Conventionally, authors use exposition to rapidly explain a variety of crucial plot threads that would otherwise require their story to be significantly longer. This added length would then require the introduction of multiple characters and scenarios which would then lead the author through their explanation about the world and his/her characters. The critical information thus detailed, would then enable the series protagonist(s) to come to terms with their personal struggles. This turn of events would, in turn, allowing them to defeat whatever their big bad has been afflicting the world around them. It's no small mercy that Kim Se-hun of HARDCORE LEVELING WARRIOR has refrained from making long exposition mandatory in his story. Though the series could certainly benefit from an info dump given the mysteries surrounding the characters and world, Se-hun's approach towards combat as a storytelling medium makes for a more enlightened approach.
Having said that, CH.43 begins with exposition. HARDCORE LEVELING WARRIOR is largely about playing games, the influences of technology, and the interplay between good versus evil when contrasted against moral ambiguity. The world of Lucid Adventure, however, presents itself in a very simplistic manner: a vast world under siege by a dark, primordial force known as Nightmare. As is the case with most conventional high fantasy, Nightmare exists for the sole purpose of destruction and enables Player Characters (PCs) to augment their capabilities by taking on Nightmare related quests, skills, and attributes. Having joined Nightmare despite being a Non-Player Character (NPC), Rigos' character is understood to be irregular enough that it separates himself from other devils. Lazie's earlier proclamation about Rigos' having broken "the pact" is likely an extension of this irregular interaction. In addition to the explanation of the politics involved in Rigos' breaking of the pact there are a couple of other key pieces of information given to readers by Se-hun. The alliance between Yopi Land, Giga, and the Minor Country Union is flesh out and given a fuller context. Over the span of one year, HLW's personality is significantly changed, and appears to be closely tied to the political movements of the Allied Nations. Se-hun tides over the more dry bits of exposition in this chapter by giving a wide range of combat visuals before returning to HLW's battle with Rigos. Even rewound to a more powerful form, HLW continues to struggle against the most powerful devil in Lucid Adventure. By using three temporary skills gained from his use of "Golden Lucky Coin", he is able to avoid Rigos' ultimate attack, and recover some health before dealing a critical hit to the devil's heart. Rigos, however, manages to stabilize himself by freezing his wounds shut and then proceeds to attack HLW. At this crucial moment of life and death, HLW's passive skill "Lucky Man" saves him from the point end of a blood spear and allows him to use the skill "Lucky Punch". HLW's strike lands and by luck strikes Rigos for 99999 DMG which kills the devil instantly. CH.44 continues from Rigos' death, and with the timer on "Rewind" ticking down, HLW is forced to quickly open the loot chest dropped by Rigos in the hopes of getting an item that will save him from his critical status effect. HLW's luck comes through yet again in this instance and allows him to find The Tear of Lorenas amongst the many items received from killing the devil. Before he can use this legendary item to revive his comrades, however, "Rewind" times out and reduces HLW to a critically downed state. Unable to right himself or revive his companions, a mysterious figure appears over HLW and proclaims that they intend to use The Tear of Lorenas. Following Rigos' defeat, the remaining parties on the field receive system notifications indicating that HLW's party has defeated the field boss. Han Gun-soo of Giga decides to issue a bounty for HLW and his party under the presumption that their party must be weakened following a boss battle. Their presumed weakness, and the fact that each party must spend the night in the field sets a trap for our protagonists reminiscent of a GANTZ mission. BJ Umai, a streamer, informs the general populace and remaining parties in the tournament about Giga's desire to take down HLW and his party. By using the unique skills of his companions, Umai is able to locate HLW and disseminates this information among the other parties. With his party and allied members well again, HLW divides up the spoils of Rigos' drops amongst his companions. Tempest receives a gun, sword and ring, with the later items likely meant for Drip Soup and ChocoVV respectively. Pooh Upooh, Tac, and Lime receive Master Devil's Organ, a Skill Slake, and Succubus' Anti-aging Cream for their hand in fighting the field boss. Lastly, Dark receives Rigos' Horns, Sora's Ego Sword eats Ancient Devil's Ore Pieces, and HLW finds a photograph of the woman who initially reduced him to his LVL 1 state. Strangely, the photograph is titled Zero's Memory and is likely the most highly valued item at Grade - God rank. Se-hun lines up subsequent storylines with the introduction of this picture as the item additionally claims that a quest will be created under certain, unspecified conditions. Revealed as the mystery user of The Tear of Lorenas is Lila, the remaining member of HLW's alliance. Through her intervention, all of the dead members of the alliance are revived and restored to stable states. With an Ego Sword strapped to her back, it is immediately apparent that Lila is an exceptional swordsman in her own right. Lila's connection to BJ Umai's streaming service allows her to inform the alliance members about their current situation, with HLW stating that their current predicament could be worse than fighting Rigos. These past two chapters of HARDCORE LEVELING WARRIOR showcased Kim Se-hun's unique storytelling style. The unique qualities of his characters, and combat scenarios are each worked to orbit around the overarching plot of his story. In this way, there are intrinsic links between each interaction that HLW undertakes with his teammates. The next chapters will see HLW's alliance in a desperate fight for there lives as they continue to try and understand the mysteries surrounding them. Is the mystery woman in Rigos' memory Zero? If so, what were her intentions in killing HLW, taking Lazie's horns, and how do they fit into Nightmare's machinations? What are Han Gun-soo's intentions and why is he so adamant about defeating HLW? What are the implications of this and his relationship with Giga given their shared alliance amongst the Allied Nations? Where are Lila's other companions? These questions are sure to be answered, at least in part, in the coming chapters of HARDCORE LEVELING WARRIOR. Written By: ALAN "VIENNA" SINGH
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I wanted to talk about NANATSU NO TAIZAI in this article, but the latest chapter of the popular series by Nakaba Suzuki makes that very difficult in a very literal way. For perhaps the first time since the series introduction, none of the titular Seven Deadly Sins are anywhere to be seen in this chapter. Instead, Suzuki has opted for a wholly different direction in his narrative. This chapter is focused on the remainder of the Ten Commandments, powerful demons tasked by the Demon King to carry out his bidding beyond Purgatory. Having left readers with Derieri and Monspiet at the end of CH.259, we rejoin them at the onset of the new Holy War.
Having avoided Zeldoris' request for the return of the Ten Commandments, both Derieri and Monspiet have been taking their ease in a rural human village. Their avoidance of Zeldoris' summons is a particularly unique phenomenon as each member of the Demon Clan has, prior to this instance, been quick to follow his lead in all matters. On their own, these two demons behave very differently when compared to their compatriots. Where monsters like Melascula and Galand were quick to murder humans, Derieri and Monspiet have shown a range of empathy that appears to be absent in other demons. This revelation is jarring when contrasted against their earlier violence, and demonic forms both during the conquest of Camelot and in the three thousand year flashback. Now disillusioned about the relationships between the Demon Clan and the other races of the world, Derieri decides that she must return her commandment to Zeldoris. In a moment of contemplation, she recants her personal understanding of the enmity between the Demon and Goddess Clans but states that the reality of their situation is very different from their dogma. I am always appreciative of Suzuki's willingness to go beyond stereotypical archetypes for shonen antagonists. While Melascula and Galand were villains in a very traditional sense, there is a level of depth to Derieri and Monspiet that comes out in their conversation with one another. The enmity shared by the Demon Clan and Goddess Clan is magnified for these two demons by the death of Derieri's sister, who was also Monspiet's lover. This shared vendetta serves as a basis for Derieri and Monspiet's relationship, though their conversation seems to hint at a mutual romantic inclination which remains largely unsaid between them. Seemingly drawn to them by their conversations of affection and love lost, Estarossa incinerates the woman who originally saved Derieri and Monspiet following their arrival in the human village. Having been characterized as hot blooded and hot headed from the outset, Derieri attacks Estarossa in retaliation but is easily outmatched by his use of "Full Counter". Estarossa then attempts to eat the departing soul of the woman he murdered, but is stopped by Monspiet, who replaces the soul with an apple instead. Monspiet has always struck me as a fairly interesting member of the Ten Commandments. What little time he has spent in combat has always been interesting and made important by exposition. Suzuki builds on this history as he uses this chapter to explain Monspiet's ability "Trickstar". By using this skill, the Reticence demon is able to change places with objects, and individuals so long as they share a similar mass and/or size. Irritated by his loss of a meal, Estarossa attacks Monspiet who is able to easily evade his attacks. Though Derieri attempts to aid Monspiet multiple times during Estarossa's onslaught, she is waved away by the Reticence demon who states her abilities are ill-suited to fighting against "Full Counter". Distracted in this manner, Monspiet is placed in a choke hold by the Love demon who proclaims that he has come to retrieve their commandments. Both Derieri and Monspiet then reveal to Estarossa that they had intended to return their commandments to Zeldoris all along. The Reticence demon additionally reveals that his commandment keeps him from sharing the nature of his heart with Derieri. It is at this critical juncture that Estarossa then reveals that returning the commandments to Zeldoris goes against his own machinations. In a surprising twist of events, Monspiet is able to use his "Trickstar" ability to switch places with Estarossa, effectively trapping the Love demon in a choke hold of his own making. Thus trapped, the Reticence demon relates a history unfamiliar to both readers and Estarossa alike. Suzuki's plot slowly begins to reveal itself in this exchange between demons. Although Estarossa's intentions are clarified, his motivations remain shrouded in mystery. By using Monspiet as his mouthpiece, Suzuki reveals Estarossa to be the weakest amongst the Ten Commandments; a demon unable to access the power of darkness without direct intervention from the Demon King. He also reveals that the use of a commandment in awakening Estarossa's latent abilities has deteriorated the Love demons mind and soul, leaving him in an unstable state. Though unsaid, this unstable state is liable to have manifested itself in the Love demons advanced appearance when compared to his siblings who retain a perpetually youthful visage. Monspiet also hypothesizes that taking in more commandments would likely result in Estarossa's death and stresses that he should refrain from fighting his siblings. During this string of exposition, Estarossa makes multiple attempts to break the choke hold by using his physical strength and command of "Hellfire". Both of these tactics prove to be useless against Monspiet, whose choke hold was secured by Estarossa himself, and the Reticence demon's mastery over "Hellfire". As the Love demon seemingly falls unconscious, Derieri questions Monspiet about what must be done with the Demon King's middle child as she moves to take a closer look at him. Her close proximity, however, allows Estarossa to grab her by the neck, forcing Monspiet to trade places with her just as the Love demon stabs his hand into her heart. It is with Monspiet's death that CH.260 comes to a close. True to form, it would seem that Suzuki's humanization of the Demon Clan holds a dark destiny for each member afflicted with empathy. Fraudrin, Dolor, and Gloxinia were casualties of their growing emotional capacity. In the upcoming CH.261 titled A Lost Cat, it is unlikely we will see whether Derieri's new found emotions will result in her own death. We can assume, however, that Estarossa will not sit idle now that Monspiet has been killed. With Derieri's "Combo Star" ability sealed by his own "Full Counter", the odds appear to be greatly in Estarossa's favour. Whether or not he will be able to capitalize on this opportunity remains to be seen. In the mean time, the title for CH.261 would seem to imply that Suzuki will be returning our attention to Cath, who still has yet to fully reveal his role within the grand scheme of things. It is for this reason that next weeks NANATSU NO TAIZAI is sure to hold more reveals and crucial information as the Holy Wars endgame is revealed. Written By: ALAN "VIENNA" SINGH Are You Kidding Me?
That's the title of Kaiu Shirai, and Posuka Demizu's most recent chapter of THE PROMISED NEVERLAND. It wasn't that the title struck me when I read it, but I was aware that something startling would surely take place in this chapter. In a lot of ways, that was exactly what this author/artist duo gave readers with this chapter. As always, Shirai has hidden away several insights into the human condition and the nature of evil within his writing. CH.80 has trapped a sharp social and ecological commentary within its pages, and Demizu's drawings have given those same concepts tangible forms with her artistry. The heaviness of Shirai's concepts are mitigated by Demizu's artistic touch, and casts the manga as something for children regardless of the magnitude of the issues discussed within the text. In truth, THE PROMISED NEVERLAND is meant for children, but it is a manga less concerned with protecting children, and more interested in preparing children. These elements are crucial to the series success, and are liable to keep readers coming back for more in the near future. Cue "Are You Kidding Me" moment No.1 Having killed Nouma, Sandy and Sonia resist the urge to celebrate in order to focus their attention on Nous. Given the sheer strength, speed, skill, and furiosity inherent to demons, their desire to finish off Nous is well founded. This is where things take a weird turn. They are shocked to find Nous weeping and wailing over Nouma's fallen body. Stunned by the demon's ability to empathize, Sandy struggles to understand how empathetic creatures could callously murder children for sport. Even more interesting than his outcry of emotion, Nous begins to eat Noumas brain. As he looks up from his meal, Paula and Violet - who have hidden themselves in the trees nearby, allowing them to kill Nouma - attempt to kill Nous as well. With in astounding reaction time, however, Nous is able to evade the bullet and locate these two hidden members of the Goldy Pond Resistance. Having found the humans responsible for his wife's death, the enraged and distraught demon throws his spear at Paula and Violet's retreating forms before turning his attention to Sonia. The otherness of demons in Shirai's world is clear in their grotesque forms. Separated from the same cloth as any Guillermo Del Torro monster, these demons are sinister figures and key antagonists within THE PROMISED NEVERLAND. It is startling, then, to experience an empathetic gesture from monsters that would hunt human beings. Where other demons like Musica, and Sonju actively abstain from eating humans, Nous and Nouma are very much malicious in their desire to hunt and eat children. It is through these demons that Shirai speaks out against the killing and eating of animals. By using his demon monsters as a foil for human beings, Shirai likens the human tendency to kill animals for their meat as something wholly violent, and even dehumanizing. The human idea of hunting animals as a sport and leisure activity is put on its head. With Nouma defeated, the children are stuck facing down Nous, but this demon is proving himself to be exceptionally resourceful in his own way. Having chased off the snipers to a degree it is largely up to Sandy and Sonia to save themselves. With Nous' mask off there is now some wiggle room for our heroes, but given the monster possess vastly superior physical characteristics, it is difficult to say whether our heroes will be able to extract themselves or not. Cue "Are You Kidding Me" moment No.2 Nigel and Gillian, having killed Luce, now signal this death to their companions by blowing a whistle. Noting that their whistle is the first to sound is in step with the plan. As the two make moves to locate their next target, Nigel notes that they only have eight minutes left before their fifteen minute deadline is reached. Passing through the forest, however, Nigel notices something is traveling in close proximity to him and Gillian. As the two children take shelter, they discover that none other than Lord Bayon himself is in their neck of the woods. Their concern for Zack and Pepe, who were both presumably responsible for defeating Bayon, is overshadowed by the realization that they are the only team without special guns or bullets with which to defeat Lord Bayon. A key facet of any Grimm fairytale is the very real possibility of danger. Fantasticism aside, there must be danger in order for the morals of the story to carry a heavy weight with the reader. While the very concept of demons in wholly phantasmagorical in premise and execution, their intelligence nature and abnormal forms heightens the sense of danger exhibited by the series protagonists. These factors are necessary given the level of intelligence displayed by children within Shirai's world. As was shown in the very first chapter of THE PROMISED NEVERLAND, children from Grace Field House in particular are raised to exceptionally high standards of intelligence. It is then important to have monsters that are more capable than these protagonists in order to preserve the sense of desperation and fear evident in the heroes of this story. The situation that Nigel and Gillian now find themselves in is a unique one for several reasons. Unlike their companions, these two children were never meant to destroy the mask worn by Lord Bayon, Archduke Lewis, or Nous and Nouma. Both Pepe and Zack are missing, and it is unconfirmed whether their deviation from the plan was intentional or unavoidable. This does, however, raise questions about Lord Bayon as he is seen to still be wearing his mask in the final panel of this chapter. With this first major deviation from the unvoiced plan created by the Goldy Pond Resistance, how the kids will handle this new threat is very much in the air. That said, there are several key players missing in action at this moment who could potentially save Nigel and Gillian at a crucial moment. Lucas, and Adam are two main characters within this arc, and likely have a role to play in helping Emma defeat Archduke Lewis. This then leaves Oliver and Theo as potential saviors for any characters currently struggling to defeat their associated demon. The question remaining here is whether Shirai has placed enough value in these characters for them to be saved. Cue "Regular" moment No.1 Leaving off from CH.79, Emma faces off against Lewis. Faced with one another at last, however, both characters are less inclined to fight with one another. Instead, Lewis reveals his knowledge about Emma and her position as premium grade meat from Grace Field House. As Emma challenges Lewis to a game on Lucas' behalf, readers see a short history of events involving Lucas' last escape attempt wherein he received the now familiar injuries on his eye and leg. I've said in past articles that THE PROMISED NEVERLAND has started to expand on side character significantly over the course of the last three chapters. Several instances of high action, and crucial storytelling have been handed to the relatively new characters living in Goldy Pond. These characters have their own nuance and a surviving dichotomy built up over many years from living under the oppression of Lord Bayon and his hunters. It will be interesting to see how Shirai further elaborates on these facets of the story without having to perpetually endanger his characters. CH.81 is certain to bring about more action and will likely see Lucas, Adam, and Oliver playing larger roles along with Emma taking point as readers move to the arc's endgame. Written By: ALAN "VIENNA" SINGH |
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