Alma's Training Arc

Unofficially Titled Arc
Alma's Training Arc's name is conjectural which means that no official designation has been assigned, and it is susceptible to change at any time.

Alma's Training Arc
Arc Information
Volumes	Volume 3 (1 Volume)
Chapters	Chapters 10 - 12 (3 Chapters)
Date Released	August 4, 2023 to October 4, 2023
Arc Chronology
← Previous Arc	The Cannibalism Case
Next Arc →	Reunion Arc

Alma's Training Arc is the third arc of Gokurakugai manga series.

Yoki suggests a mentor for Alma, someone with an intense nature but suitable for helping Alma gain self-sufficiency. The next day, Alma meets this instructor, Ryu, at Training Ground No. 2, with the goal of getting stronger. At first, Ryu seems uninterested and tough as they start rigorous training. Ryu then proposes they practice a fight-to-the-death scenario, with Ryu playing the role of a Maga, to teach Alma how to control his abilities on his own.

Synopsis

Chapter 10

Alma dreamed about the events of that fateful day

Alma woke from a dream involving Kanata and found Tao beside him. Tao informed someone about Alma regaining consciousness and mentioned his anemia due to arm severance. Alma questioned if he caused Kanata's death, and Tao confirmed it but stressed his role in Kanata's salvation. Despite Kanata taking lives, Tao explained Alma's intervention brought closure in managing the living and deceased intersection. Alma's actions didn't cause Kanata's demise; he saved her, choosing a path of ensuring maga's appropriate fate for closure and solace.

Yoki, Dara, and Tatsuomi entered Alma's room, expressing support for his contributions in identifying the mastermind behind the Maga crisis. Yoki reassured Alma, emphasizing the significance of his role in uncovering the root cause. Dara initiated a blood extraction procedure, making Alma uneasy. Tatsuomi obtained subway station footage, and the group collectively reviewed it, noticing Yomi's involvement. Alma pointed out the similarity between Yomi's ring and his necklace, while Tao speculated on a connection between Yomi and Alma due to their rings' resemblance. Dara remarked on the cruelty inflicted by Yomi on Kanata if he was indeed the Magas' leader.

Alma indicated the similarities with his necklace and the ring that Yomi is wearing.

Alma, determined, declared that Yomi's disappearance would halt the Maga transformation, pledging to confront him with conviction. Tatsuomi playfully teased Alma about relying on Tao for fighting, prompting Alma to admit his desire for independence in aiding others. He shared this aspiration with Tao, expressing his wish to emulate her ability to save people. Tao left to gather information, accompanied by Tatsuomi, who blushed due to his assumptions. Later, personnel brought food to address Alma's hunger, and as he ate, he cautioned Tao. As Tao and Tatsuomi departed, they playfully discussed Tatsuomi's envy of Yomi capturing Tao's attention.

Tao detailed Yomi's manipulation of Kanata, leading to her demise and Alma's involvement. Tatsuomi found this plausible but considered alternative scenarios, suggesting random or purposeful actions linked to the Meito Shrine incident. He speculated on the presence of multiple higher-ranking maga entities. Tao, frustrated by the lack of concrete information, felt the weight of Kanata's loss as a crucial source. Alma, enjoying his meal, asked about Nei, learning she was focused on work, determined to match Yomi. This marked her fourth assignment since Alma's unconscious period. Yoki appreciated Nei's contributions but expressed concern over her persistent absence, fearing insufficient time for recovery.

Ryu's first appearance!

Yoki expressed significant worry about Alma's condition and acknowledged the need for him to train independently. Recognizing the importance of practical experience, Yoki suggested a potential mentor for Alma, characterized by an intense nature. Despite the mentor's formidable approach, Alma was determined to achieve self-sufficiency and open to any strategies proposed. Yoki was currently negotiating with this mentor, using a thirty-year-aged, high-quality sake as an offer to convince him, deeming him the most fitting candidate for the role.

Chapter 11

Ryu's introduction

Alma, following Yoki's advice, arrived on time at Training Ground No. 2 of the Headquarters but had to wait for an hour. Yoki eventually appeared with Ryu, Alma's instructor for the day, accompanied by a cart of alcohol. Yoki intended to share Ryu's history related to Tao and Nei, but Ryu intervened. Yoki left them with words of encouragement. Ryu, transported in a cart, showed indifference to people's lives, sipping sake as his payment. He demonstrated a sliding kick technique, knocking Alma down.

In the Headquarters office, Dara expressed concerns about Alma to Yoki, noting a general disdain for Magas within the organization. Yoki assured Dara that Ryu was a former, justifying it by claiming to know Ryu longer.

Back in the training hall, Alma, frustrated and confused by Ryu's sudden aggression and subsequent nonchalant behavior, confronted him. Ryu explained that Yoki sought his help to make Alma self-reliant, suggesting Alma struggled with independence. Alma, feeling provoked, questioned if Ryu intended to start a fight, and Ryu confirmed, encouraging Alma to confront him directly.

Ryu swiftly struck Alma in the head

Setting aside his sake, Ryu declared their training session had no rules except Alma losing if he died. Identifying as a Maga, Ryu assumed a fighting stance and charged at Alma. However, hesitant to harm humans, Alma requested a brief pause, which Ryu denied. Ryu insisted Alma remove a stake, crucial for his power. Alma argued Ryu was human, not a Maga, but before he could finish, Ryu swiftly struck him twice, causing damage to the wall and making Alma bleed from his nose.

Despite injuries, Alma insisted he wasn't defeated. Ryu urged him to rise for another round of training.

Alma, wiping blood from his face, demanded an explanation from Ryu for the intense attacks. Ryu revealed his strong anti-Maga sentiments as the reason, suggesting a fight-to-kill scenario with Ryu pretending to be a Maga.

Ryu blocked Alma's sudden attack

In the next round, Alma threw a punch, but Ryu countered with an elbow, a throw, and a powerful kick, leaving Alma battered on the ground. Ryu questioned why Alma hadn't removed the stake, and Alma explained his inability without Tao. Ryu probed further, revealing Alma's fear of losing control due to the Maga blood within him, making him contemplate lingering fears.

Alma, standing up, prepared for another round of training as Ryu resumed drinking. Ryu recalled Tao's past intervention when Alma couldn't control himself. This convinced Alma of his need for self-reliance. Asking how to achieve it, Ryu suggested getting accustomed to harnessing the Maga blood's power, using their one-on-one training for practical combat experience.

Ryu encountered Nei outside the training hall

Aware Ryu wasn't a real Maga, Alma believed a simple snap could end him. Ryu aimed for Alma to disable enemies by targeting their heads, stressing its uniqueness to Alma. Despite Alma's forceful kick, Ryu easily blocked it, emphasizing Alma's unique blood and power. Ryu stressed Alma learning to control his Maga blood independently, without relying on the stake, to avoid being dominated by it. Once mastered, Alma could remove the restraint stake himself.

Motivated by Ryu's words, Alma prepared for another round of training, but Ryu requested a break due to alcohol consumption. As Ryu went out for a restroom break, he encountered Nei, who was on standby. Nei asked if Ryu saw Alma as a Maga, and he clarified that Alma possessed a human mind but could exhibit Maga traits. Their training aimed to prevent this transition, making Alma a potential enemy. Ryu then asked Nei about why Alma couldn't remove the restraint stake without Tao's permission.

Growing impatient, Alma approached Ryu, who was now accompanied by Nei, ready for the third round of training with Nei assuming a combat stance, holding her katana.

Chapter 12

Nei points her sword at Alma, indicating she doesn't tolerate any form of mockery towards her

At Training Ground No. 2, Alma, battered from continuous training, is being stepped on by Nei, who mocks his restraint. Nei, displeased with her instructions to stay put, relieves stress through a training session with Alma. Nei questions the need for Tao's permission for Alma to use his Maga blood powers. Alma expresses dissatisfaction with Ryu's demanding training rules, involving removing the stake and fighting to the death. Nei, surprising Alma with an attack, wants him to acknowledge her skills and tests his patience by stabbing him in the left shoulder. Alma, frustrated, attempts to remove the stake but finds it stubbornly immovable.

Alma successfully extracted the stake

At Tatsuomi's work location, he shares evidence and a sketch of Yomi's face with Tao from the Meito Shrine incident. Tao becomes visibly frustrated by the chaotic situation.

In a heated exchange, Nei urges a injured and blood-covered Alma to stand up and remove the stake during their training. Alma admits fear and vulnerability, and Nei calls him a coward, reminding him of Tao's trust two years ago. Grabbing his collar, Nei asserts her disregard for her own life and pushes Alma to remove the stake quickly. Alma, inspired by Nei, successfully extracts the stake, believing he must be worthy of Tao's trust.

Story Impact

• Yoki, Dara, and Tatsuomi express support for Alma, emphasizing his pivotal role in uncovering the Maga crisis mastermind.
  • The group analyzes subway footage, noting Yomi's involvement and his resemblance to Alma.
  • Alma vows to confront Yomi and end the Maga transformation, aiming for more self-sufficiency.
• Yoki suggests a potential mentor for Alma, known for their intense nature, and negotiates with them.
  • Yoki is negotiating with the mentor using a thirty-year-aged, high-quality sake as an offer.
• Alma, following Yoki's advice, arrived on time at Training Ground No. 2 but had to wait for an hour.
  • Ryu, Alma's instructor for the day, showed indifference to human lives and demonstrated a sliding kick technique, knocking Alma down.
• In the Headquarters office, Dara expressed concerns about Alma to Yoki, noting a general disdain for Magas within the organization.
  • Ryu revealed his strong anti-Maga sentiments as the reason for the intense attacks and suggested a fight-to-kill scenario.
  • In the next round, Ryu easily countered Alma's attacks, emphasizing Alma's unique blood and power.
  • Alma, motivated by Ryu's words, prepared for another round of training, but Ryu requested a break due to alcohol consumption.
• Ryu encountered Nei during his break, and they discussed Alma's status as a potential enemy due to Maga traits.
  • Alma approached Ryu for the third round of training, accompanied by Nei in a combat stance, holding her katana.
  • At Training Ground No. 2, Alma is physically battered and mocked by Nei, who questions the need for Tao's permission for him to use his Maga blood powers.
  • In a heated exchange, Nei urges Alma to stand up and remove the stake, pointing out his fear and vulnerability, and successfully inspires him to do so.
• At Tatsuomi's work location, he shares evidence and a sketch of Yomi's face with Tao from the Meito Shrine incident, causing Tao visible frustration.
• Inspired by Nei, Alma successfully extracts the stake, believing he must be worthy of Tao's trust.

Characters Introduced

Yoki

Ryu

Alma

Nei

Dara

Nei

Tatsuomi

Yomi

Kanata

Terminology Introduced

• Sake:
  A Japanese rice wine, used as an offering of Yoki to persuade the mentor of Alma, Ryu.
• Restraint Stake:
  An item used to control or limit the power of Alma's Maga powers.

Location

• Alma's Room:
  Where Alma wakes up from a dream involving Kanata, and Tao informs others about Alma regaining consciousness.
• Subway Station:
  Where Tatsuomi obtains footage, revealing Yomi's involvement.
• Headquarters:
  The central location where various events occur, including training sessions and discussions about the Maga crisis.
• Training Ground No. 2:
  The specific location within the Headquarters where Alma undergoes intense training with Ryu.
• Meito Shrine:
  Referenced as an incident location; Tao and Tatsuomi discuss evidence related to Yomi's involvement.
• Tatsuomi's Work Location:
  Where Tatsuomi shares evidence and sketches of Yomi's face with Tao.