Ch. 401Worst Father of the Year Award
Chapter Summary: “Worst Father of the Year Award”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Edward urges Bayonetta to resist Balder’s manipulation and send the child version of herself, Cereza, back through a green space-time vortex.
- Bayonetta regains clarity despite her pain and comforts Cereza, encouraging her to return home without fear and reminding her that she is a witch.
- Although Cereza escapes, Balder’s awakening ritual has already become irreversible. Bayonetta’s memories begin returning, overwhelming her consciousness.
- The Ithavoll Building transforms as the statue containing the Creator Jubileus awakens. Bayonetta is drawn into its Left Eye, while Balder enters the Right Eye, intending to merge with Jubileus and become a god.
- The building launches into space. Edward allows the ascent, confident that fighting away from Earth will let him use his full power.
- Joan follows the launch into space on her motorcycle and attacks Jubileus’s Left Eye, freeing Bayonetta.
- Jubileus, destabilized by the loss of Bayonetta, kills Balder by crushing him against her own face. Despite serving her, Balder is treated as an expendable insect.
- Jubileus prepares an attack powerful enough to destroy the solar system, but Edward casually catches and destroys the energy sphere.
- Edward transforms into a colossal demon god, growing larger than Jubileus and even extending beyond Earth’s orbit. His simple forehead flick annihilates Jubileus completely while he carefully contains the resulting shockwave to protect Earth.
- Edward returns to human form and reunites with Joan and Bayonetta before suggesting they go home.
Character Developments
- Bayonetta regains her memories and emotional clarity, allowing her to reject the manipulation surrounding Cereza. Her encouragement to her younger self reinforces her acceptance of her identity as a witch.
- Edward demonstrates overwhelming confidence and power. He shifts from calmly guiding Bayonetta to revealing a cosmic-scale true demon form, treating the defeat of Jubileus as effortless.
- Joan proves her loyalty and courage by pursuing the group into space and risking herself to rescue Bayonetta. Her usually composed demeanor breaks after witnessing Edward’s transformation.
- Balder reaches the goal he has pursued for years, only to discover that Jubileus does not recognize or value him. His death exposes the emptiness of his ambition and his status as a disposable servant.
- Jubileus is introduced as an ancient creator deity capable of threatening the solar system, but her apparent invincibility collapses when faced with Edward. She experiences fear for the first time before being destroyed.
Significant Themes
- Identity and self-acceptance: Bayonetta’s farewell to Cereza represents acceptance of her past and reaffirmation of her identity.
- The danger of blind devotion: Balder’s worship of Jubileus leads him to sacrifice everything, yet the being he serves views him as insignificant.
- Power versus appearance: Jubileus appears limitless because of her size and divine status, but Edward reveals that grand appearance does not guarantee real superiority.
- Protection and restraint: Despite his immense power, Edward deliberately controls the shockwave of his attack so Earth remains unharmed, emphasizing responsibility alongside strength.
- Friendship and loyalty: Joan’s reckless rescue of Bayonetta demonstrates the strength of her bond with her best friend.
- Comedy amid cosmic destruction: The chapter contrasts apocalyptic battles with flirtatious banter, especially Bayonetta’s teasing of Edward and Joan’s exasperated reactions.
Character Interactions
- Edward emotionally supports Bayonetta and helps her break free from Balder’s plan.
- Bayonetta comforts and encourages her younger self before sending her away.
- Edward physically humiliates Balder, mocking the ugliness and lack of elegance in his ritual.
- Joan risks her life to free Bayonetta and catches her after breaking the seal.
- Jubileus ignores Balder’s loyalty and kills him when he becomes a hindrance.
- Edward protects Joan and Bayonetta from Jubileus’s attack, then defeats the Creator effortlessly.
- Afterward, Bayonetta openly flirts with Edward, while Edward responds suggestively. Joan objects to their behavior but shows signs of growing affection or embarrassment rather than outright hostility.