Afterword (Midword?)

Sorry about the wait. We’ve had to divide this volume into two parts, so this is Part 1 of Ending Day by Day. I’m aware that splitting volumes is a bad deal for you students on a budget. I’m afraid there were circumstances beyond my control, reasons it had to be done this way... so, I beg your forgiveness. Very sorry.

A lot of “interval”-type episodes are packed into this volume. Clean-up for the events of ITB, explanations of the internal structure of Mithril, portrayals of the dramas of school life, and other things that I usually can’t put center-stage. Even though “Ending” is in the title, we’re not actually anywhere close to the end of the series. Unlike in the short stories, in the novels, Sousuke and the others experience growth in various ways. But the real serious changes are still to come.

When I read back on this part of the story, though... I’m not sure why, but everyone seems kind of on-edge. Every character who appears is in a bad mood, lashing out and getting annoyed. Of course, this is no reflection on my own personal mood.

By the way, Admiral Jerome Borda, who appears in this volume, is based on a real military man (who died a few years ago in a ‘mysterious circumstances’ suicide), but if you happen to recognize him, please imagine him as someone else. I only used him as a basis, just as an idle daydream of “what if that man had survived in the FMP! world?” The way he talks and acts is just how I imagine him from what people who knew him say, anyway.

I want to bring you Part 2 ASAP, but the earliest will probably be right after the new year. Is that late? I’m really sorry. Please be patient as you join us on their journey.

And since the story isn’t over yet, I’ll leave it at this for now: Sousuke can’t find his power. The real villain approaches Kaname. Powerful enemies appear and take center stage. Will our two heroes find each other again?

Now, if you’re about to say, “But in the Lethal Weapon short story...” I’m going to ignore you and move on. Just forget that for now, okay? I’ll offer my apologies in Part 2.

See you next time for another round of Sousuke in hell.