Gakusen Toshi Asterisk [Light Novel]

[carmolita]

I wouldn't call it a little conflict because there is so much at stake on both sides. The author did a really good job with the way he pitted them against each other and kept it innocent, no hard feelings and no anger or resentment.
I must admit I did take Saya's side, but then I realized. Julis knows nothing about Haruka and is really not connected to her in any way. To her, Haruka is just her friend's sister whom she met once. In vol 10 before the last gryps battle saya, Ayato, and Julis went somewhere, and then claudia said she was going to send a car for them because the final gryps battle was the next day. Ayato said to not send one for him because there was someone he had to meet. Julis wondered who it was (like a little jealous), Saya said look AT where we are standing.
They were standing in front of the hospital that Haruka was in, Julis was embarrassed after that. Then Saya went on about how she wanted to meet Haruka and was mad that she couldn't go, but Ayato said she couldn't because of the restrictions on who could enter to see her, then Claudia put her 2 cents in and said that she had seen her. That's' kind of how everyone ended up meeting her all at once in the hospital when she woke up because they couldn't freely meet her before.

So when you think about it Haruka is irrelevant to Julis when she has a whole country, her brother who went against the IEF for her, her beloved orphanage and friend. And as if it couldn't get any worse, in her epilogue she received a message, from flora, who said that the orphanage, jolbert and the country was rooting for her in the lindwurm. There is no going back for her now too many people depend on her.

As far as Ayato ~the wild card I think is Haruka...How far is she willing to go to protect him.. and how deep is she going to let him get involved. She sees how much this bothers Ayato (the possibility of him having to go up against julis) because if it wasn't for her awakening none of this would be happening and she can't kill herself because they may try to use her step-father to blackmail ayato if she did that. When you think about it, Ayato is the one that is chained, but he also wants to protect what's important to him. I'm just surprised that Haruka is letting him go through with it

Can't wait for @rezel summaries but must be patient=)

[PusheenTheCat]

I wouldn't call it a little conflict because there is so much at stake on both sides. The author did a really good job with the way he pitted them against each other and kept it innocent, no hard feelings and no anger or resentment.


O sorry I was being facetious when I said little. Yup, the stakes are high and that's why I like this! Julis' and Ayato's dynamic has been stagnant for so many chapters (even volumes!), and i obviously ship them, so if it takes one giant conflict to propel them to the next level, that is so very welcome.

[carmolita]

It's ok I have like a different favorite each volume. In this vol its Saya, I love her kick ass attitude! She rebels against the obvious, when no one dares to say anything. She was the only one who spoke out against julis even though she understood everything and it's her epilogue that makes me want to read about the lindwurm. I am disappointed in ayato, because after everything they did to haruka in chapter 6 and what they made her do and he was just so powerless that he could only watch. After reading his epilogue, I wanted to yell at the book and say How dare you sit there and think about Julis and not be angry about what they did to haruka because Julis is not thinking about him, she's just thinking about what she has to do.

[DragonOsman]

It's true that Ayato is kind of at fault for not thinking about Haruka in that Epilogue, but come on now. What do you expect him to do? Are you expecting him to be a Super Brother or something? Pipe down a bit. And also, doesn't he love Julis? Isn't it natural that he'd think about her?

[carmolita]

I wouldn't say that he loves her in this instance, more like he feels really bad for her, because she worked so hard and she knows that he can defeat her and he knows it to, not mention he kept telling her he wasn't going to enter. The problem is that if he competes half heartdly out of loyalty to Julis it could go badley for everyone involved. Claudia told saya what she needs to do if she came up against ayato, but I don't think the plan is going to be that easy to execute My money is on haruka saving herself somehow.

[DragonOsman]

Yeah, that's true, too. Ayato does need to get his head in gear. But can Haruka save herself? I mean, she doesn't even know that Madiath is Laminamorus. And plus, there's the shard of Raksa-Nada that's inside her.

[Roberto1]

I wouldn't say that he loves her in this instance, more like he feels really bad for her, because she worked so hard and she knows that he can defeat her and he knows it to, not mention he kept telling her he wasn't going to enter. The problem is that if he competes half heartdly out of loyalty to Julis it could go badley for everyone involved. Claudia told saya what she needs to do if she came up against ayato, but I don't think the plan is going to be that easy to execute My money is on haruka saving herself somehow.

i want ayato to win lindovius no matter what, so i don't know what plan are you talking about but if it involves ayato not winning, i don't like it, i hope he fights and wins with all his power.

[PusheenTheCat]

Heh Don't mean to be a contrarian, but I think I'd like someone else to win this time. I know, I know Ayato's the MC but for variety's sake and not to be predictable, ya know? Maybe there's a way for him to lose and still somehow be a hero. (Though I do like the idea of Haruka saving herself).

[DragonOsman]

I think the plan entails them somehow saving Haruka without Ayato needing to win. But I don't know how he'll "not win" in that case. He should be one of the strongest people there. Even if he has to fight Julis, unless he holds back or loses on purpose, he'll win more likely than not (but Julis would feel that her pride was hurt if he held back against her - heck, anyone's would be if they knew their opponent wasn't taking the fight seriously). The only problem would be if he goes up against Orphelia or that new robot made by Allekant, probably. But yeah, the plan will be hard without Ayato and Julis playing their own respective parts which right now seems like it's not happening (look at what Carmolita said concerning Ayato's part. And of course Julis has her own thing to do). So Ayato will have to go all out anyway and Haruka will probably have to save herself.

[zezegui222]

But... who you guys think will win this Festa if Haruka save herself?

I like more the idea of Ayato winning this festa and make a Grand Slam. But... Julis? Even after her training with Xinlu I think she é too weak to winning this. It's not like her training with Xinlu will do godlike results, they have a little time to improving before the Festa.
Ayato will be training too, because of this and the reasons above, he is and will be much more stronger than her. If he fight Julis in a duel and losing with a withdraw, in my opinion will be a poor writing. Probably with this situation Julis will feel that her pride was hurt and will be anger with him.

If Haruka save herself and Ayato abandon the Festa, I will like more other winner, like Sylvia who is more stronger or maybe other minor character. But like I said, IMO Ayato winning is much more better than the other choices.


Or.... the other choice is the Festa will be canceled because the things will be really crazy

[carmolita]

ok this is how it is with the plan, and this is where rezel's summaries are appreciated, and if anyone has read vol 12 please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, mind you we still need rezel's summaries for details because I am still lacking in Japanese, but still not spoiling some stuff. =)

Ayato truly believes that the blackmailer will kill his sister, for a lot of reasons, even though they say otherwise, they also know that he will face Julis and Orphelia in the lindwurm, so he has to enter, he has no choice. They forced him to, now there are other people who also want to compete such as saya, can't remember if sylvia wanted to compete, kirin is not. So Claudia said that what they have to do is if they come up against ayato (because it's a one on one) not to withdraw but to abstain from the match. The goal is to not get ayato as an opponent, but not to withdraw so they can still stay in the competition because if they get ayato he will have to defeat them because of Haruka. To me it's really like there trying to buy time. While this is going on they have a plan to get the shard out of Haurka somehow (I think it requires the use of another ogre lux- if it's the lux i'm thinking about it's not going to be easy), because if Haruka doesn't have the shard in her then Ayato can't be blackmailed. But if they can't get the shard out of her then Ayato has to win the match to keep her alive, this has already been decided. He is not strong enough to defeat them at this point and they demonstrated this to him which is why he can be blackmailed so easy. I think this plan also requires Isabella and Helga to be involved but Helga can only do so much she also said that.

I'm hoping Haruka finds a way out of this without her brothers help, but in my opinion if he defeats Julis, and Haruka gets saved after, he should use the wish for Julis, but I don't think it's going to be that easy, which is why I say that his wish is not going to be that simple.

[zezegui222]

@carmolita: It's like you said IMO.
IIRC Sylvia wants to compete, because she wants a revenge with Orphelia.

I have a question now, the novel has already explain how the wishes works? Like how much they can wish, the limits, if they can wish things that affect others (like him making a wish for Julis).

[DragonOsman]

Yeah, I'm also wondering if he can't make a wish that helps Julis somehow. If he can, then he might do that if he wins and there's still a way to save Haruka (or for her to save herself) without him wishing for it after winning. Though I think he'd more likely just withdraw from the Lindwurm in that case since he'd have no reason to participate anymore.

@carmolita: So they have a plan where they'll try to destroy the shard using another Ogre Lux? Is it Ser-Versta? This would be hard, but if Haruka knows, then that could be part of the reason why she's trying to get him to become able to control it even by instinct (as well as by conscious thought, since both would be needed in most cases). It could be part of the reason why she's trying to get him to master Ser-Versta.

I wonder what'll happen with all this if Ayato and Haruka find out that Laminamorus is Madiath. Will they feel a bit more assured and safer knowing that they won't really kill Haruka? Or is there still a reason for them to believe that they'd kill her?

[Endscape]

Yeah, I'm also wondering if he can't make a wish that helps Julis somehow.

None of the things Julis wants can be attained from a wish granted by the IEF.

Though I think he'd more likely just withdraw from the Lindwurm in that case since he'd have no reason to participate anymore.


Highly doubt we'll see Ayato drop out of the Lindwurm so that won't happen

@carmolita: So they have a plan where they'll try to destroy the shard using another Ogre Lux? Is it Ser-Versta?

If it was Ser=Versta, wouldn't Haruka have gotten rid of the thing by now herself? The reason the shard is so hard to deal with is that it doesn't exist until Raksha-Nada is activated.

I wonder what'll happen with all this if Ayato and Haruka find out that Laminamorus is Madiath. Will they feel a bit more assured and safer knowing that they won't really kill Haruka? Or is there still a reason for them to believe that they'd kill her?

Why would finding out Madiath is Laminamors make them think he wouldn't kill Haruka? It's not as if Laminamors hid the fact that he was Haruka's father.

[DragonOsman]

It's because Madiath knows that a Strega or Dante's ability doesn't disappear with that Strega or Dante's death. He wants to keep Haruka alive because of that, remember? Haruka knows that, and she told Ayato about it as well. But the catch here is that neither of them knows that Laminamorus is Madiath himself. No one knows (outside the Golden Bough Alliance, of course).

And I say that Ayato would probably drop out because if the plan works or if Haruka manages to save herself somehow, Ayato would no longer need to participate in the Lindwurm. The blackmailing would lose its effect in that case. Didn't you read Carmolita's posts about the plan to save Haruka and all that at all?

[carmolita]

I think @Endscape has it right. That part is always confusing to me a little.. They can't use Ser-verta- if they could it would be long gone. They're going to need to get the Raksha-Nada because the shard is a part of that sword.

[DragonOsman]

How will they get it, though? They'd have to fight Madiath, and right now he's too strong for Haruka or Ayato.

And yeah, Endscape is right about the case of the shard. My bad for misunderstanding.

[Endscape]

It's because Madiath knows that a Strega or Dante's ability doesn't disappear with that Strega or Dante's death. He wants to keep Haruka alive because of that, remember? Haruka knows that, and she told Ayato about it as well. But the catch here is that neither of them knows that Laminamorus is Madiath himself. No one knows (outside the Golden Bough Alliance, of course).

As you yourself point out, they already know why Laminamors hasn't killed her yet. Why would finding out who he is change that at all, or make them feel reassured about him?

And I say that Ayato would probably drop out because if the plan works or if Haruka manages to save herself somehow, Ayato would no longer need to participate in the Lindwurm. The blackmailing would lose its effect in that case. Didn't you read Carmolita's posts about the plan to save Haruka and all that at all?

From a writing perspective, I highly doubt the author is going to have the main character drop out of a tournament, which is why I doubt the plan to free Haruka will go anywhere.

[DragonOsman]

Ayato is convinced that they'll kill her because of what they did with the shard. The reason is that he doesn't know that Laminamorus is Madiath (and neither does Haruka - or anyone else related to his hidden evil agenda because he always goes as Laminamorus when it's related to that agenda). If he knew, he'd probably also notice that it's in their best interest to keep her alive. That's what I've been trying to say.

They don't know anything about Laminamorus having a seal. They don't know he's Madiath. So why would they know why he hasn't killed her yet? You're not getting it.

[Endscape]

Ayato is convinced that they'll kill her because of what they did with the shard. The reason is that he doesn't know that Laminamorus is Madiath (and neither does Haruka - or anyone else related to his hidden evil agenda because he always goes as Laminamorus when it's related to that agenda). If he knew, he'd probably also notice that it's in their best interest to keep her alive. That's what I've been trying to say.

Didn't they already know all of that?

They don't know anything about Laminamorus having a seal. They don't know he's Madiath. So why would they know why he hasn't killed her yet? You're not getting it.

?

Didn't Haruka already tell them that she sealed Laminamors?

[DragonOsman]

Oh wait, yeah, you're right. My bad. I forgot. Haruka doesn't know Madiath is Laminamorus, but in this case she doesn't need to because the one she fought in the Eclipse match that she sealed herself in was Madiath as Laminamorus. So she doesn't know that the one she sealed was Madiath. Okay, now I want to know even more why Ayato is convinced that they'll kill Haruka. This is confusing without knowing the full story from Volume 12.

[Rezel]

If world become aware that Laminamorus is Madiath, then it'll be end of the world. Last rescue mission within collapsed world that probably would be destroyed by 2nd Invertia. I would diffinetly like this storyline!

Erm... I just returned to my deal with c5. 2/6 so far.

[DragonOsman]

Eh? Why would the world end if that news got out? But either way, I'm not saying to let the whole world find out. Just Ayato, Haruka, Helga, and our main girls.

[carmolita]

If anyone finds out Laminamorus true identity they would be a dead person. Most of the people who died in the Eclipse were killed by him and he goes to great length's to hide his identity. Whenever he meets Ayato he brings Varda to distort reality and confuse him so that he doesn't find/ figure out that he is Mediath. Part of this reason is that the things he is doing is unlawful/ wrong and he risks losing everything if he was discovered and does not want to be reduced to the status he was before.

@Roberto1 you asked if Haruka would be freed from the blackmail/ if the shard will be removed from Haruka if Ayato wins the Lindwurm. I am 90% sure the answer is "No"., chapter 7 states that Haruka's life was taken Hostage, part of this is so that she doesn't disrupt their plan like before (chapter 6 will explain how all of this happened). It's a win-win for the blackmailer's, If Haruka dies they have no worries, if she lives they can use her life to manipulate her and Ayato into doing what they want. Also, they've already warned them (ayato +Haruka) not to try and remove the shard.

Their only real way out of this is to either get the shard removed from Haruka or for Haruka to die. I don't think Haruka dying is an option because they may just find someone else to take her place if they felt threatened by Ayato that is.

[DragonOsman]

If they already warned them to not try to remove the shard, then why would try that? I mean, doesn't it sound something bad might happen if they tried? Unless that's just what they want them to think. :eyespin:

Madiath doesn't want anyone knowing that he and Laminamorus are the same person because he doesn't want to lose the status he gained? Now I know just the way Ayato and Haruka can get back at him for everything he's done to them and others. *evil laugh* The hard part is finding out the secret without being killed later.

[Roberto1]

Heh Don't mean to be a contrarian, but I think I'd like someone else to win this time. I know, I know Ayato's the MC but for variety's sake and not to be predictable, ya know? Maybe there's a way for him to lose and still somehow be a hero. (Though I do like the idea of Haruka saving herself).

i understand your feelings, but even so the truth is that i still want ayato to be the hero, i want him to save haruka and ophelia, i have always liked LN where the MC is always the hero lol. :rolleyes:

[DragonOsman]

Same here. Though I'd also understand if for some reason he couldn't be the hero - if the reason is explained well enough.

But how is he going to save Haruka or Orphelia? He's in the palm of Madiath's hand right now. He and Haruka both.

[Endscape]

Okay, now I want to know even more why Ayato is convinced that they'll kill Haruka. This is confusing without knowing the full story from Volume 12.

Forgot to reply to this.

Of course Ayato is convinced they'll kill her. The only reason they're keeping her alive is the seals on Madiath. If they find another way to get rid of them (they already demonstrated it can be done), or the situation makes her death more important than the seal, Madiath can kill her at a moment's notice.

Same here. Though I'd also understand if for some reason he couldn't be the hero - if the reason is explained well enough.

I don't mind if Ayato wins the Lindwurm, what I rreally hope is that Julis is the one to defeat Orphelia and save her. It would just feel so much more rewarding to me.

But how is he going to save Haruka or Orphelia? He's in the palm of Madiath's hand right now. He and Haruka both.

Stay tuned to find out.

[carmolita]

@DragonOsman even though they told them not to try to remove it... doesn't mean they are not going to try and save her...I think there is a doctor that might try to help to, but it is just like @Enscape said the shard doesn't really appear until the Raksha-Nada is activated which is why it's so hard to deal with, but I think that shard has also been causing Haruka some problems but no one seems to really notice but ayato and Haruka just plays it off as if it's nothing.

Becuase she was having breathing issues in chapter 6 and I think during their training session because there was a part where Ayato said/was thinking that "sister is hurting" and he was really worried. My theory is that we know the shard is a part of the Raksha-Nada and for some reason when the ogre lux's get together they react to each other.

Don't focus on Mediath's seal too much (as it's not the reason things are happening they way they are now)....you'll learn more about it in chapter 6 =) :)

[DragonOsman]

@Endscape: I, too, think it'd be great if Julis got to save Orphelia, but right now she isn't strong to defeat her, and if Ayato really tries to win, she won't be able to win the Lindwurm, either (if they have to fight each other). So I don't see how she can save Ophelia with how things are right now.

[PusheenTheCat]

I don't mind if Ayato wins the Lindwurm, what I rreally hope is that Julis is the one to defeat Orphelia and save her. It would just feel so much more rewarding to me.


Exactly how I feel. I mean, I like Ayato and all, but i just don't like the idea of him winning the Lindwurm and also saving Orphelia, Haruka, and everyone and their mommas, and also accomplishing world peace on top of that. Come on now. :D

[Ophis]

Julis defeating Orphelia is bullshit. That would be a huge asspull and bad writing from the author's part.

Yes, I agree that the one who should save Orphelia is Julis herself, but that doesn't mean that she should accomplish it through brute force. Julis should honestly be searching for a more achievable way to accomplish her goals.

Unless the author comes with some Deus Ex Machina and makes Julis awaken some bullshit hidden power, Julis defeating Orphelia is utter nonsense.

Anyway, even if, for any stupid asspull the author comes up with, Julis does indeed defeat Orphelia, she doesn't really need to win the Lindvolus...

[Endscape]

Julis defeating Orphelia is bullshit. That would be a huge asspull and bad writing from the author's part.

Yes, I agree that the one who should save Orphelia is Julis herself, but that doesn't mean that she should accomplish it through brute force. Julis should honestly be searching for a more achievable way to accomplish her goals.

Unless the author comes with some Deus Ex Machina and makes Julis awaken some bullshit hidden power, Julis defeating Orphelia is utter nonsense.

Anyway, even if, for any stupid asspull the author comes up with, Julis does indeed defeat Orphelia, she doesn't really need to win the Lindvolus...

There's always the hope that training with Xingli would give her a chance. It has been a year since they last met, after all.

[Ophis]

There's always the hope that training with Xingli would give her a chance. It has been a year since they last met, after all.

XingLu outright stated that Julis had reached the limit of her potential. Even if Julis could indeed get stronger under her guidance, there's a limit for how farther Julis can reach.

Orphelia, on the other hand, was said to be weaker than XingLu for now. That means that Orphelia has still room to grow stronger than she already is.

Just to the math, Julis who has reached her limit and Orphelia who has yet to reach hers, even though she's already overwhelmingly stronger than Julis right now. Therefore, Julis coming and defeating Orphelia in a fight would be Deus Ex Machina of the highest order. Bullshit absolute.


Just for the record, I don't dislike Julis or anything, but we have to look objectively at what the author has presented to us so far. And I would like for thee author to be consistent with his work.

[Endscape]

XingLu outright stated that Julis had reached the limit of her potential. Even if Julis could indeed get stronger under her guidance, there's a limit for how farther Julis can reach.

Xinglou said that before she saw Queen of the Night, at which point she decided to take Julis as her student when she was unwilling before because of the exact same reasoning you mentioned. Xinglou must think Julis can exceed her potential, or she wouldn't have bothered, meaning there is still a chance, however faint.

[Dorakero]

XingLu outright stated that Julis had reached the limit of her potential. Even if Julis could indeed get stronger under her guidance, there's a limit for how farther Julis can reach.

Orphelia, on the other hand, was said to be weaker than XingLu for now. That means that Orphelia has still room to grow stronger than she already is.

Just to the math, Julis who has reached her limit and Orphelia who has yet to reach hers, even though she's already overwhelmingly stronger than Julis right now. Therefore, Julis coming and defeating Orphelia in a fight would be Deus Ex Machina of the highest order. Bullshit absolute.


Just for the record, I don't dislike Julis or anything, but we have to look objectively at what the author has presented to us so far. And I would like for thee author to be consistent with his work.
Althought I agree that julis weaker than Ophelia but it doesn't mean she can't win her in festa
To rules to win festa is
1.your opponent fainted
2.the badge broken
If Julis some how can break Ophelia's badge she still can win
But I agree with you the one defeat Ophelia should not Julis and definitely not ayato either

[Ophis]

Xinglou said that before she saw Queen of the Night, at which point she decided to take Julis as her student when she was unwilling before because of the exact same reasoning you mentioned. Xinglou must think Julis can exceed her potential, or she wouldn't have bothered, meaning there is still a chance, however faint.

Yes, she can exceed her potential with XingLu's help. The question is, by how much? The problem is that Orphelia can apparently still grow a lot stronger than she already is, while Julis has reached her limit while being overwhelmingly weaker than the current Orphelia.

Julis can grow stronger in this 1 year of training with XingLu? So can Orphelia do the same (though alone).


A good analogy here would be between Mr. Satan(Julis) and Goku(Orphelia). Even if Mr. Satan can train to go beyond the human limits, would he still reach Goku's level? Honestly speaking, Julis situation' is hopeless. Unless, of course, the author comes up with an asspull.

Honestly speaking, it would be still plausible to think Julis has a chance to beat Orphelia had the author not stated that Julis reached her limit. Now, Julis is either hopeless to save Orphelia through a direct showdown, or the author will use Deus Ex Machina to deal with the situation.

[Dorakero]

Yes, she can exceed her potential with XingLu's help. The question is, by how much? The problem is that Orphelia can apparently still grow a lot stronger than she already is, while Julis has reached her limit while being overwhelmingly weaker than the current Orphelia.

Julis can grow stronger in this 1 year of training with XingLu? So can Orphelia do the same (though alone).


A good analogy here would be between Mr. Satan(Julis) and Goku(Orphelia). Even if Mr. Satan can train to go beyond the human limits, would he still reach Goku's level? Honestly speaking, Julis situation' is hopeless. Unless, of course, the author comes up with an asspull.

Honestly speaking, it would be still plausible to think Julis has a chance to beat Orphelia had the author not stated that Julis reached her limit. Now, Julis is either hopeless to save Orphelia through a direct showdown, or the author will use Deus Ex Machina to deal with the situation.
The fact that she doens't need defeat Orphelia by herself
It would be good it the one defeat Orphelia is saya, doesn't like Julis ,saya has technology with her and she can ask camilia help her upgrade weapon
What happen if saya feels so useless when can't help both ayato and Julis, and she decide to help Julis save orphelia after Julis lost
Remember this scene
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/gakusen-toshi-asterisk/images/e/ec/Asterisk_Volume_5_53.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20160405215048
It would be awesome if it happen again

[DragonOsman]

I'm with Ophis on this one.

And besides, the reason Xinglu decided to train Julis doesn't have to be because she thinks Julis can exceed her potential. It could just be because it might help her a bit if she can learn to use what she already even a little bit better or more efficiently. Growing in skill, but not in power. Xinglu may have thought that Julis could have a better fighting chance with that, even if she can't get any stronger.

And it'd be good if Saya could do it, but can she really? Would fire-arm type Luxes work well enough in this case?

If Julis has to be the one to save Orphelia, then like Ophis said, it has to be in a more believable way than through brute force. But if they do it through brute force, Ayato is the only that has a chance (although he still needs to train to get stronger and also better at the Amagiri Bright-Dragon style as well). Ayato is much stronger than Julis and probably still has more room to grow since Xinglu herself offered to train him unlike in Julis's case. Although Ayato declined and is now training with Haruka.

@Endscape: How, pray tell, does Xinglu seeing Orphelia change anything? It's like her seeing Orphelia will make her think Julis can somehow become strong enough to beat her, is it? Julis did reach the limit of her potential. Even if she could exceed it, I think she can only grow so much now.

Edit: By the way, could you guys (except Rezel and Sparhawk) please give me your Discord usernames? Thanks you.

[PusheenTheCat]

Honestly speaking, it would be still plausible to think Julis has a chance to beat Orphelia had the author not stated that Julis reached her limit. Now, Julis is either hopeless to save Orphelia through a direct showdown, or the author will use Deus Ex Machina to deal with the situation.

How bout we give the author a chance to lay the groundwork to support the concept of Julis beating Orphelia (which we don't know yet for sure if will happen) before we call bullshit or chant Deus Ex Machina a dozen times, hmm? I mean, unless you can read Japanese (and sincere kudos to you if you can) we're basing our speculations on summaries and fan translations (even Google translations of Russian translations) here.

[DragonOsman]

I don't think we need to doubt Rezel's summaries. And right now it does seem unlikely that Julis can become any stronger unless she can exceed her limit.

Anyway, please give me your Discord handles. There's a good reason for this, trust me (ask me over PM if curious).

[Testarossah]

You guys are jumping the gun too fast. There's just too much we still don't know.
It's just too soon to start throwing terms around, it'd be like saying Claudia likes Ayato for absolutely no reason while you are still on volume 4-5.

In the end of volume 1, Ayato looked like an OP protagonist, but lost pretty soon at the second volume. Then he had to formulate a strategy to win against Kirin. I doubt anyone thought he'd use different weapons to make a strategy.

I think you need to see which route the series get to before deciding what will or won't be, not the other way around. This new arc simply has too many variables to fix in just one or two answers.

Welp. Meanwhile I'm still waiting for a Helga illustration.

[PusheenTheCat]

I don't think we need to doubt Rezel's summaries. And right now it does seem unlikely that Julis can become any stronger unless she can exceed her .


I didn’t say anything about doubting Rezel’s summaries. Just pointing out the realities of secondhand/third hand translations that at some point, some key details might get diluted or nuances are missed. I so appreciate what we DO get, so Rezel, keep on keeping on and thanks again for what you do.

You guys are jumping the gun too fast. There's just too much we still don't know.
It's just too soon to start throwing terms around, it'd be like saying Claudia likes Ayato for absolutely no reason while you are still on volume 4-5.



^ This. And great analogy! I’m all for carefully constructed storylines and logically supported plot points, but let’s not crucify the author for something that hasn’t happened yet. Maybe he pulls shit out of nowhere, but maybe he won’t and comes up with something fantastic! We don’t know yet. Maybe we’re purposely kept in the dark for a great reveal later on? Isn’t that good story-telling, slowly building it to a climax? When all is said done and the author does disappoint, then by all means, have a Deus Ex Machina rant party.

[Rezel]

Hey, why do you think that Julis couldn't beat Orphelia? Author add one thing after another to Julis power building.

Here some hints:
1) Orphelia for NOW weaker than Xinglou
2) Xinglou NOW is FAR WEAKER than her previous incarnation
3) Xinglou refused to train Julis because she "reached her limits"
4) But Xinglou changed her mind after seenig Queen of the Night
5) Xinglou is battle maniac and just want to eat STRONG rivals
6) Xinglou now thinks that Julis would be pretty delicious
...
8) Julis succesfully warded off first attack from Orphelia and got her praise... but then was mercilesly crushed by Gravisheeth


Btw I don't really think that Ayato can counter Orphelia+GS. Because he's str/agi type and GS is hard counter for this type of close combat fighters. Discuss =)

[Ophis]

Hey, why do you think that Julis couldn't beat Orphelia? Author add one thing after another to Julis power building.

Here some hints:
1) Orphelia for NOW weaker than Xinglou
2) Xinglou NOW is FAR WEAKER than her previous incarnation
3) Xinglou refused to train Julis because she "reached her limits"
4) But Xinglou changed her mind after seenig Queen of the Night
5) Xinglou is battle maniac and just want to eat STRONG rivals
6) Xinglou now thinks that Julis would be pretty delicious
...
8) Julis succesfully warded off first attack from Orphelia and got her praise... but then was mercilesly crushed by Gravisheeth


Btw I don't really think that Ayato can counter Orphelia+GS. Because he's str/agi type and GS is hard counter for this type of close combat fighters. Discuss =)

You basically already answered why... :heh:

As for Ayato, don't forget he has Ser-Versta, which can burn even the gravitational field of GS. The only doubt is if Ayato will manage to master Ser-Versta before the next Lindvolus.

[DragonOsman]

Haruka is helping him. I think he can master it before the Lindvolus, or maybe even before one of the matches in the middle of it if not before the Festa starts.

And yeah, Rezel, didn't you just prove our point? That unless Julis can somehow overcome her limits, she can't beat Orphelia? Well, either way, I hope she can and does overcome her limits somehow.

[Endscape]

And yeah, Rezel, didn't you just prove our point? That unless Julis can somehow overcome her limits, she can't beat Orphelia? Well, either way, I hope she can and does overcome her limits somehow.

What makes you so sure she can't surpass her limits?

She's getting training from the strongest and most experienced person in the entire series, so the author must at least want us to think she has a chance at it, or he wouldn't have bothered.

[DragonOsman]

The thing is, I'm not sure she can't. I did say I hope she actually could. But yeah, it's about surpassing her limits. It depends on whether or not it's possible in this series. It's possible in Rakudai, at least (The Desperados).

[Ophis]

What makes you so sure she can't surpass her limits?

She's getting training from the strongest and most experienced person in the entire series, so the author must at least want us to think she has a chance at it, or he wouldn't have bothered.

I don't think anybody here disagrees that Julis can surpass her limits. It would be pointless to be training under XingLu otherwise, so that's basically a done deal.

The real question is: how far can Julis go beyond her limit? XingLu is not omnipotent after all. Have you seen any of her disciples surpass Orphelia? At least the 4th to 1st are way stronger than Julis currently, so what makes you think Julis is special?

Well, maybe it would be acceptable if Julis were to win by destroying Orphelia's badge on the Lindvolus. Beating her in a contest of pure might would be utter bullshit though.

[carmolita]

You guys are jumping the gun too fast. There's just too much we still don't know.
It's just too soon to start throwing terms around, it'd be like saying Claudia likes Ayato for absolutely no reason while you are still on volume 4-5.

In the end of volume 1, Ayato looked like an OP protagonist, but lost pretty soon at the second volume. Then he had to formulate a strategy to win against Kirin. I doubt anyone thought he'd use different weapons to make a strategy.

I think you need to see which route the series get to before deciding what will or won't be, not the other way around. This new arc simply has too many variables to fix in just one or two answers.

Welp. Meanwhile I'm still waiting for a Helga illustration.

WHAAA their's no Helga illustration?! Hopefully, we'll get one later as the series progresses. I was so upset that they cut her character from the anime :frustrated: especially when she's so important, I'll settle for an OVA with her in it.:D I still want to see an illustration of Ayato's father...!! It's bad enough they cut the manga short so we'll never know what they look like... I'm telling you there robbing us blind when it comes to character illustrations.:eyebrow:

I agree with what you said above, we must wait and see what happens. Even the bad guys have kind of altered their plans because they were so satisfied with everything that happened in chapter 6. This Arc is almost like a clean slate for everyone because they are taking their own paths. In ayato's epilogue they talk about how he hasn't trained with the other's nor has he seen or talked to them in a really long time, so if he comes up against them in the lindwurm, no one is going to know how each other has progressed in skills.To me winning the Lindwurm is all about strategy being stronger then the other person is not necessary as long as you can figure out a way win the match, hopefully by taking out their badge. It's not like the Eclipse where you have to kill them or make them lose consciousness to win the battle.

Let's not forget that Julis is really good at strategizing, Ayato tends to strategize as he goes along. Since he is going to have Sylvia and Saya to kind of help him out in the Lindwurm by winning their own battles, It seems more likely that he may be in it to the end. The author says the Lindwurm is going to have some amazing battles so I can't wait for the next book. Especially to see Saya because she is pumped and ready to go.

What's going to be more interesting is to see how the other storylines develop as the competition starts, and how it may or may not influence the competition. I wouldn't be surprised to see some Kirin action since she is not competing, and all because Claudia asked her not to in vol 11 :mad: She can help out Haurka and be Ayato's eyes and ears since he will be too busy fighting/competing:p I can't imagine Haruka putting his friends in unnecessary danger, but she can always use Kirin to help keep Ayato safe somehow, while she does the really dangerous stuff:innocent: Afterall, Kirin is the one tasked with bringing Ayato back from the brink if he reaches his breaking point.:heh:

[Testarossah]

WHAAA their's no Helga illustration?! Hopefully, we'll get one later as the series progresses. I was so upset that they cut her character from the anime :frustrated: especially when she's so important, I'll settle for an OVA with her in it.:D I still want to see an illustration of Ayato's father...!! It's bad enough they cut the manga short so we'll never know what they look like... I'm telling you there robbing us blind when it comes to character illustrations.:eyebrow:
Tbh one of my biggest hypes for the second season of the anime was to finally see Helga. Cutting her from the story triggered me pretty hard. Volume 6 adaptation was rushed as hell.
How come Ursula can appears in a book cover but Helga can't? The world is unfair!

[carmolita]

And they made it worse by giving Helga's lines to Madeth, which I thought was crazy because they barely get along in the book. AND THEY CUT OUT SAYA'S HOME VISIT! I really wanted to see Ayato's expression when he finally found out what happened to saya's Father. I was hoping Helga would of appeared in the final episode, but was robbed again.

[DragonOsman]

I'm so glad I haven't watched the Gakusen anime.

@carmolita: Yeah, it's not like you have to be stronger than your opponent to win in a Festa, but there are opponents whose badges you won't be able to get at if you can't overpower them first. Look at Ernest and Ayato for example. Or Irene (especially when she had Gravi-Sheath). So what you said doesn't apply to everyone.

Aside from that I agree with you.

[carmolita]

@rezel I just re-read a few pages from vol 12 chapter 7 and just realized that the doctor they're going to use to help get the shard out of Haruka is Dr. Korbel/ Korbal?!? If that's the case then they will never get the shard out of Haruka because he is on the blackmailer's payroll and they don't know that. Unless they get the Raksha-Nada to remove it which is near impossible, the only person who could possibly help would be the good-doctor Hilda Rowlands and ayato is definitely not going to ask her for help - unless Haruka does it on her own keeping him out of the loop... Poor Ayato He's going to have to win the Lindwurm ... I don't see any way out of it now

[DragonOsman]

^Yeah. If they're asking the doctor who's on the blackmailer's payroll to do it, it'll never be removed. Unless they can somehow pay that doctor more than what the blackmailer is paying them - but they can't even know to do that unless they find out that he's on the blackmailer's payroll. So Ayato has no choice but to win the Lindwurm unless Haruka or someone else asks Hilda to do it (if she's the same doctor who got Haruka to wake up).

[carmolita]

yes but hilda has started her experiments again and ayato's concerned about that but doesn't regret helping her out because she woke up his sister, but Haruka is concerned about it because she realizes that Ayato will have to bear the responsibility if hilda screw's up. And feels extra bad about it because her awakening put him in that position. It seems more like she don't feel ayato can handle the consequence of the choice he made.

[AndySimpson96]

Just a quick question (new to this forum), I'm reading Yen Press' release. Do the later volumes cover the other tournaments or do they pursue something completely different?

[Testarossah]

Yes they do cover the other tournaments. Gryps Festa started in volume 8 and ended in volume 10. Lindwurm didn't start yet.

[AndySimpson96]

Yes they do cover the other tournaments. Gryps Festa started in volume 8 and ended in volume 10. Lindwurm didn't start yet.

Thank you :)

[DragonOsman]

Why would they change it? I'm sure they can't. After all, they're only translating what's already there.

[Ophis]

Why would they change it? I'm sure they can't. After all, they're only translating what's already there.

I don't think he implied they do, but he was only expressing that he reads Gakusen from Yen shi-cough- Press.

[DragonOsman]

Their translation of Gakusen seems fine. It's just the Americanization that I have a problem with.

[DragonOsman]

Thanks for the summary. Great work.

So many strong people in the Lindwurm. Crazy tournament is going to be crazy.

And Sylvie's also participating to try to save Orphelia. Even though she apparently still hasn't completed her songs and is also really outmatched.

I like how we'll get some information and info dumps on some of the characters, like Elliot and some Allekant and Galardsworth students. Can't wait.

[Dorakero]

Ok ,animesuki already dead
I'm very suprise how the fuck yabuki can go back to school after what happen in vol 9 ??

[DragonOsman]

Claudia might have pulled some strings. And he's also a part of the Special Ops organization that works for the school, which may have helped.

[Taekan]

Ever since I started to read since Volume 7, I kept dreaming about watching another season of Gakusen. This is the series that I like the most, and I have all the OST in my smarthphone and PC xD.

Even if it wasn't the best adaptation, and skipped a lot of things, like the visit to Saya's home, I still liked it a lot.

I found it lame that the manga had only 5 volumes, it was more faithful to the novel than the anime.

Melissa is Lester's girlfriend, but one of the ex teammates of Kyouko? Then how old she is? (Or perhaps I misunderstood something)
LN-T sure is way OP. I mean, I'm sure that is going to be in Lindwurm. But, what if this puppet falls in the wrong hands? Could it be 'mind controlled'?

[carmolita]

@Rezel Thank you for the chapter 5 summary!!! =) I haven't read that full chapter yet, I just got to the akellant part and then I was possessed by sleep

@Taekan I agree, I hated the fact that they ended the manga at 5 volumes too :( But mostly because it meant that I wouldn't get to see how my favorite characters looked.

With regards to the anime I would be happy with an OVA because it doesn't have to follow the anime. But I don't think it will be possible for them to continue the anime series even if they wanted to because they eliminated Helga's character and in book/vol 12 of the novel her character has become even more important to the story. Not to mention they cut out some characters in the hospital scene that were important as well.

In regards to mind control, I haven't seen anyone being mind controlled in this series so you don't have anything to worry about there yet. There is lots of mind manipulation, but that is because of Varda (Varda is the ogre lux that posses its wearer and has the power to manipulate minds)

chapter 5 lays a lot of the groundwork and shows that the lindwurm is going to be a big battle with so many people participating, so. I would expect vol 13 to be action pack as the author indicated=)

At this point, Haruka was more/less forced to do something in vol 12 chapter 6 that changes the dynamics of the story, so things are about to get crazy.

[Taekan]

I know that another anime season it is kinda impossible by the things you pointed out, and they are very relevant. That's why I'm visualizing them in my mind :c

About mind control, yeah, so far it doesn't look that it might get to that (or that even be a thing in this series), but if Dirk had any kind of participation in that puppet (I'm just making an asumption of this) , it may have a kind of "last resort use" in order to counter Ayato or whoever stands in his path. From what I can remember, he offered his 'help' to create a third puppet.
You can definitely correct me if I'm wrong.

[carmolita]

I don't think that Dirk is going to try to intervene in those puppet battles again, at least I hope not, it would be too obvious if he did.
But the person who will be dealing with those puppets is Saya, at the end of volume 12 she's all pumped up to fight them and determined to defeat them for Ayato and Haurka's sake. Ayato and Sylvia have each been training to fight Ophelia along with Julis (but not together), so it's going to be the luck of the draw on who gets to fight her first.

The Golden bough Alliance seems kind of frayed- Varda doesn't like Orphelia and sometimes seems like she want's to control Mediath cause she has all these demands of him, and Dirk, although part of the alliance tries to undercut Mediiath to the point, were Medicath even drew a sword on him once, and Mediath seems more and more like he has his own plans outside of the alliance and even act's on his own, but everyone is just a pawn to him really.

The person who's really going to be suffering through all of this is going to be Haruka. Even though she's the same age as Ayato, maybe he's a little older now, at least in some ways. He still see's her as his older sister and worries about her, mesmerized by her talent and seeks her assurances like a child. The problem with that is it's almost that he doesn't recognize how she is truly feeling because he is so used to relying on her. At this point, I give Haruka's character a 50/50 chance of survival, because she really is all alone in this. It's also going to be questionable if Ayato is going to really be able to fight Julis seriously in the Lindwurm if or when the time comes because of his devotion to her.

[DragonOsman]

^That makes me wish that Ayato will somehow realize what his sister is going through. And man up and start acting like the older brother since she's relying on him now.

[Taekan]

It may be a little unrelated to what we are discussing now, but the new illustration of Kirin (the colored one where she is together with Saya, Claudia, Julis and Ayato) looks so cool, and more mature. I'm a little lost in their ages, but I guess she must be 15 years old in the latest volume?

[DragonOsman]

I'm also not sure how old she is now, but if I'm not mistaken, she started off as 13 or so.

[Taekan]

Her birthday is in November 11th, and she had 13 years old when she met Ayato. If we assume that she participated in Gryps while being 14, then she may have 15 now, unless it is still not her birthday yet. It would be nice to have dates, so we can track these details, just like in Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei's novel.

[Taekan]

Ouch, just read that yesterday Miyazaki-sensei had a problem with his PC, the hard drive died, but fortunately he had a backup of his work on other devices (didn't lose any related to work, as he replied to someone, and he always has a backup because it is pretty important in his job). I hope this doesn't affect the release date of the next volume.

[tuckersister]

Anything new about Sylvia?

Also, what's the current relationships between Haruka and her brother's friends?

[DragonOsman]

They seem to have a good relationship, from what I saw when Haruka woke up and met the girls.

[Endscape]

Thanks for the update, Rezel!

[Dorakero]

And it still dead

[DragonOsman]

@Rezel: Thanks for spoiler!

It's good that Ayato agreed to letting Haruka teach him to use Ser-Versta better. But I'm kind of worried about Haruka having released her seal on Laminamorus. This isn't good.

[Rezel]

Seems like there's no other way than post my summaries somethere else. Discord is a thing.

[DragonOsman]

Yeah. And hopefully Sparhawk's next update is coming out soon.

[Taekan]

Same thing happened to me posting sumamries for Hundred (but mine were way larger xD) so I had to post short summaries ir order to stick to the rules.

Bad thing that I came up too late to read your post :c

[Rezel]

Same thing happened to me posting sumamries for Hundred (but mine were way larger xD) so I had to post short summaries ir order to stick to the rules.

Bad thing that I came up too late to read your post :c

We recovered everything and post summaries in discord.

[carmolita]

^That makes me wish that Ayato will somehow realize what his sister is going through. And man up and start acting like the older brother since she's relying on him now.

MEE TOO!!! I keep thinking the same throughout the novel. But the irony is the one person who realizes how Haruka feels is Slyvia that girl is so perceptive. She even realized that Haruka felt like crying in chapter 7, which is amazing because Haruka always makes light of things and smiles to hide her true feelings. Whenever she is around Ayato she smiles but her true feelings are that she really feels alone and soo guilty.:(

Sylvia is also one of my favorite's and I'm also rooting for her but in chapter 6 when Ayato was taking Haruka around the city he thought of Sylvia (because Sylvia took him around the city before) and realized that with the exception of their voices Sylvia is just like his sister and felt that -that's why he felt so comfortable around her and connected with her so easily. I was so sad when I read that but don't worry Sylvia shippers , Ayato also said the same about Julis when he met her, he was drawn to Julis because she reminded him of Haruka. He has a thing for Strega's but always puts them in the sister zone because he connects with them so easily :eyebrow:

But I really think that the Dynamics of Gakusen are starting to change and it's because of that battle with Lamarious in chapter 6.
What I loved about it was when they first faced him they realized he was the father of Haruka (and also they both knew that they couldn't defeat him). Then when lamarious exposed the Radakashda Haruka started feeling it's effects (Ayato became worried and just thought that she hadn't recovered and wanted to take her away from there but needed to find a way out, this is crazy impossible with varda on the loose *I don't know why he didn't use serversta to burn the illusion*) but she still did not complain and focused on the battle and took a real beating. Lamarious is so powerful he even grabbed her lux, threw her with the lux even breaking the sword and she still had gathered enough strength to go check on Ayato and he gave her another lux to replace the broken one. It just shows how incredibly skilled Haruka is to be able to take him on in a battle with a regular lux knowing she can't win. But both of them were in sync with the Amagari techniques. But lamarious intention was to force Ayato to compete in the lindwurm for the Grand Slam.

It wasn't until his attack with the shards that the story goes much deeper then we realized.
After Ayato enlarged servesta to block the shards he told Haruka to go get behind him she understood and then they fended off the attack. They were back to back, and then ayato told her not to leave his side (like to stay behind him), but she didn't say anything/ no reply/ no response, he knew something was wrong, and then he had like a bad premonition, sharply turned around and saw her grabbing her chest and was slowly falling. He caught her, embraced her, hugged her, held her and held onto her, checked over her body twice for wounds and blood, and there was none.he did not know why and he called out to her but she did not answer, he shook her shoulder again no awnser. And then he asked Lamarious "What did you do to my sister!" Then Lamarious said " It's not what I did to her NOW but what I did to her THEN" . He tells Ayato that after he hurt/hacked her in the Eclipse, she had to get treatment at a hospital and while she was getting treatment he put the shard inside of her...:twitch:

That was a revelation because that meant Lamarious had planned all of this 7 years ago!! Which could only mean that he needs Haruka for a bigger plan:eyebrow: I was disheartened because Ayato didn't get mad. but that may be because right after that, lamarious told Ayato that he was going to show him a demonstration, so he squeezed the shards in his hand and Haruka screamed "ah,ah,ah,ah!!" Ayato screamed "sister! sister" he begged him to stop hurting her, and said "I lost"/ give up and put serversta in its holster.

What I loved most about this is that Ayato never let go of Haruka the whole time and stayed by her side:p and this never ceases to amaze me the novel says that lamaroious walked toward them starring down at Ayato embracing Haruka with cold eyes.

This baffles me because I keep thinking is he truly her father to react this way??
:mad:

Lamarious then told Haruka that he really didn't want to kill her, and that he wasn't going to kill her and that she caused a lot of trouble for him last time but if she interfered in his plans again he will have and show NO MERCY!. It was because of his conviction and strength when he spoke those words that Ayato believed he would kill Haruka. Afterwards, he forced her to break his seals/ unchain him and Ayato reluctantly agreed to participate in the lindwurm

But Ayato did ask him several questions such as why did you take my sister? and others and lamairous said acceleration.

My theory is he wants revenge. He can't move up in the IEF because of his pedigree and he was dehumanized as a genersteller, so perhaps he want's to force evolution by creating another invertia.

I also think that Haruka has her own plans becuase one of the last things she said to Ayato in his epilogue was that she was going to try and make his shoulder's a little lighter, but of course at that time he was still worried about the coming battle and going up against Julis. If he doesn't see Harukas suffering she may disappear as quickly as she came back

[carmolita]

I would love to read everyones opinion on what you think will happen next.:)

Book 12 ends either on the day of the Lindwurm or on the day before.

Kirin is still practicing and reminiscing about the past with ayato and others.

Saya is preparing for battle as both she and Sylvia are tasked with taking out as many people as they can to make it easier for Ayato.

Julis is determined to win the grand slam and accomplish her goals.

Ayato is still severely depressed about breaking his promise to Julis and upset that he hasn't seen her or spent time with her *He is going through some major Julis withdrawal* And reminisced about how Julis did his hair when Haruka did his. He felt better when Haruka tells him he will succeed and if he succeeds everything will be ok with him, her and Julis.

But Haruka was also thinking how everything was her fault but didn't speak about it to Ayato because she didn't want him to carry around those thoughts and that burden.

Claudia and Isabella did their investigation and Claudia now knows that Lamirous is Mediath and hasn't told anyone because I think that she doesn't have the proof and he is in a position that can't be reached so easily since he is the chairman of the Festas, and Pandora is now showing her nightmares of Ayato killing her.

My theory is Perhaps Claudia may tell Haruka Lamirous true identity, a guilt ridden Haruka may try to either get close to Mediath since he wouldn't know that she knows (who he is), to discover his plan or confront him in some way ( Gundam seed style, like when athrun went to see his father to try to convince him to stop the madness only to risk taking his own life while trying to stop him) somehow something happens to her in front of Ayato, he lets his emotions get the best of him and goes crazy and doesn't forgive Claudia for keeping him out of the loop and kirin has to stop him.

I think if Haruka can get close to Mediath without him knowing, maybe she can save herself, but she would almost have to abandon ayato since she wants to protect him and those he care about. Besides Ayato is so preoccupied with his thoughts of Julis I doubt he would miss Haruka.

[DragonOsman]

I doubt that he wouldn't miss Haruka. She's special to him. I could see Haruka having that kind of thought when she's depressed, though. Like when she's in the kind of mental state where people are easy to manipulate. Which I'd dread. I really hope she isn't caught and manipulated by someone when she's like that.

When was all of that stuff you said revealed? Or is that all stuff you guessed would probably happen?

[carmolita]

With the exception of my theory and thoughts, everything was revealed in the epilogue's and the course of the book, mostly chapt, 6, 7 and epilogue.

The author has been making Haruka's feelings so well known in her thoughts she hasn't really told anyone about them. Since she unsealed Mediath she just made him more difficult to deal with. Dr Korbel is not going to be able to remove that shard, I mean he couldn't even wake her up for 5 years. Haruka and Helga are investigating and Claudia is the one who now knows the truth. So I have to wonder .. who is she going to tell first... If she tells Haruka she can use it to her advantage and look out for him/Mediath. If she tells Ayato... he might not focus on the match and make a mistake with mediath since he is so guarded about his identity, not to mention he is too preoccupied with his thoughts of Julis right now. My money is on Kirin for working behind the shadows, cause Saya and Sylvia are going to be to preoccupied with the match. Talk about the secret of secrets. Haruka has kind of been pushing Ayato toward the girls so not to monopolize him but .......it's like his life went on without her and she was left behind - I'm anxious to see what role earnest is going to play in all this ..

[DragonOsman]

Rezel's summaries? I think missed some, then.

And yeah, Ayato finding out at this point probably wouldn't be good. But he should still find out sooner rather than later. I just hope he won't make too big of an error in judgment when he finds out.

[archoel]

Volume 13 February 24, 2018

[Roberto1]

I would love to read everyones opinion on what you think will happen next.:)

Book 12 ends either on the day of the Lindwurm or on the day before.

Kirin is still practicing and reminiscing about the past with ayato and others.

Saya is preparing for battle as both she and Sylvia are tasked with taking out as many people as they can to make it easier for Ayato.

Julis is determined to win the grand slam and accomplish her goals.

Ayato is still severely depressed about breaking his promise to Julis and upset that he hasn't seen her or spent time with her *He is going through some major Julis withdrawal* And reminisced about how Julis did his hair when Haruka did his. He felt better when Haruka tells him he will succeed and if he succeeds everything will be ok with him, her and Julis.

But Haruka was also thinking how everything was her fault but didn't speak about it to Ayato because she didn't want him to carry around those thoughts and that burden.

Claudia and Isabella did their investigation and Claudia now knows that Lamirous is Mediath and hasn't told anyone because I think that she doesn't have the proof and he is in a position that can't be reached so easily since he is the chairman of the Festas, and Pandora is now showing her nightmares of Ayato killing her.

My theory is Perhaps Claudia may tell Haruka Lamirous true identity, a guilt ridden Haruka may try to either get close to Mediath since he wouldn't know that she knows (who he is), to discover his plan or confront him in some way ( Gundam seed style, like when athrun went to see his father to try to convince him to stop the madness only to risk taking his own life while trying to stop him) somehow something happens to her in front of Ayato, he lets his emotions get the best of him and goes crazy and doesn't forgive Claudia for keeping him out of the loop and kirin has to stop him.

I think if Haruka can get close to Mediath without him knowing, maybe she can save herself, but she would almost have to abandon ayato since she wants to protect him and those he care about. Besides Ayato is so preoccupied with his thoughts of Julis I doubt he would miss Haruka.


thanks for those 3 excellent comments, i read everything, it was quite intense

[DragonOsman]

I think he's asking us what we think will happen next, though? Not comments on what he wrote, per say.

[Roberto1]

I think he's asking us what we think will happen next, though? Not comments on what he wrote, per say.

the truth is that i am fine with everything as long as this LN end with a harem ending, that's all i want :v.

[DragonOsman]

Well, for me, it's fine as long as it's a True Harem and Haruka is also fine in the end. If Haruka dies or is hurt somehow, it'll be sad.

[carmolita]

@archoel thanks for the release date. I was finally able to pre-order vol 13 of Gakusen today. From looking at the synopsis and title there are going to be some top fighters in the Lindwurm, like celebrity hero fighters (this is most likely going to be some of the new characters the author mentioned in his afterward in vol 12 although he didn't tell us who they are going to be, Rezel did post some of the new names) and Ayato will be fighting straight away but it left who he his first opponent is going to be as a mystery. This volume is also the beginning battles of the Lindwurm and will mostly be focused on that Festa.

@DragonOsman I agree with you about Haruka's mental manipulation, I could see that happening if someone discovers her true feelings and uses it against her. So far she's been good about hiding it and making everyone believe she's ok. There are a few things that I've noticed.

1) Ayato is entering this match just for his sister's sake. If he had a way to avoid it he would and he is only doing it because it is just something he has to do because he can't let her die. But his true desire is to full-fill his promise to Julis he is just not wholeheartedly into this match. A few things make me think this way:

a) when he admitted defeat to lamirous and agreed to fight in the lindwurm he was still trying to find a way to keep his promise to Julis even though Haruka was suffering in his arms. It's just that lamarious saw through his intentions.

b) After their battle with lamarious, when everyone gathered for the meeting Haruka was not herself but tried to be. Everyone asked about Julis he said he told her he had to enter the lindwurm for Haruka. Julis was in shock and said just to give her some time and replied no more about it. Ayato understood her reason and feeling but It bothered him A LOT that he couldn't keep his word to her he felt deeply ashamed .

c) In the epilogue he is still bothered by/ worried about the possibility that he may have to fight against Julis,so much so that he constantly thinks about her and she is at the front of his thoughts. Even though this battle is suppose to be about saving Haruka. Soo much time has passed between the events in chapter 7 and the epilogue that you would think he would of accepted it by now but he hasn't...

2) I don't think Ayato is going to be able to get out of this Festa. After all the time that's passed Claudia knows who Lamarious is but there is no news of Dr. Korbal being able to remove the shard from Haruka not to mention he wasn't to hopeful about being able to do it nor had a clue how to accomplish it. One of the things they wanted to do was take down Lamiorus before the Festa started but now it's not possible because of who he is, so Ayato is going to have to win. Unless Haruka gets that shard out of her which would take away Ayato's whole reason for fighting in the Lindwurm. Saya and Sylvia can still get what they want out of the festa because there goal was never to win it, only to fight certain people. The only reason Sylvia was called into the meeting was because Varda is her teacher and the situation effects her. But Ayato didn't really want Kirin nor Saya there because he felt it was to dangerous for them to be involved, but If I remember correctly think it was Claudia who insisted because they already knew of Haruka's story..

3) It's fore shawdowed of how Ayato would defeat lamarious/ Mediath. During Ayato and Haruka's battle with him, Ayato asked Haruka how is it that Lamarious could be so strong. Haruka said she believes it's his prana, but she knows that Ayato's has more Prana then Lamarous but she said that lamaours is tapping into a feeling such as anger or resentment, or a bad memory that is making him stronger.

[This is the same as when Lamarious fought Ayato (in vol 10 ) In that vol. Ayato was also powerless against him but when he told him that he was the one that hurt Haruka in the Eclipse and was responsible for her condition, Ayato instinctively got mad and was able to gain enormous amount of strength and power to fight him in that moment. ]

So this means that the key to defeating Mediath is going to be Ayato's emotions. But Ayato is so good at keeping them in check because of Haruka's training he almost never wavers from being focused but Mediath knows this. Even when Ayato thought that Lamarious was going to kill both him and Haruka, lamourios told Ayato that killing them both would cause more problems and nothing they do would be able to stop him. So I think Haruka's life is like a double edge sword. If he harms her to a certain degree of nearly killing her and he is there Nothing would be able to stop Ayato for killing Mediath that is if he forgets himself. Haruka was still alive after there impromptu battle so Ayato had no cause to loose himself. I honestly think that if Haruka is harmed it's going to be because she protected Ayato. But this is not to say that if something happens to julis or his dad or friends that he won't react the same way. It's just that his feelings for his sister may be stronger then the others, and mediath has also tested/ realizes this.

4) During there sparring with Haruka it was stated that Ayato is stronger and has more battle experience then Haruka but Haruka is faster and has better technique than Ayato. Ayato learns more through action/ fighting which is why Haruka sparred with him and has to battle him to teach him. Instead of telling him how to control ser-versta during their training. She wanted him to figure it out on his own and the awnser was so simple. All he need to do to control it (change it's shape to his will) was to stop treating it like a person and think of it/ treat it as a sword.

**Haruka also said that Dante and Strega's can not overpower an Ogre Lux their powers will not work on it, but if the Lux allows it than they can use there power on it. For example when Haruka was training Ayato serversta allowed her to bind it's blade with her Strega powers so that it can become dull and not harm her during training. Ayato had no idea she could do that but ser-versta trust her because she was it's master so she can kind of use it freely as long as the sword allows. When Julis tried to use her powers on Serversta in the phoenix it burned her but serversta allowed her to infuse it with fire with Ayatos's help. Julis was not it's master.

I don't think ayato and Haruka will be able to be together much, there is trouble happening in Asterisk because of the festa and so many people and the guard is short handed - so she came to wish ayato well in his battles. Both she and Helga are still investigating which is so irritating because Claudia already knows the important truth and everyone else is still in the dark

[DragonOsman]

So Ayato has mastered Ser-Versta now? Or is he just close to it? I think Haruka is overall stronger because she has greater mastery of Ser-Versta and also of the Amagi Bright Dragon-style. Ayato only has more raw power. And the reason he has more experience now is only because Haruka was in a coma the whole time.

The info about Strega and Dante in regards to using an Ogre Lux is interesting. Was that in spoilers too? I think I missed this stuff.

[AndySimpson96]

Sorry, been trying to catch up on some events from everything post volume 5 over the past few days. I must have missed something, what happened between Ayato and Julis?

[carmolita]

@DragonOsman No Ayato has not mastered Ser-versta yet, he only knows how to instinctively change it's shape. Haruka couldn't teach him anything until he figured that out. Haruka realized that whenever Ayato was fighting he was always on the defensive and that was because ser-versta was so big, he had to adjust and couldn't fully use his skills and had to compensate in other ways while fighting. Once he was able to control its shape and size he was also able to break/burn away the chain she put on it. Haruka told Ayato that there was a lot he needed to learn because his technique was bad but that she didn't have time to teach him because of the lindwurm being so close and he was going to have to learn what he could in battle. **Ayato learn most of his skills by fighting** Also Haruka does not know all of the hidden techniques - but almost knows them all, because she disappeared before she could learn them. The new move she taught Ayato was permitted by there father because he thought Ayato was ready to learn it.
It's not so much that Haruka is more powerful than Ayato then it is that she excels beyond him because she was taught by matsugu/ there father and her skill's are superior to his and in terms of speed she is much faster then Ayato. Ayato has just been relying on his strength and power because he has been using a sword that was not properly suited for him in size. So he is flawed as a swordsman, in a way he has to retrain himself, but the 2 of them together would make the perfect swordsman.

The info about Stregas or Dante's is in the book, Haruka talked about it during there training. It's not possible to put every detail in the spoilers/summary's because some of the chapters are long, but rezel does an excellent job. I just elaborate on some of the things because I love the emotional parts of the book:)

@Roberto1 You asked me about Sylvia and Haruka a while back... there is a hilarious part in chapter 7- when she met Haruka it was in that picture where Ayato and Haruka are on 1 side and Sylvia was sitting across on couches. Saya and Kirin came into the room and were a bit Jealous. This was after the talk where Ayato told them about Harukas situation. Sylvia had teased something about being the favorite girls of Ayato and told someone to call her by her first name and Saya said, " if your just bored then stop running after Ayato", Svlvia said, " how rude I don't need your permission to help Ayato." So Saya said "I'm Ayato's childhood friend and told Sylvia that she should pay close attention to kirin because she stayed at Ayato's house and even invited him over to hers."
Then Kirin was trying to explain it away and Haruka interjected and said. "my father praised you and said that you would go far" Kirin said that she was grateful.
Then Sylvia told Haruka that she was a songstress and wanted to go out to tea with her and learn about Ayatos childhood songs/childhood. Then Claudia said, " Why don't you ask Saya she is Ayato's childhood friend. Then Saya said "Yes, come, don't be afraid, I'll tell you about it for 7 days and 7 nights, but it's not interesting" and then Helga broke it up and they got back to business. It was quite the verbal fight and the tensions were high

@AndySimpson96 How far along did you get?

[AndySimpson96]

@carmolita what was available on the Fandom page, so everything up to and including volume 11.

[Rezel]

@carmolita what was available on the Fandom page, so everything up to and including volume 11.
Fandom page? oO

[DragonOsman]

I think he means the Wikia Fandom page. Correct me if I'm wrong.

@carmolita: Oh, so he hasn't mastered it yet but is at least able to control its size and shape now (right?). Then I hope he'll learn the rest and master Ser-Versta in the Lindwurm from experience by using it in battle.

[AndySimpson96]

Yeah, what @DragonOsman said.

[carmolita]

@AndySimpson96 you haven't missed anything if you're at vol. 11, because the Ayato X Julis issue doesn't happen until toward the end of vol 12.

@DragonOsman I hope he can control it fully now and it wasn't just a one time deal, but I want to believe he can because Haruka wasn't worried about him when she wished him well. Not to mention that time has passed since there training session. I can't wait to read about his first battle. Rezel is so Lucky he will get the book before me. :(

I really like the way that the author handled Haruka's shard issue because unless the Raksha-Nada/ madiaths sword is activated it doesn't affect her and she can live a normal life. If anything it will let her know if he is around, I can't wait till they fight again, at least I hope so. And also since her life isn't in any immediate danger, Ayato's character can act freely without being tied to her.

We also have to watch out for that Tyrant Dirk- He's been wayyy to quite lately..I'm sure he's somewhere scheming something behind someone's back ...

[DragonOsman]

But Haruka doesn't know that Laminamorus is Madiath, does she? Only Claudia and her mother know that.

And I agree with you about Dirk.

[Rezel]

But Haruka doesn't know that Laminamorus is Madiath, does she? Only Claudia and her mother know that.

And I agree with you about Dirk.
I think she already passed that info to other anti-Madiath alliance

[DragonOsman]

How many people would you say already know, then? Names, too, please.

[carmolita]

@Rezel You are so right..! I totally forgot about those people....who sit at the top, work behind the shadows and make useless decisions to endanger peoples lives...:(

@DragonOsman We don't know who they are. I'll explain a little. After the battle in chapter 6 everyone met up in chapter 7. It was Isabella, Claudia, Helga, Haruka, Ayato, Kirin, Saya and Slyvia. This is when Ayato told everyone about Haruka's life being held Hostage, by this time Isabella had talked to some members of Galaxy and they decided that they were going to make it a top priority to investigate and take down Lamarious and Varda. One of there main reasons for deciding this was because they found out (from Haruka's battle) that Lamarious had the Ogre Lux Raksha-Nada which is suppose to be sealed away at redwolf academy and they wanted to investigate how this happened and find out who the traitor is that concealed the weapon loss. They suspect that Varda used her mind manipulation on some technician to get him to remove it and give it to Lamarious.

What the plan was, was to stop Lamarious before the lindwurm but they suspect that since they (Golden bough alliance) forced Ayato to participate in the lindwurm then something is going to happen at that Festa they just don't know what it is (because they don't know what the golden bough's plan is). So Helga and Haruka are tasked with investigating to find out what it is and are the only ones in the guard who know what's going on and I think they have access to some classified information.
Because students are not obligated to talk to the guard, Galaxy asked for Kirins help in talking to the students and finding out information about how the Ogre lux's were stolen and Lamirous plan. Ayato's job is just to compete and win if all else fails and Saya and Sylvia job is just to compete and take out many opponents to clear the way for Ayato. I think Sylvia also may assist with gathering information.

By the end of the book, 6 months have passed and Claudia's Epilogue tells what happened since the investigation began. They have found out who Lamairous was but have no proof to bring him down. The Galaxy members against Madiath decided that they want both Lamarious and Varda, but if they can't get Lamarious, then above all else they want VARDA (the ogre lux not the person it's possessing). So they're willing to let Lamarious go if they can get Varda. So at this time Isabella, Claudia and some members of Galaxy know lamairous true identity as Madiath but no one else knows and whatever he's planning is gonna happen in 2 weeks.

I'm gonna say Dirk is probably gonna be in the next book since he's in the hot seat...

[AndySimpson96]

@carmolita thanks, wasn't sure if i'd missed it somewhere, since it was mentioned on here.

[Rezel]

@carmolita thanks, wasn't sure if i'd missed it somewhere, since it was mentioned on here.

All summaries for v10-12 was deleted by mods. But you can join our Discord server tho =)

[AndySimpson96]

Can someone send me that please?

[sapper]

Hey guys if someone could PM me about V10 and V11 PDF's that would be much obliged :)

[DragonOsman]

Can you read Japanese? Because they haven't been translated yet after all (except in German, by Rezel).

[LKK]

Remember guys, sharing of raws is against Forum Rule 1.1 (https://forums.animesuki.com/faq.php?faq=rules#faq_rules_1_1).

[Rezel]

Can you read Japanese? Because they haven't been translated yet after all (except in German, by Rezel).

Not German actually =)

[DragonOsman]

Sorry. What language is it again?

[Rezel]

Sorry. What language is it again?

Russian =)

[carmolita]

Well, for me, it's fine as long as it's a True Harem and Haruka is also fine in the end. If Haruka dies or is hurt somehow, it'll be sad.

Yes, it would be sad if something happened to her. I really hope that she survives everything because she really is my favorite character. But I'm still giving her 50/50 chance for the following reasons:

1) When Haruka passed the test and was officially accepted into the guard. Ayato kept thinking that he did not want her to be in the guard because it is too dangerous. So he is not happy about her job.

**Information about the guard. Haruka joined the guard for 2 reasons: a) Haruka was being guarded by them because she is an important witness and they (Helga and perhaps some members of galaxy) are worried that she will be taken out/ killed by the Golden bough Alliance. Haruka realizes that the guard does not have a lot of people to guard her (this is because it is very hard to pass Helga's entrance tests/exams) and thought it would be easier for her and them if she just joined them and B) she will also be in a position so that she can investigate easily**

2) lamiorous warned her that his first plan was a good plan and she interfered and destroyed it, and said his current plan is illogical and has too many variables and if she interfered in his current plan he will show her NO MERCY! Haruka has already gone against his warning -6 months later she is still investigating with Helga.

3) Haruka is not going to be able to be with Ayato during his matches because there is too much happening in Asterisk (there are too many people in the city and the guard is stretched very thin) and there is nothing more she can do for him (so she says). All of this chaos makes it easy for her to be set up with no one to help her out ... I wouldn't put it past Dirk to plan something evil since he always goes against mediath and does his own thing. It was his academy that the lux's were stolen from 7 years ago and Haruka was the only witness to their previous plan and she came across Varda back then. But no doubt Haruka is aware of this. The book explicitly states that Haruka is stronger then Ayato, so I think if she is ambushed she would be able to fight her way out of it, as long as it is a fair fight and Lamarious is not there with that ogra Lux that incapacitates her.

4) Even if she were injured in any battles, I think she would keep that information from Ayato so as to not mess with his head (this is also the reason she hasn't expressed to Ayato that this is all her fault and her true feelings of guilt-even though she thinks about it all the time).

Ayato has the tendency to snap mentally and emotionally when it comes to Haruka. All they have to do is say they harmed her or talk really bad about her. **Except for One instance when Haruka met Ernest and was praising him on his fighting skills/ swordsmanship, Ernest said to Ayato so this is your sister who taught you swordsmanship. Ayato sternly replied," I'm very proud of my sister". Ernest said nothing else about Haruka after that, only for him to let him know if he ever needs his help. Of course, Haruka didn't take it to heart and scolded Ayato afterward about his fighting skills because she had watched all the video footage of his matches. He also didn't tell the girls that he was going to the festival alone with Haruka, she was not happy about that...but she had been gone for a month so it's understandable he wanted to spend time alone with her without the others. According to Ayato they were all busy.

5) It seems more and more like she is distancing herself from Ayato. No doubt she is trying to protect him since she knows she is being targeted. I wouldn't be surprised if she finds out about lamiorous identity through either Claudia or other means and confronted him about it at some point.

**I wouldn't want Ayato to find out because he will just act on his emotions so that he can keep his promise to Julis. It would be dangerous for him to find out now because he might not be able to concentrate on the battles ahead.

Madiaths plan doesn't happen for another 2 weeks so we should get some clues in the next volume which has been officially delayed until 03/24/2018:upset:

@Rezel They haven't deleted everything only the last couple of summaries of vol 12 because of length. I'm so thankful that most of it survived so that many more can read about Gakusen Toshi Asterisk.;)

[DragonOsman]

If Ayato can keep his feelings in check when he finds out about Laminamorus' true identity (unlikely, I know), he, Claudia and Haruka might be able to form a good plan to thwart Mediath's where they also take into account the possibility of him trying to stop them using Raksha Nada's shard that's inside Haruka. Either way, while there would be problems due to Ayato's emotions getting in the way too much if he found out, there could also be unexpected hidden benefits from it. That's why I'm thinking maybe him finding out might not be too bad.

[carmolita]

@DragonOsman You make a very valid point. Haruka said that Lamirous is so strong because of his connection to a bad feeling or memory. In volume 10 Mediath as Lamirous actually forced ayato into battling him seriously by taunting him with what he did to Haruka in the Eclipse, Ayato became instantly infuriated and exceeded his own power in that moment and attacked lamirous in like a split second as if he wanted to kill him. He didn't even give lamirous a chance to finish his sentence. Even then Ayato still straddled the line and did not let his emotions dictate his actions. Lamirous saw this and recognized his influx of power from his words, but the moment he said, " Haruka taught you well..." Ayato was like disgusted that he even said her name and went after him again, only twice as hard and with more percision. What's troubling is that Mediath knows how to push his buttons and exploit his weakness he clearly has the advantage. I think that Ayato has what it takes to defeat Mediath because Haruka said that Ayato has more Prana then lamirous. How ayato taps into or harnesses that power and in what way would determine the outcome.**I wouldn't be surprised that if something happens to Haurka his father may be the one to teach him the final moves/techniques of his sword style**

I agree that he might be able to keep his feelings in check, but it depends on when he finds out lamirous true identity and the circumstances around it. If Ayato knows he can't beat him yet I think he will not approach him, but search for another way and maybe get Julis to help or her opinion at least (although I don't think there is anything she can do to help the situation other than forfeit the match or for her sake encounter Ophelia before Ayato does).

The reason why I think this way is because when Ayato and Haruka fought Lamirous they knew that he was her father before their swords crossed. But when he tortured Haruka with the shards and she started screaming in pain, Ayato couldn't take it and begged him to stop and gave-up and put ser-versta away, he just held onto/ embraced Haruka believing that lamirous was going to kill them both. It's as if he'd rather lose and die with her, then watch her suffer and die alone. We know Ayato thought this because when lamirous was leaving, Ayato said,"you're not going to kill us" then he gave some long speech about how he couldn't be stopped and essentially it would cause more trouble to kill them, then keep them alive.

The issue with Claudia is no matter how many times she dreams, Pandora keeps showing Ayato killing her. I'm wondering if something is going to happen to where Ayato feels betrayed by her. The only thing I could think of is maybe she'll withhold some information or something or he's not in his right mind. I can't imagine him actually wanting to kill her unless she became his enemy.

But like you I also think that maybe Haruka and Claudia are going to work together, but Claudia can also be so manipulative and she has no problems with allowing people to fall into danger presuming they will be saved. It's going to come down to where her loyalty lies, Haruka, Ayato or Galaxy/Isabella. If she used Haruka to achieve her agenda of capturing Varda whom is there number one target next to Mediath and something happened to Haruka in the process, I can't imagine that sitting well with Ayato and he may despise her for it. But I can definitely see Haruka going along with any of Claudia's and Isabella's plans to try to correct the mistakes she's made and absolve her guilt.

[DragonOsman]

Showing its user his/her death is just what Pan-Dora does as its price. I don't think it means that Ayato will really try to kill her. Although I do wonder why it's showing her him trying to kill her now, when until her dreams about him where the only ones where she was saved by him instead of killed. She tried to make that dream a reality and succeeded. Either way, if she does do something that makes him feel betrayed by her, hopefully it's not something that can't be fixed.

It'd be great if Ayato's father were to teach him the final technique(s)/ougis of their sword style. Hopefully he'll master them soon and surpass Haruka.

[RedWingFM]

Russian =)

Russian language is the best
Русские вообще молодцы! :heh::heh:

[Roberto1]

@DragonOsman You make a very valid point. Haruka said that Lamirous is so strong because of his connection to a bad feeling or memory. In volume 10 Mediath as Lamirous actually forced ayato into battling him seriously by taunting him with what he did to Haruka in the Eclipse, Ayato became instantly infuriated and exceeded his own power in that moment and attacked lamirous in like a split second as if he wanted to kill him. He didn't even give lamirous a chance to finish his sentence. Even then Ayato still straddled the line and did not let his emotions dictate his actions. Lamirous saw this and recognized his influx of power from his words, but the moment he said, " Haruka taught you well..." Ayato was like disgusted that he even said her name and went after him again, only twice as hard and with more percision. What's troubling is that Mediath knows how to push his buttons and exploit his weakness he clearly has the advantage. I think that Ayato has what it takes to defeat Mediath because Haruka said that Ayato has more Prana then lamirous. How ayato taps into or harnesses that power and in what way would determine the outcome.**I wouldn't be surprised that if something happens to Haurka his father may be the one to teach him the final moves/techniques of his sword style**

I agree that he might be able to keep his feelings in check, but it depends on when he finds out lamirous true identity and the circumstances around it. If Ayato knows he can't beat him yet I think he will not approach him, but search for another way and maybe get Julis to help or her opinion at least (although I don't think there is anything she can do to help the situation other than forfeit the match or for her sake encounter Ophelia before Ayato does).

The reason why I think this way is because when Ayato and Haruka fought Lamirous they knew that he was her father before their swords crossed. But when he tortured Haruka with the shards and she started screaming in pain, Ayato couldn't take it and begged him to stop and gave-up and put ser-versta away, he just held onto/ embraced Haruka believing that lamirous was going to kill them both. It's as if he'd rather lose and die with her, then watch her suffer and die alone. We know Ayato thought this because when lamirous was leaving, Ayato said,"you're not going to kill us" then he gave some long speech about how he couldn't be stopped and essentially it would cause more trouble to kill them, then keep them alive.

The issue with Claudia is no matter how many times she dreams, Pandora keeps showing Ayato killing her. I'm wondering if something is going to happen to where Ayato feels betrayed by her. The only thing I could think of is maybe she'll withhold some information or something or he's not in his right mind. I can't imagine him actually wanting to kill her unless she became his enemy.

But like you I also think that maybe Haruka and Claudia are going to work together, but Claudia can also be so manipulative and she has no problems with allowing people to fall into danger presuming they will be saved. It's going to come down to where her loyalty lies, Haruka, Ayato or Galaxy/Isabella. If she used Haruka to achieve her agenda of capturing Varda whom is there number one target next to Mediath and something happened to Haruka in the process, I can't imagine that sitting well with Ayato and he may despise her for it. But I can definitely see Haruka going along with any of Claudia's and Isabella's plans to try to correct the mistakes she's made and absolve her guilt.

i didn't know pandora is now showing ayato killing claudia, to tell the truth i do not like this, the reason claudia fall for ayato is because he was the only one not killing her in dreams, this could destroy claudia's love for ayato and i hate that really much, i want claudia to stay in love with him.

[carmolita]

@Roberto1 Yep, it started showing her dreams of Ayato killing her after the incident at the port, but according to her it hasn't shown her anything useful yet. She's not bothered by it and used to seeing these visions now.
I don't trust Claudia anymore... mainly because for 6 months Haruka and Helga have been searching for lamarious and still haven't found him (on top of trying to keep asterisk safe because of the influx of people), and Claudia is sitting at home and has already known about lamarious's true identity for a long time and kept it to herself, but galaxy's main target right now is Varda and lamirous is just a bonus. Claudia's epilogue said that there is trouble brewing inside and outside of the lindwurm - nobody still knows what he's planning and that she is going to focus on the outside events.
So I think that eventually claudia, haruka, and helga are going to be focusing and dealing with things that have to do with Varda. And Saya, Sylvia, and Ayato or going to deal with things happening within the lindwurm. Kirin is probably going to help everywhere like support everyone.

**I really hope they deal with Varda carefully because she is not too fond of her host body and I don't want her to do a body switch which is one of the things that makes that lux so dangerous. Ser-versta is really the only one that can deal with it/ protect someone from its power. I really wish Haruka could seal it's power but her power is not going to work on it unless the ogra lux wants/ allows her to.

@DragonOsman I too hope if Claudia ends up betraying Ayato in some way that it get's resolved quickly, but as long as he focuses on the competition he won't have to get involved in any of the shady stuff that the others are dealing with. Kirin has also gotten much stronger now in her past 7 months, She needs to be if she may take on Ayato later. Saya is still trying to grow her chest bigger, and her father kind of wants her and Ayato to become a couple, It's not said outright but implied in her epilogue when she is talking to her father.

[Rezel]

@Roberto1 Yep, it started showing her dreams of Ayato killing her after the incident at the port, but according to her it hasn't shown her anything useful yet. She's not bothered by it and used to seeing these visions now.
I don't trust Claudia anymore... mainly because for 6 months Haruka and Helga have been searching for lamarious and still haven't found him (on top of trying to keep asterisk safe because of the influx of people), and Claudia is sitting at home and has already known about lamarious's true identity for a long time and kept it to herself, but galaxy's main target right now is Varda and lamirous is just a bonus. Claudia's epilogue said that there is trouble brewing inside and outside of the lindwurm - nobody still knows what he's planning and that she is going to focus on the outside events.
So I think that eventually claudia, haruka, and helga are going to be focusing and dealing with things that have to do with Varda. And Saya, Sylvia, and Ayato or going to deal with things happening within the lindwurm. Kirin is probably going to help everywhere like support everyone.

**I really hope they deal with Varda carefully because she is not too fond of her host body and I don't want her to do a body switch which is one of the things that makes that lux so dangerous. Ser-versta is really the only one that can deal with it/ protect someone from its power. I really wish Haruka could seal it's power but her power is not going to work on it unless the ogra lux wants/ allows her to.

@DragonOsman I too hope if Claudia ends up betraying Ayato in some way that it get's resolved quickly, but as long as he focuses on the competition he won't have to get involved in any of the shady stuff that the others are dealing with. Kirin has also gotten much stronger now in her past 7 months, She needs to be if she may take on Ayato later. Saya is still trying to grow her chest bigger, and her father kind of wants her and Ayato to become a couple, It's not said outright but implied in her epilogue when she is talking to her father.

Hey, but epilogue take place right before the opening ceremony! And most likely Claudia already shared all information she held with other members or the Anti-GBA alliance.

And since you mentioned Valda's body swap then I have to drop another suggestion: what if Valda at some point of time take Kirin in possesion? It'd be so drastic I can ever imagine it! =)))) Unrivalled dual-wielding Kirin with Orga lux plus metal-interference abilities of Valda what could be worse? =))

[DragonOsman]

@Rezel: Would Claudia tell Ayato about Laminamorus' true identity, though? I think she's hiding it from him to protect him. He'd lose it if he found out. Though if she handles it poorly, he'll also lose it when he finds out that she hid it from him. He'll probably feel betrayed at that point. Hopefully it all goes well in the long run and nothing too bad happens.

@carmolita: I still like Claudia. The only thing that'll get me to hate her would be her trying to kill Ayato or the other girls. And even then, it'll depend on her reasons. And yeah, like I said to Rezel just now, I think she's trying to protect Ayato by not telling him that Mediath is Laminamorus. Like you said yourself, though, she could also be trying to deal with all of the shady stuff herself so that Ayato doesn't have to. Again: to protect him.

[Roberto1]

@Rezel: Would Claudia tell Ayato about Laminamorus' true identity, though? I think she's hiding it from him to protect him. He'd lose it if he found out. Though if she handles it poorly, he'll also lose it when he finds out that she hid it from him. He'll probably feel betrayed at that point. Hopefully it all goes well in the long run and nothing too bad happens.

@carmolita: I still like Claudia. The only thing that'll get me to hate her would be her trying to kill Ayato or the other girls. And even then, it'll depend on her reasons. And yeah, like I said to Rezel just now, I think she's trying to protect Ayato by not telling him that Mediath is Laminamorus. Like you said yourself, though, she could also be trying to deal with all of the shady stuff herself so that Ayato doesn't have to. Again: to protect him.

i agree claudiua is a good girl, she is in love and she would never betray ayato.

[DragonOsman]

Well, yeah, but if she does something that makes him feel betrayed? There's still that worry and I just hope that if it does happen, things will turn out okay in the end.

[Rezel]

@Rezel: Would Claudia tell Ayato about Laminamorus' true identity, though? I think she's hiding it from him to protect him. He'd lose it if he found out. Though if she handles it poorly, he'll also lose it when he finds out that she hid it from him. He'll probably feel betrayed at that point. Hopefully it all goes well in the long run and nothing too bad happens.

@carmolita: I still like Claudia. The only thing that'll get me to hate her would be her trying to kill Ayato or the other girls. And even then, it'll depend on her reasons. And yeah, like I said to Rezel just now, I think she's trying to protect Ayato by not telling him that Mediath is Laminamorus. Like you said yourself, though, she could also be trying to deal with all of the shady stuff herself so that Ayato doesn't have to. Again: to protect him.

It wasn't stated in epilogue, maybe yes maybe not.

[DragonOsman]

So we don't know if she told him yet or not?

[Roberto1]

So we don't know if she told him yet or not?

even if she did not tell him, i am sure is for his sake, i trust claudia, she is a good girl.

[DragonOsman]

Yes, I agree completely. I just want to know if she has already told him or if there are signs that she will at some point.

[carmolita]

@DragonOsman I think that the Anti-GBA alliance knows about Laminamorus identity, but I don't think that Ayato and the others know. Rezel is correct when he says that the Epilogue doesn't tell you if they do or do not know about Laminamorus tue identity, but there is enough information there to assume they do not know and for these reasons. As Rezel stated the Epilogue takes place before the opening ceremony. This is happening on the day of the lindwurm mostly in the morning.
a) it says that Haruka and Helga are still looking for Laminamorous- They wouldn't be doing that if they knew who he was

b) Krin is just training and reminiscing ~she's being too casual or care free and suppose to be investigating as they still do not know what laminamorus plan is

c)Saya is focusing on strengthening her guns preparing to assist Ayato and casually talking to her father

d) Ayato is just upset about Julis?!?!? That's the main reason I think he does not know, because in vol 10 Ayato went up against Varda and Laminarous, In vol. 11 Claudia, Isabella, Sylvia and Ayato met at the Rikki/ rikiku (it's the most expensive hotel in Asterisk). There they made a deal with Sylvia to work together on the Varda issue, during that meeting when Claudia and Isabella got to the heart of the issue. Sylvia said, " So now it's my turn" then Ayato shocked Sylvia and said, "Now it's OUR turn, Laminarous is my sisters enemy" , and then the whole swearing to secrecy thing. So in vol 12. When Ayato heard from Haruka about Varda and Laminorous it was no secret to him. He just didn't know the full details of how it tied in with Haruka. So my point is in Claudia's Epilogue. She talks about how they found out Laminorous Identity and because of the lack of evidence they are willing to let Laminorous go but they want Varda, so the Anti-GBA alliance knows because they are the ones who came up with that suggestion, but If Ayato knew that they are willing to let his sister's enemy go...he would be Mad as Hell and may have thought of some crazy plan to get out of the Lindwurm and save his sister instead of thinking/ worrying about coming up against/ his relationship with Julis . That's why I think that he doesn't know yet.
~Assuming he doesn't know, I do think he will find out but the circumstances surrounding it remain to be seen. I still don't think that he is totally into this Lindwurm, but we also haven't seen his dark side yet, we only caught a teeny tiny glimpse of it in vol 10. But if they get Varda, then Laminamorus identity can easily be discovered, because it's not his mask that keeps people from finding out who he is ~it's Varda's mind manipulation. But Varda switches bodies so easily and has had a lot of them and the person who finds those bodies for her to posses is Mediath.

@Rezel I've been so worried about Varda swapping bodies **gives me the chills**(Everytime I think about that ogra lux, it reminds me of Carla from Record of the Loddus War). Since she dislikes her current body so much and scolded Mediath for picking it, you just know she's going to take over someone else. Since Kirin is doing all the investigative stuff by herself... It could be easy for Varda to take her body since her prana is not as high as the others to fight her off.... That would be bad if that happened.
It would be even worse if Haurka was taken over, can you imagine Haruka using her strega abilities to bind someone's powers and then use Varda's mind manipulation, the person wouldn't stand a chance. Ayato also wouldn't be able to touch Varda for fear of harming his sister- hope that scenario never comes true. But it's not going to be easy for them to capture Varda, I wonder how they're going to do it. Hopefully Claudia has a stockpile from pandora ...

What is it that Claudia is hoping to gain from Varda's creator? I know that he also created Pandora, Isn't he also the one that created Kirins orga lux?

@Roberto1 I agree with @DragonOsman on the Claudia keeping information to protect Ayato, but if she doesn't tell him and trust him it could go badly if something happens to someone he cares about and he misunderstands. When it comes to Isabella and Ayato, Claudia will choose Isabella, but if it came down to Ayato and Haruka she would choose Ayato. In the past, she has not always been forthcoming with information with Ayato because of her sources. But she tries in her own way to help him out, I think she's trying to do that now with her constant use of pandora but Pandora is not showing her anything useful. She is pratical so I'm sure she'll find a way

[DragonOsman]

I think if Claudia wants something from the guy who created Varda, Pandora and Kirin's Orga Lux right now, when she's trying to find a way to capture Varda to reveal Laminamorus' true identity (if she is), that she wants to ask him about Varda's weakness(es) and how to beat it (the Orga Lux itself). I hope that she does ask him that and that he tells her. That would really help after all.

But yeah, either way, capturing Varda will be hard. And like you said, it can easily take over anyone trying to capture it which is part of what makes it so hard. it's going to be bad.

And point taken on why you think Ayato and the others don't know about Laminamorus' true identity. I can only hope that Ayato finds out in a way that doesn't make him lose his trust in Claudia. If it's temporary, though, then that's probably okay.

[carmolita]

I wonder...but I don't think that Varda's creator is going to be much help because as soon as he created her (the ogra lux), he got possessed by her, then she manipulated the minds of his students and she started a rebellion, now he's in prison, and Varda has been on the run and switching bodies for the last 10 years. Claudia met him in prison and confirmed that her future visions are a side effect of Pandaro.

One thing I've noticed is that I don't think Ayato is going to be able to get out of the Lindwurm. Even if Claudia tells him who Lamirous is, he still needs to stay in it so that Varda and Mediath don't get tipped off and until they find out what Mediaths plan is and capture Varda. Laminamorus needs Haurka for his plan to work~ that's why he implied that he will kill her if she interfered and messed with his plan. But Haurka wants Payback for what he did to her she's not really concerned with her life.

[DragonOsman]

Haruka may not be concerned with it, but Ayato is. That's why, right now, Mediath is in control. But yeah, you're right.

[Rezel]

@DragonOsman
@Rezel I've been so worried about Varda swapping bodies **gives me the chills**(Everytime I think about that ogra lux, it reminds me of Carla from Record of the Loddus War). Since she dislikes her current body so much and scolded Mediath for picking it, you just know she's going to take over someone else. Since Kirin is doing all the investigative stuff by herself... It could be easy for Varda to take her body since her prana is not as high as the others to fight her off.... That would be bad if that happened.
It would be even worse if Haurka was taken over, can you imagine Haruka using her strega abilities to bind someone's powers and then use Varda's mind manipulation, the person wouldn't stand a chance. Ayato also wouldn't be able to touch Varda for fear of harming his sister- hope that scenario never comes true. But it's not going to be easy for them to capture Varda, I wonder how they're going to do it. Hopefully Claudia has a stockpile from pandora ...

What is it that Claudia is hoping to gain from Varda's creator? I know that he also created Pandora, Isn't he also the one that created Kirins orga lux?



Valda have to force the person she want to posess to wear damn necklace and only after that she can take control. It might be "easy" but not against some formidable enemies like top rankers from academies.

As for why Claudia met with Ladislav... she just wanted to know The real ability of Pan-dora. Nothing more =)

[DragonOsman]

Oh, if it's that, I already read that scene. She really does only ask about Pan-Dora's real ability. And Ladislav tells her, though we aren't told what it is.

And yeah, about Varda's possession ability. If she has to make them wear that necklace, then yeah, against high-rankers from the main Ganestella schools, it should be hard to do.

[carmolita]

With regards to Varda.. I agree with you because Sylvia said that If the person doesn't have high enough prana then that mind manipulation can work on them easily, but if they do then they can usually resist... which I found odd because she had a tough time resisting Varda. If it wasn't for Ayato intervening she would have been in serious trouble. And during the GBA meeting with (Dirk, Medicath, Orphelia and Varda) Varda was disappointed about the body that Mediath got for her, but he said that Varda can't possess just anyone's body.
** But i'm thinking that all Varda has to do is blackmail/ threaten one of the girls with Ayato's life or his personal happiness then they will Happily wear that necklace especially if they get more attention from him for doing it:) **I can imagine it now ..Ayato giving his undivided attention to save that person from Varda's control** A crying Double sword-wielding Kirin fighting Ayato.... because she doesn't want to do it (fight him) but has not choice ..hehehe..

another thing I've realized is I don't think that Dirk knows what Mediath's plan is .... no wonder he's gone rogue... I don't even know what he even contributes to the GBA other than trouble and the muscle of the cats.

Thank you both for filling me in on Claudia and Ladislav, I kept thinking I was missing something because he thought she was going to ask about Varda but she wanted to know about Pandora, mentioned it's side effect and left. So he did say something to her we just don't know what it was....

[DragonOsman]

About Sylvia having a hard time resisting Varda's mind control and needing Ayato's help: it could just be because she doesn't have enough prana to resist as much as Ayato can. I think he has more than her.

Will the girl that's being controlled get to keep her mind and personality? What if Varda takes complete control, leaving nothing behind of the girl's original self until the mind control is warded off?

[Rezel]

** But i'm thinking that all Varda has to do is blackmail/ threaten one of the girls with Ayato's life or his personal happiness then they will Happily wear that necklace especially if they get more attention from him for doing it:) **I can imagine it now ..Ayato giving his undivided attention to save that person from Varda's control** A crying Double sword-wielding Kirin fighting Ayato.... because she doesn't want to do it (fight him) but has not choice ..hehehe..


NOTICE ME, SENPAI! Lmao

[jasper222]

Started reading this after finishing up the anime.

It's not even half bad. Why has Digibro done a several parter on it proclaiming it to be the worst anime ever?

[Village Idiot]

Started reading this after finishing up the anime.

It's not even half bad. Why has Digibro done a several parter on it proclaiming it to be the worst anime ever?

The views.

It was during the same season with Rakudai and people noticed the similarities. That and the last few seasons were filled with battle school-type LN adaptions. Admittedly though, they did a good job adapting Rakudai. Took out some extremely cringy moments and made the battle scenes really, really good.

But ya, Gakusen is actually pretty good. Its just one of those series where people hate it because some youtube reviewer hated it.

[DragonOsman]

I just read Chapter 3 of Volume 10 a bit ago.

The Xiaofei backstory is good. But now I'm also curious about Xiaolin's real name. She only ever tells people the name of the person whose body she's using at the time.

I like the fights. Kirin did good, and her taking out Xiaofei was great. It got kind of close, though, and I was worried there for a bit. But Kirin's good. Claudia and Ayato are doing pretty good too even though they haven't cut anyone's school badge yet. Ayato and Kirin's fight against Xiaofei, and then how Ayato fought against the twins. I liked it.

[Rezel]

Started reading this after finishing up the anime.

It's not even half bad. Why has Digibro done a several parter on it proclaiming it to be the worst anime ever?

Maybe because it's getting better right after anime ending?

[XFire]

Started reading this after finishing up the anime.

It's not even half bad. Why has Digibro done a several parter on it proclaiming it to be the worst anime ever?

There was a minor fanwar over the fact that despite Rakudai's apparently higher "quality" Asterisk got twice as many episodes and an official light novel translation.

Which led to other people picking up on the anime's flaws and running them into the ground for views.

The whole thing was silly and utterly failed to actually affect the fanbase of either side, but hey, clicks.

[RDNexus]

In sum, stupid people doing stupid things.
Not everyone can have the same luck...

[AndySimpson96]

Yeah, it was a pretty pointless debate. Yeah sure they're both high school magic shows, but other than that they both go down completely different routes.

[DragonOsman]

The main thing is that Rakudai is a confirmed OTP series while with Gakusen it's still up in the air and Ayato does have the possibility of ending up with a harem as well.

I guess I was remembering wrong about Ayato fighting the twins when he went to help Claudia. He was Hufeng, wasn't he? My bad there.

[RDNexus]

I got myself wondering...why such wonder with Harems?
I'm sure any explanation given may relate to fiction, but I'm sure in Real Life it'd be more troublesome than rewarding...

[DragonOsman]

It's just good in fiction. And in some stories it fits like a glove.

Even in real life, some people still do it.

[RDNexus]

As much of a good explanation as any other... :upset:

[jasper222]

Probably because harems are more trouble than its worth, financially and romantically.

Thanks for the answers guys. I couldn't believe that in almost every corner of the internet whether it be the anime, manga, songs, that someone would bring up how bad or cliche an anime it was or that Rakudai was better. Then I found out that Digibro made several videos on the subject ranging from 200k to 700k views.

[XFire]

I got myself wondering...why such wonder with Harems?
I'm sure any explanation given may relate to fiction, but I'm sure in Real Life it'd be more troublesome than rewarding...

It's a power fantasy, same as being a highschooler with super powers or whatnot.

Most of those things would actually really suck in real life for a variety of reasons.

[RDNexus]

Now you got me curious. Care to name a few, if possible?

[XFire]

Now you got me curious. Care to name a few, if possible?

What, stuff that would suck in real life that we fantasize about anyway?

Harems are the obvious one. In fiction it's entirely possible (and indeed the norm nowadays) for the girls to be perfectly fine with sharing their man and even supportive of him expanding the harem. These girls maintain an amicable and loving relationship among themselves with more or less zero stress.

That's utter BS in real life, for the simple reason that human relationships don't work like that. Marriage in most modern societies is a joining of equal, while a harem establishes a clear hierarchy between the "owner" and the harem itself. If you get past that, simple human nature would dictate a degree of jealousy and resentment between the harem members, which would be massively exacerbated by any favor shown to one over the others. It's hard enough for people to maintain a regular marriage, imagine trying to treat half a dozen women (or men) with all the love and affection owed a marriage partner without ever once showing favoritism.

The closest to a realistic depiction is something like Umi no Misaki, which features three girls (the absolute minimum) who are so intimately intertwined with each others lives separating them would likely cause more pain than happiness, and had both a culture that eased them into the idea and a guy who is borderline superhuman in dealing with them. It still requires an extremely idealistic tone to actually work.

Isekai is another one. Yay, go to a new world and start over. And never see your family or friends ever again. And you'd better hope you can pick up the language fast. And that you actually do get an overpowered cheat because otherwise your domesticated ass is screwed. And that the people who called you don't decide to kill or enslave you or whatever.

Also, the majority of Isekai happens in "swords and sorcery" type worlds, which is bad for a hilarious number of reasons. Take a look at hygiene during medieval periods sometime. And having other races is a clusterfuck waiting to happen. Humans murder and enslave each other based on their freaking accent at times, this is asking for hell on earth.

Superpowers is arguably the worst of the lot. Humans, despite what kung-fu movies tell you, share the same basic physical abilities within a relatively small margin of error. But what if that wasn't true? What if some people legitimately were born "better"? Say ten percent of the people have superpowers like in Rakudai or Asterisk. How do you keep society from naturally forming a massive divide between them? Weapons are utterly useless. Stella is a walking nuke and there are half a dozen people who can walk right through her flames. Ayato can dance around lasers and swings a sword that causes concrete to sublimate instantly. Either one of them or any of their peers could effortlessly bring an entire real world nation to its knees simply by killing their entire population singlehandedly and ignoring any attempt to stop them.

Things like that work in fiction because there are certain guidelines in place by the author that dictate how the narrative is supposed to develop.

In real life they tend towards nasty consequences.

[RDNexus]

You, sir, deserve a Nobel Price. That's the kind of explanation I was looking for :)

[DragonOsman]

Islam actually allows polygamy for up to four wives, provided that the each of the existing wives give their permission and the wives are treated fairly. And I've heard that some people do it, although most of them are abusing it. Which just sucks. But yeah, for the most part, I guess XFire's right.

[RDNexus]

Yeah, it's fairly well-known polygamy's practice in the Middle-East.

And, as it was said, it's all fantasies at play, at best.
But why do the japanese feel the need of such a fantasy as a harem? Especially with how their society works... :upset:

[Wandering Soul]

Yeah, it's fairly well-known polygamy's practice in the Middle-East.

And, as it was said, it's all fantasies at play, at best.
But why do the japanese feel the need of such a fantasy as a harem? Especially with how their society works... :upset:
It might because how thier society works. In Japan you're expected to pretty much give your life to your work and some people might find little time for relationships outside of that. Combine that with many people becoming shut ins, and you can see not many people going out and forming relationships. For people that don't get much time to really establish relationships or don't have the will to establish them, and you can see where the appeal of escapism and having a relationship with fictional woman or mutiple fictional woman at once comes from.

[DragonOsman]

Exactly. It's also why most Japanese have 2D waifus. They use manga and LNs as a place to escape to.

@xrick: It's probably rare, but there must be places even in real life where polygamy worked out.

[XFire]

Yeah, it's fairly well-known polygamy's practice in the Middle-East.

And, as it was said, it's all fantasies at play, at best.
But why do the japanese feel the need of such a fantasy as a harem? Especially with how their society works... :upset:

Er, it's not like its just Japanese people. It has the same appeal in western countries, though in many cases ours are arguably worse. How many portrayals of the edgy cool guy can you think of who sleeps around with dozens of women and can get into anyone's pants with a smile and a wink? That's the same fantasy minus the family aspect. So all of the sex and none of the literally anything else.

In the first place, the mainstream idea of a harem ending in anime and manga just kinda grew out of the more traditional harem comedy. About a decade ago, "harem" referred to shows where the main character was pursued by (or occasionally pursued) multiple members of the opposite sex. It was largely a given that at the end one girl would be chosen and the others would move on.

Then the audience starts going "Well hey, why can't everyone get a happy ending". This had a couple of early examples, specifically the Tenchi Muyo series, but had largely been cast aside for the sake of Love Hina style rom-com. However, it's recently been experiencing something of an upsurge in mainstream manga and anime, which to my knowledge started to really gain ground with Light Novel series like Highschool DxD. The majority of them were actually mostly shonen with harem elements, and having a larger main plot allowed them to sidestep most of the usual romantic drama and just go "Yeah, these girls all like the same guy and are totally okay with that, hey look explosions".

So basically the current surge of novels with harems that are in fact actual harems was basically born out an audience wanting all of the "good" parts of a Love Hina style romantic comedy without any of the downsides or inevitable choice at the end.

Personally, I think this has been something of a mixed blessing. In stories like HS DxD and Magika, where the focus is largely on the greater narrative and the characters are all doing things outside of just romcom-ing about, it works fine. I'm more invested in those characters than I ever was in Love Hina or Nisekoi, and it bypasses the toxic parts of the process like most "best girl" debates.

But then we get fifty web novel adaptions were the dude just runs around, gets a harem, and.....that's it. The girls are cool with it, they all have lots of sex and babies, and....*writer looks up*wait now what. Effectively they write a Love Hina style story, but without any of the girls so much as raising the idea of wanting the MC to herself or fighting for his attention. And that doesn't work in a pure romcom, no matter the setting.

It's because of this that shows like Smartphone and Death March end up in the category of "everyone watched it, no one cared". They're so utterly unoffensive and bland that the reader just kinda floats along in a gentle daze save for the occasional moment of humor or tension. Not to say these shows are bad, but they're more suited for "I'm bored, I'll watch this to kill time" than "I actually want to watch a good show".

[RDNexus]

And the well of knowledge keeps pouring it's sweet contents upon us, peasants :D

[Roberto1]

Er, it's not like its just Japanese people. It has the same appeal in western countries, though in many cases ours are arguably worse. How many portrayals of the edgy cool guy can you think of who sleeps around with dozens of women and can get into anyone's pants with a smile and a wink? That's the same fantasy minus the family aspect. So all of the sex and none of the literally anything else.

In the first place, the mainstream idea of a harem ending in anime and manga just kinda grew out of the more traditional harem comedy. About a decade ago, "harem" referred to shows where the main character was pursued by (or occasionally pursued) multiple members of the opposite sex. It was largely a given that at the end one girl would be chosen and the others would move on.

Then the audience starts going "Well hey, why can't everyone get a happy ending". This had a couple of early examples, specifically the Tenchi Muyo series, but had largely been cast aside for the sake of Love Hina style rom-com. However, it's recently been experiencing something of an upsurge in mainstream manga and anime, which to my knowledge started to really gain ground with Light Novel series like Highschool DxD. The majority of them were actually mostly shonen with harem elements, and having a larger main plot allowed them to sidestep most of the usual romantic drama and just go "Yeah, these girls all like the same guy and are totally okay with that, hey look explosions".

So basically the current surge of novels with harems that are in fact actual harems was basically born out an audience wanting all of the "good" parts of a Love Hina style romantic comedy without any of the downsides or inevitable choice at the end.

Personally, I think this has been something of a mixed blessing. In stories like HS DxD and Magika, where the focus is largely on the greater narrative and the characters are all doing things outside of just romcom-ing about, it works fine. I'm more invested in those characters than I ever was in Love Hina or Nisekoi, and it bypasses the toxic parts of the process like most "best girl" debates.

But then we get fifty web novel adaptions were the dude just runs around, gets a harem, and.....that's it. The girls are cool with it, they all have lots of sex and babies, and....*writer looks up*wait now what. Effectively they write a Love Hina style story, but without any of the girls so much as raising the idea of wanting the MC to herself or fighting for his attention. And that doesn't work in a pure romcom, no matter the setting.

It's because of this that shows like Smartphone and Death March end up in the category of "everyone watched it, no one cared". They're so utterly unoffensive and bland that the reader just kinda floats along in a gentle daze save for the occasional moment of humor or tension. Not to say these shows are bad, but they're more suited for "I'm bored, I'll watch this to kill time" than "I actually want to watch a good show".

Great post man.

[jasper222]

But then we get fifty web novel adaptions were the dude just runs around, gets a harem, and.....that's it. The girls are cool with it, they all have lots of sex and babies, and....*writer looks up*wait now what. Effectively they write a Love Hina style story, but without any of the girls so much as raising the idea of wanting the MC to herself or fighting for his attention. And that doesn't work in a pure romcom, no matter the setting.

My problem with the MCs being so aggressive in sex that when they get into the nitty gritty of raising kids, it's a "wait now what" situation. Unless you're someone who has in-depth experience of raising kids and the hardships that come with it, it's effectively writing yourself into a corner.

That's what I disliked about stories like Mushoku Tensei, etc. Not that they're bad stories, but because the kid issue is just waved away. You don't see the characters actually raising their family, which would be the next step of character development. It always starts as lovers and ends when they fuck. After that it's the MC's final prep against the big bad.

It's what I appreciated Naruto taking the time to do even with its clusterfuck of an ending.

On the other hand, I love how series like Asterisk, DxD, Rokujouma, and Danmachi do their harems. They develop them slowly on the price of moving slowly too, but the payoff is so good when you see the girls interact with each other separate from the MC. You know that the author's been writing to that endgoal and you see it being built bit by bit. Character development doesn't get stuck at wanting to suck MC's schlong.

There's also the trio of qualities that would make the MC maintain the harem which is power, wealth, and authority/fame. If you have those three things irl, at least if you're not a dick, people will warm up to the idea that you have one. It's easy to see the MC's respective series' end attainment (Prince Consort of Lieseltania, Maou or just plain Harem King, King of Fortorthe, son of Zeus) which makes the harem idea a bit more plausible. Asterisk even lampshades this with Julis' brother having several lovers.

[XFire]

My problem with the MCs being so aggressive in sex that when they get into the nitty gritty of raising kids, it's a "wait now what" situation. Unless you're someone who has in-depth experience of raising kids and the hardships that come with it, it's effectively writing yourself into a corner.

That's what I disliked about stories like Mushoku Tensei, etc. Not that they're bad stories, but because the kid issue is just waved away. You don't see the characters actually raising their family, which would be the next step of character development. It always starts as lovers and ends when they fuck. After that it's the MC's final prep against the big bad.

It's what I appreciated Naruto taking the time to do even with its clusterfuck of an ending.

On the other hand, I love how series like Asterisk, DxD, Rokujouma, and Danmachi do their harems. They develop them slowly on the price of moving slowly too, but the payoff is so good when you see the girls interact with each other separate from the MC. You know that the author's been writing to that endgoal and you see it being built bit by bit. Character development doesn't get stuck at wanting to suck MC's schlong.

There's also the trio of qualities that would make the MC maintain the harem which is power, wealth, and authority/fame. If you have those three things irl, at least if you're not a dick, people will warm up to the idea that you have one. It's easy to see the MC's respective series' end attainment (Prince Consort of Lieseltania, Maou or just plain Harem King, King of Fortorthe, son of Zeus) which makes the harem idea a bit more plausible. Asterisk even lampshades this with Julis' brother having several lovers.

Mushoku to my knowledge actually made something of a reference to this...in that the dad was so busy working his kids were growing up without him. Which was super depressing even as it was played for laughs. :heh: Not what I was hoping for as I went into the series. I never made it all the way through the story, but when I do get around to it I'm hoping later content has him make amends to that.

You're right that seeing harems interact with each other outside of the MC is key to pulling off the idea successfully. Seeing them form their relationships within the larger group does wonders for character development. Rokujyouma in particular banks on this, as its story is entirely centered around the relationships of the invaders and Koutaro, and good lord does it have some delicious payoff.

And I definitely agree with your last paragraph, which really plays into the whole "power fantasy" thing. In DxD and its contemporaries, the MC is generally either part of a non-human group (being a demon) or is himself somehow an "exception" (Magika with the Kings) that lets them bypass social norms. But they also tend to work themselves (or get dropped into) a position of high power where one could feasibly support such a large family. Ise in particular is a good example of this, starting at the bottom and moving his way to becoming a noble and celebrity (though the story is subtle enough about it you tend to forget at time).

[carmolita]

On the other hand, I love how series like Asterisk, DxD, Rokujouma, and Danmachi do their harems. They develop them slowly on the price of moving slowly too, but the payoff is so good when you see the girls interact with each other separate from the MC. You know that the author's been writing to that endgoal and you see it being built bit by bit. Character development doesn't get stuck at wanting to suck MC's schlong.

There's also the trio of qualities that would make the MC maintain the harem which is power, wealth, and authority/fame..

that's an interesting deduction with regards to the character development.;) The author said in his afterword of vol 11. That the reason he made that volume mostly about kirin was because he needed to push/move Kirin's relationship with Ayato forward. Because other then Ayato being her senior/senpai she had no relationship connection with Ayato~ like Ayato had with the other girls, so it was very hard for her character to interact with Ayato.
What he meant by relationship connection was Saya had the connection of being his childhood friend, Julis is his classmate and was his partner, Claudia was the school council president and brought him to the school. Kirin had none of those things and was getting left behind. he also said that he thought it would have been best if she were on the cover of the vol 11 novel (because it was mostly about her) but because she was on a previous cover they had to make that one different so they used Haruka and Varda.

So the author put's a lot of thought into there relationships, and nothing happens without a purpose which is why I like Asterisk war so much, and the odd thing is each one has a parent/ immediate family member backing them for a relationship with Ayato. Jolbert is backing Julis , Saya's father is backing her, Kirin has her mother and Claudia has her mother Isabella, sylvia has no one, but her storyline alone puts her in play as she has a working type relationship with Ayato. Sometimes storylines can get lost in all the fan service and harem Activity but the Asterisk war novel is more story driven which is why I like it so much.

[DragonOsman]

Claudia is also drawn to Ayato because of the vision Pan-Dora showed her where he saved her. That vision was the main reason why she pushed for him to be invited to the academy.

And yeah, XFire's posts about this are great. I completely agree with what he said in his last post on the previous page, especially. Another good harem series that handles the harem and the relationship between the harem members is Juuou Mujin no Fafnir. Also, in that one, the MC isn't human (looks human, but actually isn't).

[jasper222]

Mushoku to my knowledge actually made something of a reference to this...in that the dad was so busy working his kids were growing up without him. Which was super depressing even as it was played for laughs. :heh: Not what I was hoping for as I went into the series. I never made it all the way through the story, but when I do get around to it I'm hoping later content has him make amends to that.

Spoiler alert, he doesn't. :mad:
MT is baby's first long epic-style isekai which is why it has the following it enjoys, just like how Fate Stay/Night was baby's first visual novel, SAO is baby's first trapped in a death game/MMO story, etc.
The daughters grow up to be dad-cons (even if they're married to other people), this mentally 30-year old person doesn't mature beyond a mid-20s mindset, and the payoff was so bad. Some people said that the harem part was done really well, but to me it was just...eh? There's a reason why the kid raising is relegated to side stories and there was a 40 year long timeskip. Author was wise to pull that off, even if his justification was that MT was Rudeus's story. That's what I meant by writing yourself into a corner, a "wait what now" situation hence the ending.

Am I saying MT is bad? No. But it could be better. Especially with the harem part of the story where there's only 3 (4) women but somehow they all don't get along. At least it's justified with series like Sevens where Lyle actually takes in women who are just there for his protection/money.
I dislike that in romance, MC sex is considered the pinnacle of character development. Same goes for harem. It's a crutch that shuts all avenues of character development after because at that point, unless the author knows how to write raising a family, the story's effing screwed. Usually after that, what remains is fighting the big bad or preparing to.

[DragonOsman]

Magika revealed in the Epilogue of the final Volume that the girls that had already had sex with the MC are pregnant. That was that. We didn't see the kids. I think that might be best.

Anyway, let's get back to Gakusen now.

[AP24]

This is surprising, Vol 14 will be released just a month after Vol 13.

MF文庫J
4/25発売
●学戦都市アスタリスク　14. 熾烈魂戦　【著：三屋咲ゆう／絵：okiura】

[Rezel]

This is surprising, Vol 14 will be released just a month after Vol 13.

MF文庫J
4/25発売
●学戦都市アスタリスク　14. 熾烈魂戦　【著：三屋咲ゆう／絵：okiura】
awww... it feels like culmination volume. At least from title.

[DragonOsman]

What's the title? And please clarify what you mean?

[Rezel]

What's the title? And please clarify what you mean?

Ravaging souls' showdown.

[AndySimpson96]

Sounds ominous.

[KasumiZX]

Magika revealed in the Epilogue of the final Volume that the girls that had already had sex with the MC are pregnant. That was that. We didn't see the kids. I think that might be best.

Anyway, let's get back to Gakusen now.

Only two of the girls were pregnant

[XFire]

Only two of the girls were pregnant

In Magika? The last scene is Mio telling Kazuki all of the girls from the Witches Mansion were pregnant.

[DragonOsman]

^This.

Mio and Kaguya acted as representatives to say it for all of the girls who were present in the room at the time.

[KasumiZX]

^This.

Mio and Kaguya acted as representatives to say it for all of the girls who were present in the room at the time.

Check msgika wiki site it only confirm that Mio and Kaguya are pregnant

[XFire]

Check msgika wiki site it only confirm that Mio and Kaguya are pregnant

The entire volume is translated, why would you take the wiki over the volume itself? Mio says everyone there is pregnant.

[Ultragunner]

I will just put my two cents here about why some (like Digibro) may dislike series like Asterisk.

Well, first of all, I dare say it is mostly due to how "generic" it feels. You can throw in a bunch of fancy details about the world, but as long as the characters follow troupes, people can't help but yawn at the story. And I don't mean just the stereotypes like tsundere, loli, senpai...etc..., even the scenarios follow the same mold: the lucky sukebe, the angry for no reason females, the abused MC, the duel aka the fastest way for the girls to fall for the MC amirite? LOL

one way to circumvent this is to make parody or invert those troupes, a shining example is Konosuba, though you can argue whether it is a harem or not.


Another stinker for harem series is how bland the characters are, especially the MC. For some reasons, many writers seem to forget about the characters, maybe they just spend too much time contemplating how to make the world even fancy with jargon that no one cares. It is very common for the cast to have no personality other than their designated troupes.

In addition, the antagonists are often less than memorable

And worst of all, when it comes to relationships, harem characters don't behave like normal people at all :heh:

Last but not least, the execution is very important. No matter how amazing the development of a character you can think of, it will go to waste if you don't properly put it into words.


For Asterisk...well, let's just the anime doesn't really do a good job of avoiding the above pitholes :heh:

[Rezel]

Another stinker for harem series is how bland the characters are, especially the MC. For some reasons, many writers seem to forget about the characters, maybe they just spend too much time contemplating how to make the world even fancy with jargon that no one cares. It is very common for the cast to have no personality other than their designated troupes.

In addition, the antagonists are often less than memorable

And worst of all, when it comes to relationships, harem characters don't behave like normal people at all :heh:

Last but not least, the execution is very important. No matter how amazing the development of a character you can think of, it will go to waste if you don't properly put it into words.


For Asterisk...well, let's just the anime doesn't really do a good job of avoiding the above pitholes :heh:

Honestly I think nowadays authors prioritize characters and relationships development, and because of that world can't run properly and constantly used to style out character's flaws (or just save their asses).

Ofc Asterisk also has flaws (and characters are one of them, not denying that) but they're not as unreasonable IMO. MC still can (and will) lose to antagonist, because he's just a little brat and have nor real battle experience, nor wisdom to cross over huge mess.

And last, but not least. However complex Light novel Asterisk may be it's still Light novel. There're setled rules for how they should be (you can chech one of last Mahouka's afterwords and few more mature writers, that actually complained about how they can't write that they want because it, say, LIGHT novels). At this stage we almost know how it would end. But the most intersted part is how we reach that ending. That's why I want to read Asterisk to the very end =)

But yeah, Asterisk anime cover most boring part of title... in most boring method...

[DragonOsman]

@KasumiZX: As XFire said, don't take the Wiki over the final Volume when said Volume is already translated. It's clearly stated that Mio and Kaguya were acting representatives for all of the girls present in the room at the time when Mio said that they are pregnant.

[Testarossah]

I will just put my two cents here about why some (like Digibro) may dislike series like Asterisk.

Well, first of all, I dare say it is mostly due to how "generic" it feels. You can throw in a bunch of fancy details about the world, but as long as the characters follow troupes, people can't help but yawn at the story. And I don't mean just the stereotypes like tsundere, loli, senpai...etc..., even the scenarios follow the same mold: the lucky sukebe, the angry for no reason females, the abused MC, the duel aka the fastest way for the girls to fall for the MC amirite? LOL

one way to circumvent this is to make parody or invert those troupes, a shining example is Konosuba, though you can argue whether it is a harem or not.


Another stinker for harem series is how bland the characters are, especially the MC. For some reasons, many writers seem to forget about the characters, maybe they just spend too much time contemplating how to make the world even fancy with jargon that no one cares. It is very common for the cast to have no personality other than their designated troupes.

In addition, the antagonists are often less than memorable

And worst of all, when it comes to relationships, harem characters don't behave like normal people at all :heh:

Last but not least, the execution is very important. No matter how amazing the development of a character you can think of, it will go to waste if you don't properly put it into words.


For Asterisk...well, let's just the anime doesn't really do a good job of avoiding the above pitholes :heh:
And that's the thing. A lot of people think every magic high school series is the same and complain about the same things even when it's not the case. Almost everything you mentioned don't really happen in Asterisk, for example. You can't judge everything the same when each one of them is different.
Even the first duel between Ayato and Julis was preplanned, she wasn't angry at him anymore and just wanted to investigate his abilities and so blackmailed him.
The main characters have a complex development, everyone relationship feels real and there's a lot of reasons for everyone to be friends. Everyone gets developed, have their objectives and time to shine.

If Asterisk received an anime adaptation in 2014, I'm pretty sure it'd be a lot better received. It was just a matter of bad timing. And also a matter of being a superficial adaptation and badly directed, of course. The anime wasn't very good at all, but it also wasn't a horrible thing like some people said. Worse yet when some even says something that's exactly almost everything you mentioned is better than Asterisk.

I like when people are honest and say they dislike something for real reasons and not because *insert some meaningless buzzword everyone likes to use to look smarter than others*. These ones should just be ignored, because they are not open for discussions anyway.

[carmolita]

@Testarossah I agree, I always thought that the anime for Asterisk didn't translate well on screen with regards to the novels, and the adding of fan service and extra scenes that weren't in the novels, didn't do it justice either (with the exception of the Eclipse battle). If you just watched the anime and didn't read the books then you may think that it was quite bland.

But if you read the novels then it's an amazing story, I think the reason for this is because most of the characters feelings and emotions are conveyed in their thoughts in the novels, so you get a better understanding of the characters actions and the reasons behind them. For example, there's a scene in the anime when Ayato rescues Julis from that puppet master Silas Norman, during that scene he tells her that he will protect her. In the novel when he tells her that he is also thinking that he won't fail to protect someone again. But they can't put that thought in the anime, so the viewer would be left thinking that he has developed feelings for Julis, a girl whom he recently met. But the actual meaning and reason behind him wanting to protect her is totally different which is why Asterisk is one of those series you have to read from book 1 and not skip anything.

@Rezel I totally agree with you about the journey of the story, I love reading Asterisk because it's not your typical MC overpowered, school battle, harem story. The character has flaws and there is actually a plot going on and good character development because they keep growing as the story gets told, more and more things come out. I like how the school battles are not the main focus of the story for the Main characters but something that they have to do as part of an even bigger story.

The author said in his Afterward in volume 12 to pay attention to the backstory/ flashback chapters about the past because they are going to be very important in future chapters/books some sort of connection. Other then the obvious have you read anything in those chapters that would give anything away on future events? When I read it they were straightforward, so I didn't pick up on anything that wasn't obvious other than we don't know the rest of Akari's story.

The author also mentioned that he wanted to tell Haruka's story but realized it would take a whole book so he decided to tell her story in flashbacks instead. I would have loved to of read her story :)

[RDNexus]

A good way to portray some of those introspective narrative lines could be from text added on the screen alongside the animated scenes, like the Monogatari Series tends to do. This original Netflix story, B: The Beginning, does so too, and adds an extra layer to the overall narrative.
In an age where many people watch Anime in a digital format, it shouldn't be hard to assume people could pause the video and check the extra lines.

[Testarossah]

@Testarossah I agree, I always thought that the anime for Asterisk didn't translate well on screen with regards to the novels, and the adding of fan service and extra scenes that weren't in the novels, didn't do it justice either (with the exception of the Eclipse battle). If you just watched the anime and didn't read the books then you may think that it was quite bland.

But if you read the novels then it's an amazing story, I think the reason for this is because most of the characters feelings and emotions are conveyed in their thoughts in the novels, so you get a better understanding of the characters actions and the reasons behind them. For example, there's a scene in the anime when Ayato rescues Julis from that puppet master Silas Norman, during that scene he tells her that he will protect her. In the novel when he tells her that he is also thinking that he won't fail to protect someone again. But they can't put that thought in the anime, so the viewer would be left thinking that he has developed feelings for Julis, a girl whom he recently met. But the actual meaning and reason behind him wanting to protect her is totally different which is why Asterisk is one of those series you have to read from book 1 and not skip anything.

Exactly. The first five books of Asterisk were used develop the characters, their relationships and goals, and heavily work on how the world worked. The anime skipped all that.
I liked how the tournament was a secondary thing, but the anime made it being the main focus. That was a major mistake.
Then we finally had a plot-focused book being adapted, which was the sixth book... But it was extremely rushed and they even cut major characters and choose to spend most of the final episode in a fight instead of what was really the plot twist of that book (Finally finding Haruka).

Well, it can't be helped. My biggest complaint is still that they cut Helga from the anime :mad:, I really wished at least I could see her even if the anime wasn't all that good.

[Rezel]

@Rezel I totally agree with you about the journey of the story, I love reading Asterisk because it's not your typical MC overpowered, school battle, harem story. The character has flaws and there is actually a plot going on and good character development because they keep growing as the story gets told, more and more things come out. I like how the school battles are not the main focus of the story for the Main characters but something that they have to do as part of an even bigger story.

The author said in his Afterward in volume 12 to pay attention to the backstory/ flashback chapters about the past because they are going to be very important in future chapters/books some sort of connection. Other then the obvious have you read anything in those chapters that would give anything away on future events? When I read it they were straightforward, so I didn't pick up on anything that wasn't obvious other than we don't know the rest of Akari's story.

The author also mentioned that he wanted to tell Haruka's story but realized it would take a whole book so he decided to tell her story in flashbacks instead. I would have loved to of read her story :)

Isn't it just Akari's flashback? The only thing that worry me now is Valda handing over pure manadyte to Hylda, that actually hasten her research for years. Now Valda may not need Madiath to succed in his plan to cause 2nd Invertia. Maybe it's backup plan?

Honestly the "present timeline" have more complicated and shady deals that past one. We still know nothing about Dirk and Percival's alliance matter.

[DragonOsman]

I'm thankful I didn't watch the anime for Gakusen, seriously.

@Ultragunner: Since we also talking about Magika here: shame on you for acting you think all or most magic high school series are the same and have the same problems even though you've also read Magika.

[Ultragunner]

^ ehhhh, I was only taking the perspectives of many like Digibro or anime-only watchers. I wasn't bashing the genre as a whole :heh:
Though I do have some vendetta against some other generic series (especially those with the violent loli tsundere), Asterisk ain't one of them :heh:

[DragonOsman]

*Phew* Okay, got it. :heh:

[archoel]

Cover
http://www.mediafactory.co.jp/files/d000174/ISBN978-4-04-069613-3asterisk13_x4U6_cover.jpg


Sypnosis
大激闘だった《獅鷲星武祭》から一年――各校の強豪が決戦準備を経て《王竜星武祭》に揃い踏みとなった。《 処刑刀》によって遥を人質に取られ出場を強制されてしまった綾斗も、遥の命を救うべく《王竜星武祭》に向け て特訓し、腕を磨いてきたが……一方で力になると約束していたユリスの障害になることが確定、お互いぎこち なさが続く。そんな中《王竜星武祭》が開幕。《星武祭》運営委員長マディアスは、開会式で高らかに謳った。 「──さあ、この栄光の座に集いし諸君！ いざ、力を示せ！」そうして、それぞれ因縁の相手との対戦を希い、予選へと臨む――！最高峰の学園バトルエ ンタ、六花の英傑集う第13弾！

[Nymene]

This series is good for those that like harems, but for those that hate harems, it's better to choose reading magic school fantasy series that are non-harem, like Rakudai Kishi and Magi's Grandson, except that Magi's Grandson has male characters among his circle of comrades.

[RedWingFM]

Magi's Grandson...after their marriage the story rapidly went downhill

[Taekan]

http://www.mediafactory.co.jp/files/d000172/asterisk13_Xt3K_pin.jpg

I wish that image to be bigger though, I would use it as my wallpaper without a doubt!

[LeftSeven]

who's dat blondie from allekan? and the slit eyes girl on left side of silvia?

[DragonOsman]

Good image. Ayato in the middle is him after the seal was completely released, right? I really want to see him wielding Ser Versta after it's repaired now, with the seal released.

[AndySimpson96]

He looks like he's aged 5 years, has there been a massive time skip at some point?

[Dragon_Slayer_X]

This series is good for those that like harems, but for those that hate harems, it's better to choose reading magic school fantasy series that are non-harem, like Rakudai Kishi and Magi's Grandson, except that Magi's Grandson has male characters among his circle of comrades.

I am calling bullshit on that. This series actually has a good story and nice character development and building a harem isn't the main focus neither important here. Ayato isn't going to get a super power if he get a harem of x number of girls.

Maybe you didn't even read this series? Geez it's actually sad and annoying when people judge a series based on harem/not-harem instead of the story or characters.

[DragonOsman]

@AndySimpson96: Didn't it say his growth had stopped because of the seal? Saya also told Julis that any training he did with the seal still there wasn't doing anything to him because his growth was frozen in place. Maybe now that the seal is gone, his body's time fast forwarded. Though he did still age before the seal came off completely, too, so this theory is a bit off.

[Taekan]

Well, my deduction is that as the characteres have grown up, and since okiura in the colored illustrations he does the art a little different, maybe Ayato in that illustration does seem to be a little "too old", but he is near 18 years old by mere speculations.
Apart from him, Saya, Julis and Orphelia look so kawaii, while Sylvia looks so different...

[DragonOsman]

I guess you're right about Ayato. And yeah, I like Julis' new hairstyle.

By the way, isn't the dark-skinned blonde girl from Allekant one of the two who created Ardi and Rimsi? I forget her name, though.

[AP24]

He looks like he's aged 5 years, has there been a massive time skip at some point?

At least 2 years should have passed since Vol 1. Kirin really looks like a mature young lady. I'm curious how much she has "grown" over the past few years. :heh:

[AndySimpson96]

@AndySimpson96: Didn't it say his growth had stopped because of the seal? Saya also told Julis that any training he did with the seal still there wasn't doing anything to him because his growth was frozen in place. Maybe now that the seal is gone, his body's time fast forwarded. Though he did still age before the seal came off completely, too, so this theory is a bit off.

Ah, that'll explain it.

*reading Yen's release so a bit behind.

[DragonOsman]

Well, he did age and grow taller. So aside from his growth through training having stopped because of the seal, I might be off. Maybe the reason he looks older is because two years have passed in the story since Volume 1. As AP24 said.

[carmolita]

A good way to portray some of those introspective narrative lines could be from text added on the screen alongside the animated scenes, like the Monogatari Series tends to do. This original Netflix story, B: The Beginning, does so too, and adds an extra layer to the overall narrative.
In an age where many people watch Anime in a digital format, it shouldn't be hard to assume people could pause the video and check the extra lines. That would have been great if that was there intention with the anime,:heh: but I think they chose to centralize the anime around Julis, which resulted in the changing/ misdirection of the story. Once they cut out Helga and gave her lines to Madaith, it's was obvious where they were going with it. They even omitted some of the references about Haruka in relation to Ayato. Such as, after Irene told Ayato about how Dirk wanted to crush him, he went to see Claudia, not only did he ask her about the Luxes, he asked her about Dirk knowing Haruka, then Claudia said she would look into it. Those things were important because it showed that Ayato was affected so much by what he saw of the relationship between Irene and Priscilla at the dinner table that night. It made him more determined to find about his sister on his own without anyone coaching him. It was a turning point for his character.
Exactly. The first five books of Asterisk were used develop the characters, their relationships and goals, and heavily work on how the world worked. The anime skipped all that.
I liked how the tournament was a secondary thing, but the anime made it being the main focus. That was a major mistake.
Then we finally had a plot-focused book being adapted, which was the sixth book... But it was extremely rushed and they even cut major characters and choose to spend most of the final episode in a fight instead of what was really the plot twist of that book (Finally finding Haruka).

Well, it can't be helped. My biggest complaint is still that they cut Helga from the anime :mad:, I really wished at least I could see her even if the anime wasn't all that good. I couldn't agree with you more !!:D Not to mention that right now in the Novel Helga's character has become even more important.
In vol 12 chapter 6 When Ayato said to Lamarious "So your not going to kill us" Lamarious went on to talk about how the others wouldn't really cause him any problems but that Helga and Isabella would pose a problem for him if they died, so he did not kill Haruka and Ayato (even though he was more then capable of doing so at that moment). So Helga's character is indeed important. So much so that if they were to try and do another anime - they would need to do a time skip to bring those characters back.:rolleyes: I'm still waiting for her to get illustrated. Not to mention that right now you have 3 major things happening.
1) The Lindwurm and Ayato x Julis issue
2) Mediath's plan is going to happen in 2 weeks so everyone's still trying to find out what it is so they can take him down
3) Helga, Haruka and Claudia are trying to locate and take down Varda
ok maybe 4 things :heh:
4) Haruka has this personal vendetta against Lamarous and she wants to find out who he is and get payback, not to mention she's being targeted by the GBA and needed for his plan~:heh:Which again no one knows what it is :eyebrow: So this tournament is more like a backdrop to everything that's going to be happening but exciting none the less. Not to mention with the influx of people it's kind of foreshadowed that some things are going to happen outside of the Lindwurm, because the guard is in charge of dealing with it, and haurka more less told Ayato she can't be there for his battles cause she's got to work.:D

Isn't it just Akari's flashback? The only thing that worry me now is Valda handing over pure manadyte to Hylda, that actually hasten her research for years. Now Valda may not need Madiath to succed in his plan to cause 2nd Invertia. Maybe it's backup plan?

Honestly the "present timeline" have more complicated and shady deals that past one. We still know nothing about Dirk and Percival's alliance matter.

Madiaths's flashback was in chapter 2 and then Akaris' was in chapter 4, but I agree with you that the things happening in the present are much more dangerous and shady. But now that you mention it, Hilda could be a backup plan to Varda since she started the experiment again on herself. I can't wait to find out Dirk's plan, he's manipulating everyone and has no problems with trying to kill people. I wouldn't be surprised if Madiath cut ties with him because he hasn't told him anything about his plan.:eyebrow: I'm still curious how Haruka is supposed to fit into all of this, I wonder if he needs her power for something.
He looks like he's aged 5 years, has there been a massive time skip at some point? Ayato was 12 when Haruka left home, she had been missing for 5 years so he was 17 when he went to asterisk 2 years have past from the time he found her till the time she woke up and by the end of vol 12, 7 months have past, so Ayato is now 19 yrs old and 7 months at the start of the Lindwurm. Since Haruka was sleeping/ existing outside of time when she sealed herself, she is now 17 yrs old and 7 months because she did not start ageing again until she woke up, so Ayato is now older than her but still sees her as his older sister. Kirin is 15 years old and 7 months now

[Rezel]

We'll have 50 more pages of Akari's flashbacks and much of fightings in v13 =) Tanoshimi ni suru!

[DragonOsman]

@carmolita: Great post, man. I completely agree. And I also really want to know what Dirk's planning and what role Haruka plays in it. Madiath's, too.

Has the Ser Versta been repaired already? If so, what Volume? And I want to see him master it.

Speaking of Orga Luxes. They have to be left back at the Academy whose jurisdiction they're in once the students who were using them graduate, right? I don't really like that. Even if Ayato wants to keep Ser Versta, he won't be allowed to. And what do they do in the off-chance that the Orga Lux itself wants to stay with that student, like for example if Ser Versta takes more of a liking to Ayato and doesn't want to part with him? What will Galaxy do in that case? It seems unlikely, but I think it's at least possible.

[Rezel]

@carmolita: Great post, man. I completely agree. And I also really want to know what Dirk's planning and what role Haruka plays in it. Madiath's, too.

Has the Ser Versta been repaired already? If so, what Volume? And I want to see him master it.

Speaking of Orga Luxes. They have to be left back at the Academy whose jurisdiction they're in once the students who were using them graduate, right? I don't really like that. Even if Ayato wants to keep Ser Versta, he won't be allowed to. And what do they do in the off-chance that the Orga Lux itself wants to stay with that student, like for example if Ser Versta takes more of a liking to Ayato and doesn't want to part with him? What will Galaxy do in that case? It seems unlikely, but I think it's at least possible.
Yep, SV long time repaired and at the end of v12 Ayato mastered it.

AF orga luxes... Festa winners can ask for orga lux and they'll get it. There's cases like that.

[DragonOsman]

But I don't think Ayato will ask to be allowed to keep his. It's a shame.

What Volume was Ser Versta repaired in?

[Rezel]

But I don't think Ayato will ask to be allowed to keep his. It's a shame.

What Volume was Ser Versta repaired in?
somwhere between 11 and 12. In v12c1 Ayato gave SV to Haruka and she burned fake memories inside her.

[AYCAMA]

Alright, I have sort of a confession to make.. I started watching this series with season 1 and i enjoyed it. I was convinced to start taking Asterisk war seriously, and start reading the LN's. However, before I made thay commitment, I ran into digibros little asterisk war playlist, and yea.. Im sure i dont need to say anything else.. I couldnt stand having another man form change my opinion however, Im not one to ignore the obvious facts and flaws. However, after some convincing, Ive decided to come back and give the series another try. It took me awhile though, because I was put off by how far behind I was to the story. So, I plan on watching season 2, as then starting the light novel's once more. BUT, before I do so, there's two questions that i want answered.



1) Yabuki Eishirou.. Ive read a few pages on this forum, and I've seen no mention of his name so far. And does he attract any girls himself? Or do they all typically flock towards Ayato like a certain series >_>

2)Are the LN's Better than the anime? Should I just read it ?instead

[DragonOsman]

1) Yabuki Eishirou is a member of the Shadow Star. Seidoukan's Special Ops organization. He has no romantic relationships that we know of. But although Ayato does have the potential to become a Harem King if he and the girls want that, rest assured that not all of the named females in the story are in love with him.

2) Ignore the anime and just read the LNs (starting from Volume 1). The LNs are better, especially since the anime cut out and changed quite a few things. [Note: I haven't watched the anime, and after reading what people on here have to say about it, I've decided to never do so.]

[RDNexus]

I watched the Anime and had fun doing so.
You can always use the Anime to see stuff animated and then pick the LNs for a more in-depth understanding of the whole story.

Now, the final choice is up to you.

[Dragon_Slayer_X]

Asterisk is one of the better adaptations (despite some of the cuts) so don't skip it. It will help you get through the LNs faster later if you have the basic idea.

At the very least, watch the OP and ED for both seasons. They are pretty good.

[AYCAMA]

1) Yabuki Eishirou is a member of the Shadow Star. Seidoukan's Special Ops organization. He has no romantic relationships that we know of. But although Ayato does have the potential to become a Harem King if he and the girls want that, rest assured that not all of the named females in the story are in love with him.

2) Ignore the anime and just read the LNs (starting from Volume 1). The LNs are better, especially since the anime cut out and changed quite a few things. [Note: I haven't watched the anime, and after reading what people on here have to say about it, I've decided to never do so.]

Ah I see. Much appreciated. Sorry for the stupid question, im aware that in harems the MC are the only one's girls pay attention too so I dont know what I was expecting this time haha. Appreciate all the replies.

[Dorakero]

1) Yabuki Eishirou is a member of the Shadow Star. Seidoukan's Special Ops organization. He has no romantic relationships that we know of. But although Ayato does have the potential to become a Harem King if he and the girls want that, rest assured that not all of the named females in the story are in love with hi
2) Ignore the anime and just read the LNs (starting from Volume 1). The LNs are better, especially since the anime cut out and changed quite a few things. [Note: I haven't watched the anime, and after reading what people on here have to say about it, I've decided to never do so.]
According to asterisk wikia
Both lester and yabuki have a girl friend ,they are just not in the main cast

[DragonOsman]

@Everyone: I think the anime for Gakusen is one of those you should watch for entertainment. And then when you read the LNs, read from Volume 1. Just look at what people have said about the anime in this thread on the last page or two.

@AYCAMA: This is one of the harem series where the girls in the harem have a life and relationships outside the harem and also a good relationship with each other. It's not a bad harem series. You won't hate if you read the LNs.

[AYCAMA]

@Everyone: I think the anime for Gakusen is one of those you should watch for entertainment. And then when you read the LNs, read from Volume 1. Just look at what people have said about the anime in this thread on the last page or two.

@AYCAMA: This is one of the harem series where the girls in the harem have a life and relationships outside the harem and also a good relationship with each other. It's not a bad harem series. You won't hate if you read the LNs.

I suppose.. How much screen/page time does Yabuki get?

@Dragon_slayer_X I LOVE season 1's ED <3

[carmolita]

@Rezel 50 pages of Akaris flashbacks ?! Yikes!! so much to read :( saw your chapter list so glad that it's 10 chapters... since it takes so long to release. I just pre-ordered vol 14 yesterday

ok..Finally, read the sample version of vol 13 this morning ...Looks like Akari's flashbacks is starting from before she came to asterisk. And if I read her name correctly ..It looks like Kirin's mom was her closest friend.

The sample did have the start of the Lindwurm in it ...like only a few pages... Mediath is giving some speech that has people excited, there are over 100,000 people there ( this is a recipe for trouble). Ayato is there looking up at Mediath and listening to his speech, Saya is there, so is lester and off in the distance, Ayato can see Julis. Claudia and Isabella think that Varda may of used some of her mind control on some of the people from Galexy.

**With the tournament being so big, there is bound to be a lot happening behind the scenes**

[Rezel]

I suppose.. How much screen/page time does Yabuki get?

@Dragon_slayer_X I LOVE season 1's ED <3

Not that much in first arc, but he'd get his role in second and last ones.

@Rezel 50 pages of Akaris flashbacks ?! Yikes!! so much to read :( saw your chapter list so glad that it's 10 chapters... since it takes so long to release. I just pre-ordered vol 14 yesterday

ok..Finally, read the sample version of vol 13 this morning ...Looks like Akari's flashbacks is starting from before she came to asterisk. And if I read her name correctly ..It looks like Kirin's mom was her closest friend.

The sample did have the start of the Lindwurm in it ...like only a few pages... Mediath is giving some speech that has people excited, there are over 100,000 people there ( this is a recipe for trouble). Ayato is there looking up at Mediath and listening to his speech, Saya is there, so is lester and off in the distance, Ayato can see Julis. Claudia and Isabella think that Varda may of used some of her mind control on some of the people from Galexy.

**With the tournament being so big, there is bound to be a lot happening behind the scenes**

Claudia and Isabella don't think. They already know that iirc. And man, in next month we'll get another volume! I just don't know how to overcome that hell!

[AYCAMA]

Just finished the 2nd season, and I thought it was pretty enjoyable. Hopefully we'll get a season 3 one day. Anyway, I now plan on starting the light novels, like I should've done 2 years ago >.> Very hyped to see what they do with Yabuki's character from now on. One more thing. I heard everywhere that Ayato goes out with sylvia and all that in the future, but with my experience with anime/LN's thus far, I'm almost 100% positive that by the end of the series that ayato and julis will for sure end up together.. I mean I already figured that when he literally declared himself to be there for her by ONLY the 3rd episode of season 1... But I personally felt like season 2 made that especially clear. I mean with the whole implication of Ayato saying he would "think about it when the time comes" when asked by julis' brother if SHE wanted to marry him herself. As well as the whole "I'll only enter this if she enters with me" crap. But hey, to each their own right? Hopefully this series gives me a fun ride!

[AP24]

The LN is likely to end soon probably at Vol 15 because the latest volume is covering the Lindwurm which is held during the winter of their 3rd year. It is possible there will be more anime covering the rest of the series in 2 cours.

[Taekan]

I watched the anime and loved it, the openings and endings are so cool! I read all of the volumes so far that are in english (that is, up to 9, then summaries here and there of the other volumes).

Hell, I'm so fan of this series that I've been dreaming about watching a third season, even OVAs xD
And I'm planning to buy the physical editions from Yenpress too. If only the manga was still being serialized (it was axed? Does anyone know that?)

And related to the latest volume, I do hope for it to sell well, but I don't think that it may get the first place on sales since Re:Zero is also releasing a volume this week :c

[AYCAMA]

The LN is likely to end soon probably at Vol 15 because the latest volume is covering the Lindwurm which is held during the winter of their 3rd year. It is possible there will be more anime covering the rest of the series in 2 cours.

Hope it doesn't end soon, I just got started. (Again..) Is lindwurm supposed to be the final arc or something?

[carmolita]

The LN is likely to end soon probably at Vol 15 because the latest volume is covering the Lindwurm which is held during the winter of their 3rd year. It is possible there will be more anime covering the rest of the series in 2 cours.

I don't think it's going to end that soon maybe vol. 20. if not further. There is just too much happening for It to end at vol 15. Gakusen is not really about the Festa's but the Festa's are a part of the story.

1) We still have to find out if Akari was really murdered and if so who killed her or if she just got sick and died like Haruka thinks/ believes. :eyebrow:
2) Haruka's vengeance
3) Mediath's plan
4) Dirk's plan
5) Varda's plan, and she is the Anti Galaxy's number 1 target
6) Julis x Orphelia issue, Sylvia x Varda issue
7) Not to mention as of vol 13 chapter 2 Claudia and Isabella now know that some of Galaxy's people have been taken over by Varda's mind manipulation.** I sense a major battle/ power struggle going to happen **
8) Ayato still has to fight to keep Haruka alive, assuming she can be saved
9) Ayato has to give the girls answers to there feelings since he decided to take everyone's feelings seriously *which he mentally stated will not happen until the Haruka issue is dealt with, which is not going to happen anytime soon
10) and the good doctor Magnus opus may be up to no good

Gakusen kind of reminds me of Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei/e Irregular at Magic High School. where the school is the backdrop of the story but there are other factions, shady deals and power struggles happening on the outside. Not to mention it also has a powerful brother sister, Only gakuson does not have any romantic overtones to the brother-sister relationship, they are just siblings who platonically love and want to protect each other nothing more

@AYCAMA The Lindwurm is just the final tournament of the 3 festa's, not sure if it will be the final arc:cool:

@archoel and Taekan Thank you so much for the photo's :D

[AYCAMA]

I don't think it's going to end that soon maybe vol. 20. if not further. There is just too much happening for It to end at vol 15. Gakusen is not really about the Festa's but the Festa's are a part of the story.

1) We still have to find out if Akari was really murdered and if so who killed her or if she just got sick and died like Haruka thinks/ believes. :eyebrow:
2) Haruka's vengeance
3) Mediath's plan
4) Dirk's plan
5) Varda's plan, and she is the Anti Galaxy's number 1 target
6) Julis x Orphelia issue, Sylvia x Varda issue
7) Not to mention as of vol 13 chapter 2 Claudia and Isabella now know that some of Galaxy's people have been taken over by Varda's mind manipulation.** I sense a major battle/ power struggle going to happen **
8) Ayato still has to fight to keep Haruka alive, assuming she can be saved
9) Ayato has to give the girls answers to there feelings since he decided to take everyone's feelings seriously *which he mentally stated will not happen until the Haruka issue is dealt with, which is not going to happen anytime soon
10) and the good doctor Magnus opus may be up to no good

Gakusen kind of reminds me of Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei/e Irregular at Magic High School. where the school is the backdrop of the story but there are other factions, shady deals and power struggles happening on the outside. Not to mention it also has a powerful brother sister, Only gakuson does not have any romantic overtones to the brother-sister relationship, they are just siblings who platonically love and want to protect each other nothing more

@AYCAMA The Lindwurm is just the final tournament of the 3 festa's, not sure if it will be the final arc:cool:

@archoel and Taekan Thank you so much for the photo's :D

Thanks for the clarification. I had to drop Mahouka Koukou >.> Couldnt stomach it.. I always give a series 3 strikes. In this case, the incest signs marked off 2 strikes already.. The 3rd strike was that incident with how he took up for that kendo girl at the beginning even though she was in the wrong (or something like that) So I already knew it was gonna be the type of mc where he just white knights for the women in every case.

[Rezel]

I don't think it's going to end that soon maybe vol. 20. if not further. There is just too much happening for It to end at vol 15. Gakusen is not really about the Festa's but the Festa's are a part of the story.

1) We still have to find out if Akari was really murdered and if so who killed her or if she just got sick and died like Haruka thinks/ believes. :eyebrow:
2) Haruka's vengeance
3) Mediath's plan
4) Dirk's plan
5) Varda's plan, and she is the Anti Galaxy's number 1 target
6) Julis x Orphelia issue, Sylvia x Varda issue
7) Not to mention as of vol 13 chapter 2 Claudia and Isabella now know that some of Galaxy's people have been taken over by Varda's mind manipulation.** I sense a major battle/ power struggle going to happen **
8) Ayato still has to fight to keep Haruka alive, assuming she can be saved
9) Ayato has to give the girls answers to there feelings since he decided to take everyone's feelings seriously *which he mentally stated will not happen until the Haruka issue is dealt with, which is not going to happen anytime soon
10) and the good doctor Magnus opus may be up to no good

Gakusen kind of reminds me of Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei/e Irregular at Magic High School. where the school is the backdrop of the story but there are other factions, shady deals and power struggles happening on the outside. Not to mention it also has a powerful brother sister, Only gakuson does not have any romantic overtones to the brother-sister relationship, they are just siblings who platonically love and want to protect each other nothing more

@AYCAMA The Lindwurm is just the final tournament of the 3 festa's, not sure if it will be the final arc:cool:

@archoel and Taekan Thank you so much for the photo's :D

And since we know about all those plot lines there's some way to merge them and finish in 3-5 books.

But I honestly think that it's last arc. Last story arc. Ofc we'll have some ending for everyone, maybe epilogue volume. Can author say some more of story to us? I doubt it, because there's no more chances for Ayato/Julis/Saya and maybe Claudia to enter Festa. Ofc we have Kirin's last encore, but it's more like SS volume =) She deserved more love.

The only problem is Dirk's plan... I don't understand how it would fit in storyline...

[carmolita]

I think that the author can take the story further within the scope of the world that he created. For instance iirc, he mentioned about how some of the students who graduate participate in wars and vol 12 even mentioned about how they wanted ayato to join the guard but never stated his decision, and depending on how the story ends Galaxy may end up being split, In that case, who would be working for whom. kirn would of course still be in school but everyone else would have graduated. Since Matsugu said that Akari wanted her children to be free and not bound, I just can't see Ayato getting married and having a bunch of kids but maybe exploring other things. He seems to be inquisitive enough for that. Especially since Haruka is doing this whole protect the world thing. He may just decide to follow in her footsteps, especially if she doesn't survive this.

[DragonOsman]

I hope for Ayato to marry Julis at the very least. It'd suck in my opinion if he doesn't marry anyone. He did also say he wants to give an answer to the girls' feelings after saving Haruka, like you said yourself. But on that note, wasn't that just referring to waking her up from her time-frozen slumber? Which is already done, actually. But yeah, he probably will wait until after he's really saved Haruka before he gives the girls his answer to their feelings for him. I wonder if he already knows about Sylvia's feelings, though?

I'm hoping for a True Harem ending, and it may be possible if he marries Julis after freeing Lieseltania from its parent IEF which is Julis' wish and which he might also make for her if he wins the Lindwurm. Though I also want him to be allowed to keep Ser Versta if he's interested in that (which he can't do unless he wishes for it for winning the Lindwurm).

I understand that what Julis wants to do is to use the money from the Grand Slam to save her orphanage and to ask the IEFs to give Lieseltania its freedom as her wish for winning the Lindwurm. Both of those things are something Ayato could also do for her if he wins. Since he doesn't have anything he'd rather ask for himself and he doesn't yet know everything about Mediath and Laminamorus or about what he's planning involving Haruka.

[dragon1412]

I think talking about ending is way too soon

[carmolita]

I hope for Ayato to marry Julis at the very least. It'd suck in my opinion if he doesn't marry anyone. He did also say he wants to give an answer to the girls' feelings after saving Haruka, like you said yourself. But on that note, wasn't that just referring to waking her up from her time-frozen slumber? Which is already done, actually. But yeah, he probably will wait until after he's really saved Haruka before he gives the girls his answer to their feelings for him. I wonder if he already knows about Sylvia's feelings, though?

I'm hoping for a True Harem ending, and it may be possible if he marries Julis after freeing Lieseltania from its parent IEF which is Julis' wish and which he might also make for her if he wins the Lindwurm. Though I also want him to be allowed to keep Ser Versta if he's interested in that (which he can't do unless he wishes for it for winning the Lindwurm).

I understand that what Julis wants to do is to use the money from the Grand Slam to save her orphanage and to ask the IEFs to give Lieseltania its freedom as her wish for winning the Lindwurm. Both of those things are something Ayato could also do for her if he wins. Since he doesn't have anything he'd rather ask for himself and he doesn't yet know everything about Mediath and Laminamorus or about what he's planning involving Haruka.

I don't think marriage is on Ayato's mind. After Haruka woke up she went to see her step-father and Ayato stayed behind in Asterisk. She was gone for a month and during that time he did not answer the girl's confessions and this was before he found out about Haruka's issue with the shard and decided to participate in the Lindwurm. He had plenty of time to give them answers and didn't, but he did spend time with them because when Haruka scolded him for not inviting them to the festival, he said they were busy(Julis was training and had been for 6 months, Saya was doing research, Claudia had student council stuff and kirin was doing sword training), but she found out quickly that he didn't even ask them nor did he tell them that he was taking her to the festival and then she got very angry at him. He wanted to take Haruka out the next day because she had so much fun and they didn't see everything on the first day, and to go meet their cousin Yuzuki at queensvale but Haruka told him that she would go by herself and that she didn't want to monopolize his time with the girls.

I think that he knows about Sylvia's feelings because of that hotel incident in vol 11., Haruka knows about Sylvia's feelings because Sylvia told her that she wanted to take her out for tea and wanted Haruka to tell her about all of Ayato's childhood [Ayato was sitting right next to Haruka when Sylvia said it too].~( this is in vol 12 chapter 7. ) But the other girls weren't happy about it and That's when Claudia told Sylvia "why don't you ask Saya she's Ayato's childhood friend" Then Saya said " Yes, come, I'll tell you about it for 7 days and 7 nights but it won't be interesting":D, so they kind of ganged up on her. Helga had to break it up:heh:

With regards to Ayato Julis and the Lindwurm, he's just deeply ashamed because he broke his word to her, I'm sure if there is a way out of this Lindwurm he will take it, but he can't stop until they find out that plan, and if he comes up against Julis then it will be pointless for him to worry about it. I kind of want him to go up against Julis because then we will see if he is going to get wrapped up in his emotions, give in to her, like throw the match and throw caution to the wind with regards to saving Haurka or if he is going to accept Lamirous words like gold, not take a chance and defeat Julis so that his sister doesn't get killed.:eyebrow: After reading the sample release of vol 13. of the opening ceremony at the start of the Lindwurm it gave nothing away on Ayato's state of mind nor his feelings. But Julis seems to of made her decision and considering they are standing apart at a distance - they are rivals. :cool:

Keep in mind there is always a possibility that Haruka may give up/ risk her own life in some way to stop all of this if not slow it down, to stop Ayato from being blackmailed. She recognizes that she is a big cause of all of this disruption and not even concerned about that shard. I think her desire to protect Ayato is much greater than his to protect her because to her not much time has passed since she's seen him and made that vow, and for Ayato it's been 7 years, he's learned to live without her and she recognizes/ see's that- she's happy for him but also sad and lonely (she realized that when he grabbed her hand at the festival). Even though Ayato was willing to die with her during the lamarious battle, Haruka will not let that happen. She would rather die and see him happy then live and watch Ayato suffer, especially since she knows he is going to be ok without her.

[AP24]

I'm looking forward to see how strong everyone has become in the latest volume. Here's my estimation on how strong the 5 main characters were before.

In the beginning of the series, Kirin and Claudia were the two strongest in Seidoukan and probably in the Top 20 of all Asterisk students. Ayato after his first seal removed would be the 3rd strongest in Seidoukan just very slightly below Claudia and Kirin and he was barely in the Top 20 of all Asterisk students at best. Julis at best was Seidoukan's 4th strongest and in the Top 30 of all Asterisk students. Saya was around Julis' level at best.

During the Gryps Festa, Ayato already had his second seal removed and so he became the strongest in Seidoukan and just barely in the Top 10 of all Asterisk students at best. Kirin and Claudia were probably just slightly behind Ayato and were between 11th to 15th strongest of all Asterisk students at best. Julis was probably on Kirin and Claudia's level after obtaining her new weapon. Saya was the weakest out of these five but probably became strong enough to be Seidoukan's 5th strongest.

[carmolita]

I think that everyone is a lot stronger. 6 months have passed since vol 12 chapter 7 and during that time they have all been practicing. It was also during this time that Julis distanced herself from everyone. Kirin has 2 swords now, have been practicing a lot and learned that new move from the gryps and she was still practicing up until the opening ceremony even though she's not in it.
Saya has developed a new weapon, her father thought she went overboard and she said no the more power the better and that she was going to take down anyone who messed with Haruka.
Ayato has improved a lot, Haruka taught him how to control ser-verst and her father let her teach him a new move. During there Epilogue she told him there was nothing more she could do for him (keep in mind she doesn't know all the moves herself) and he wasn't even concerned about the Lindwurm. And at the start of the Lindwurm he wasn't even worried,
Claudia is more like doing recon right now, I can't say if she's done anything to improve her skills, and Julis has been training forever and learned some new moves we just haven't seen them yet. Rezel posted everyones new moves and power ups a few pages back.

[DragonOsman]

Ayato did say he wants to give his answer to the girls, so now I'm miffed that he hasn't done that. Maybe he'll do it after the Lindwurm? Especially since Haruka scolded him for neglecting the girls to spend time with her and whatnot.

Hopefully Ayato's father will teach him the Amagiri Bright Dragon style techniques that Haruka can't. I think some father-son training sessions are in order at some point.

[AP24]

The author before had tweeted the Odrerir unified rankings for some characters as of Vol 10's end.

1st Orphelia
2nd Sylvia
3rd Ayato
7th Kirin
10th Julis
12th Claudia
18th Saya

Xinglou is ranked below Ayato probably because there's very little public data on her strength. Some students are ranked below than they should because of little data, so even though Kirin is in the top 10 of the Odrerir rankings she might not actually be one of the top 10 strongest students in Asterisk.

Can someone tweet the author to ask him the rest of the top 20 Odrerir rankings as of Vol 10's end?

[zerodragon]

The author before had tweeted the Odrerir unified rankings for some characters as of Vol 10's end.

1st Orphelia
2nd Sylvia
3rd Ayato
7th Kirin
10th Julis
12th Claudia
18th Saya

Xinglou is ranked below Ayato probably because there's very little public data on her strength. Some students are ranked below than they should because of little data, so even though Kirin is in the top 10 of the Odrerir rankings she might not actually be one of the top 10 strongest students in Asterisk.

Can someone tweet the author to ask him the rest of the top 20 Odrerir rankings as of Vol 10's end?
more than likely Kirin will be higher after getting her orge lux in volume 11

[DragonOsman]

What are their actual rankings? I want to know that as well.

[AP24]

more than likely Kirin will be higher after getting her orge lux in volume 11

What are their actual rankings? I want to know that as well.

I'm guessing the other students in the top 10 Odrerir rankings as of Vol 10 are Ernest, Xinglou, Xiaofei, Fuyuka (Jie Long #3) and Arlequint #1. Since Odrerir rankings are informal they are not really 100% accurate. Kirin at that time might not actually be one of the 10 strongest students in Asterisk but she was ranked as high as 7th probably because of of how well she fought against Xiaofei. Now that Kirin has an Orga Lux, she might really be one of the 10 strongest students in Asterisk currently. Here's my guess on who will truly be the top 10 Asterisk students by the end of the Lindwurm:

1st/2nd Ayato
1st/2nd Xinglou
3rd/4th Orphelia
3rd/4th Julis
5th Sylvia
6th/7th/8th Xiaofei
6th/7th/8th Fuyuka
6th/7th/8th Kirin
9th/10th Claudia
9th/10th Ernest

[dragon1412]

What are their actual rankings? I want to know that as well.

actual ranking is hard, since it's also involved a lot with equipments, practically all single digit have Ogre Lux, and in some case like Claudia, her Ogre Lux contribute the majority in her ranking, Saya and Kirin have no special weapon, so their ranking are actually more pure ability compare to others/

[Rezel]

actual ranking is hard, since it's also involved a lot with equipments, practically all single digit have Ogre Lux, and in some case like Claudia, her Ogre Lux contribute the majority in her ranking, Saya and Kirin have no special weapon, so their ranking are actually more pure ability compare to others/

But they have now. Kirin have new orga lux and almost unbeatable ability (if she can handle opponent's moves ofc) and all of Saya's luxes almost on orga lux level in terms of pure power (but also have flaws like long cooldown).

[AP24]

24 hours until the online version is out though we might get spoilers hours earlier. According to Vol 14's tagline, the top 16 of the Lindwurm will be known at the end of Vol 13. The author just tweeted that the series is approaching the climax.

Also, maybe the reason why we haven't been getting more anime is because they are considering on covering Vol 7-11 and parts of Vol 12 in just one-cour. This can be done by covering these volumes in these episodes.

Ep 1-5: Vol 7-8
Ep 6-10: Vol 9-10
Ep 11-12: Vol 11
Ep 13: Vol 12 Ch 1 & 3

[RDNexus]

Erm...aren't you rushing that part of the story a bit too much?
As far as I remember, the first series had a kinda decent pacing...

[Rezel]

24 hours until the online version is out though we might get spoilers hours earlier. According to Vol 14's tagline, the top 16 of the Lindwurm will be known at the end of Vol 13. The author just tweeted that the series is approaching the climax.

Also, maybe the reason why we haven't been getting more anime is because they are considering on covering Vol 7-11 and parts of Vol 12 in just one-cour. This can be done by covering these volumes in these episodes.

Ep 1-5: Vol 7-8
Ep 6-10: Vol 9-10
Ep 11-12: Vol 11
Ep 13: Vol 12 Ch 1 & 3

v7-10 are really packed with events. I don't think they can do good job with only 12 eps for these volumes.

[AP24]

Each volume is approximately 250 pages and covering 100 pages in one episode is a common thing for LN adaptation. Vol 7 is just an introduction for the second year arc and Vol 11 seems more like a slice of life story with little action.

It's the 23rd in Japan and stores are selling Vol 13 today so be on the lookout for spoilers later.

[dragon1412]

But they have now. Kirin have new orga lux and almost unbeatable ability (if she can handle opponent's moves ofc) and all of Saya's luxes almost on orga lux level in terms of pure power (but also have flaws like long cooldown).

The point stand, as i was talking about that the ranking is definitely involve more than just ability, Saya is at a massive down compare to the other, Kirin will managed to overcame it soon

[DragonOsman]

actual ranking is hard, since it's also involved a lot with equipments, practically all single digit have Ogre Lux, and in some case like Claudia, her Ogre Lux contribute the majority in her ranking, Saya and Kirin have no special weapon, so their ranking are actually more pure ability compare to others/

Ayato's own power and skill is also pretty good, though the latter still needs work. But yeah, his being number one is probably still mostly due to Ser Versta (if he's really number one and AP24's ranking list is correct).

I said before that Ayato or Julis (whichever of them wins the Lindwurm) would have to wish for Lieseltania's independence from its parent IEF, but now I realize that I might've been forgetting something. IIRC, didn't it say that Julis' brother is already negotiating with the IEF thanks to Julis having already made that wish for Lieseltania's independence? Now she just wants to win the Lindwurm so she can get the money for her orphanage, right?

If that's the case, then if Ayato wants to be allowed to keep Ser Versta, he won't have to worry about getting in Julis' way. He can make his wish to be allowed to keep Ser Versta and then just give Julis the money for the orphanage. Done.

So yeah, with this, it's already looking like Ayato won't have to worry about his harem acting as shackles tying him to the IEF if he chooses the True Harem route. Now the question is if he and Julis both agree with the idea (which currently seems kind of unlikely given what they think about Jolbert (that's Julis' brother's name, right?) situation).

[carmolita]

Ayato did say he wants to give his answer to the girls, so now I'm miffed that he hasn't done that. Maybe he'll do it after the Lindwurm? Especially since Haruka scolded him for neglecting the girls to spend time with her and whatnot. I'm sure that he will give the girls an answer at some point. He may not have said anything because Haruka is being targeted. When she came back from there father's house Ayato told her that she could have stayed longer because she had been gone for 7 years. She said that she couldn't because of the exam for the guard and that she even studied while she was there and also Helga didn't have enough people to keep watch on her. So after she came back one of Helga's people put a tracer spell on Haruka so they will know where she is or be able to find her if there is trouble, which frees up the guard. Ayato is even worried about her being in the guard because she is doing something dangerous again. But Haruka told him that she has to return the favor ( she's speaking of lamirous).
Hopefully Ayato's father will teach him the Amagiri Bright Dragon style techniques that Haruka can't. I think some father-son training sessions are in order at some point.I think his Dad will at some point, since everyone is worried about Haruka being targeted, and Mediath needs her for his plan, I'm expecting her to get separated from Ayato in a way where he can't reach her. His separation from her would be the only thing that will get him to honestly talk and bring him closer to his father.
When Ayato was called home by his Dad at the end of vol. 10 and then talked with his father in vol. 11 he told Ayato that he wanted to talk about Haruka. Ayato got really angry at him because not only did he not go see Haruka for 2 years he was also the reason Ayato didn't search for her for the 5 years she was missing. Every time Ayato asked his father about Haruka he would just say that it was Haruka's will and to leave it alone, which is why Ayato had those feelings of abandonment. Not to mention he is going to need all the power he can get if he's going to take on Mediath/Lamirous and his malevolence since he was no match for him in their previous battle.
Ayato's own power and skill is also pretty good, though the latter still needs work. But yeah, his being number one is probably still mostly due to Ser Versta (if he's really number one and AP24's ranking list is correct).

I said before that Ayato or Julis (whichever of them wins the Lindwurm) would have to wish for Lieseltania's independence from its parent IEF, but now I realize that I might've been forgetting something. IIRC, didn't it say that Julis' brother is already negotiating with the IEF thanks to Julis having already made that wish for Lieseltania's independence? Now she just wants to win the Lindwurm so she can get the money for her orphanage, right?

If that's the case, then if Ayato wants to be allowed to keep Ser Versta, he won't have to worry about getting in Julis' way. He can make his wish to be allowed to keep Ser Versta and then just give Julis the money for the orphanage. Done.
Julis got the money for the orphanage when she won the Pheonix, she got the independence when she won the Gryps, Her goal in the Lindwurm is to win against Orphlia to get her friend back and win the Grand Slam. Nothing that Ayato can wish for can give her that. Julis Accomplishing this goal is going to be luck. Because
Sylvia's reason for entering was to fight Orphilia, not to win.
Julis main reason was to fight Orphilia and to win.
Ayato (who never wanted to enter) has to fight Orphilia if he comes up against her and is NOT allowed to lose any battles. That is the condition that Lamirous put on him to keep Haruka alive.
of course Saya's reason for entering was to fight allkelant robot. Saya and Sylvia wanted to withdraw from the Lindwurm to make it easier for Ayato but Claudia told them to compete and clear away the opponants for Ayato because if they can't find out what Lamirous is planning and stop it or get that shard out of Haruka then Ayato is going to have to win the whole Lindwurm to keep her alive.
So yeah, with this, it's already looking like Ayato won't have to worry about his harem acting as shackles tying him to the IEF if he chooses the True Harem route. Now the question is if he and Julis both agree with the idea (which currently seems kind of unlikely given what they think about Jolbert (that's Julis' brother's name, right?) situation). The author gave so much depth to the characters that I wouldn't be surprised it was left open-ended and allowed you to make the choice, or he chose no one. Or the story could continue but like another storyline, when they're older and graduated.:cool:

[AP24]

If we exclude Ayato and the main girls, the strongest students are Orphelia and Xinglou. The next strongest is Sylvia but she is still outclassed by Orphelia and Xinglou. The strongest ones after Sylvia are probably Xiaofei and Fuyuka.

Ayato probably had already reached Sylvia's level at the end of Vol 10 and he has been training since then in order to become strong enough to defeat Orphelia. Julis wasn't even on Xiaofei's level but maybe she has become strong enough to defeat Orphelia after Xinglou's training. Kirin should be on Xiaofei's level now or maybe even on Sylvia's level. Saya now probably can defeat someone of Cecily's level but not sure if she can defeat someone of Xiaofei's level. If Claudia is not participating in the Lindwurm then too bad we won't see how strong she has become.

Orphelia, Ayato, Sylvia, Kirin and Julis are in the Top 10 of Odrerir rankings and most likely Xiaofei and Fuyuka too. If it's like in the other Festas then we won't see any of them fighting each other in the preliminaries and maybe not until Vol 14.

[DragonOsman]

I really hope we don't get an open ending of all things. If it's an open ending with an implied clear ending (either Julis end or True Harem end - either one is fine with me), then that's still fine IMO. But open ending period? With him choosing no one? No way.

If Ayato beats Orphelia, hopefully he can also save her from the Orga Lux controlling her (Varda Vaos, right?).

I wonder what'll happen if Ayato finds out a way to keep Haruka alive and foil Madiath's plan without having to beat Orphelia or winning the Lindwurm (though I hope he wins it either way). And in that case, what if he has to fight Julis in the finals (I mean in the case that he knows of a way to keep Haruka alive without having to win the Lindwurm)? Will he throw the match or hold back? I really hope not.

[AP24]

Spoilers are out and the Top 16 matches are revealed at the end of Vol 13.

1) Ayato vs. Rodolfo Zoppo (Rewolf 2nd rank)
2) Fuyuka vs. Noelle Mesmer (Galahadworth 7th rank, trained at Xinglou’s private place)
3) Lester vs. Black Knight (Galahadworth)
4) Julis vs. Xiaofei
5) Saya vs. Violet Weinberg (trained at Xinglou’s private place)
6) RM-C vs. LN-T
7) Neitnefer (Queenvail 2nd rank) vs. Sylvia
8) Hilda vs. Orphelia

If the order is correct then Ayato and Julis will eventually fight in the semifinal.

Xiaofei is Xinglou's first disciple so he's the perfect opponent for Julis to show the results of her training at Xinglou's place.

Looking forward to see if LN-T is better than her predecessor. It's interesting that Saya is up against that girl she beat easily at the pool in that anime-original episode. I'm guessing Saya will win and then fight either RM-C or LN-T in the quarterfinals.

So Orphelia will fight against her creator, but how strong is Hilda? Obviously Sylvia and Orphelia will win and they will fight each other in the quarterfinals.

Did Kirin not participate or did she lose against someone?

[DragonOsman]

Thanks for posting that. Looks interesting. If Ayato and Julis fight, hopefully Ayato won't hold back or throw the match. I really don't want to see that.

Julis trained under Xinglou without having to join Jie Long (and it'd also be against be against the rules for her to join a different school now anyway). Maybe Ayato can do the same? If so, I'd like to see him train with her. She did say she wants to train him (though he declined the offer when she asked).