Synduality Noir remains in the lead this week. Tomboy Tenka in Chained Solider is saving the show. Solo Leveling and The Witch and the Beast, did not air this week due to various delays. Let's get into this!

Figure 1 Synduality Noir, Episode 19

Mystere and Noir both waking up after Noir's consciousness data was transfered to Ciel's Type0 body.

I knew it was coming. We all knew it was coming. But still, somehow, we, myself, everyone on /a/, refused to believe it. It couldn't be. But indeed, it was. In Episode 19 of Synduality Noir we learned that Ciel's deactivation last episode was because she refused to be reset. After her former master issued a remote format-reset order Ciel, instead of being reactivated, rejected the reactivation order and stayed off. This was, as others explained, an effective death sentence for a Magus. The episode ends with Ciel's body becoming the Type0 body for Noir, and Noir is split from Mystere into Ciel's body. The only hint of Ciel is a twinge of blonde hair left on Noir. Immediately after the two split, we see Mystere/Noir's former master appear as a hologram, explaining that Nor and Mystere are, indeed, her previous two Magi. I have no idea where we're going from here, but I can't believe we lost Ciel. I still, somehow, believe she'll come back, even though I can see no possible way unless the story does something crazy.

Figure 2 Chained Soldier, Episode 8

Tenka read to thrust her long member into Yuuki's anus. I'm kidding, of course, she's just on top of him because she likes him.

I take it all back. Chained Soldier is fun. Tomboy Tenka is unironically what we needed to save the show. It's not that her character design is amazing (the commander's white hair is probably better), but Tenka's strong assertive personality is a great improvement to the show. Her just teleporting into Yuuki's room and immediately pinning him down, kissing him, and trying to go further (until, of course, like all anime we got interrupted by some random other girl walking in and seeing it), was great. Also it was quite bold for Tenka to get Yuuki into bed and immediately roll him over as if she's about to shove her futa dick into him, but at least it will give us something to think about.

Figure 3 Gushing Over Magical Girls, Episode 8

The leader of Enormita beating up the poor failed idol Loco.

In Episode 8 of Gushing Over Magical Girls we were finally introduced to the other members of the evil organization Enormita. Utena immediately didn't like them because unlike her, Enormita actually wants to hurt magical girls. Utena said she'd get revenge (and, if the /a/ threads are to be believed, I think she will). There was also a fight with failed idol Loco, whose singing was pretty funny! But afterwards Loco was forced to strip naked in front of the leader of Enormita and she was beaten, which felt a bit bad. The beating didn't feel sexy. It was just her getting hurt to the point where she was bruised and crying in the end.

Figure 4 7th Time Loop, Episode 7

Rishe talking to Arnold in his own room in her villa.

In a very strange episode of 7th Time Loop we had quite a of lot expository dialogue where the Arnold claimed he could not sleep, Rishe decided to make a room for him in her villa where he could sleep better, and attempted to make it easier for him to sleep by watching him. She also challenge Arnold to a sword fight, which she of course lost. At the end of the episode, Rishe got a short-haired wig from that trading company she's working with, an enrolled as a trainee as a castle Knight. we'll just ignore how easy it would be to recognize her, and stick with her abnormally magical ability to high her identity.

Figure 0 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 3

Cure Wonderful and Cure Friendly "fighting" a Garugaru.

In this episode of Wonderful Pretty Cure!, after a brief stay in Niko Garden Iroha and Komugi went back to animal town, mildly upset that they couldn't discuss their Garugaru problem with Iroha's friend, Satou. Well, that wouldn't last long, because Satoru and his pet rabbit (which, for some reason, he takes on walks, which I imagine would not work in real life for a rabbit) found an unhatched Garugaru. Satoru went home to research the egg on the internet, which of course they didn't find. Meanwhile, Iroha and Komugi went searching for Garugarus, and found the same egg, already hatched. It was a large Garugaru rabbit, that they comforted and brought back to Niko Garden. But, during the fight, Satoru saw them in their Cure Wonderful and Cure Friendly form, and got brought back to Niko Garden where they had to explain everything. Still, the fight scenes are lacking.

Figure 0 The Unwanted Undead Adventurer, Episode 8

Rentt hearing about the strange sacrificial festival of a nearby town.

This week we had a fairly narrow and self-contained, albeit still well-executed, arc in The Unwanted Undead Adventurer. Rennt got a new sword (finally), and confirmed he can combine schools of magic together in a single attack. Afterwards, he approached a person from a nearby village who needed help. The village had a Lord of the Lake that was demanding young girls be sacrificed to appease it. Rentt went to the village to investigate, and found that a traveling band of merchants were merely using illusion magic to pretend to be the lord of the lake. They were kidnapping all the girls to sell them in a distant land. Fortunately, Rentt saw through the ruse and and saved all of them!

Figure 0 Pon no Michi, Episode 8

All the Pon no Michi girls at the festival after they made all the lanterns themselves!

I had a really hard time watching Pon no Michi today! The episode was easy enough to find once I learned about the Japanese torrent sight where the global subs were posted, but while I was trying to watch it during class I kept getting interrupted by obnoxious attention seeking students. As such, I had to watch it half at work and half at home, so I felt like I missed a lot of the really cute interactions! Still, the girls made lanterns for an upcoming festival in Onomichi, and many of them were Mahjong themed. Despite the slow pace of the show, this is one of the few cute-girls-doing-cute-things show I really enjoy! Just something about the character designs and their interactions have an intrinsic charm that other shows strive to emulate, but nevertheless fail.

Figure 0 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Episode 24

Fern about to explain how she may have a plan to defeat the clone of Frieren.

We're nearing the end of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End; I believe we only have two episodes left, and I suppose it will end with them clearing King's Labyrinth and that's the entire show. Anyways, this episode we further learned about the copies that were attacking them. The Labyrinth Guardian as can read the memories of all who enter, and using their memories can create perfect copies of them. The most formidable of which is, of course, the Frieren copy. After some planning, and right at the end of the episode, Fern says she may have a way of defeating the Frieren copy. There were also some other interactions between Ubel and Land (a very strange pair, I must say).

Figure 0 Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!, Episode 7

Rena-senpai is so much better than Fuyuki it's unreal.

In this episode of Hokkaido Gals are Super Adorable! we finally got to know, and go on a deito with, a Hokkaido girl that was, indeed, super adorable: Rena-senpai. Her hair is almost white (it has a pink tinge) which is automatically a plus. She's into study (literally me), and is easily more normal than gyaru-Fuyuki. In this episode Tsubasa and Rena studied together so that Tsubasa would end up in the top 10 of his class (he ended up rank 3, which was great), and Rena of course ended up number 1 in her class. As a reward, Tsubasa had to go on a deito with Rena, and Fuyuki's mom saw them on a deito, and now Fuyuki is getting NTR'd by a far superior and older girl!

Figure 0 The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil, Episode 7

Lily reducing the visibility of Akutsu neck brand.

Episode 7 of The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil was a fairly slow falling action episode following the fight at the end of Episode 6. To be honest, I didn't think Episode 6's fight with Lily's corrupted avatar was that significant, but if we get an entire falling action episode after it it must have been. Akutsu stayed the night with Lily, Lily felt some remorse for Akutsu's damaged hand, and Akutsu made breakfast for both of them the following morning. Just as well, Lily reduced the visibility of Akutsu's neck tattoo, which is what he asked for originally. Given that most things wrapped up this episode, I expect something totally new next episode.

Figure 0 Ishura, Episode 8

Mandrake the Manslayer ambushing Nia the World Word (no idea why).

Much like last episode, stuff is finally happening in Episode 8 of Ishura. I can't possible explain everything... to be quite honest I'm not even sure I understand the factions that are fighting. But at least all the character introductions finally lead to something happening. Our boy Mandrake the Manslayer died not from the World Word, but from the Guardian Angel guy who happen to be there at the same time (I don't really understand why). And The Star Runner also appeared again to wipe out a bunch of Wyverns (still no idea why). And the girl in the first episode met the guy who caused who town to be destroyed (vague idea why). Listen, overall it's a terrible show but at least this episodes have been better than the first six.

Figure 0 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess, Episode 7

The weird find-it race all the kids had during Demon Field Day.

In what was, perhaps, the first mildly funny episode of 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess we started with a rather dull sequence of Hime-sama being tortured by a cat sitting on her lap (which was boring), but the second half, the demon preschool field day had mildly funny parts. The part where the Demon King's daughter had to pick something she liked, and instead of picking her father picked her mother, was pretty funny.

Figure 0 Villainess Level 99, Episode 7

Elenora busting into Dorkness's room demanding yuri sex. I'm kidding, of course, she was there for a tea party.

In this episode of Villainess Level 99 Dorkness was accused of stealing Alicia's supplies, but wasn't. She then (finally) friended Eleonora by being sort of mean to her. They then went a dance, where Dorkness looked great in her dress, but Patrick was there and he sort of ruins everything. Everyone wanted Dorkness x Elenora yuri, but after the dance with Patrick we know that will never happen. Still Dorkness was a bit more cute than the previous episode so we'll ignore it for the time being.

Figure 0 Tales of Wedding Rings, Episode 8

Satou and Marse fighting over the rings.

Episode 8 of Tales of Wedding Rings was, dare I say, good? It started with a fight between Satou and Marse. Marse, having been given a corrupted sword by the Abyss Oracle, tried to betray him during a fight. But Satou say that Marse was, however imperfectly, able to resist the corruption. Marse broke free, and asked Saphira to marry him (she did). The Oracle fled, only to be killed later by the king of another nation. I'd say overall the animation was a bit weak, but the story and pacing felt satisfying. And Saphir a cute. A CUTE. Also she's apparently a massive dragon, so we got that classic going on for us.

Figure 0 Sasaki and Peeps, Episode 8

Sasaki protecting Elsa from Futari.

In what was, at least for the standards Sasaki and Peeps sets for itself, a fairly grounded episode, Sasaki showed Elsa around Japan after she snuck to his world via his gold shipment. Futari, for some strange reason, tried to attack Elsa, only to immediately get countered and enslaved by Pii-chan. After walking around Japan for a while, Sasaki's organization approached him and inquired about Elsa. Sasaki explained she was a psychic from another country, and in this topsy-turvey world that's all that's required. The episode ends with Sasaki taking Elsa back to her own world, while smug Futari-brat watches.

Figure 0 The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, Episode 8

Rose explaining to her deputy commander that she is strong enough to lead the the rescue team.

Episode 8 of The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic was a background episode for Rose and her previous party, the loss of which she still bears the guilt for. It loosely showed her, a deputy leader, and several other members searching for Demons in a nearby forest, finding them, and getting into a vicious battle with them. Rose is able to use healing magic to counter the demon she's fighting, but I know from her flashbacks in the show her party is likely going to be wiped out. I'm not sure what exactly will happen, but I imagine we'll see it next week!

Figure 0 My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered, Episode 8

Yogiri's defacto guardian on vacation, eating at fancy restaurants.

The first part of My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered Episode 8 was, dare I say, actually, mildly interesting. We saw the events that lead up to Yogiri's mass murder spree in episode one. Yogiri was trying to find the one caretaker he had who was kidnapped when she went on vacation. Yogiri murdered everyone to find her and bring her back. In the second half of the episode, we saw more in the isekai world where they finally made it to the city to meat up with the classmates that tried to kill then all the way back in episode 1. It actually felt like we had some closure to the off-the-wall nonstop randomness we've had in all the previous episodes. I'm certain it will only get crazier next episode, though. And Tomochika Dannoura is cute.

Figure 0 Metallic Rouge, Episode 7

I don't know what's going on in this show.

Another complete disaster of an episode in the collection of episodes that formulates the anime that is Metallic Rouge. Something about terraforming Venus? Venus is being moved via man-made micro black holes? Rouge is saved by Jill, another member of the immortal 9 who is fighting for Nene rights from humans. ("Why do we serve humans when we are so much more powerful than them?") More about breaking the Asimov code. Rouge explained that she wasn't the one who killed a literal who was that person, and dumb le-Joker clone Rouge killed at the end of the last episode isn't dead either. And I didn't even mention Naomi being some divine leader who makes all the decisions despite no one knowing who she was beforehand. No idea what's going on. Rouge is still cute, though, so I guess there's that. And that's all there is.

Figure 0 Bang Brave Bang Bravern, Episode 7

Lulu a cute.

I'm not entirely sure what happened in Episode 7 of Bang Brave Bang Bravern. They fought some people, killed one, and one is now on their side. There's more Lulus? Lulu still a cute, though, I guess.

Figure 0 The Labyrinth Raids of the Ultimate Tank, Episode 8

The Demon "King" appearing at the end of level 51 of the Labyrinth.

Right at the end of the week, The Labyrinth Raids of the Ultimate Tank comes in with a low budget, but still nevertheless fun episode. Rudd's party cleared most of floor 51 and defeated a dark skeleton that used orbs to empower its attacks and defenses, and thought, incorrectly, that the dark skeleton was the floor boss. But right after defeating it the real labyrinth master, a demon king vampire loli appeared and told them they can't leave. We also saw a bit more of the flashbacks between Lily and Lilia (i.e., we saw more abuse), and the Saint again told Rudd she waited to deito. While the animation is cheap, and the combat isn't amazing, the slow and steady progress we're making still feels good. It's still better than Instant Kill and definitely better than Bravern.

Other Remarks

I'm currently working on my three remaining 120's in Runescape: Cooking, Divination, and Construction. All are pretty slow, but I'm certain I will get they by or before the next Double XP Weekend. I've also started working my way through DIY Watercolor Flowers, but I must say it's slow going because I have very little time during the week. Within a Budding Grove is far more interesting now that the narrator has arrived in Balbec. I was reading his description last night of why he didn't like his hotel room, and it was actually quite funny. Proust's humor is subtle and surprising.

With this three day weekend at a close, I was indeed able to start some basic floral watercolor with the supplies I ordered on Amazon. I also ordered some books (more on them later), but I started by watching one of the first YouTube videos I could find when searching "Introduction to Watercolor". I'm really happy with my initial results! The video went through basic brush strokes, how to use the water cup, and how to hold and pressure the brush to create simple petals and leaves. Once I saw how such simple techniques could create really nice looking flowers, I gained increased confidence in my work immediately. Unlike calligraphy, where you have to write a bunch of letters, all of them ugly, and still be unhappy with the results, I feel like watercolor gave much faster results!

Figure 1 My first two attempts at watercolor.

Here are the first two pages of watercolor that I made while following this YouTube video: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Watercolor.

I'm still struggling with some basic logistical time constraints, however. With work, anime, calligraphy practice, and updating Morganna's House, I'm not entirely certain if I have extra time in the evening for daily practice. But I know I have to practice everyday If I'm to get better, so I'll need to figure out a way to make time. I've already recovered quite a bit of time by watching anime while at work during the day, but I may need to consider shorting my daily Spencerian practice. This could be done quite easily if I didn't fill up an entire flex nib practice page—only half of one.

Figure 2 The first two books I ordered to learn watercolor.

I'm going to start with DIY Watercolor Flowers because that book appears to be focused, more or less, on exactly what I wanted to learn how to watercolor: flowers.

To hone and improve my skills, I ordered two books: Everyday Watercolor and DIY Watercolor Flowers. I'm going to start with DIY Watercolor Flowers first because learning to create Watercolor floral designs was the main reason I wanted to begin watercolor at all. After I complete that book, I'll move on to Everyday Watercolor, and then who knows what else will pique my interest by then. To be honest, I feel like I also need to improving my basic pencil drawings (a skill which I've never had and, like calligraphy, tried to learn in the past but gave up after losing motivation). I have a book for that in my Amazon cart now, so I'll order it later on.

Other Remarks

I got 120 Crafting in RuneScape this weekend! I just cut Dragonstones to 120, which should allow me to make all my money back (albeit very slowly) as I use the Alchemiser mk. II invention machine to slowly alchemy all of them. It's about 5000/week, and I have over 180,000, so this will certainly take some time. I then used the remaining double XP time to level Divination using a mix of Protean memories and Cinder cores. On that note, I think the fastest way to level Construction will be Bonus XP with Protean Planks and Cinder cores as well. After I get 120 cook, I may have to start saving up for that. I think that will be far easier than every alternative 120 method.

Figure 3 I got 120 Crafting in RuneScape!

I cut Dragonstones to 120, and plan to use the Alchemiser mk. II to slowly alchemy them over the course of several months and slow recover all my gold.

I finished the first part of Within a Budding Grove, Madame Swann at Home. I just started Place Names - The Place, in which the narrator is traveling to Balbec with his grandmother. But for now, I'd like to briefly discuss Madame Swann at Home. Madame Swann at Home told the story of the narrator falling into, then subsequently out of, love with Gilberte. I felt like the entire love affair with Gilberte largely paralleled Swann's love for Odette, right down to the narrator seeing Gilberte, in the middle of the night, with another man. But unlike Swann, the Narrator did not then end up in a relationship with an unfaithful woman.

Once the Narrator realized he was falling out of love with Gilberte, he cut himself off from her, and began only visiting the Swann's when she would not be home. When he did that, he started spending more time with Madame Swann, and for a time become completely obsessed with her. Odette, who was presented as more or less a completely plain woman in Swann's Way (a presentation which, I must confess, still can't dispel despite a hundred pages telling me otherwise in Within a Budding Grove), is now described as by the narrator as the height of class and elegance. Men fawn over her, her interior design is amazing, her clothes are perfect, and yes, her choice of flowers (you know he had to discuss flowers) was among the best in France.

But while the Narrator's interest in Madame Swann increases, so too does his disinterest in Gilberte. And slowly, after declining all her letters which ask him to drop by, she loses interest in him. And eventually her letters share his disinterest. And then their love has entirely expired. Unlike Swann, however, who wondered why he ever loved a woman who was not his type, the Narrator still has bursts of memory where he regrets his love (and lose thereof) of Gilberte. Overall, an very well written if not a bit strange story of the Narrator losing interest in Gilberte.

I felt far less stressed this week than last—maybe because there were no big problems, maybe because it snowed (it was so pretty!), and maybe because it's a 3 day weekend! Regardless, this was another fun anime week, so let's talk about what we've watched.

Figure 1 Synduality Noir, Episode 18

Ciel signing a magus contract with Kanata as they escape Ideal. Shortly thereafter, Ciel sings her "new" song, which is, in fact, a magus power that disables other nearby magi and their coffins.

I am almost at a loss for words after Episode 18 of Synduality Noir. How, just how, are these two shows even written by the some people? How was season 1 so average, while season 2 is an absolute masterpiece. Everything about this season is so vastly improved relative to the first it is actually unreal. The art. The story. The character interactions. The original music. It's all amazing. This is a serious contender for Anime of the Season.

Anyways, this episode we did indeed, as we expected, get the Ciel redemption arc. Or, at the very least we got the start of it. Tokio and our boy Mouton helped repair Kanata's Coffin so that he could escape. Ciel was given an order to execute Kanata. As a reward, she'd have her memories reset and she could be anyones Magus after she was "free". I put "free" in quotes because she realized, as a result of latent memory fragments, that she's had her memory formatted multiple times and always returns to the same evil Master again and again. Realizing this, she refuses to kill Kanata and instead helps him break free, becoming his Magus in the process. To escape, Ciel uses her Magus power, a song that she's been writing, to disable all other nearby Coffins and their Magus. But Ciel is given some sort of "kill" sequence by her old master and, right at the end of the episode, appears incapacitated. I really hope she comes back. Ciel was so cute!

Figure 2 Gushing Over Magical Girls, Episode 7

Magia Baiser calling Magia Azure pathetic and disgusting for giving up the fight, and disgracing magical girls in the process.

Episode 7 of Gushing Over Magical Girls was much better (and funner)! It started with the melancholy of Azul who, after performing poorly in her recent fights against Magia Baiser, felt like she lost meaning in her life. Why was she a magical girl anyways if she couldn't even put up a fight? We also saw Utena go to a magical girl exhibit, buy more magical girl merchandise, and saw that even more of her room was filled with magical girl stuff (she is LITERALLY me, by the way). Then there was a 1-on-1 fight between Baiser and Azure, in which Azure was definitely winning in the first half, but Baiser managed to mind-breaker her, and Magia Azure gave up, said Baiser was her mistress, and licked her boots. Magia Baiser, in disgust, told Azure that she was a proud magical girl, and to give into the villain like that is pathetic and disgusting. The episode ended with a shot of other villains which, I presume, we will see in later episodes.

Figure 3 7th Time Loop, Episode 6

Rishe shortly after escaping from captivity, reading to knock out some more guards.

As we somewhat expected last episode, we learned in Episode 6 of 7th Time Loop that my lovely cute wife Rishe intentionally got herself captured as a ruse to trick Theodore! Right at the start of the episode we got a way over budget (and probably the best) fight scene of the season where Rishe broke out of captivity, knocked out all the guards, and walked right in on Arnold's and Theodore's "negotiations". Theodore revealed a rather complex plan (one that, to be completely forthcoming, I'm not sure I completely understand) whereby he becomes useful to his brother by... dying? Or something? He tried to commit suicide in the episode, but his brother saved him!

Figure 4 The Unwanted Undead Adventurer, Episode 7

Sheila informing Rentt he knows who he is, and wants to help him.

In this week's episode of The Unwanted Undead Adventurer Rentt and his party worked together to defeat the floor boss, a Grand Slime, and get promoted to Bronze class! Rentt's guild handler, Sheila, also figured out who he was, and met with Rentt to explain that she wanted to help him. Sheila, Rentt, and Lorraine all met over dinner to explain what the plan was next. Sheila told Rentt that people were suspicious of him because he didn't seem like a rookie adventurer, and Rentt agreed to stay out of the Labyrinth for 3-4 days to lower suspicion (although I can't really see how that would help). So it may be possible that we're going to get a filler/life style episode next, which to be completely honest doesn't seem too bad right now.

Figure 5 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Episode 23

Frieren stuck in a mimic.

This week in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End we had the start of the second Class A mage certification exam. To pass, the mages have to get to the bottom of King's Labyrinth (whoa another labyrinth exploration anime I've never seen this before). Frieren and Fern are together, and the previous mages are loosely working in the same parties as they were for the first test. Unlike last time, however, this test is not a competition. All members can pass, and Denken even encourages everyone to work together, but bad blood from the first test causes the remaining mages to balkanize and refuse to cooperate. While exploring, near the end of the episode, that the labyrinth contains mimics of all the mages participating in the test. In other words, they have to fight copies of themselves. Right at the end of the episode, Denken's group encountered the Frienen mimic. I image either (a) the mimics are weaker than the actual copy of Frienen, or (b) they will just run from it.

Figure 6 Pon no Michi, Episode 7

Haneru winning Riche's golden Mahjong set!

We finally had a beach episode of Pon no Michi, and it was actually one of the few beach episodes I've enjoyed in a while! It was also Pai's birthday, so she was given gives by the other girls. The biggest gifts were given by my lovely rich wife Riche, who gave her an incredibly expensive makeup set, and a solid gold Mahjong set probably worth over a million dollars. They then played games to determine who could possibly accept such an expensive gift, and Haneru won it (and given that she's the best player I suppose she may be the most deserving). Some people on /a/ have complained about the lack of Mahjong, but to be honest I just want to see these cute girls hanging out, like they've been doing in all the previous episodes.

Figure 7 The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, Episode 7

Rose talking to Satou shortly after giving him his Rescue Team uniform.

Episode 7 of The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic was what I would call a rising action episode. Not much happened, but it was clearly setting up for the next episode, and probably the remainder of the series. The Demon King's army is clearly on the approach, and Satou and company are going to start fighting (very likely next episode). Rose also told him that whatever comes next, he needs to save himself. Don't sacrifice you're left to save someone else, or "I'll kill you before the enemy does".

Figure 8 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 2

Cure Wonderful meeting Cure Friendly for the first time!

To my immediate surprise, we got another Cure revealed in Episode 2 of Wonderful Pretty Cure!: Cure Friendly. I must say Cure Friendly being a blonde was a massive surprise. Iroha went from a cool redhead to a "friendly" blonde. Much like last week's episode, however, the fight scene was pretty lacking. It was just them running around refusing to actually attack the Garugaru (in this case, a corrupted ostrich), and instead just tanking hits themselves until the fight was over. I refuse to believe all the "fights" will be like this, but I could be wrong. We also saw the rabbit boy and the cat girl appear, but they didn't do very much besides say a few lines. The episode ended with them going to the animal kingdom, so we'll see what happens next.

Figure 9 The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil, Episode 6

Lily and Akutsu fighting Lily's avatar (which was corrupted).

The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil is, for all intents and purposes, dead as dead can be. No one made at thread on /a/ after an hour, so I had to make one myself. I thought 9999 Tank would be the lowest watched show of the season, but I think actually this one is given that the threads barely break 90 replies. I've heard people say this is because it's censored relative to the manga, but I don't think this is the main contributing factor to its unpopularity given that most people haven't even read the manga, and if they have they'd still nevertheless watch the show despite its shortcomings because they're reasonably invested in the plot.

This episode we had Lily falling asleep in class and dreaming about Akutsu. Akutsu also asked Lily to "weaken" the visibility of his collar that way he could go to public baths (Japan hates tattoos). They then had a fight with Lily's avatar, which was controlled by snakes, or more accurately controlled by what appeared to be another angel, but the snakes were indicators of the alternate control. The episode ended with a cut to an older blonde women, the controller, I suppose, questioning how Lily was so powerful, then sending her brother to "look into it". At this moment, though, I think I'm the only person in the world watching this show, so I'll be the only person in the world who figures out what happens in the next episode.

Figure 10 Metallic Rouge, Episode 6

Rouge kicking the god damn doggu.

Listen. I really wanted to like Metallic Rouge. I really did. The character designs seem interesting. The premise seemed compelling (massive emphasis on the word "seemed" there). And, of course, I like many thought it was going to be yuri. Of course, I was wrong on all counts.

This episode has a mildly funny murder mystery plot on the spaceship as they traveled from Earth to Mars. I say mildly funny because there were a few comedic situations like where Rouge was asked a complex math problem, got it right, then immediately got shot because she was fake (the real Rouge wouldn't know the answer, hence why the fake Rouge got shot for answering). There was also the scene where Rouge punched the doggu (shown above) because she knew the poor doggu was actually the murderer in the disguise of an animal. But everything else was a mess. Tons of weird plot holes. The enemy's motivation just was like "Oh I killed your father and you're strong I wanted to fight you". It ends with Rouge getting arrested which equally well made little sense (was it because people saw her transform)? The only positive thing I can think of was Rouge ran around the entire episode in a sports bra and short boy shorts, which was very cute! It's a shame Rouge's black hime-cut and thin athletic boy body is trapped in such a bad show.

Figure 11 The Witch and the Beast, Episode 6

Ashaf encountering this cute witch that just wants a boyfriend!

In Episode 6 of The Witch and the Beast we were introduced to another very cute Witch (also with red hair, like the girls in the previous arc) who "Hasn't even had a boyfriend yet". We also got to see the Paladin core in action, and I must say they were a bit different than I imagined, but still seemed pretty interesting. Guideau also first tried to fight the Witch, but Ashaf told Guideau it'd be better to ally with the Witch given that she's weak but also posses The Demon Sword. The episode ends with the head of the paladin core appearing to fight the witch, but Guideau also appearing to defend her. Next episode should be fun!

Figure 12 Chained Soldier, Episode 7

Tomboy Tenka asking to borrow the "little slave".

Chained Soldier Episode 7 revealed tomboy Tenka's power of spatial manipulation (teleportation around and black holes). After defeating the Shuukis from the previous episode, they visited Tenka's team and planned to attack the Shuukis directly (instead of waiting for them to ambush them first). The episode ended with tomboy Tenka asking to borrow the "slave" (Tenka is a predator!!). I can't say I'm wildly invested in the plot, but the fanservice is pretty good, and given that's the ostensibly purpose of the show we can say, to that end, it is successful.

Figure 13 Tales of Wedding Rings, Episode 7

Saphir (a CUTE) and her cute twin sister!

In Tales of Wedding Rings we met Saphir, one of the twin princesses and ring holder of the water country Maasa. Saphir is easily, and I mean easily, the cutest girl of the entire series so far. All of the previous princesses that we've met have been tall titty monsters. By contrast, Saphir is a short delicious-flat chest with a black hime-cut (and sexy horns). There really isn't a fault to find in such a perfect design. We also learned her twin was in love with another member of Satou's party, and that the Maasa empire is currently under an effective martial law from a nearby country, and that "The Oracle" who seems a lot like an abyss monster is controlling the King. Regardless, Saphir a cute. A CUTE!

Figure 14 Solo Leveling, Episode 7

Jinwoo about to face Gatekeeper Cerberus.

A very week episode of Solo Leveling this week, but I suppose this to be expected given that the last episode was so strong—there is just no way to keep up with that pace. Jinwoo spoke with the one survivor of the last raid who needs 19 more raids to found a guild (not like I care). He spoke to his sister, and learned that he may be able to craft a potion that could cure his mom. There was then a long and quite boring fight against Hell's Gatekeeper, Cerberus. I think one thing I don't like about the fights so far is that Jinwoo gets thrown around like a rag doll, blood comes pouring out of him, and then he can somehow get up and keep fighting. I know it's an anime so we have to suspend disbelief, but it's the same style of fight every time. Jinwoo gets rag-dolled, then wins in the end. Give me a Monster Hunter style fight as least once. Even the Minotaur fight in DanMachi was better than this, and it was under 3 minutes against a weak enemy.

Figure 15 Ishura, Episode 7

Civilians fleeing the city as it's attacked.

Holy guacamole something actually happened in Ishura... we had an actual fight scene between the characters they spent ten-thousand years introducing. Self-insert shounen battle boy fought skeleton-bro with a spear. And then Mandrake the Man slayer killed and entire guard patrol (except the girl form the first episode, because she is weak), and told her to ride a horse (with him on it) back to town. Then the weird Ghost in the Shell girl got into a mechanical spider to attack an army of wyverns. Yeah. It's about is bad as it sounds. But at least something happened and it wasn't more character introductions!

Figure 16 Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!, Episode 6

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In Episode 6 of Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! we got introduced to another super adorable girl, Rena-Senapi. She has white (with pink highlights) hair, so she's automatically best girl given earlier discussed requirements. Also Tsubasa's grandmother came off as unnecessarily strict and controlling this episode. She yelled Tsubasa after he showed up slightly light from a study session. I reminds me, as a type this, how my mother went absolutely ballistic when I went to see a movie with a friend after school once... and arrived home at the stunningly late time of 8:30pm. Oh well, I guess we all have overly controlling parents.

Figure 17 Sasaki and Peeps, Episode 7

This dumb blonde brat loli teleported to Japan by the Star Sage's magic.

Episode 7 of Sasaki and Peeps was another relatively boring episode that took place in the isekai. There was some bizarre political intrigues with the merchant leader getting captured, whatever his name was, and they they named dropped princes and other kingdoms which, of course, I didn't follow and couldn't care less to go back and review because it won't matter anyways. Nevertheless, the aggressive expository dialogue and political intrigues suggest to me that the author is not, in fact, writing a parody of the isekai genre and, very unfortunately, taking this show incredibly seriously. Satou and Kazuki had a 1-on-1 about Kazuki's fear of battle. And, at the end of the episode, Satou finally got his rescue team uniform from Rose. Rose told Satou that whatever comes next, he needs to save himself first.

Figure 18 The Labyrinth Raids of the Ultimate Tank, Episode 7

Rudd's party after clearing the Bone Dragon at the end of floor 50.

Coming in right at the end of the week we have, as always, The Labyrinth Raids of the Ultimate Tank. In this episode we learned more about the twins (my favorite characters in the show), and Rudd's party cleared the 50th floor by defeating a Bone Dragon in an hour long fight. Afterwards, the twins leave early, and the party decides not to sell their goods lest the town know of their progress. We also learned that the white-haired Samurai (his name escapes me) is part demon, and that the true nature of the labyrinths was created by demons to destroy humankind.

Figure 19 Bang Brave Bang Bravern, Episode 6. My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered, Episode 7. Villainess Level 99, Episode 6. 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess, Episode 6.

As for Bang Brave Bang Bravern, they finally got to Japan, found survivors, and Lulu a cute. No idea why this show is so popular. I ignore the threads on /a/. Were it not for Lulu-cute, I would have already dropped it.

My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered: Inshallah, praised be to Ganesha, this show is crazy. There were simply too many bizarre, concurrent, and largely irrelevant plot points to possibly explain this episode. All I'll say is Yogiri and Tomochika are out of the tower, done with their side quest, and continuing on to the city they were on their way to a few episodes ago.

In this week's episode Villainess Level 99 we had a brief school-wide show where students showed both their sword talents and their magical abilities. Dorkness, of course, won both. She broke her opponents sword with her hands in the sword battle, and then summoned a black hole above the stadium for the magic show. In the end, she was awarded and amulet that further increased her dark magic strength.

Episode 6 of 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess hate a cute opening sequence where the Demon King played with his daughter. There was then another failed escape attempt from the knight who attempted to rescue the Hime-sama last time. And Hime-sama was tortured with needles and hot cheese. Overall, not particularly funny. But neither was last episode, and neither will be the next episode.

Other Remarks

There's currently a Double XP Live event in RuneScape right now, and as I type this I'm going for 120 crafting. By my math, I have more than enough supplies and remaining double XP time to get 120 crafting, then I'll burn whatever is left on 120 cooking. As for the remaining two 120's, Divination and Construction, I will likely need to protean item both of them, and use every XP lamp I get on construction.

Figure 20 Double XP weekend in RuneScape.

Cutting Dragonstones for 120 Crafting.

My watercolor supplies have arrived, with even more extras arriving today. I'll post some of my earliest works sometime this week (even though they will likely be bad!). Look forward to it!

About a year ago, and I mean almost exactly a year ago this month, I started the process of learning Spencerian script, which would then turn into a major calligraphy hobby for me. Of the three hobbies I have, anime, calligraphy, and video games, a year ago I would not even expected calligraphy to make that list. Well, perhaps that isn't entirely true. I did always want to have beautiful handwriting. In fact, many years ago when I imagined Modern Morgana in my head (after reading The House in Fata Morgana) I strongly wanted her to have beautiful calligraphic handwriting, but I refrained from imagining it because I could not do it myself, and my own feelings of inadequacy precluded my thoughts of letting someone else have it if I couldn't. Well, we all know how that ended. I was able to learn it (even though there were times in the past when I thought I couldn't) through full blown determination, almost every day practice, over the past year.

While I fully plan to continue my calligraphy hobby with (virtually) everyday practice, but I have the strong urge to begin practicing Watercolor because I believe I can further decorate my calligraphy pages with simple watercolor paintings (e.g., basic flowers and foliage, maybe birds if I get better). As was the case with starting my calligraphy hobby, I felt that, at the start, as I do now, I will be unable progress. There is some literal wall that I cannot traverse—I have some mental block that precludes my thought that I can never get better at it. But I have to know that's not true. If I attempt the same level of everyday practice and dedication to watercolor that I did to Spencerian script, I know I can get better.

Figure 1 An AI generated practicing watercolor at a desk (although in the prompt I just said "painting").

Now, to be clear I am very early in this process. I just ordered my supplies today, and I won't even have them until the end of the week. But I figure years from now, when I look back over all the posts I made on Morganna's House, if I ever look back at them, if anyone ever reads them, although I know they won't because I am woefully uninteresting and I do this really only for myself, then I'd like the document, however imperfectly, the earliest attempts I've made at the hobby. To that end, as I've said before, I greatly regret not precisely dating and documenting the start of my calligraphy hobby, of dating and labeling my early Spencerian practice books. So too I will not make such a mistake with Watercolor.

Based on input from a YouTube video, I decided to go with Winsor & Newton watercolor paints. They seem to have a professional line and a cheaper line they call "Cotman" and, knowing nothing about either except for the price difference, I ordered both. I also ordered a book on how to paint Watercolor flowers, but I'll probably start with a YouTube video as a walk through this weekend after all the supplies come in. I'll be using the Canson paper I already have (fortunately I have two books! I may still buy more). On recommendation of the YouTube video, I went with Princeton Heritage brushes, although I really like Winsor & Newton's Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Brushes because they're really expensive... and black. Still, right now they're so expensive I should probably look the other way on them. I don't even know how to take care of my brushes getting expensive ones right off the bat is probably a bad idea.

Figure 2 Winsor & Newton watercolor supplies.

Without even trying different brands and based purely on a single recommendation, I'm going with Winsor & Newton supplies. This is the Cotman line, but there's a more expensive professional line that I'm also interested in. Although, let's face it, I should probably start with the cheaper Cotman line (which is made in China).

The supplies I ordered, based solely on a single recommendation from a brief video I watched on YouTube, are from Winsor & Newton. They have two lines. I like the professional line, but it's quite expensive and I should accept that if I'm just starting out the Chinese-made Cotman like from Winsor & Newton is probably a better bet, so I bought those two. I bought two travel sets (I'm not really sure why I bought two, but I figure I can reuse the sets once they run out; I like the plastic shells they seem pretty stylish and plastic, in my experience, is pretty durable).

The plan, then, is to start with a YouTube video this weekend (or two) then move on to the book I ordered (and maybe order more in the process, who knows?). We will have a double xp weekend in RuneScape, so I will have a lot of free time because I won't have control over my computer's mouse while I push for 120 Crafting. So that's the weekend plan! After my walk (assuming the weather permits) and breakfast, we start the 120 Crafting grind, complete my daily calligraphy practice, then start my Watercolor practice for the remainder of the day! I will post my progress, even though it will likely be a bit embarrassing, on Morganna's House!

Other Remarks

I still haven't bought the mat cutter. For now, I'm focusing on the Watercolor supplies. I'd feel more comfortable spending the money on the mat cutter once or after I see my tax bill for this year. I'm still a bit concerned that the bill could be astronomical because I liquidated several beneficiary IRAs this year.

I was a bit busy this week, and I wasn't able to make any extra posts on Morganna's House in the interim. Well, except the Anime week-in-review, of course! I really need some time off to feel like I can do something else, like photography or learning a new hobby. Nevertheless, we press on with anime, calligraphy, getting the 120 cape in RuneScape, and, of course, work.

Figure 1 Wonderful PreCure!, Episode 1

Iroha getting hugged by her cute doggu Komugi!

It's a new season of Pretty Cure: Wonderful Pretty Cure!. This fun animal-themed PreCure takes place in Animal Town, a town which, as the name implies, is full of people who like animals. (Incidentally, the moment I learned this I thought it would be pretty funny for Toei to go hard on the animal theme, and tell people "this is why eating meat is wrong / save the animals" but I know they never will.) The first cure we met, Cure Wonderful, is actually Iroha's pet dog (Komugi), who appears to get her PreCure powers from the mirror stone, and artifact that sits in the center of Animal Town (or at least, he got it from a fragment of the mirror stone). Somewhat disquieting was how Cure Wonderful acted in her human form, where she still acted like a dog. Also the fight seen was a bit week, or really there wasn't a fight scene at all. Instead, they just played a game of tag with a corrupted animal enemy, a Garugaru, that hatched from a corrupted egg that appeared randomly in a nearby forest. I imagined they were just going to beat the corrupted animal into the ground, but it did feel pretty lacking. I never thought the one thing lacing in Pretty Cure was better fight scenes (well okay yes I did), but this one felt especially weak and boring. But it's only episode 1, so I think we'll improve.

Figure 2 Synduality Noir, Episode 17

Ciel after betraying Kanata (we knew it was coming!).

I am in awe as I write this immediately after finishing Episode 17 of Synduality Noir. The second cour of this may easily be the best show of the season, which is as much as a surprise for me as it is to type as it is for you to read. This week's episode loosely revealed Tokio's and Macht's backstory as agents of Ideal. Ciel finally betrayed Kanata (although she was arguably doing it the entire episode). The dialogue, the pacing, the music, the delivery, the fight scenes, were all perfect. Even the mechs, which I normally don't care about, look better this season. And the artwork? The artwork! The environment art has improved significantly from the first season... and I have no idea why. They must have double the staff, or perhaps even an entire new team, working on this show! There are several hidden gems of the season, but this is by far and away the best one. I feel like this show is better than it has any right to be. I'm certain Tokio will double cross Ideal and save Kanata again, and I can't wait to see it! And to see how they get another Type 0 Magus to save Noir!

Figure 3 The Unwanted Undead Adventurer, Episode 6

Rentt and his party about the face the floor boss for his Bronze class exam.

Another surprisingly good episode of The Unwanted Undead Adventurer. With each passing week I watch with a combination of enjoyment and confusion. Enjoyment at the show, its simple but effective story, and its simple by compelling characters. Confusing, however, at why this particular show seems better than so many others of its kind. There's a lot of shows like this (exploration labyrinth adventure shows), but somehow this has a charm, and understated elegance, an ephemeral quality that elevates it above so many others.

Today's episode had Rentt and to other party members working on their promotion test from iron to bronze. Rentt passed the written test with relative ease (because he's taken it once already), and then began the practical test with two other adventurers that he's seen before (albeit briefly) in the labyrinth. The test was much harder than the previous one Rentt went through (which was just collecting herbs, according to him). He and his party was given a false map, and were even ambushed by members of the guild who were waiting for them. The episode ended with them walking in floor's boss room!

Figure 4 Solo Leveling, Episode 6

Jinwoo about to kill the leader of the dungeon party who betrayed him in the previous episode.

Okay okay I'll admit it. This episode of Solo Leveling was finally good. We had Jinwoo solo the spider boss (I wish he worked with this buddy at least a little bit, but I suppose that would defeat the purpose of the world "solo" in "solo leveling"). It was a rather dramatic ending wear he used the poison dagger he acquired from the previous Snake boss and stabbed the spider in the eye, inflicting paralysis. I feel like the one upside to this anime, if there is one, is that some non-gamers may watch it and think "Hey, that looks fun, I want to play a video game like that". Afterwards the party that betrayed him returns, tries to kill him (and his rich buddy), but Jinwoo gets a urgent quest to murder all 6 of them, which he does (we get a pretty cool song that plays while he does it, too). The episode ends with a pretty cool shot of it starting to rain at sunset, and Jinwoo reflects on how, earlier in the morning, he gave his little sister an umbrella.

Figure 5 Pon no Michi, Episode 6

All the girls on their so-called training mission.

It was quite difficult to find this week's episode of Pon no Michi! I had to sit on the /a/ thread for hours refreshing Nyaa, only to find that it was posted on some other Japanese-language only website because the uploader had a spat with the mods on Nyaa. The uploader kept adding Oshi no Ko images to his uploads, so the mods told him to stop. I can sympathize with the uploader, though, every moderator on the internet I've bet is a complete downs syndrome retard.

Anyways, we had another fun episode where all the girls went on a training camp around Onomichi! Well, calling it a training camp may have been a bit much. It was more of a sight-seeing day trip around Onomichi. I've heard, although to me this is just a rumor, that this show is less about Mahjong and more about showing off tourism in Onomichi. I don't know if that is true, but it did look like a fun town from the anime! After the day trip, the relaxed at a spa, and tried to play Mahjong but they were all too sleepy and the game was sluggish, slow, and people fell to sleep while playing. Riche didn't even play because she fell asleep first (ahhh her white hair is so pretty!). It looks like next week is a beach episode. I hope I can find the episode a bit easier this time!

Figure 6 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Episode 22

Frieren, Fern, and Stark eating a fun dinner after completing the first part of their exam.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End had a mildly interesting filler episode. We're between the first test and the second test, so we got to see Frieren and company (along with the other team members) walking around town, eating food together, and generally being pretty good friends now that the competitive nature of the first test is over (for now, at least until the start of the next test next week). We also had Fern being angry, per usual. But I guess the show needs to, to some degree, make the party interactions seem realistic. If it was just Frieren their were be no emotions or conflict and we'd have a stoic catatonic lead vaguely interacting with the world around her. And I think we can all agree that'd be bad. I liked how Himmel, in the flashback, said if you want to be a hero, you need to make a difference in someone's life. We then had a jumpcut to Frieren thinking about Himmel's words, while talking with the two girls from her party. I really like those words, despite their simply and admittedly cliche nature, because I feel like that's what I'm doing in my teaching job every day.

Figure 7 Gushing Over Magical Girls, Episode 6

NeroAlice feeding Magia Magenta with a bottle.

Well, what is there to say about Gushing Over Magical Girls this week? One would have thought that we had reached peak degeneracy already, but Episode 6 felt compelled, it had a mission, to prove to the view that no, we could delve even further into the depths of depravity. This week we had NeroAlice and Magenta engaging in diaper-play, water sports, and bottle feeding. After NeroAlice pulled Magenta into her doll house, that is. We also had a concurrent arc loosely showing the backstory of Sulfur and why she, the most aggressive magical girl in Tres Magia, and this, I think, wasn't particularly interesting. Most viewers, I would argue, are more interesting in the overt yuri than the backstory of why the girls are part of a magical girl group (although there is some value in making the yuri more impactful if the backstory is known).

Figure 8 7th Time Loop, Episode 5

Naomi points her gun at literally who is this girl?

This week in 7th Time Loop the episode begin with Rishe meeting Arnold's younger brother, who informed her that Arnold was a murderer who killed her mother, and would likely kill her. Rishe gave an incredibly bizarre response that she didn't care if Arnold killed her (keep in mind, the entire purpose of the previous 6 time loops was to avoid death, either directly or indirectly, by Arnold's hand, but I guess the author forgot). Arnold's younger brother then left. The second half of the episode had Rishe again debating with the Aria trading company, whose leader again came off as a grating retard who treats Rishe unnecessarily poorly. Rishe's business idea was to basically invent and sell nail polish (something that, I suppose, doesn't exist in this world yet), and the Aria trading company guy, whatever his name is, came off a dismissive hack. He only relented when Rishe revealed she was able to cure his younger sister's illness with herbs she was growing herself. Right at the end of the episode, Rishe got kidnapped (people on /a/ said she let herself get kidnapped) but her maid Eria and Arnold's younger brother. We're definitely going somewhere now!

Figure 9 The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil, Episode 5

LilyCUTE about to be seduced by Akutsu.

The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil has progressively been improving each week now that we're getting more interactions between Lily and Akutsu. This week's episode had Lily desperately trying various cute things to seduce Akutsu, but all that happened is that she was getting seduced herself! The final scenes where we got to see Lily turn into a blubbering mess in front of Akutsu were so cute my opinion on her totally changed! Lily is a cute little angel!!

Figure 10 Chained Soldier, Episode 6

Tomboy Tenka right at the end of the episode about to drop some bombs on the Shuukis.

Episode 6 of Chained Soldier continued the exhibition matches from the previous episode, but halfway through (before the commanders could fight) the matches were cut short when a pack of Shuukis, along with several humanoid Shuukis, showed up an attacked. The episode ended with Tenka saving Yachiho, with a rather dramatic reveal of "You face me when you're surrounded by my entire army?" to which Tenka responded "What army" and a dramatic smoke clear revealed they were all dead. Honestly seemed more like a Frieren reveal if anything else, but it was nevertheless cool. Were I writer I'd steal that.

Figure 11 The Witch and the Beast, Episode 5

Phanora right after revealing she was a witch and summoning her death knights.

Finally, after five episodes, we got a boring but still nevertheless mildly interesting episode of The Witch and the Beast. We had the stunning reveal that Phanora was not just a necromancer, but was also a witch! She used her superior witch powers to kill and effectively enslave the Necromancer she was hunting. The Necromancer, we learned, was trying to gather women and practice his craft so that he could resurrect his wife, in all her original beauty. He did this big illegally resurrect tons of beautiful women as practice (without their consent and, in many cases, completely against the will of the deceased's family members). Phanora was so pretty! Why can't see be the main character?? I hate Guideau so much!!

Figure 12 Metallic Rouge, Episode 5

Naomi points her gun at literally who is this girl?

Episode 5 of Metallic Rouge somehow simultaneously made the most sense and the least sense all at the same time. The first half was interwoven flashbacks with Rouge, her brother, and the Puppetmaster? who was trying to crack Code Eve and "free" Rouge Redstar. Or, at least I think. I honestly couldn't tell you. The entire first arc of the episode was an ephemeral blur, to be uncharitable we would call it schizophrenic flashbacks, that came off a vague retelling of parts of Rogue's past, but so vague that they either lacked all meaning, or so complex they gave profound depth to the series. Given how poor the writing has hitherto been I'm inclined to believe the former, and would challenge Bones to prove be otherwise (they can't). The second half was a bizarre fight scene between the Joker-like woman and Rouge, which again didn't make and sense. The episode ends with The Troupe Leader/Puppetmaster explaining that, after Rouge and Naomi escape, they will meet again once Rouge is free. He also explains that he has everything he wanted, showing a hologram of a version of Rogue with blue hair. I wish I could tell you how this will all come together and make sense. But much like last episodes I struggle to explain what even happened, what I even just watched, must less explain its significance, if there is any, to it all.

Figure 13 Villainess Level 99, Episode 4. Ishura, Episode 6. My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered, Episode 6. Bang Brave Bang Bravern, Episode 5.

In Villainess Level 99 Dorkness presented us with another fairly boring show where she, and this weirdo loser Patrick, helped people level. I wish I could say more than that, I guess Alicia apologized and the princes still hate Dorkness, but we largely already expected one and already knew the other from previous episodes. I have a feeling that now that story is established we won't really be going anywhere. I mentioned as much after watching earlier episodes, and I'm getting proven right with each passing week.

Much to my surprise something finally happened in Ishura that wasn't just mindlessly introducing random literal-who characters. We learned that the blind girl that the wyvern likes thinks he's an angel (perhaps because he has wings) is actually a spy, but by mistake. The real spy is the spy master girl who the Word-world sensei was trying to kill earlier, but forgot. Still, I stand by the joke I made last week: He counters all logical thought and argument; he rejects of reality; he warps the minds of our children and weakens the resolve of our allies. He is, Ishura-fan The Retarded. *epic battle music with choral vocal backing*.

I'm still at a loss for words to explain this week's episode of My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered. The plot was insane, to a degree where it's clearly parody (or at least that's what I tell myself at night). We'll leave it there.

There was a gay boxing match and Bravern built gunplas of himself. Lulu was cute. Bang Brave Bang Bravern is comically bad.

Figure 14 The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, Episode 6. Sasaki and Peeps, Episode 6. Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!, Episode 5. 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess, Episode 5.

There was a significant amount of story development in this week's episode of The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic. We confirmed (although we expected as much from previous episodes) that the Demon King's army is on the move, and the Usato needs to be ready for war. Rose went ahead and scouted, confirmed the army's position, and also destroyed a bridge in the process. Usato met with other members of rescue team, and helped a few people around the town when they got hurt. Our boy Bluerin was absent, though!

This week's episode of Sasaki and Peeps wasn't quite as "inshallah praise be to Ganesha" as last week. On the contrary, for a Sasaki and Peeps episode it was pretty ground. Which is to say it was off the wall, just less so than usual. Sasaki recruited another psychic, the hime-cut loli from an earlier episode, to work for his organization. I must admit the hime-cut girl is very cute, but also quite smug, so she may need a correction. Still, I don't particularly look like Sasaki as a lead. He just comes off as a silly boomer, but that is probably the entire point of the show.

This week on Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! poor Fuyuki tried to make valentines chocolate for everyone, but messed them up by accidentally spilling soy sauce all over the finished products! She then had to buy store bought chocolate, and felt really bad because she knew she could do better!

'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess? The only torture is watching this show every week (okay I had to make the joke eventually). Let's see, Hime-sama ate marshmallows, went to the spa, and visited a sick person all to reveal information. Absolutely riveting story-telling with an engrossing plot and complex characters.

Figure 15 Tales of Wedding Rings, Episode 6

Satou and three of the ring princesses at the end of the episode.

As we expected, in this week's episode of Tales of Wedding Rings Satou won over Granart in a duel in which he refused to use his ring powers, but forgot and used them anyways. Immediately after words, he tries to sleep with Hime but fell asleep, which is about what anyone would expect from an anime. Well, actually it's a bit further than we normally get at all. Granart also tried to "make babies" with Satou immediately after his victory, which is, again, further than we normally get in shows like this. I feel like the next two princesses look the most interesting, though, so I'm looking forward to the remaining episodes!

Figure 17 The Labyrinth Raids of the Ultimate Tank, Episode 6

Rudd and his party at the clan ball they've been invited to.

This week and last, The Labyrinth Raids of the Ultimate Tank has proven to be far better than expected. In this episode Rudd and his party requested to form an alliance with two of the strongest clans in the region. Those clans agreed, on the condition he can clear the hitherto unconquered Keild Labyrinth. The clans also tried to recruit Nin from Rudd's party, but of course she and Rudd refused! I also owe the former Dungeon boss an apology... he seems like a cool enough bro. The twins are cool to. Honestly all of the characters are interesting enough to round out the week with.

Other Remarks

I'm at or around page 250 in Within a Budding Grove, and I must say it's far more coherent than Swann's Way. It's still a bit too early to say which is better, but so far the narrator has fallen into, and then out of love (sort of) with Gilberte. I felt like the narrator's obsession largely paralleled Swann's obsession with Odette, but unlike Odette he did make the same mistakes Swann did (at least so far). I also learned, and perhaps I am mistaken, that Odette may have actually been a high-end escort. The narrator describes her as a courtesan, which more or less confirms why she was popular with other men (it also explains why Swann, in Swann's Way, went to brothels to figure out more information about her). The narrator has, more or less at this point, lost all interest —in Gilberte—although he still believes there's a small chance, but this chance is there not because he thinks it will happen, but because the belief makes accepting the truth easier, that he'll see her again.

The table for the future mat cutter arrived and I assembled it. It's set up in the other room. I also had a big challenge today where a lightbulb wouldn't work, and I found out I could add solder to the bottom so it would turn on! It was the first time I've ever soldered anything! I felt really proud! This was the first DIY fix in a while that actually worked.

I now have a working system where I watch the extra anime I need to watch at work via a Bluetooth headset during class. It's obviously not a perfect solution (to be honest, I find the Bluetooth headset a bit uncomfortable to wear), but it's definitely a working solution, and that's about all I need. As a consequence, though, I'm not making too much progress in Monster Hunter World. In fact, it's on the back burner for the time being.

Figure 1 Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure, Episode 50

The end credit title card of Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure.

An entire season of Pretty Cure, done! This is the first season I've ever watched from start to finish, as it aired. It had it's high and low points for sure. The middle episodes consisting of them just charging the mirror pad felt like a real lull (I recall vividly just playing the PreCure episodes during the summer while I was blasting through Diablo IV, back when I thought Diablo IV was fun, and we all know how long that lasted). But the start of the season with HERO GIRL Sora was great. And the last ten episodes concerning the history of the conflict between the Undergu Empire and Skyland was great, too. The false memories? Empress Undergu being tricked? All great in their own right. I feel like I would have liked to see a more intense final boss fight, though. The series ended with all the Cures saying "Strength isn't everything" as they proceed to literally punch Skearhead in the face with their combined strength to purify him. Still, Soaring Sky ("Hero Girl") Pretty Cure will always occupy a special place in my mind given that, regardless of its lows, it still kept my attention for the entirety of 2023. I look forward to seeing what this year's Pretty Cure ("Wonderful") will bring us 2024!

Figure 2 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Episode 21

Frieren comforts both her party members after their victory against a much stronger mage.

Much like the Aura arc, the test-taking arc in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is finally interesting again. In this episode Frieren's party recovered their stolen Stelle (bird) after Frieren defeated another mage in direct combat, and then shattered the barrier around the testing airing to allow raindrops to reach her other two party members who used the resulting water to win their fight too. The seen where Frieren shattered the barrier was quite dramatic, and it revealed that the other great elf mage's power (whose name escapes me) was weaker than Frieren's because Frieren was able to analyze and shatter the barrier. I'm not certain if the test will be longer or shorter than this, but we are indeed fairly far in this season so we're approaching the limit to what can be shown in a 24/26 episodes. I have a feeling we will get a boring ending, and also a feeling that there will never bee a second season.

Figure 2 The Unwanted Undead Adventurer, Episode 5

Adult Alice "plays" doctor with Utena after Utena falls ill.

In this week's episode of The Unwanted Undead Adventurer Rentt registered with the adventurer's guild under a new name so he could accept new quests. While doing so, he realize that, despite being very low level, many people respected the previous "alive" Rentt because he helped so many people become adventurer's in the past. He also met an Elf (the Elf did not share her name) in the Labyrinth in a hidden room. The elf was surprised to learn that he was an undead, and handed him a map that updates based on where he's explored. Such a map is a "national treasure" according to Lorraine. I'm still consistently impressed with this anime every passing week. While simple, it's plot and writing is executed so well it puts another anime in the same category to shame. It's by a no means a masterpiece (I personally would never recommend it), but it sill nevertheless illustrates how good writing and direction can make these generic dungeon crawl shows impressive.

Figure 2 Gushing Over Magical Girls, Episode 5

Adult Alice "plays" doctor with Utena after Utena falls ill.

This week in Gushing Over Magical Girls we finally got introduced two Alice, an "evil" magical girl who is much cuter and infinitely more interesting than Kiwi. Her power is forcing people into her play house and making them "play" amongst themselves as if they were her toys. In the first part of the episode she tricked Tres Magia into her playhouse/dollhouse and Sulfur and Magenta molested Azure (I'm beginning to think Azure enjoys being molested given that every single episode she gets tied up and grouped). In the second half, Utena got sick after staying up all night to fix Alice's doll. This lead to Alice playing "doctor" with Utena, where an adult Alice molested Utena which, incidentally, cured her cold! I definitely liked this episode more than the previous, perhaps because of the fact that I don't particularly like Kiwi so seeing the show focus on Alice seems more enjoyable.

Figure 3 Synduality Noir, Episode 16

Noir (Mystere?) comatose after Noir rejects death and wants to live on as a unique person.

Synduality Noir 16 was an interesting and abstract episode of where Noir and Mystere "battled" (if you could call in that) in their own mind concerning who will take control of the Noir/Mystere body. You see, Noir is a self-repair mode which, now that Mystere is almost completely repaired, is no longer needed. In this episode, Noir wanted to learn how to cook to give Kanata one final meal together before Noir vanished for good and Mystere took over. She went around town, took some photos and, after the meal, decided that she didn't want to die. The episode ended with Mystere's body, but Noir's lifeless stare, looking up at the ceiling while Kanata and Ciel looked by in tears. The voidness emotion Noir showed at not wanting to die was quite surprising (given that she shows so little emotion) and, like always, Mystere's overly aggressive nature (calling Noir a "dud" and Kanata a "hack") still came off as unnecessarily grating.

Figure 4 Chained Soldier, Episode 5

Himari grabs Yuuki's hand and is about to "reward" him for his victory.

A very fun episode of Chained Soldier this week! The episode was, as we expected last week, just a long fight between Himari (and Yuuki) and her sister Yachiho. Himari, of course, ended up winning the fight by creatively use Yuuki's abilities and forcing her to waste her time-stopping magic in situations that wouldn't result in ending the fight. In the second half we of course got to see Yuuki's reward (he and Himari made out), and the episode ended with the next fight about to begin. If I had to guess, and if I'm work all more the better, I think the next fight will not take place. At the end we saw several very obviously villain-looking characters appear, so I think the next duel may be interrupted and both squads will have to fight together. Who knows, though. We'll see next week.

Figure 5 7th Time Loop, Episode 4

Rishe about to meet with Arnold's younger brother.

A bit of a strange 7th Time Loop episode today. The trading company from Rishe's first life initially rejected her offer to supply the royal wedding, so Rishe snuck out at night and spoke with the head of the company and partially persuaded him to play along. Rishe also met with Arnold's younger brother, who is clearly planning... something (Arnold warned her against meeting him, but we all know of course that that means the meeting will now most certainly happen). We also saw some hints at what may have caused Arnold to start the war in all the previous time loops as well, but we'll see how that progresses now that Rishe is in the picture. The episode ends on a cliffhanger where Rishe meets with Arnold's younger brother alone in a church at night... why she dressed in a jet black dress for the meeting I'll never know, but it looks great on her!

Figure 5 Pon no Michi, Episode 5

All the girls "interrogating" Haneru after she showed up announced to the Mahjong parlor.

In Episode 5 of Pon no Michi we were very loosely introduced to Haneru who, right at the end of last episode, following her defeat to Riche in the online Mahjong app, showed up unannounced to the Mahjong parlor to play against Riche again. Initially, Nashiko was nervous because she that Haneru was dangerous and out for revenge, but her friends persuaded her otherwise. Unfortunately, but certainly not surprisingly, they did not actually play Mahjong. Instead, they all went to the beach, made food, and ate it together. Nashiko promised Haneru they'd play some other time. All I can say is that I really like Haneru's alt/scene girl design. But I like all the girl's designs in the show, so it's hard to find a flaw with any of them.

Figure 5 Solo Leveling, Episode 5

Jinwoo about to fight the spider boss in the C-Rank dungeon he's in.

This week's episode of Solo Leveling was a bit better than last week. Jinwoo left the hospital and went into a C-Rank dungeon where he was immediately betrayed by is party (well, except one guy) and left to die. It felt pretty obvious at the outset that was going to happen given how high the pay was for a job where he didn't even have to fight. It reminded of the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 story where Rex was killed right off the bat when he was given a mission that obviously paid too much. Well, unlike that time we know that Jinwoo is now incredibly strong so he will defeat the spider boss next episode. I still think the biggest issue with this show is the pacing. It constantly feels like very little happens in each episode... and not in a good way. To be clear, all that happened this episode was he left the hospital, went into a C-Rank dungeon with some strangers, then the strangers bounced. I imagine the manga had this pacing too, but it feels a bit flat when I watch it in the anime.

Figure 5 Metallic Rouge, Episode 4

Rouge suffering some sort or nerve gas attack causing panic.

What is there even to say about Metallic Rouge anymore? The show is simply written so poorly that, even after four episodes, I still could not tell you what was happening. Still, I watched this episode with the vague urge, the desire, for it to start making sense. And I'd like to believe that it did... sort of. I felt like I sort of understood the Nean resistance movement. I sort of understood some of the betrayals (okay not really). And I sort of understood what the creators were going for. But, despite all that, I still couldn't even summarize this episode. I'd like to tell you what I just watched, but even now... after just having watched it, I can't say anything other than Rogue was cute and I'll see you next week.

Figure 5 The Witch and the Beast, Episode 4

Phanora and her assistant.

For the first time in a long time, we finally had a mildly interesting episode of The Witch and the Beast. The two main characters, Guideau and Ashaf, took a backseat and we saw two supporting characters, Phanora and Johan, take the lead to investigate a surge of mad undead. A necromancer has, for reasons we have yet to learn, be rising an army of undead (most red headed women) to wander without aim or purpose around the city. The episode ends with Johan being killed, and Phanora is forced to meet with the necromancer. Also Phanora a cute. A CUTE.

Figure 5 Sasaki and Peeps, Episode 5

A magical girl and a psychic, both whose names utterly escape me, appearing near the end of Episode 5.

Jesus Christ, inshallah, peace be upon Ganesha, this episode was wall-to-wall crazy. Surprise high school boy is a pyro psychic. Weird Yandere stalker underage girl next door is trying to hunt Sasaki down. The hime-cut goddess appeared, and a magical girl who wants to kill psychics also appeared, and they talk amongst themselves. This show is crazy the same way Instant Kill is crazy, but in a much better way. Also, and I know I ask this a lot, but why are they all underage girls? I have no predictions for next episode. This show cannot be predicted. It's just off the wall.

Figure 5 The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, Episode 5

Usato and Suzune camping out after they fell down a waterfall.

In keeping with what is tradition at this point The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, much like Unwanted Undead Adventurer, is maintaining a consistently average, but still nevertheless worth watching, narrative. This episode we had Usato training together with Suzune who, after being ambushed, floated down river and down a waterfall into the forest where Usato was training in earlier episodes (and where he met Bluerin). While lost, Suzune explains how she doesn't want to go home (back to Japan) because this world she's in now gives her purpose, further explaining how she has no connection to her previous world (a bit strange because I imagine she had a family). The episode ends with Bluerin returning to where their parents died, accepting their death, and accepting Usato as their new parent.

Figure 5 Villainess Level 99, Episode 4

Dorkness applauding herself after realizing her leveling technique was efficient.

Villainess Level 99 had a simple straightforward episode where Dorkness worked with students to help them level. She used a monster calling horn to summons monsters (much to the chigrin of other students who panicked at the onslaught of monsters) who she bound and let students farm. She also met what appears to be a love interest, or at least a guy (I think this is actually a shoujo so there has to be a guy besides the princes who literally hate her). There's also a new principal at the school who Dorkness doesn't trust.

Figure 5 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess, Episode 4. Ishura, Episode 5. Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!, Episode 4. My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered, Episode 5

There is little to say about 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess besides that this episode, like the last, was an episodic gag comedy where people get "tortured" by drinking bear, petting animals, and going to the park. And that's exactly what happened here. This show is best left on a second monitor while you play a game... or do really anything else.

This week's Ishura episode introduced two new characters, a combat mandrake that poisons people and a man with an angle that watches over him. And that was it. That's all the show is. That's all it will be next week. That's all it will be the week after that, too. Here, I'll write an Ishura episode. "Local man eats carrots. His carrot eating skills allowed him to slay thousands. He is, CARRO the CARROT MUNCHER.

Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! had a fairly straightforward episode where we got minor character development between Fuyuki and Sayuri (although Sayuri clearly remains best girl because gyarus are disgusting). We also met Fuyuki's mom.

I gave this show a bit less attention than it probably deserved this week, as I watched it at work while working on a file in Adobe Illustrator. Still, it looks like My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered had a backstory arc for Yogiri (one which I imagine has little bearing on the principle narrative). And then they're now on some weirdo side quest after a Dragon loli tricked them into a sword contest atop a tower? And they have to gain points? I think? I don't actually understand it.

Figure 5 Tales of Wedding Rings, Episode 5. Bang Brave Bang Bravern, Episode 4. The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil, Episode 4. The Labyrinth Raids of the Ultimate Tank, Episode 5.

Okay, listen. It's a bit unfair to put Tales of Wedding Rings this low on the chart this week. It was actually pretty fun, and should have been ranked higher. Satou is on his way to get the third wing from what could only be described as a brown muscular cat girl (it would have been better if she wasn't muscular). Satou fought her, lost, and then started training to fight her again next episode. I imagine, then, next episode we'll get the fight and he'll just barely win, but win her heart in the process.

They toned town the sheer number of gay jokes in Bang Brave Bang Bravern and this episode was mainly about us learning that Japan is under attack and the American fleet is going to save it. We also learned more about Lulu, who was cute. Bravern did very little, and it was that which made this episode less grating and more interesting.

The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil is still progressively improving. This episode we learned that Lily purifies the demons she fights into cute animals, and Akutsu also got a visit from the demon world when his handler dropped by to see how the mission was going (he didn't mention, of course, that he was currently the enslaved by an angel).

Figure 5 The Labyrinth Raids of the Ultimate Tank, Episode 5

Rud's party as they enter the labyrinth.

In keeping with tradition yet again, The Labyrinth Raids of the Ultimate Tank comes in right at the end of the week, and it's the last anime I view on Saturday. And boy howdy do I owe this show and apology. What I thought was going to be another mid-tier episode came in as EASILY the strongest episode of the week. I had no idea. Rud's party comes together and they raid the nearby labyrinth to their town. The twins come back. The priest comes back. And Luna is there too. They raid it and, with great effort, defeat the labyrinth guardian. Rud spares the Guardian's life on the condition the labyrinth stays open to support the town. The guardian gives Rud the stone that he uses to cure his sister's illness. And, AND, there was a yuri kissu. I did not expect such a strong finish to the week. My jaw is on the floor. Bravo Rud. Bravo.

Other Remarks

I spent a short time today repositioning plants from one room to another in my house, that way I can make a pseudo workshop room. I bought a large workbench and a lamp, and will likely by another lamp (or two) to put on my desks. I've stalled in Monster Hunter world due to a general lack of time, as I expected. I really need a large block of time, like a break, or something, to dedicate my time to a game. I'm currently leveling Cooking in RuneScape. I'm 110, going for 120.

Swann's Way is the first volume of Marcel Proust's monumental work In Search of Lost Time. I read it many years ago when I was a Junior (or perhaps a Senior, I don't recall) in College. I have fond memories of talking about it with my mother who, at the time, tried to read it but found it very boring. I first learned about Proust's work through an anime whose title paid homage to it (the anime was called In Search of the Lost Future. It wasn't particularly good, but for some reason it was memorable, perhaps because it prompted me to look into the works of Marcel Proust). Anyways, after looking into In Search of Lost Time I decided to buy the first volume (Swann's Way) and read it.

Swann's Way was, to put it mildly, great. In fact, it's my favorite book of all time. But were I asked why I find it so good, were I asked why I think this novel is such a great work of art, I'd actually struggle to explain it. Put simply, I think Swann's Way is good... because it's hard to read. Initially, when I learned that Swann's Way was considered by many to be a college graduate level text, my only thought was "Challenge Accepted" and I jumped right in. Swann's Way presented multiple unique challenges to the reader. The first and perhaps the most famous is the narrative structure of involuntary memory. The book begins with the narrator, as an adult, having trouble falling asleep, and this prompts him to remember, as a child, how he also had trouble falling asleep. As a child, he would have trouble falling asleep if his mother didn't kiss him goodnight—so if his mother was entertaining guests, he would stay up for hours in an almost nervous panic under the belief that, without his mother's kiss, he didn't have the right to fall asleep. Later in the novel, there's another more famous example where the narrator dips a madeleine (small cake) into some tea, and this prompts him to remember how, as a child, his aunt used to do the same. This memory causes him to remember even more of aspects of his childhood.

But while these lapses of suddenly and involuntarily remembering things are famous, I personally don't think they are what make the book difficult to read. Instead, the difficultly in reading comes from extremely long and meandering sentences, the consistent and aggressive use of rare and uncommon words, and the astronomical number of named characters (the book has 100's of characters). But despite all these short comings, the book just somehow pulls through and comes together. And somehow, by the end, you think "This was an absolute masterpiece". By way of analogy, imagine walking through a forest, realizing you're lost, continuing to walk while enjoying the sights you see every day, then by sheer accident reaching your original destination, and then subsequently realizing the path you were on was the correct on and you were never actually lost at all. That that's the feeling of reading Swann's Way.

Figure 1 An AI generated anime drinking tea.

The second volume of In Search of Lost Time is Within a Budding Grove. And let it be said at the outset that Within a Budding Grove is significantly different from Swann's Way. Many of the shortcomings in Swann's Way are completely, utterly, in whole, absent from Within a Budding Grove. For example, the narrative structure of involuntary memory is completely absent. The number of named characters is significantly reduced (I'm currently at page 200, and I think there have been less than 10 named characters mentioned, if we're willing to excuse Ambassador Norpois's discussion of several overseas diplomats he's spoken with). The presentation of the story is chronological. The characters, instead of being vaguely explained, are directly introduced and well-described. And, much to my surprise, many of the vague areas present in Swann's Way are clarified through additional descriptions and character development in Within a Budding Grove.

I'd still nevertheless argue Within a Budding Grove is a slow read, however. The complex thoughts and lengthy sentences are still present throughout the entire work, though (so much so that I often find myself needing to double back and reread a passage, in some cases several times, to ensure I understood it). But this is what I would consider an acceptable challenge, and there is a certain joy in rereading a passage several times then, at the end, feeling like you real understood it.

Figure 2 An AI generated anime girl reading a book.

As for where I am now, the narrator (Marcel) has complete ingrained himself within the Swann family. He visits them every day at lunch. He has lunch with Monsieur and Madame Swann every day, and speaks with Gilberte all the time, very much completing his childhood dream. He's also met and spoke with his favorite author, Bergotte, whom initially, due to his physical appearance, found to be strange, but eventually started to like him. The Swanns also had a less-than-favorable view of M de Norpois, which I found mildly strange given that M de Norpois had a very favorable view of them (especially Madame Swann). I'll still progressing, albeit slowly, though the book. I feel like a commenter on Reddit put it pretty well when they say Proust is something you have to read slowly, chew, and digest. You can't really speedrun the book, lest you get either too confused to completely burned out. I will say, though, it is a pretty difficult book to read right at night before I go to bed. By the end of the day I'm already very tired, so reading a book that requires a massive amount of attention then is very challenging. I think it would probably be better to read it during the day, and perhaps even take notes, but I don't want to do that. During the day I'm either working, playing games, or doing calligraphy practice.

Other Remarks

I want to go out and take more photos with my Leica M11, but of late the weather has been terrible (we had several days a week or two ago where the temperature was below -20F). The temperature has gotten slightly better, but there has recently been a lot of rain and sleet. My Rei and Asuka figures should, hopefully, be shipped by AmiAmi. I haven't gotten the billing information from them, but they've already been delayed once and we're about to enter February. I still want to buy framing equipment, too, but maybe this month I'll just buy a large working table because it's a bit cheaper. I can rework the upstairs plant room, and make it more of a workshop like I had originally intended.