| Chapter 5 | Side Story |
"Nei The Child Prodigy" (
Summary[]
Alma and Tao visit the agency headquarters and learn that Nei has been taking on most of the missions, causing job opportunities to decrease. Yoki shares information about Magas appearing near the Shopping District in Sakaemachi, and Nei volunteers to take on the mission alone. Alma offers to accompany her, and Tao suggests bribing them with meat, which they agree to.
During their train ride to the shopping district, Nei questions Alma's usefulness and his lack of awareness of his weaknesses. She reveals that her blood attracts Magas and demonstrates her combat skills by dispatching Magas with ease. Alma realizes that he can't remove his Karmic Stake without Tao's permission, indicating his weakness.
Plot Details[]
Nei arrived the Saragi AntiMaga Organization Headquarters
Tao and Alma visited the headquarters, only to discover that job assignments were all completed according to Yoki. Dara mentioned that someone else was completing all the missions, causing job opportunities to dwindle. Tao wondered if it was Nei responsible for this. Yoki described Nei as an ambitious individual who often disregards breaks despite his suggestions. After a while, Nei arrived at the headquarters following the completion of a mission. She playfully greeted Alma and Tao, teasing them about having a lot of free time, given that she had taken on most of the missions. Alma responded with a jest, calling her "kid," which sparked a lighthearted exchange between them.
Yoki then shared information he had acquired from Tatsuomi regarding the emergence of Magas near the Shopping District in Sakaemachi on Gokurakugai 10th Avenue. Due to the district's boarded-up state, detecting the issue took some time. Yoki mentioned that a few regular shoppers from the area had gone missing. He was considering assigning the task to Alma and Tao, but Nei volunteered, emphasizing her commitment to preventing property damage and handling the mission alone. Yoki asked Tao for her opinion, and Tao was comfortable with Nei taking over the case. Alma questioned if Nei had nothing better to do, to which she reacted. Tao chimed in, jokingly asking her to buy cigarettes and Alma with some steamed buns. Nei clarified she was heading out for work, but Alma remarked that she had taken their job. Nei defended herself, highlighting Tao's smoking habit and implying that she's trying to get a minor to buy cigarettes for her. Alma brushed aside legal concerns in the town.
Nei and Alma on a train going to Sakemachi Shopping District
Alma offered to accompany Nei, who initially resisted but eventually agreed. Tao then suggested bribing them with meat, courtesy of Yoki's resources. This idea delighted Nei and Alma. As Dara, Yoki, and Tao, the adults of the group, were the only ones left in the home base, Yoki was shown crying, having fallen into Tao's scheme to spend money on meat.
Alma and Nei are currently on a train heading to the Sakaemachi Shopping District. During the ride, Nei inquired about Alma's reason for accompanying her. Alma's response was that having two people on the job would increase efficiency. However, Nei doubted his usefulness, asserting that he lacks the necessary skills. This statement provoked a reaction from Alma, who was surprised. Nei proceeded to question Alma's ignorance on the matter, suggesting that Tao hadn't informed him. Nei pointed out this as Alma's weakness. Meanwhile, at their home base, Tao, Dara, and Yoki discussed Alma's obliviousness to his weaknesses, noting that Dara had always been there to support him after each mission. Yoki highlighted that Alma partnering with Nei presented a valuable learning opportunity for him. Tao emphasized that firsthand experience is more effective than mere lectures in making Alma aware of his weaknesses. Tao believed that the concept of having weaknesses had faded from Alma's mind. Returning to the train, Alma admitted his lack of knowledge about his weaknesses. However, he shifted the topic to discuss his recent accomplishment, a homerun in their recent mission with Tao. Nei interrupted him, diverting the conversation. She predicted that Alma would soon realize his weakness, causing Alma to accuse her of being indirect in her communication.
Nei skillfully dispatched the Magas with her katana.
Upon arriving at the shopping district, they found it deserted. Nei suggested skipping ahead, but Alma pointed out the absence of any Magas. Nei then revealed a vial containing her blood, explaining that her blood has an enticing effect on Magas, making it tastier to them than the blood of other humans. When she threw the vial, Maga gates emerged from the ground, and a group of Magas appeared. Alma prepared to fight and tried to retrieve his Karmic Stake, but he couldn't remove it from his heart. Nei disclosed that this inability was Alma's weakness. Without Tao's permission, signified by the word "Kai" that Tao chanted for Maga-related jobs, Alma couldn't extract the karmic stake, leaving him shocked. Nei then assumed a fighting stance, urging Alma to watch her, the senior, in action and emphasizing his need to remain attentive. She skillfully dispatched the Magas with her katana, returning it to its sheath once the Maga gate closed. Alma was impressed by her display, though he accidentally called her "kid" again. Unaware of this, Nei continued to bask in his praise, recounting her other achievements and claiming to be the fastest in Saragi. Alma inquired why she sought to be the best so intensely, to which Nei admitted she craved continuous praise, motivating her to work hard. Alma playfully labeled her an attention seeker, which reignited their "kid" exchange.
The chapter progressed to an office gathering during dinner, where Alma and Nei playfully fought over meat. Tao and Dara enjoyed their meal casually, while Yoki bemoaned the money spent on the meat, shedding a tear.
Quick References[]
Chapter Notes[]
- Alma and Tao visit the agency's headquarters, only to discover that job assignments have been completed by Nei, causing a decrease in job opportunities.
- Nei, an ambitious and energetic individual, arrives at the headquarters and playfully interacts with Alma and Tao, taking on most of the missions.
- Yoki shares information about the emergence of Magas near the Sakaemachi Shopping District, leading to missing shoppers and property damage.
- Nei volunteers to take on the mission alone, with Tao and Alma playfully teasing her about their preferences for snacks. Alma offers to accompany Nei on the mission, and they plan to bribe Tao and Yoki with meat for their support.
- During the train ride to the shopping district, Nei confronts Alma about his weaknesses and the lack of awareness regarding them.
- Alma and Nei arrive at the deserted shopping district, where Nei uses her blood to attract Magas and reveals that Alma's inability to remove his Karmic Stake without Tao's permission is a weakness.
- Nei showcases her fighting skills by defeating the Magas, impressing Alma but sparking their playful "kid" exchange.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Author's Comment[]
| Author's Comments | |
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Yuto Sano |
This year was a year in which I received help from many people. Thank you very much. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
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