What’s next to happen in this fantasy adventure shoujo series!?
After successfully completing the trials that came with orientation, Nagi has to deal with the start of a very complex problem. Though the stakes are high, she’ll figure it out. After all, she’s not alone!
Check out my review of Volume One here.
You can check out Volume Three of this series for yourself below.
You can check out a sample of chapter one below
What happens in volume one? *mild spoilers*
After the events of the previous volume, our characters have finally recuperated! So, naturally, it’s time for them to take their first round of exams. While most of the students are already prepared, having studied the topics they’re currently learning since they were younger, Nagi has not. So, she decides to pay a visit to Touta to see if he can’t give her some study tips.
He’s a little bit standoffish toward Nagi, but he does secretly drop off some books that eventually help her understand the topic. When she attempts to return the books to him, she trips, and the doll that her brother uses to telepathically communicate with her falls to the ground. Touta senses something from the doll and attempts to destroy it, absolutely freaking Nagi out in the process. We can see that the doll, which Nagi had believed contained a protective charm, actually held a cursed doll inside. And when Touta picked it up, it began lashing out violently. I do believe it was Nagi’s brother still controlling the doll—maybe under the influence of something—but it wasn’t very clear.
As the doll continues to attack, the god Tsukuyomi appears and shoots it out of a window moments before it causes itself to explode.
Everyone involved in the incident is brought to the principal’s office, where Nagi explains that the doll was the only method of contact she has had with her brother ever since he became a shut-in all those years ago. Surprisingly, no one really believes her, and they explain that even the most talented god cannot use their telekinesis from that far away. A little bit surprised, Nagi is at a loss for words when the principal hands her a note written by her own grandmother.
As Nagi’s grandmother was a god with the power of foresight, she left a number of notes for Nagi, seemingly to be given to her when she goes through specific milestones.
All the note says is “if you’re curious about your brother, go home”. So, she does.
Touta joins her on her trip back home, claiming to be interested in learning more about both the cursed doll and her brother. Once they arrive, Nagi enters her brother’s room… surprised to be met with an empty room. Confused, she goes to ask her mom where her brother went, and is met face to face with the god Tsukuyomi.
Nagi’s mom has Tsukuyomi help open a box containing yet another note for Nagi left by her grandmother. The note explains a big secret that everyone has been hiding from Nagi for many years: her brother was spirited away on the night of the car crash. While he’s still alive, no one has seen him since that night. It seems like he had been using his powers to communicate with Nagi through the doll, pretending to be a shut-in to avoid making her sad.
Nagi resolves to work to find her brother and bring him back to this world, no matter what it takes. Though it will likely be rather difficult, as there is a whole faction that seems to be against the gods, Nagi now has some powerful friends that she can rely on.
As things calm down, both Tsukuyomi and Touta end up having to stay the night at Nagi’s house. They ultimately all come together and decide to have her temple become an addition to a nearby occuring festival. Tsukuyomi requests that Nagi be the performer at the festival, citing her years studying dance, and she accepts.
My thoughts about this volume
I am LIVING for this plot! It’s been so long since I’ve found a fantasy series that incorporates slice of life and adventure elements to this degree! While this series is described as a “romantasy”, as of volume three there is no romance to be seen. I’m actually okay with this, as I’m really enjoying watching the plot build-up! I’ve said it before, but the world building of this series feels really similar to kami-sama kiss for me.
It terms of characters, I love genuinely every character that is included in this series. I’m especially enjoying watching Nagi as her relationship with both Touta and the mysterious long-haired god grows. I am really hoping one of them is end-game, but I don’t really care which one at this point.
I will say that I’m a little bit confused about the plot surrounding Nagi’s brother. It seems like just about everyone besides her knew that he was spirited away – even the principal! I really don’t understand why they all just chose to keep Nagi in the dark until it was deemed absolutely necessary. I feel like there could have been a better way for the plot to move forward… But, I am still really enjoying the story! I am excited to learn more about the group of people who have been spiriting people away.
What I liked most about this volume
❤️ Touta acting cold, but still trying to protect Nagi. I really liked him in this volume!!
🧡 Touta turning into a shivering cat when meeting Nagi’s mom, and then turning back to an aloof character when alone with Nagi. We got to see so many different sides of him!!
💛 Tsukuyomi always just somehow magically appearing whenever Nagi really needs him.
💚 The explanation of the cursed doll – it was really interesting to learn that cursed dolls and protection dolls are basically the same! It’s the intention that changes things, which makes a lot of sense!
💛 Nagi’s dance, and Tsukiyomi lighting up her dance! I really love how he has been something of a mentor to her ever since they met.
🧡 Nagi quietly sneaking Tsukuyomi snacks whenever they’re together – they’re just so cute together.
❤️ Touta acting like he really didn’t care… But secretly delivering the materials Nagi needed to study for the exam. He acts like he doesn’t care, but he does!!
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