“When we next come onstage, see me off with cheers and applause.”
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Thank you for picking up the fifteenth volume of Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World (Last Crusade)!
This time, we saw the story of two people who never achieved their crusade.
Because they just barely slipped past each other, they weren’t able to become star and heroine. This volume was the story of their meeting and separation.
In the script of the past, not everything ended with happiness.
And yet…
There is still more to their story.
I would be happy if you continue to follow the two who failed to become the stars of their performance as they retake the stage thirty years later.
And I have one other thing to say.
Though this book was mostly about past events being re-created through Sisbell’s power of Illumination, the Lou, Zoa, and Hydra princesses have finally all come together.
We’re here at last, after the Sovereignty and the Empire started interacting indirectly in the sixth volume.
Now how will the Empire and Sovereignty change going forward? I believe that Iska’s and Alice’s positions will begin to change over time as things progress.
I hope you’re looking forward to the sixteenth volume, too!
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That’s it for the books.
Now I have an announcement about the Last Crusade anime.
Season 2 is progressing full speed ahead. I believe I should be able to give you a follow-up report soon!
I’ve been allowed to attend the script meetings, and I can confirm that the writers are crafting a wonderful story one episode at a time.
I’ll work hard in the hopes the anime meets your expectations (and more)!
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I have an announcement for another series.
The newest installment of Gods’ Games We Play, Vol. 6, has been published by MF Bunko J!
This one has an anime adaptation in the works, too, and I’ve been lucky enough to have the most passionate staff and cast. The production is coming along nicely, and I’ll have follow-up news soon!
The seventh volume in the series will be published soon, so I hope you’ll read the original work as well!
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Now I’ll move on to my thank-yous!
Thank you to everyone who has helped me with this volume.
Ao Nekonabe, thank you for your drawing of Mira and Salinger on the cover!
They’re beautiful, lovely, noble, and heartbreaking.
Their expressions as they stand back-to-back capture the entire story. That is how I feel. I am excited to work with you on the continuation of the anime!
And thank you to O.
You are always more passionate and encouraging about the novels than anyone, along with the continuation of the anime. It’s so reassuring. I’m looking forward to working with you next time as well!
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Finally, I have a publication announcement.
Last Crusade, Vol. 16 is planned to release this winter in Japan.
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It’ll be the sixteenth act of the story between the swordsman Iska and the witch princess Alice.
The Empire and the Sovereignty, who are not supposed to work together, and the various members of the Lou, Zoa, and Hydra will dive into the deepest unexplored region of the world through a vortex. They’ll begin the journey to the planet’s core.
Some of them are going to say their farewells to the witch Elletear.
Some are going to overthrow the Planetary Calamity.
Some seek to part ways with the past.
But an unknown evil deep in the planet ridicules their intentions.
And this…
…is a story about those who live on the planet, those who haunt it, and those who pray to it.
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I hope you won’t miss it!
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So…
First, Gods’ Games We Play, Vol. 7 is due for summer 2023 in Japan.
And Last Crusade, Vol. 16 is planned for this winter in Japan.
Both series are progressing, along with the anime!
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Well then, I hope to see you again!
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On a warm evening that feels like summer,
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Kei Sazane
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