 |
| Intertwined Bloodlines. |
Release date: 29-2-2024.
Matsurika was the only upcoming otome game from otomate that I was still interested in.
It has a lot to do with the artstyle and a fantasy setting which just really drew me in
as well as a comfortable seiyuu cast with familiar voices that I like.
If this is gonna be my last otomate game... they got me good!
This game released on the same day as FFVII rebirth but at the same time
I mostly ended up playing this first because I just missed playing an otome game
and I wasn't in the mood for Final Fanfiction 7 which I only really ended up playing
on and off if the mood striked or when switch was charging which is actually perfect for it.
Pro's
- Well rounded routes, mostly easy to follow the story.
- Compelling characters & OK heroine(considering her situation).
- Gorgeous artwork and fitting soundtrack for that chinese feel.
Grey area:
- CeroD for a reason, there's quite a bit of sexual themes and not just suggestive.
Con's
- Long, especially if you do all routes.
- It can be kind of frustrating if you'd like to do the routes of Enrai or Fey since
they basically need all other routes be done but locked for a reason.
- NTR (bad ends only).
This game had some pretty high production values and good art direction from the CG's to
the backgrounds and sprites they were all gorgeous. Did I mention the cg's were animated as well?
I doubt this game was the product of a year they worked on this for a while
the artist truly outdid themselves not many otomate games have multiple sprite.
It has a great soundtrack that fit the setting/mood. The OP was great and listened
to it almost everytime I booted up the game. The ED's was pretty good too.
The menus were nice as well, it wasn't busy like say cupipara and just easy on the eyes.
The system was standard stuff however I could not find the skip to the next choice option
which ended up being touch pad only which I barely use, it didn't work properly.
Matsurika has a lot of chinese influences as well as the classic four lords.
At first I had a hard time understanding all the lore and it wasn't very clear where
any of it would go, there was suspense and intrigue, it got better eventually when
I got to know the characters! i'd say the end of the common route was a little
frustrating in light of certain developments. Other than that it still has a nice
sense of humor and the character interaction was pretty great right of the bat.
**Once I got into it the story was not particularly hard to follow/grasp.
I'd say the heroine Naaya was decent at best, she can be reserved but also show courage
to go off to another town on her own despite a certain someones protest.
Naaya has a lot of potential but due to the setting can never reach it, she can be stubborn
as well but eh she goes through a lot and doesn't even know wtf is going on
so I can't be too hard on her, she doesn't deserve that and her options are limited.
**I mostly liked her because she was kind but it seems most people don't like
passives heroines and they only want pro-active ones, Naaya shined only on rare occasions.
Despite being an old timey game I didn't find it boring, it only became more interesting
as it went on but it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows there were secrets being kept.
There were twists and turns, at times I wasn't even sure what was really going on.
**It all did managed to fall into place at the end.
Common route wasn't too long, it serves its purpose to setup everything in relaxed manner
however the end of the common route was a little disturbing, the mood whiplash
at the time bothered me. It was at that moment the dumpster catched fire
and in some routes it goes out but in others it never really went out till the end.
 |
| Especially you Ruwo. |
The story did generally flow well, it had slower moments but I didn't find the pacing
to be that bad. I think it was overall better than in say Tsuitsui.
Individual route was of decent length there's plenty developments good and bad.
If you combine them all then this game is pretty long. I did like that the final route was
not a combination of all but instead something that connects all dots, for better or for worse.
However I would like to emphasize that this game is very old fashioned and
the values of marriage or morals simply don't work in today's world. If the reader
can get past that and accept it then I think this game is much more enjoyable.
Most love interest's are nice enough that I could understand why the heroine
would stay with them because where else would she go? If you hit rock bottom
and someone extends their hand would you not accept it? I would.
The story wasn't very nice to the heroine but some love interests were, others did
need more time to grow on me but it was hard to dislike most of them.
Ruwo's route was pretty much the ongoing dumpster fire which was entertaining it its own way
but Zebenera was much more relaxed? it was also more connected to the overall plot
which made me super interested in Bicorn. Bicorn was the route that I thought was really good
and was able to truly present its story beats to its fullest. However it felt
a little longer but atleast Bicorns character got his full development.
I thought Seirin's route was a little boring but even that managed to make itself interesting
it just had one moment were I was like WTF this is awful but Seirin was the saving grace
unfortunately that route was riddled with politics so it took me longer to get through. Seirin route
is probably also another reason for ceroD because most routes except Enrai were... tame.
Meanwhile Fey sits in a corner somewhere waiting for the player to do all routes
and Enrai is mocking him. Wait I am getting off-topic.
All in all without any plot spoilers Matsurika no Kei was a well-rounded otome game!
however one must be willing to accept that in today's world its values no longer work and that
is okay because this is a work of fiction based on myth's and fantasy set in the old world.
The scenario was good, with multiple endings that suit the story/character.
A decent attempt at world-building and of course likable love interest
along with gorgeous and consistent artwork as well as a fitting OST.
-
If I had to ask myself the question of what do I want in an otome game
then Matsurika ticks off some flags of yes this is what I look for.
Not everything may have been my cup of tea nor is it perfect but it doesn't need to be
i'd much rather play an otome game that isn't afraid to have bad things happen
than something that railroads me to a happy end where the choices don't even matter.
**I generally liked most happy ends, they all had good conclusions.
Of course this game still has some classic problems like not every route being as relevant
but it is handled really well that each route is refreshing and each love interest's situation is
different making it exciting to do all routes. One of MnK's problems is the restrictions
on routes but those are there for a reason. Its still better than not having any at all. I do not
consider the MC being on the passive side a problem at all considering the setting & situation.
-
Also I was reminded of ken ga kimi when I played this game and I think there's some similarity
I specifically liked how there's multiple outcomes good and bad but they all suited the character
plus the routes were all so well rounded that if it didn't get a FD then you still get a full experience.
Turns out a scenario writer of KgK worked on this game. I suppose they still got the magic
but they also worked on CupiPara which has a completely opposite direction of MnK.
This really shows their talent as a writer, playing this game made me realize I am not that
burned out from this genre, and the last one just left me craving for more balanced games.
8.5/10
(I end up dropping it sligtly because of Fey's route... because its unfinished.)
Do I recommend Matsurika no Kei? yes I do but it is difficult to recommend
if you can't stand values and morals that don't work in today's world.
The developers really outdid themselves in crafting up this game, I still can't
guarantee this game will be everyones cup of tea but honestly? it was a solid
historic fantasy otome game, a journey worth taking if you like those genres
**however Matsurika no Kei is not for the easily offended.**
Its a mystery if it will get localized but taking everything in consideration
there's a possibility of this game staying unlocalized. edit: Idk how well
this did in japan but lately I think any otome game has a decent chance.
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I wasn't sure which route to go for so I went for one of the two characters
that were there since the beginning, I followed my intuition which led me to Ruwo
as Fey and Enrai were both missing from the affection screen during my first play.
There's not a lot of options in the first play so I think Zebenera is the safest
but Ruwo is the easier choice since he is there from the start.
At one point I wanted to put Ruwo upside down into a trash can. Take that as you will
but its best to experience it for yourself, you're in for a trip.
Enrai is locked till Ruwo, Zebenera and Seirin are done.
Fey is locked till Enrai is done.
Bicorn unlocks after one route is finished however I personally do not
recommend doing his till you have atleast done Zebenera.
TFW it is easier to get into masked guy's route than the poster boys...... 🤡
My play order: Ruwo > Zebenera >Bicorn > Seirin > Enrai > Fey.
I think my own order flowed well enough that I could recommend it as well.
Recommended order: Ruwo / Zebenera > Bicorn > Seirin > Enrai > Fey.
This game is just restrictive as there's not much choice than to do the poster boys last orbicorn if you forgot. Its probably for the best if you do Seirin later due to Enrai being locked
but that is just my personal opinion as I did find Seirin route to be very good at explaining things
Bicorn's route glossed over in favor of half-truth's and giving other things more depth.
I will be writing about the routes in the next section but this game is best going in blind.
Knowing too much ruins the suspense so I recommend not reading further if you don't
want spoilers. Also trying to write about the routes turns it into a Wall'O Text
because they are pretty long, again spoilers are after the jump.
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The manwhore, charismatic and a bit of a flirt. Let me say it right here that this route
Unfortunatly Naaya couldn't stay so Ruwo has a plan and suggests they go to another village.
Ruwo later overhears some men talk about the latest acquisition and joins in
After he is done, Ruwo bids Naaya farewell but not before she can confess her feelings
There is a slight difference at the end of the common route if one pursues Seirin/Enrai
but this generally sums up what happes if the player goes for Ruwo/Zebenera or Bicorn.-
Naaya lives in a village called Matsurika which is secluded from the outside world
and they tend to be rather religious and have customs. She is a gem appraiser.
When Naaya sings she resonates with special fireflies called Keisei. All's fine and dandy
till a string of events leads Naaya away from her village and into the capital to obtain fire.
Someone ended up sending people after her who then end up finding her village.
If that wasn't bad enough Zebenera tried to take her away and make her his bride
even revealing she wasn't from this village anyway which causes people to shun her
and start calling her a Tao Wu since that is considered bad luck to have ties with an outsider???
Wew holy shit that's terrible like didn't this girl live with ya'll for years anyway i'm absolutely livid
because someone who claimed to be her best friend Lin-ze convinced herself they should kill Naaya.
At that point I was like well Zebenera doesn't seem that bad but Ruwo......
there's obviously more to the story but that was merely the beginning.
Ruwo.
CV: Yamashita Seiichirou.
was an absolute dumpster fire that never really went out except for the best end.💀
Ruwo seems to know a few things and is pretty interested in ancient history.
Usually I tend to dislike the popular guy but Ruwo was pretty chill.
There was a hint of mystery to him which made doing his route exciting to me.
Naaya was forced to flee her village after it was set ablaze but she was determined to find
out what the hell was going on or who did it, despite them blaming her for it.
Naaya on the verge of tears then runs into Ruwo... who seems like an absolute angel.
Ruwo is actually hilarious cuz while he was casually inviting her over to his place
he was actually wait wtf am I doing the next you know she's my wife but still does it
cuz he's a nice guy. LMAO at the self awareness had me going for a bit.
Ruwo let's her stay at his place and shocho supports her, sadly Naaya can't move freely
anymore as she is also a Keigan. Ruwo wants her to have faith in him
even if he has his share of secrets he can't easily talk about.
I really this scene when he was talking about the ship, seems like Ruwo has
big dreams of wanting to sail the seven seas like some pirate. 
Honestly I found Naaya to be quite stubborn but can listen to reason.
Later on something happened that actually made me wanna punch Ruwo since when they
arrived he was trying to sell off Naaya as a bride at the oasis town. Ruwo used her for his own
personal gain and was being nice to her for that purpose. Like what do you know
about me it even makes it seems like he wants her to resent him because she is so naive.
Ruwo says she'll soon forget anyway and being a bride suits her then leaves.............
he knows damn well he's a piece of garbage and thinks what he just did isn't too bad
but for some reason he has several regrets as he questions what he really wants.
 |
| Literally Ruwo but also me @ whatever went down just now. |
only to hear they will be used as a sacrifice which was not his intention at all.
Naaya ends up being taken and they tried to drown her but this Kien intervenes...
Ruwo showed up and he seems to know this guy and wants Naaya to get away from him.
Kien starts outting Ruwo for being a murderer and if Kien hadn't showed up Naaya
would be dead. Ruwo came to save her after he heard about the new bride being sacrificed...
Kien is using the situation to show her that Ruwo is terrible but he has to flee cuz some soldiers
had found them, Ruwo takes Naaya to hide somewhere as well who is still in a state of shock.
Ruwo tries to explain himself that he had never wanted any of that to happen...
and wouldn't have gone through with the deal if he had known she'd be sacrificed.
Ruwo really did not know... and he knows she may not believe him, resent him even.
When they runaway from the town Naaya constantly got on his ass and didn't
trust him to the point Ruwo had to propose a truce cuz he ain't got ill intent.
Naaya also would constantly keep her distance like I know what you did to me, stay away.
Unfortunately they're both stuck in the desert for days and have to put up with each other.😂
Naaya saw Ruwo had a terrible dream and they sorta made up afterwards
he kind of also wanted to steer Naaya away from finding out the truth of the fire
and getting revenge on whoever is behind it since Ruwo figures it won't be pretty nor will
it make things go back to the way they were and he actually wants Naaya to be happy
so he will help her search for it since afterall the world is pretty big. Especially the sea.
They get on a boat but end up in a thunder storm... and Naaya fell into the sea
Ruwo tried to save her, they wash up somewhere in a ruined place.
Ruwo panics and applies CPR... at this point I forgot what the plot was about
but hmmm I was really into the romance and already forgive Ruwo for his past sins.
Ruwo figures they be save for now and won't be followed... they ended up on the island he was
born which lies now in ruin. Its were he lost his loved ones and thought he would never return to.
They explore but someone else has been here and they're still here...some pirates lead
by a red haired guy with a monocle ah you guessed it, Kien. They were also
the ones who attacked the ship and Kien ended up becoming a famous pirate just to find Luwo.
It seems they have a history and Kien actually hates Luwo's guts he wants to make him suffer so
Kein gouches out his eye because Ruwo betrayed him so he is taking back what he stole from him.
Kien doesn't even want to leave it at that and tries to go after Naaya too the situation
just gets worse and worse because Kien figures out Naaya is the runaway girl from that village.
Kien was watching the entire time... holy shit Luwo wtf did you do to get him on your ass?!💀
I mentally tuned out when Kien wanted to NTR Naaya from Luwo... anyway Kien revealed
Ruwo himself used to be a pirate and his brother came to take him back since the life suited him
more and Kien can't stand how righteous he lived so he is trying to put him back on track.
WHO ASKED LMAO?! holy shit I can't believe how insane Kien is. 💀💀💀
They manage to flee when there was an opening and find a safe place for the moment
but it didn't solve their problem with Kien. Ruwo apologizes for getting her involved
and that it is his fault. Ruwo had to watch his own family get murdered, he ran.
Rada adopted him and lived with him for a while, he knew his father was a bad pirate but was
told by grandpa that Luwo himself has nothing to do with any of that and he can live righteously.
Kien ended up killing Rada because he had enough of his ways... and that Ruwo is actually
Kien and Kien is Ruwo. Kien made him remember by cutting off granpa Rada's finger.
They basically switched places but he was too young to remember it? wha-
Ruwo's past was deep indeed and they were very detailed about it because it affects him deeply.
as she has really grown fond of him and wants to stay at his side. Ruwo wants to atone
but he doesn't have to do it alone, Ruwo finally figures out what he was feeling all this time
and he did love her, he was just afraid to get close to her because of his past.
Ruwo regains his strength and desire to live again with her and he doesn't want to lose to Kien.
He also realizes he may have met Naaya a long time ago... but he doesn't dwell on that
instead he comes up with a plan to outsmart Kien which leads to Ruwo settle things
with the imperial court its more or less about his family/clan name ''Fu'' Kien.
He may be a pirate but he will do what he thinks is right, he basically corners the one
who is now known as Kien by claiming to be the original Kien which he is. AAAAA~~
Shisei comes out who tries to play dumb by claiming to be Ko Shisei and not this Fu Kien
but the king is not that senile and still remembers it as if it was yesterday the only problem
is his hair which is black and not red. Ruwo came prepared and has a certain potion
which reveals the truth, he even offers to test it on himself to proof its not poison.
The potion got forced down Shisei's throat and his hair turned red... red like the one
claiming to be Fu Kien. Shisei panics but the king has seen enough. Shisei then shows
his true self and points his blade at Ruwo who then settles the score with him. Ruwo apologizes
causing a bloody scene, he is pardoned because he revealed Shisei wasn't who he claimed to be.
Later, Ruwo goes back to his hometown and wants to rebuild and Naaya is right there beside him
and he tells her that he wants to marry her sometime in the future to which she happily accepts.
They also end up holding a lantern rite to honour those who lost their lives like Ruwo's parents
Naaya being there for him made Ruwo very happy, he always thought he could live alone but
he barely managed to do just that and realized that's not the only way, she means the world to him.
The final scene made me smile and laugh cuz it was just... i'm sorry I CAN'T it came full circle.
Another ending but it was Kien forcing Luwo to watch as he toyed with Naaya and I
mentally tuned out because in this ending he actually did NTR her away from Ruwo
and forces her to work in Kien's establishment as a prostitute. Because Naaya was a good
girl he let's her have one wish but it can't be Ruwo cuz he ran away while... she was in here.
The dialogue on the title screen after this ending was absolutely unbearable, Ruwo despaired a lot.
In the normal end Luwo makes Naaya wait on the island but asks her to trust him before going off.
Luwo goes bonkers and beats up Kien's henchmen... and even kills Kien becoming the next
leader of that group of pirates, Ruwo treats Naaya well since she's his reason for living
but everything feels off because he has become such a fearsome person.
-
This route man... really played with my feelings and while I thought Ruwo was a PoS
the self-reflection really saved him for me, as it showed he is human afterall.
If they hadn't shown us his POV I probably would like him less. Honestly deep down
Ruwo wasn't even a bad person but he was still terrible at one point.
Can't say I was bored during this route cuz it had its twist and turns, the romance was okay too.
All in all it was a solid route the suspense really had me going at times but hmm Kienor whatever his name was a bit too intense for me and then Ruwo's background made
my head hurt because of the switcharoo. Wtf was this writer smoking it was a hot mess.💀
More like gaslighting the route... I kid you not because that is exactly what Kien and Ruwo did.
However I thought the resolution to it all was brilliant but I still wonder about a few things...
also one of Ruwo's outfit makes him look like Dimitri from FE Three houses.
I really like how Ruwo found his happiness at the end... and realize he doesn't need to be alone.
The other two endings both were fitting in with the rest of the plot it didn't feel OOC
just don't @ me about the one where Kien NTR's Naaya cuz that was awful.
Route rating: 7/10
~
Zebenera.
CV: Hatano Wataru.
An Inuit,the king of his people and leads a pack of wolves.
Zebenera was arranged to marry Naaya or so he was told...
Of course the heroine refused, since he barged in and all. Zebenera kind of seems
like he was forcing her. Due to this he didn't leave the best of first impressions on me
and he sort of made things worse for Naaya as well to make the whole village shun her
in an instance wow who can you even trust man? this Zebenara doesn't seem too bad
actually since he protected Naaya when they started to throw shun and rocks at her.
Naaya ends up going after Zebe who ends up helping her fend them off
afterwards there is little choice for her but to go along with them to their country
and become Zebeneru's bride... but atleast she will be in a safe environment, right?
things were so calm I started to wonder if there were snakes in the grass-err snow.
Zebenera actually was really kind... as were his sidekicks Bao and Yoh.
Their clan is surprisingly tiny but they can sustain themselves, they do have weird rules and
ceremonies but Bao made one thing obvious and that is no one gets to touch the king's wife.
There are also dangers like Youma wandering the mountains but under the protection
of their deity there should be nothing to worry about. I suppose Zebe was kind of gruff
at first but he wasn't like that at all and treated Naaya well even valueing her opinion
of how she'd like to be touched. It was those interactions that really sold his character to me.
Anyway Zebenara hands Naaya an old keepsake from her clan that they have been holding
since it is rightfully hers, there's a lot more to his clan and Naaya wants to know more.
Zebenara's old village was destroyed when he was little he and Bao were one of the
few people that survived it, he tells her of a story about the late king who took a woman
named Chika to another village. Naaya is her daughter which is why he came
to her village this also means the late king is Naaya's father.
Zebenera did apologize for barging in, he only did what he thought was right...
helping them by using her mysterious power. They find them but afterwards
but he was worried about her eyes, they got super sweet afterwards I could bawl.
Since she has awakaned some of the wolf god's powers they visit a cavern which honors
their history, kings and Bicorn who is like their deity gave their clan a duty.
Zebe only wants what is best for his village really... later they had to go to the city to visit
a doctor, as Naaya had fallen ill. Zebe blames himself for not noticing sooner.
Some people were already wary of these northeners claiming they kidnapped children.
Thankfully the doctor could help them. One of the nurses ends up recognizing Yoh
and can't believe he is alive turns out she is his mothers sister. Who didn't surive.
Yoh explains he lived with the wolf clan all this time, they took him in as a child when they
found him in the mountains. Turns out there really are nasty rumors about how people get
spirited away in the mountains. Yoh can't stand it and runs out after defending their clan.
The nurse started practicing medicine because she couldn't save her sister aka Yoh's mom.
Its more or less Zebe's clan takes in unwanted children and treats them as their own.
The doctor is a sensible person and let's them stay the night. Things are more calm
after they get back and they try to expand their diet so Naaya can make a full recovery.
Zebe ended up playing Go with Naaya and he got really into it... they had a lot of fun
but some Youma ends up ruining it because Naaya's eye looks delicious.
His name is Kiyuki and took a human shape, Zebe says not to listen to him and wants
to know why he is even out here since it shouldn't be possible since Bicorn's seal.
Kiyuki says without Bicorn they're done for but Zebe doesn't want to give up
even if the nonsense he spouts is true. Zebe asks his wolves if it is true Bicorn
has abandoned the mountains and... there's an awkward silence which confirms
that the wolf-clan's duty is over... because their deity is no longer around.
Zebenara storms out and goes to the cavern and smashes a rock in frustration...
wondering why they were even born to shoulder this duty in the first place
like was it their fate to just be obliterated? what were we fighting for to protect?!
Bao suggests to leave the mountain but Zebe doesn't want to throw everything away yet...
Kiyuki gets more extreme in his next visit and destroys a tent. Naaya decided to
leave the village since she doesn't want it to be wiped out because she didn't go to him
because Kiyuki kept honeying his words and she is falling for it.
Zebe finds out and got mad... because she's his wife and part of his village.
There's no way he wants to hand her over to youma, as the last kinghe swears to protect Naaya no matter what path they take which ends up
trying to get away from the village so Youma won't go there to find Naaya.
Zebe realizes the great king may have loved Chika just as he loves Naaya without
any titles or labels like man would a woman. At this point those feelings are mutual
and they make out in the cave they rested in before continueing to go as far as they can.
which is the work of Youma. Naaya gets buried in it...
Zebe starts angsting cuz he didn't forsee this and was supposed to protect her.
Naaya is still alive but Kiyuki took her to his comfy cavern. Zebenera took
his sweet time to find her and he is very resolved to take Kiyuki down
buuuut Kiyuki uses the form of the late king Kusanera as for how its actually kinda
gross so I will leave that part out also yes Zebe has to fight the previous king
who is being used by Kiyuki as a puppet. Zebenera has had enough of Kiyuki defiling
and toying with him and the history of his clan and respectfully takes down the zombie.
Zebenera obtained a new weapon and drives it right through Kiyuki.
After he disappears, the late king's spirit was also saved and leave, they both said farewell father.
In the epilogue, Zebe knows people will one day die and this mountain is the hill he will die on.
Even if the clan took a different path, as the last king he swears to stay with Naaya
but also wants her to know that she is free, he doesn't want to take her happiness from him.
If Naaya wishes so then he will end their engagement because he wants her to be happy.
Naaya looks back on the time when she first met him and she decides to still
want to be with him because he's not the person she thought he was and she loves him.
If that is what she wants then Zebe will accept and protect her like always.
What started as a mere arranged marriage turned into love...
Bad end: Zebenera is unable to find Naaya no matter where he searched so he will
remain on the mountain since he never found her body, he still believes
Naaya is still alive when infact she's been devoured by Kiyuki. Zebenera ends up
remaining on the lone mountain which gives birth to a new legend in moonlight country
of a lone white wolf who used to be human and is still searching for his love
which is why he howls at night even though the rest of his pack is long gone.😭
 |
| I don't usually care about bad ends but this one I like, a lot. |
Another end: Zebenara decides to leave tradition behind and leave the mountain
because it may be the only way to truly protect Naaya. One of the kids remember
the place where they caught the fish back so that ends up being their first stop
unfortunately other people know about it so a rando came waltzing in during dinner time.
Rando thinks they're out for blood or are a youma but Yoh has to explain they're just eating dinner
as well as explain how he is originally from moonlight country so there's nothing to be afraid of
but they can't stay there nor can they go to moonlight country so they keep traveling.
One of the kids suggest east of moonlight country, they ended up as desert nomad's
and making a deal with one of the merchants which was none other than Ruwo
so they ended up changing the fate of their clan which managed to thrive elsewhere.
-
This route was rather slow but arguably more interesting in terms of story
than the last route I did, mostly because of lore and Naaya's background.
Zebenera can seem like a gruff but he was a sweetheart and would never harm a hair on
Naaya's head but he did take time to grow on me. I honestly think Zebe and Ruwo's routes
balance each other out quite nicely one is calm and the other is a storm.
Also I swear that if I was Naaya then yes I'd fall for Zebenera... ungabunga caveman aside
he was so sweet and considered her opinion who wouldn't love this man?!
The only thing that didn't sit well with me because they're sort of relatives but I can accept
that it was a thing back then when clan's did what they could to survive.
I thought the bad ending was really good this time and it truly fits Zebenera's character to a T.
The another ending feels like the best possible outcome simply for the reason the clan survives.
Route rating: 7.5/10
~
Bicorn.
CV: Nagatsuka Takuma.
I think someone will either forget about this guy or do it right after Zebenera, if they were
that interested a walking mahoutsukai no yome reference that was a hot topic in Zebe's route.
Naaya once ran into him in the forest but decided to mind her own business in other routes
however this time it is not the case! the route starts with a woman receiving the bad news
that her master/tutor has passed away. Naaya is still imprisoned and shocked at recent
revelations of her origins, for some reason mr skull face scratches his way into her prison cell
and tells her to come with him. Naaya refuses at first but he tells her to hurry since
the barrier is down?! Skull face urges her to come along and they escape into the mountains.
He has trouble speaking and is often very direct but... his intentions are pure like a cinnamon roll.
The mask can come off too... and he is a human with pointy ears like an elf but with horns too
Skull face does have a name and its Karma, he really seems to want to be her friend becausesame eyes and shape. Karma has a very childlike innocence which makes him adorable
he also says Naaya smells really nice which makes him comfortable.
Karma is really adamant that she doesn't stray too far because it is dangerous and
one day a woman shows up in the mountains who tells Karma to put his mask back on.
Her name is Reikyu and she is a diviner who works for the imperial court
she wonders about Naaya but whatever not her concern really. When asked by Naaya
what her relationship with Karma is she just says he's a subordinate and leaves.
Naaya asks Karma and he says he remembers her but not much else... then Naaya recalls
a memory of person that is feared in her village because it attacks people
and simply is only known as a Bicorn because of its appearance.
Karma wonders if she is mad, and yes but because she is worried about him.
Then he wonders if she hates him and no she doesn't.
Elsewhere Reikyu doesn't know what to do... only that she wants to be set free
from whatever it is that she and her unknown master were supposed to do.
Naaya continues to live with Karma in the mountains, she tried to go off on her own
and Karma got upset when he came back from gathering food. Naaya mentioned she wants to
go to a village but he insists that village is dangerous and accidently scratches her
which makes him lick the wound almost immediately while apologizing which was kind of cute.
That night he had a dream about being abandoned and not wanting to be left alone...
he mumbles to himself that maybe he is wrong but he wants her to be his family and protect
her so if she were to go back to the village then he won't be able to protect her.
Things relatively go well enough till Naaya has a dream in which a village is ablaze
and Karma murders people. Then when she wakes up she sees him walk in with bloodied hands.
later he wonders why he has gaps in his memory since he can't remember things.
It seems Reikyu is the key to it all... because he is somehow special, loved by the
spirits of the forest and thus useful as her claw so she orders him around.
Karma realizes he can barely do anything for Naaya and if he can't do that he doesn't know
even realizing he is being used, honestly he wants to stop so he will
tell Reikyo before he loses control. All because he doesn't want Naaya to be scared
nor does he want to be left alone or god forbid hurt Naaya with his claws.
Naaya dreamed of the past and she wants to go back, Karma understands so he leads
her back since he doesn't want her to be sad and only wishes for her happiness.
Karma can't go all the way but some humans were already attacking them on sight
because he is the one who killed their loved ones the other night.
Karma ends up losing control and hurts one of them, he pauses but when they
try to hurt Naaya he protects her and are forced back to the mountain.
Naaya saw he got hurt so she treated his wound. She tried singing to him
which made him feel comfortable and wants to listen more to it.
Karma has grown more self aware and realizes he was simply lonely and what lead to all this
was simpley him wanted to see that girl again, that he met in the forest
all because she didn't treat him like a monster. When he saw Naaya again
he suddenly kissed Naaya and says he's always liked her,
Karma then rushes off because all his memories came back and realizes he did become
like a monster and curses himself. Why did he do that to people? he never
wanted to hurt all those people, after he calms down he goes back to Naaya and apologizes.
Naaya continues to soothe him and use her voice to sing, when Reikyu comes back
she finds her commands no longer work due to Naaya's song which makes Reikyo
just try again till it works. Naaya wants answers but Reikyu won't give any
as in a few moments Naaya will be dead anyway as she gives Karma that order.
Karma hesitates so Naaya again uses her strange powers to get through to him.
It works and this time Karma really tries to make it clear he has his own will
and that he does not want to hurt Naaya. Reikyu tries even harder
and activates the seal on his head to get Karma to listen but then instead of
listening to Reikyo he ends up killing her. Saying Naaya is who he will protect.
Reikyu wonders if Karma has chosen that girl over her and Reikyo mutters
that now Karma has betrayed her too as if there was another.
For some reason Reikyu didn't actually die and her wound has healed...
so she tries it again which makes Karma lose it. It gets weird because
suddenly Reikyo starts talking like she wants to die but can't.
Naaya wonders what is going on and Reikyo asks for help from her as if she is cursed
since Naaya can after all communicate with spirits and such.
Reikyu reveals that the keigan have the power of the keisei. Reikyu has the blood of
Keisei because she betrayed them once in the past and thus was cursed to not die.
She accepted her punishment and embraced the suffering of eternal life.
Reikyu wonders when she will be forgiven for her sins because she can barely go on...
she sort of figures the curse isn't such a simple thing and says her master won't let her die.Reikyu simply has had enough... and asks for anyone to forgive her.
Then suddenly the spirits around Naaya begin to talk to the woman that betrayed them.
Some want to forgive but others say no... Now that they're here Reikyu wants to know what to do.
They say it is time to forgive and forget because so much time has passed like millenia
thus they release Reikyo which leads to them telling a story. Once a man of senko
fell in love with a woman. Then there was Reikyu who misunderstood something, her love
burned so bright and she too wanted to become a senko but she became blind to the facts.
Her master was not in love with another woman but he merely wanted to protect, he tells
Reikyu that she is misguided and must temper her heart if she ever wants to achieve her goal.
Then there was this Unyo who offered some sympathies and tried to encourage her
to be honest with herself and her goals. She merely wanted to be on the same level...
so then he might finally acknowledge her. Unyo says he is her ally.
Reikyu was mentally not prepared no matter how hard she tried to become a senko
Unyo offered her help but it is that what lead to betraying her master but Reikyu actually
ended up being used and in the process was given that curse of eternal life.
At the time it didn't seem like it would be a curse. Meanwhile Unyo got the power
of Keisei in the process or claws, he actually wanted to become the king of the land.
Unyo wasn't completely ungrateful and he was thankful... but sins were commited that day.
He tells her they might one day meet again in another capital. Later Reikyu hears
that her master has passed away and abandoned her. All Reikyu wanted was to live
as long as her master but in the end he ended up leaving before here.
And so the fireflies continued to watch over Reikyo as she continued to pay for her sins.
Its not like Unyo got away either, his mind started to deteriorate and took it his
anger on Reikyu who had to feel his claws over and over again.
They imprisoned Reikyu untill she has found a way to help Unyo but even then
she experienced death in every way till she didn't even know what she was living for.
Back to the present Reikyu figures they've seen it all. But she still hoped that one day
she would be set free and worked for the imperial court throughout the years
but all the keisei did was watch. In the end it was Reikyu's fault the Keigan
in moonlight country suffered so throughout the years and even now.
Karma doesn't like the way he is now and wants to change but Reikyu doesn't know
only that she doesn't want the country to suffer. That is why she kept him out here
but then she suddenly realizes something sure she used him but at the same time protected.
The spirits show something to Naaya and it is within her village, the tree.
Reikyo then realizes that there is a barrier around her village and the answer is within there.
Naaya is willing to take whatever if it will set them free even if it is dangerous!
If it goes well Karma will be free as well, before she departs she ends up returning Karma's feelings.
In the village people still resent Naaya and she overhears some people complain
about the light, its so convenient if it goes out how will they cook?
better keep watch amirite? Naaya sneaks right past them and gets the item needed
that will help to undo the curse. Karma waited patiently and says he has uphold his promise
of letting her go back... when they return to Reikyu she tells them of how she met Karma
and turned him into what he is today, a sword of her to use. He was just a boy being mistreated
by the villagers at the time but she saw he was blessed by spirits thus used him.
Karma ends up using his claws inbued with the item to permanently kill Reikyu.
He also says that Reikyu was sort of like a mother... but still does what she wanted
and killed her, thanks to Naaya bringing that item form her village. Somehow
he is still thankful of Reikyu because if she wasn't there he'd probably off worse.
Karma is now free, he doesn't need to remain here and if he is really human again
then he wants to go and meet other humans. Naaya says she will wait for him to come back
and not forget about him. Karma says there surely has to be meaning to them
seeing through each others eyes, so they will surely meet again one day.
Karma has to pass through a special keisei gate and may need to face its guardians.
He met someone there that guided him to a safe place and could help him become human
but there needed to be another Keigan... Naaya returned to her village and of course they still
hate her and are about to kill her when Fey finds her, he is the only one who believes her.
Basically the only way to turn it around is to tell everyone the whole truth, she barely
even knows what the problem is and rushes out. She calls Karma but he still needs a little time
so she goes to him instead since they needed a keigan afterall. They end up
holding some sort of ritual which changes their uh inner spirit/djinn.
For Naaya her ties gets severed as well. When all is over they are free to move around
and enjoy life like everyone else however Karma seems to remember things from his old life
before Reikyu messed with him and wants to go on a journey to find his village
Naaya is sad still about stuff in her village but they will take it one step at a time!
Karma wants to be there with here every step of the way. Not like Naaya has
anyone else to turn to so how can she refuse as he's like literally the only one who cares.
They travel all over and one day at night Karma is surprised he can still see thhe fireflies
who were like his only friends who offered him comfort in times of loneliness
and he understands now what Reikyu meant by that he is really loved by the spirits.
Karma also finally confesses his feelings to her now that he is human again
not like we didn't already know but he can speak properly now. He is really grateful
to have met a person who was truly kind to him when no one was there.
want to live, so he won't ever betray her. Naaya reciprocates his feelings with a kiss.
They continue traveling and they arrive in a village that was similar to the one
he is from as some memories came back that reminded him of the past.
Karma dreamed of his past and after Reikyu changed him his parents estranged him
and didn't recognize him anymore which made him forget who he even is.
Karma tells Naaya immediately when he wakes up... and he had a different name
not just the one Reikyu gave him when she turned him into her claw.
It frustrated him that he can't remember his real name, so he wants to continue searching.
Karma also becomes better at expressing himself and his love for Naaya and he wants all of it.
Karma considered the possibility of his parents or anyone else not remembering him
but still got really excited at the possibility of showing of his girlfriend to his parents.
They continue traveling but they end up having trouble finding the village, when
Karma recognizes the locals but not the place they're at he asks one of them...
who can not rememeber the village they're trying to find existing atleast not at present.
It did exists but... it was destroyed. (I actually teared up a little at this news.)
They still decided to go and they find the place in ruins... then he finally remembers
everything and gets upset at its present state. Then he realizes it was him...
or rather the form he previously had that did it. He murdered the people of his own village.
as well as Reikyu imprisoning him in the mountains till whenever she has a need for his claws.
Karma says he will try... while crying. He will try to find something to right his wrongs.
Another end: They end up staying in the uguu birdnest of love till Karma's wounds are healed
~Naaya tries to find him and communicates with the spirits, asking for help.
She finds him and he starts to cry because he realizes his crimes and that he is a literally a murderer
even though Reikyu was the one who ordered him. It really starts to sink in now...
and he doesn't want to live anymore, Naaya still wants him to live.
Then suddenly something goes ablaze and Karma says he has to hurry because its in the city
apparantly there's a war breaking out between moonlight country and the Ku clan.
Karma asks the spirits for help who respond... and suddenly realizes why he was even born.
To act as an intermediate between humans and spirits. Karma says he loves Naaya
and they start singing which makes them release the keisei and send it flying unable to be
used in the war. They just barely made it and their hair turned grey for some reason.
In the epilogue some townsfolk say having a silver fox charm will bring good fortune
because a certain two protected the country from disaster. Somewhere else
Karma and Naaya are happily moving around... as spirits in a forest.
A new king has been chosen who leads a more peaceful path... and the two of them
have sort of become like gods so they can't be around them anymore. No one really knows
the truth but they're protecting them... huh god's really are all around the people in this land huh?
Naaya and Karma have taken the form as cute little animals. Uhm okay what an ending.
Idk if I should count this as furry but they basically become protective deities
nothing more and nothing less, it is what it is.
 |
| Aww that's cute but honestly wtf the writer took the theme of this game a bit too seriously. |
then Naaya gets worried of her village so he says he will go check even tho he is still hurt
and ends up running into Ruwo. (OMG HE IS EVERYWHERE) Ruwo suggests them
to move to the city and it isn't before long they get persecuted because they're still Keigan.
In the epilogue they atleast have a roof over their heads and just end up living life.
They end up making out in some shack and just accept life and themselves as it is.
Bad end: Karma ends up killing Naaya when Reikyu commanded him to do that
and there was no getting through to him. When he comes too he is shocked at what he did
because he hurt the person he cared the most about. Reikyu continues to try to control him
but he doesn't want to so he attacks her which is of no use due to her immortality.
Karma tries to resist as Reikyu tries to get him to forget. Everytime he returns
to the birdnest something feels off since someone's missing now but it smells nice
her skeleton is the only thing that remains even if he doesn't remember why.
Even if he is alone now... he isn't really alone when he hugs the skeleton acting as if
they're still here because he really loved that person. His dialogue on the title screen
after this ending was unbearable because he doesn't remember who it was.😭😭😭
-
Overall I thought it was pretty okay but the first half felt a little short
but then it turned into mega lore dump time, even when it had its
climax it kept going and going the length honestly surprised me.
At the end of the day I think this route still managed to round itself up nicely
since they managed to tie up any loose end. I will say that it almost
overstayed its welcome so its sits on that thin line but oh my god did the latter part
of the route hit like a truck I kid you not, the panda gif is most accurate.
Romance was believable but... it was a little difficult due to his mental maturity
still he overcame that and thus get's the okay from me. I did like the revelations
in this route even if some things were a bit convenient but then again its fantasy!
it sure did have this magical feel to it and I really liked that.
Also there were CG's in all the right places and they were all gorgeous!
this route blows all others out of the water and am having difficulty
in continueing but still I am curious about Enrai and Fey!
The another end was a little weird and it feels more like fanservice end...
but its probably there for those that want they characters to be actually alive?
Don't talk to me about the bad ending, it was unbearable especially the title screen dialogue.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa~~
Route rating: 8/10.
Ko Seirin.
CV: Tachibana Shinnosuke.
Naaya ended up bumping in to him in town when she was there to get more fire for her village.
Seirin seems like a gentle soul and for some reason he got nostalgic looking at Naaya.
He's also a spacey bumpkin and noticed he got separated from his friend Enrai
then he gets mistaken for being a woman by some random men who hit on him.
Seirin asks them if they know where Enrai is and like a fool he follows them
turns out they also know Ruwo who Naaya was looking for.
Of course it was a trap and when Naaya notices the change in the mood
she just grabs Seirin and runs for it. Seirin is frail and this is quite an exercise for him.
He tells her to go to the dragon gates, which is where he lives so they'll be safe.
Enrai rushes in who was no doubt worried but here is Seirin worried about him...
but he has to apologize to Enrai for being distracted like the bumpkin he is, Seirin
can't help but get fascinated by new and exciting things! he also said Enrai is like a bodyguard.
Enrai says Keigan aren't welcome here so he sends Naaya off, Seirin immediately
corrects him because she is his friend since she helped him find his way. Needless to say
Enrai is still rude and Seirin apologizes on his behalve before she is forced to leave.
Due to this the sun has begun to set and she hasn't found Ruwo, she gets desperate
and gets in trouble after following another lead only to get harassed by some men.
Then Enrai shows up to stop them and asks Naaya why she is still here, since he is indebted
to her for taking care of Seirin he decides to help her have a place to stay for the night at their
estate, the next day Naaya got invited over for pleasantries, Seirin says he will
accompany her back to her village since it was partly his fault she was delayed.
Enrai is like the hell you don't I will do it instead, don't even bother lifting a finger.
Anyway Naaya is able to meet Ruwo and get the fire... and Enrai escorts her to a carriage
where Seirin is waiting. Enrai says Seirin is absolutely not allowed to go outside of it.
Knowing him it is for the best,, as he'd follow a stray butterfly to a cliff..............
Things sure are a bit different from the last three routes, they pause to have
some team Enrai excuses himself. Seirin says he is such a busywork
but happy he actually went along with his whimsical request of coming out here.
Outside Enrai ends up warning Naaya about a Keigan with claws who's sorta
infamous around here. They also end up eating at a restaurant and Enrai is quite
the glutton, contantly ordering food cuz he just can't have enough.😂
 |
| You did it at my birthday dinner. |
When they come near the village they villagers start acting strange and say Naaya is
a Tao Wu who tricked them so they shun her. Seems like Zebenera paid a visit to their village
and was looking for Naaya but she wasn't there since she was delayed. Enrai tells Naaya
to stand back with Seirin since he's about to beat em all up. Lin-ze says they should have
killed her since she brought a monster along. Oh so having exquisite sword play skills
makes someone a monster? oh bitch please. Its been three routes and I am so done with you.
They make a run for it... Enrai asks what a Tao Wu is and Naaya says its like mixed blood.
Enrai can't believe how petty they are for wanting to kill someone over that.
Seirin wonders if there's something he can do... for some reason Naaya wants to return
but they're against it since she'll just be sacrificed. Enrai says Matsurika village id superstitious
and basically full of shit, he can't stand the idea they would sacrifice someone just for bloodline.
Of course Naaya is free to do as she pleases but if necessary Seirin will help her.
Naaya decides to go back with them to the city. On the way back Seirin talks about his family
to lighten the mood, he wonders how his sister will react when he brings Naaya back.
Seirin then asks Naaya all sorts of things since he wants to get to know her better.
Seirin introduces Naaya to his sister as his precious person and I am sitting here like
wait what?! we're already like that huh but then I realized its Seirin.
They're overjoyed their darling brother has found a lover..........
Shenanigans aside, turns out he is from a noble family and a descendant of Ko Unyo
the founder of moonlight country. Enrai shows her a map to better show its borders
and how Matsurika village is outside of it, very secluded as well.
Seirin is the only male born into his family and the rest were all female
so that is why Enrai was assigned to him, since he is the next heir
so everyone is very protective of him and simply going outside is a hassle.
When Naaya sings, Seirin really likes it and feels so at ease he wants her to continue
saying her singing is truly marvelous. His father found out about it because
Naaya's singing gathers the fireflies and wanted to see it first hand.
The king ends up making Naaya sing for him, Seirin is impressed by it even if she's being used
but he let's her know that he has her back and if something happens to tell him.
That is because to Seirin, Naaya is family and he cares about her.
What happens next is extremely horrifying, Naaya has to sing for the king while he makes
love to a concubine/wife. When Seirin saw her again he knew something was up
but she has to continue to do it every night because they're desperate for another male heir.
The wife/concubine also gives Naaya money for her performance and it wasn't just one time
it was like almost every night. The king suddenly realizes a chance has come before him
and that is because of Naaya. Nothing happened because *drops glass*
the crown prince paid the king a personal visit saying he had an important visitor
waiting and whisked a distressed Naaya away. He reassures her nothing will happen
because politics but still can't believe his father was plotting such things.
then decides to take responsibility and asks Naaya to marry him because
that is one way they can't go after her for her mystic powers.
Enrai sort of objects as per usual but Seirin's really adamant in proposing to Naaya
because he wants to protect her. Naaya agrees to his proposal.
Next day Seirin asks the court if he can wed Naaya because the great dragon
came to him in his dream. He uses that as his argument for choosing her and for the fact
she is very dear to him so may as well while also going dad's getting old anyway.
They're like okay but you really gotta make sure its gonna be a male heir!
Of course there are some people that don't like this, around this part is where the route got
kinda boring, there were some steamy scenes with Seirin because well he had to actually
try you know? which I approve of but there was always that sense of unease because politics.
Shit gets real when Ko Shisei suddenly rises from the grave who is first in line for the throne
and his reappearance pushes back Seirin. However Seirin has his doubts if it is really him.
Seirin's sisters are still rooting for him to go for the throne however it has become more complicated.
Actually while he tried to hide it Seirin is pretty upset about his father putting him second.
When he was born the court diviner Reikyu said something about Seirin not being able
to take the throne. He should have known but for some reason he is still upset.
Seirin believes he should be happy his brother is still alive even but isn't.
Naaya supports him which makes Seirin really glad to have her at his side.
Shinsei gets swarmed by women who want a piece of him, he seems to enjoy it too
meanwhile Seirin and Enrai have to put up with this strange mood.
Naaya starts looking angry and when she opens the box there's snakes in them
but Seirin tells them to hold as he tries to tell it to do no harm to the people here.
Enrai also ends up getting blamed for the incident even though he was
as shocked as anyone else in the room. Seirin tries to make that clear to the guards
but its no use trying to get through to them and he is taken away.
Basically Enrai and the Ku-clan is being framed... Seirin wants to do something
but he isn't sure what could get Enrai out of this situation so he and Naaya
try to come up with a plan. The key ends up him being able to communicate with animals
so they will try to go find that snake again LMAO maybe he knew who put him in the box.
It actually works and it turns out it was a man with red hair.... OMFG not him again!
They go find the snake dealers to try and get to the bottom of everything.
All threads lead to Kyoushu who is like s-snakes? I hate snakes! it wasn't me trust me!
The girls there back him up but there's one of them who mentioned someone who stands out.
Due to that they manage to get enough evidence to clear Enrai of suspicions
who is extremely thankful for them going out of their way for him.
Seirin starts thinking he might really be a monster for being able to talk with creatures
and starts to believe he isn't his fathers son at all. He wonders if he can go on like this
but next day he seems back to normal. The court is plotting to use Naaya as a sacrifice
meanwhile Seirin is hanging on by a thread, he knew since he was little there
was something off, his mom being sickly and his dad busy as ever. No time to even talk.
All little Seirin wanted was to make his dad smile by showing him a flower so he put up with it.
Back to the present, Seirin realizes the only thing making him want to go on is Naaya.
They want Naaya and Seirin to participate in a ceremony, he is surprised his father
acknowledges him in the letter and are send off to a shrine which is dedicated to Kirin.
Shisei & the king is there too, they're trying to gain an audience and it decides to grant it...
Kirin has only one question why is Seirin appearing in the way he does?
His father then orders Naaya to sing... but for some reason it leaves and the his father starts
taking it out on Naaya since it believes she killed it. Seirin won't stand for it.
In the carriage Seirin wonders what the meaning of any of this is? why try to gain
audience with the four lords? they go to the next shrine Reiki and Naaya is forced to sing.
The king asks them for how much longer they have to carry the curse
then Reiki says all has been decided and is in the hands of the Ku-clan
so there's nothing it can do. The king gets angry because the senko's song is useless
because he believes Naaya should be able to do more. Sometime later they hold a wedding
for Shisei and his wife acting like everything's normal, the king then summons Naaya
and when Seirin asks why he makes it clear Seirin is blind and cannot see the shadows
but he doesn't want to hear his son's voice only Naaya's. When she sings
the shadows seem to be going away thus he believes they need it.
Seirin doesn't understand and the king doesn't want to say more but Seirin is persistent.
His father finally let it slip that Seirin is not really his son. He says that if he died
then the real one wouldn't have. Apparently it was consumed by the dragons shadow and that
shadow has been protecting Seirin. Seirin's entire existence is apparently a threat to the country.
Then some voices starts speaking saying they cannot be forgiven and their will be reckoning
this is what the king means by shadows and why he needs Naaya's song because
for milennia those voices have tortured his family. Ouryu is not their protective deity but a
monster who wants nothing but their downfall. (Okay legit, maybe you guys are the problem then.)
The king says that Ouryu was tricked by Unyo. Unyo obtained the claws from him
to become the founding father of the country except Ouryu held a grudge and cursed him.
The king also let it slip that Shisei really is dead and the current one is an imposter
but it won't matter because they plan to use someone as a sacrifice. What's worse
they only seem to get daughters instead of son's. So the king has decided
that Seirin will be it, he'll do anything to get rid of the shadows. Upon hearing
this the shadows sound extremely angry and Seirin is almost convinced that
he should give up his life if it will help his father and Naaya.
The shadow doesn't like any of this so it starts to attack the king... who ends up dying.
Everyone seems to think it was because of Naaya... who gets imprisoned and tortured since
they don't believe she is innocent. Reikyu seems to believe Naaya was definitely involved in
triggering Ouryu's wrath. Keigan's should be able to soothe the gods but the opposite happened.
The same thing seems to be happening as when Naaya tried to return to her village, she is
being shunned by everyone now but then Seirin and Enrai show up to defend her
but they release a tiger which leads to the weather taking a turn and Ouryu shows up
who takes Naaya faraway. That dragon is Seirin but for some reason she knew.
Seirin didn't knew that it was him who killed the king... but seems to understandeverything now. He's glad she has not come to any harm.
The kokuryu and sekiryu among others suddenly arrive and they're glad Ouryu has returned.
The reason he is still alive after being tricked is thanks to the other dragons
and it was still his fault someone died a bunch of years ago. One of them says
not to get the wrong idea because them dragons only take as much as was taken.
They're impressed by Seirin because he used to be such a little snake...
which is why he could talk with that one snake as well. Ayy lmao.
The dragon's tell Ouryu to not get tricked again but one of them tells the rest to take a chill pill.
Seirin is sort of worried about his friends back home but Enrai is already taking care of things
so it is good to just let it be for now. They tell Seirin to Kashuen to recuperate
when they arrive it is surprisingly beaitful, its also the land of the senkyo.
Aaaaaand if there weren't any surprising revelations for some reason Shochou is here as well
because apparently she is a senkyo herself. Also she knew who Seirin was but couldn't
do anything about it, she was a little worried though because something felt off.
Seirin deducts that his father wasn't trying to protect him but seal him instead then goes on
how its probably his fault in the end. Shochou tells him no he was used and tricked.
Seirin starts to remember more and he once protected a kid from Youma but that's all.
Shochou continues its after that Oryou was taken and tricked by Unyo
then drills it into Seirin that it wasn't his fault at all. Shochou is surprised about Naaya's powers
and says it is the voice of keisei which is why Seirin could feel so at ease with her.
It is super rare to be able to have that sort of ability to commune with spirits.
Shortly after Oryou disappeared that keisei were lost too. The four lords
have since then sort of kept the peace just so they won't abuse spirits for their power.
Shochou confirms there aren't really any humans that awaken as a senkyo so the king calling Naaya
one wasn't true because she is just a normal human with a little special power, a keigan if you will.
In moonlight country they tend to be feared and persecuted because they could turn into monsters.
Enough about that Shochou fixes up some medicine for Seirin and the two enjoy a nice bath
which has rejuvenating properties, the whole thing was quite steamy.
he transforms back into Ouryu. Shochou couldn't help but laugh like she planned this.
Thanks to the prank Seirin remembered how to go back and forth....😂😂😂
Of course even if Seirin is Ouryu he is still the same person so Naaya doesn't need to worry.
Then he recalls the time when they first met and he had that strange feeling
but that feeling was simply him resonating with her powers.
Seirin also says she saved him, he finally made another friend. Feelings turned into
something more and finallh finding the will to life with someone.
Finally learning that he didn't want to lose that, he may be Ouryu but as a man
he fell in love... and then tells her he loves Naaya which se reciprocates.
but even so he still wants to live with her no matter what form he has. Even if it is selfish
his claws and roars exists for her, to protect her from harm or be taken.
The dragons arrive in Kashuen to tell them things are a miss, they use the water
as a mirror to check on things in the capital. They all know Seirin turned into a dragon
Shisei is up to no good and is plotting to go after the Ku clan. The dragons say the country
is finished. Seirin doesn't like this and wants to do something everyone is like no!
you're just going to get used again did you forget the past already? but he loves the people
there so he can't let them get hurt, because he is their crown prince. As he is resolved
Naaya wants to come with him even though they framed her for the murder of the king.
Wanting to protect something is all well and good... but don't let it become a self-sacrifice
or whatever Naaya tried to say had the white dragon in shambles and Seirin not sure
how to respond. So he let's her come along. When there Shisei and Enrai
are already on the battlefield leading their troops to fight one another.
Enrai strikes down Shisei when Ouryuu shows up and he was distracted
while letting them know the crown prince is here who ends up talking to one of the
commanders in charge of the countries troops letting them know Shisei was an imposter
and to stop fighting since shedding any more blood is meaningless. The commander's
hands are tied because there orders were to fight to the last man.
Seirin is very determined to make him change his mind and pulls a bold move
called Tensha-kessen, he will challenge the enemy leader Enrai to a duel.
Seirin's swordplay was quite beautiful but I teared up a little at the end
because while he didn't kill Enrai he cut his hair instead which had me in shock.
Seirin said, now Ku Enrai is dead, this lock of hair is the proof.
The soldiers were like we shouldn't forgive them but he hasn't as the Ku clan
will be forced to give up all their land to Ko's as they'll be banished and never
to be able to set a foot back into moonlight country. Peace returned to the country
and Seirin is sure that Enrai will make things work out for his clan.
Enrai was also the first friend he ever made... which makes Naaya the second.
Still Seirin is a little sad things ended up this way and says farewell to him while soaring
the skies wishing he still find happiness even though he can never see him again.
In the epilogue Seirin has decided he will become the countries new king
and Naaya will be right there at his side to support him as his queen.
Ending 2: Seirin is unable to do anything in the battle and Ku Enrai is victorious and takes the throne.
Seirin wonders why this all happened and where it went wrong then yells how can Enrai
be satisfied with this outcome. The other dragons wonders why he still lingers there and tell him
they all have abandoned the land here because the people seem to wish itso why waste time and
energy on these folk? they will simply go to sleep as the days they protected everyone has ended.
Naaya just goes with him to Kashuen and eats a fruit which will allow her to live a long time.
Ending 3: During the fighting, Seirin can't bear it and says farewell while he flies off.
Once upon a time a dragon loved to play around in a lake, he had food but wasn't happy
and if he cried it poored down. One day the people he so loved started killing each other
and he was unable to do a thing to stop it he turned the attention to himself by becoming a threat.
To make them hate him and not eachother so they could find common cause and live in peace.
Enrai ends up striking it at its weakpoint and making the fighting stop, in its dying breath
Seirin ask Enrai to take care of Naaya while thanking him for everything.
Naaya breaks down when he sees the dead dragon lie there lifeless.
-
In the beginning it was pleasant and UwU but there was a snake in the grass...
I cannot believe they literally turned Naaya into a BGM player at one point.The first half was kind of boring cuz yea politics but then it slowly but surely got to the point.
Because I already did Ruwo's route I raised eyebrows at Shisei's comeback
is this the real one or is it an imposter? suddenly I was intrigued again and while
previous routes had revealed information, this was like a missing piece that answered
any remaining questions I still had. The best end made me tear up for some reason.
Route rating 7.3/10.
~
Ku Enrai.
CV: Horie Shun.
 |
| Like, I'm just like, oh my god, time and place. |
and he is Seirin's personal attendant and bodyguard. Enrai can be cold at first
and quite sharp-tongued or rather blunt. Mister if you got something to say then say it!
Enrai generally has a stick up his arse and is just kind of unpleasant to hang around with
but once you get to know him he isn't too bad. This route focused on his side of the story
as well as the Ku clan which generally went unexplained in all other routes.
They returned to the capital after failing to return Naaya to her village...
of course people realize she is a Keigan but Enrai tells them to fuck off cuz she is his
and tells them all to get lost.😳 Seirin follows up to tell them not to worry because
they're all under the protection of Ouryu. Enrai tells them to move away from prying eyes...
then sort of lashes out and tries to put Naaya in her place. Seirin tells him not to be too harsh.
Enrai takes full responsibility for Naaya while not forgetting his own which is
to make sure Seirin becomes the king. He reflects and said that journey they took to her
village may have been good for Seirin. Next problem, what is Naaya supposed to do now?
Her profession of appraising gems may have been more useful in her village but
out here not so much, though it does have its uses. Naaya says she will leave
but then Enrai is like hah there's no way a woman can survive on her own
and will just be an easy target for monsters/beasts or bandits. Matsurika was a special
place sure but here? not so much. Plenty of people who could hurt her.
I know Enrai sounds oppressive but he really seems to care about Naaya's well-being.
Also to Naaya's own surprise Enrai is 27 years old. Oh my no wonder he is being such a daddy.
Enrai made sure she was able to get a job and gives her a new name Shenyue to further hide
her origins of being a keigan, she is now Enrai's sister. Seirin pays her a surprise visit
just as a chicken got slaughtered who promptly faints from the sight of blood.
As there was a scene, she was promptly fired so Enrai let's her take classes.
She ends up being the only woman in the class and during break they all start
hitting on her one by one... and they all end up fighting over her.😅
A scene ensues... fist are flying in each others direction and its only the first day.
Enrai figures trouble simply follows Naaya err Shenyue. The last stop
is a gem crafter? where she seems right at home but then she messed up
and they get mad enough to tell her to get her filthy keigan ass outta here.😡
Enrai be like what is it now? but no matter he has one more place
where Naaya can make herself useful where they don't care if she is a keigan.
A training area for soldiers... of course Seirin ended up visiting for a sparring match
and even ends up against Naaya. Seirin lost but I bet 50 mira he went easy on her.
They all think Seirin showed weakness because she is a woman and a scene ensues
and want to punish her. Seirin is like no its not like that! Enrai shows up
and takes responsibility again saying he will give the final punishment.😨
Enrai tells her to strip so he can treat any wounds she may have had. Aww
He isn't interested in her body so he tells her to hurry up and not be embarrassed.Enrai tries to put Naaya in her place but she has had enough putting on a bold face
so he tells her to stop being so naive because it could be worse. So he pins her down
saying not everyone is going to be as nice and will do much worse if they see a woman like her.
Enrai made it so clear how unaware Naaya is of her own features and also makes her
understand people are not kind to keigan, so she should heed his warning. Naaya apologizes
then wonders why he even saved her when they brought her back and all.
Enrai says because keigan are a necessity. Sure they get persecuted but the Ku clan
is different. While he is currently hiding her from everyone that won't do
as the walls have ears or so to speak. So he offers her another chance because
Naaya wants to be useful so this time she will work directly for him and has to pretend
to be a manservant with the name Shoshaku but since she is a woman she will sleep
in Enrai's room all the while she gatheres information for him. Things seem to
go better and if anything goes wrong she should tell Enrai immediately.
Naaya is also allowed to cook in the shared space they share, later he realizes what a hard worker
she is and then has the comical moment of hey I am not falling for her am I? no, impossible!
Not much happened other than Seirin finding out and yanking Enrai's chain to let her
act like a woman too while saying Enrai is way too strict, for himself and Naaya.
So now they're both forced to take it easy, thanks to Seirin.
before it is back to normal and Enrai is a very busy man, perhaps too busy.
On the job, some prostitute started hitting on Naaya while she was out trying to get him(her
to visit the establishment. Enrai showed up but it seems they've been spotted which by people
serving Kyoushu-sama's, it leads to a complicated situation but Enrai isn't giving up on Naaya.
 |
| So I made excuses for you then. |
Naaya ends up running into Kyoushu who's butt naked in a bathtub who just had a feeling
there was something fishy about this man-pretender so he pushes her into the bath.
He figures she's a keigan too and there's no use trying to hide that.
Kyoushu basically forces Naaya to do as he says because he has influences
which ends up just keeping his company while he is vibing and drinking.
Enrai barges, he is being more hushed/respectful and tried to take her away
but ends up being slapped for disrespecting the fact he has taken her as his manboy
who now along with the room Enrai uses now belongs to him.
Enrai meekly accepts the situation gritting his teeth , Naaya shakes her head
and Enrai starts acting like Kyoushu needs another cup of sake. Implying
he's weak if he refuses the cup, Kyoushu takes it very seriously *gulp*.
As per usual Enrai just tells Naaya he'll take care of it and not to do anything
and a drinking battle ensues, surely Kyoushu believes he'll win it.
Enrai just downs the cup saying its good... oh lord why is this happening?!
Sadly Enrai ends dismissed but he will warmly await the day Seirin becomes king
because Kyoushu has taken his place and has been demoted.
What had transpired the night before absolutely solved nothing and Naaya is still forced
to do Kyoushu's bidding which means brushing his hair, fixing his clothes etc.
Kyoushu doesn't leave it at that and he tries to make a move on Naaya...
however she managed to get away and reunite with Enrai. Who reassures her that she
is no longer Ensui's manservant and belongs to him, he won't let him hurt her, aww.
as well as prove himself to his father by bringing in a Keigan.
Enrai realizes he has a lot to explain to Naaya so he starts to do so...
remember the four lords? there used to be a fifth; keisei the ko clan used up its strength
but its not like he was destroyed, its power was taken and sealed itself away.
The Ku clan has been working for years on end trying to undo that. Keisei is merely sleeping
and the Ku clan's purpose is to awaken it. To do so they need a keigan, someone like
Naaya but its not like she will lose her eye she will merely give her power back.
So if it awakens then Naaya will lose her powers but its not like it will be necessary.
However there have been some people plotting against it and due to Enrai's brother
he's been seeing less acknowledgement from his own father despite being a hardworker
which is why Enrai has been moving in secret but still was noticed. Enrai also says
that the Ku cannot go into the village of Matsurika because there is a barrier around it
which was temporarily is removed during a festival (the fire) which is why his brother
Ensui attacked her village trying to kiill & kidnap keigan. Enrai says the plan failed
and that he knows his brother better than anyone. Which is why Enrai
tried to hide Naaya away all this time. Unfortunately he doesn't know what will
happen now that he brought her infront of everyone and not to let her guard down
while also telling Naaya to tell him if there's anything before sending Naaya to her room.
Next day, Enrai envisions a plan to find one other Keigan hidden away in the mountains.
Someone named Bicorn who has the last thing they need to awaken the Keisei its Claws while
Naaya has her eyes from her mother (although she is mixed should she not have the voice as well?)
Everyone seems convinced but Ensui is so feisty and has trouble seeing eye to eye
so he tried to hijack the plan. Things didn't go smoothly but they have to put up with it
till they find the missing piece and can finally free keisei. When they find Bicorn
he runs away and when they follow they find Reikyu there. She goes where she wants to
and has no excuses for being here with her pet. Since she works for Ko she also
finds no reason to answer Ku Enrai but that is okay, if you know you know!
Reikyu commands karma to terminate the enemy before her.
Enrai gets hurt defending protecting Naaya, when Bicorn hesitates for a moment
when Naaya used her voice then Enrai still sees the chance to attack Reikyu...
Enrai says she is dead and tell the troops to grab Bicorn. Enrai figured Naaya used her power
which makes him realize they had the voice they were looking for.
When they get back, Bicorn says they have the same eyes... before he is taken away
as they don't know what else he is capable of. Ensui taunts his brother for being unsightly
well sorry your highness for him not having the time to have a bath after a fight to the death.
Ensui ends up being the one causing a scene by challenging his brother who is still injured.
Some sensible people in the room say it is unfair to ask this of someone
but Enrai is like whatever come and get it you little shit. Since people are sensible
they let Enrai have a moment and Naaya tends to his wounds which is like the complete
opposite from in the beginning when Enrai was the one doing the caretaking.
Enrai ends up having a dream about when Seirin was young, he already knew
the Ku clan was responsible for something and for some reason he was like yadayada
but it was then he explained it is important for him to become a good king
and he will be there to help accomplish that. Enrai wakes up and ends up hugging Naaya...
its probably because of her that he saw that memory of the past which gives him resolve.
Next day the performance with Ensui continues, about who will lead the house of Ku.
Ensui's performance was ofcourse wonderful but that is not to say Enrai wasn't beautiful.
to take the power of Keisei for themselves, they say they've been using him and to hand
over the other pieces to them. Turns out they grabbed Bicorn and forced him to give
its claws to Keisei. All because of the past incarnations of Ka Kushaku
and younger brother Ka Enhi. There once was a prince beloved by Senko
in a peaceful land, the prince of that land Sekigekka was forced to make a choice.
A woman that was loved by the Keisei, the first woman of the Ka clan
such a peaceful era was about to begin but then... Ko Unyo took something
important from the queen. Sekigekka was set ablaze by the fury of keisei.
Ever since they have worked so hard to set things right and want to make themselves
the rightful rulers of the land. Enrai is Enhi's descendant and fit as rightful heir.
They continue to point fingers at the Ko clan and Unyo's sins.
Enrai is a bit conflicted since he didn't know the whole truth yet worked so hard.
They want to use the claw to take back the throne by force. Ensui wonders
what the mess is all about but he is going to take a nap and let it resolve itself.
Naaya took Enrai and hid somewhere, even if he told her to run she can't abandon him.
Thanks to Naaya he is able to recover from an injury he took while fleeing and
also gain some newfound strength to try and overcome whatever tf is going on.
When Naaya wakes up he has already departed to the ceremony hall decides
to take responsibility for everything. Afterwards they go to test out their new claw which has
disastrous results because it is that powerful, Enrai could barely handle it.
Reikyu shows up wondering where the claw had gone, Enrai thinks she is a ghost
but the reason she isn't dead yet is because of the curse. She pities Karma for getting killed.
Reikyu goes down a trip from memory lane and reveals she had a part in the plan.
The only reason Reikyu came out here was to ask a favor of Naaya to get
the thing hidden in Matsurika village so she can fulfill her own wish. Naaya agrees
to go and get it because she wants to help Enrai and she is the only one who can.
Unlike in Bicorn's route she isn't able to sneak through and was seen but still was able to get it
thankfully she wasn't alone since a few soldiers came with her and was able to make it back.
Reikyu calls her a fool for thinking she'd keep her word when they got Karma killed
and just disappears while Enrai gets to suffer for things he himself had no part in.
He needed some time and then ended up going off on his own. Naaya uses her farsight
powers to try to find Enrai who's extremely desperate to search for something.
When she finally find him he tells her that he too is a keigan...
and that he is too scared to hurt her. Naaya tells him he's been nothing but kind to her
and he's not the that type of person he fears he is. Enrai's like what do you know about me?!
Naaya should already know anyway, about how he's an unsightly monster then she
reminds him of Seirin and how he is supposed to make him king and he will return
the power that was borrowed to him, he doesn't want to become a king like this
so he will continue what he originally intended to set keisei free. Not caring if it is naive
or what the hell his clan thinks, this is what he thinks is right.
Naaya wants to comfort him but Enrai is still hesitant he could hurt her but she says
she'll be fine and not be such a worrywart. Naaya tells her she doesn't regret meeting him
because he saved her and the first person she ever fell in love with. Enrai and Naaya
end up rolling through the mud like two animals in which one of them can't contain himself.
Like i'm just like OMG time and place! Like it was just no big deal.😳😳😳
they both had the same dream or rather nightmare, which only strengthens their determination.
Naaya uses her eyes to look for the remains of Sekigekka which ends up being a valley
which leads to her having another dream of the queen being blessed with a child
which turn out to be twins. One of them was a boy which was a first.
Which actually clears up the story heard before. I am actually confused here because
Kinera and Sawana are Kuyaku's children. Which I mistook for Enhi/Kuyaku.
Enrai saw it as well and he looks quite similar to Enji, Kushaku's brother.
When they get back to the river, it seems to have been dried up which means
they have to hurry because disaster is one step away from them all so they continue on.
They rest at an inn and things got spicy again... but Ensui has send people after them
not that they are any problem for Enrai as he takes care of those easily.
Turns out while they were away from the capital the king has passed away
because the crown prince killed him. Which is why the lakes have dried up
Ouryu is angry as a dragon was seen flying into the skies. Enrai can't figure out
what happened or why Seirin went missing. Whatever this doesn't change anything and they
will see it all through to the end while uhm they do all sorts of spicy things along the way?😳
  |
| May as well draw the whole deck otomate-chan. |
Something has emerged and Shochou starts blaming the Keigan. Something nasty
has awakaned and humankind is no longer under the protection it once had.
All because Ouryu was hurt... the other guardians have abandoned them all.
A mythical beast now stands before them, Enrai introduces himself as the queens descendants.
Totetsu who had been sealed away had been released... it hadn't forgotten what Keisei
did to it, Enrai is like wut we aren't Keisei but for some reason they have traces of it.
Enrai wants Naaya to leave him behind but she just can't... they desperately
try to reach Keisei and some fireflies respond to them as they make their way
through a connecting tunnel leading into the ceremony hall. Enrai realizes
he alone cannot do it so Naaya chips in and they make out yet again
before they both perform the dance to awaken Keisei.
Ka Enhi the brother of Ka Kuyaku. Ka Enrai. They ask it to save all of humanity
to which it replies a roar which banishes the dark sky. Restoring tranquility to the land
while banishing Totetsu back to wherever it came from. For some reason Ouryu
now stands before Enrai as well. Keisei says it has waited for this to happen...
and says he will join them the descendants of her majesty the queen.
When they return to the capital people still see Enrai as a traitor... but Seirin or rather
Ouryu speaks up for his friend. Keisei says he accepts Enrai as their master, the true king.
In the epilogue everyone celebrates as Enrai is now their king and has to lead...
with Naaya at his side the future sure looks bright for them.
 |
| Precious babies. |
Ending 2: Enrai ends up acting strange and doing the performance by himself
while ripping out Naaya's eye. Saying she is a nuisance and can do it alone.
The end result is the same... he becomes the new king except Naaya is now dependant
on him completely as the only person who knows his sin, he let's none
but this crippled girl close to him. (Well I wish this end did not exist.)
Are you satisfied with this Ku Enrai? oh don't mind me just remembering
Seirin saying this in once of his endings.
Ending 3: Enrai finds out about people trying to mess with the plan
and decides to runaway with Naaya and throw away his ties with the Ku clan.
He doesn't see himself fit to be king nor does he like what they're doing. Some people
came after him who really wants Enrai to take what is rightfully his but they just keep
running, he did ask Naaya what she wants out of it but at this point she be like
why not just stay together? Enrai is surprised but he doesn't mind trying to live with her now
that he has lost Ku. They live an ordinary life in an ordinary village... but they're happy.
Idk how it actually worked out but it did, I did like this ending a lot.
I won't lie but Enrai is going to be one of those characters you will either love to bits
or simply just cannot stand, no inbetween. For me I liked Enrai because he cared about
Naaya's well being and this is ancient china nor is she particularly strong plus the fact
that she is a keigan, yeaaah her just going off on her own won't end well. Sure there was
personal gain involved but the fact he did it out of the kindness in his cold heart says a lot.
Enrai being a few years older telling her how naive she is was a good thing!
also unlike some other routes it wasn't insta-like they had differences which made
the love process interesting. Honestly I have played a lot of otome game and have seen
worst love interests, so I think Enrai ain't so bad infact I think he is a sweetheart.
I like to believe it is his kindness and actions of why Naaya fell for him.
Also lmao at all the spice throughout the last part, i'm sorry but I just remembered
those stupid sentences and it fits this route to a T.
Route rating 9/10.
~
Fey.
Poster boy, he doesn't like to lose especially if it is against Ruwo.😅
Even if its not allowed he wanted to be her husband... however now that the truth is out
However some villagers have still not accepted the fact Fey married a Tao Wu
Fey calls his special horse and they both use it to bust outta here, on the way
which is letting the body drift away. Naaya travels around but she gets persecuted everywhere.CV: Okamoto Nobuhiko.
I thought it was pretty obvious he was interested in Naaya but couldn't convey his feelings
and he doesn't want to push it which was actually kind of painful to see.
Sadly he falls off the map completely in most routes but what I really like is that
he doesn't chase Naaya and let's her make her own decisions like some chad.
Unfortunately by the time I reached this route I kinda forgot about him
and immediately upon entering I felt pain mentally and physically
because Naaya is so very dear to him but he is holding himself back.
Okay so Naaya ends up captured by Ensui's troops when they set fire to her village
because they were trying to find Keigan's, Fey ends up saving her and they have to hide for a bit
which reminds them of when he was a kid and wanted to find a flower for Naaya but they got
lost in the forest so he puts on a brave face because a sad Naaya is the last thing he wants.
Fey realizes he can't hold back his feelings and just smooches Naaya
who's like wut? to which he says its because he likes her, always has been.
that Naaya is of mixed blood things become difficulty because she is shunned if not killed.
Fey tells her he knows its no good so he tells her to run faraway because from tomorrow onward
the villagers will be looking for her and persecute her for being Tao Wu.
He could hide her but he doesn't trust the villagers so he wants her to live.
Naaya is thankful that he went so far to protect her, she is stubborn and she
actually wants to stay with Fey. She doesn't see a problem with her living
in the village like she always did. Fey is convinced so they will both return
however he will try to protect her this time and tries his hardest to make them all see it
how being a Tao Wu is not a big deal at all. Sadly the villagers are about as stubborn as Naaya.
This route directly brings focus to the secret of the villagers something outsiders
like Ruwo can't see even if they searched night and day. The reason Ensui's troops
could enter was because of the preperations for the festival. Fey's dad
starts saying Fen spoke to him that he will be next, it is his fate.
When his dad leaves to go tell everyone, Fey whispers to Naaya to be his wife
he knows its sudden but it is one way to protect her better from here on out
since he will be the new chief soon anyway. He will ask her again tomorrow
so she doesn't have to reply to his sudden request rightaway. Fey gives her a charm
so the villagers leave her alone just incase they try something.
They perform a ritual to reinstate the barrier... which is actually where the name
of the game comes from sadly it is too much for Fey's dad, his wife knew
the day would come but its still too much for her. Fey explains the barrier
comes at the cost of their lives. Fen is like a deity, a Senkyo and via the ritual
he continues to protect it. They never tell the other villagers of the fact Fey's family
has this burden of protecting it but they can't keep doing it because if Fey dies
then that'll be the end of their protection. Fey also says he can't live as long
as she will, he'll die long before because of how taxing the ritual is to the caster.
Fey actually hoped she'd fall for anyone else so he could give up on his feelings for her
since as long as Naaya is happy then he would be able to fulfill his duty.
They hold a Funeral for Fey's dad and offer his body up to Fen.
During the funeral some villagers cause a hissy fit despite Fey pointing out Naaya is to
be his family. They just want her to go, shun her like she's a witch or something.
After it is over Fey is officially the next chief but his mood is off.
Naaya tells him to runaway but he just can't... but he is thankful she is thinking of him.
Fey wants Naaya to be happy but he knows he can't do it.. so he wants her to run
since staying here will only make her miserable. Running away together is like
a childhood dream he had but now as an adult he just can't bring himself...
so he roots for Naaya instead because the world's a big place so he points her to Ruwo till
Rao points out how he is giving up on Naaya so then he will marry her instead.
Rao knows how dangerous it is outside of the village, you really be sending yo girl there?!
This bro also liked Naaya so now it is on. He's a little younger but... in a year or so sure
this random bro doesn't even care about Naaya being a Tao Wu. Rao challenges Fey
with the bow and arrow so if Rao wins then he'll take Naaya as his fiance.
Fey's performance is off while Rao is a straight-shooter who says he should face him
seriosuly and not take the easy road. Fey finally let's it out in the open just how much
Naaya means to him which only makes Rao smile. Turns out that is what he wanted
and everyone cheers when Fey is finally being honest. They end up proceeding
with the wedding which went off without a hitch, even their wedding night was nice.
so they start causing a scene which leads to Naaya getting locked up
because the villagers are just so persistant (omg I was actually scared.)
Fey shows up just in time because they really had it out for her like
he got so mad Fey wanted to kill them. Why can't they just leave them be?!
Fey apologizes for leaving her alone just for one moment. Then just says
he has had enough, screw the village let's get outta here cuz at the end of the day
Naaya is more important to him than this dumpster in the middle of the forest.
he chants all sorts of things along the way but he is faces a barrier.
Naaya could get through so he tells his horse to take her the fartest preferable near a river.
For some reason the villagers find Fey's lifeless body and everyone performs his funeral rite Naaya ends up hiding in the shrine of Kirin, something seems to be up with Fey too
because he seems to be trying to make his way to Naaya even though he is presumed dead.
Naaya ends up wandering around and suddenly a man jumps on her......
he looks and sounds like Fey yet he calls her Kuyaku. His name is Fen and it all started
many a years ago, when Kuyaku saw a dream of the future and she likes to listen to keisei.
to take it well a son was born... so there's some resentment towards that??? They plot against
the queen and two Senkyo Fen and past!Bicorn to try and take the throne for themselves.
Reikyu ends up misunderstanding, Fen was her master and things started tumbling down.
Senkyo can't love and the queen can't fall in love either, She realizes this but Fen also
tells her humans are free, and while he can't love like normal folks he can read it
which is when he senses interlopers near Kuyaku and why she shouldn't be left alone.
Reikyu understands he couldn't love yet Unyo tells her otherwise cuz why would
Fen make her his disciple then? Kuyaku may soon die anyway then he is hers.
Eventually Reikyu gets blamed for betraying Fen and everyone else
then they all plot to have the queen killed, Reikyu gets jebaited into it
because she may become a Senkyo by doing so. It starts by tricking Ouryu...
which leads to the fall of Sekigekka and Unyo build its own country on its ruins.
Fen took Kuyaku, Keisei did one last act of to protect her... it became a tree.
Keisei did tell Kuyaku not to worry for he already knows the future???
Kuyaku still had a small amount of followers but there were still people after them
anyone can probably figure what happened next, they founded the village near the tree
of Keisei and created the barrier, hiding them away from Unyo's followers.
However Enhi could not see eye to eye with Kuyaku and parted ways which lead
to them founding the Ku clan, finding his own way to go against Ko Unyo.
Kuyaku didn't like it but she understood she couldn't keep him here
atmost she tried to suggest to give up on revenge. Why not try to awaken Keisei?
Not knowing how long it takes as long as it can one day return to which he agrees.
Sadly Kuyaku ends up getting killed by Unyo, she managed to hide her twin children.
Fen arrives too late and is unable to do anything, Kuyaku still wanted to tell him she loved him.
Back in the present, Fen says he waited so long to return those words...
yes Naaya is Kuyaku's descendant much like how Enrai is Enhi's.
Flashback time continues as Bicorn goes his seperate way too and found the wolf clan
by protecting the eyes of the keigan along with Kinera, one of the queen's twins.
While Sawana remains in the village protecting the voice of the keigan.
Fen sacrifices himself by becoming the barrier, all for the queen he came to love.
He gave up his life only to be reborn as a baby... which makes Fey's family his descendant.
Fen tells Naaya it was all for this moment so he could once again meet Kuyaku
but Naaya's like i'm not her?! while also being like where's Fey? Fen is Fey
he even retained his memories when he came back. Fen remembers it all and also
orchestrated everything regarding Chika and Kusanera. Naaya tells Fen to to fuck off
because she's not Kuyaku. So he apologizes and starts calling her Naaya and still says he is Fey
when actually Fen just hijacked Fey's body but like it was actually him since... well? agh.
They travel to the capital and then not!bicorn spotted them along the way...
Naaya gets nostalgic of the times Ruwo and Fey hanged out... so she started crying.
Fen wants to know why so she says she misses Fey and wants to see him again.
So he wants to go on a journey with her because he's been locked away
and Fey also wanted to see the world which is like 2 birds with one stone.
Naaya realizes Fen really is similar to Fey and its not completely bonkers.
Eventually Reikyu finds Fen and she really hates his guts but Fen has had enough
and just makes her disappear in an instant making the thunder crack at the same time.
He explains she played a part in the revolt etc. They continue travelling and find some remains
of Sekigekka or what looks similar. Fen wants to look for the flower she once liked...
which is called Matsurika. Naaya starts to recognize Fey in Fen more and more.
Things get spicy as their feelings turn mutual........ she doesn't even care about calling him Fen.
After Naaya has another dream of the past... when she played with Fey.
The wolf clan seem to notice Fen has returned... yet the two continue traveling
and seeing the sights of the world while remembering their ancestors.
Someone named Gensei decides to cause a hissy fit and put Fuen in his place for his since
his spirit is tainted and may become a demon if it continues. He even has a holy blade...
not that this guy had much of a chance but made his time. >_>; Fen is just that OP
like mountains mean nothing to him. Also Gensei is fine just a little roughed up btw.
Naaya gets upset that he doesn't show much care for things around him
saying right now he's nothing like the Fey she knew. Later that night he apologizes
and will try not to upset her like that again. Gensei is a Senkyo who ends up waltzing
into the Ku clan offering to help a distressed Ensui. Who immediately sees it as a sign
he's way better than his brother Enrai. Fen decides it may be time to return to the village
and be honest with them about everything, since he is the one who build it.
If she so wishes they can just live there. All he wants is her happiness.
There seems to be strange moments where Kuyaku shifts into Naaya
and someone seems to want to gift her something and she starts hearing voices.
Fen Figures it is because they're getting close to the village so he decides they shouldn't go...
like it may be a bad time. Naaya almost goes off almost as if she is in trance so Fen tried to stop her
thankfully Naaya regains conciousness and Fen explains it was Kuyaku acting like years ago
and the voice in her dreams was Keisei directly speaking to her. Fen wants her to fall asleep
in his arms just so she can't walk away if she gets into a trance again.
he really wants to see Kuyaku again and is being taken by the fireflies.
For some reason it believes Naaya is Kuyaku, everything Fen seems to have build up to
is now working against him. Keisei wants to become Kuyaku's guardian again.
For some reason Naaya tries to tell Fen it will be okay, her love for him won't change
but Fen doesn't want to let it happen he loves Naaya too much. Fen says goodbye
and begins erasing the memories they made during their travels and of meeting
each other but only the memories about Fen because they are being the trigger.
even if it is slightly off. There's no mistake this person is Fey.
In the epilogue Fen narrates that the age of Senkyo is slowly disappearing
thanks to a bunch of people who all worked for it in their own ways.
Ending 2: Fey and Naaya got caught when they were running away from the village.
The villagers blame Naaya for it even though Fey says they don't know shit.
Rao and some of Fey's friends chip in to stop the others... who somehow knew
and told the rest the truth about the barrier and Fey's family of how they listened to Fen
and continued to protect this village. Fey wonders how Rao knew any of this...
turns out Fey's dad was the one who told him everything because if Fey's gone
then there's really no one else to do the ritual and protect everyone.
Some people are still not convinced and throw them in the same cell as Naaya which leads
to them making out. Fen ends up speaking to Naaya saying he will take Fey as well.
Somehow Fen was convinced by Naaya to wait a little longer. Life returns to normal
as everyone couldn't find proof that Rao was lying about what he told them
and because they all had a dream about the village being protected by Fen.
Naaya ends up giving birth to a child, Fey is so happy to have a child together.
convinced Fen is Fey which makes Fen plead of how much he wanted this to happen.
He starts calling her Kuyaku again... and Naaya starts to not remember who she is
which leads to Kuyaku coming out. Fen wants fix everything together with Kuyaku.
Who was Naaya again? well I guess Fen got his wish, he is with Kuyaku again.
Fen gives Kuyaku a part of his life so she can become a Senkyo like him...
for some reason I can hear Reikyu raging from the after life.
I liked how this route went into the romance right at the start, because well it was obvious.
Later Fey himself gets completely removed from the picture cuz someone had to hijack
which I hated. The rest was just wrapping up any loose ends the story might have had
which unfortunately ends up being a massive flash back of days long gone by.
My brain filled in some of the pieces automatically because I had already seen that in
other routes, which was awkward to say the least. It did have some missing info which was nice.
Sadly this route only like has one happy ending and the other one ends so abruptly
like I wanted to know what happened to Ensui and Gensei but they sorta just glossed over it.
That ending is just rushed/unfinished, a shame because most other routes all wrapped things up nicely.
Atleast I was able to sync with Naaya cuz we both were like Fen hold up...!
Fey was right, Naaya shouldn't choose him and just find happiness with the other 5 love interests.
I don't really have a favorite ending but the first one I viewed had more impact, however
the second was probably better but they both felt like they didn't finish properly compared
to happy endings in other routes. Do not @ me about the 3rd ending.
Real talk, this route actually shares some similarity with Ruwo even having a
shitty NTR bad end. I hate it here thanks but atleast it cleared up a lot more things
its just awful that in that ending Fen basically gets what he wanted all along which SUCKS.
I like how you can pretend the majority of the route never happens if you pick ending 2
but even then it doesn't really solve anything except seeing Fey super happy.
Route rating 5/10.
-
I feel the need to add something because I fear people are gonna think there is incest when
it cannot be, for one too much time has passed. secondly Enhi had a kid with someone else.
Kuyako's kids got separated and she died. Enhi eventually had a kid too
which goes on for decades till Enrai is born, same for Kuyaku's kids.
Enrai eventually meets Naaya, they share ancestral blood but so much times have passed
and it mingled with others. I can see how this could be off-putting or touchy subject.
Its like were they directly related? no. Then what is the problem lol.
So who the hell cares if their distant ancestors were relatives? they all had a kid with someone else.I don't care because let's be real it could happen to anyone that for some reason
the family tree crosses itself again by their descendants who don't even know.
I honestly think otomate is pretty daring trying something like this I mean who the heck
cares who your ancient ancestors were as long as you love eachother? only worrisome thing
is small communities like matsurika village and wolf-clan but let's be real
it happened everywhere, royals too. cousin marriage is even happening today.
I get why it could be freaky which is the main reason this game could not get localized.
The game's main theme is unfortunately bloodties. Not directly but they're there.
~
Route ranking:
Enrai >Bicorn > Ruwo / Zebenara > Seirin > Fey.
Honestly hear me out, I thought Ruwo's route was more exciting than Zebenara
but Zebenara's route was better in terms of story relevance. The two balance each other out.
Bicorn blows both of their routes out of the water though...
Seirin was riddled with politics due to focusing on the imperial court that I enjoyed it less
than others but it was still okay because no other routes focus on these things
the latter half of Seirin's route was arguably better than the first.
Enrai's route focus on what the **** his clan is all about while also finishing
up other plot threads from Bicorn's route whose glossed over that entirely.
Fey's route does exactly what the player would want but then... yea.
I actually lowkey forgot about him just like he wanted, okay then don't mind me
if I tap Enrai then *whistles*. Overall I didn't really like Fey's route, it was good
at making everything make sense but that's about it.
Fav character:
Zebenera / Enrai > Seirin > Fey / Bicorn > Ruwo.
I particularly liked Zebe, sorry I was absolutely smitten with this ungabunga man
and his another ending and sort of bad ending were too good. I don't think there
was anyone that I hated so its just preference, with Ruwo its just pity and I like
Bicorn just a little more. Seirin is just a fun and gentle character and I like Enrai mostly so
because of his intention not because of his execution which was awful and left a terrible first impression. I can see why people could say he is a jerk and tbh he kind of is but he means well. <3
**I don't care about their ancestry, maybe I should? Enrai seems well liked in jpn tho idk why.
Fey... there's a bittersweetness to him which I like a lot but yea.......... Fen.
Final thoughts?!
 |
| No fullcomp CG so have the title screen? |
Honesty it was pretty solid, its been a while where I can say I liked peeling of
the layers of the onion with these types of games, I will give it praise for its story
the layers of the onion with these types of games, I will give it praise for its story
and strong cast of characters (including side) as they were fairly compelling.
I've played a fair number of otome games but Matsurika hardly bored me
and if it did it then managed to pick up the pace. There is foreshadowing
and there is callbacks to what certain characters say, it all comes full circle.
However this game was very old fashioned so don't come in here expecting real world values
because first and foremost it is fantasy set in ancient china. It just doesn't work.
There's quite a bit of sexual content in this game, some good some bad, I specifically
hated that stuff that went down in Seirin's route like wtf did someone have some kind of kink?
Enrai's route was unreasonably spicey and like couldn't they have saved some of that
for the epilogue? but no someone couldn't take it anymore LMAO.
Atleast the story was easy to follow and by the time of the final route everything made sense...
but I will say that in the beginning all the terms did overwhelm me a lot.
-
The final route really made all of the pieces fit together but my brain went ahead
before the dialogue so it was also an awkward experience? guess I was paying attention.
I particularly liked how if you would look at some of Seirin&Enrai's endings it fits perfectly.
Then there's Zebenera who's endings left a particular strong impression on me
even if half of the route was kinda meh, his character actually got to develop.
I do want to say this game did have a few bad ends that just left a bad taste in my mouth
however when I look at the game as a whole it doesn't change my enjoyment of it.The heroine was for the most part great, she's a little stubborn but I liked that however
Naaya is not a Cardia or Lynette, more like Lily from Piofiore. Which is fine not every heroine
needs to be a firebreathing b!tc*, okay maybe that is exaggerating but you get the point.
**It is sad that Naaya herself doesn't get much development and I can see why this is disappointing.
I want to say though that the story was not kind to Naaya or the love interest for that matter
but it also isn't a virche and doesn't push the despair stick in too far. (Why am I constantly
going like hey atleast it wasn't a virche? maybe its just coping from the trauma).
There was more than meets the eye, game was pretty balanced with both fluff
and seriousness while allowing its fantasy element to give it a spin.
There was plenty of time to develop the romance, in most routes I could understand
why Naaya would fall for most guys, not like there was much competition.
The routes were of decent length definitely longer than 9rip so its nice
if you want an otome game with a bit of volume over shorter ones.
Matsurika is that type of VN that wants YOU to decide where the heroine ends up
it doesn't really have a true ending, the final route makes it clear Fey wants nothing
but Naaya to be happy even if it ain't him. So player has to decide what's canon...
8.5/10
I don't want to embelish Matsurika too much or anything but I think it did a damn good job
in crafting a world and story that ties together quite well with minimal holes in it
**however you need to do all routes to understand that story.
The sprites, CG and backgrounds were all gorgeous. There was hardly any inconsistency.
Probably gonna sound like a broken record like Bicorn but I am glad I bought this game!
I can't gaurantee this otome game is for everyone but its... very well rounded and probably
won't need a FD. So I will recommend it to those who love historic fantasy visual novels.
**This game definitely has its fair share of touchy subjects but they're all fairly common
for the time period and definitely things that could be possible and I am not even
talking about the fantasy setting, also if you are easily offended it is not for you.
~
Not sure what otome games I will play next but this game motivates me to try out
another work by the same writer, Cafe Enchante. Not right away but maybe sometime.
I'm also considering Nil Admirari or Olympia cuz while I avoided the writer
it seems I can handle themes of mysogyny just fine.
There's also Kannagi no Mori that got a switch port which is more likely
to be played after I am done with final fanfiction VII part 2.
12-3-24 update, lowered score slightly because of Fey's route because I think one end of his
may be rushed&unfinished compared to other routes and added a con cuz NTR in bad ends.
Also added a funny gif because yes. 13-3-24 added an explanation about ancestry. 15-3-24:
Edited enough and will move on to greener pastures. Enrai, Zebe & Seirin were all great to me.
23-3-24: Removed kEi from the title, because repeated word & just doesn't read well.
Sounds like a decent otome game if you're tired of not having enough romance and/or smut. Story seems decent and the art is very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI saw this game get dunked ON at amazonJP for really inane reasons like not having the same morals as irl, like do these folks not get its historic fiction? so I am glad you make this point clear. Its not the first time such things happen... I remember it with OG Virche about a gay character and something with Tengoku Struggle as well.
I always take short and early reviews with a grain of salt, amazonjp reviews tend to be kinda harsh or make issue where there is none for most. Better to point it out the values are ok for the era than people waltzing in and expecting a cupipara.
ReplyDeleteThere really seems to be two camps with this game and one half really praises this games story for being consistent and it making sense, giving insight on side characters and callbacks.
DeleteThe other doesn't like it at all due to sexual content, some routes not explaining things (which is normal?). Of course passive heroine and someone claimed the heroine isn't part of the plot but she is the reason things happen? a VN is allowed to focus on the love interest or other characters too.
Also I read Bicorn's part and... she literally sneaked into her own village alone to get what someone needed. That doesn't sound passive.
I think your review convinced me more than amazon did.
I hope this game can be picked for localization! You said it might stay unlocalized. I will take with a grain of salt that there will be a chance for localization🥹and people gotta chill about the values. I get that we do not condone some values but it's for entertainment purposes and guilty pleasure. Let some enjoy the game! and some don't have to, if they're bothered. That's all I want to share lol
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review! I enjoyed it! hehe
Thanks for comment, glad you liked it. The reason I think there's a chance this game might not be localized is mostly because of ancestral bloodlines or sharing of it.
DeleteHello I have a question are you the one also publishing the 9r.i.p review? Thanks for that! :) Because nowadays a lot of less people have not done any otomate review and I kind of get that since you need a lot of time to summary the story and better understanding the game, and I'm glad I found you! Appreciate your hard work:)
ReplyDeleteI noticed there's not a whole lot of people blogging anymore but I indeed did a review for 9rip.
DeleteIf people are offended by the contents of this game they should touch grass and smell it. Preferably go to a library as well and study up.
ReplyDeleteJust another typical otomate game from what I see.
Yea I don't think this game is that bad, but the more I think about it the more it just looks like a dumpster fire. Entertaining in its own way.
DeleteAt the beginning of the review you mentioned that one of the bad endings has NTR, but I couldn’t see more details about it in the other spoiler free sections.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple questions so I can emotionally prepare myself going into the game.
Whose route? Who cheats on who? Is it a bad ending with a cg or can I skip it with no worries? Is there NTR in other endings or is that the only one? Is there elements of cheating (like mentions of it happening or could happening) in other parts of the game or is it just kinda out of left field?
I don’t want to drop the game, but cheating makes me uncomfortable when I’m planning on relaxing through an otome game.
Not really as cheating variant but it still ntr.
DeleteThey do have a CG. save to skip if it not your thing.
1 in Ruwo's route, some guy thought it was great to torture Ruwo... its actually really awful cuz it happens by force.
The other in Fey's route but that route has other problems... If you want to avoid this entirely just don't do Fey's 3rd ending that is listed in choro's guide.