AFTERWORD

For those of you who have been following the series one novel at a time, it’s good to see you again.

For those who have pulled off the incredible feat of reading seventeen volumes at once, it’s a pleasure to meet you.

I’m Kazuma Kamachi.

This afterword section will reach its twentieth anniversary soon. I should be used to it by now, but it feels very much as inept and awkward as the main story sometimes.

The theme of this volume was “chosen ones.” The occult keyword was saint. Acqua’s spell is made up of things like the Adoration of Mary, but the basic foundation here was the clash between saints.

The Saintbreaker used by Itsuwa (or rather, all of Amakusa), as you might realize by reading back over Volume 9, is a monumental task. I’d like you to consider the power balance of Amakusa on the magic side ruined now that they’ve revealed a major trick up their sleeves. (Of course, Tatemiya got to show off his own tactical prowess, pleading with their Priestess to return as their leader, lest their situation grow worse.)

A few pieces of information relating to the core of the series itself showed up here and there in this book. You might find it interesting to try going over all the information you’ve been given so far. What information was revealed at what points, and when was that information subverted? If you investigate, you might be able to catch a glimpse of what might happen in the series from here on out.

I’d like to thank my editor, Mr. Miki, and my illustrator, Mr. Haimura. The book was filled with a lot of surprisingly onerous battle sequences, which I’m sorry about. Thank you for sticking with me.

And thanks to all my readers as well. The hidden parts of this series are somehow the only parts that are in a huge jumble, which I apologize for, but thank you very much for following along thus far.

Now then, as I close the pages on this book,

and as I pray you’ll open the next pages safely,

today, at this hour, I lay down my pen.

Seems like even Itsuwa is becoming a not-so-normal girl now.

Kazuma Kamachi