Story & Art: Hajime Komoto
Translation: Nova Skipper
Lettering: Eve Grandt
The Ames family show their resolve
What They Say:
Rayne Ames and Margarette Macaron, two of the strongest students at Easton Academy, are about to throw down. The reason for their conflict is none other than Mash Burnedead, the non-magic protagonist of this story. While the prefects duke it out for the future of magic society, Mash and friends have their hands full…playing board games?!?!?
The Review
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The Game of Life comes at you fast, and I’m not talking about the board game… oh wait, I AM talking about the board game! Mash and friends are still enjoying some leisure time at his father’s house. I’m not sure whether it’s a magic game or just luck of the roll, but each player lands on a tile that hits a little too close to home. While everyone is relishing in the absurdity, Finn has a moment of reflection. First, it was Mash’s father’s words from the last chapter, “I hope these days last forever”. And now, he contemplates on words of wisdom from his brother Rayne,
“These days will continue. Words only have meaning when paired with action. If you can’t act, it’s the same as not saying anything at all.”
Finn has been on the sidelines since his introduction. Weak and unable to act on his own, Finn accepted ridicule from classmates and teachers alike – until he met Mash. Now, in a room full of people he would call friends, he sees the importance of protecting these times together. Finn’s been thinking hard on this for a few chapters now and there’s something welling up inside of him, a power yet to be seen.
Meanwhile, Rayne is about to put his money where his mouth is. Standing before him is Margarette Macaron, prefect of Orca dorm. A quick flashback portrays just how powerful Macaron is and helps contextualize his reason for hunting Mash. It’s simple – Margarette Macaron seeks those who are strong. Going further, he says that people seek stimulation because boredom is the same as death. And in Rayne’s case, Margarette is starting to feel bored.
We cut to Headmaster Wahlberg and our favorite side character, Nerey Shaun. Although Nerey is worried by Margarette’s strength, even against Rayne, the Headmaster knows that Rayne Ames is a special mage. Not only is he special, but Rayne is also the youngest magician to acquire a third line. Macaron begins to feel the excitement as he witnesses another line split open on Rayne’s face.
In Summary:
As we coast into the new year, Komoto gives us one last chapter to catch a breather and play board games at our parents’ house. But two of Mashle’s strongest mages are about to go toe-to-toe. The next chapter should be a doozy!
Grade: B
Source: Shonen Jump app, Manga Plus app
