Chapter 192

AFTERWORD In a little under two years since I started writing The Alchemist Who Survived, I’ve finally reached its conclusion, Internet version included. I’m glad I was able to write this tale from beginning to end, and that it all made it out into the world in book form. Although the words I use to express this are trite, I’m truly bursting with feelings of gratitude. Mariela is the one who was able to reach the truth of the Kingdom of Endalsia and the Labyrinth, so her name was derived from “mari wo eru,” which means to obtain the truth. Sieg was an empty man who grew to properly harness the power of the spirits. The origin of his name can be found by breaking down the second half of the kanji in the phrase “form is emptiness” into their readings of “shi” and “ku.” There was no intention behind Lynx’s name, but because he “linked” those first two together, the boss of the Labyrinth and the spirit Endalsia were finally freed, and the Labyrinth City truly became a place where people could live happily. In terms of their growth as people, the pair still haven’t quite lived up to their names, but they made it through this tale from beginning to end. I guess you could say they got through it by the skin of their teeth. By the way, a ley-line shard was one of the key parts of the tale, and since it’s crystallized energy, the design of the pendant Lynx gave Mariela features a deformed E = mc2. You can confirm this by checking the manga in Volume 2 or a certain illustration in Volume 4, if you’re interested. I hope you’ll check it out and get a kick out of it. As the author, the ability to pack the story with little details like that and funny bits while still reaching the end of the story really made the conclusion satisfying to me. Last but not least, I’m truly grateful to ox, who drew such lifelike illustrations that I can almost hear Mariela and her friends breathing when I look at them. To Kawana, the designer who managed to line up my work and the illustrations to make them a proper book. To the proofreaders who carefully looked over the typo-ridden manuscript. To my editor Shimizu, who compiled everything without letting me get too depressed or too full of myself over getting a book published, and took care of the manuscript without altering things. And to everyone else at Kadokawa for everything you’ve done for me. Most of all, I want to thank everyone who picked up this book, and everyone who cheered me on while reading the Internet version. You have no idea how encouraging it was to see so many people pick up this tale, enjoy it, and to see your thoughts on it every week. It’s thanks to everyone’s support that I was able to finish the book without stopping for a break on either Obon or New Year’s. Thank you all so much. Nothing would make me happier than if everyone who read The Alchemist Who Survived enjoyed it, especially if they laughed at parts. It’s my heartfelt wish that your future is full of hopes and dreams, just like the new era that has arrived for the Labyrinth City. Usata Nonohara