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Path of Ultimate Sin Review Part Two

Part Three

The last and final part to the Path of Ultimate Sin. Personally, my favorite of the three since it ties up the remaining details well being a cinematic finish. Also, yes I did cry at some point well reading Part Three. I think Part Three evokes a heartbreaking tragedy.

When Oboro is disguised as Kurezuki Horori, I do find that aspect interesting because I think Oboro was trying to be someone else to find happiness only to fail. She eventually comes back as herself and embraces the darkness within her and is authentically herself even the worst parts of her.

As for the Beauty cohort, it is as chaotic as the others. It's fun to see their interactions. I don’t especially have an interesting opinion on any of the members other than Sekka but that is because she knew Oboro for years so compared to that I don't have much to say about the cohort members. Other than the fact that I love their designs and what I have seen of them.

Oboro's good action of defending Igruk from Anaise leads to Oboro's final downfall. There were definitely other contributing factors. But if Oboro had never killed Shigeru's grandmother I wonder what may have happened. But it is possible that Nichika would have found something else to get Oboro expelled.

Kumayuki's death, His death happened similarly like his brother. In that they both have something important to say before dying is a tragic cycle even more that Kumayuki trying to avoid the same fate as his brother lead to his death. I didn’t feel as sad about Kumayuki's death as much as Kadoyuki but but that can be because we knew Kadoyuki more so the death had more impact.

Next, Gionji's betrayal. I wanted to write how I don't think the reason behind it fits Gionji. Him having Ophidiophobia and betraying her for that reason. At least not the sole reason. I personally choose to believe that Oboro in the narrative is lying or we are given a biased view of the situation. As this is told by an unreliable narrator, this could be true.

I personally believe that Gionji betrayed Oboro because she showed him a side to herself that disgusted and made him fear for humanity. Because we have to realize this is Oboro telling her side of the story. This isn't told in Gionji's pov. It is biased and told to convince Nishiki to join her so not all of it may be true.

Personally, I believe that Gionji saw the darkness in Oboro when she killed Shigeru's grandmother because we may see the woman in a negative light due to Oboro's pov. But she isn't her husband, she may be scummy but she hasn't wronged Oboro. Oboro killed her out of vengeance because of who she is related to. This is her first act that can be defined as the one that would define her actions in the killing game going forward. To Oboro it wouldn't matter if they are directly involved if they are related to those she wants revenge on she will brutally punish them. This action solidifies and shows what Oboro is capable of. As we see in Part 4 of what she does to Seisuke and Aisa. As well as Seisuke's MoE in her actions against his family. Darkness was always in Oboro, the temptation to act upon those desires was always there. Even in parts of the story there is Oboro holding herself back in parts only for her inner darkness to strike.

Think about this in this light and think about how Gionji may see this. Not out of a hatred and phobia of snakes. But rather someone close to him he may have though of having gone through a lot has shown to be dangerous. Not out of self-defense or to help her mother and her escape of Second Savior Church. But a witness to a vengeful act. I think, Gionji's belief if you consider this is understandable in this context. Which is what I believe is the full context of why he betrayed Oboro. He chose to put her away believing it was right to save humanity and Oboro. Gionji always gave me the impression that he wanted the best in the bigger picture. To protect and do what he believed was right. Also, that Gionji may think this may help Oboro since she has shown a side to herself in that murder of Shigeru's grandmother that this rehabilitation that is said to happen may help her in some way and keep her from harming others. I know, this is defending Gionji but I believe he isn't evil like Byeongwook or good as Kadoyuki. I believe that Gionji is morally grey, a mix of the two. Which is why I view him as an interesting character under this viewpoint. I like Kadoyuki a lot since even though he's a sweet father figure, I find Gionji more interesting on how much you can possibly interpret his actions. I am personally more interested in characters that can be interpreted as morally grey than characters that are solely good. I choose to view him under this lens but you can view him solely as Oboro contexts him or under the belief that there is more to his actions.

Also, I think Gionji would have suffered even if Oboro hadn't killed him. Because he already was punished for his actions with Hagusa's death. The cruelest thing to do to him would be to have made him live with the fact that his actions had made Hagusa take her life involuntary becoming his love's murderer. I don't know if he knew Hagusa died? I am not sure. But either way he would have suffered. So unlike Byeongwook and Takayuki I don't think his death is really karma. He already had suffered for his decision.

In the end, Oboro was consumed by her anger and need for vengeance. The reason why Gionji betrayed her or reason was gone. Since Oboro has already embraced the darkness part of her. Also, have to admit the twist about Gionji being killed and replaced was something I didn't expected.

I believe she left it out and instead pushed or maybe she chose to paint him as entirely evil or does believe his actions are solely based on his Ophidiophobia. Oboro has been burned before so naturally how she views others is going to be under a negative lens. Like how when Nichika shows sympathy she doesn't believe it is sincere. This is why as a reader I believe not all is at face value. This is how I interpreted things after thinking about Part Three for days.

You have to remember how Oboro is betrayed multiple times. Sekka's actions are morally grey in nature as well. Which is another betrayal that deeply hurts as well considering how long Oboro has known her. Also, Aethera was cooking with the dialogue and with Sekka's betrayal that was brutal and heartbreaking. Just I loved the betrayal. I would say that Sekka was one of my favorite characters of the Path of Ultimate Sin because of her being a morally grey character. She's jealous of Oboro and betrays her. Her being a garbage friend but being a deeply layered morally grey character makes her interesting. She's selfish even if she has her reasons for her actions. She does morally questionable things and is part of the catalyst for Oboro downfall. From how as a child she influenced her to their friendship over the years leading to the betrayal. Sekka puts whatever she wants and protects what she deems precious over everything else and herself as well. Since she gets what she wants being from Oboro's shadow and being important and gains money but in the end she sacrifices her friendship with Oboro. I just have to really say how impressed and amazed I was with Aethera's writing with Sekka and Mangyoku especially. Sekka became one of my favorites so I am definitely saying that is due to Aethera's contribution and how well she wrote the betrayal and Sekka's character. The dialogue between characters and the scene between Sekka and Mangyoku was intense. As well as Sekka's betrayal.

If something did bother me there were the major coincidences that happen when Oboro goes to jail.

I do have to say the fact that Norishige just happened to meet Oboro in jail and happened to have the necklace that Sekka stole from Oboro is too much of a coincidence for me personally. I understand it adds dramatic tension maybe the fact that it felt too coincidental for my suspension of disbelief. But I know this may just be something minor that bothered me and it may not have bothered others.

It was interesting seeing the first meeting of Oboro and Tensei. We don't learn too much about Tensei but I imagine we may later.

When it comes to Oboro, I do feel like you understand her and sympathize with her well knowing that she has done awful things. Oboro does get karma at some points, her ending in jail I believe it is karma. A lot of Oboro's actions can be seen under the mortally grey lens or understandable. But I wouldn't call all of them justified. Because when you examine each of them you see that she isn't a perfect person. She's not the perfect victim. Since she does actions that well can be understandable in the environment she was putting into. There is the question of how much is nurture over nature. Since there was probably a mix of both. I feel like how she isn't a perfect victim is what makes her a good character. Since there is complexity in a character like Oboro who has awful things like with coming up with Cohort Elitism and what she did in the killing game. Oboro is consumed with a desire for revenge and a desire to take it out on others. She's flawed and lets her anger and desire for revenge poison her. As shown in the killing game, I think Part Three shows this transition from Oboro's descent wonderfully. As mentioned above, the darkness was always in Oboro from the start it just grew and was controlled and in the end it consumed her. Oboro always had it from the start of Part one. Which I love how it's always there not something that was suddenly there, Oboro having always struggled against her inner demons. As her fighting at times not to give into her instincts are present. She always wanted to be happy but whenever she was it was taken away from her. Eventually, after enough betrayal she welcomes and embraces the inner darkness within. That is the metamorphosis of Oboro from a human into the monster that society and some people had considered her to be. This is why, like Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Oboro becomes ‘the monster’, the vile snake that people feared and thought she was. She loses so much one thing over another from being put in jail, Sekka and Gionji's betrayal, and the loss of her mother Hagusa.

Something else I liked was how the main cast connected to Oboro's story. Also, seeing a few characters from DAP like Joshua was nice.

I thought the Royal Court Club part was a lot of fun. It goes on for a while but I think the RCC is interesting enough that despite its focus it is a fun segment to read. Also, I love the cards that Danny made. The ones with the characters especially and the CG art in Part Three. Also, Rokunosuke who is a character from Kouji's fangan Harmonious Discord makes an appearence there isn't too much to say about the character since he doesn't get too much of a focus. But if you want to check out the prologue it is posted on Ao3. I did want to spotlight Kouji's and Aethera's contributions. Since they both worked hard on PTUS and had contributions to the MoE. They both did an incredible job.

We saw more of Mangyoku and learned more about it, which was interesting. Her aura power certainly was a surprise. There was another twist with Mangyoku, and we learned about her family life. But given how there isn't much of VoV and we see Rimu in the MoE. So I don't have much to say about it.

I wanted to talk about the choice of color red used in Path of Ultimate Sin. Because the color red has a lot of meaning. Passion and love. Sacrifice. Danger, anger, violence, and sin. All of this really does make red the perfect color for Oboro's backstory and also makes red Oboro's color. Because a lot of that just fits Oboro perfectly. All of Oboro's designs throughout the years use red in some way even her disguise as Horori uses a red scarf.

I should discuss my thoughts on Oboro and Steven as a couple. It wasn't too much of a focus in the MoE. But here I feel like it gets shown a little bit. There isn't too much of it. Oboro is drawn to him upon meeting him. As she sees what sort of person he is and is attracted to that. There really isn't much for me to talk about their meeting and their attraction to each other. They are a couple in that both of them are people who have sinned and work as a villain couple. There isn't too much of them together, as I mentioned, so I can’t really say much about the pairing as a whole. As there isn't really shown any development or much of them together. Given how long Part Three is, there is no possible way to go into their relationship too much. I think they are fine as a couple. I just didn't find their meeting and interaction that interesting personally. Since I felt like Oboro's platonic bonds and the toxic relationship she forced into with Takayuki were more interesting to see happen since there was much more of a dynamic feel to them and focus. For example, her relationship with Sekka, watching the friendship develop and then be destroyed by Sekka's jealousy and betrayal, was far more interesting. Oboro's relationship with her family I enjoyed more. But I think that is to be expected.

My thoughts on Path of Ultimate Sin as a whole is that I thought of it as the perfect tragedy and metamorphosis of a woman's downfall into sin. I wouldn't call it especially too dark as much as it is a tragedy. As she embraces the darkness that was always in her as every time she finds something that makes her happy it is taken from her that she gives up on conforming to society's standards and gives up on the idea that there can be good in humanity. Which leads to who she is in the killing game as the Twilight werewolf.

[snowflakesparklegor]

Path Of Ultimate Sin Review Part One

The Path to Ultimate Sin, the path of how we see Oboro tell how she came onto the path of sin. 

When it comes to an antagonist telling their story. The execution of an antagonist story in my eyes always comes onto how the story is told and how it documents their ending path.

Part one

When we start it is with Oboro meeting with Komidori Nishiki for a date. On how the story is told. 

One aspect, I would say that The Path of Ultimate Sin does well is the unreliable narrator. Since you can't really confirm how much of what she is telling is the truth. In a narrative, I tend to find it very interesting since it makes you think more about what you read and analyze what is in the text. This I would say does help the narrative in this story at later points and makes any segments that are skipped understandable within the story. Since in the text it can be explained why Oboro would skip over them. How the story is told and narrated by her gives this sort of characterization and adds to how events could have affected her and how they currently may still affect her. 

When it comes to the start, we are first introduced to a cult, Our Second Savior Church. Which Hagusa was recruited into, we get some information on Byeongwook. Oboro's father, who we learn is the leader of the cult. Byeongwook is honestly what I expect a cult leader to be, as I would say that he is written well for what character he is. 

One aspect I wanted to start discussing is Oboro's birth since how she is seen as a monster and treated at the moment of birth is something that will follow Oboro throughout the years. I would say that Oboro's treatment follows the Frankenstein's monster trope in media where upon creation or within people learning of what they are they treat them differently upon prejudice. This cruelty leading to the creation of the monster. Several examples of this are Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights’s Heathcliff, and Elphaba from Wicked are considerably what I would consider being defined by others prejudice and likewise changed by the cruelty that befalls them.

I wanted to discuss this since Oboro is treated poorly from her birth especially by her father Byeongwook upon her birth because of her being born as a snake. As upon her birth Byeongwook names her Eumhyeon. 

Which is telling of what sort of person Byeongwook is because he didn't put much thought or care into Oboro's name. It is her mother Hagusa who names her. Also, the fact that Oboro was born a snake and Byeongwook is essentially very snake-like with snake characteristics of being charming, evil, manipulative, a charming conman who has manipulated others like the snake in religious stories. He has Oboro's red earning which always gave me apple vibes which is another fitting aspect of his character. Byeongwook is a good antagonist because of what he is charming to those he is the leader of until he reveald the true him. The lying snake that only cares for himself. A cowardly piece of shit, who uses others and manipulates others to get what he wants. A vile man who will get rid of any who doesn't obey and worship him as shown as how he uses Oboro to kill someone who isn't under his control. Byeongwook only cares to interact with Oboro 

 I love how in Part Three it is confirmed if he had an aura Byeongwook would be a snake user. Just the irony for that bastard considering how he treated Oboro. For that vile manipulative scumbag to have in him his aura to be a snake user is really poetic because of Syrmynsa being represented as a vile evil creature. Is just another hit of poetic justice for Byeongwook that I just love.

Oboro remembering how Byeongwook talk about how he controls others through isolation this does foreshadow events in the killing game. Also, I found it interesting that Oboro is responsible for the Cohort elitism as it was her idea. 

 I know, I could bring this up in the discussion of Part Three but I wanted to keep my Byeongwook character contained together. 

I will mention that I can definitely see how Byeongwook is related to Oboro. Not with her appearance but rather Oboro is a mixture of Byeongwook and Hagusa. I think Danny really wrote that aspect well. Oboro has inherited a darkness from Byeongwook, his desire for retribution since I can see her getting his anger and temperament well, getting Hagusa's love and loyalty towards those she cares for. A mix of light and darkness is the best way to explain this. Which is an interesting aspect to think about because of how Hagusa and Byeongwook are key characters in Oboro's creation and shaping her. Byeongwook shaping her into the monster he believes her to be. Hagusa leading her to make some decisions later to some bad effect {*cough* Takayuki's marriage to Oboro} even though she did love her Hagusa wasn't without her flaws. 

Hagusa's flaws being how reliant she is upon marriage. Her belief that a man can complete her and make everything better. Which is her character flaw, it is her reliance towards others and naivety. This is shown time after time and despite how often she is hurt or betrayed she never learns. Since even after leaving the Second Savior Church she is willing to trust Jadelyn in Part two and if not for Gionji an awful fate would have happened to Oboro and Hagusa. I really love how realistic Hagusa is in this way. Because I know people who are like this. Who keep making the same mistakes over and over again and never evolve. This is why even if it's frustrating with these types of characters just like seeing these people in real life. I like how relatable and realistic it is. I really enjoyed Hagusa because of this aspect of her character. She is deeply flawed. Which is a sign of great character writing. I would say a lot of the important side characters are written very well. As with Hagusa, I think Danny has made the characters very realistic and human. Even the antagonists where if you have known someone like them you can feel it even more. 

I also, have to bring up Nagisa since she is an example of someone completely brainwashed by Byeongwook. Also, her being Aisa's aunt so this connects Aisa and Oboro together even in the past. I really like how everything connects.

Part Two

 After the intensity of Part one, part two is a mix of darkness but bits of lighter notes. We have Kadoyuki, Hagusa, and Oboro being a family. Also, I really like the green in Kadoyuki's design and background since it gives Matcha vibes. Which is so fitting for his character for multiple reasons. Given he is as calm and mellow as Matcha tea and he did own Issawara. Also, one thing to note is Kadoyuki is the only father figure without red in his design. He's a green flag lol. Takayuki gains a red tie later on which considering he becomes more corrupt and shows his red flag tendencies later is honestly fitting. 

Also, now onto my thoughts on Takayuki or as he is also called Temu Monokuma. Because I have a lot to say about this vile disgusting monochromatic misogynistic sadistic piece of shit. I knew the very moment this bastard showed up exactly what he was a walking fucking red flag. My red flag detector was going off like crazy and I could only think to myself this guy is going to be vile in some way. I only had my intuition to go off but I was fucking right about him! I knew it. The more I saw him the more I knew something was off about that red flag bastard. Him showing up as the Durian sampler hiding his face behind a mask. The red flags were flapping away again. That creep was still stalking Oboro and Sekka around the mall when they were looking at perfumes. Another red flag. Then there's the painfully cringe simp moments with him throughout the beginning. He's even unpleasant when he hasn't gone full force red flag. As he is simply insufferable no matter what. But even when he is on his date with Oboro the signs of what a misogynistic asshole he is are just not as pronounced. He openly tries to use money to buy her like a prize or an object. As that does play inyo what Takayuki thinks of her as an object, a pretty doll or trophy wife is what he wants. Even from that meeting the aspects of what type of vile person are there even before he becomes the corrupt Ceo of Yakumo Perfumanies. Which I think as many malignant narcissists, well they can be charming there are signs of what they really that some people may ignore. Sometimes, you don’t know exactly what someone is like until later and then you may be trapped. In this way, I think Takayuki is a good portrayal. 

When he becomes Ceo, he goes full force red flag. As he openly shows his misogynistic views which destroy the company. But honestly, from first seeing the signs of him being a piece of shit I really didn't expect too much from him. He had shown he was misogynistic earlier so his views didn't surprise me. Even how he wanted Oboro to be this trophy wife wasn't a surprise as I had seen the signs. The marriage between the two of them had from the start felt like something Oboro had forced herself into at her mother's request so it already felt like it wasn't a good start as I never felt like Oboro liked Takayuki to begin with. I do feel like Takayuki and Oboro's relationship is a perfect toxic relationship and shows how Hagusa's view of needing a husband to be happy can backfire. As it does by her pushing Oboro to marry Takayuki. 

 The only thing that was a surprise was the vile twist of what he did to women with coal in his dungeon. Which thankfully, we don't have to see. I think Danny made a good call by not showing what happened to Oboro and letting our imagination fill in the blanks. Since like H.P.Lovecraft's portrayal of fear of the unknown in his work I believe the unknown and us filling in the events in our minds can add more horror to a situation. Which I think really works in this case. Also, glad that Takayuki got his karma. 

When it comes to Kadoyuki, he is what I would consider Hagusa's soulmate. As they were perfect together as he supported Hagusa and loved Oboro as his own daughter. The only issue he had was his love of sugar which in the end led to his downfall. Kadoyuki's death was one of the saddest parts because he truly was this figure who had brought calmness and happiness. I would say that Kadoyuki is mellow and sweet. I don’t really have much to say about Kadoyuki other than I found the relationship between him and Hagusa to be sweet. His death definitely was tragic.

The twist of who Kageyuki is was something I didn't expect. Finding out who Umbra was and seeing the relationship between the siblings was nice, especially as you see as they reunite in Part Three with Tensei how the two of them become the Twilight and Umbra werewolf. We vaguely hear about what happened to Kageyuki in the period he was gone. I am interested if maybe we may see more of what happened during that time period at some point at some point. But that may be because I am interested in seeing more Kageyuki. I was definitely interested in learning more about him. Given he is the Umbra werewolf that is to be expected. But I can expect that we will learn more about him and the Alpha werewolf Tensei more later down the road. 

[snowflakesparklegor]

MoE Review {Fangan Review}

This review will contain spoilers to Season one since Memories of Everybody {MoE} is a prequel, a bridge connecting the characters of Death across Paralaya {DAP} and, VoV {Vanitas Omnia Vanitas} and connects to Season two of DRWG. There will also be a spoiler review of the MoEs so if you haven’t read them then I recommend doing so before you read the review unless you don’t mind seeing spoilers. 

Memories of Everybody {MoE} starts with DRWG’s cast and DAP and VoV cast as they go to Gionji’s Institute of Gifted Youths {GIFTY} and goes along with their school lives there and essentially sharing their memories. With Wendeline Kirschlinger in the beginning of every MoE showing up in the video above. Which later connects together after Seisuke’s MoE which reveals Wendeline’s connection to the MoEs. Each MoE being pieces of the puzzle that interconnect together to show what has happened and to build things up for Season two. It doesn’t reveal all the mysteries but solves plenty that it creates with compelling writing that causes interest in what other secrets are hidden waiting to be shown. 

{Cherry & Merrick’s MoE}

The title of Cherry’s MoE is Passion or Privilege? Which is a question that is asked throughout the entire MoE. It’s asked many times in the MoE. By Cherry’s mother and later by Cherry to Merrick at the end of the MoE when Merrick is being expelled at the end. Due to the rule where cohort presidents have to protect those in their cohort and Banma Konami’s death. Which starts a murder mystery that kicks off one of the mysteries of the MoE of who and how Konami was murdered. This MoE is a great introduction into cohort elitism.  Since it showcases it by having the point of view be on the food & drinks cohort and show an example of it right away with Konami being bullied by a few higher class cohort people.

  Which shows how the privilege of those in high class cohorts and how it has made some of those in high class cohorts treat others cruelly. This does essentially establish the theme of Passion vs Privilege where the passionate people of the food & drink cohort have to deal with the privileged individuals like Kingoro and Nichika. In the case of Cherry she faces the hardship that comes from her passion and that’s what she decides at the start and is tested against throughout the MoE. One point in the MoE that does show that Cherry feels some pain despite her choice is that she has to cut her mother out. Which even though she has pushed her to get a job that is more privileged and up to her standards like Merrick. Means, that she does wish that things could have been different despite that there would have been a way to have her mother somehow understand and support her. But regardless to follow her passion and be happy she has to make that choice and abandon that hopeless wish. Since following a  passion doesn’t mean that one won’t experience hardship. Hardships are necessary to follow any passion. Since sometimes making sacrifices for passion. Not all of those in the food & drink cohort may have a choice of passion or privilege? But they keep working despite their hardships for their passion. But those who like Cherry and Merrick who could easily choose something else and live without that hardship don’t because their passion matters more than that. 

This quarry of passion is highly relatable. I’ve struggled over something I was passionate about many times. I worked on something for an entire month recently, sacrificing time writing and working on. I would say this is something that any creative individual or anyone with a passion struggles with. Since regardless of if you deal with family issues or not. Struggling for your passion and hardship that you have to overcome is something that anyone can personally relate to. 

With how Cherry died early in the first chapter I didn’t know what to expect when it came to something that was focused on her. But seeing her point of view was as delightful as a comforting cup of coffee in the morning. The new characters are fun and energetic. Well, besides the annoying bratty Nichika and Kingoro. But I think everyone who reads the MoE wouldn’t like them but that is definitely intentional.  I think that the Food & drink cohort were nice to watch interact together with their passion and how they fought against those privileged to be respected. This MoE is the set up for the other MoEs and it goes deep into the characters aspirations. Into those at the bottom who continue to work for their passion and the privileged who the readers will have to wonder what they are up to.  With how it sets up everything perfectly with the chilling horror of a mystery that at the start no one can yet solve. I would say that it is an incredible start and the beginning of the memories of everybody. 

{Delilah’s and Shigeru’s MoE}

When it goes into the title of the second MoE. I can't comment on it since I don't know any French. So I won't be commenting on anything from French in this MoE. Also, this does happen in its own world Parlaya so it's the equivalent of France in that world. But you get my point anyway. One thing, I also want to mention is that I really like that the trilogy takes place in it’s own world. There is a lot of worldbuilding and based on what I have found out about Parlaya it is really interesting so far.  Luckily, there are translations with English under the French lines with Delilah and Shigeru otherwise I would be even more lost.  Anyway, Delilah and Shigeru’s MoE goes more into Cohort elitism, further inconnecting everything in Cherry’s MoE. First, the Justice Cohort is introduced where all the students are shown. Then there is another example of Cohort elitism with Niyu being harassed because of her appearance. Since she doesn’t look like someone from a high class cohort, same for Delilah. Which just shows how corrupt its roots go. To the point where people have prejudice based on the appearance of others and use their high position to do whatever they want. The bullies are stopped because they are handled by Delilah and Niyu. 

Then there is another case of someone in power using their position in the case of Ishiwaki, the cohort president of the Sports cohort. In which, she abuses her power to beat whoever in her way and threatens everyone. Now onto Ishiwaki as a character and antagonist. There is no way she can compare to Oboro of course since I would say she is the most frightening antagonist of the trilogy so far. But this is because we haven’t really seen much of the Umbra werewolf. But I will go on to Oboro fully later on in Seisuke’s MoE. She does work narratively as an antagonist that shows how corruption of someone as a cohort president can affect a cohort. Ishiwagi doesn’t show up much after this section though only threatening those around her after being caught and exposed for her being caught with her vile actions towards Luna the ultimate volleyball player. More of her actions are mentioned through others. But this is a more tell than show aspect which is why I would put her lower on my list of antagonists of the MoE. Since I think hearing about actions that someone does over seeing them is different. It makes it less personal. Seeing Konami being murdered makes it more personal, Seisuke’s MoE and what happens there is more personal which makes the readers hate those responsible. It doesn’t mean I don’t think it wasn’t vile but it’s that I wasn’t as upset as compared to later MoEs. So I would put Ishiwagi as an antagonist that does her job but one of my least favorite ones so far. Maybe she’ll show up later in other non-released parts? Who knows? For now those are my thoughts. 

The next big event is Delilah meeting Shigeru for the first time in Vion {which is basically France in Parlaya}. Where they tour Vion and there is even a video sequence of drawn scenes of Delilah and Shigeru in different areas. It's honestly my favorite part and is one of the highlights of this MoE. It does showcase the friendship between the two of them. As it does have lots of parts of them just enjoying themselves. It's fun and I can tell it must have taken so much work to do even if the backgrounds weren't drawn and the characters were drawn over real pictures of France locations. 

This goes on until the scene where Delilah and Shigeru have a personal conservation. Delilah has feelings for Shigeru. She does talk about her previous relationship with Merrick with him. One thing I do really like about this conservation is how realistic and organic it feels. Since I would say that the scene does capture that these two have talked to each other for a long time and are comfortable around one another. Even though they only just recently have met each other in person there is this close bond between them. It's something that I really enjoyed reading and it's why the part with Delilah and Shigeru was my favorite section. Cohort elitism and justice is fun but nothing beats some sweet moments between two friends just hanging out. Also, some angst from one-sided feelings for Shigeru since it is mentioned before in the MoEs that he is Aroace. But this scene does touch on the fact that during this time he doesn’t understand his sexuality other than the fact that he isn’t attracted to anyone and hasn’t had any crushes. 

I personally related more to the one-sided feelings aspect with Delilah since the amount of times I had feelings for guys which either I never admitted to and the one instance where I had a guy friend that I liked but he never saw me in a romantic way. Those feelings have fizzled out but I can relate to the feeling of being in the situation of liking someone close to you but they don’t share those feelings. It’s heartbreaking but that’s life. Which is what I really like about this scene in which usually in any other story it would have probably ended with a required love unless it’s a Shoujo manga and there is a second lead which is the guy that falls for the mc but since he’s not the main love interest he gets turned down. But usually, when it comes to female characters in Shoujo manga the romances usually work out for most of them. Anyway, as I was saying I really liked seeing unrequited love here even if it is a sad scene. It was nice to see a scene I could personally relate to. 

As for the last parts of the MoE. I did like seeing Shigeru interact with the other sports cohort people. Of course, my personal favorite is Douglas but I am biased because of how I love tsundere guys. I do think that Shigeru became the Cohort president. I liked it. I do feel like there could have been something he did to impress them in a way that would make the decision to make him the president make more sense. Since I don’t think Shigeru was there for three days, I do think that Douglas becoming the Sports Cohort president would have made more sense in that context. But maybe he could have turned it down after noticing a quality in Shigeru or they could have talked and somehow something would have come out of that would have pushed for that result. It’s not something that bothered me or anything I thought about on my first reading. It just was something I thought about upon re-reading it and making notes. 

There may have been some elements that I didn’t like as much as Cherry’s MoE but there were parts I really loved. The Delilah and Shigeru section for example has to be one of my favorite parts for example. The MoE didn’t focus on Shigeru that much until that last part compared to Delilah but that didn’t really bother me that much. Since I really enjoyed her pov and character a lot. It was a good MoE and I can say that I enjoyed all the new characters that popped up in this part. I would say that I enjoyed the food and drink cohort as a whole over the Justice and Sports Cohorts. But that is entirely because of character dynamics. Since even characters I was neutral on I ended up enjoying more in later MoEs. 

{Ena’s MoE}

Ena was another character that died early on. This time in chapter two. Also, I am going to be honest Ena is probably my least favorite character of the main cast. Did Ena's MoE change any of that? No, but I am sure Ena fans had a good time and there were some parts of the MoE I did like. So there is that.

There were some parts of her character mentioned in FTEs. There were some things hinted at, for example eating disorders. This is confirmed in the MoE section above. As I mentioned Ena was one of my least favorite characters of the main cast. When it came to her character with how rowdy she was and there wasn't a part of her that especially interested me. This MoE didn’t really change my feelings on her. I will go into why I think that is. At the start of Ena’s FTE it starts with her explaining her history and talking with her cousins. It mentions that she went through a hard time in the past and that she is over it. I think that’s one of the reasons why Ena isn't a compelling character to me. Her character journey is over before we even see it. She's a static character which is fine in the main story. But when put into her own story it makes her character more flat and impacts the MoE. Because she the main Pov that is what brings down this part in my eyes.

Unlike Cherry’s MoE and one of my favorite MoE Myoko’s. Ena’s journey to loving herself and getting over her self-esteem issues is over and we don’t really see a flashback with it. I think it’s the tell not show at the beginning which is one of the weakest parts of this MoE. I like some elements of the MoE but the backstory of Ena in her Pov I feel like is my least favorite. When I first read it I didn’t know why this MoE at first didn’t captivate me until later and I think that’s why. We see the cousins be rude to Ena in the beginning which shows their current relationship but Ena is stronger now so it didn’t show me her personal struggles. She explains her struggles in the past but It’s told to us not shown. I think that’s why I don’t feel as much impact as I did with Cherry, Myoko, or Seisuke. I know this could be me and maybe others felt impacted by the start of the MoE. I personally have dealt with body esteem issues . I have my share of issues when it comes to loving myself or at least had in the past. I still have my own personal issues sometimes and have to pick myself back up again. I didn’t mean to get this deep but I will be vague with any details. I just wanted to mention this for a reason. Honestly, maybe that’s why I can’t relate to Ena since I feel like she’s done with those issues and there doesn’t seem to be a moment where she feels knocked down and then has to remind herself to stand back up again. She deals with people saying things about her appearance in the MoE but it doesn’t seem like it bothers her. When you feel like a character is through an arc of your life or is already done it can feel like you don’t know what to feel. It’s complicated. 

Anyway, Shinba does stand up for Ena in the end but it takes longer to earn her trust. Which I do feel like is personally realistic and I really like that aspect of Shinba and Ena’s relationship. It’s how realistic this betrayal of trust is shown and how it isn’t immediately earned. That aspect I really liked since it leaves something to grow over the MoE. It’s interesting and this was one of my favorite parts of this MoE. I am a fan of watching character relationships grow and change over a period. Since that feels realistic and fun to watch unfold from a story. I do find this aspect of Ena’s character interesting since having a character who isn’t forgiving having to deal with someone who betrayed her is fascinating to watch unfold. 

The next scene goes into the technology cohort and Ena meeting them for the first time. I do find the aspect of a found family to be really sweet to see in media. It’s the idea of a bond that isn’t tied to blood that I think is interesting to see. Since it’s more a close bond that is based on personal factors rather than simply being related to each other. I personally of course really love this trope. Since it focuses on the growth of a bond and a rather comforting one. I think even if you don’t have people in your life that feel like family you can find comfort in media that portrays something like that. Which is why I really enjoy seeing bonds like this in stories. As for the characters of the technology cohort I like them. Of course, I have characters I feel neutral to and some I enjoy more. But that’s true of every cohort I mentioned. But I think everyone will probably feel the same. 

Then there is more mention of the Royal court club which does get mentioned earlier but I think that it would be better to focus on them a bit more in the MoE section. I will go into detail later so I will just bring up that I will mention them more when I touch on the scene that happens later in the MoE.

The romance aspect of this MoE is a major part of it. So I will go into my feelings on it. Since Ena’s meeting and awkward crush for Daphne was relatable in a way. I mean, the amount of times I made myself look like an idiot in front of guys I like. I don’t think I want to go into detail but it has happened. So I think that some people can find the meeting between the two of them relatable. I thought it was a sweet and cute meeting. I like the dynamic of someone awkward with someone more mellow. The awkward nickname with Ena calling Daphne, Dolphin is sweet.  Both characters I would say contrast very well together. Even upon meeting and their relationship development into a couple is nicely done. The only thing I didn’t like was when Ena said that she didn't want anyone to hide anything from her. Which may be something I don’t personally like but can understand based on elements of her background but it does feel like it could have ended in hurting Daphne more and a relationship issue if she had pushed too much. Nothing like that happens but since it could have been something that could have happened. It is an element I think could have been brought up more with Ena's character flaw of trying to protect herself and by accident hurting someone. Since I would say one of her biggest flaws as a character is how she says whatever is on her mind. But that is just my personal thoughts. It could be said that flaws in things make them more realistic. So that could play into the strengths of the MoE. 

One aspect I also enjoy is seeing things before an event in a different aspect. Since in Ena’s MoE we do have Daphne and Ena talk to Daphne before Ishiwaki is exposed. It’s like adding more pieces to a puzzle as it interconnects things together. Which I would say is one of the greatest strengths of the MoEs is just how well this is done. It also helps make the world of the trilogy feel more realistic. 

Onto the Royal Court Club, since Ena’s MoE is where the first RCC meeting is shown. Which is why I decided to first bring them up here rather than earlier. Although, I think their inclusion as a mysterious club that is eerie and suspicious in nature is foreshadowed and mentioned throughout the MoE is well done. With them being brought up more until there is a clearer view of what they are up to. Since that I think it gives each part more weight as it adds more answers to the mystery surrounding the RCC. Which is cult-like in nature with its NDA and intuition ritual. This is the first time Arghantium is brought up with it being a special stone that gives people supernatural powers. Which I will say reminds me of Jojo’s bizarre adventure which I am a fan of. There is also the interesting aspect of all the members being referred to by titles relating to playing cards. It does add a unique creative element to the club. The creepy intuition ritual has a purpose but that connects more to Seisuke’s MoE. So I will go more into the RCC there. These are just my brief thoughts since I am going through each MoE one by one. As the scene goes on it does establish them as a threat with the fact that someone notices through supernatural powers that they have gotten hacked. Which does add this tension to the scene. I do like how this MoE establishes the RCC as a shady club and gives its readers a peek behind the curtain at what is going on and sets them up to be an antagonistic force. Especially, with Shinba’s disappearance at the end of the MoE which does have the readers think that maybe something happened to him. 

Overall, well there were parts I didn’t like. There were also parts I really enjoyed. Like the RCC introduction and the character relationships. Since I think that those were definitely the strongest parts of this MoE. 

{Myoko’s MoE} 

I am just going to state first that this MoE is probably one of my favorites if not my favorite. That could be due to my personal bias since Chizuyo is my favorite character from DRWG. So when her MoE came out I already knew that it would be my favorite. I will go into detail why Chizuyo is my favorite character in this section since I would say this goes into line why her MoE I would say is the one of the best written MoEs in my personal opinion. I personally can relate to Chizuyo, in fact if there is any DRWG that I think is the most similar to myself I would say that it’s her. Since we both are older sisters and have two siblings. I have a younger brother and sister. So I think when I found out that she had a brother as well I was like Chizuyo is even more like me what a coincidence. Also, dealing with family issues is another relatable issue. I can say that I felt really bad for her and could kind of feel this sense of relatability with how toxic sometimes family members can be. It can hurt to be in a situation where there is someone related to you and you are hurt by them. I know that in Ena’s MoE I didn’t touch on that aspect. But I think that Myoko’s MoE just tackles this aspect of family issues better in a way that I think impacted me more and made me think of things I dealt with. I think even if someone hasn’t personally had to deal with family issues like Chizuyo did, it's easy to understand how she feels since it’s shown to us what hardship she endures. It’s how well this is shown to us that makes the set up for her leaving her family home as powerful as it is. Not to mention the sibling bond. I love seeing sibling bonds in stories and I really enjoyed seeing  Chizuyo interact with Chie and Chiyoharu through playing koi-koi. I did end up looking it up and learning more about Hanefuda games was interesting. I always find it interesting to learn more about different things about different cultures. Even if when it comes to any sort of board game or card game I am not good at them. Since I am bad at remembering rules and luck wise it’s not on my side. If you play any board game or card game with me or have you know how awful I am at them. That is one of the reasons why I generally don’t play them. But I thought it was sweet how much fun they had playing the game together. 

The bond between siblings was written beautifully and was perfectly heartwarming. Her decision to leave her siblings is sad but understandable. Since you feel bad for her siblings since for all they know they may see her again. Which they do technically but there is a tragedy that they don’t know that Myoko is their older sister. Which does add to the angst when you remember chapter two of DRWG with Myoko’s execution and her revealing her identity to Chie at the end before being executed. 

Another part was there was this bird symbolism with being like she was trapped in a Gilded cage which goes in line with her family’s crest being a bird, a crane. There is so much bird symbolism. Just how well incorporated the symbolism of birds is in this MoE. It has probably one of the biggest focuses on symbolism which just had me excited to look into it and pick apart which parts I thought would mean what. How could I not absolutely love this MoE? I am a sucker for symbolism if that is not entirely obvious. Some things like her home being a cage for her and when she finally finds herself leaving it. Meeting a Yazaemon who is described as being crow-like which is like her meeting someone like minded who is moving forward to his own goal. Also, he is hiding things about himself so Chizuyo and him have that in common. I really like that aspect. There are just small aspects like that I think that I really enjoy. Also, how Chizuyo hides her real self and disguises herself behind another identity or mask like a character she plays. There is something that is compelling about that aspect that is really interesting to learn the origins of. 

To see the bond that Chizuyo made with Yazaemon was really sweet. I kind of like the relationship between them of a mentor helping her as someone more experienced. It was really nice to see this apprenticeship between them and how when he finds out about her gender that he still sees her potential and supports her. Even offering to help her throughout her passion for Kabuki. It was interesting to learn about the origins of where her character of Myoko came from. Which is why I found this MoE really interesting since the way it shows how everything coming together is wonderful storytelling. Everything just comes together perfectly. 

There is a short cute Randy and Douglas scene too. Which is probably one of my favorite ships from the MoE. Since it has some of my favorite character dynamics. With how I enjoy Tsundere x flirt and childhood friends. I enjoyed pretty much any scene with them. I will definitely go on more about how I enjoy them as a ship in Seisuke’s MoE. I just wanted to touch on the fact that I really enjoy Randoug in this section since it seemed appropriate. 

Onto where Myoko meets the performance cohort. It is fun to see her interact with everyone there. I enjoyed all the interactions between the entire cohort. I personally find any character interacting with Myoko to be just fun to watch so there could be that. But I think that the performance cohort has plenty of fun characters that are enjoyable to see together. I found it sweet that even disguised as Myoko, she still cares about her siblings even to ask Seisuke to look after Chie with them being in the same home room. The glimpse of Chizuyo from behind her character as Myoko is another aspect I enjoy that is nice to spot through her interactions with everyone in GIFTY. Since it makes her feel more realistic when she breaks character a bit. Her reaction to seeing that Chiyoharu was in the GIFTY was amusing as well. 

This MoE also does go into how Kyo and Kuremi got together. The Kabedon Scene that happens with the entire school noticing which well unrealistic does lead to some hilarious reactions. This scene also reminds me of otome games probably since I tend to see Kabedon scenes in them. Ironically, there is a character called Allan Meville from Cupid Parasite that looks similar to Kyo that Kabedons the mc of the game Lynette Mirror in a CG. 

Next, there is more mention of the RCC with Chie mentioning how she was approached to join the RCC by Oboro.There is also, have a chilling moment with Oboro showing some of her true colors with what answer she gives Chiyoharu. Which does keep in mind that the RCC is still a threat. As with each MoE it is mentioned and built up. As more facts are revealed about it with each MoE. The RCC’s presence is always there in every MoE which I think is another aspect that I think adds this uncomfortable feeling and builds up further curiosity on the RCC as well. 

Everything is built up well until the end and with the reveal that Randy was the one who founded the RCC.

{Kazuto and Aisa MoE}

One of the relationships I did really enjoy in DRWG was the friendship between Aisa and Kazuto. Which this MoE does show plenty of. It also, does remind me of what happened in Chapter three which is heartbreaking. I personally am not a huge fan of hearing about the entertainment industry. There are a few anime that keep my interest that go into that subject. Oshi no ko and Perfect blue for instance. But I am not really into celebrity gossip shows or idol groups or the like. It’s just not for me no matter how I try to get into it. There are a few exceptions where I enjoy something that has that but the writing has to be good enough that I can enjoy it despite the fact that I am into it. I think one thing that this MoE does is that it provides new likable characters with Leyonda, Joyce, and Guylain. I did think it was nice how the MoE did show how he got popular. 

As a couple, even though their short relationship lasted, I did enjoy Leyonda and Kazuto together. It was sweet. Although, I think I wrote that about every relationship in this MoE that I have mentioned so far. I personally, found myself enjoying the group dynamic between the group between all the characters in this MoE. The character dynamics between Leyonda, Kazuto, Aisa, Joyce, and Guylain were just fun to watch. Which I think is what makes it personally sad to hear that Leyonda and Joyce end up dying. 

Onto the stalking part with Yui Aizawa. Since there were parts of that I think are done well but I feel kind of felt kind of like it was missing more of an unsettling feeling. With this being a stalker I did like that we do get an establishment of their brewing one and it was realistic to see a comment that did capture how someone in a parasocial relationship mindset may behave. But I felt like it was being held back from being truly unsettling. Since when it comes to stalker scenes it feels like I expect there to be this uncomfortable feeling that something is there. Watching but unseen in the shadows. The awful feeling that goes really horrifying until it feels like it comes out of a horror movie. I didn’t feel that which kind of left me disappointed. Maybe because I heard of how intense idol stalkers can be I had this image in my mind that there was going to be this sort of horror that was going to happen throughout the MoE that didn’t happen to the degree I was expecting. Which is understandable for the mood that was there was much more lighter so there would have been more a tonal whiplash. But for someone like me hoping for a darker part that focused on the physiological horror of a stalker it felt kind of too light.

I would say when it came to not seeing the deaths I think that not seeing it was fine. Since sometimes that feels more realistic and impactful. Hearing that two people that Kazuto was close to died including his girlfriend is terrifying and tragic. Personally, I had to deal with grief by overhearing that person died so it feels realistic and personal to me. I did think that a scene of the readers seeing their deaths would be horrifying and with a hint of a stalker’s smile could add to the horror. But honestly, I couldn’t say that would be the best either. I did feel like the stalker vibes were too subtle, especially for the horror I was hoping for. But this is probably just me since I tend to like when the horror chills me to the bone. I definitely see this MoE still being terrifying to others. 

Anyway, with my feelings on grief this aspect of this MoE I wasn’t sure how to talk about it. How Kazuto handles his grief is different from how I took what happened. But I have heard that everyone handles grief differently. Kazuto gets into another relationship to get over what happened. It’s his way of coping after the death of someone close to him. I can say that it does seem to fit in line with his character that even after someone close to him dies he picks himself up and keeps on without letting it get to him for long. 

I did like the relationship between Atlanta and Kazuto even platonically since it did end pretty quickly. But that was more to do with Atlanta ending the relationship due to personal reasons. But I think that it ended on a nice note that felt realistic and was a good way to end things. But I like that the break up didn’t mean that they can’t be friends and I like that aspect. Even her helping him in his love life by helping him with Tomiyo. 

It was interesting how Kazuto asks Tomiyo out with text messages. It does lead to showing each other some revealing pictures of each other. I do like the development of their relationship from a work based one with the music video, to a friendship, and eventually a romance. The relationship itself is really sweet and endearing. I can say that the two of them pair with each other. Since their personalities contrast well. The romantic scenes with them were really nice. 

Then at the end is a scene with the RCC with the mention of an auction that arghantium, with Merrick coming back becoming part of RCC, and revealing a fact about Kingoro. It does end the MoE on an interesting note. 

{Seisuke’s MoE}

At last I get to talk about the last MoE. The most intense MoE out of all of them this ends everything and does so certainly with a thrilling conclusion. But I should try to tackle what happens in order since there is so much that goes on. This is the longest MoE and for good reason since there is a lot that does happen. As it connects everything from all the previous other MoEs. One thing that this MoE does at its start is show Seisuke’s family and especially focuses on Seisuke’s sister Shizuka. Which does make what happens to her even more devastating. First, though Seisuke does overhear about the murders with snake bites which seems odd but does connect later when it is revealed to be from Oboro because she has snake-like abilities.  Which is extremely fitting considering what she’s like. 

Then we have the most devastating moment that really showcases what a disgusting individual Oboro can be like. The moment I saw Shizuka I expected her to die since her death flags were numerous. The foreshadowing was there but that didn’t mean that I wasn’t upset and furious at the fact that Oboro killed her and took everything away from Seisuke. The scene really was well written since it was able to set up the emotional moment and make you really despise Oboro. One thing about Oboro since this is the perfect time to go into detail about her. I have made a review about season one but I can’t remember if I went into detail about her. Anyway, I would say that Oboro is a fantastic antagonist. I hate her guts but she’s well written. It’s like Frollo from Disney’s Hunchback of Notre dame {I won’t mention the book since I haven’t read it} where he’s an incredible villain but I hate him and that’s the point. It’s about how unsettling and memorable Oboro is. She’s horrifying and when she reveals herself and relishes in what horrors she’s committed it’s sickening. She’s the horror of a character that goes as far as anyone can ever think possible in the way of sin. It’s horrifying.

The umbra werewolf is also there but only seen as a camera with a robe. Which does add to the mystery of who the umbra werewolf is. There were only mentions of the cult of Daraku in chapter three and in this MoE but considering Oboro was part of it. I am horrified at what possibly could happen when more is revealed about the cult. 

How the events of losing his sister and family affect him. Which is honestly understandable given what happens since no one would blame him for seeking revenge against the werewolves enough to become a werewolf hunter. When it comes to Seisuke’s bond with his new sister Minako after being adopted by Fumitoshi it is honestly sweet. I found  his relationship with his new siblings and dad to be sweet. 

This MoE does include interviews with the characters questioning others which does seem like FTEs. Which honestly, was a nice inclusion that I found to be really interesting. It really did fit well to help fill in any information that was needed for the conclusion of the MoE. 

Then the RCC goes to the auction at Sakakinomori mansion which I heard is where VoV is going to take place so that is the connecting point between that fangan and the MoE. Which is bought by Kingoro in the end. 

Another scene with Randy and Douglas this time it ends with a confession and a surprising kiss which does result in the two becoming a couple. It was really a sweet moment between the two of them. I didn’t really expect for them to become a couple even though I really liked the ship and the relationship between them. With how well written their interactions were where it got across the point that they had known each when they were younger. There was this sort of dynamic that was entertaining to watch happen. So I am glad that it ended that way. With Randy being in the current situation that he is in the killing game. I can only hope he will be safe so that the two of them can be together again. I hope that I didn’t just jinx things by saying that. 

Finally, things reach a thrilling conclusion with the video exposing the RCC and the individuals behind everything. This was planned by Randy who came with the idea to found the RCC to attract those he planned to drag down. It was a masterful plan and really does sound how intelligent Randy is as a character to manage all this and for everything to go as he planned. Then there is the reveal at the end where it is mentioned that it’s Wendeline’s power “Memories of everyone” that took everyone’s memories and her connection to this is foreshadowed well by the videos at the start of every MoE. I was amazed at how well thought everything was and how it all connected together. My favorite part of this MoE was this video that reveals everything because of that fact. Also, it does set up things well for season two. Which does make me wonder what will happen with Randy and Wendy in season two. Along with a flash to the events before Seisuke's death which brings everything full circle.

Now onto the MoEs in general. I honestly liked all of them. I may have my favorite MoEs which are Myoko’s and Seisuke’s. But I would say that everything interconnected to a thrilling conclusion. All well building relationships between the other characters of the trilogy and did show the past of the cast which was interesting . It really was fun to read and it makes me excited for what will happen next.