Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers a scorched coastal area, which they nickname "Eden," with a crimson river and a massive, destroyed tree-like structure.
• They send unmanned airships to scout ahead, but they're destroyed by an unknown force upon reaching the coastline.
• Kita reveals that she has a feeling about this place, calling it "Eden," and that there's an entrance, but she can't pinpoint its location.
• CHU? finds an ancient torii gate in the sea, and the group decides to enter Eden through it using a speedboat.
• Upon entering, they find the world dying, with a black sun and scorched earth. They see a figure on the shore who looks exactly like LAYER.

Character Developments

• Kita's condition improves, and she has visions related to Eden.
• LAYER encounters another person who looks exactly like her, named Kanade Ruiyi, and they interact cautiously.

Significant Themes

• Trust and vigilance: The group is wary of Kanade Ruiyi, mirroring their caution in new environments.
• The unknown: Eden is a mysterious, dangerous place with an unclear history and purpose.

Character Interactions

• The group works together to explore Eden, with Yukina taking the lead in questioning Kanade Ruiyi.
• LAYER and Kanade Ruiyi interact, trying to understand each other's intentions.
• The group is silent and somber as they witness the destruction and death in Eden.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The bands arrive at a new, relatively intact building area near a mountain with a shrine at the summit.
• They decide to rest there for the night.
• Shiko, LAYER, and Yukina take turns keeping watch during the night.
• The next day, they climb the mountain approach leading to the shrine. Kita experiences a brief memory flash of walking through the misty mountain path alone.
• At the summit, they find a large stone with a sword stuck in it, reminiscent of the Sword in the Stone legend.

Character Developments

• Shiko and Kita's relationship is further explored as they interact playfully.
• LAYER (Number One) and LAYER (Number Two) are differentiated by their respective names and numbers.
• Kita's mysterious connection to this place is hinted at through her memory flash.

Significant Themes

• The theme of identity and self-discovery is reinforced as the bands encounter another LAYER and Kita experiences a memory flash.
• The legend of the Sword in the Stone is introduced, foreshadowing a potential quest or challenge.

Character Interactions

• Shiko and Kita's playful banter continues, showcasing their close bond.
• LAYER (Number One) and LAYER (Number Two) interact, demonstrating their shared history and trust.
• The bands work together to try and pull the sword from the stone, highlighting their teamwork and camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• LAYER accidentally breaks the divine sword she pulled from a rock.
• The group discovers an ancient city, Hoshiori, and LAYER guides them.
• They find historical artifacts and decide to take them for study.
• The group sets off on a speedboat, with LAYER guiding them.
• They reach another ancient town, Qingyu, and find a stone tablet with its history.
• They discover a third LAYER in Qingyu, who had inhaled destiny from a Fate-Measuring Tripod, granting her good luck.

Character Developments

• LAYER shows her strength by accidentally breaking the divine sword and a rock.
• Erhao LAYER (the first LAYER) guides the group through Hoshiori.
• The third LAYER is introduced, with her unique experience of inhaling destiny.
• Shiko's interest in archaeology is evident as she studies the artifacts.

Significant Themes

• The power of destiny and luck, as seen with the third LAYER.
• The importance of historical artifacts and their study.
• The guidance and assistance provided by predecessors, as seen with the Fate-Measuring Tripod.

Character Interactions

• LAYER and Erhao LAYER interact, with Erhao LAYER guiding the group.
• Shiko and Yukina discuss the map and their journey.
• Shiko, Yukina, and Kita interact while searching for information in Qingyu.
• The three LAYERs meet in Qingyu, leading to a moment of silence and surprise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers a hidden entrance in a well, leading to a cave with a Taoist temple.
• Kita descends into the cave and encounters a lingering soul, which she believes is from the former Eden.
• Shiko offers to help transfer the soul, but it fails, and Kita's body reacts violently.
• Shiko communicates with the giraffe and learns it can't accommodate the lingering soul.
• The lingering soul reveals that the center of Eden still has someone alive who can help.

Character Developments

• Kita: Struggles with the lingering soul's influence and her desire to leave Eden.
• Shiko: Shows concern for Kita and tries to help her. She also learns more about the giraffe and the defilement.
• The Lingering Soul: Reveals her history and the source of the defilement. She guides Shiko to the center of Eden.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between the past and the present, represented by Kita's desire to leave Eden and the lingering soul's attachment.
• The power of defilement and the struggle against it, as seen in the lingering soul's influence on Kita and the giraffe's resistance.

Character Interactions

• Kita and Shiko: Shiko tries to help Kita, showing concern and determination to find a solution.
• Kita and the Lingering Soul: Kita is influenced by the lingering soul's memories and emotions, leading to her strange behavior.
• Shiko and the Giraffe: Shiko communicates with the giraffe and learns more about its nature and limitations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shiko and Kita discover a hidden well in Qingyu Town, where they encounter a residual soul that guides them to the center of Eden.
• The group boards a speedboat on a river of light, with LAYER and the others playing Old Maid. Ryo senses something on her fishing rod, and Ako names the area the "Fictional Zone."
• They arrive at a new desolate city, larger than Qingyu Town, with no walls. The architecture is in the Han style, and the city is more eroded than Qingyu Town.
• The group explores the city, finding an Imperial Academy with portraits of Confucius and other figures. Kita recognizes one of the portraits.
• They find a temple with a Grand Treasure Hall, hearing footsteps and a voice from inside.

Character Developments

• Kita's remnant soul reacts to the Imperial Academy, showing that it has a connection to the place.
• LAYER shows concern for her teammates, especially when Ryo senses something on her fishing rod.
• Shiko demonstrates her curiosity and bravery by exploring the Imperial Academy and the temple.
• Kita reveals that she knew the girl in the portrait at the Imperial Academy.

Significant Themes

• The theme of exploration and discovery continues as the group ventures into the new city and the temple.
• The connection between Kita and the girl in the portrait hints at the theme of past lives or memories.
• The theme of unity and support is shown through LAYER's concern for her teammates.

Character Interactions

• Shiko and Kita work together to explore the Imperial Academy and the temple.
• LAYER shows concern for Ryo when she senses something on her fishing rod.
• The group interacts while playing Old Maid on the speedboat, with LAYER drawing a card that makes Number Two lose.
• Kita and Shiko have a moment of understanding when Kita recognizes the girl in the portrait.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zuiyi, driven by her desire to find someone, confronts and defeats the source of fear in the city, a mummified corpse.
• She receives the final Fearless Seal from the corpse before it dies.
• In the aftermath, Zuiyi encounters Kita and the LAYERs, who are mourning the death of an old nun, a guardian of the city.
• LAYERs discover a new city with a fifth layer, who reveals the truth about their existence and the purpose of their journey.

Character Developments

• Zuiyi: Demonstrates unwavering determination and bravery in her quest to find someone important to her.
• LAYERs: Realize the true nature of their existence and the purpose behind their journey, leading to a moment of reflection and acceptance.

Significant Themes

• Determination and perseverance in the face of adversity (Zuiyi's journey).
• Acceptance of one's fate and the reality of existence (LAYERs' revelation).
• The consequences of one's actions and the ripple effects they create (the LAYERs' journey and the fate of the cities they visit).

Character Interactions

• Zuiyi and the mummified corpse: A tense and emotional confrontation, where Zuiyi's resolve is tested, and she ultimately defeats the source of fear.
• LAYERs and the fifth LAYER: A moment of reflection and acceptance as they learn the truth about their existence and the purpose of their journey, leading to a poignant farewell.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at a new city, Saint-Suniel City, also known as the "World City," which appears to be a Demon Lord's Castle.
• They encounter a dark figure resembling the city's guardian, who is picking berries.
• A white dove guides them to an alley in the affluent district, where it transforms into a maiden named Phil, one of the city's former guardians.
• Phil shares her past with Bel, the other guardian, and how they both died during the great catastrophe. Bel, driven by obsession, remains in the high tower, occasionally scavenging for supplies.

Character Developments

• CHU? becomes more analytical and interested in the city's history and power dynamics.
• Phil reveals her past as a guardian and her relationship with Bel, showing her caring nature and contentment with her life.
• Bel's character is further revealed through Phil's story, showing her arrogance, strength, and ultimately, her love for Phil.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its corrupting influence is further explored through Bel's character.
• The relationship between Phil and Bel highlights the theme of friendship and love, even in the face of adversity and death.
• The theme of survival and the lengths one will go to in order to live on is shown through Phil's story.

Character Interactions

• CHU? and the others work together to follow the white dove and encounter Phil.
• Phil interacts with the group, communicating through consciousness, and shares her past with them.
• The interactions between Phil and Bel in the past are revealed, showing their close relationship and mutual love.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• CHU? is tasked with freeing Bel, the former Guardian of Nil, from her corrupted state.
• The group learns that Bel's radiance is tied to her Catholic faith, and only CHU?'s Apocalypse-like radiance can resonate with it.
• Bel attacks the group, and CHU? is taken into the tower with her.
• PAREO attempts to forge an Erosion Armament from external filth to save CHU?.

Character Developments

• CHU? faces a high-threat individual (Bel) for the first time, causing her to feel fear.
• PAREO demonstrates her determination and willingness to sacrifice herself for CHU?.
• Phil reveals that she's been living for Bel's sake.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice and determination in the face of adversity.
• The power of belief and faith (Catholicism in this case).

Character Interactions

• CHU? and Bel engage in a fierce battle, with CHU? being taken into the tower.
• PAREO, driven by her love for CHU?, attempts to forge an Erosion Armament to save her.
• Phil shares her burden with PAREO, temporarily substituting for one Holy Artifact.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• CHU? dreams of a past life, advancing towards a tower with companions, facing a holy war, and failing.
• She wakes up injured in a room with Bel, who is motionless and oblivious.
• CHU? retrieves her spear and tries to escape, facing Bel who suddenly attacks.
• PAREO and others rescue CHU?, and they escape the tower.
• They leave Saint-Suniel City, and CHU? recovers from her injuries during a long journey.

Character Developments

• CHU? shows resilience and determination, recovering from severe injuries.
• Bel, a top-tier fighter from the past, is revealed to have been protecting Eden and its inhabitants.
• PAREO demonstrates care and concern for CHU?, showing growth as a character.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and Perseverance: CHU? and Bel both exhibit resilience in the face of adversity, with CHU? recovering from injuries and Bel protecting Eden despite knowing its eventual fate.
• Sacrifice: Bel sacrifices herself to protect Eden and its inhabitants, highlighting the theme of selfless sacrifice for a greater cause.
• Memory and Identity: CHU?'s dream and Bel's memories raise questions about identity and the nature of reality, as they grapple with their past lives and current existences.

Character Interactions

• CHU? and PAREO grow closer, with PAREO caring for CHU? as she recovers.
• CHU? and Bel have a tense interaction, with Bel attacking CHU? when she tries to escape.
• The group works together to rescue CHU? from the tower, demonstrating teamwork and camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives at a lake with a city built on an island in the middle, resembling Venice.
• The city is filled with humanoid zombie-like creatures.
• Kita's remnant soul guides them to dock on the right side and head to the Duke's Mansion.
• The group decides to wait and observe before proceeding.

Character Developments

• CHU? seems less aggressive and more easygoing, which concerns PAREO.
• Ryo and the others discuss using the zombie's roar as a melody for their new song.

Significant Themes

• Trust: Yukina is cautious about trusting Kita's remnant soul's guidance.
• Decision-making: The group discusses and decides to wait before proceeding into the city.

Character Interactions

• PAREO is concerned about CHU?'s change in demeanor.
• Ryo and the others engage in a lighthearted discussion about using the zombie's roar as a melody.
• Yukina leads the group in deciding to wait before proceeding into the city.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers a time-limited bridge that appears in the mist, connecting different parts of the city.
• Kita receives a message from the residual soul, guiding her to a house with a few zombies to kill.
• The group splits into two teams: one led by Kita (with Kazusu's consciousness) to find Bifrost, and the other led by Shiko to activate Bifrost.

Character Developments

• Kita and Ichiri spend some alone time together on the roof, leading to a slight increase in their intimacy.
• Kazusu, the residual soul, reveals more about her past and the city's history.
• CHU? struggles with decision-making when Shiko asks for her opinion, showing a rare moment of indecision.

Significant Themes

• Trust and cooperation among team members, especially between different teams.
• The consequences of past actions and the passage of time, as seen through Kazusu's story.

Character Interactions

• Kita and Ichiri share a moment of closeness on the roof.
• Shiko and CHU? interact, with Shiko teasing CHU? about her feelings for the others.
• The two teams communicate through the 'Curse of Time Flame,' showing their reliance on each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group reaches the plaza where the Bifrost entrance is located.
• A horde of zombies attacks them, including special zombies with spatial manipulation abilities.
• Shiko and the others defend against the zombie horde while CHU? struggles to make decisions.
• PAREO wanders off, and MASKING and Rokka go to find her.
• CHU? retreats into her mecha, refusing to make decisions or lead the group.
• LAYER confronts CHU? about her role in RAS and the band's nature.

Character Developments

• CHU? struggles with her role as a leader and her fear of making decisions that could harm others.
• PAREO feels abandoned by CHU? and wanders off, putting herself in danger.
• LAYER takes on a more assertive role, challenging CHU? and expressing her views on RAS.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and decision-making: CHU? grapples with her responsibility as the band's leader and her fear of failure.
• The nature of RAS: LAYER discusses the unique nature of RAS as a band and a mercenary group.
• Consequences of inaction: CHU?'s refusal to make decisions leads to potential danger for the group.

Character Interactions

• CHU? and PAREO: CHU?'s decision to stop leading the group hurts PAREO, leading her to wander off alone.
• LAYER and CHU?: LAYER confronts CHU? about her role in RAS and the band's nature, challenging her to take responsibility.
• MASKING and Rokka: The two go to find PAREO, showing concern for her well-being.
• Shiko and Lisa: The two work together to heal and support the injured members of the group.

Summary of Chapter 63: The Final Journey

Key Plot Points and Events

• CHU? saves PAREO from zombies, and the group reunites.
• The group decides to leave the underwater city and find the Eden Center.
• They cross over to the Eden Center, finding a wasteland with two massive, dead trees.
• They encounter the first and last Cherub, who has been guarding the entrance to Paradise.

Character Developments

• CHU? regains her power and saves PAREO, reaffirming her leadership.
• Kita (Mismori) regains some of her strength and guides the group to the Eden Center.
• Shiko reflects on their journey and the upcoming final challenge.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and teamwork, as seen in the group's battles and their decision to merge souls to suppress the Filth.
• The inevitability of change and loss, as the characters face the reality of their situation and prepare for the final journey.

Character Interactions

• CHU? and PAREO's reunion strengthens their bond.
• Kita and Shiko share a moment of reflection before crossing over to the Eden Center.
• The group supports each other physically and emotionally as they prepare for the final challenge.

Summary

• Kazusa returns to Eden, defeating the Filth and merging with the Twin Trees.
• Cherub, the guardian of Eden, suppresses the Filth and gives the group powerful artifacts and abilities.
• The group prepares to leave Eden, with the airship rebuilt and everyone's abilities enhanced.
• Shiko senses someone passing the Path of Firelight, and Karen Aijo appears in Eden.
• Hina Hikawa stands alone at the Haneoka school gate, with Pastel*Palettes members gathered around her, trying to convince her not to leave.
• Hina expresses her guilt for betraying Pastel*Palettes and her love for her sister, Sayo.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hina, the guitarist of paspale, decides to leave the band to pursue her dreams, leading to an emotional farewell with her bandmates.
• The chapter ends with Hina running away from her past, leaving behind her memories and the band's future uncertain.

Character Developments

• Hina: Struggles with her decision to leave paspale, ultimately choosing to pursue her dreams, showing growth and determination.
• Mami, Aya, Chisato, and Eve: Express their sadness and support for Hina's decision, demonstrating their love and understanding as friends and bandmates.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of Dreams vs. Responsibility: Hina's struggle to balance her personal aspirations with her responsibilities to the band.
• Friendship and Belonging: The emotional bond between Hina and her bandmates, highlighting their support and understanding in the face of change.

Character Interactions

• Hina and her bandmates: Their emotional farewell, filled with tears and heartfelt words, showcases their deep connection and mutual respect.
• Hina and Little Aya: Their interaction highlights Aya's unwavering support and love for Hina, even as she struggles to accept Hina's decision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shiko plans to help Karen regain her memories by performing a new song, Starlight, at a joint live with Kessoku Band, Roselia, and RAS.
• The live, named Return to Paradise, is held in the airship's bar, with Roselia performing first, followed by RAS, and Kessoku Band as the finale.
• Karen watches the live from the audience, experiencing the performances of each band.

Character Developments

• Karen struggles to remember her past and feels a connection to the music and performances.
• Shiko takes on the role of a producer, planning the live and the new song to help Karen.
• The members of Kessoku Band, Roselia, and RAS prepare for their performances.

Significant Themes

• The power of music to evoke memories and emotions.
• The importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity (represented by Karen's struggle to remember and the bands' preparation for the live).

Character Interactions

• Shiko interacts with the members of Kessoku Band, Roselia, and RAS, helping them prepare for the live and supporting Karen.
• Karen interacts with Shiko, feeling a connection to her and the music.
• The members of each band interact with each other, supporting one another as they prepare for the live.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Karen attends RAS's live performance, featuring songs like 'EXIST' and 'EXPOSE ‘Burn out!!!’', and is captivated by their stage presence and skill.
• Kessoku Band performs next, showcasing a variety of styles inspired by other bands, with Shiko imitating different musicians' playing techniques.
• Karen remembers her ability and the future she saw after her sword clashed with Little Light's, realizing that Little Light will leave after performing 'Starlight' together.

Character Developments

• Karen: Realizes the truth about Little Light's departure and accepts it, showing emotional growth.
• Shiko: Demonstrates her versatility as a musician by imitating various styles, highlighting her adaptability and respect for other bands.

Significant Themes

• The power of music to evoke emotions and connect people.
• The inevitability of change and separation, as seen in Karen's acceptance of Little Light's departure.

Character Interactions

• Karen and Shiko: Shiko guides Karen through the live performances, and they share a moment of understanding after Karen remembers her ability.
• RAS and Kessoku Band: Both bands showcase their unique styles, with RAS utilizing the stage and environment to enhance their music, while Kessoku Band focuses on raw emotion and connection with the audience.

Summary of Chapter 6 & 7: "Drawing a World of Solitude with a Transparent Umbrella" and "I Don't Know"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Karen shares her story of losing her band and her Shine, causing emotional distress.
• The group celebrates Karen's successful live performance and her regained memories.
• Shiko spars with Karen to help her awaken her potential, but Karen struggles.
• Shiko shares an umbrella with Karen, causing Ichiri to misunderstand and leading to Shiko being grounded from dinner.
• Shiko discovers changes in the map of the world, with an additional person on the Poppin'Party side and one leaving the Seisho group.

Character Developments

• Karen: Struggles with her past and the uncertainty of her future with her band. She begins to consider joining the Poppin'Party group.
• Shiko: Shows concern for Karen's well-being and tries to help her awaken her powers. She also grapples with her feelings for Ichiri and the other members.
• Ichiri: Misunderstands Shiko's actions and grounds her from dinner. She struggles with her feelings for Shiko.

Significant Themes

• The importance of friendship and support in overcoming adversity.
• The struggle with uncertainty and the unknown, both in the past and future.
• The complexities of romantic feelings and misunderstandings.

Character Interactions

• Karen and Shiko: Share a moment of closeness under the umbrella, with Shiko trying to comfort Karen.
• Shiko and Ichiri: Their relationship becomes strained due to a misunderstanding.
• Karen and the group: The group celebrates Karen's success and supports her as she regains her memories.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Shiko and Karen's conversation reveals Karen's distress about Little Light leaving the group.
• Shiko locks herself in her room, working on a missile and sleeping.
• Ichiri, Ryo, and Kita enter Shiko's room, leading to a series of misunderstandings and reactions.
• Karen and Kita accidentally damage the corridor, leading to a group discussion about repairs and compensation.

Character Developments

• Karen struggles with Little Light's departure and seeks comfort from Shiko.
• Shiko shows determination to leave if Karen isn't revived within a day.
• Ichiri, Ryo, and Kita's interactions with Shiko lead to misunderstandings and emotional reactions.
• Karen and Kita's actions result in damage to the airship, showing their impulsiveness.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and support, as seen in Shiko's comfort towards Karen and the group's discussion about repairs.
• Determination and responsibility, as demonstrated by Shiko's decision to leave if Karen isn't revived.
• Impulsiveness and consequences, shown through Karen and Kita's actions.

Character Interactions

• Shiko and Karen's conversation reveals Karen's distress and Shiko's supportive nature.
• Ichiri, Ryo, and Kita's interactions with Shiko lead to misunderstandings and emotional reactions, highlighting their complex relationships.
• Karen and Kita's actions together result in damage to the airship, showing their impulsiveness and the consequences of their actions.
• The group's discussion about repairs and compensation shows their collective responsibility and determination to fix the problem.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shiko reveals her plan to use a missile to control Light and bring her to Karen, forcing Karen to re-produce.
• Karen re-produces and destroys the missile, revealing Shiko's deception.
• Karen leaves, heartbroken by Shiko's actions.
• Shiko confesses her struggles with her true self to Kita.
• The airship approaches the Sky-Piercing Tower, and the band members practice in the recording studio.
• Karen and Shiko's relationship remains strained but improving.

Character Developments

• Karen: Re-produces, feels betrayed by Shiko, but is willing to give Shiko another chance.
• Shiko: Struggles with her true self, feels guilty for hurting Karen, but is determined to help her band.
• Kita: Supports Shiko, understands her struggles, and helps her through her emotional turmoil.
• Nijika: Acts as a mediator, encourages Karen and Shiko to reconcile.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and forgiveness: Karen feels betrayed by Shiko but is willing to give her another chance.
• Identity and self-discovery: Shiko struggles with finding her true self.
• Friendship and reconciliation: Karen and Shiko's relationship is strained but improving.

Character Interactions

• Karen and Shiko: Their relationship is strained due to Shiko's deception, but they are both willing to work towards reconciliation.
• Shiko and Kita: Shiko confides in Kita about her struggles, and Kita supports her.
• Nijika and Karen/Shiko: Nijika acts as a mediator, encouraging both Karen and Shiko to reconcile.