Mirepoc cannot be stopped.
So what should we do?
You've never killed someone before, have you?
She saw right through me,
even though we had never met before.
Damn.
Just awful.
I'm so happy, Master Cigal.
I'm but a lowly Mock Man, serving a True Man.
Is it right for me to feel this happy?
Get out of here, you damned pig!
Master Cigal?
You're a useless piece of trash.
It's not worth dirtying my hands to kill you.
Leave! Get out of my sight!
"Lascall Othello is a mysterious, mysterious proprietor of books."
"He gathers books with his mysterious power and flies around the globe."
What a wretched sound...
"Then, when girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved."
It appears the stage is set.
So it would seem.
Do you think those two can reach you,
Lascall Othello?
Those girls are like precious gems.
They just may be able to...
Meetings and farewells of no significance...
...flicker violently and crumble apart.
All of its meaningless twinkling,
even when you close your eyes,
remains burned into your vision.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 14 [0060C7C5]

I can see it. I can see tomorrow.
The countless tomorrows of countless struggling souls...
Some of them sad,
some of them in pain,
and some of them joyful.
Their tales continue to progress,
until the tale of the world itself comes to an end.
Long, long ago,
a being known as the Overseer of the Alpha and the Omega appeared.
He created the Heavens, the Earth, and the oceans from chaos.
Then he molded and shaped the animals and plants from the remaining chaos.
He then created mankind from the final remaining chaos.
Last, he divided his own body into thirds...
...and created three deities.
The overseer of life that is yet to come, Orntorra.
The overseer of life that now exists, Towitorra.
The overseer of life that has passed, Bantorra.
The overseer of life that has passed, Bantorra,
built a Library.
The souls of humans, who have passed on, return to the earth and fossilize.
These fossils are known as "books."
Touching one allows you to read the memories of its owner.
These books are brought to the Library.
A group of humans has been entrusted to watch over them.
Well now...
And so it begins.
The books' guardians, chosen by the God of the Past, Bantorra...
What just happened?
Is it Armed Librarians?
They do say that the Armed Librarian is the most difficult to enter...
...of all the world's vocations.
To defeat the monsters lurking in the labyrinth beneath the annals...
...and have the strength to oversee the books.
These are the absolute requirements for an Armed Librarian.
And the one who currently stands above us all...
Acting Director Hamyuts Meseta, yes?
No one can deny that she's strong,
but...
But?
Never mind.
All those inhuman deeds committed by you, the Shindeki Church,
you heretics who have decried the value of love...
You're the ones who aren't human!
There are those who steal from and trample upon others.
There are those who are robbed and trampled.
There are those who have lost everything.
Life, thought, bonds with others...
Kill...
Hamyuts Meseta!
And love.
All humans are born into this world to be loved.
To love and be loved... To experience fulfillment, never suffering...
To live a life in utmost bliss...
Then let me ask you this, Colio Tonies:
Why do you do that which you do?
Colio Tonies is not human.
Colio Tonies is a bomb.
Wait! Don't you want to be rescued?
Why? Why are you just giving up?!
You just have to grab my hand...
Don't you want to survive?!
I shall become a book greater than all others and ascend into Heaven.
I shall have more pages than any other of you, with the most lustrous spine ever seen!
I shall write the greatest tale of happiness ever told!
Whose book is it? Where did you get it?
There are those who dream of having the most beautiful book in the world.
No matter. It's a far too sophisticated toy for Meat.
Dead humans become books.
Though the pages in yours will be blank...
We are of the heretic creed, that which the Armed Librarians devote full efforts toward stopping...
The Shindeki Church.
Precisely.
Our doctrine espouses but one directive,
to actualize your every desire.
Desire?
Food, sex, fame...
The desire to rule and the desire to destroy...
And only those who embody the true happiness found by fulfilling their desires
will, upon death, be granted entrance into Heaven.
They will become the ultimate books.
I see sadness in your eyes.
Huh?
I'll help you forget about it.
This medicine will make you happy.
I need it only for myself.
I, alone, will become the most beautiful book this world has ever seen!
I don't need a child that balks at the sight of dying Meats.
You're strong.
You're smart and talented.
But you...
...don't have a heart!
Books drift from person to person.
Hey, guys! Interested in books?
What about book central, Toatt Mine?
Just yesterday, they dug these out of the mine.
They're all top-quality, sealed rarities.
Let's go.
Ah, hold on!
I've got a broken fragment, so you can only read a bit of it.
Since it's incomplete, I'll cut you a deal.
Shlamuffen...
Hamyuts Meseta,
you will become the slogan on my book's cover.
It shall be written as follows:
"The joy of killing the strongest Armed Librarian, Hamyuts Meseta."
Ever-laughing magic blade, Shlamuffen!
Shiron... Humans are wondrous beings.
I have to go.
Where?
I don't know.
Probably... to fight.
Fight who?
I don't know. But...
Thank you.
I owe everything to you.
I'm not sure I follow,
but I'll be happy if you thank Carthelo instead.
It's thanks to you and Carthelo.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think you'd get the upper hand on me.
You're...
A Meat?
Why did you come here?
To fight!
A Meat thinks it can defeat me with that?
Are you an idiot?
I don't know.
How do you plan on winning?
I don't know!
Beat it, then.
No! I'm fighting!
Why?
She didn't see me running away!
She saw me fighting!
This is somewhat unimpressive for the book of a True Man.
One cannot strive to create a quality book and merely expect it to come into being,
for God is hallowed, and Heaven is a far-off place.
I wouldn't want to end up such a book as this.
Once again, I can't save anyone?
Who's there?!
It appears there's no one here better suited to pick this story up from where it leaves off,
Master Volken.
Volken did it?
They're saying he made off with Ylucklucu and left Bantorra.
Seriously? With a war-machine of the past?
Why did you do it?
If you can hear this, please answer me.
No, you must answer me!
Volken Macmani!
Volken...
That's great.
I remember seeing it long ago...
I remember seeing it long ago...
I remember seeing it long ago...
A smile...
A smile...
A smile...
A smile...
A young man who wanted nothing more than to smile.
I want to smile.
Damn—
He killed out of his desire to smile.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Because all he wanted was to smile...
Thank you very much.
He awaited the day when he would finally smile.
Qumola will probably never smile again.
No way.
Awesome!
Awesome! Awesome! Just awesome!
Will you protect the world with me?
Suicide? Were you trying to commit suicide?
Yes.
Why?
Are you going through a tough time?
L-Listen!
You aren't going to preach to me that suicide is bad, and I shouldn't do it, are you?
Suicide is bad, and you shouldn't do it.
I'm a killer.
I've killed more than I can count.
I can never atone for my sins.
Killing me is the only way to help me!
There's another way. I just haven't figured it out yet.
Why are you smiling?
Qumola.
Thank you.
Noloty...
Who are you now?
Don't cry sitting over me.
I can handle the tears, but your snot is dripping on me.
Enlike!
You're heavy and in the way. Move.
Looks like you got a new lease on life.
This isn't the time to smile. Stop.
You stop first.
He longed to be with his mother.
He didn't care if it was a lie; if he had to throw everything away.
All he wanted was to be held against your chest once again.
I'm back.
Everyone needs to leave the labyrinth.
I'll kill anyone who doesn't listen.
Mom!
You did it for him.
Are you okay? I shouldn't have left you alone!
No, you did it for yourself.
I'm in pain, Mokkania...
You and he are one and the same.
Sorry! I'm so sorry, Mom!
I apologize for before.
Allow me to properly introduce myself.
I am Winkeny Bizee of the Shindeki Church.
Mom...
Two boys who lost their mothers.
I'm back!
I lied,
I killed...
I hated doing those things.
But in my desire to be with her, I forgot all of that.
She wasn't that kind of person...
She wouldn't approve of my behavior...
Violence is wrong.
The strong shouldn't bully the weak.
I can't let her die.
What a dumb child.
No. He was happy.
When he was first reunited with Renas, he was genuinely happy.
It's odd...
Just seeing the look of contentment on his face made me...
That's it!
All I ever really wanted was to reunite Mokkania with his mother.
What's your name?
Hamyuts. Hamyuts Meseta.
What's yours?
Mattalast Balory, Armed Librarian.
Are you strong?
Uh, I just told you I'm an Armed Librarian.
So? Are you stronger than me?
Care to find—
I knew it!
Chacoly's a big fat liar.
There is someone stronger than me.
I thought you were just a seamstress.
Looks like I made a good friend, though.
Friend? Stop that now.
If I end up truly liking you, the world will be destroyed.
Huh?
We should fight to the death.
If you kill me,
the world might be saved.
Are you plotting something?
World destruction, maybe?
He's the top person in charge?
Basically.
He's the revered Acting Director Fhotona.
But he looks so weak.
You can tell, huh?
He's stronger than that old man,
but give me a month and I could beat him.
I'll pass you in six months, too.
Me?
That's about right for you, wouldn't you say?
Hurry! Now!
Yeah, I love it when it heats up.
The end already?
Say, Matt?
Hmm?
If no one out there can kill me,
will you do it, Matt?
You're okay with that?
Actually, never mind!
Are you gonna kill me?
You're the only person by whose hands I don't want to die.
Long, long ago, over two thousand years in the past,
men spoke softly and were satisfied with their lots in life.
It is said they lived together in the mutual pursuit of happiness.
It truly was the Age of Paradise.
But the Gods left. The humans, alone, remained to lament and grieve.
But they were ignorant of the fact that Heaven still exists here on Earth!
My name is the Governor of Paradise.
I carry this secret with me.
Oh, me?
I leave the rest to you.
Much obliged.
Happiness.
I can see it.
I can see tomorrow.
We have no one else who can use telepathy at her level.
We can't afford to lose her right now.
But a fired-up Mirepoc cannot be stopped.
So what should we do?
Those who dream...
Those whose dreams come true...
Those whose don't...
When it's all over, they all face the same inevitable end.
What? Shoot me.
Freeze!
Move and I'll shoot.
No dice, missy. You can't kill me with that.
You'll have to attack me with your own hands.
What?
You've never killed someone before, have you?
Damn.
It appears the stage is set.
So it would seem.
Do you think those two can reach you,
Lascall Othello?
Those girls are like precious gems.
They just may be able to...
Despite all this, they continue in pursuit.
Until their last breath, they continue to pray.
For their dreams, for happiness,
for love...
Thoughts become books, living on forever.
As do mine... For all time...
She knows.
She sees.
A weak victory...
...is proof of defeat.
The girls are alike.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 15 [784E95F3]

About the boy who was pursuing Lascall...
I've yet to find any clues to his whereabouts.
A red-haired woman has been witnessed at the scene of several homicides,
but she fled each time.
Apparently, she has a scanning ability similar to the Acting Director's.
Now that you mention it,
she seemed to have known in advance that you were coming to Keith's home, Matt.
Could she have sensory threads?
That's very likely the case. But what is she after?
She isn't here, either.
Where are you, Parney Pealrmanta?!
I've come for you.
For me?
Because it would be a shame to lose such an excellent talent.
I'm a traitor.
Oh? Would you tell me what you did?
I lied to Winkeny, tried to get him to steal Hiza's book,
and killed some Mock Men.
Ah, that's nothing.
I'm after Lascall Othello.
You're fighting a battle you cannot win.
And for a man who rejected you, no less.
Shut up!
Damn!
You...
What is it? I'll face you if I have to.
You were playing the violin the other night, as well, right?
The other night? And what if I was?
It sounds dreadful.
Well, I'm sorry it's not up to your refined taste, missy.
Though it sounds dreadful, for some reason, it pierced me to the heart.
What the...? Weirdo!
You're fighting while trying to uncover the correct answer.
Is killing the answer? Is not killing the answer?
What's your point?
I'm saying you're weak.
I kill because I want to,
regardless of whether it's right or not.
And that's something you can't do.
Of course not! I'm an Armed Librarian!
We fight for peace!
And therein lies the problem, missy. You can't win like that.
Wait! Answer my question!
Are you Church members connected to Lascall Othello somehow?
"Under no circumstance is Lascall Othello to be pursued."
"Those who do will face certain death."
You're funny.
Lascall Othello is out of your league.
I will be the one to kill him!
Then Lascall actually...
Wait a second, Mirepoc!
Lascall Othello really exists!
A member of the Church acknowledged his existence.
The legend is true—
Mirepoc!
We'll discuss this later. Understood?
Okay...
Found it!
True happiness rests within you.
You have what it takes to become a True Man.
I want to act...
I want to act forever!
A pure desire to act... A desire stronger than any others'.
We shall prepare a stage for you.
We shall silence all critics.
You are to act. That's all.
Act as your heart desires.
Ah, this is pure bliss.
I'd walk through fire if it would allow me to act.
The entire world is awaiting my performances!
That was a beautiful performance.
You've scored another blockbuster.
Blockbuster?!
I'm a talentless hack.
The more I try to act, the more apparent it becomes.
Parney Pealrmanta is just an illusion you people created.
Tell me, how much longer?
Lascall will come once I attain happiness, won't he?
He'll take my book to Heaven, won't he?
Please look for him!
Hurry and let me meet Lascall!
The stone sword of spent time, Yor...
We should have harvested you earlier,
at the peak of your happiness.
A True Man who has lost sight of happiness is worthless.
Letting you meet Lascall Othello is our final act of mercy.
Then what was that? What is a True Man anyway?!
No different from livestock, really.
Livestock that gives birth to happiness, for God.
Then... What is God?
Huh? So that's what happened to her.
I had to go all over the place, but in the process, I figured it out...
When a man from the Shindeki Church dies,
Lascall Othello appears to collect his book.
Excuse me.
You're an Armed Librarian, aren't you?
I heard you've been looking for me...
My name is Ruly Strait.
Why are you looking for Lascall Othello?
My father, Sharl Strait, was a traveling street peddler.
He was rarely home,
but every once in a while, he'd come back with huge sums of money.
Then one day, we lost contact with him.
I searched for him.
Then, one day, I found him in a town someplace.
But...
But?
He told me to forget about him.
And the people there called him...
Lascall Othello.
What's the matter?
Oh, I'm sorry. It's nothing.
I see... So that's all it is.
I'm so stupid.
He's just a man who adopted the name from the legend.
I have nothing to fear.
Where are you going?
To my hotel, just for a bit.
Are you going to fight my father?
I don't know.
Father?
What is it?
I just saw my father!
Don't!
Ruly!
Father!
My son.
Don't go to him! Ruly!
You should have picked...
...one or the other.
Father...
Are you going to kill me?
Are you going to save Ruly?
Why... Why did you kill him?
Killing at point-blank range is the most efficient method.
First, Ruly.
Next will be Alme.
Lastly, you and Mattalast.
You're still in here, huh?
If what you say is true,
the enemy can appear anywhere, anytime.
It's dangerous to be alone.
Matt, do you remember...
...the day we met?
Yeah. The Guinbecs revolt had just been quelled.
The Guinbecs army was wiped out.
But the students in the military academy continued classes.
You prevented any faculty or students who tried to escape from doing so.
You said, "When class is in session, the proper thing for an officer in training to do...
...is to be in class."
No smoking in the lecture hall!
All I've been doing is blindly following the rules.
I never tried judging the situation for myself.
You were right, Alme...
I'm weak, aren't I?
You finally figured it out.
Well? Will you just end things as they stand, Mirepoc Finedel?
Cigal was a foolish man.
He never loved you.
How do you know that?
I've read his book.
Do you think you can win against me?
I found you!
You—
You lied to me.
About what?
About Lascall!
Everything you did was a big ruse to protect his secret.
What are you talking about?
I'm fighting Lascall right now!
I see right through your lies!
How?
Did you forget about my ability?
Telepathy...
You never expected us to team up against you, huh?
If Alme and I were to fight,
the moment one of us was defeated, you'd appear.
That was the most efficient method, right?
I'm genuinely impressed...
How do you feel, having killed a man?
Full of regret.
How about you?
You were pursuing Lascall, too, weren't you?
Actually,
I don't feel any different at all.
You can chase the past...
You can chase things you've lost...
But nothing will come from it.
That's how I felt when I heard you playing the violin.
You're the second person, Mirepoc...
The second person to like my music.
Shall we get started, Alme?
Nothing will come from the past.
That means I can't win.
She changed,
but I...
Alme,
now I know...
I'm weak.
No matter where I go, I cannot fight alone.
Even against Lascall, I needed you as an ally.
You are strong.
You tried to fight him alone.
I respect your willpower.
However,
I'm going to win.
Because...
...you're all alone.
You use sensory threads, don't you?
I spoke over telepathy to avoid tipping you off.
That's how I fight.
That's fine.
Fine...
You did well. Let's get out of here.
Okay.
Ah, this is...
I'm so happy, Master Cigal.
I'm but a lowly Mock Man, serving a True Man.
Is it right for me to feel this happy?
Get out of here, you damned pig!
Ah, why doesn't she understand?!
That pig... That damned pig!
The only one in the world to find happiness...
...and have a glorious, beautiful book will be me!
All for that reason...
You young girls with radiant gem-like glows hidden in your hearts...
Like the others, you never reached the truth.
However, I must salute your foolish, unmitigated devotion.
All the eye sees is a lie.
This stone sword of the gods is myself incarnate...
The stone sword of spent time, Yor.
I possess the ability to alter a person's perception.
Like I did with Ruly.
I suppose you're more than meets the eye, too, huh?
It's all an illusion.
An illusion, huh?
I was surprised when you all contacted me.
Nevertheless, everything went well.
We minimized damage by slaying the traitor,
and you were able to save the young Armed Librarian's life.
Those who pursue Lascall meet certain death.
That is true,
because we kill them.
There is one objective toward which...
...the Church and the Armed Librarians help each other.
Then...
What is... God?!
I refer to protecting the secret behind Lascall Othello and Heaven.
I wonder how Heaven's doing.
"Lascall Othello is a mysterious, mysterious proprietor of books."
"With his mysterious power, he gathers books and flies around the globe."
"Then, when girls die, having never told the person they love their feelings,
he delivers their book to their beloved."
The End.
There is something that even the Sacred Eyes cannot see:
one's own dominant trait,
the sight of one's face gazing back at a past they've long abandoned.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 16 [4D5D2AD5]

This book's still incomplete.
I wonder if it'll be to your liking.
Humans are difficult creatures.
All they seek is happiness,
but for some reason, they can't get it.
I'm sorry. I'm sure you know all this already.
Mokkania... Feekiee...
Luimon... Casma...
You're exhausted, Mattalast.
Hamy's been sending you on too many jobs.
Damn it!
Minth, how much do you think we'll get for these?
Tough to say...
I'd estimate 10,000.
Hey. Wanna take it and run?
Not for 10,000.
How long are we gonna stay in the thievery business?
All our guys are men who've been kicked out of everyplace else.
Don't talk bad about our comrades.
If we keep stealing books, the Bantorra Librarians will come eventually.
Things won't go smoothly forever!
You're free to leave on your own. I won't stop you.
You've always been like that.
No good will come of staying in the game too long.
Chief!
Is something the matter?
That should be obvious.
You can't keep the chief waiting forever!
My apologies.
It won't happen again.
I'm sorry, Chief.
We had quite the haul today!
Look! We'll sell this and feast like kings today!
~Heave-ho~
~Heave-ho~
Snuff books?
Yes. I've heard rumors of people using them lately.
Oh, because they die.
We only sell books for porn here.
Could you let me know if you hear anything?
Absolutely.
By the way, those two...
Is that some sort of punishment?
So this is a black market for books.
Isn't that despicable, Brother?
Go back to the inn, Yuri.
Don't mind them. They're with me.
It's hot enough to make you want to kill someone.
It's physically impossible to keep the search up under these conditions.
You'll have to relieve us, Minth.
Did you think about maybe getting some cooler clothes?
There are tons of shops around here.
Do you honestly think I'd wear clothes sold here?
The doctor told us not to expose our skin to the sun.
Talk about high-maintenance...
Yukizona and Yuri?
Aren't they undergoing medical treatment?
They get whiny if I don't give them work every once in a while.
Also, aren't they of the nobility?
I figured they should see a town like Gandari up close and personal.
I've got a bad, bad feeling about this.
So you're passing on it?
Hmm?
Too bad. The mission involves retrieving some snuff books.
She's so shrewd...
Th-Th-They sell something so shameless?!
I told you not to read it.
We're confiscating your books. Understood?
What? But you can't just...
Hold on.
What did you say?
Our mission is to get snuff books.
Don't do anything that could interfere.
Surely, you're not telling us to overlook it, are you?
How can this barbarian also be an Armed Librarian?
Would you keep it down?
I can hear your entire Nconversation.
Yo, Minth!
Who the heck are you?
I could ask the same of you.
You on some training exercise?
Don't make me kill you.
Oh... Scary.
That's enough.
If she were serious, she'd kill you in a heartbeat.
I should expect nothing less from an Armed Librarian, huh?
Okay, how about I open my restaurant to you.
Please come this way.
You know this guy?
His name's Greihn. And sadly, I do.
How is it? I made the soup with crawfish, just caught this morning.
It smells sorta muddy.
That just means it's fresh.
The cream and butter are cheap, too.
But it's still good, right?
You Armed Librarians are really harsh, you know that?
I'd like to partake myself.
Yuri! You...
That belonged to a girl who left me, but looks like you like it.
This is better than the junk they're selling in town.
Though it's a bit too big.
Sure your breasts aren't too small?
Minth, I think I'd like to kill him, after all.
Knock yourself out.
Whoa, whoa. Wait a second.
You don't think I can do it?!
Come on. If you're wasted from that tiny bit of booze,
there's no way you can complete your mission.
Wasted?
Y'all are lightweights.
I can't handle cheap alcohol...
Shall I give it a try, then?
It's impossible. Give it up.
Just you watch, you "thief."
If I'm able to get them to talk, I'll be expecting an apology!
Oh, sounds like a bet!
You'll spin around three times and say you're sorry.
Yuri...
Get ready!
Relax. I'll help when the time comes.
You there.
Snuff books?
Yes. I'm interested in them.
That's a dangerous path.
And if I tell you too much, I'll put myself in danger, too...
I'll be sure to properly thank you.
If you know anything about the snuff books, then...
Then?
I'll hold your hand.
Bye.
Don't get me all hot and bothered for nothing, flatty!
No one humiliates me and gets away with it!
Sorry about her.
Up for another drink?
What do you think?
Yeah.
I'm pretty sure about it.
All right, lay down.
Try to relax.
A snuff book...
Look for yourself. It's a snuff book!
Holy crap! At the black market, they said they'd pay a million kiluwes for one.
Yep.
We're tossing it.
Minth! What're you, stupid?!
You're the ones being stupid! Do you know what this book is?
It'll make you feel incredible if you read it, right?
This isn't the record of someone's life.
They're made by shattering someone's mind,
granting them to access to the fantasies of pathological criminals,
or the euphoria a serial killer feels when he murders.
A book deliberately created to get people addicted.
The pleasure from reading it will slowly erode one's psyche.
You'll start seeking out the euphoria again.
Eventually, you'll become consumed by the book and die.
B-But...
I came here to steal books,
but I'd like to think I haven't forgotten my respect for them.
Hey!
A thief suddenly has a conscience?!
Wait!
How many years has it been since we've done this?
Beats me.
I had hoped to forget about it.
What on earth?
Do they possess magic rights?
Stand back. I'll destroy them.
Hey.
What's up?
Mind if I have a look... at your soul?
Sorry.
Guys...
Nice, Greihn. I figured you'd do it.
Let's hurry, sell the thing, and split the money.
I should have known.
Even here...
Once a scumbag, always a scumbag, huh?
Hey, Greihn?
How much per person?
I guess fifty... No, a hundred grand.
One hundred per person.
He really did a number on the place.
I couldn't believe it.
All from merely reading a book.
When a snuff book destroys someone's psyche,
they lose their pain threshold, sense of smell,
and essentially turn into savage beasts.
What is it?
C-Cut me some slack!
Then, you'd better tell me everything you know about the snuff books.
I-I've got nothing to do with that-
Sorry, but I'm gonna have to look at your soul.
M-My soul?
Stay still. It'll only take a second.
Let him go. He's telling the truth.
Wh-Wha...
Let's go.
Why did you lie?
Huh?
That man was hiding something.
You don't trust my Sacred Eyes?
That's not it.
You're just choosing not to examine what you saw.
Just what are you getting at?
I'll find out if you're lying.
Oh, that's right.
This book arrived this morning from Bantorra.
It's the book of someone who died from abusing a snuff book.
Reading this will clarify...
...who hooked them on it.
I don't need to read it.
I'm sorry.
I thought I had abandoned stuff like this once I became an Armed Librarian.
Minth?
Go back and get something to eat.
I'll go get the snuff book.
Greihn, please! Greihn!
A little bit! I just need to read it once more!
One million.
I don't have that kind of money!
You let me read it for free the first time!
How much do you have?
This is all I've got.
You get to read it, not to keep it.
What are you doing here so late?
An Armed Librarian reading porn?
Nope, merely a regular book.
The book of a man who died from abusing a snuff book.
It's not like you.
You should have known this would happen someday...
That it'd be left in their books when they died.
Why didn't you rush to sell it?
I found by getting people hooked on snuff books,
I could make more than by selling them.
And this tiny restaurant was all you got for your sins.
I thought about it every day...
Starting a new life down below,
eating soup with a silver spoon.
But I went up a mountain when I had planned to climb down.
Who would do such a thing?
I lied to you,
killed our comrades,
and got the snuff book.
Then I finally came down.
Now, if I want, I can eat buckets of soup with a silver spoon.
But that's not it.
This isn't the world I so desired from afar!
Things haven't improved since coming here.
No, I've gotten even farther away from it.
Greihn...
So what should I do, Minth?
Think expanding this place will bring me closer?
Highly doubt it, huh?
Answer me! How much more money do I need?!
Tell me! What should I do to make it down below?!
Looks like you need our help after all, huh?
Yukizona... Yuri.
So, you came.
Get them!
Not gonna happen!
I'll blow the whole town apart if I have to.
Greihn.
I'll never be satisfied, no matter how much money I get...
...or how long I stay in this town.
This wasn't worth it at all.
All that awaits me is a lifetime of regret.
I'll keep blaming myself forever.
You wouldn't understand...
You think not?
Actually,
I thought long and hard about selling that book.
Just like you did...
So, when our comrades died, part of me thought,
"I'm saved."
"I can leave this place now without having to commit any sins."
Minth...
I've peered into the souls of countless men with my Sacred Eyes.
Not a single one of them were without sin.
Don't you find that funny?
Committing sins to escape sins you've already committed...
By the time you realize it, you've lost sight of it, buried in your sins...
Lost sight of what you were after in the first place.
Wow! This is great!
Your stew is the best, Greihn!
Isn't it?
Hey! You didn't save any for me!
Damn vultures!
You should open up a restaurant, man.
That's a great idea! I'd definitely eat there.
No other customers would get near the place with you guys there.
That's it...
The world I had so admired and wanted to descend to
doesn't exist anymore.
I forced you to bear the burden of killing our companions alone.
And now...
I will bear it for you.
Thank you, partner...
The ultimate transient happiness.
I wonder if you'll like it.
Seems they do.
So, what happened with Minth?
As you had pointed out, there were far too many problems.
However...
Hmm?
He accepts the entirety of the circumstances.
He possesses both weakness and strength.
That's true.
That might be the most important thing...
For the Governor of Paradise.
A boy becomes a man,
and walks down a road from which he can never return.
A girl becomes a woman,
and softly steps on the boy's shadow, as he leaves.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 17 [3CEE85FF]

Noloty's such a hard little worker.
That which goes does not go.
That which comes does not come.
That which goes does not go.
That which comes does not come.
The moon is the sun.
No!
The birds are the fish.
The living are the dead.
Steel becomes brittle.
I don't want to remember.
No!
Reality becomes a dream. All fantasy becomes reality.
That which is, is not.
This which is not, is.
Creation will be rendered false.
No!
Renas!
Renas!
Renas Fluru!
Did you hear that verse again?
Why won't you talk to the Armed Librarians?
I'm not able to help you.
I'm sorry. I just can't.
"The moon is the sun."
"The birds are the fish."
That's a verse from Magical Deliberation, used to recover the memories Argax took.
From before they planted those memories in me...
This body's true owner is...
Stop talking like that!
You're Renas Fluru.
Enlike, I'm...
You are Renas Fluru!
Thank you so much.
Your trial's tomorrow.
I don't need to tell you what happens if you're found guilty.
Understood.
So you returned because you're confident you'll be found innocent?
Do you have evidence that'll exonerate you?
At ease!
You can wait for your suspicions to be confirmed before he's killed.
Why did you return?
You betrayed us Armed Librarians and left!
Everyone, please hear me out!
I didn't flee with Ylucklucu to help the Church!
It was for us, the Armed Librarians!
Huh?
What now?
It's been 1900 years
since the Age of Paradise drew to a close, leaving the world to us humans.
Since then, who do you think has protected the books and the peace?
If the Armed Librarians lose their sense of justice, justice will be gone from this world!
Volken...
I have not returned to atone for my sins.
I've returned to drive out the person who has stolen our sense of justice.
I fight for justice!
That was lovely.
Give him a round of applause, everyone.
A-Acting Director...
You gonna applaud him or what?
Acting Director! Shouldn't we lock him up in jail?
He wouldn't come back here and then escape.
You haven't been here for a while. Why not go enjoy Bantorra?
I will not forgive you for what you've done.
I vow this on the justice of the Armed Librarians!
I like this new look in your eyes.
Mirepoc!
Do I know you?
I see. You...
My apologies.
Huh?
We haven't seen that boy since the Dragon Pneumonia incident.
He had been in a rebellious stage since a little before that.
You mean what happened in Aro Bay?
We were investigating the Church, recovering pertinent evidence,
and freeing the Meats kept by the Church.
Right.
The former went down without a hitch,
but the latter was a massive failure. Ba-dum.
Failure?
Why did you act back then?
I don't recall any need to blow them up.
I originally went just to have some fun with the Church.
That was all.
But...
There, I learned of a person who must be killed, no matter the cost.
Someone who was probably aboard the ship at that very moment.
That's why I went ahead and killed them all.
No matter the cost?
Yep. No matter the cost.
Oh, no... This can't be.
"Vend Ruga is alive."
Huh?
Man, wasn't Volken's speech amazing?
I wonder if Volken's doing okay.
Mirepoc, too.
There's nothing wrong with worrying about others, but be careful.
Lately, Enlike's been visiting Renas practically every day.
Huh?
Renas... She has this mature allure, right?
A dark side to her.
Completely different from the kiddy vibe you give off.
I'm not following.
I'm just worried about you, is all.
At this rate, you'll end up having to drink water from Argax, like Mirepoc!
Like Mirepoc?
Yes, yes. You'll have to chug it down like Mirepoc did.
Care to tell me what you're talking about?
Ah...
I thought I'd become used to my life here,
and these peaceful days would continue...
But...
Really, I was just in denial.
I beg you...
Please teach me,
little by little,
who I truly am.
E-Enlike?
Who are you?
Just who are you?
Enlike—
What a cruel man you are. A monster, indeed.
You even crushed Renas.
What are you talking about?
All the others call me Renas!
I had really convinced myself that I was her.
Then you appeared, and realized who I am.
That's how I became able to surface.
Come on. You're also a Meat, right?
You understand, right?
They ripped all my memories from me
and forced another woman's personality in.
I'm the victim here!
I want you to save me.
I can't even remember my name.
But...
There's something I absolutely must recover.
Something you must recover?
Yes. I can remember a handful of words.
I'm not sure what it means.
"A lead-colored..."
"Ven... Vend..."
Renas Fluru!
Renas Fluru!
Renas Fluru!
You bastard...
Renas.
I heard it all...
It's just as she said.
I'm not the true owner of this body.
It was time for me to hand it back to her.
That's all.
I will protect you.
Huh?
The Armed Librarians began coming to stay here
somewhere along the way.
More than anyone else, Noloty took a liking to you.
So I'm here to protect her and what she holds dear.
To protect something held dear...
My coworker, a man named Volken Macmani...
He stole the spinning fairy Ylucklucu,
retrieved from the Shindeki Church,
and fled the Library.
Ylucklucu has the lowest status of all the past weapons.
A number of replicas of Ylucklucu have been created.
However, depending on how it's used, it can be the strongest of them all.
Ylucklucu can hold the magic rights of multiple persons.
Unleashed, it has power equivalent to many magic users fighting together...
S-See,
you two were so close.
And you're such a serious person.
Unable to forgive his betrayal, you drank the Argax water.
See, that's all it was!
A friend's betrayal...
That was enough for me to decide to drink from Argax.
I...
You were right, Alme...
I'm weak, aren't I?
I just tried to face my own weakness head-on.
Undergoing Magical Deliberation is the only way to recover my memories.
We protect the past.
Huh?
In the past you drank the Argax water.
Now you can't even fathom such a decision.
Will you turn traitor, too, like Volken?
Wha—
Will an Armed Librarian, tasked to protect the past,
betray her past self?
You're a prized subordinate of mine.
What Matt said is correct.
Until I find that piece of evidence,
I don't stand a chance of winning.
Mirepoc's forgotten about me.
She must have drunk water from Argax.
Volken! Put some effort into it, damn it!
Another 165 laps!
No half-assed running! Give it 110%!
Take this!
Huh? But...
Don't tell Hamy about this, 'kay?
Volken.
People's deaths are to be mourned.
The ability to save people should be celebrated.
Life itself should be exalted.
That is justice to an Armed Librarian.
It is more important than strength or loyalty.
Okay.
Understand this, and you'll become a top-notch Armed Librarian.
I love Bantorra Library!
There are so many unforgettable men and women here.
I have precious memories here.
That's it. Even without evidence,
Mirepoc and the others will understand.
I have nothing to fear. I'm sure of it.
Volken's a weak, little boy.
Hamyuts Meseta!
Damn! If only I could find the proof...
If I can just find that woman...
Protect something held dear...
He fought to recover something dear that he once lost.
And...
The personality inside my body...
Just like him, it's fighting to recover something it lost.
Uhm—
Aren't you...
Olivia Litlet?
Yes. I'm...
Olivia Litlet.
Volken's gone?!
So he fled his trial...
I told you, once a traitor, always a traitor.
That guy's a total scumbag!
Volken escaped at midnight last night.
He left in the flying boat that he returned in.
I've received word that it was spotted heading northwest.
He's likely heading to the Darai Mine, which he once oversaw.
Also, one more thing...
He took Renas Fluru with him.
What?
Why her?
We've no choice but to catch him and get the answer from the horse's mouth.
Mirepoc, notify Vizac.
Tell him to hurry to the Darai Mine and to shoot Volken down.
There's no need to hold back.
Leave no survivors.
Th-That's certainly—
The rest of you are to finish your duties for the day and remain on high alert.
Okay, you take it from here, Matt.
Hamy!
Why did Volken take Renas with him?
It's likely she's no longer Renas.
Huh?
The lead-colored man, Vend Ruga...
That name is all I can remember.
Everything else is a blank.
We're heading to the Darai Mine.
I've hidden a book and Ylucklucu there.
Ylucklucu?
It used to belong to you.
I guess I kinda remember that.
What about the book?
Yes...
It appears there's no one here better suited to pick up this story from where it leaves off,
Master Volken.
Truthfully, Miss Olivia Litlet is the one who should inherit this tale.
In light of the circumstances, though, I bestow it upon you.
Why me?
I believe it'll all become clear once you read it.
Written in the book that Lascall gave me...
...was the story of Olivia Litlet, a slave known as a "Meat,"
who led the other slaves and fought.
With Ylucklucu in hand, she tried to accomplish something.
So the owner of that book was a Meat, too?
Yes.
And they died aboard the Silver Smoke.
I read that book.
And I learned that the Silver Smoke's explosion in Aro Bay
was caused by Hamyuts herself.
Hamyuts tried to kill you.
She was afraid of what you may have stirred up by using Ylucklucu.
If you regain your memories,
we'll have proof of the injustice Hamyuts committed!
Man, you're all fired up.
I've been busting my butt for ages now.
I almost completed Magical Deliberation while I was inside of Renas.
All that's left is to get my memory back...
Volken Macmani, do you copy?
Mirepoc!
The Acting Director is after you.
Now's your chance to return to Bantorra.
Why are you telling me this?
Why?
The Acting Director views me as the enemy now, right?
Should you be sharing this info with me?
You've got it all wrong.
This is a warning.
I'm acting as an Armed Librarian.
I'm not ashamed of what I've done.
Then face your trial, Volken Macmani.
Watch me, Mirepoc.
Volken Mac—
What am I doing?
The Acting Director's orders are absolute,
and yet...
I'm shouting out...
I'm shouting out, "He's in the right."
Mirepoc...
Even after her memories were erased, she still understands me.
What an odd lady I am.
This is the second time I've been caught up in an Armed Librarian's revolt.
This is no revolt.
This is a fight to restore justice.
You!
Looks like I've some business to attend to before I can finish telling you the rest.
So it would seem.
Hey! Volken!
Vizac?
Looking good, Volken!
What's with the old man?
He's my mentor.
Shooting each other out of the air is boring.
Let's duke it out on land!
He seems pretty careless, huh?
We can just fly away now.
If I explain things to him, I'm sure Vizac will understand.
Huh?
Hey!
I understand now.
But fighting the Acting Director...
I don't understand you.
I respect all Armed Librarians, especially you!
How can you serve Hamyuts?!
How bright...
What?
Vizac!
You've no hope of defeating Hamyuts if you can't beat me!
I pray for your soul's safe departure. A one-spear funeral banquet!
I gladly accept...
...your offering!
The broken engine cackles.
Comrades, unable to fully understand one another,
quickly flee in foolish death...
...and laugh.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 18 [3F3238C4]

Oh... Volken has rebelled, with Olivia Litlet in tow.
Remind me, who is that again?
That woman from the Silver Smoke.
I see.
Hamyuts will probably kill her...
Though...
...we could lend a hand.
That boy's pretty good.
I'm impressed.
I'm just getting started, Vizac!
An illusion?
That which goes does not go. That which comes does not come.
The moon is the sun.
The birds are the fish.
The living are the dead.
Steel becomes brittle.
Reality becomes a dream. All fantasy becomes reality.
Excellent!
Continue performing Magical Deliberation.
O-Olivia...
Fight through it! Endure the pain!
To get back...
This is too much!
This is nothing! Nothing!
They'll die if they keep this up!
Die?
Being dead's no worse than being alive, for a Meat.
Don't you guys want to be human?
Well? Don't you?!
I-I do.
I want to be human, Olivia.
Human...
What was that, just now—
That's enough for me.
Not bad.
Vizac...
Do you remember what I always said, when you finished training?
Though I feel a bit embarrassed saying it to you again under these circumstances...
You've become strong, Volken.
I'm sure former Acting Director Fhotona would be pleased.
For all you've taught me, thank you.
Take it all to heart.
I will!
Ow-ow-ow-ow...
I'll be laid up for two hours now.
My pupil has finally surpassed his master.
One of my dreams has come true.
How wonderful.
Would you like to move to the world of dreams now?
Let's hurry. This battle has yet to begin in earnest.
This battle? What are you talking about?
Huh?
That was no battle.
Battles are much dirtier than that.
Have you regained your memory, Olivia?
Somewhat.
I remember that I was pretty nefarious...
That's true.
You're not going to say I wasn't?
Relax. I know someone more nefarious than you.
Olivia Litlet...
Volken and the Silver Smoke...
And finally, Renas Fluru...
There's one thing that ties them all together.
I didn't think he'd still be alive:
Vend Ruga.
Ah! It's a rabbit!
Hamyuts, we don't have time for that.
This mission is being kept secret from the other Armed Librarians.
I'd like to get it over with.
Okay...
It's been a while.
Sorry to make you come all the way out here.
We've locked a traitor inside this fortress.
The enemy is a lone woman.
She's a True Man, but she's attempting to destroy Heaven.
She's taken command of a considerable number of Mock Men.
Also,
they've readied a powerful weapon
in order to make their stand against me.
It's regrettable, but we've run out of options.
Governor of Paradise, to be perfectly frank, I'm disappointed by your work.
You've failed to guard your intelligence.
You lack the traits of a True Man.
I'm considering relieving you of your duties and appointing a new Governor of Paradise.
That's enough small talk.
Let's get this over with, so I can play with the bunny.
I ask that you please take care of the True Man.
We shall give the Violet Sinner...
...a true death!
Please grant me entrance!
What is this?
It's made of lead?
It's Vend Ruga, the lead golem.
What do you want?
I've got a proposition for you guys...
Something that'll benefit us both.
What?
Can you guys commit suicide for me?
Vend Ruga!
I see. What a pity...
Any survivors?
You're kidding, right?
I'd be lying if I said I weren't torn as to whether or not
all that was necessary.
It was the best course of action.
Violets are pesky weeds, after all.
The Violet Sinner's thoughts resonate with all of them.
This grew their followers, interconnected their minds,
and left them that large.
Opponents like that don't back down easily.
If you leave even one tiny plant behind,
the violets will just overgrow the garden again.
That's reasoning fit for a candidate for the next Acting Director.
Are you ready to show your true colors?
The Mock Men in the fortress had no clue how to fight.
Vend Ruga is their only defense.
However, I don't think them capable of building such a thing.
You're the one who created that weapon, right?
You're pretending to be incompetent, planning an eventual attack on the Armed Librarians.
I'm impressed!
I wasn't worried, having deceived Fhotona completely.
Call it women's intuition.
Vend Ruga was, at one time, human.
I gathered many men of physical strength and erased their memories.
A device was planted into their brains, to make them move via magic.
Golems created from human parts...
They all share a single mind.
Give an order to one of them, and they all receive it.
Your distance from them is irrelevant.
It was meant to be our main weapon in the war against the Armed Librarians.
However, you just destroyed the final two units!
They did put up a good fight...
But no more than something to kill some free time with.
Indeed. In that state, Vend Ruga stood no chance against you.
It took us ten years to develop them.
Oh?
We don't have to give up on rebelling against you altogether.
It'll just be another ten years.
I'll wait.
I'll wait ten years.
In return, you have to let me have my fun, okay?
"Vend Ruga is alive"?
Yes. They say a lead golem is fighting the Church,
in the area of the Kra District civil war.
Hmm...
The Violet Sinner's memories were left in Vend Ruga.
Those thoughts are being propagated among them.
As long as one unit remains, the Violet Sinner will never have a true death.
This ends it for real, huh?
"Vend Ruga is alive."
"He is living inside Olivia Litlet."
I killed them in the fortress.
I killed them in the area of the civil war.
I thought I had eradicated their mind, once and for all.
Over and over again, I killed them.
And yet...
Ah! Damned cockroach!
What's with this piece of junk?
Since I stole it from Bantorra,
I thought taking a new plane would be too much imposition.
Are you stupid?
Aren't you trying to fight the Armed Librarians?
I'm fighting Hamyuts! Not the Armed Librarians!
Do you copy, Volken Macmani?
Mirepoc...
There's no time to waste. I'll make this quick.
O-Okay.
First off, the Acting Director's plane had some engine trouble.
She won't catch up to you for some time.
Also...
We held an unofficial meeting during the Acting Director's absence.
Most of the Armed Librarians took your side.
Really?
Yes. I will give you the details when necessary.
I see.
Thank you for telling me this, Mirepoc.
I'm just letting you know their decision!
That is all.
Guys...
What happened?
The Armed Librarians are supporting us.
We're not alone!
Huh?
I...
...did things that could be seen as crimes,
but they saw through to my true intentions,
and they stand by my side.
Are you serious?
Huh?
It's painfully obvious how naïve you are.
Should you really be so quick to trust others?
It's something that someone as nefarious as you couldn't understand.
Oh, right.
Huh? Where are we?
The Kra District.
The war's over?
Yes. The independence army won.
They then ceased fire.
Volken, land here.
I was here once!
Here with Vend Ruga!
It seems he believed me.
I see.
Funeral bells...
They're ringing for Vizac.
I heard it from Dulltom.
He said he was sliced up with a very sharp blade.
Also, it was...
Volken's Flying Blades.
I don't believe him...
How could he kill his master?
Are we sure he killed him?
I just heard Volken Macmani's thoughts a few minutes ago.
He didn't sound like he had just killed his master at all.
Then who the hell killed Vizac?!
If we wait until Vizac becomes a book...
It's true. Volken hadn't changed at all.
Honest and pure to a fault...
But sometimes, being too pure and strong of will can lead one down the wrong path.
I'm back, Vend Ruga.
Look. He's been waiting for a long time.
Oh, yeah. Do you know about the lead golem?
Yeah, looks like Ranvar got taken before, too.
Man, messed him up good...
This'll satisfy my hunger a little bit—
Actually, it won't.
Give it to me!
Let me go!
One child captured!
That's right... Vend Ruga saved me here.
But, afterwards...
Olivia!
Though it's unlikely she'll catch up to us,
the Acting Director is dangerous!
We don't have time to—
Shut your mouth!
I'm on the verge of getting my memory back, so leave me alone!
You've got fifteen minutes.
A Meat acting all high and mighty...
That damned sorcerer's just being charmed by the Meat.
The Church believes Charlot's teleportation to be important.
We're really in no position to argue.
I love you, Master Charlot.
Olivia...
Hmm?
What are you using Ylucklucu and the Meats for?
I don't like it when you ask me such things.
Olivia...
Please don't say you don't like me, even if you're just kidding.
You're everything to me.
Your delicate shoulders,
your soft skin...
Another one dead?
If you continue Magical Deliberation,
it'll only lead to more of our comrades dying!
Who cares?
We're trying to get back—
He died for you!
Doesn't that sadden you?!
For a Meat, you sure talk a lot.
Why should I feel sad? I'm a Meat, too.
I don't feel anything.
Why must you lie?
It's the truth!
Olivia!
It's the truth.
I'm one crazy woman...
Sacrificing those who adore me for my own selfish desires.
What on earth was I trying to recover that would drive me to do such things?
Olivia.
Renas? Is that you, Renas Fluru?
You're still there?
You still haven't realized the most important thing.
That's why you can't remember what you were after.
Shut your lousy mouth!
I'll erase you in a heartbeat!
Remember, Olivia.
Deep down inside, you're not so heartless.
Remember.
Volken Macmani, do you copy?
Mirepoc!
What is it? Is the Acting Director up to something?
No... I just wanted to check on you.
You were worried about me?
Th-That's not why.
You read Lascall's picture book, didn't you?
What? You're the one who left me that book?
Why would you do that?
I went after Lascall because of that book!
Went after Lascall?
What's wrong?
All I ever did was cause you trouble.
I can't believe you'd go after Lascall because of me...
And drink from Argax because of me.
Volken Macmani?
Mirepoc.
Huh?
I'm sorry for everything.
Mirepoc.
What?
I'm sorry for everything.
Volken...
Run!
Huh?
Run, Volken!
Don't stay there!
The Acting Director's—
What's going on?
Mirepoc!
What is it, Mirepoc?!
What is Hamyuts going to do?
Olivia!
Hamyuts Meseta, she's...
Before Vend Ruga, my main dish...
Volken, Olivia,
since you two are together...
Come out, come out, wherever you are.
A young man has lost everything,
and he has now become free.
But he's gained a witch of reminiscence.
He's embraced everything he ever wanted.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 19 [505D6A79]

Why?
Hamyuts's plane supposedly had engine trouble.
They set you up.
That's impossible! Mirepoc wouldn't lie to m—
It's no use. She's going to catch up to us.
Let me take the controls!
Olivia—
Once you've given up on life and the fight, you don't stand a chance against her!
Olivia.
What?
So you secretly talked to him via telepathy.
Did your lost memories return?
No.
In any case, Volken's finished.
Huh?
You cannot have the Acting Director note that you've twice broken the Armed Librarians' code and expect to survive.
I'm fine with you taking the initiative,
but I'd rather you didn't do anything rash.
What is it, Volken?
A Meat?
Governor of Paradise, sir...
Dulltom eliminated Vizac.
It appears the Armed Librarians believe it to have been Volken Macmani's doing.
I stationed the remaining human bombs at Darai Mine.
Is that okay, sir?
Those weapons only work in surprise attacks.
Once they know the trick, they become useless in the game against the Armed Librarians.
This is the end for Olivia.
We've used up all our human bombs, too.
That's all there is to it.
Why?
Take a look, Volken. This is war.
Victory is nothing but a pipe dream.
Everywhere you look, you'll find the enemy.
This is what I remember war to be.
There is such a thing as destiny.
The items I must hand over to you are hidden in the mountain hut ahead.
Ylucklucu and the Meat's book?
If you use this and focus,
you'll be able to create illusions, just like me.
Allow me to apologize for calling you nefarious.
You're saying you were mistaken?
No, I'm not saying that.
Hey.
But you've got pride.
Pride as Olivia Litlet...
I tried to abandon my pride as an Armed Librarian.
I, too, will fight.
Just like you...
I will see this fight through to the end!
Of all the people I've met, you're the most childish.
But you're also the most useful.
Good luck in battle!
What's this? I thought you had run away.
Hamyuts Meseta.
Here and now, I'm putting an end
to my fight as an Armed Librarian!
It's begun?
Damn.
Damn it!
Olivia.
You again?
You're not as alone as you believe.
Don't you agree?
Shut up! I know!
No. I knew...
Can we stop pretending that this is more than what it is, Charlot?
Huh?
I'll use you.
You'll use my body.
Let's just leave it at that.
Do you not know how I feel about you?
I'm a Meat, you see.
I'm not a human like you.
In that case...
If I become a Meat, will you understand how I feel?
Huh? What are you talking about?
What are you guys doing here?
You two, come with me!
Well? Hurts, doesn't it?
Who are you feeling all this pain for?
Olivia...
Olivia Litlet-
Done already?
We have a new purpose for you.
We will erase your memories again and send you to the laboratory.
Before that happens, enjoy this spectacle.
A pathetic man who turned himself into a Meat, just to impress you.
Go on, Olivia.
Sleep with this Meat, as you've done so many times before.
I remember now.
They trusted me.
For that reason, they...
I am rotten to the core!
I cast my comrades to the wolves and escaped alone.
But...
Despite all that...
I will survive!
I will survive and reclaim what I need to reclaim!
I missed.
How about here?
More?
How long will you keep this up?!
Ah, damn it!
This is getting old!
Found him!
You've got a lot to learn.
When you aim at someone, aim for the head.
But...
I can see how you managed to kill Vizac.
What are you talking about?
Why do you think I killed him?!
I'm trying to ask you a question, 'kay?
Lascall handed you something, right?
Yes. The book of a pitiable man known as a Meat.
And it was all written there...
All the atrocities you've committed!
All of them?
Yes. You're the one who sank the Silver Smoke in Aro Bay.
You had no reason to kill those men!
True. What else you got?
And you kept functioning as the Acting Director!
You're supposed to lead the Armed Librarians,
the defenders of justice!
You're incredibly confused.
That's why you decided to oppose me?
Huh?
I honestly thought you had uncovered something worse.
That's funny.
I'll let you in on a juicy piece of info, then.
The Shindeki Church was created...
...by the Armed Librarians.
We make it look like we're at war,
but in actuality, we coexist.
You're lying.
The leader of the Church, the Governor of Paradise,
is chosen from among the Armed Librarians' ranks.
You're lying! You're lying! You're lying!
You're lying! You're lying! You're lying!
You're lying! You're lying! You're lying!
Who'd believe that nonsense?!
It's a secret entrusted to the Acting Directors.
Of course, that includes your beloved Fhotona.
Fhoto... No way.
That's enough pointless chatter.
Incidentally,
that's also enough of your pointless life.
It can't be...
Vizac is dead?
And Fhotona...
And the Armed Librarians' sense of justice...
I'm going to die.
The Armed Librarians... Justice...
I've lost everything I believed in.
I lost...
...it all.
I feel so light...
My body feels so light.
There is nothing...
...left...
...for me.
So, his battle is over.
Long time no see, Lascall.
You're much cuter than the last time we met.
Thank you very much.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
I can't let anyone have this.
Your innocence is recorded in this book.
I wish I could send it to Mirepoc for you,
Volken.
But alas,
I am not Lascall Othello.
I can no longer sense Volken Macmani's thoughts.
Are you sad?
I don't know!
Where are you going?
I'm going to ring the bells,
the funeral bells that honor Armed Librarians who've fallen in the course of duty.
I'm afraid you can't do that.
Why not?!
I cannot allow you to ring the bells for a traitor.
I used them.
They trusted me, and now they're all dead.
Are you there, Renas?
Yes, I'm with you.
You don't have to fight alone anymore.
Yeah, that's true.
Your desire to remember Vend Ruga comes from something important given to you.
Remember them... Your true feelings.
My true feelings...
I've long since given up on being human.
Olivia?
But even in the depths of despair,
she never gave up the fight.
She never gave up...
...on being human.
Olivia,
I wanted to be like you.
No...
Even if I couldn't be like you, at the very least,
I wanted to be able to help you.
I see now...
It was never my fight alone.
If I fail now, the resolution I made that day...
The resolution those who believed in me made...
...will have been mislaid.
The magic rights those who sacrificed their lives to put into Ylucklucu...
Remember them, Olivia!
Hamyuts!
Olivia.
The Vend Ruga inside of you... I will kill it for you.
I'm so close! I'm on the verge of remembering!
I must remember!
It was nice knowing you.
Charlot?!
A Meat...
A Meat shielded her?
Wh-Why are you here?
Why did you protect me?!
I don't know...
What?
I...don't...know...
You don't know, and yet you protected me?
Your memory will not fade away,
lead golem, Vend Ruga.
"I was born as a weapon."
Weapon?
"I had the person... The person whom I wanted to care for"?
"I care for..."
Are you talking about me?
Protect me, if you want.
And just as he said,
from the Shindeki Church which kidnapped children to turn into Meats,
he protected me.
And on that fateful day...
Vend?
Vend!
Vend!
You're warm...
In that brief moment, when he touched me,
his thoughts spoke to me.
"I am a weapon,"
"but I still see beauty in flowers."
"I want to care for the person I love."
"I don't want you to ever forget about me."
You idiot!
How could I ever forget you?!
That was Vend Ruga's only wish.
He loved and cared for someone, and didn't want them to forget him.
Master Charlot, I'm incapable of loving anyone.
I'm aware, Olivia.
But it's not your fault.
Hmm?
It's because you lost the memories of being loved.
The person who loved me?
Yes.
Love must be learned.
We learn to love others by being loved ourselves.
We're trying to get back—
To get back...
I see. That explains it.
Dance, spinning fairy Ylucklucu!
Reclaim the memories of love for all the Meats the Church holds prisoner!
That's right, Olivia.
You let them die, you deceived them,
and yet you waited, steadfast.
Waited for love to fill your heart...
The Meats regained their memories?!
Charlot!
Charlot!
Charlot...
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
I loved you.
I loved all of you!
Just incredible, Olivia...
Volken, the two of you are such...
Such fools.
Huh?
Mirepoc, I cannot trust him.
I believe it was his Dancing Blades that killed Vizac.
However, we are Armed Librarians, entrusted to protect memories.
Huh?
I remember him as a dumb, stubborn punk.
But I was able to respect him as an Armed Librarian.
We will ring the bells for the Volken we remember.
Everyone...
Hamy, I did stop them...
Momentarily.
Bells?
The woman named Noloty Malche.
She enters people's hearts with wanton disregard.
Indelible footprints.
Incurable claw marks.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 20 [EB095812]

You've improved.
But in your current state, even in a hundred years, you won't become an Armed Librarian.
You'll remain an apprentice.
Let me ask you this...
Suppose an enemy, who will never accept defeat, aims for your life.
Do you refuse to kill them?
I will not kill them.
I will knock them out and capture them alive.
And if, after letting them survive, they attack again?
I will fight them again.
You're merciless, Enlike.
I will fight and win again.
Why are you so opposed to killing?
It's tough to put into words...
I doubt anyone would understand my reasons.
See... The truth is, this world belongs to me.
From where to where?
All countries and all people.
All the oceans, mountains, and towns.
And you, too, Enlike.
Yes. It's my world.
Including the fact that you're alive alongside me.
Enlike, I request another fight!
Noloty...
Noloty...
I don't want to lose anyone ever again.
Update me on Yukizona's unit.
They approach the designated point in the water.
I see.
Say, Matt, we've been really going on the offensive lately, huh?
Pretty much.
The reason being...
the mysterious phenomenon that occurred...
shortly after I killed Volken.
The Church's Meats suddenly regained their memories and revolted.
The Meats flooded the shores
of God of the Past Island.
Yes. We had almost driven the Church to the brink of annihilation.
But what's this, then?
Breaking news. Breaking news.
Early this morning, the Ismo Republic cut off diplomatic relations and issued a declaration of war against Bantorra Library.
Did you see that, Yukizona?
The Ismo flag is waving in the air.
They have a formation of three gunships, seven cruisers, and fifteen destroyers.
Yukizona reporting.
The enemy fleet approaches from the northeast, less than one hundred kilometers out.
I repeat,
the Ismo Republic has declared war on Bantorra.
As unbelievable as it sounds, this information is accurate.
It's true.
Ismo Republic is attacking us for real.
They've opened fire. What should we do?
Strike back.
No matter the circumstances,
we cannot let the flames of war reach this library.
Strike back.
Understood.
We might as well assume the Church is involved, huh?
Yes. Otherwise, they'd never issue a sudden declaration of war.
Over the course of many years, we've forged strong ties with them.
The Church may have snuck a member into the Diet, or the president himself could be...
It doesn't matter.
Ismo is the largest country in the world.
We're their equals or better in terms of firepower, but an early strike is our best option.
What is it?
I dunno, something doesn't seem right.
Ismo Republic is a democracy.
Even if they were able to do something with the president,
he wouldn't have the authority to use the military in this manner.
Something tells me the Church is controlling Ismo by some other means,
a method we would never even imagine...
Bantorra Acting Director, Hamyuts, has finally issued a statement.
"The Ismo Republic is our most trusted ally."
"However, evil powers have caused them to act regrettably."
"One day, Ismo Republic will be our ally again."
You haven't read the next chapter.
Is that you?
I wasn't sure to whom to deliver that book.
But you are the best fit for it, after all.
I don't care what you do to me anymore.
I can't even bring myself to hate the Church.
I see.
But even if you have an empty existence,
I think you stand a chance of inheriting the tale.
Lady Noloty kept one last wish that never came true.
You, too, have the ability to grant it for her.
A mission for you alone?
Yes.
To stop biological terrorism.
Seems the Church is plotting to spread the germs of...
"Cerulean Death."
It is a highly communicable infectious disease.
Those infected are consumed by a vast despair,
and their vision is stained a deep shade of blue.
Because those infected cry, "It's blue, blue," as they die,
they named it Cerulean Death.
Where must you go?
Toatt Mine.
It's where Luimon died.
According to the intel, the driving force behind this plot is Arkit Chloma.
We know nothing beyond the name.
I will go with you.
No. I'm fine, really.
I can do this alone.
But...
Please trust in me.
A child?
That's dangerous.
It's okay now.
Where did you come from?
Nicely done.
I infected you! Serves you right!
That's what you get, Armed Librarian!
Suffer for your sins!
That's right. A normal child wouldn't be in this place, huh?
Before I die, boy, will you tell me your name?
I ain't no boy. I'm Arkit!
Remember it. I'm the one who served you your just desserts...
Arkit Chloma.
Oh, so you're the one behind the plot.
Ugh! That was nasty!
It's true there is no antidote for Cerulean Death,
but did you know they made a vaccine?
Biological attacks are frightening,
so we decided to guard against it.
And normal diseases don't affect Armed Librarians.
Die, Armed Librarian!
Die!
Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!
Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!
Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!
Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!
Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!
DIE!!
You...
Kill me.
You don't get to decide that!
Like how you decided the townspeople deserve to be killed...
Don't decide to die on your own. It makes me pretty angry!
Shut up. Don't smile and pretend to be nice.
The Armed Librarians should die.
Every last one of them!
Armed Librarian!
Armed Librarian!
Armed Librarian! Armed Librarian!
Armed Librarian! Armed Librarian! Armed Librarian!
This is how her body looked when we found it.
There was one stab wound in the back.
We also believe her body was dumped there.
Who is this man?
He is my superior.
As you may expect, he vanished around the same time Noloty did.
Neither of their books have been unearthed yet.
I see.
Say, how can I get you to not commit suicide?
Die.
Do that, and I'll cheer up. Then I won't commit suicide.
So die.
Those are some mean-sounding words.
Truthfully, I want to slaughter every last Armed Librarian,
but that's impossible.
So at the very least, you should die.
I don't want to die, either.
Then build up the courage to kill me.
I said no.
Then let me kill myself!
Why are you letting me live?!
There's no reason.
I just don't want to let you die.
What's your problem? I don't get you!
Fine. I'll do what I can for you,
so listen to what I have to say, okay?
Seriously?
Then become my minion.
I'll listen to you if you're my minion.
Hmm... Okay!
What other choice do I have? I'm all out of ideas.
Wait. If I sit and think about this, it's kind of bad,
kind of strange...
But this is the only option.
You're really dumb, huh?
This happened to me once before.
I bet Enlike would be mad at me.
Oh, well. I'm sure he'll forgive me.
I am Noloty Malche.
I'll be your minion starting today.
Treat me kindly.
Noloty...
So, what now?
We kill the Armed Librarians.
You've got nothing else?
Nope. That's it.
Every day, we'll work on our plan and undergo Magical Deliberation.
That's it.
Huh? Magical Deliberation?
You aren't old enough to do that yet. It's dangerous.
If you undergo it when your mind hasn't fully developed, you can go mad and die!
Yes. And my sole wish is to take at least one Armed Librarian with me.
That's crazy. Why are you so obsessed?
That's strange...
The sniper was aiming at you.
Don't be stupid.
The man in the mine was, too.
Say, Arkit, could the Church be out to kill you?
I'm sure one of my comrades acted in order to save me.
I know. If we go to see Kachua...
Kachua?
Our leader. An amazing person.
Kachua's the one who prepared the microbes and gave me minions.
Kachua, the Governor of Paradise...
This is beyond the level of someone merely directing from the shadows.
It's almost as if the entire Ismo Republic has joined the Church.
Could the secret have been leaked?
Could the Governor of Paradise...
...have spilled the beans about Heaven?
That's absurd.
The Shindeki Church must also protect the secret.
Then what about this?
The Armed Librarians are secretly working alongside the Church.
Is that women's intuition?
You worry too much, Hamy.
Someone in the Church saw an opportunity and took it.
That's all it is.
You need to focus on a response.
I hope you're right...
Though I wonder why...
...I feel so impatient.
Kyasariro. Situation report.
We're fighting.
But listen, Mirepoc, should we really be doing this?
Since we don't know the reason for the rebellion,
what happens if we keep shooting and they keep attacking?
It will be fine. We'll make it through this difficult situation.
Mirepoc Finedel, I presume?
Who is it?
Die, Armed Librarians.
We, the mighty Guinbecs military,
have declared war on the Armed Librarians.
Hamyuts, this is an emergency!
The unimaginable has happened!
Ismo, with many other countries, has just waged war on Bantorra Library!
Forming this alliance is the Ismo Republic, the...
Mirepoc, issue a communiqué to everyone not on God of the Past Island.
"Stop what you're doing immediately, and return to base."
Got it?
"Stop immediately. Return immediately."
Everyone?
Of course.
Think about it.
The entire world has declared Bantorra Library its enemy.
Still,
what methods has he employed?
That silly Governor of Paradise.
What a terrifying plan.
Don't get in our way!
We're going to Heaven!
Damn it!
What has the world become?
How does this make you feel?
I have to say, I'm overjoyed.
Thinking back, it's odd.
Hamyuts, Mattalast, Ireia, Yukizona...
They have a veritable galaxy of powerful men and women,
and yet, not one of them chased after me.
They've been in the palm of my hand right from the start.
Only one person,
Noloty Malche,
caught me by surprise.
Very true.
It's bizarre.
That girl whose only strength is kindness was the only one to pursue me.
So, it's up that way?
Yes. Kachua's base is on the mountain ahead, to the north.
I'm certain that Kachua will kill you for me.
And once you die, I'll be free.
Then, I won't commit suicide.
It's the best way to go about it, don't you agree?
Nice. Well done.
But I'm sorry to say, I won't be dying, no matter what.
I won't, no matter what.
Screw you! I'll kill you!
One last wish that never come true, huh?
Now, allow me to bring...
...destruction upon the almighty Bantorra Library.
Like the logic of rotten boys,
some things should be fed to the dogs.
For if you don't, the world will be eaten instead.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 21 [451E9210]

Kill the Armed Librarians!
Kill the Armed Librarians!
Sorry. But you're two seconds late!
Damn. Closing time, huh?
Gentlemen, the last drink is on me.
Enjoy every last drop!
So he's this ship's commanding officer?
So it would seem...
Answer me.
Why must the Armed Librarians die?
Because Noloty died!
Another one?
Noloty died, and now so will you!
All Armed Librarians should rot in hell!
Then let me change the question.
Did you and Noloty Malche know one another?
Who is Noloty?
Where and when did you meet?
Answer me.
Now!
I-I...
Wh-What's going on?
They all give the same answer!
Yes... So what connection do they have to Noloty?
It's been one day since war broke out.
Bantorra Library and the Allied Forces advance ever deeper into brutal tactical combat.
Sucks to be you!
Go get 'em, Shlamuffen!
Looks like he bought us some more time.
And giving Shlamuffen to Rithly...
The perfect weapon for such an evil-minded person.
Are you okay?!
Damn you...
Damn it! How long will this go on?
The enemy is everywhere.
Everyone pulled together somehow and managed to stop the fleet about fifty kilometers from shore.
At this rate, it's only a matter of time before they make land.
Hamyuts, we must embark, too.
This is no time to hold back our offensive powers.
Okay.
We'll start our strike with the western Guinbecs's fleet and advance from there.
Hold on a second. Then who will...
Mirepoc, I am designating you Supreme Commander until my return.
What?
You can handle it.
I'll take care of everything, so just act as you see fit.
I will leave this with you, as well.
But that's...
Just to be safe. Good luck.
What? The enemy soldiers all say Noloty's name?
Any idea what that means, old lady?
She would never betray us!
Her sense of righteousness was stronger than anyone's.
It really was...
Though she drove me crazy at times...
In my ten years here, she was the only one who disobeyed my orders.
It's impossible for you.
Even if you manage to become an Armed Librarian, you will die.
I will not die! I will become strong!
I see. In that case, I must determine something myself.
I truly care about you.
I cannot bear to see you killed at the hands of someone uninteresting!
Seriously? That's all you've got?
Go ahead and die.
You still don't have it in you.
Even at the very edge of death,
your fists lacked the resolve to kill me.
It's not a matter of stubbornness, either.
Tell me, what do I do with a girl like you?
Tell me, Noloty.
Yes, to be frank, she had not a speck of aptitude within her.
I tried so many times to make her quit.
But she was a truly mysterious girl.
I was sure it would be impossible for her,
but then one day, it suddenly seemed possible.
I've been an Armed Librarian longer than anyone,
and yet I had never met someone like her.
So it would be fair to say, if she had lived,
she might have surpassed us someday?
Yes.
The very thought frightens me,
but the sky might have been the limit for her.
Hey. I need to ask you this.
Am I smiling right now?
What?
Not at all.
What's going on with me, then? I'm such a weirdo.
I know I'd normally find this fun.
Heck, it should be the most fun thing in the world.
Hamyuts, may I ask you one question, then?
Hmm?
This has always confused me.
Why do you always rush toward death?
Why did you become an Armed Librarian?
What was your goal?
By whom and where were you raised? And-
That's more than one question.
Entering the battle zone.
Please ready yourselves for battle.
Alrighty then.
Maybe I'll answer your questions,
if we both survive.
They keep coming!
Sent to battle just as we got home...
The Acting Director is such a slave-driver!
Seriously.
Look at that blue sky and those white clouds.
It's a perfect day to die.
Don't try to sound all cool.
Ireia!
I am disgusted.
I didn't raise you boys to quit so easily!
Impatient little boys...
must be punished!
Sheesh.
Guess that means it's time for our second wind.
Yeah!
Ah... What a mess.
Noloty's dead!
Kill the Armed Librarians!
Kill the Armed Librarians!
This is so bizarre.
I've been waiting for this day to come, and yet I feel nothing.
Still...
I guess I'll let you humor me.
Try and kill me with everything you've got.
Noloty came from the mountains in the southern hinterlands.
She said it was a tiny village, with no occupations besides tilling the land.
Brace yourself. I'm going to tell you something wild.
She was a princess in her village!
Huh?
It really was a tiny village, though.
What was your last wish, which was never fulfilled?
What're you doing—
You're so light.
Put me down! Don't treat me like a kid!
Noloty, are you out wasting time somewhere?
Ah, Mirepoc!
According to the report, you solved that bio-terror plot already, didn't you?
A-Ah, yes.
Uh, um... Something caught my eye, so...
I'm looking into it right now, alone.
All right. But call for backup if you get into any danger.
Understood?
R-Roger!
You were talking about killing me, weren't you?
Huh? Not at all.
You lie! That's all you Armed Librarians think about.
Yours looks better than mine.
Then eat mine, too.
It's cold, and the air is dry.
If you don't get enough fluids, your body will weaken.
Kachua might kill me, too.
He'll be angry that I'm traveling with you.
Then I'll defeat Kachua for you.
But you'll be killed by one of your fellow Armed Librarians
for being my minion.
Huh?
I-I think I'll be okay.
Though I really don't wanna get demoted...
I still have loans to pay off.
I like this!
Rot in hell, Armed Librarian.
Nothing better than watching an idiot die like an idiot.
All right!
We're almost there.
Um, I'd rather you didn't do that.
What's your deal?!
Why don't you get angry? Are you missing a few screws up here?
Why is someone like you an Armed Librarian?
Huh?
Does someone like you actually do those things?
Killing people for no reason and buying lives with money...
Those things?
Arkit, you're out for revenge, right?
Yes.
For no reason at all, the Armed Librarians killed those dearest to me.
Who and when?
Who did the killing?
Who did they kill?
I won't understand if you don't explain!
When did I say I wanted you to understand?
It's true that fighting is in an Armed Librarian's job description.
And sometimes that involves killing.
But that is only when there is no other option!
You're lying!
How...
How can even you say such things?
I thought you'd understand!
Who's there?
I am the Governor of Paradise, the leader of the Shindeki Church.
My name is Kachua Beenhas.
Hold on a moment, Noloty Malche.
I have come to talk with you.
I cannot trust you!
I see.
In that case, let me do this.
My power allows me to manipulate others' perceptions.
With this, I will appear to be merely a defenseless, old man.
What do you want to tell me?
I am revealing myself to you, after consistently running away.
What else could it be about?
The Church wishes to surrender to the Armed Librarians.
I came to tell you that.
Huh?
Why?
You wish to know why, do you?
You people are the ones who have driven us to the brink of annihilation.
If you know that, then why not surrender earlier?
A war isn't something easily called off.
The people beneath me will not understand why we're surrendering.
However, a decision has finally been reached.
Will you not trust me, Noloty?
Very well.
I'll accept your surrender.
Return to Bantorra Library with me and reveal all the Church's secrets.
Absolutely.
However, I do have a request for you.
Regarding us bringing the war to an end...
I would like you to rectify a mistake that we made.
What are you talking about?
I want you to kill Arkit Chloma.
Why is this happening to us?
It'll be all right. The Armed Librarians will protect us.
Have no fear, Yukizona!
I'll do it.
I will continue to fight.
You can count on me!
I said I would do it!
Get down, Yuri!
Okay!
Are you okay?
Their numbers are not easily overcome.
Minth! Minth!
Tsamuro, Hony, take the northwest Ronar fleet.
Do not let them advance beyond thirty kilometers east.
Kyzal, Balan, Tena, Clad, I want you four to—
Hello, Acting Director here.
I hate to butt in, but I'm a little worried.
Is it Ireia?
And this makes twenty ships!
I really wish we could stay young forever.
Care to let me take over, old lady?
I can't! If I step out now, Bantorra will...
Just incredible, old lady.
I have the utmost respect for you.
I can't leave the battle now...
Ireia, don't do too much.
Your role now is to rest.
All right...
We're completely outnumbered.
Maybe we shouldn't have split up our forces.
Issue the retreat, Mirepoc.
Recall the troops.
Minth! Where have you been all this time?
I'm sorry. I was being chased by some Mock Men from the Church.
I was in no position to use telepathy.
But I figured out what's going on in this battle.
Huh?
The soul of every soldier attacking the island is filled with unfathomable hatred.
But that's not all.
All of their souls are the same color.
Their dominant trait is rage.
Their thoughts are of enmity.
And they wish for the Armed Librarians' annihilation.
And their souls are blue.
Blue?
Don't tell me you've forgotten. It just happened!
Yes! The Cerulean Death!
The infectious disease that directly manipulates one's soul.
The Church is using it to manipulate everyone and instill in them feelings of hatred!
My, what a beautiful sunset.
Oh... Fear not, everyone.
We will not lose.
Head back. It's your role to remain in a safe place.
Blue...
H-Huh?
Kill the Armed Librarians!
Kill them! The Armed Librarians!
Old lady?
Wh-What the heck just happened?!
Ireia... How could they get you too?
Come in, Mirepoc.
Send reinforcements! We won't last like this.
The townspeople have rushed the main gate!
Are you sure we should be doing this?!
The whole island is blue.
This is a message for all Armed Librarians!
Everyone is to leave the front lines.
Leave your battle posts and retreat to Bantorra Library at once!
What did she say?
No way!
I repeat, everyone is to evacuate the front lines.
All Armed Librarians are to return!
Is she serious?
Hurry!
Establishing a mist barrier!
Leave the front lines and return to fortify the castle!
This order carries the same weight as one from the Acting Director!
Obey it at once!
Kill the Armed Librarians!
Within Arkit lies the power to instill his hatred into others' souls.
If unleashed, his hatred will spread across the world like an infectious disease.
I've thought about it, and this power may be able to defeat the Armed Librarians.
However, this is not a power to be used in war.
It may lead to the entire world's destruction, not just the Armed Librarians'.
What is it, Noloty?
What are you doing? It's the middle of the night.
Your only option is to kill him,
to save the Armed Librarians and the world.
Stop! Don't listen to him, Noloty!
It's a trap!
Was this our only choice?
You made the right call.
This'll finally bring an end to this mess.
We've received no word from the Armed Librarians.
How many forces remain on Bantorra?
How many Armed Librarians have been ripped to shreds?
Excuse me.
I meant died, no...
Die, Armed Librarians!
Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!
Yes! Yes, we did it!
The Armed Librarians will be destroyed!
Oh, are you awake now,
Arkit?
The tears shed at the worst possible ending...
...will cleanse all the world's sins.
In a world where hatred is no more,
the footprints will soon fade.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 22 [231B54E6]

We lost our fields, our home, and all respect from the villagers.
Do you feel sorry for yourself?
I don't know.
Don't.
Even if everything is stripped from you,
don't ever feel sorry for yourself.
You can go anywhere and do anything.
I want to see you succeed.
Okay. I understand.
Do you?
In that case, the world is yours.
The world...
The world is mine.
So I won't kill you.
Even if you're the one who will destroy the world,
I will protect you.
I will protect both you and the world.
You think you can do that?
I know I can!
I won't give up until I can.
Things have gotten out of hand.
What the heck is going on?
A disease of contagious hatred...
A disease?
Hatred toward the Armed Librarians was spliced into Cerulean Death.
But that's... How?
If only we knew...
I am speaking to all Armed Librarians who can hear my voice.
The Acting Director has ordered everyone to gather.
Come to the main lobby at once.
Staying behind the scenes, while he tries to kick the crap out of his master...
I won't make death pleasant for Kachua, that's for damn sure.
It looks like we'll die before it reaches that point.
The barrier will only last three days.
Once it's gone, tens of thousands of soldiers will storm the Library.
So, you're all that remain...
I suppose this is how the king felt when he was killed during the revolution, huh?
From what Minth's been able to ascertain,
the reason for the countries' attacks is related to Cerulean Death.
At this point, the reason is irrelevant.
Acting Director...
We must go forward.
We're left with two choices.
Either we fight our way out,
or we try to protect this place and die like dogs.
Am I wrong?
I will cut down their front-line troops.
I'll rush in and slice our way through the enemy.
Just follow along behind me.
The world belongs to you?
You really think that?
I do.
Then you can do whatever you want,
including killing someone or letting them live.
I mean, it all belongs to you.
Arkit...
Just like an Armed Librarian to think they can do whatever they want...
No! That's not true!
Then return the people who died to me!
Give Berta back to me! And Montgomery and Joseph and Billy!
There's a music corps in the army.
They've got nothing to do with war.
They don't even carry weapons.
I had a fever that day, so I had to stay home.
That's why I was the only survivor.
Everyone else was killed.
An Armed Librarian, Mokkania, killed every last one of them.
He and the others even had the gall to try and buy us off.
They tried to make up for the loss of life with money!
But the worst part of it all...
...was people saying that Armed Librarians protected the peace!
They call the people who killed my friends defenders of justice!
Do you expect me just to let that go, Noloty?!
Do something!
Doesn't the world belong to you? You can do whatever you want, right?!
Bring them all back!
You can do that, can't you? That's what you said, right?!
I'm sorry.
Let go...
Get your dirty hands off of me!
I'm sorry. This is all I can do right now.
All I can do...
Noloty.
That's my magic right.
I can infect anyone who touches me.
I cannot kill, though.
Arkit—
Shut your mouth!
You can't do a thing.
For Berta and Montgomery and Joseph and Billy!
My hatred will never go away!
My rage will never go away!
You get it, Noloty? Nothing you can say will change my mind.
Nothing you can do will make me forgive you!
Well done. Just like we planned.
Your work here is done. Let's go.
Thanks... for talking with me.
Don't try and talk.
Everything's fine. I'll treat you right away.
He's beyond saving.
Keep moving.
What're you doing? That sword parries any attack!
You need to go guard the Acting Director!
I know, but I kind of ran off, and...
So what's happening with the Acting Director?
She's making some good progress.
Don't lag behind.
Is your appetite still whet, Hamy?
There's nothing to be concerned about.
She's an Armed Librarian. Nothing will change that.
I wish she hated me.
If she hated me and came to kill me, I'd have no qualms murdering her.
I wouldn't think twice about pretending to like her and tricking her.
But that's not how she is.
She said dumb things like how she wants to save me,
and she came and hugged me with that stupid look on her face.
And yet you infected her.
Your hatred didn't go away.
That's all it is.
You are a wise man, Master Kachua.
Using poor little Noloty to generate pure hatred...
Merely killing Vizac isn't enough to guarantee passage to Heaven.
Performing one more task just might edge me even closer to Heaven.
Are you still breathing, Noloty?
Dulltom...
Cerulean Death is spread by the black melancholy lizard.
Precisely.
And if one were to implant Arkit's hatred of Armed Librarians into a black melancholy lizard,
and thus into the Cerulean Death germs, which were then spread to humans?
It'd make for some fun, that's what.
Watching the humans being pillaged by said hatred, that is.
Why have you come here?
You aren't going to spout some nonsense about saving the world, are you?
I've merely come to deliver a book.
It's pointless.
Sorry, but you're too late.
The Armed Librarians will be destroyed, and the world will be born anew.
I couldn't care less.
I've only...
...come to make good on a promise!
To have Noloty, the only person to open Arkit's heart,
be killed by an Armed Librarian...
I got goosebumps when I thought it up,
to think how deep that hatred runs.
Snow Crystal Barrier.
Noloty Malche... I tip my hat to her.
Without her, Arkit's heart could never have been opened.
And I could never have created such deep-seated hatred.
Everything in this world is my pawn...
You, Noloty, Dulltom, and all the Armed Librarians!
Noloty...
No way...
I brought her back. You should thank me.
Why?
I don't want you to die.
I don't want you to kill anyone.
I tried to kill you!
But you didn't.
Why won't you get angry?!
Hate me!
Hate me, damn it! Try and kill me!
I could never do that.
I lied to you!
I trampled you and kicked you!
Hate me, damn it!
I told you. The world belongs to me.
It's all mine.
Why are you an Armed Librarian?
Why?
Why is someone like you an Armed Librarian?!
That's right. She is not fit to be an Armed Librarian.
This traitor...
Hamy!
Matt?
Head back! You can't go any farther!
Head back and do what?
Sorry.
Hamy!
From the very start, you...
I must die.
I need to be slashed to shreds...
...and burned beyond the point of recognition. I will have it no other way.
Then I will become a book.
I will become a book!
Bravo.
Bravo.
Why go so far?
She's long gone, you know.
Shut up.
Don't be so afraid to die.
There is no place for you in the new world I'm creating.
I told you to shut up!
You have a duty to read this book.
Come forward! Heed Noloty's last wish!
No.
I don't want to see her again!
Not that pained look on her face,
not her face as she approached death!
Noloty...
We can't very well let one of Kachua's conspirators survive now, can we?
Damned traitor!
Noloty... Noloty!
No. No...
Why?
Why do the Armed Librarians always take them away?
All of them... All of them... All of them...
Why?
Why?!
Because we're defenders of justice, that's why!
Seems I underestimated your abilities somewhat.
Your hyper-regeneration and thunder magic...
They're more troublesome than I'd expected.
However!
If I can surpass the speed of your hyper-regeneration,
you won't even be able to move.
Noloty...
I was always in your world.
Nothing at all?!
You have nothing you wish to do before you die?!
There must be something!
At least one thing, right?!
Whenever I saw something...
Whenever I heard something...
Whenever I thought something...
Looks like you got a new lease on life.
It was all thanks to you.
Please protect the world with me.
But I'm about to lose everything.
Once this ends, I'll have nothing.
I will stand alone in your world, without you in it.
Kachua, there is one thing which you cannot see.
Are you referring to love?
Or is it a person's heart?
Or courage or the like?
The sky.
Even if I cannot move my body,
I am able to gather clouds.
I can take my time and create a powerful lightning strike.
Well played.
However, my plan's already been set in motion.
You cannot escape annihilation.
And I told you, I could care less!
I've come to deliver this to you.
What a beautiful sky...
Can you see it, Arkit?
Can you?
Just as she gazed upon the sky with loving eyes, she loved everything.
Just as she opened her heart to the sea, she accepted everything.
Just as she closed her eyes to the wind, she tried to feel everything.
Those who hate and those who dislike,
those who steal and even lumps of dirt...
The spring breeze...
Dirty cats...
Flightless birds...
She loved them all equally.
For they were all hers.
That was her land.
You and I were both dwellers in it.
Given that, do you still hate?
Do you still wish to kill?
This is the worst.
With my hatred taken from me, I have nothing.
I've lost the ability to hate.
Will you protect the world with me?
What are you talking about?
You could definitely make it as an Armed Librarian!
Let's save everyone who's in trouble or suffering...
No, let's save everyone who can be saved!
What's so great about the whole world belonging to you?
Nothing could possibly be better!
I mean, if someone, somewhere, is happy,
I get to share in their happiness!
The world is very precious to me.
So very, very precious!
With Noloty taken from me, I have nothing.
This is the worst.
So Noloty stopped it?
The second the source of the hatred vanished,
all the hatred everywhere vanished.
It's the only logical explanation.
Also, the Acting Director knew that this was all put into motion
by the Governor of Paradise, huh?
Could it be...
So where did Enlike go?
It doesn't say anything...
I suppose this is the happy ending to the painful battles
between the Shindeki Church and the Armed Librarians.
And yet, I hear not a word of cheer nor see a single smile.
Is this the tale of man?
Am I to write the next chapter in this frivolous ballad?
Did Kachua say anything...
...about Heaven?
A lone violet, forgotten to be plucked,
still sways there.
If you listen carefully to the wind,
you can hear it saying, "Ruruta. Ruruta."

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 23 [AA26D076]

The war against the Cerulean Death is over.
In exchange for considerable sacrifices, Bantorra Library narrowly emerged the victor.
Two months after it ended, the book of a Church clergyman was unearthed.
By reading it,
a hypothesis was born, stating that Heaven, in which the Church believed,
was the dream of a certain sorcerer, whose ability was dream manipulation.
We continued searching, but found no other devotees' books.
This hypothesis was announced to the world, as the final word...
...on the truth about the Church.
Today's book is about a man so lucky, he'll make you green with envy.
He had five wives, each with a different eye color and skin tone.
Not interested?
You've had no appetite of late.
Oh, well.
You can wait then, can't you?
Until the new Governor of Paradise creates a book that'll knock your socks off.
Sir... Sir...
Please wake up, sir.
Please wake up, Governor of Paradise.
Don't call me by that name!
Master Minth, advisor to the Margund Foundation for Humanity's Advancement,
these are the materials on the new candidates to become True Men.
Another one of those women...
This...
Didn't expect it, huh?
The first time I saw it, I felt the same way.
I'm used to being disillusioned...
Because I use the Sacred Eyes.
I knew that the Acting Director and you guys were guarding a pretty major secret,
but I didn't expect you to approach me now.
We will rebuild the Church that that idiot, Kachua, destroyed
and restore peace to the world.
And you're the only one who can lead that effort.
Minth Chezine, you are hereby appointed the next Governor of Paradise.
Do you accept, Minth?
Do you think I'm an idiot, Matt?!
I know I have no choice but to accept it!
I accept!
Because I'm the only one who can do it!
You were the one to put an end to the Church's war plans, Master Minth.
Rather than surrounding yourself with greedy Mock Men,
you are gathering conscientious True Men with pure hearts and virtuous wishes...
It's commendable.
Save your compliments.
You found some real characters for me, huh?
A banker who keeps trying to climb icy mountains.
A scientist who's trying to build something called a "rocket" to go into space.
An old man who works at the Morall market?
That's not far from here.
Ah, yes...
Unlike the other True Men candidates, I have no gathered data on him.
However, he possesses a wish that is incalculably grander than that of a common man.
Out of tissues.
You put on a reluctant face,
but you're surprisingly serious about your job.
I have some shopping to do, anyway...
Hey, is he all right?
That's gross. Poke him to see if he's alive.
Pardon us.
Sir, it's him!
We were too late.
Apparently, he was transporting sand and dirt until his death.
No one knew who he was.
Working so hard in such a decrepit body...
What was your wish?
I'm impressed you homed in on him.
Lascall.
Congratulations on your promotion to Governor of Paradise.
Like it's something to celebrate!
Do what you have to do and leave.
Word is that that's a True Man's book.
May I have it?
H-Hey!
Relax.
I will be delivering this book to someone you know very well.
What did you say?
What a lovely night.
You know, I couldn't even die in the Cerulean Death war...
Maybe I should wish on a shooting star.
I've started to think you're not serious about wanting to die.
Hey, Hamy, how do you hope to die?
Well...
I could get married, like a normal person,
be happy and have my family watch me go, with tearful eyes...
Man, that'd be about the lamest way possible to die.
What's lame about it?
The one day a year when we forget our duties and party like fools...
The Armed Librarian party!
Yay!
Except no one's partying...
What do you expect?
We've lost too many brothers-in-arms this past year.
Also...
We're waiting for a wild event to begin.
Where are Yukizona and Yuri?
They're still convalescing.
Rich people have it so easy.
They don't understand what we have to go through.
This is Noloty's book. Enlike brought it.
What?
What on earth?!
That can't be...
Dulltom was connected to the Church?
Yes.
"Volken killed Vizac."
Dulltom was the one who fed us that information.
Not one of us actually saw Vizac's death,
nor his book.
So then, Volken Macmani was innocent?
I don't know.
But Volken did say he was going to expose the Acting Director's wrongdoings.
It's possible he was killed to shut him up.
Renas vanished, too...
And Minth quit the Armed Librarians without even saying goodbye.
In any case, I do know one thing.
Kyasariro...
The Acting Director is hiding something from us.
And because of that...
Starting with Noloty, we've lost many comrades.
Sorry I'm late!
Acting Director.
What's this? You haven't started yet?
As this is the one day a year we Armed Librarians can forget our duties,
we are going to break one of Bantorra's rules-
that the Acting Director demands our absolute obedience.
Gamo, you...
All right.
So you're saying the festivities are about to begin.
Man, this is boring!
You could have skipped the trial and gone straight to the punishment.
And why did you willingly come here?
I wouldn't have cared if you'd waited in your quarters instead.
It's a formality.
If I'm not locked up, I might run away,
just like that boy.
So cold...
This brings back memories.
I'm coming in, Hamy.
Get out of my sights!
Hurry and finish it, Hamy.
Struggle all you want. It won't do any good.
Get out of my sights, tool!
Stop that, Hamy.
You know deep down inside you love me.
You won't even let me indulge my emotions.
I brought a certain book to you.
Wow. It's not often you bring me a book.
This book...
Seems I have to go out and put her out of her misery...
The Violet Sinner.
The Acting Director's missing?!
Yes! I discovered it when I went to bring her breakfast this morning.
"I escaped, after all."
"Let's hold my trial some other time!"
The magic-powered prop-plane is missing, too!
Start searching!
Find the Acting Director!
Hamy...
We believe the magic-powered prop-plane the Acting Director took
left sometime last night, before dawn.
It was headed toward southwest Ismo.
Enlike, can you hear me?
It's Mirepoc Finedel.
I read Noloty's book.
Our resolve to mutiny against the Acting Director has been strengthened.
However, she's missing.
And here I thought my plan was derailed...
Interesting.
Enlike, losing Noloty hurt us deeply.
Noloty gave her life battling the Church, as they sought Heaven...
But Heaven was just a dream.
But that's why I want you to return, to help us find...
the Acting Director and learn the truth.
You're mistaken, Mirepoc.
Heaven exists.
If I were to inscribe a word on the book's spine, I'd put "Penance."
It would likely become my book's title.
Indulge me, Heaven. Have a drink with me.
The upper ranks and the lower ranks both spilling their guts...
That's what makes for a great organization.
Back then, in my youthful anger,
I thought of revolting against Heaven.
But thanks to your wish, we had quite the bargain for dead men.
What on earth was I thinking?
Can you kill me?
I've sacrificed countless men in an attempt to make my dream reality.
However, I've come to realize it's an impossible dream.
I want you to kill me.
I am a pathetic shell of myself, unable to realize my dream,
and yet unable to let it go.
What, exactly, is your dream?
You need not know.
However, there are two ways for it to come true.
The first is to obtain absolutely perfect and flawless happiness.
And the second...
...is to destroy the world.
So, if you don't wish to see the world destroyed,
kill me.
Kill Heaven...
Interesting.
I abdicated my title of Acting Director and built a research facility...
All to engineer a tool to destroy Heaven.
I got Hamy to be quiet.
Okay.
I feel bad about what I did to her.
And what I did to you too, Chacoly.
Oh, I don't care about that.
But please, Dad, won't you tell me about him?
Chacoly...
I want to be with him,
to love each other,
and then to die in each other's arms.
You've brought back some painful memories, Makia.
He's already turned into a book...
So why do you continue to investigate that old man?
We watched as he died and his book was taken away...
The thought of ignoring that makes me want to puke.
Also, the look on that dead old man's face...
You looked with your Sacred Eyes?
Yes.
His dominant trait was persistence.
His thoughts were of burning out.
And he wished for Heaven.
Heaven?
Violets in the desert?
Sir.
Things are kept pretty tidy in here.
Hamyuts Meseta?
This one, too. And this one.
A fan of the Acting Director?
Whatever tickles your pickle...
That girl...
Sir.
R-Right!
Hold on. I'll unshackle you.
Wha—
Acting Director!
I've come to kill you.
Since I didn't do it back then.
That was the day Kachua sent me...
...to kill the Violet Sinner, who was locked inside the fortress.
He turned out to be quite a handful,
the lead man.
Long time, no see.
That's right, you.
That man could never love you.
If I kill you here and now, and read your book,
I'll know everything you know.
However...
I could let you, a girl no one could ever love,
continue to live in this pathetic world, rejected by the man whose love you most desired.
That could be fun, too.
Where do you think you're off to?
Hamyuts.
Chacoly...
Y-You...
It's your fault, Makia.
Hamyuts, you...
There's no way I'm just letting you leave her to rot and die.
I want you to dispose of the tool you, yourself, created.
Makia?
I've heard that name somewhere...
He served as Acting Director three terms ago.
How was it, Chacoly?
Living in a world in which no one could love you, for the sole purpose of atonement,
being taken care of by that disgusting old man...
You'd have been better off dead.
Each day was like having your body torn apart.
All we've got is Ruruta Coozancoona.
That's how I was raised.
Ruruta Coozancoona?
There are no people left to watch over you.
If we leave you here, you'll simply wither away over time.
I'm not so evil a person that I'd do such a thing.
So instead, I'll kill you now.
Wh-What are you, nuts?!
We need to protect her!
Love me... Love me...
Please love...
...me.
What the heck?
Get away from her, Minth!
Love me... Please love me!
Olivia Litlet said so...
The Shindeki Church was born from the Armed Librarians.
They worked together...
...to bring the books of those who find truth and happiness to Heaven.
It all started with Heaven.
Unless you destroy Heaven, you'll never truly exact revenge.
And you said the Violet Sinner is the key to all this?
Yes.
The Violet Sinner is in love with a certain man.
If her love succeeds, Heaven will falter.
Noloty...
I will fight, as a dweller in your world.
I will destroy Heaven, the root of all evil,
and offer the world to you.
A girl's first feelings of love...
...scattered away, unrequited.
Now, a woman's final feelings of love...
...will open the door that leads to the truth.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 24 [61CF5571]

Oh, Gamo, you looking for a drinking partner?
I just came to make sure you don't try anything funny.
Just try to stay quiet until we find the Acting Director.
Yes, sir.
You have fallen into the role of her right hand man, after all.
A sad fate for a playboy like yourself.
Sad, huh?
Mattalast.
I've come to stop you.
An ex-thief named Minth recently became an apprentice.
They say his ability is the Sacred Eyes.
Which he can use to peer into people's souls.
Yes. He looked at yours.
He said the Acting Director has quite a sizeable plan.
I was surprised, actually. Who'd have thought...
...you'd try to rebel against Heaven.
I'd hate to dirty the Library...
You're going to try and kill me?
On the next Acting Director's orders, I can't go quite that far.
The next Acting Director?
Is your new-found fervor for your duties
coming from your feelings towards Hamyuts Meseta?
Would you stop that?
I merely feel compelled to do so upon learning the truth behind the Armed Librarians.
That's all it is.
You may have learned the truth behind the Armed Librarians,
but you don't know the truth behind Hamyuts.
I hate having long conversations when I'm sober.
I think I'll get this out of the way now.
No matter the gravity of your feelings towards Hamyuts...
Farewell, Fhotona.
...you'll be left with nothing.
Farewell.
Left with nothing, huh?
The truth behind Heaven... The Armed Librarians' secret...
Knowing even those, there is still one mystery I cannot crack.
Hamy, who are you?
What the heck...?
Get away from her, Minth!
Love me... Please love me!
Sir?
What happened to me?
You desired Chacoly so badly that you forgot yourself?
That is Chacoly's special ability: Soul Transference.
Soul Transference?
It's a superior version of Mirepoc's telepathy.
More than merely communicating thoughts,
she is able to read the other's emotions
as well as implant emotions into them.
If Chacoly feels sad, your heart will weep.
If Chacoly wishes for something, your heart will desire it.
Your actual emotions don't factor in at all.
That old man, Makia...
He used her ability to try and make a certain man fall in love with Chacoly.
In order to save that man from despair.
Hamy... love...
Chacoly, you...
Hamy... love... me... too...
Hamy... love... me... too...
Hamy... love... me... too...
Hamy... love... me... too...
Chacoly, I...
Acting Director!
Hamy... love... me...
Chacoly... I...
...love...
I...
...hate you.
Lascall...
No, the war-machine of the past, the stone sword of spent time, Yor...
You're here, aren't you?
You've been busy lately, huh?
Pardon me.
Hey, how does it feel when you turn someone into a book?
Do you get all tingly?
I am nothing more than a stone sword.
I take no pleasure from it.
Although,
I do think it must be quite fun to be human.
Quite fun, huh?
Acting Director...
Help me, will ya?
When was it?
I peered into the Acting Director's soul once, out of curiosity.
"Her dominant trait is villainy."
"Her thoughts are of evil."
"She wishes for bloodstained holocaust."
...is what I expected it to be.
I would picture the same.
However, I began to doubt my ability...
I stopped thinking about scanning her again.
What were her actual traits?
Her dominant trait is self-loathing.
Her thoughts are void.
She wishes for... love.
Chacoly, let me take a look at how you've lived since we split up.
Say, are you the Acting Director?
I'd like you to take me to see Ruruta.
Take... Chacoly...
Ruruta and I can finally meet.
Ruruta Coozancoona.
Who is it?
Chacoly Cocotte.
Forty years ago, I asked Makia Dexiart to kill me.
Did he create you?
He did.
My weakness overcame me that day. My weakness was exposed for all to see.
I've long wanted to erase that day's shameful deed.
You're being silly, Ruruta.
You've been waiting for me for two-thousand years.
The reason you exist is so you can love me.
Let... Let me... go.
Tell me, Ruruta... Do you love me?
I want... to kill you... from the bottom of my heart...
Denied.
You have to love me!
Love... you...?
So, Ruruta, will you die with me?
Let's remain as one forever!
Sorry, I can't let you do that. You're going to die with me.
What gives? How are you able to resist me?
Aren't I your everything? Aren't I?
Nie...
What?
Nieniu...
Nieniu? Who's that?
Fine. If you won't tell me,
I'll just read your soul.
What song is this?
What?! How can you be with another girl?!
But we're supposed to die together! That's the only reason I...
Make it stop...
Make it STOP!!
So that was the cause of Ruruta's despair.
He's nothing but a baby.
And we exerted all that energy over him...
Okay, this is where we go our separate ways.
Chacoly, you cannot let anyone know about my abilities.
Who am I gonna tell?
Besides, you won't be needed once I die with Ruruta.
Are you gonna try and steal my reason for living?
What am I supposed to do if Ruruta goes away?
Well, you could maybe... I know!
You could fall in love and get married, like a normal person.
Say what?
Then, your family will care for you and watch as you go, with tearful eyes. So lame!
Everyone will be like, "No, don't die!" And then you die.
Bye.
Chacoly.
Since this is goodbye, I'll let you read my soul, just this once.
Not interested.
You were such a little brat.
I didn't kill you in the fortress because you kept me entertained for all those years.
But...
Do you know why your Soul Transference didn't work on me earlier?
Love... me...
Because I always loved you.
You little brat, Chacoly.
Over the course of all those years, being brought up as a tool to kill Ruruta,
you were my only friend.
However,
I will be the one who kills Ruruta.
A peaceful, warm, and lame death is no longer allowed for me.
"I am sick and tired of waiting for the day to come,"
"and all the living beings in the world."
Where's Rithly?
Out looking for the Acting Director.
What?
So we're the only ones guarding the Library?
Letting apprentices stand guard?
Looks like things have gotten pretty chaotic around here.
One must know Heaven to destroy Heaven.
To do that...
This is strange. I can understand the Armed Librarians not being here,
but where are the Guardian Beasts?
This... is Heaven?
So this is Heaven. That makes this...
Ruruta Coozancoona.
Mattalast?
You probably came down here to crash the Armed Librarians' party.
Seems your plan has failed, Enlike.
Because Hamyuts decided to escape, the net result is the same.
There is no problem here.
The fact you know about this is a problem.
This way, Rithly!
What the hell, man? An intruder?
You guys should be able to at least handle the fifth floor—
Ow...
What the heck?
Hey! This guy is dead—
Wh-What's an Elephant Guard doing here?
They aren't supposed to go higher than the fourth labyrinth.
Everyone, return at once!
Guardian Beasts are loose in the underground labyrinths.
All Armed Librarians, head to the Library's labyrinth.
A Guardian Beast?
I am... sad.
That voice...
So very...
...sad.
Damn!
The next two seconds,
and the next, and next, and next, and next!
I am sad.
Hi, guys. How's everyone doing?
Hamy?
So, um,
the beasts you are fighting are known as the "Beasts of the Final Chapter."
Wait!
Long ago, at the Age of Paradise's end,
the overseer of life that is yet to come, Orntorra, brought them into being as weapons of mass destruction.
They've been known as Guardian Beasts ever since.
We told you they are the guardians of the labyrinths that Bantorra, the overseer of life that has passed, created.
But it's all a bunch of lies.
A bunch of lies?!
Yep. A bunch of lies.
All Acting Directors, myself included, have lied to you all along.
Tons and tons of big fat lies.
Now, I have a huge announcement for you all.
Ruruta Coozancoona, Director of the great Bantorra Library, which we call home,
has decided to close the Library as of today.
Wh-Who the heck is that?
Ruruta Coozancoona.
The man who ousted the Library's founder, the God of the past, Bantorra,
to become the Director of the Library.
Hamy...
Everyone, I thank you kindly for your years of service.
Today signifies the end of Bantorra Library and the Armed Librarians.
It all ends today.
I will not allow you to die amidst such pain.
You've lived many years for my sake.
This is the one gift I can give to you.
"The Tearless Ending".
Sure is hot again today, huh, Kayz?
You have a letter from your son.
Snow?
Why now?
“The Tearless Ending” falls upon a world...
...in which the Beasts of the Final Chapter have awakened.
All living beings will fall into a deep slumber,
an eternal slumber where the morn shall never return.
The tale of those who guide the world to its ruin and those who resist...
I just wanted to see how such a tale ends.
However,
such a tranquil grand finale...
...somehow seems overly poetic.
Is this...
Is this how... it all ends?
I refuse... to die!
Say, Matt?
Hmm?
If no one out there can kill me,
will you do it, Matt?
You're okay with that?
You're the only person by whose hands I don't want to die.
The only one...
I will not allow another man to be the one who kills Hamy.
Mattalast...
I haven't made coffee in a while, but this came out pretty good.
It would be a shame if the last cup of coffee had in the world were lousy.
All Ireia ever made was black tea.
Your room is the only place I can drink coffee.
Black tea during the week and coffee on our days off...
Wasting my days away with the Armed Librarians, who couldn't be ruthless if they tried.
Considering my entire life was designed merely to kill Ruruta,
I sort of thought it'd be nice to stay like this for a while.
Ruruta Coozancoona.
Its power the name of Ruruta, “The tearless Ending”, falls from a blank sky.
In the arms of your capricious savior's mercy,
rest in peace, sweet world.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 25 [1665494E]

So hot...
Why... Is it... so dry here?
This is the story of a man.
A sad, sad man.
The Age of Paradise's end.
Disappointed in the foolish, dimwitted, shallow humans,
Orntorra unleashed upon the world seven angels of punishment, bearing seven war-machines.
Then, prior to their arrival, he announced he would be destroying the world.
I saw it!
A hero will save the world from the Beasts of the Final Chapter!
To assure victory, he requires 100,000 soldiers,
seven war-machines,
and the books of 100,000 soldiers!
Let us offer our books to the hero with transparent hair!
His name is Ruruta! Ruruta Coozancoona!
Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta!
Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta!
Ruruta! Are the magic rights running rampant?
Ruruta... You cannot handle ninety-nine books.
I will be strong.
Ruruta!
Magic rights are not stored alone within those books.
Each book also contains its author's despair.
The world belongs to them!
A minstrel? That's rich!
You're nothing but a lowly dog without magic rights!
Unable even to die for Ruruta, all you can do is sing!
Her name is Nieniu.
She comes from a tribe of minstrels who use song to heal people's hearts.
She was their last surviving member.
He's crying again.
I'm scared. I'm scared!
Don't be scared. Fear is for the weak.
Hold on!
I can't take it anymore.
The Beasts of the Final Chapter are nearing.
I will defeat them.
I'm scared. I can't slay them!
I'm almost there.
Myself, the others... Everyone will die.
I will emerge victorious!
We'll be slaughtered...
Hold out. I'm nearly there...
Let's die.
Death's the only way. There's no other escape.
Wait! No!
No... You mustn't die!
Who are you talking to?
Huh?
You are...
The one with transparent hair,
you're Ruruta Coozancoona, right?
Girl, why have you come here?
I followed a boy who shivered in fear, unable to endure the pain.
Ruruta, I came to save you.
Save me? Don't be foolish!
I exist to save humanity.
I exist to protect them.
You think ?
Tell me. Am I truly Ruruta?
Ruruta feels no fear. Ruruta never loses the way.
Ruruta is impregnable. Ruruta is indomitable.
Isn't that how it should be?
Tell me. Am I truly Ruruta?
If I am, then why is life so difficult?
Why do I tremble with fear?
They all believe in me,
nary a doubt in their minds.
Ruruta will save us all!
Ruruta will save everything!
If I lose focus, falling to defeat, I'll never be forgiven.
I will forgive you.
Even if I lose to the Beasts of the Final Chapter?
Yes. I will forgive you.
Look at your face, so deep in thought.
How wonderful...
I guess you had enough in you to tear Chacoly to pieces, huh?
Chacoly? That creepy little girl?
She spoke to me of love.
A foolhardy girl...
Agreed. And then she died in despair.
Like a gramophone, she kept repeating some nauseating love song.
Stop.
Stop. Or I'll kill you here and now.
Fine. I stopped.
Anyway, I'm not into little boys like you, who piss their pants.
You know what, I changed my mind. I am going to kill you.
Hamyuts... is dead?
You've always been like that.
Always running away from me... Never waiting... for me.
Mattalast!
Damn it!
You also need not resist fate any longer.
Sweet dreams, Enlike Bishile.
Don't panic. I'm almost there, Nieniu.
Why? You should be able to handle that level of flame.
Till now, a supreme vocation,
to be the world's saving grace, has supported Lord Ruruta.
His conviction that to lose his way or to feel fear would not be forgiven...
His obsessive belief that he must save the world...
Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta!
If that faith wavers, loss of his power is inevitable.
This is the only way.
Otherwise, I will be unable to protect the world.
I'm sorry, Ruruta.
Why are you apologizing?
Because I forgave you, you lost your power
and continue to suffer.
Don't fight it, and it'll be over soon.
Any final words?
I have one request.
Name anything. I'll do whatever you ask.
Stay, always, in high spirits.
Ruruta?
Ruruta...
I want to protect the world.
Even though you aren't its savior?
Yes, because I love it.
It's the world that allowed me to survive,
the world that allowed me to meet you.
Yes. That's it!
Huh?
Why must I kill you?
You love the world.
To protect you is to protect that world that you love.
The world belongs to you and me.
For your sake, I shall become the world's true savior, Ruruta Coozancoona!
Ruruta, it seems you've once again wakened as the savior.
I shall never waver again.
How stupendous.
The drink Vooekisal served to Ruruta...
...was out of none other than the fantasy-slaughter grail Argax.
Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta!
The end of days is finally upon us.
I shall go forth!
To save the world from the Beasts of the Final Chapter,
I wield the war-machines of the past!
Ruruta feels no fear!
Ruruta feels no fear!
Ruruta will not give up!
Ruruta will not run away!
Ruruta will not be defeated!
In a new era, ridden of the Gods,
we shall meet again!
Yeah!
Infinite Beasts of the Final Chapter stand before me.
There must be a central being unifying them.
Ruruta found the core controlling the Beasts of the Final Chapter.
I will save the world!
Fantastic work, Lord Ruruta.
Care to read it?
Th-This...
Why... did I... forget you...
Nieniu!
Save me, Ruruta! Ruruta!
Get a load of this. The dumb girl still hasn't figured it out.
You were tossed to the curb...
By Ruruta, after he awoke,
from the nightmare you brought to him, as the world's savior!
My voice is crushed.
I can no longer sing...
Sing my song, which Ruruta loved.
I...
Die in that pile of crap,
all by your lonesome!
I wish... that I had... never born...
Nieniu, wake up. Nieniu.
Who are you?
I am the God of the future, Orntorra.
The time of ruin has finally descended upon the world.
Ruin?
Fear not. In endings come beginnings.
I shall create a new paradise in the wake of this world's destruction.
A new paradise?
You lived in the 694th world.
The God of the past, Bantorra,
the God of the present, Towitorra,
and I, have created hundreds of paradises.
However, humanity continues to make the same mistakes.
They persecute, they cheat, they steal.
They plant the flowers of sadness in paradise itself.
No! Such a world should not exist!
Destroying it does not mean it is over.
We recreate failed worlds as paradise again.
Is that... so?
So I shouldn't be singing a song of healing.
I should destroy the world.
Ruruta loved the world and me... That is the only way to heal it.
So now Ruruta, too...
That's...
Nieniu...
I forgot all about it.
I wanted to save the world because I wanted to protect...
...the happiness of Nieniu, whom I loved.
Yet, I...
Lord Ruruta.
This is the only way to make Nieniu happy.
I'm afraid she no longer possesses a human heart.
She wished for destruction and lived in destruction.
She embodied willful destruction.
For you to grant her happiness is absolutely impossible.
Even so...
This is the only way.
And then, on the fifth morn after he left his imperial capital...
It's Ruruta!
Ruruta has returned!
He defeated the Beasts of the Final Chapter!
Ruruta! Ruruta!
Ruruta!
Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruruta! Ruru—
So is that why Ruruta created the Armed Librarians and the Shindeki Church?
Yes. He kept trying to give books of happiness to Nieniu,
in hopes of saving her. However...
Are you crying, Alme?
I don't understand.
But though I don't understand, I know that this world cannot be saved.
You're right. It's impossible to save Ruruta from despair.
Just excellent, Ruruta!
This is the triumph of ruin.
It is absolutely spotless.
It's exactly as I'd thought it would be, exactly as I asked for.
Screw you, old man!
He consumes another book?
Although the end is nigh,
he remains ever so gluttonous.
Welcome, newly arrived book!
Welcome to Heaven!
A stone pellet?
It's her?
I must go.
Colio Tonies.
Go where?
This entire world now exists in Ruruta's belly!
Hey!
Something's in the nonentity entrails...
I haven't consumed that woman's book.
And yet...
Nieniu.
It seems...
...you couldn't kill me, after all.
You see?
So that's why you must survive, Matt.
You must...
...survive.
New pages are written into the countless books...
...that had been stopped dead in their tracks.
To save the world.
And to experience a spectacular second death.

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 26 [6297DFAF]

Nieniu!
Oh, I'm so relieved...
Nieniu...
Hi!
Thanks for before.
Hamyuts Meseta.
You're a tenacious woman.
I was killed back there, but I'll tell you a secret.
You can't finish me.
Chacoly offered you her love and tried to kill you.
Care to guess what I'm gonna offer you?
Not particularly, no.
Fool.
That was pretty good.
Alas, it wasn't enough...
Say, think you can give me...
...something better?!
Why won't you die?
Oh, that's the good stuff, Ruruta...
You're making my toes curl.
So, you think you could...
kill me over and over again?!
I see. Makia's a powerful man, indeed.
You're way off. It's against the rules for the man to lose interest first.
Makia gave you the ability to take pleasure in death.
These nonentity entrails are solely a world for bodiless souls.
Only by losing your heart can your soul receive death.
Put another way, even if you're obliterated in battle, unless your heart is defeated,
your soul cannot die.
An example would be if one enjoys death.
I'm impressed how quickly you deduced that.
You're right. Makia reprogrammed me.
To take joy from pain...
To take pleasure from death...
You're not human.
That's right. We're not human.
We're nothing more than mere tools.
Hey,
wanna bring a tool into the bedroom?
This...
What am I feeling?
It's just like that night I spent with Nieniu...
Go ahead... It's okay.
Feast on your true desire...
Stone pellets of sweet death.
I, Lascall Othello, exist for no purpose but to continue the tale,
watching as it unfolds.
However, this obvious plot approaching the ending
has left this captive spectator feeling bored.
Wh-What is this...
Take this!
Get hit by these rocks and you'll feel just like I do.
Doesn't it feel good?
Enough to make you want to die!
No! I must not die!
I have to...!
I have to save Nieniu!
Hey, Ruruta.
Looks like we're not the only ones who want to die.
Please kill me...
Kill me!
I was tricked by you!
I'm sick of my magic right belonging to your power!
Put me out of my misery!
Y-You men...
All right! Go ahead and die!
I'll make each and every one of you feel great!
Impossible. My power... Leaving me?
I can die! I can die!
This is pure ecstasy!
That's right! My power comes from their books.
Do not die!
You men cannot die!
At long last!
Wait!
Have you figured it out yet, Ruruta?
You're weak.
You're incompetent.
Incompetent and talentless.
Powerless and pathetic!
I cannot die.
Countless men and women have been sacrificed,
all for the sake of Nieniu's happiness!
What a cheap ending.
At this rate...
Lady Hamyuts will falter.
Ruruta will not give up.
Ruruta will not run away.
Ruruta feels no fear.
Ruruta will not be defeated.
Hey now. What are you babbling about—
Why, you wonder?
Because my entire being exists to please Nieniu!
Kill Ruruta!!
Magic Right Transference.
End target is Nieniu.
Transfer the entirety of my power.
Transfer completed.
Hamyuts, your life must have been rough,
existing simply as a tool designed to kill Ruruta.
I am to blame. I apologize.
It is not something that can be forgiven.
However, I will fulfill the one deed I am able to do.
To atone for sins, if only a tiny portion...
I shall now...
I shall now grant you the gift of death.
Causality-Nullification Effect... Spread.
I am the soul of destruction.
I yearn for the death of all things. Your slingshot has no effect on me.
You needn't struggle uselessly anymore.
You are no longer a tool.
What?!
Yes, you are no longer a soul that seeks pleasure in death.
Please listen closely to the voice of your heart.
You spent countless peaceful afternoons with your companions...
Felt the pure, beautiful love of so many.
And...
You loved Mattalast.
Death, in the world of those you wish to protect,
becomes nothing but wretched pain.
Come now. End the pain.
I shall grant you a death replete with love.
Damn it...
DAMN IT!!
This is as it should be.
Nieniu wins,
and the world of destruction she desires comes to pass.
And yet, something feels off.
Like I'm losing something immensely important...
Damn you... Damn you!
I'll kill every last one of you!
I'll kill off all the despair you bring to the world!
Run all you want, nothing will change.
Hamyuts, you have nowhere to escape.
Death is the only place where your soul can rest in peace.
Will this be your final resting place, Hamyuts Meseta,
buried in the pathetic, greedy, gaudy red earth?
What a perfectly filthy death mask for a sow like you.
Is that...
Colio Tonies?
Colio Tonies?
Long time no see.
I missed you.
Hold on. Where are you going?
You'd leave a woman all alone out here?
Hamyuts Meseta is not alone.
You're spouting that crap, too?
I love death, all right?!
I love solitude!
That's how I was able to kill my one and only sister!
Don't you see?!
I will kill Ruruta! That's all...
That's all I've lived my life to do.
So why...
Why was I born?!
In order to...
...meet your comrades and those you love.
Shiron Byacornise.
I am not alone.
And Hamyuts Meseta,
neither are you.
neither are you.
I'm...
...not alone?
Damn it!
Nieniu, are you happy?
Happy? What nonsense.
I am forced to kill those who've clung so hard to life.
Their pain is my pain.
But that's so you can—
Did I ever wish for it?
What?
Due to your selfish actions,
the world sheds tears from the pain inflicted upon it.
Destroying it at the start would have been better.
It would have been painless for them, not even realizing they'd died.
Nieniu?
Even if the world is destroyed, your sins will remain unforgiven.
Ruruta Coozancoona,
I will never forgive you!
Ruruta is crying?
Looks like this tale isn't over yet.
I want to know what happens next.
To do that, I need to wake someone up.
Even if the price of admission is too high...
Lady Mirepoc.
Yes, I knew it. This lowly stone sword was being too nosy.
So now I... Now I get...
An unreadable tale...
An unfathomable ending. A supreme being.
You... Hey, are you asleep?
Wake—
She's dead?
Does anyone copy?
That's odd... Why doesn't anyone respond?
This can't be...
Right!
Acting Director!
Are you asleep? Wake up!
Please wake up!
Why?
Acting Director!
N-No...
No!
Help me, Acting Director...
Volken Macmani...
I had forgotten about you.
My... My...
My Volken was killed by the Acting Director?
Live on, Mirepoc.
Without your power, it's all for naught.
Your job is to stay alive, no matter what.
I'd better not hear you've died.
I don't understand any of this.
Not just about Ruruta, but the Acting Director and Volken, too...
But...
I do know that they all fought with their hearts, for their own reasons.
I may be all alone now,
but...
Nieniu no longer cares for me.
Whether the world is destroyed or not,
Nieniu will never feel happiness.
This fight has lost all meaning.
Life itself has lost... 
I finally found you.
Wait, you're... Colio Tonies.
I see you also address me by name.
That's right, Colio. He calls you by name.
I never ate Shiron Byacornise's book.
So why? Why is she here with you?
I used to have nothing at all.
But now I have the person I love...
...and this knife.
Huh?
We give this knife to you.
To me?
It was within the world you protected that I met Shiron.
You haven't lost it yet.
Not as long as your heart beats...
Thank you, Ruruta Coozancoona.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I obtained countless tales,
and there wasn't a person capable of giving Nieniu happiness in a single one.
But...
...in of each and every one of them,
happiness clearly existed.
That's it! I knew the answer all along.
All the people who stood up for something, with nothing,
and yet managed to find something precious...
They've existed inside my body all along.
I can see it now.
Ruruta, atone for your sins.
Ruruta.
Hamyuts?
I didn't want to do it, but what are you gonna do?
They like following my orders, for whatever reason.
You...
Watch me as I use it, 'kay?
The abominable power that rests within me...
Hamyuts Meseta's true power.
Now come forth!
All you idiots who love me!
Huh? What is this place?
You...
Fight for life.
Pray for life.
Sing for life.
Upon the raised fists...
Upon those who clench them...
Shine upon them, life!

▶ [Dekinai] Tatakau Shisho~The Book Of Bantorra - 27 [48A481BD]

Huh? What is this place?
Why? I'm sure I was...
Acting Director!
You're bleeding like crazy! You'll die like that!
You're dead, too.
Huh?
Why?
I'm sure Ruruta hadn't yet eaten their books.
You're right. This is my special ability.
I am able to force Book Eaters to eat others' books.
And due to this power of mine, I was also able...
...to enter Ruruta's nonentity entrails.
So this isn't my world, but rather, the world of someone named Ruruta?
I see!
I feel like I can fight comfortably in here!
Vizac!
You took way too long to summon me, Hamyuts!
The books will cease to exist if I keep calling everyone here like this.
Shut your mouth!
Who wants to spend eternity gathering dust?!
Even for just for a second...!
Hmm?
The sand here is very fine.
Not a bad place to go for a swim.
Casma, stand guard for me.
Feekiee...
No problem!
You guys...
Now!
Okay!
Why? This is bad...
I must hurry...
...and end Hamyuts's life for her.
Acting Director!
People's deaths are to be mourned.
The ability to save people should be celebrated.
Life itself should be exalted.
I lost everything because of you!
However...
One thing remains.
And that's...
...the Armed Librarians.
Yes! I am an Armed Librarian!
I shall mourn your death.
I shall celebrate your salvation.
And then, I shall exalt that everyone alive in the world...
...continues to survive!
I knew you were naïve, but—
Don't stand there doing nothing, Hamyuts Meseta!
Summon more Armed Librarians!
Even if you exhaust all your strength and die again in the process!
You don't get to order me around, cutie-pie.
I will end your life for you.
I will end your life for you.
Let's go!
I will end your life for you.
Someone... Anyone... Please answer me.
Please!
Mirepoc.
Huh?
It's Ruruta. Lend me your hand.
At this rate, the world will be destroyed.
What do you think you're saying?
You've been deceiving us for thousands of years!
You brought the Shindeki Church into existence...
...and tried to destroy the world!
How could I trust a person like you?
I see.
You don't call me Heaven, or Devil, or even Savior.
You call me a person.
Ruruta?
Hamyuts Meseta and Volken Macmani are both within me.
What?
How dare you utter Volken's name!
They are fighting.
In the foolish world I created...
...in my foolishness.
I beg you!
Why?
I can feel your emotion.
But...
I, Chacoly Cocotte, will transfer all of my power...
...into the one who wishes, with all their being, to help Ruruta.
Even I die in the process, the power transference will succeed.
Chacoly!
Hamy.
I can't help it. I love Ruruta.
Maybe I only feel this way because I'm a tool.
But even so, I want to keep loving him.
Chacoly...
Commencing Soul Transference!
I will share the power with all of them,
all those within the Soul Transference's reach.
I shall share the resolve needed to stand and fight once more!
Stand.
Stand once more!
To save the world!
This world needn't be destroyed.
This world is wonderful.
Happiness can be found here!
Wish! Wish that you want to protect the world!
To protect our future!
Believe!
Believe that life is splendid!
That this world has value!
This world has a value worth protecting!
Believe!
Thank you. For all of your thoughts...
Thank you.
M-Matt...
You've fought hard. I'm proud of you.
Thank you.
Everyone, let's go!
Carry Mirepoc's wish across the world!
Huh?
Ah, this sucks...
Stay away! Stay away from here!
Go! Go! Go!
Everyone...
Protect Mirepoc!
Ruruta! That knife...
Immense power is being collected.
All the world's people are heeding the call!
Thank you, Chacoly.
You will not be forgiven, Ruruta.
You're a man tainted with sin, Ruruta.
You can reject me.
You can refuse me.
And yet, I wish to continue to love.
For the acting of loving
has meaning!
Protect Ruruta!
Everyone, please understand.
This world harbors nothing but sadness.
It is not worth protecting.
Nieniu.
Please... Please understand.
All I want is to save you all.
Stand your ground!
Noloty! Lord Vizac!
Damn it! Damn it all!
Accosting both myself, and the Armed Librarians, whom I love...
Such unfathomable foolhardiness!
Brace yourselves.
I, Ireia Kitty, am about to hammer out some punishment.
I-Ireia?
How come no one else gets to be young again?
Hey! Hey! Hey!
Ireia Kitty, coming through!
Ah, why did I have to be born to such strength,
Mother?
Mokkania's here, too!
How strange is this, guys?
I'm in a super good mood!
These poor souls...
I imagine they would understand, though.
What are you...? Nieniu!
Beasts of the Final Chapter... Holy Teardrop Sphere.
What is all this?
This is...
It's coming from around Bantorra Library.
There's no way we'll make it there in time.
It's up to you to protect the world, Armed Librarians!
Escape!
Escape to where, exactly?
There is no need to run.
Everyone, drop down!
Initiate Deterioration Wave!
Gross.
What is this?
A barrier?
But it's futile before the Beasts of the Final Chapter.
You're not the sharpest knife in the drawer, Gamo.
It's got nothing to do with the beasts.
It's to keep us from dying in the blast.
Enlike?
So her name is Nieniu?
Seems she's an incarnation of the overseer of life yet to come, the world's destroyer.
That being said, there is a way to deal with her.
It's almost as if this sky was made just for me!
A-Awesome...
It's not over yet, Armed Librarians.
Let's do this.
Yeah!
Yeah!
Look, Hamy.
The Armed Librarians you brought up are doing a commendable job.
I see they're holding on.
I remember Fhotona saying...
From the day you are awarded the title of Armed Librarian,
you are entrusted with an eternal bond of mutual duty.
All Armed Librarians share one soul!
No matter where you live, where you die...
We share one soul, for all time!
Back then, I thought it was a bunch of nonsense.
But...
...at the very end, I finally understand.
Both they,
and I,
are Armed Librarians.
By our power combined, save the world.
By our power combined, save the world.
It's here! The power of the world!
That's your cue, Ruruta!
Go forth, Ruruta!
We will cut you a path!
Nieniu!
Nieniu!
You're the only one who can save her!
Fight, Ruruta!
Hamy!
Acting Director!
Fight...
Fight with your...
...LIFE!!
Hamy!
Hamyuts Meseta.
Ruruta.
This world was a mistake!
Yes.
And I met you in this mistake of a world.
I love this world. I love you!
I thought I had to leave because you were crying.
Nieniu...
I will not forgive you.
I know. I know, Nieniu.
But...
Huh?
I will sing for you.
For the world?
No.
For you, a foolhardy man, tainted with sin.
Is it over?
Yes, it's over.
Then kill me.
We'll soon vanish, along with the nonentity entrails.
There is no need for me to kill you.
Hey, hey. Put me down.
If you act so kindly toward me,
I'll end up dying a happy girl.
Yeah? Then die a happy girl.
Oh, I don't know about that...
What do I do?
I don't know the first thing about happiness...
Since you don't know, I'll tell you.
Close your eyes and think deeply about all the people you've known.
This feels strange...
It wasn't supposed to be this way.
Oh, man...
I'm... happy.
I hear singing.
Soon, we will vanish, too.
Enlike! Take good care of my beloved world!
We protected the pride of the Armed Librarians.
We lived, bearing the pride of the Armed Librarians,
and we can now die proud.
I, too, am happy!
Mirepoc.
It's all over...
Yay!
Yeah!
Are you okay, Yukizona?
Hamy, I just wish...
I just wish I could have held you one last time.
It was on that day, ten years ago, that Bantorra Library vanished from this world.
And then, all the world's truths that had been hidden...
...by the Armed Librarians were made public.
A political agreement was reached, after much debate and discussion.
The conclusion that they reached, once the chaos ended:
Bantorra Library was destroyed, and the Armed Librarians were dissolved.
Our core work, unearthing books and organizing them on library shelves,
continued after the Armed Librarians disbanded.
Matt, sir!
Why is the Director of the History Protection Bureau calling a fugitive "sir"?
Mattalast, the sole Armed Librarian sentenced to death after all that happened...
How are you still alive?
You know the answer to that. I had to do some questionable things, is all.
Geez...
Say, who do you think saved the world that day?
In the end, I'd say Ruruta did.
No. Ruruta couldn't have saved it by himself.
It was each person in the world who prayed and fought to protect it.
Those are your saviors.
I destroyed many books in my Armed Librarian days,
in order to guard Bantorra Library's secrets.
All those books I destroyed may have belonged to this world's saviors.
However, facing the guillotine won't atone for my sins.
For that, I must restore all those books.
Huh? But how?
By meeting with friends and family of the books' authors, and asking about them.
I will inscribe each of their stories within my very soul.
Matt, sir! Is that why you escaped?
You're still calling me "sir." You really are my beloved subordinate.
Wha—
I don't know how many decades it'll take, but I will return here.
I will become a book recounting the stories of all those men and women.
Matt, sir!
Books are wonderful things. They serve as proof of our lives.
I will wait for you, Matt.
Ruruta Coozancoona's book is stored in the library.
Thousands of people come to the History Protection Bureau each day...
...to read Ruruta's book.
Each person who reads his book adds a new page to their own tale.
These are stories with no end.
People will continue to laugh, cry, struggle, love, gain, and lose,
each adding to the unique tale embedded in their soul.
And not in Paradise or Hell.
They live on, within this very world.

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The Book of Bantorra (2009) - S01 - Commie vs Dekinai