for A Certain Unknown Level 012/11/2024 c179 A certain reader
-sama plz update soon
I have been missing you
-sama plz update soon
I have been missing you
9/6/2024 c179 xeku
After a whole year, I finally catch up to this fic as well as BTL and I have to say that both of them are exceptional. The story, the fight scenes, the dialogues for the most parts are too good to be fanfiction. It like Kamachi himself wrote these two fics with the unused ideas for Index series.
There was not much to say about the first few arcs, you pretty much just presented Kamijou with a bunch of faces to punch while setting up the two bad guy organizations. From the Kuroko arc, the story got better. You started to put more effort into the narration, especially character's thoughts, made them more, for the lack of better words, human while still stayed in character. However, the downside of this effort is that the narration became excessive and redundant sometimes. I first noticed this problem around the time The Rumor part 2 came out. After a while , I learned to skip a few paragraphs ahead every time you were being repetitive.
From the Orsola arc, the villains got more love put into them, though not much could be said about the first batch of Harmonia's Cradle members. Despite their somewhat tragic back stories, they were still just another set of faces to punch while Thor, well just like how you described him, was simply himself.
The Uiharu arc though, man you did a damn good job with the new set of villains. First we had Gakusa and surprisingly, his lack of a tragic past actually made him more like an actual human instead of an anime character. The guy was just a horny teenager with an extra topping of superiority complex, who was given some power then proceeded to stroke his ego and maybe something else with said power.
I really like how throughout the destruction of Gakusa was. You had him be defeated in hacking by Uiharu in day 2, then he was beat down mentally by Kumokawa and Shokuhou in the morning of day 3, and then Uiharu destroyed him as a human being in the afternoon with Shinning Finger. Finally, the crumble mess that was what left of him was finished off by whatever inside Kamijou in day 4.
As for Hayashida, all the hints you dropped about her throughout the story actually made me curious and wanted to know more, especially in how Kamijou was going to save her. When Personality Swipe was revealed, I even expected that you was gonna sacrifice Hayashida to bring that crazy Kihara chick into the story.
Since you are a Pokemon fan, imagine her and Kamui do the Team Rocket intro together just to troll the good guys. Prepare for one Kihara, make it double Kihara. While the way she was saved and sent to prison was underwhelming compare to what I expected, I know we haven’t seen the last of her so I look forward to when she gets back into the action.
There are not much I can say about the General aside from hopefully, there are more to him than just a pet of Kamui. The same with Kamui but there is one thing I know for sure and it was the moment that you revealed Kamui‘s fetish of breaking people, I already know that his, or more accurately, your attempt at breaking Kamijou is going to be a success or at least a very close one, otherwise there is no point in writing a giant fanfic about it.
I don’t know how you are gonna pull it off but I do know that a lot have to break first before Kamijou finally does. Although how is Kamijou going to recover? Maybe you will let Yume heal him with her pseudo dorm manager aura or somehow bring Kamisato into the story to punch Kamijou back to shape. Personally, I want the later.
The duo appeared in Mugino arc, Faith and Orion was a great addition to the story. Faith was a funny gal and I know there are a lot more to her than what I have seen (unlike her chest). As for Orion, the best way I can describe him is that the guy is a “patchwork", not just his body but also his multiple roles in the story. It like you created a indestructible vessel then made the most, or the worst of it.
Orion’s roles changed depend on which characters he was dealing with. To Otohime, he was her rival, the final destination in her downfall. To Kamijou he was another Kamisato, someone who completely immune to his Speech no jutsu, someone who was not evil but Kamijou can’t see eye to eye with. To Mikoto and others around Kamijou, Orion was a bait to draw out the darkness in each of them, darkness that will make them suffer and because Orion was indestructible, the amount of darkness he could draw out was unlimited, which would push Kamijou even closer to the breaking point.
One thing that I noticed about Orion though, was how you went the extra mile to make a joke out of him, despite his serious demeanor and decent fighting skills. If I have to take a guess, It must be because Orion is sort of your replacement for Kamisato. Since you had seen firsthand how much hate Kamisato got from Index fans, you went out of your way to make him more likeable with the banters between Faith and him, or how other characters kept making fun of his look, personality and his responds to them.
Finally, we have your portrayal of Kamijou and not only he stayed 100% in character, you also went extra deep, even deeper than Kamachi, in his suffering. In other Index fanfics I read or at least skimmed through, other authors was too nice to Kamijou. One thing stood out to me was that they made sure Kamijou fought in group that actually focused on helping him, especially against powerful enemies. I understand that was a two birds with one stone decision, less suffering for Kamijou, more screen time for other characters and while I still enjoyed them, those stories just didn’t have the same Index feel as the Original.
Yours, as myself and others pointed out, actually felt like something Kamachi wrote himself and it was because how cruel you was to Kamijou. It like you looked at NT9 and went “Pathetic, I will show you how to break that miserable spiky-haired heap of misfortune”. It like you found the perfect target for all the darkness inside you and went all in.
While it was harsh, your story had a true Index feel to it due to how far, or I should say how dark, you was willing to go. Index without extreme darkness is just another, albeit well-written, battle harem series and Kamijou without upholding his stupid ideal to the very end, under any circumstances, despite all the suffering, is just another generic harem protagonist with the gimmick of punching people in the faces.
I am sorry that this review have been too long, I spent a year on both of your stories after all, but let wrap this up by saying thanks you. I would love to save all the words of gratitude for when at least this story reachs the end but at this rate, Kamijou is gonna manage to get laid before you finish writing. I am not complaining, it simply was something I have come to realize and accepted.
Assuming that you are going to warp up this story starting from the next arc, skipping whatever Aleister and Lola are scheming behind the scene, you have to get through the complete breakdown, recovery, and self-discovery of Kamijou Touma. Furthermore, to push Kamijou toward his tipping point, you must break other characters before you break him. There are also a lot of mysteries you put in this story through the OCs, none of which has been unveiled. Heck, the bland guy who appeared way back in Tsuchimikado arc still remain blank to this day.
All of those suggest there are still a lot more to this story, and with your writing style which favours long narration, meaning there are a lot to write and edit. Not to mention you also have to write BTL... with your current update speed at 1 to 2 chapters a year... and the fact that you are in Australia... Just stay alive, okay?
Finally, thanks you for spending 10 years to write both of your stories. The entire year I spent on them was definitely not a waste. If by some miracles from your best girl Arisa, you manage to finish your stories in another 10 years then I will come back to say thanks again. As I close this epic but grim dark tale of what the certain unknown level 0 to others and more importantly to himself, even if it is unfinished, I am content. So once again, thanks you.
After a whole year, I finally catch up to this fic as well as BTL and I have to say that both of them are exceptional. The story, the fight scenes, the dialogues for the most parts are too good to be fanfiction. It like Kamachi himself wrote these two fics with the unused ideas for Index series.
There was not much to say about the first few arcs, you pretty much just presented Kamijou with a bunch of faces to punch while setting up the two bad guy organizations. From the Kuroko arc, the story got better. You started to put more effort into the narration, especially character's thoughts, made them more, for the lack of better words, human while still stayed in character. However, the downside of this effort is that the narration became excessive and redundant sometimes. I first noticed this problem around the time The Rumor part 2 came out. After a while , I learned to skip a few paragraphs ahead every time you were being repetitive.
From the Orsola arc, the villains got more love put into them, though not much could be said about the first batch of Harmonia's Cradle members. Despite their somewhat tragic back stories, they were still just another set of faces to punch while Thor, well just like how you described him, was simply himself.
The Uiharu arc though, man you did a damn good job with the new set of villains. First we had Gakusa and surprisingly, his lack of a tragic past actually made him more like an actual human instead of an anime character. The guy was just a horny teenager with an extra topping of superiority complex, who was given some power then proceeded to stroke his ego and maybe something else with said power.
I really like how throughout the destruction of Gakusa was. You had him be defeated in hacking by Uiharu in day 2, then he was beat down mentally by Kumokawa and Shokuhou in the morning of day 3, and then Uiharu destroyed him as a human being in the afternoon with Shinning Finger. Finally, the crumble mess that was what left of him was finished off by whatever inside Kamijou in day 4.
As for Hayashida, all the hints you dropped about her throughout the story actually made me curious and wanted to know more, especially in how Kamijou was going to save her. When Personality Swipe was revealed, I even expected that you was gonna sacrifice Hayashida to bring that crazy Kihara chick into the story.
Since you are a Pokemon fan, imagine her and Kamui do the Team Rocket intro together just to troll the good guys. Prepare for one Kihara, make it double Kihara. While the way she was saved and sent to prison was underwhelming compare to what I expected, I know we haven’t seen the last of her so I look forward to when she gets back into the action.
There are not much I can say about the General aside from hopefully, there are more to him than just a pet of Kamui. The same with Kamui but there is one thing I know for sure and it was the moment that you revealed Kamui‘s fetish of breaking people, I already know that his, or more accurately, your attempt at breaking Kamijou is going to be a success or at least a very close one, otherwise there is no point in writing a giant fanfic about it.
I don’t know how you are gonna pull it off but I do know that a lot have to break first before Kamijou finally does. Although how is Kamijou going to recover? Maybe you will let Yume heal him with her pseudo dorm manager aura or somehow bring Kamisato into the story to punch Kamijou back to shape. Personally, I want the later.
The duo appeared in Mugino arc, Faith and Orion was a great addition to the story. Faith was a funny gal and I know there are a lot more to her than what I have seen (unlike her chest). As for Orion, the best way I can describe him is that the guy is a “patchwork", not just his body but also his multiple roles in the story. It like you created a indestructible vessel then made the most, or the worst of it.
Orion’s roles changed depend on which characters he was dealing with. To Otohime, he was her rival, the final destination in her downfall. To Kamijou he was another Kamisato, someone who completely immune to his Speech no jutsu, someone who was not evil but Kamijou can’t see eye to eye with. To Mikoto and others around Kamijou, Orion was a bait to draw out the darkness in each of them, darkness that will make them suffer and because Orion was indestructible, the amount of darkness he could draw out was unlimited, which would push Kamijou even closer to the breaking point.
One thing that I noticed about Orion though, was how you went the extra mile to make a joke out of him, despite his serious demeanor and decent fighting skills. If I have to take a guess, It must be because Orion is sort of your replacement for Kamisato. Since you had seen firsthand how much hate Kamisato got from Index fans, you went out of your way to make him more likeable with the banters between Faith and him, or how other characters kept making fun of his look, personality and his responds to them.
Finally, we have your portrayal of Kamijou and not only he stayed 100% in character, you also went extra deep, even deeper than Kamachi, in his suffering. In other Index fanfics I read or at least skimmed through, other authors was too nice to Kamijou. One thing stood out to me was that they made sure Kamijou fought in group that actually focused on helping him, especially against powerful enemies. I understand that was a two birds with one stone decision, less suffering for Kamijou, more screen time for other characters and while I still enjoyed them, those stories just didn’t have the same Index feel as the Original.
Yours, as myself and others pointed out, actually felt like something Kamachi wrote himself and it was because how cruel you was to Kamijou. It like you looked at NT9 and went “Pathetic, I will show you how to break that miserable spiky-haired heap of misfortune”. It like you found the perfect target for all the darkness inside you and went all in.
While it was harsh, your story had a true Index feel to it due to how far, or I should say how dark, you was willing to go. Index without extreme darkness is just another, albeit well-written, battle harem series and Kamijou without upholding his stupid ideal to the very end, under any circumstances, despite all the suffering, is just another generic harem protagonist with the gimmick of punching people in the faces.
I am sorry that this review have been too long, I spent a year on both of your stories after all, but let wrap this up by saying thanks you. I would love to save all the words of gratitude for when at least this story reachs the end but at this rate, Kamijou is gonna manage to get laid before you finish writing. I am not complaining, it simply was something I have come to realize and accepted.
Assuming that you are going to warp up this story starting from the next arc, skipping whatever Aleister and Lola are scheming behind the scene, you have to get through the complete breakdown, recovery, and self-discovery of Kamijou Touma. Furthermore, to push Kamijou toward his tipping point, you must break other characters before you break him. There are also a lot of mysteries you put in this story through the OCs, none of which has been unveiled. Heck, the bland guy who appeared way back in Tsuchimikado arc still remain blank to this day.
All of those suggest there are still a lot more to this story, and with your writing style which favours long narration, meaning there are a lot to write and edit. Not to mention you also have to write BTL... with your current update speed at 1 to 2 chapters a year... and the fact that you are in Australia... Just stay alive, okay?
Finally, thanks you for spending 10 years to write both of your stories. The entire year I spent on them was definitely not a waste. If by some miracles from your best girl Arisa, you manage to finish your stories in another 10 years then I will come back to say thanks again. As I close this epic but grim dark tale of what the certain unknown level 0 to others and more importantly to himself, even if it is unfinished, I am content. So once again, thanks you.
7/31/2024 c179 
4whwsms
Short and to-the-point, the highlight of this chapter (at least for me) can simply be summed up in two words ... wait for it ...
SEMPAI SUPREMACY.
Not going to say much more on that point, lest I spoil things for other readers. And yes there were other noticeable points in the chapter also. Suffice it to say, a veritable cauldron of "whoop-ass stew" is a-brewin', and it will be a most satisfying moment when a certain Kihara goes "bottoms up" with it.
Enough said ... carry on, o author.
4whwsmsShort and to-the-point, the highlight of this chapter (at least for me) can simply be summed up in two words ... wait for it ...
SEMPAI SUPREMACY.
Not going to say much more on that point, lest I spoil things for other readers. And yes there were other noticeable points in the chapter also. Suffice it to say, a veritable cauldron of "whoop-ass stew" is a-brewin', and it will be a most satisfying moment when a certain Kihara goes "bottoms up" with it.
Enough said ... carry on, o author.
5/10/2024 c35 WhyareUsernamesTakenAlready
Leaving a quick review here that, that women should show up again. Reason, the Kami-yan Disease can't be stopped. (Even if she did show up later i haven't been caught up all the way.)
Leaving a quick review here that, that women should show up again. Reason, the Kami-yan Disease can't be stopped. (Even if she did show up later i haven't been caught up all the way.)
5/1/2024 c179 questoin
would the magic side girls eventually know of what happened to toumas left arm and possibly yume as well?
I mean that would any of the "new" returning magic side characters get to join yumes counseling time with kamijou?
would the magic side girls eventually know of what happened to toumas left arm and possibly yume as well?
I mean that would any of the "new" returning magic side characters get to join yumes counseling time with kamijou?
5/1/2024 c179 ShadowBloodedge9396
Wait...so this isn't a lead up to some final arc, there's still so much you wanna do before then? What characters are left then if you go back to focusing on certain characters after this intermission like how this story started?!
The scope of this story is getting unreal and I'm here for it, lol.
Speaking of unreal, just to get the GT stuff out of the way...so wait, Touma DOES have a lot more power beyond just Imagine Breaker...but he holds himself back? Did I read that right? I remember someone else saying it's like Touma is actually a god in human form but holds himself back if that makes sense...just curious if I read that right.
As for the chapter...yup, a wild ride like the last one, from how the task force the magic side sent decided to deal with Index by sealing up her eye, just how broken the seal in her eye is, Batya is hanging out with Misaka (that is a ticking time bomb waiting to happen, lmao) and right when he was about to inform Accelerator and others, now he has a chance to form a sort of truce with Orion...this intermission is getting really interesting, lmao.
Also can't forget the segment with Logic and Deduction...uh, just how far on the backburner is Uiharu's trial with them? Or has that happened and I forgot? Just wondering, it was...I honestly felt a little bit of pity for them. They tried to one-up Kumokawa but she's like Light or L from Death Note, she's always 20 steps ahead of everyone, except maybe Shokuhou, playing freaking 12D chess or something, lmao.
I wonder who the other two members of that task force will be, if Kumokawa is the manipulator and leader and Hayashida is the strategist...
That's all for now. Ja ne!
Wait...so this isn't a lead up to some final arc, there's still so much you wanna do before then? What characters are left then if you go back to focusing on certain characters after this intermission like how this story started?!
The scope of this story is getting unreal and I'm here for it, lol.
Speaking of unreal, just to get the GT stuff out of the way...so wait, Touma DOES have a lot more power beyond just Imagine Breaker...but he holds himself back? Did I read that right? I remember someone else saying it's like Touma is actually a god in human form but holds himself back if that makes sense...just curious if I read that right.
As for the chapter...yup, a wild ride like the last one, from how the task force the magic side sent decided to deal with Index by sealing up her eye, just how broken the seal in her eye is, Batya is hanging out with Misaka (that is a ticking time bomb waiting to happen, lmao) and right when he was about to inform Accelerator and others, now he has a chance to form a sort of truce with Orion...this intermission is getting really interesting, lmao.
Also can't forget the segment with Logic and Deduction...uh, just how far on the backburner is Uiharu's trial with them? Or has that happened and I forgot? Just wondering, it was...I honestly felt a little bit of pity for them. They tried to one-up Kumokawa but she's like Light or L from Death Note, she's always 20 steps ahead of everyone, except maybe Shokuhou, playing freaking 12D chess or something, lmao.
I wonder who the other two members of that task force will be, if Kumokawa is the manipulator and leader and Hayashida is the strategist...
That's all for now. Ja ne!
4/29/2024 c179 10xellos540
Ok, a grimoire making quick-use swiss army knife circle was neat. Though Oriana Thomson is still more flexible with spells :P
That's the first time in fanficion I saw someone actually believably show how bad-ass Seria can be. Though L&D duo walking into her room without a flashlight handy even is lessening her victory. She didn't 100% rule, it's L&D who messed up...
Eyepatch? That won't work. Othinus will just sue this for fetish infringement. Though it's black. Symbolism.
Shattered glass? Hm... sounds like IB.
Living here? As in "in Academy City"? Or as in "in Touma's dorm"? As much as having Touma live with a few girls (Stiyl be damned) would be nice... but Kaori and Leivinia would murder each other...
...and of course Touma reacted badly. I mean I get him... but he basically just called Itsuwa trash...
No fair, we HAD science side group eat Touma's cooking. Now it's magic side turn! Maybe even Stiyl will become a human once he eats Touma's cooking!
Leivinia clawing at Touma. Not sure if that's shows she rules... or shows how pathetic she is, having to use such normal means to prevent herself from being kicked out.
Hooooo? Did Birdway just whisper she wouldn't mind living with Touma? I've seen several long fics and they update rarely, so I don't remember how Leivinia stands romance-wannabe-wise in here... but this might be the juicest bit in this chapter so far.
Though word of advice Birdway: if you have decency and emotions to feel you'd want to live together, then change your ways too, cause I think you'd be waay worse roommate than Index.
To be fair modern cabals (NL, DCS etc.) use completely normal apartments for their bases, you should know that Toum. Renting flats is completely fine, as long as Aleister lets them be.
Also, Touma, you're calling Kaori and Itsuwa idiots.
Hoooo... is Birdway jealous that Touma doesn't comment on her clothes, but comments on Kaori's? :P
Stiyl next door? xD
Demon Lord (Level 0) xD
NOOO! Kaori misses Touma's food.
Heh, more spoilers... I can't even wrap my head around Touma in GT9 and now I hear GT10 is also insane... and I'm now about to start NT4 *sigh*
Anyway, good job, keep up at it.
10xellos540Ok, a grimoire making quick-use swiss army knife circle was neat. Though Oriana Thomson is still more flexible with spells :P
That's the first time in fanficion I saw someone actually believably show how bad-ass Seria can be. Though L&D duo walking into her room without a flashlight handy even is lessening her victory. She didn't 100% rule, it's L&D who messed up...
Eyepatch? That won't work. Othinus will just sue this for fetish infringement. Though it's black. Symbolism.
Shattered glass? Hm... sounds like IB.
Living here? As in "in Academy City"? Or as in "in Touma's dorm"? As much as having Touma live with a few girls (Stiyl be damned) would be nice... but Kaori and Leivinia would murder each other...
...and of course Touma reacted badly. I mean I get him... but he basically just called Itsuwa trash...
No fair, we HAD science side group eat Touma's cooking. Now it's magic side turn! Maybe even Stiyl will become a human once he eats Touma's cooking!
Leivinia clawing at Touma. Not sure if that's shows she rules... or shows how pathetic she is, having to use such normal means to prevent herself from being kicked out.
Hooooo? Did Birdway just whisper she wouldn't mind living with Touma? I've seen several long fics and they update rarely, so I don't remember how Leivinia stands romance-wannabe-wise in here... but this might be the juicest bit in this chapter so far.
Though word of advice Birdway: if you have decency and emotions to feel you'd want to live together, then change your ways too, cause I think you'd be waay worse roommate than Index.
To be fair modern cabals (NL, DCS etc.) use completely normal apartments for their bases, you should know that Toum. Renting flats is completely fine, as long as Aleister lets them be.
Also, Touma, you're calling Kaori and Itsuwa idiots.
Hoooo... is Birdway jealous that Touma doesn't comment on her clothes, but comments on Kaori's? :P
Stiyl next door? xD
Demon Lord (Level 0) xD
NOOO! Kaori misses Touma's food.
Heh, more spoilers... I can't even wrap my head around Touma in GT9 and now I hear GT10 is also insane... and I'm now about to start NT4 *sigh*
Anyway, good job, keep up at it.
4/28/2024 c179 5queso
Man, what a massive chapter to unpack here. First and foremost, I absolutely adore the mix you have between comedy and serious moments in your works, it's honestly quite impressive how you can balance it out, I love it. And boy oh boy was this a big chapter. Addressing the issue about Index and Otohime felt quite heavy, and then you have Kumokawa absolutely owning and manipulating Logic and Deduction just put a massive smile on my face. And then you have the Magic gang fighting over Touma, Touma and company crying over spilled food, and then that random scene of Misaka and company in the onsen, which reminds me of the Railgun S1 OVA. And then we round it off with meeting Faith and Orion once more. Can't wait for the next chapter, and I pray that it doesn't take 3 months to cover. But, I always prefer quality over quantity, so take your time. You can cook.
Keep on keeping on, and keep up the good work!
Man, what a massive chapter to unpack here. First and foremost, I absolutely adore the mix you have between comedy and serious moments in your works, it's honestly quite impressive how you can balance it out, I love it. And boy oh boy was this a big chapter. Addressing the issue about Index and Otohime felt quite heavy, and then you have Kumokawa absolutely owning and manipulating Logic and Deduction just put a massive smile on my face. And then you have the Magic gang fighting over Touma, Touma and company crying over spilled food, and then that random scene of Misaka and company in the onsen, which reminds me of the Railgun S1 OVA. And then we round it off with meeting Faith and Orion once more. Can't wait for the next chapter, and I pray that it doesn't take 3 months to cover. But, I always prefer quality over quantity, so take your time. You can cook.
Keep on keeping on, and keep up the good work!
4/27/2024 c179 3craytherlay
Right to get it out of the way as it'll bother me if I don't bring it up... please, no more abuse gags, they aren't funny. And especially out of character for someone who's meant to have zero insecurities about the target in question. Even Index should have grown past it, and really the fact Kamachi still uses it is in bad, toxic tastes. And even he will sacrifice his own integrity and characters continuity for that BS... so don't do the same.
Anyways, moving on, Absolutely loved this chapter, like usual, the slow impending dread around Index's situation. The revelation about how terrifying her magic circle eye actually is, and how you held the tension throughout. Oh praises on your portrayal of Othinus for those scenes, as yes, you've def improved minus a gag or two. Having her chastize the others for not accomodating for Touma's lack of knowledge was perfect.
Starting off light hearted was quite a good move, allowing for a calm before the storm vibe with classic Touma tomfoolery. Birdway and her pointless rivalry with Touma's cousin, and Lesser being... well... Lesser, we don't discuss the details. Even in moments of crisis, those two's buddycop duo refuses to take anything seriously and it's hilarious.
Having Stiyl, arguably the second most immature person there, (no one mature is petty enough to backstab an important ally in the middle of enemy lines and leave a witness just cause you're salty over them saving your crush.) be the one to call for order was both amusing but also sensible. Sure he can be immature when it comes to his petty anger at Touma, but regarding magic and Index, he takes shit seriously. He of all people would want this resolved, and while sure, he's probably smug about feeling like he's better than Touma. He'd be much more concerned about Index than let his pettyness get in the way this time.
The explanation for the magic circle was also very intriguing as I have thought of related, but different concepts. So, heres a thought experiment, if certain parts of the spell contradict others, what happens if you take the elements of various mythologies that (don't) contradict. Those... similar elements which can be used to compare and connect two cultures together rather than split them apart. IE, the various apocalyptic stories? could you then, amplify them by eachother to create an even more devastating spell than if you used only one culture? This is the logic that I plan to use for LoCG's Piggyback idol theory, which fittingly was also a concept devised by Index. Both of which make for great displays of just how terrifying Index actually could be and serving to provide great tension.
Back with Illogical and Emotional, they've finally got whats coming and been utterly, had by Seria like the good little dogs they are. This was a very satisfying moment I wasn't expecting to come till much later after the team was assembled. But boy was I pleasantly surprised, writing manipulators can be hard, as well a lot of the time you gotta fake intelligence as a writer. But you pulled it off perfectly, and managed to make us (believe) Seria had read them that well. Having her pull off a feat that would make Aliester, Coronzon, and heck even Othi, proud in how well she puppeted them.
While it's clear their master extractor (pretty sure the term splicer would be more accurate) is Uiharu, and their Berserker will be Byata. Its now clear that the all girl team will be under Seria's command... and aint that gonna be a reunion and tense interaction between four girls who have it for Touma but were on opposing conflict sides. It also fits in with prior four party teams, which often had a single magic sider in their company. Etzali for Group (Tsuchi was a hybrid) and Xochittle for MEMBER, although I'm curious how they'ed get Byata.
Oh of note, considering the new info in the railgun manga I feel is relevant, Uiharu's status went from just possible stalker to confirmed... and even worse than we've imagined. So, yeah... she likely has everyone's contacts...
Moving on, I love how exasperated Touma was by the fact the solution they came up with was an eyepatch. Like, he already has one eyepatch wearing girl... but at least she's actually missing an eye, but at the same time it shows the true threat. Birdway likely wouldn't have hesitated to rip braincells out Index's head, and neither would tsuchimikado. Even if Stiyl and Kanzaki were dragged along screaming, and honestly Stiyl might take advantage to 'accidentally' erase Touma from Index's mind. Dude has shown he's petty enough to not think of the consequences when it involves those two. The fact they didn't as you said, shows they (couldn't), although, what is even more terrifying to me is the implication made in the first scene.
(That there may never have been a grimore)
Yes, you've definitely set it up and made it seem as thought there is, but that line about the circle. Saying that (only) Index could have made it, has got me thinking about a third, more terrifying possibility. That the grimore... was just Index's own head, like when people hear voices but it turns out to be their own subconscious. Like sure it's a stretch, but theres also the fact that while they have wills... theres never actually been a properly sentient grimoire before. Not one that outright speaks to people at least, and even when it first showed up, I forget, but I don't remember it speaking.
Still, thats just a crack theory, back on topic, I found the light hearted banter quite amusing. And then Touma learning the magicians intended to stay, with the buddycop duo basically being his worst nightmare. Shocked you didn't have him roar about it being the boy's dorm, and throwing the two out the window. To bad this Touma has yet to reach the point he's willing to admit he's not a normal highschool boy. I bet even KnT would wanna toss those two out XD
Short railgang intermission showing them experiencing saint's luck... and oh these poor sweet summer children... don't let her know you know him. OTHERWISE SHE'LL PROBABLY START MURDERHAPPY THREATENING YOU ALL TO TAKE HER TO HIM!
Ending off, Housewife (yes wife, even Kamachi is admititng this now my friend) Touma and the girls be shopping. It was quite sweet and all to see them banter a bit, and YES seeing those two declare they will dare to be stupid with Touma was perfect. Yes! thats what they'd do, yes! yes yes! Othidex are family for Touma just as much as Otohime blood be damned. No way would they let him suffer the burden on his own... also... curse you Orion, those two were moments away! Othinus would have pressured Touma about Yume and learned about the PTSD so she and Index can finally get it through Touma's stupid skull that he should have relied on them.
Skipping over the gag which was just annoying, we got more Orion... being... Orion? dude just is... yeah I agree with Touma. What is going on in his head? who takes truth or dare that seriously man?! but that was a way to end off the chapter. This mean Touma's bout to cash in that free job they gave him?
Looking forward to more
3craytherlayRight to get it out of the way as it'll bother me if I don't bring it up... please, no more abuse gags, they aren't funny. And especially out of character for someone who's meant to have zero insecurities about the target in question. Even Index should have grown past it, and really the fact Kamachi still uses it is in bad, toxic tastes. And even he will sacrifice his own integrity and characters continuity for that BS... so don't do the same.
Anyways, moving on, Absolutely loved this chapter, like usual, the slow impending dread around Index's situation. The revelation about how terrifying her magic circle eye actually is, and how you held the tension throughout. Oh praises on your portrayal of Othinus for those scenes, as yes, you've def improved minus a gag or two. Having her chastize the others for not accomodating for Touma's lack of knowledge was perfect.
Starting off light hearted was quite a good move, allowing for a calm before the storm vibe with classic Touma tomfoolery. Birdway and her pointless rivalry with Touma's cousin, and Lesser being... well... Lesser, we don't discuss the details. Even in moments of crisis, those two's buddycop duo refuses to take anything seriously and it's hilarious.
Having Stiyl, arguably the second most immature person there, (no one mature is petty enough to backstab an important ally in the middle of enemy lines and leave a witness just cause you're salty over them saving your crush.) be the one to call for order was both amusing but also sensible. Sure he can be immature when it comes to his petty anger at Touma, but regarding magic and Index, he takes shit seriously. He of all people would want this resolved, and while sure, he's probably smug about feeling like he's better than Touma. He'd be much more concerned about Index than let his pettyness get in the way this time.
The explanation for the magic circle was also very intriguing as I have thought of related, but different concepts. So, heres a thought experiment, if certain parts of the spell contradict others, what happens if you take the elements of various mythologies that (don't) contradict. Those... similar elements which can be used to compare and connect two cultures together rather than split them apart. IE, the various apocalyptic stories? could you then, amplify them by eachother to create an even more devastating spell than if you used only one culture? This is the logic that I plan to use for LoCG's Piggyback idol theory, which fittingly was also a concept devised by Index. Both of which make for great displays of just how terrifying Index actually could be and serving to provide great tension.
Back with Illogical and Emotional, they've finally got whats coming and been utterly, had by Seria like the good little dogs they are. This was a very satisfying moment I wasn't expecting to come till much later after the team was assembled. But boy was I pleasantly surprised, writing manipulators can be hard, as well a lot of the time you gotta fake intelligence as a writer. But you pulled it off perfectly, and managed to make us (believe) Seria had read them that well. Having her pull off a feat that would make Aliester, Coronzon, and heck even Othi, proud in how well she puppeted them.
While it's clear their master extractor (pretty sure the term splicer would be more accurate) is Uiharu, and their Berserker will be Byata. Its now clear that the all girl team will be under Seria's command... and aint that gonna be a reunion and tense interaction between four girls who have it for Touma but were on opposing conflict sides. It also fits in with prior four party teams, which often had a single magic sider in their company. Etzali for Group (Tsuchi was a hybrid) and Xochittle for MEMBER, although I'm curious how they'ed get Byata.
Oh of note, considering the new info in the railgun manga I feel is relevant, Uiharu's status went from just possible stalker to confirmed... and even worse than we've imagined. So, yeah... she likely has everyone's contacts...
Moving on, I love how exasperated Touma was by the fact the solution they came up with was an eyepatch. Like, he already has one eyepatch wearing girl... but at least she's actually missing an eye, but at the same time it shows the true threat. Birdway likely wouldn't have hesitated to rip braincells out Index's head, and neither would tsuchimikado. Even if Stiyl and Kanzaki were dragged along screaming, and honestly Stiyl might take advantage to 'accidentally' erase Touma from Index's mind. Dude has shown he's petty enough to not think of the consequences when it involves those two. The fact they didn't as you said, shows they (couldn't), although, what is even more terrifying to me is the implication made in the first scene.
(That there may never have been a grimore)
Yes, you've definitely set it up and made it seem as thought there is, but that line about the circle. Saying that (only) Index could have made it, has got me thinking about a third, more terrifying possibility. That the grimore... was just Index's own head, like when people hear voices but it turns out to be their own subconscious. Like sure it's a stretch, but theres also the fact that while they have wills... theres never actually been a properly sentient grimoire before. Not one that outright speaks to people at least, and even when it first showed up, I forget, but I don't remember it speaking.
Still, thats just a crack theory, back on topic, I found the light hearted banter quite amusing. And then Touma learning the magicians intended to stay, with the buddycop duo basically being his worst nightmare. Shocked you didn't have him roar about it being the boy's dorm, and throwing the two out the window. To bad this Touma has yet to reach the point he's willing to admit he's not a normal highschool boy. I bet even KnT would wanna toss those two out XD
Short railgang intermission showing them experiencing saint's luck... and oh these poor sweet summer children... don't let her know you know him. OTHERWISE SHE'LL PROBABLY START MURDERHAPPY THREATENING YOU ALL TO TAKE HER TO HIM!
Ending off, Housewife (yes wife, even Kamachi is admititng this now my friend) Touma and the girls be shopping. It was quite sweet and all to see them banter a bit, and YES seeing those two declare they will dare to be stupid with Touma was perfect. Yes! thats what they'd do, yes! yes yes! Othidex are family for Touma just as much as Otohime blood be damned. No way would they let him suffer the burden on his own... also... curse you Orion, those two were moments away! Othinus would have pressured Touma about Yume and learned about the PTSD so she and Index can finally get it through Touma's stupid skull that he should have relied on them.
Skipping over the gag which was just annoying, we got more Orion... being... Orion? dude just is... yeah I agree with Touma. What is going on in his head? who takes truth or dare that seriously man?! but that was a way to end off the chapter. This mean Touma's bout to cash in that free job they gave him?
Looking forward to more
4/27/2024 c179 6TheDarkPublisher
Don’t apologize for the delay. Life happens. When I gave my review I didn’t mean to say it was a bad arc or a lesser arc I just wanted to say my honest feelings so don’t worry about it.
I always love seeing Seria make appearances. It’s also interesting to know how much she knows about what’s been going on. (I’ve wondered if she knew about Touma’s torture by Kamui)
Waiting for this chapter had me at suspense (and I don’t mean in a bad way) and I’m glad it didn’t entirely end up being as heartbreaking as I thought it would be (it might still happen but still).
Great work as always.
6TheDarkPublisherDon’t apologize for the delay. Life happens. When I gave my review I didn’t mean to say it was a bad arc or a lesser arc I just wanted to say my honest feelings so don’t worry about it.
I always love seeing Seria make appearances. It’s also interesting to know how much she knows about what’s been going on. (I’ve wondered if she knew about Touma’s torture by Kamui)
Waiting for this chapter had me at suspense (and I don’t mean in a bad way) and I’m glad it didn’t entirely end up being as heartbreaking as I thought it would be (it might still happen but still).
Great work as always.
4/24/2024 c178 Guest
Please, you gotta update for 20th anniversary. I want to hear your thoughts on GT10.
Please, you gotta update for 20th anniversary. I want to hear your thoughts on GT10.
4/23/2024 c178 Mike
Plz update...the waiting is killing me
Plz update...the waiting is killing me
1/27/2024 c178 Guest
Chapter 179 hype
Chapter 179 hype