Reviews and Comments

(2023/09/23-2023/10/10)

To preface, I'll repeat some things I've said before, along with some additions. I've always been interested in reading the light novel and/or manga but I kept putting it off until I forgot (very common for me lol). I found the manga again by chance so I read it on a whim and it was so fun! I also enjoyed reading the light novel, as it has a smooth and easily readable prose despite its density, and some nice details (cultural and not) that aren't in the manga. I knew it was something I'd like. I should've read it sooner.

I'm not exactly a folklore buff, but I've always been interested in Japanese urban legends, and this story scratches that itch. Combine that with mystery (another genre I love) and handsome men, this story has my attention. I also like that I can learn more about Japanese culture and folklore along the way. Honestly, this story made me wish I took up urban legends for my thesis instead, as hard as it could be.

"Is this phenomenon caused by humans or actual supernatural beings?" is the the main topic of exploration in this volume. While most of the answers turn out to be less fun, the other possibility - that it's an actual supernatural phenomenon - remains very real, especially with what the two male leads experienced in their childhoods. The suspense that never goes away with each case keeps me glued to the book.

The bromance is the cherry on top. The two male leads' relationship is as interesting as their investigation. Their banter feels natural and endearing to see. The end of the book showed that they're more similar than they initially appeared due to their similar past experiences/trauma, which can foster a deeper connection than with others (this is especially true with Naoya, who kept people but Takatsuki away). Their relationship can develop in several directions and I'm eager to find out.

I love some other topics explored in this volume as well. Humans fear the unknown, so they interpret things even if it's not realistic. Humans lie as naturally as they breathe, but is it all bad? These are all interesting food for thought.

I saw someone said it's a spin to ghost hunter/buster genre, and that might be a pretty good way to put it. It's still largely grounded in reality and the main characters don't do anything too outlandish, but that's why this story feels "real" and that is the charm.

(2023/04/18-2023/08/02)

Simply put, this volume is a breather episode, without any intense high stakes of the previous volumes. That said, it's still not a slouch, either - it explores the aftermath of volume 3 (I'd be lying if I said my heart wasn't in pain), the characters' growth and relationships, and more wonderful worldbuilding. It also sets up what will and may happen in the future, with the plot thickening bit by bit. I especially love to see the side characters who were once rivals appearing again and working together with the main characters. It's nice to see their shounen-like rivalry - fitting the large bulk of the action in this volume, which is broomsports matches. I was surprised by some things, which further cements how screwed up the mage world and Kimberly are, but it's still a solid volume overall.

P.S. Rossi is best boy after all, I love him so much lmao.

(2023/08/07-2023/08/10)

While this volume is relatively lighter compared to volume 5, it's still quite a heavy volume. The tension is palpable, choking not just the characters, but the readers too.

It shows the grim aftermath of volume 5, more brewing plots and clashes for the future, further explores the characters and their relationships, and once again reminds us of the world they live in. This is the madness of a mage and the risks they face in pursuit of a goal. It ends on a bittersweet note. My heart aches, but it's a perfect, beautiful ending. 😭😭😭

That said, it isn't all a downer, of course. There are a few humorous moments I love, such as Rossi being wrongfully blamed. 😂 The Sword Roses further tightening their friendship brought a smile to my face - it's so warm. They kept me sane in my worst moments. The broomsports matches were a delight to read, too.

P.S. I love Yuri already. P.P.S. I say this again and again but the world truly feels alive and I love it. I feel like I catch a glimpse of another part of the world in every volume, as if it isn't alive and colorful enough. Though some of it is really grim, that's also part of the charm.

(2023/08/04-2023/08/06)

This is one hell of a volume. Wait, I said that for volume 3 too, didn't I? Lmao. Well, I suppose it is comparable, as both are heavy. "One hell of a volume" fits them both - or perhaps I lack words in my dictionary. Anyway.

While it somewhat unexpectedly starts pretty slow, it's still packed with defining character and relationship moments, arguably the most important worldbuilding to date (it was a delight - I LOVE that kind of world!), and of course, the brewing main plot that eats the large bulk of this volume. It's densely packed with amazing fights, desperation, gut-wrenching reveals, and moments. Some questions are answered, yet more mysteries and worries remain. Again, who knew a victory can taste so hollow? Are all the sacrifices worth it?

This volume especially has incredible characterization for Oliver. What seems to be unimportant small information about him turns out to be much deeper than a joke, and it hit me in the guts. Who knew it holds that much importance? I want to hug him and make him happy after all of this mess. The poor boy doesn't deserve this, he's too good - too kind for this world and his mission. 😢😭