Last week (Friday 7/27/24. specifically) I finished Adult Piano Adventures Vol. 1 by Nancy and Randall Faber. It took about three months to finish (much faster than I expected), and I think it was a great start to my own piano adventures!

Figure 1 The Carnival of Venice

This was the final "capstone" piece in the book. It wasn't too hard, I think.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

While the book was a bit boring in parts (it had a lot of classical pieces), I think overall, now that I look back on it, it was pretty good. It did a good job of teaching techniques (e.g., index over thumb) on more complicated pieces. I have already bought and plan to move on to Volume II in the same series next month. For now, my plan is to finish reading through some of the scales in the index of Volume I that the author said we should memorize. I'm also starting a new song, A Lost Child from My Neighbor Totoro. Wish me luck!

Other Remarks

It's the last week of summer for me! I have to go back to work next week. Ugh.

We dropped VTuber Legend this week. To be honest, I should have dropped it last week. It contains two things I hate: VTubers and drinking, so it's a shock I even bothered to watch it to begin with. Pseudo Harem has also been dropped. It's simply too boring. It's the same gags every episode and it's just a bit tiresome after a while.

Figure 1 Bye Bye, Earth, Episode 3

Kitty the All returning Belle's necklace while teaching her of her past.

Episode 3 of Bye Bye, Earth begins with Belle's master, Sian, asking Dram to reforge the blade Belle cut through, adding that Belle is the "child of their dreams". After the opening, Belle duels Kir Royale in the Arena of Blades. Her curse, however, remains, and her blade cannot cut. Instead, she disarms him and breaks his sword, disgusting the audience. Afterwards, Sian, speaks with the King and is told to depart the kingdom. That night rabbit following Belle, Kitty the All, transforms into a human and recovers the watch that evil soloists stole from him earlier. Gaf warns Belle that evil soloists will soon attack the area around here her parents live. When Belle arrives, the attack has already started and any survivors are being kidnapped. Belle is able to rescue and free them, including her mother, father, and their biological daughter, Bellein ("Belle's little sister"). She tells them she plans to be a nomad, then departs. That evening, she realizes she lost her necklace, but Kitty the All is able to recover it. Kitty meets with Belle and takes her to a tavern where a troubadour plays a song that reminds her of her family. She realizes her family heard the same song many years ago that's where her name, Belle, came from. They knew she'd go traveling one day. Kitty departs, leaving Belle her missing necklace.

Figure 2 NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season, Episode 16

2B after she was killed by A2 (following her infection from the logic virus).

Episode 16 of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season begins with 2B and 9S fleeing the bunker as it self-destructs. As they enter Earth's atmosphere they're pursued by multiple YoRHa soldiers infected by the logic virus. 2B takes control of 9S's flight unit and orders him to escape while she deals with the remaining units herself. Throughout several flashbacks, 2B realizes she has 'feelings' for 9S, which 9S reciprocates. Following the fight, 2B reactives on Earth, alone, infected by the logic virus. 9S reactives in the desert and begins moving towards 2B. As the logic virus progressively advances through 2B she loses combat and visualization capabilities. As the logic virus infects her black box and back-up system, A2 arrives. 2B tells her her sword holds her memories, and when A2 draws it she's flooded with 2B's memories of 9S. After the logic virus completely takes control of 2B, A2 executes her just as 9S arrives. Her final words are "Nines". 9S vows to kill A2 just as a large structure appears over city ruins.

Figure 3 Failure Frame, Episode 4

Seras defeating monsters in the Ruins of Mils.

Failure Frame Episode 4 begins with Mimori arriving in The City of Mils and assuming a fake name: Hati Skoll. He and several other adventurers meet with Marquis Cred Hurkley who wants the Ruins of Mils cleared. One of the adventurers begins harassing Seras who is also present to clear the ruins, but she too his hiding her identity with the fake name: Mist Balukas. Afterwards, Mimori and Seras both introduce themselves using their fake names and begin buying equipment to delve into the ruins. When Mimori arrives at the Ruins of Mils he finds the monsters significantly weaker than the ones in the Ruins of Disposal. He overhears a a group of adventurers planning to rape and kill Seras, and he kills all three before venturing deeper into the ruins. He encounters another group of adventurers who warn him to depart—something is killing monsters in strange ways (it's his poison). Mimori finds the Dragon Eye Chalice offers it to Seras who arrives shortly thereafter. Seras offers to become his bodyguard in return for the Chalice, and they both venture deeper into the ruins. As the episode ends, humanity's strongest hero, Civit Gartland begins to hunt Seras.

Figure 4 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, Episode 4

Several other cosplayers help Ririsa with her Lilliel outfit.

Episode 4 of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction begins with Ririsa completing her cosROMs just in time for their first event. Mikari asks Ririsa how she feels about Okumura, and she wonders if she has a crush on him. Ririsa and Okumura arrive at the event hours early (literally me) so, to kill time before the event starts, they watch Lilliel episodes together. After they arrive and set up their booth they Magino cosplaying as Lady Folosso, who warns them that everyone's first time "sucks". As the event starts, Okumura and Ririsa struggle to make a single sale, and Ririsa tells them they should leave early. Instead, Okumura tells her to dress as Lilliel and show the world how cute she is. When Ririsa enters the changing area, many other cosplayers help her setup her outfit.

Figure 5 Narenare: Cheer for You!, Episode 3

All of the girls working on a cheerleading video.

Episode 3 of Narenare: Cheer for You! begins with a prologue where Obunai goes hard gay for Shoin Tanizaki, and regretting being so curt and not knowing how to talk to her. After speaking to Anna, she agrees to be in one of her videos because it will get her closer to Shion. With Kanata sent home, Hana vows to learn the trick only she can perform. Kanata tells Megumi that she didn't make any of the cheer teams. When they decide to practice together, Kanata refuses to top, telling them she can't "fly" anymore due to "yips" (or "twisties"). Shion writes a new song about Kanata and Megumi that Obunai tells Shion she wants to hear her sing. Later, she tells Shion that her inability to smile gives the impression that she hates everyone, but she doesn't. Kanata works with the other girls to create their cheer leading video where they throw her into the air. After the ED, Obunai asks Shion to sing the song she overheard at the temple early, but she tells her it's about how "awesome" she is, and Obunai flees in embarrassment.

Figure 6 The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human, Episode 5

Ike defeating Basteo in a duel.

Episode 5 of The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human begins with a flashback of how Ike was found by his master, Romberg. After the opening we continue with Basteo's attempted coup on The Demond Lord, Lilith. Basteo swarms Ike with endless minions in order to exhaust his magic. Cefiro and her forces arrive to assist. The Demon Lord appears and again tells Basteo to duel Ike normally or die. When he does, Ike is able to quickly defeat him using White Magic, a type of magic demons rarely use, taught to him by Romberg as a child. Following the defeat of Basteo, The Demon Lord tells Ike to lead the Third Corps, but he refuses, telling her his goal is to create a world where humans and demons can coexist. He will instead focus his efforts on the town of Ivalias.

Figure 7 Dahlia in Bloom, Episode 4

Dahlia (disguised as a man) eating lunch with Wolfred.

Episode 4 of Dahlia in Bloom begins with Dahlia taking Wolfred back to the royal capital. On the way back, Wolf asks Dali if she knows anything about magical swords, adding that he doesn't have the aptitude to to use them. She drops Wolf off the quickly leaves without disclosing details regarding her identity. Back at her tower Dahlia wonders if she'll ever see him again. The next day at the trading guild Dahlia is informed that Tobias is still withholding assets following the annulment of their engagement, and that he stole several patents for her magical devices. Tobias offers to buy the patents, but she refuses the sale. As a consequence, The Orlando Trade Company will no longer do business with her. Instead, she'll start her own company, The Ressetti Company, to buy and sell her own supplies. Back at the castle, Wolfred asks for a letter of introduction to the Trade Guild in order to find and thank Dali.

Figure 8 I Parry Everything, Episode 4

Noor and Lynne arrive at the Adventurer's Guild.

Episode 4 of I Parry Everything begins with Lynne following Noor (who his now her teacher) around town. At the Adventurer's Guild Lynne and Noor form a party and are given a goblin slaying job outside the capital. When the enter the forest they encounter The Goblin Emperor (which Noor mistakes for a regular goblin). Despite the Goblin Emperor using entire tress as weapons, Noor is able to parry every swing. The Goblin Emperor is able to regenerate due to a mana stone embedded in his head, and Noor tells Lynne to strike his sword with Wind Blast, giving it enough speed to launch him in the air and dislodge the stone, then Lynne finishes it off. Back at the capital, the mana stone is analyzed and believed to be a demon's heart from the Holy Theocracy of Mithra.

Figure 9 Midnight Punch, Episode 3

All of the vampires eat garlic for "content" on YouTube.

Episode 3 of Midnight Punch begins with Live, Ichiko, and Fuu making videos for their YouTube channel, but it's not going well: after weeks of making videos they don't even have 10,000 views. A new vampire, Tokaga, arrives at the house and tells Masaki her videos generic. When Live and Misaki enter Tokage's room they find that it's full of trash and decide to make a cleaning video. While cleaning, Live and Tokaga get in a fight that Masaki films, and Yuki arrives and demands deletes the recording of the fight. As a punishment, Yuki makes them all eat a pile of garlic and Live tells her to film it for content. When they do they begin to sob and act crazy. Nevertheless, Tokage manages to finish her entire plate. The video performs well, getting 12,000 views. At the end of the episode, Misaki moves in with them.

Figure 10 Spice & Wolf, Episode 17

Lawrence takes a short position on Pyrite with Amati.

Episode 17 of Spice & Wolf starts with Lawrence hoping for a price drop in pyrite in order to ensure Amati can't acquire the funds. Back at the Inn, Lawrence receives a letter from Holo listing Amati's assets, along with a marriage certificate signed by Amati and Holo. He finds Amati and offers to sell him pyrite—on credit at today's value (taking a short position). Amati agrees. Lawrence speaks with another merchant and hatches a plan to convince them to sell pyrite for wheat. He hatches a plan to buy pyrite from Diana in order to fulfill his side of the short.

Figure 11 Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Episode 3

Elfie telling Will she'll be waiting for him in the tower.

I'll be honest, what should have been one of the best shows of the season, Wistoria: Wand and Sword, is so far shaping up to be much weaker than expected. Episode 3 begins with Will delivering papers only to find out that Elfie has sent down an order. All the students, including Will, begin exploring the dungeon following Elfie's order. Will saves another student, Iris, and begins exploring the dungeon with her, and they soon encounter a large Frost Rex. Will is able to quickly defeat it using explosives. At the end of the episode, Iris wonders how she should report on Wills strength, which is much greater than rumors suggested. In a post-credits scene, Iris ("The Watcher") climbs the tower and reporters to the other Magia Vanders: Will Serfort is strong enough for a position in the tower.

Figure 12 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 25

All of the Cures (plus Satoru) at the beach!

Episode 25 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! begins with Iroha, Mayu, Komugi, and Yuki working on their summer research project. And by that I mean it's a beach episode. Iroha plans to research sea turtles that lay eggs on the beaches near animal town. Mayu keeps trying to ship Iroha x Satoru, and Yuki was afraid of water. A Garugaru sea turtle hatches from the sand and all the Cures transform to fight it. Cure Lillian grabs onto it as the turtle begins to swim away, and Friendly, Wonderful, and Nyammy chase it. Together, they pacify the Garugaru and send it back to Niko Garden. That night they watch sea turtles beach then lie and bury their eggs in the sand.

Figure 13 Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Episode 4

Alya shortly after telling Kuze she loves him.

Episode 3 of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian was absolutely terrible so I can only hope Episode 4 is better. Episode 3 begins Kuze and Masha returning from their shopping trip and Kuze (again) being asks to join the student council. Meanwhile, Alya is mediating a dispute between the soccer and baseball teams and Kuze drops by to help, eventually resolving the issue. (This was a a terrible attempt at drama I am actually in awe at how bad this show has gotten.) Afterwards, Kuze joins the council, and tells Alya he'll do everything in her power to ensure she becomes student council president. In Russian, Alya tells Kuze she loves him... before slapping him across the face. In a post credits scene, Masha tells Alya to confess to Kuze before someone else takes him.

Figure 14 Tasuuketsu: The Fate of the Majority, Episode 4

Several characters learning at the rules of Tasuuketsu have changed.

I'm taking notes and even I struggle to understand Tasuuketsu: The Fate of the Majority. Anyways, Episode 4 begins with Sensei chasing Jin and Satou before receiving a (fake) message telling him to move to the Nerima Ward or be executed. Satou and Jin encounter Borinmaru who has the Right of Presentation—he's able to present false message from the Emperor, and has been throughout the game. They ask him if he'd like to help find and defeat The Emperor, and he agrees. That night, Omi and Satou send a cryptic message to Narita to meet them at City hall at 10:00 AM tomorrow. At midnight they recieve a message that Tasuuketsu will move to stage two tomorrow: they now need to collect laptops to submit questions. The next day they meet Omi and Satou, and Omi tells them Borinmaru is now on their team. When they begin searching for laptops they run into one of the two students who killed the Ishiki at the end of Episode 3, Iruga-senpai. He remembers Iruga is dangerous, and Iruga demands to have Omi. He tells Narita the Emproer is a human, and Omi is in on it.

Figure 15 No Longer Allowed in Another World, Episode 3

Sensei speaking with Ysha shortly after being stabbed through the chest.

Episode 3 of No Longer Allowed in Another World begins with Annette and Tama dragging Sensei to Grun (Tama's hometown) with a stopover at Zweiten Temple to gather information on Sacchan. They get attacked by The Wrathful Dark Lord, Waldelia, who immediately stabs Sensei through the chest. Sensei asks her what inspires her hatred then collapses while Waldelia flees. Melos brings Annette, Sensei, and Tama to Zweiten Temple where they get healed by Ysha. After they recover, Ysha tells Annette not to travel with other worlders like Sensei. Ysha tells Annette The Wrathful Dark Lord was defeated by an other worlder, causing her to question their meeting with Waldelia. Ysha speaks with Sensei and tells him to dissolve his party with Annette. Just then, Lord Suzuki the Other Worlder arrives and tells them The Wrathful Dark Lord is dead, and The Other Worlders will now rule the realm. As the episode ends, Suzuki approaches Annette to punish he for disrespecting other worlders.

Figure 16 Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World?, Episode 3

Dark Empress Vanessa after her fight with The Last Riser.

The prologue of Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World? Episode 3 begins with a monologue of Rinne explaining how she hates herself because she's composed of the worst parts of all five races. After the OP, The Urza Federation begins Jeanne's plan: attack the demons to keep them occupied while Kai and Rinne defeat Vanessa (with Ashran and Saki). When they arrive at The Government Palace Kai and Rinne are able to quickly defeat the first wave of demons. Afterwards, Kai begins to ascend the tower to reach Vanessa while the rest of the squad begins rescuing prisoners. Near the top of the tower Rinne and Kai encounter a large group of demons, and Rinne orders Kai to go on to Vanessa while she fights the demons. Kai reaches the top of the tower and encounters Dark Empress Vanessa she, a succubus, tries to seduce him, but fails. He tells her that he comes from a world where The Prophet Sid defeated her, and she has vague memories of "world reincarnation". When he fights Vanessa he's able to use Sid's sword to defeat her magic, and Rinne arrives help just as "Last Riser" arrives to remove Vanessa's Hero code from the world. Vanessa is able to resist, forcing the Last Riser to retreat. Rinne tells Kai that Vanessa was never this power just as the episode ends.

Figure 17 My Wife Has No Emotion, Episode 5

Super Mina arriving at Takuma's apartment.

Episode 5 of My Wife Has No Emotion begins with Takuma being sick and Mina nursing him back to health. After he drops tray on his foot, he asks Mina for a kiss to make him feel better, and she obliges. She and Takuma then discuss how much force should be applied to a kiss, later telling her she's the only one he wants to kiss. Super Mina arrives to thank them and provides them with a catalog of Mina upgrades, and Mina decides to pick one for herself, later telling Takuma she wants it to be a surprise. Afterwards, they throw a belated surprise party for Takuma where Mina collapses after setting off a party popper. At the end of the episode, Mina tells Takuma she'll have to leave for two weeks while she receives her surprise upgrade.

Figure 18 A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero, Episode 5

Takagi, Airi, Miku, and Hikarin arriving on Floor 7.

Episode 5 of A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero begins with Takagi and his party going to the seventh floor for the event. Upon arriving they encounter multiple golems that they quickly defeat until they encounter a strong Iron Golem that's immune to most attacks. Takagi uses his Magic Sword Balzard to cut through its defenses and kill it. Afterwards, Airi, Miku, and Hikarin ask Takagi if he'd like to form a party with them again and venture to Floor 11, and he tells them he'll have to think about it. Later, Sylphy and Luceria are oppose the idea of forming a party. At school, Haruka asks him if she'd like to go shopping with him on Saturday and he accepts (a deito??). After shopping they go to a park together, and Takagi realizes how "cute" Haruka is. While riding on a boat together Takagi realizes he's on a deito with Haruka. At the end of their deito, Haruka takes Takagi to the dungeon entrance and wonders when her father will return.

Figure 19 ATRI: My Dear Moments, Episode 3

Natsuki showing the students how to make a simple wind turbine.

Episode 3 of ATRI: My Dear Moments begins with Natsuki buying Atri school supplies, and she begins to use her school notebook as a diary. When they arrive at school they learn that Minamo is the teacher—all the other teachers evacuated to the mainland. Another student, Ryuuji, dismisses Natsuki for attending a mainland school while there's so many in need here. Minamo asks Natsuki to come back to school tomorrow not as a student, but as as teacher. That night, Atri realizes she left her notebook at school and she and Natsuki go back to get it. When they arrive they notice a faint light and find Ririka on the roof—she lives there, along with Ryuu and Toru. Natsuki works through the night and arrives at school the next day and provides supplies to construct a tidal turbine along with rechargeable batteries.

Figure 20 Too Many Losing Heroines!, Episode 3

Nukumizu looking at Shintaro.

Episode 3 of Too Many Losing Heroines! begins with the literature club planning to enter a literature competition and, consequently, holding a training camp that weekend. Anna joins them. They start their weekend getaway by going to the beach instead of writing. While there, Nukumizu gets jealous of Shintaro and Mari's friendship. At the end of the episode, Shintaro saves Nukumizu from almost getting injured by a firework with a bad fuse. Afterwards, she confesses to him and asks him to go out with her.

Figure 21 Pseudo Harem, Episode 4

Rin goes on a group researche project with Megu.

Episode 4 of Pseudo Harem begins with Rin going on a group research project with a classmate Megu (although she wishes it was with Eiji). Later, while acting, Eiji tells Rin he likes her causing her to panic. Eiji gets hurt and arrives at the nurses office but it's empty. Instead, Rin, pretends to be a nurse and treats him. And, I dropped the show. Sorry, It was getting a bit old. All the gags are the same every week, and I don't find either of the characters particularly interesting.

Other Remarks

I finished Adult Piano Adventures Vol. I yesterday! I'll post a full review and retrospect next week, when time permits. I also got a full playthrough of The Waltz of Chihiro ("Reprise") fromy Spirited Away, but I still have a long way to go to smooth it out.

I dropped Love Is Indivisible by Twins after Episode 1 because it was just that irredeemable. The first episode was terrible and I hate all the characters and their designs. Oh well. I also dropped Days with My Stepsister. Again, simply terrible writing and terrible characters with zero redeeming qualities. And finally, Shoushimin Series ("How to Become Ordinary") is definitely a hard drop. God damn that show is going nowhere fast.

Figure 1 Bye Bye, Earth, Episode 2

Belle speaking with the King (and a God) askins permission to become a nomad.

Episode 2 of Bye Bye, Earth begins with Belle ("The Girl of Reason"), born from a stone, believing her home is somewhere in the sky. She awakens in the Quartz Forest as the clockstones change color and is greeted by a rabittia, a sign of good luck. She begins walking and arrives in Shubertland, a city divided between the good "topdogs" and the evil "underdogs". She's told to pick a side and not to upset the balance, but instead she plans to become a nomad. She's warned that God won't permit a country girl like her to become a nomad, and faintly recalls killing her master. A pack of evil soloists arrives with the rabittia Belle met earlier and plan to kill it, but Belle fights them, saving the rabittia. When does, she feels a strange power holding back her true strength, and wonders if her nomadic "curse" is the inability to cut things with her sword. She's arrested and taking to the castle for the fight. The castle where she originally got her sword, Runding.

While held in confinement she's still haunted with memories of her master and asks the guard to find Gaf, a student of her old Master. When she speaks with Gaf he gives her a dog tag. She tells Gaf the details of her curse—her sword fails to cut. Gaf arranges for Belle to have an audience with the king and asks Belle to visit her parents before then, but she tells her she's not ready yet. The next day Belle and Gaf meet the King, but the God behind the king refuses to acknowledge Belle, and she draws her sword. She asks to become a nomad to discover her roots and to find people like her. They grant her a challenge: defeat Kir Royale to become a nomad. Outside the castle, The Army of Insatiable Emptiness arrives and begins searching for someone.

Figure 2 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, Episode 3

Ririsa and Mikari cosplay as Miriella and Liliel.

I gave last week's episode of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction a bit less attention than it deserved so this week I'm actually watching it without distractions—the show itself is, at least so far, pretty funny. Episode 3 begins with Mikari agreeing to cosplay with Ririsa (partially to seduce Okumura, partially to keep an eye on Ririsa). Ririsa makes a Miriella costume for Mikari, and despite its skimpy nature she decides to wear it to seduce Okumura. He loves it, calling her outfit perfect, then says that he loves her (Miriella, that is). After a... steamy... photo shoot of Liliel and Miriella they get their outfits stuck together and Okumura has to separate them by removing both of their bras. Afterwards, Okumura tells Mikari it was really fun talking to her about the manga he loves, causes Ririsa to get jealous. Ririsa tells Okumura they have enough pictures to put out a cosROM and she'd like to do so at an upcoming event during Golden Week, and Okumura agrees to help. They work at the school at night to edit the photos for the even.

Figure 3 NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season, Episode 15

The Commander, infected with a logic virus from the machiens, tells 2B and 9S that they are the last suriviving members of project YoRHa.

Episode 15 of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season begins with 2B(E) explaining that no humans survive on the moon. All that's left is there genetic data stored on a server. All the humans died long before the invasion of the Earth by Aliens. The Androids fought against the aliens not realizing humanity was long dead. It's her job to execute any androids that get too close to discovering the truth about humanity. In her case, 9S, has been killed numerous times and had his memory reset again and again as he discovers the truth behind Project YoRHa.

Behind the lines, 2B and a squadron of other YoRHa units are hit by the machine's hacking attack. 9S arrives and is able to stem 2B's logic virus from spreading just as their attacked by YoRHa units infected by the machines. After 2B defeats them, 9S and 2B determine the location of the robots jamming their communication and attempt to contact Command, but can't: the bunker has gone silent. As 9S and 2B are swarmed by enemies, 9S uploads their data to the bunker before they both self-destruct. They arrive back in the Bunker with their data restored only to find Command is empty and the Commander is incapacitated. They inform her the operation on Earth has failed, the Bunker is being fed false information from Earth. They inform her the Bunker itself is corrupted with the logic virus. As 9S and 2B flee, the Commander informs them that she too had synchronized with the Bunker, and is also infected with the logic virus. The Commander tells 2B and 9S that they are the two surviving memories of YoRHa and gives them their final order as the Bunker self-destructs: return to Earth and defeat the machines. A2 watches as the pieces of the bunker fall to Earth, burning up in the atmosphere.

Figure 4 Narenare: Cheer for You!, Episode 2

Anna works with the other girls to make a song for a video.

Episode 2 of Narenare: Cheer for You! starts with Cheer Team selecting a new team for the upcoming All Japan competition. Following the OP, Misora is overjoyed that she "flew". Megumi tells Misora she hopes she gets on the All Japan A-Team. The next day at school Hana-senpai tells Misora not to tryout for the Cheer team. Anna and Nodoka drop by and ask to make a video about cheer, and Shoin up provides a piano piece she wrote herself for the performance. As she tries to sing parts of it, Osanai falls out of a tree and Shion, very embarrassed, flees. Later, at home, Shoin laments her inability to have confidence in the things she enjoys (in this case, singing and songwriting). At the end of the episode, Misora attents tryouts despite Hana's protests, but flubs the landing after getting flashbacks of the missed throw.

Figure 5 Failure Frame, Episode 3

Mimori speaks with Seras shortly after saving her from being raped by bandits.

At least so far, Failure Frame may be one of my favorite anime this season. It's not good, to be clear, but it's bad in such a way that makes it entertaining, which is far more than can be said about several other anime this season. Episode 3 begins many of the girls in Mimori's class banding together to form a team. Aayaka Sogou complains (again) to Vicius regarding Mimori's "disposal". Meanwhile, in The Dark Forest, Princess Seras flees a group of men trying to rape her. Mimori leaves the Ruins and soon makes friends with a small slime whom he names Piggymaru. The men run into Mimori and decide to kill him, but just like last time he feigns fear before he paralyzes and poisons all of them. Mimori finds Seras and tells her he killed all the men, the Holy Watches, himself. Seras tells him there is a Witch (of Taboos) that may be able to read the books he recovered from the ruins he escaped. To find her, he'll have to travel to The Land of Golden-Eyed Monsters. Mimori leaves as Seras's paralyzes slowly wears off.

Figure 6 Midnight Punch, Episode 2

All the girls introduce their new (vampire free!) YouTube channel: Midnight Punch.

Episode 1 of Midnight Punch was pretty fun so I went into Episode 2 with slightly above average hopes of a good episode (and show). It starts Masaki waking up at her place, and her two YouTuber roomates tell her they're moving out. Afterwards, Misaki moves into Banpai Manor with Live, Ichiko, and Fuu (with her camera equipment, of course) where they immediately start making and publishing videos. The first videos they publish are well received. However another vampire, Yuki, arrives at the Manor and tells them to stop all the "chilish videos" and to stop hanging out with a human. She tells her Mother wants her to delete the channel. That evening Live drops by Masaki's house and asks her why making videos is so important to her. She responds that videos are "bring people together" and it's always been a lifelong goal of her to reach 1,000,000 subscribers. Live tells her they can keep making videos if they don't reveal their vampire powers. They create new channel: Mayonaka Punch ("Mightnight Punch"). They make the banner and an intro video. This time, Misaki won't be in the videos.

Figure 7 I Parry Everything, Episode 3

Lynne asks Noor to be his student.

Episode 3 of I Parry Everything begins with the mock battle between Noor and Gilbert where Noor, of course, dodges and parries every attack. Afterwards, Noor leaves feels like he lost the duel because he believes Gilbert wasn't fighting at full strength (even though he was), and he goes back to doing odd jobs around the town. Lynne meets Noor and asks to become his page, but he tells her there's nothing he can teach her. Instead, Lynne shows him several of her strongest abilities and Noor shows her his: a weak fire ability. Lynne realizes that Noor is the "young boy with no talent" that schools in the area spoke of—he was no fairy tale designed to encourage them. He was real. Still, Lynne mistakenly believes he's hiding extraordinary power, and that evening she tells Noor she will become his student.

Figure 8 The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human, Episode 4

Cefiro tells Ike to fight on her behalf in the duel against Basteo.

Episode 4 of The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human begins with Basteo confronting Cefiro's allegations of betrayal. He tells Lilith Cefiro and Ike killed their own Vice Comamnder to frame him. Lilith orders both sides to duel to determine who is right. They'll use puppets to duel, and the one who loses all their puppets first dies. Cefiro asks Ike to fight on her behalf. Ike plans to win by making guns. Later, The Demon Lord speaks with Ike in his human form and hands him guns. Romberg told The Demon King long ago that Ike was a human. She tells Ike she doesn't care that he's a human, only that he'll fight for her. At the duel, Ike's gun puppets annihilate Basteo, who then tries to assassinate her then blows up the entire arena, proclaiming himself the true Demon King.

Figure 9 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 24

The girls raising Niko-sama's egg in Animal Town.

Episode 24 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! begins with the final Kirarin animal being returned to Niko Garden, restoring it to its former glory. An egg appears that will, one day, hatch into Niko-sama. Afterwards, the Cures learn there are still animals missing from Niko Garden, and the Niko egg suddenly appears in Animal Town. The Cures tell MeiMei they will keep the egg in Animal Town until it hatches. A Garugaru gorilla appears shortly thereafter, and Cure Nyammy is able to quickly defeat it by reminding it of its child back in Niko Garden.

Figure 10 Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Episode 2

Will landing a single strike against Professor Edward in a duel.

There seems to have been a bit of an issue with this week's episode of Wistoria: Wand and Sword where I lost the synposis I made whle watching it! Regardless, in Episode 2 Will fought against Edward to earn his right to stay in the school.

Figure 11 A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero, Episode 4

Sylphy and Luceria hug each other (in fear) after encountering a cockroach.

Episode 4 of A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero begins with Takagi trying to master the one spell he's learned: Water Ball. At school, Haruka notices Takagi is exhausted from training in the dungeon and cautions him to be careful. Takagi decides to venture to the fourth floor where they encounter a large cockroach which scares Sylphy and Luceria. Sylphy detects a hidden passage within a wall that leads to an ogre and an giant slime. However, Sylphy and Luceria's magical attacks are ineffective, and Takagi orders them to attack them with physical attacks. Takagi is able to defeat the ogre but struggles with the giant slime because it erodes his armor and shield. He uses his bug spray and slime slaying experience to kill it. Afterwards, Luceria levels up, and Takagi recovers a small magic sword from the slime. The Boss's magic core sells well, and Takagi is offered to take part in an event with other explorers to travel to the seventh floor.

Figure 12 Dahlia in Bloom, Episode 3

Dahlia resolving to live for herself following her divorce from Carlo.

Episode 3 of Dahlia in Bloom begins with Carlo breaking off his engagement with Dahlia. They both go to the Trading Guild to formally nullify the contract and liquidate their joint accounts. Carlo wants to take control of their jointly held house, but doesn't have sufficient funds to buy it, and the Trading Guild loans him the difference. Dahlia gathers her things and moves back to her tower. That evening, Dahlia decides to do what she wants and to live for herself. That next day she redyes her hair red and puts on her old glasses frames. She goes to the forest dressed and disguised as a boy (with voice shifting magic as well) and encounters a dying knight and gives him a healing potion. The knight introduces himself as Wolfred ("Wolf") Scalfarotto.

Figure 13 Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World?, Episode 2

Kai and Rinne meet with Jeanne and tell them of their plan to kill Vanessa.

Episode 2 of Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World? begins with Kai freeing Rinne using Sid's sword. Rinne tells Kai she was fighting against The Dark Empress Vanessa before being captured. A demon appears and captures Rinne, but Kai is again able to free her using Sid's sword, returning both of them to the crypt. Rinne, like Kai, has vague memories of the hero Sid. After leaving the crypt Kai takes Rinne back to Neo-Vishal. That night demons attack Neo-Vashal, and both Kai and Rinne fight against them. They meet with Jeanne, the head of the resistance, and explain (again) they're from an alternate history where Humans won the war. Jeanne speaks with Kai and Rinne privately and acknowledges that she is a woman (we already knew) and asks for her help to repel the demons around Neo-Vashal. Kai tells them if they defeat Vanessa they'll win. Kai and Rinne will fight Vanessa themselves, while the rebel army keeps the smaller demons occupied.

Figure 14 My Wife Has No Emotion, Episode 4

Takuma, Akari, Mina, and Super-Mina after spending a day at the beach.

Episode 4 of My Wife Has No Emotion begins with Takuma cuddling with Mina in his futon. After the OP, Takuma, Mina, and Akari go to the beach. Takuma encounters one of the new "Super" Mina Models separated from its owner and helps return her. Meanwhile, the original Mina finds the owner and offers to help him find his missing "Super" Mina model. Eventually they reunite, both Mina models exchange information, and they spend the day together. At the end of the day, Takuma accidently access the memory card Mina gave to Akari only to find that it's full of photos of him. When he arrives at home, he falls alseep in Mina's arms.

Figure 15 Too Many Losing Heroines!, Episode 2

Yakishio joins the literature club after learning Mitsuki has a girlfriend.

Too Many Losing Heroines! is on a knife edge with me because the premise is weak, the characters are boring, but the principle narrative is grating enough for me to find the show, in a sense, repulsive. So I went into Episode 2 with the knowledge that, if it wasn't sufficiently good, I'd drop it. It starts with Yakishio asking Nukumizu if she can take the book Mitsuki wants to him. He tells her she can drop by the club when he picks it up. Anna drops by and gives Nukumizu lunch. After school Nukumizu's sister makes fun of him for having no friends. Yakishio drops by the literature club with Mitsuki and gets mistaken for his girlfriend, but Mitsuki says he already has a girlfriend, Asagumo. Yakishio decides to join the literature club, and commiserates her loss with Anna and Nukumizu at a restaurant after school (going further into debt with Nukumizu).

Figure 16 ATRI: My Dear Moments, Episode 2

Natsuki and Atri look out at the sea now submerging much of the town.

Episode 2 of ATRI: My Dear Moments begins with Atri picking up Natsuki to show him how strong she is. She tells Natsuki that Catherine left her on the side of the road while she was fleeing debt collectors, then begins to make him breakfast (causing a fire in the process). After breakfast, Natsuki boards his submarine again to look for any clues left by his grandmother, but finds little of interest. Instead, they decide to go to school to perhaps jog Atri's memory, and she and Minamo go there together. While on the way, Minamo tells Atri that Natsuki won't sell her. When Atri arrives back at Natsuki's boat she finds him screaming while having a nightmare. The next day he tells Atri he's not planning to sell her for the time being. In the distance, Atri sees a rocket, and Natsuki tells her that one day it will fly. When Atri arrives at school, she has a vague and uneasy memory of it.

Figure 17 No Longer Allowed in Another World, Episode 2

Princess Charlotte telling everyone she'd like to commit suicide with Sensei.

I'll be honest, Episode 1 of No Longer Allowed in Another World was pretty bad (Japanese humor just isn't particularly funny) so I went into Episode 2 with low expectations. It starts with Sensei, Annette, and Tama arriving in The Castle Town of Roth. King Roth permits them to lodge in the castle's chambers for the night. The king asks whether his daughter Charlotte should marry Gomez the Fighter or Otto the Lover, but Sensei tells him he's not fit to be king for asking that. That night Sensei tells Charlotte to decide what it is she truly wants, and the next day she publicly announces she wants to commit a double-suicide with Sensei. Just then, Gomez transforms into a Minotaur and announces he is a servant of the Dark Lord, and Sensei asks him to kill he and the Princess first, and in those moments the Princess realizes she doesn't want to die and Sensei sacrifices himself to save her. Afterwards, the king apologizes for not listening to her daughters feelings and she becomes Queen.

Figure 18 Pseudo Harem, Episode 3

Rin being a dork.

Episode 3 of Pseudo Harem starts with Eiji reading a book on how to catch girls, which upsets Rin. He adds that he doesn't believe he's in love with anyone right now, further upsetting her. She quickly gets over it, though, after he says he wants to love someone. Later, Eiji and Rin run into each other outside of school and decide to finish their shipping trips together. During it, she decides to keep her hair long (good). Together, they both decide to skip their club meeting. Eiji receives a love letter from Rin, but Rin gets too flustered to let him finish reading it.

Figure 19 Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Episode 3

Kuze taking Alya for a dance at the school festival.

Episode 3 of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian begins with Alya arriving home where her older sister, Masha, asks her if she likes Kuze. She gets flustered and tells her they're "just friends". In a flashback, we see Alya struggling with "slackers" in group projects back in Russia, and when she arrives in Japan she thinks Kuze is another slacker until, one day after school, he and several friends help her finish sewing costumes for the upcoming cultural festival. He later explains that the festival is supposed to be a group effort, and she should feel obligated to do it all on her own. She agrees, and at the festival they dance together. In the present, Kuze arrives at the Student Council and meets Masha, who recognizes him, but doesn't say from where. He goes shopping with Masha (why?), and in a flashback we see Kuze's mother and father living separately following a divorce. He also vagulely recognizes Masha, but he's not sure from where.

Figure 20 Spice & Wolf, Episode 16

Amati offering to buy Holo's freedom from Lawrence by paying off her debt.

Episode 16 of Spice & Wolf begins with Amati publicly declaring he will pay off all of Holo's fake "debts" and ask her to marry him. The debt? 1000 silver. He tells Holo he plans to take the coins and split it with her. While Amati spends the day attempting to secure the funds, Holo and Lawrence attend the town's festival. At the end of the day, Holo passes out drunk and Lawrence gets a letter from Diana. He learns from Marc that Amati is using pyrite to get the funds. In fact, everyone in the town wants to buy Pyrite because they believe in its fortune telling properties. Back at the Inn, he finds that Holo as read Diana's letter. It says her hometown is destroyed. Holo believes Lawrence knew this all along and withheld this information. Holo says she doesn't want to me alone, and tells him she'll pick Amati over him.

Figure 21 VTuber Legend, Episode 2

Mashiro pretending to be gay for Kokorone (business yuri, ugh).

I went into Episode 2 of VTuber Legend fully expecting to drop the show by or before the end, that's just how bad Episode 1 was. Let's see if this is my first drop of the season. The anime starts with Kokorone doing a collaboration with another vtuber, Mashiro, who tells her she's drinking too much. He agent informs her her stream numbers are up, and to keep continue with her crude acting. Then ask her if she's willing to sing. She says she will, and ends up doing another collaboration stream, this time singing with karaoke. At the end of the episode she promises Mashiro to do a sober stream where she plays Getting Over It and blows out her microphone in the process.

Figure 22 Tasuuketsu: The Fate of the Majority, Episode 3

I don't even know the names of these characters the show is so hard to follow and confusing.

Episode 3 of Tasuuketsu: The Fate of the Majority begins with Saneatsu learning that Prime Rights can't be negated, but ordinary Rights can. They begin searching the area for post boxes and clues but, following orders from Saneatsu, Saaya doesn't return. Instead, Saneatsu follows Sudo plan to find the traitor in their group. He learns from Sudo's questions that they have to target people, and they're safe for another night. The next day they continue their search, and Jin gets ambushed by Shinozaki-sensei for his Prime Right of Rejection, and Saneastu arrives and confronts Shinozaki-sensei as the traitor. Shinozaki has the Prime Right of Visualization, and with Rejeciton he believes he can win the game. Kazuhiko appears and takes Omi and flees. Saneatsu runs into anyone girl who he thinks is a survivor, but they get taken to speak with Miwa and Rika who inquire about Omi, and ask them to kill Mido. At the end of the episode, Mido appears and kills her.

Other Remarks

I'm still working on The Waltz of Chihiro ("Reprise") from Spirited Away on the piano. The middle part of the song has some complex arpeggios, but I'm still nevertheless making slow and steady progress! I'll keep you posted!

I've been slowly reading In Search of Lost Time, Vol. III The Guermantes Way by Marcel Proust. I say "slowly" because, much like Vol. II Within a Budding Grove I'm going at the pace of but a few pages a day. I think that's the only real way to read Proust—i.e., slowly so you have time to digest it.

The first 50 pages were just as weak as they were confusing. The narrator visiting the Opera and seeing Mme Guermantes wasn't good, but it really picked up when he traveled see Saint-Loup at his garrison. Previously he was ignoring him (something I found pretty off-putting because Saint-Loup is a far better friend than the narrator actually deserves), but spending time at the garrison, reading about the narrator using the telephone for the first time while he was there, was really interesting.

Figure 1 A mildly sad AI generated at the theater.

When he go back to Paris there was a really unsettling scene where he finally realized and accepted his grandmother was old, and now he's hanging out with Saint-Loup again. The biggest surprise this week was we finally met Saint-Loup's mistress who was Rachel from the brothel the narrator visited in Within a Budding Grove. I feel like Saint-Loup dating a prostitute is similar to Swann marrying Odette. Both men could easily get better women.

Figure 2 A happy AI generated anime girl sitting in the park.

Anyways, I'll keep reading it and post if there's any major updates. Here are some interesting quotes I saved about it.

"The dress struck me as being the materialization round about her of the scarlet rays of a heart which I did not recognize in her and might perhaps have been able to console; sheltered in the mystical light of the garment with its soft folds, she reminded me of some saint of the early ages of Christianity. After which I felt ashamed of inflicting my presence on this holy martyr. "But, after all, the streets belong to everybody."

"We forgive the crimes of individualism, but not their participation in a collection crime

"I should have surprised them greatly had I reminded them of their incompatible and still so recent predictions. In order that this little game should continue, and should multiply false reports by attaching the greats possible number to every name in turn, nature has furnished those who play it with a memory as short as their credulity is long."

"For when we are in love, we long to be able to divulge to the woman we love all the little privileges we enjoy, as the deprived and the tiresome do in everyday life. We are distressed by her ignorance of them and we seek to console ourselves with the thought that precisely because they are never visible she has perhaps added to the opinion which she already has of us his possibility of further undisclosed virtues."

Other Remarks

I finished the Slayer Codex earlier this week! Still working towards the Trimmed Completionist Cape (and Master Quest Cape)!

Summer's anime line up is a bit too stacked, especially on Saturdays with a back-breaking seven shows airing on that day alone. This may be the first season I have to drop shows not because they're bad but because my time is limited. We'll see, though. I'll stick with as many as I can for as long as I can.

Figure 1 Bye Bye, Earth, Episode 1

Belle throws one of the remaining Negroni seeds into a river on her way home.

I went into Episode 1 of Bye Bye, Earth completely blind. It starts at Lake Chaser with Belle Lablac, the only human girl, arriving to defeat a negroni ("fish flower") that has appeared in the lake using her magic sword, Runding. She arrives home late that evening and, with her master Sian, they eat parts of the negronis for dinner. Belle tells Sian she, the only human in Schwert Land, is homesick, and Sian tells her to go on a journey and find a home. He tells her to go to Park City and train to become a Nomad. She has a flashback of being born from a stone as the only human and wondering into a castle and finding (and stealing) Runding—her "friend". The next morning she tells Sian she'll undertake the trials to become a nomad, and Sian agrees to teach her one final lesson. To become a nomad, one must become cursed, and this curse will haunt their entire journey. She agrees to bear the curse to learn why she's the only human in the world. She accepts the curse, which caused her to forget everything about Sian. He tells her she will, one day, learn the meaning of "Erehwon", or "Utopia", the spell upon her sword, and she strikes down the last remaining memory of her teacher, her master, Sian.

Figure 2 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, Episode 2

Ririsa asks Mikari to cosplay with her.

Episode 2 of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction starts with Mikari Tachibana, a model and idol who has a childhood hate of Okumura, enrolling in his school. In a flashback, we see Okumura telling Ririsa he loves Liliel (and not her). After the OP, Ririsa tells Okumura that a model has enrolled in school. She hands him a DSLR camera, and he begins to take practice shots of Ririsa with it. Later, when Mikari drops by the club building another student accidentally spills water on her, forcing her to flee to the manga club room (where she was heading anyways). There, she finds Okumura and immediately embraces him. because her clothes are wet she begins undressing (and tries to seduce him in the process), telling him she's "not a little kid anymore". Ririsa arrives after Okumura has an "anime fall" on top of Mikari naked. Mikari asks if he has a crush on anyone, and he responds that he's still in love with Liliel. Later, on the roof, she wonders why he still doesn't like her. In another flashback, we see Mikari reading Okumura's favorite manga and redoing her hair to be more like Liliel. They then both play as if they were in the manga. At the end of the episode, Mikari sees Okumura talking to Ririsa. She busts into the club room sees him taking photos of Ririsa cosplaying as Liliel and begins to cry. At the end of the episode, Ririsa asks Mikari to cosplay with her.

Figure 3 Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Episode 2

Kuza, Alya, and Yuki on their way home from the mall.

Episode 2 of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian starts with Alya getting jealous that Kuze is speaking with Yuki (gee I wonder if this is going to be a recurring theme). Afterwards, the student council president treats Kuzu, Kujou, and Yuki to dinner, where he again attempts to recruit Kuze for student council, but he again refuses. After dinner, we learn Yuki is Kuze's actual little sister. That next day, Kuze and Yuki go to the mail, and Alya sees then and mistakenly thinks they're dating. They see Alya and treat her to lunch at a spicy ramen place (disgusting) which Alya hates (good). Kuze learns Alya wants to be Student Council President, and considers being her Vice President. He goes clothes shopping with Alya afterwards, where Kuze praises everything she picks out. On the way home, Alya wonders why Kuze and Yuki get off at the same station.

Figure 4 I Parry Everything, Episode 2

Lynne on her way to introduce Noor to her father, the King.

Episode 1 of I Parry Everything was at least mildly entertaining so let's hope Episode 2 is too. It begins with Lynne returning to the castle to discuss the Minotaur incident. The Lord believes the Magic Empire of Deridas summoned it intentionally and tried to kill Princess Lynne. The Lord also wonders who saved Lynne. Back at the Guild, the Master is surprised to see Noor is alive and, while handing him another bogus job, Princess Lynne appears and thanks him for saving her life. Noor, however, refuses any praise for "killing the cow", but after some insistence he agrees to meet Lynne's father so that he may show his gratitude. When they arrive at Lynne's house, Ines and Gilbert escort Noor to the Lord's chambers. When he meets him, he offers Noor anything he wants, land, money, treasure, but be refuses everything. The Lord instead offers him a sword, which he accepts. Afterwards, Ines introduces herself and offers to help him however she can, but warns him not to speak to the King that way ever again (she also recognizes Noor), and Gilbert challenges him to a fight right as the episode ends.

Figure 5 Failure Frame, Episode 2

Mimori defeating The Soul Eater to escape The Ruins of Disposal.

I'll be honest, Episode 1 of Failure Frame was so edgy it was good. Also the art in this show is far better than it has any right to be. Anyways, Episode 2 starts with Mimori stacking status effects to defeat the enemies that swarm him in the ruins, but he quickly runs out of mana. As one of the enemies he poisoned dies, all his mana is restored and he continues to spam status effects to defeat the hordes of enemies that swam him. With each defeated enemy, his stats and levels increase rapidly, and the monsters begin to flee. Several days and night pass in the Ruins, and Mimori continues to defeat enemies and level up. He finds a note from a dead hero warning him about Vicius, and that hero leaves him many useful items, along with the message that The "Soul Eater" killed everyone else. He encounters The Soul Eater which begins summoning the souls of fallen heroes to attack him, but he refuses to fight back, but this is a trick. The Soul Eater, watching his despair, lets its guard down and he's able to paralyze it, poison, then kill it. As he does, the souls of the fallen heroes thank him. He opens the final door and escapes the Ruins.

Figure 6 NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season, Episode 14

The machines execute a large hacking attack on Project YoRHa.

Episode 14 of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season begins with YoRHa's siege of Earth following the death of Adam and Eve. Commander White has been granted access to mankind's most powerful weapons, including orbital super weapons. All the scanner units disable the machine's air defenses, and the combined efforts of YoRHa and The Resistance commence their attack on the machines. Their efforts are successful. A bit too successful. Lily and 9S both suspect something is wrong, and 9S tells Lily that the machines are still working together despite being severed from the network. He warns her this isn't a coincidence—something is still coordinating their attacks.

Shortly thereafter, the machines release a powerful hacking attack causes effected YoRHa members to attack each other. 9S realizes this was the machine's plan all along—all of Project YoRHa and the resistance is affected, and the few remaining units able to resist the hacking attack retreat. 9S contacts 11S who is also infected, but wonders why, as he wasn't part of the hacking time. He realizes the bunker itself infected. Any YoRHa member that synced with the bunker will be infected, and leaves to warn 2B that Project YoRHa has failed.

Figure 7 Midnight Punch, Episode 1

Masakichi and Live take a selfie in the skies above Japan.

I know nothing about Midnight Punch so I went into Episode 1 blind. It begins with Masakichi getting booted from her YouTube channel by its two other members due to her propensity towards violence. She starts a solo channel, but all the comments on her first video are negative. Realizing the solo venture isn't working, she posts on social media that she'd like help on her new channel, and anyone interesting should message her. Elsewhere, the vampire Live wakes up from a 20 year slumber to a pile of debt. Live sees Masakichi, a girl from her dreams, on YouTube, and messages her to join—and really wants to suck her blood. Late at night, Masakichi tries to make a video at an abandoned hospital where Live is looking for old blood bags. They bump into each other and Masakichi flees to the roof then falls, but Live catches here and flies her around Tokyo. When they land, Masakichi tells Live she can drink her blood if she stars in her videos. If they reach a million subscribers, she can "make a meal" out of her.

Figure 8 Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Episode 1

Will takes the Minotaur's sword.

Episode 1 of Wistoria: Wand and Sword starts at Rigarden Magical Academy with the main character, Will Sefort, getting called to the front of class for a simply demonstration that requires him to summon a small flame. He cannot, however, do it, and the entire class laughs. The professor informs will that his theoretical knowledge is meaningless without practical application. After class Sion Ulster bullies Will for his magical ineptitude, and Colette intervenes to defend him. He later tells Colette she's cute. In a flashback, we see one of Will's childhood friends become a powerful mage, whereas he still has no magical talent. Later, Professor Workner tells Will he needs to go in the dungeon and kill monsters to make up for the credits he's unable to gain by casting practical magical spells.

A group of bullies also enter the dungeon to find the monster Will is hunting. However, they get ambushed by a powerful monster, and Evil Sentinel, and Will goes to help them. When he sees that it's Sion under attack, Will questions if he should save him, before remembering his childhood friend, Elfie, praising him for his kindness, and Will goes in to fight. Professor Edward and Workner witness Will's ability to stand toe-to-toe and defeat the Sentinel. Workner tells Edward that, in a world of Mages, Will is one of the few true warriors.

Figure 9 Pseudo Harem, Episode 2

Eiji warming Rin's hands on New Year's Day.

Episode 2 of Pseudo Harem begins with Eiji learning that Rin has a younger sister, causing Rin to subsequently act like one. Then a big sister, too. At the school's cultural festival, Rin acts in a play and spends time with Eiji thereafter. Eiji gets sick and this causes Rin walks him home and makes him dinner. Eiji later confesses to Rin... as part of an acting role, and at Christmas he tells her he enjoys spending time with "just her". Over New Years, they both go to a shrine. At the end of the episode, Rin wishes Eiji understood how much she really likes him.

Figure 10 The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human, Episode 3

Ike and Cefiro inform The Demon King that they've been betrayed.

Ugh. It's time for Ike's very boring show. Episode 3 of The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human begins with Ike rescuing Alistair from prison. He learns that she had nothing to do with the assassination attempt on his life, then leaves. He believes there's a spy in his ranks, and begins reading their minds to find them. He does. He speaks with Cefiro who tells him to interrogate the spy, Jace. When he does, Cefiro appears and attacks Jace and his entire army. Jace flees, but when Ike catches him Jace asks if he'd like the betray the Demon Lord together. He refuses. Jace mentions a possible accomplished, but dies of poison before he can give any further information. Later, Ike and Cefiro inform the Demon King of the betrayal, and Cefiro tells her the head of the Third Corps, Basteo, was behind the attack.

Figure 11 Narenare: Cheer for You!, Episode 1

All the girls wanting to speak to Obunai.

Episode 1 of Narenare: Cheer for You! begins with a rough 3DCG competition cheer performance from Takanozaki High School in which one of the members gets injured during a throw. After Kanata meets with the injured cheerleader, Megumi she walks to school. On her way, she chases after Obunai who parkours there. Along the way, she meets Anna, a fan of Obunai's, who asks her to be in a parkour video herself, and they exchange contact info. After school, Kanata drops by Megumi's place again and meets Shion, a talent gymnast. The next day at school Anna meets with Obunai and asks her to be in a video, but she refuses. After school, Kanata chases Obunai across town, and manages to "fly" when she takes a long jump. Actually, I just realized I was wrong (as was everyone else on /a/ who made the same mistake). Megumi wasn't the one injured in the failed throw. She was the spotter. We haven't even met the one in the throw, I think, and Megumi has a totally unrelated illness. Thanks, PA Works.

Figure 12 Spice & Wolf, Episode 15

Lawrence speaks with Diana concerning the origin of Holo.

Episode 15 of Spice & Wolf starts with Lawrence vising the town's Chronicler. Holo wants to tag along, but Lawrence tells her she can spend the day with Amati instead. A friend, Gi Batos, takes Lawrence to the town's chronicler/alchemist, Dian(a) Rubens. He asks for stories about the town of Yoitsu. Diana tells him the town was destroyed by a bear that hunts the moon. She tells him an ancient legend about Holo, the Wheat-Tailed Wolf, and of the town's approximate location. She asks for a story in return, and 4he tells her a modern story of Holo, the Wise Wolf. That evening, another merchant warns him about Amati, telling him it was a mistake to let Holo stay with him. Back at the Inn, he finds Holo passed out drunk with many gifts from Amati. The next morning, Lawrence receives urgent news then runs from the Inn, leaving Holo behind again.

Figure 13 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 23

All the Cures at a festival in Animal Town.

Episode 23 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! starts with Iroha telling Komugi she'd like to go to a festival together. After the opening, Yuki introduces her human form to Mayu's mother and she helps her fit a Yukata for the festival, too. At the festival, Mayu asks Satoru if he likes Iroha. He responds that he does, but tells her to keep it a secret. Iroha hears a wolf howl in the direction of Toboe shrine, but Satoru informs her the wolves of that mountain are gone—humans hunted them to extinction. A Garugaru swan arrives and the Cures transform to fight it. Well, more like Cure Nyammy solos the whole thing while Lillian lands the finishing blow. Wonderful and Friendly only purify it. With it, all nine Kirarin Animals have been purified. The episode ends with a cut of an angry Garugaru and Toboe Shrine.

Figure 14 Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World?, Episode 1

Kai encounters an angel after drawing Sid's sword.

Like several other shows this season, I went into Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World? blind. No idea what the plot is even about. Episode 1 begins with an angel asking Kai to save her, and he wonders why no one remembers the world where he's from. Afterwards, he explains his role at the Humanity Protection Agency is to watch over the crypts that have sealed the Angels and Demons to prevent another. Legend has it that the war ended with the Prophet Sid defeated the four "beast" races, but no direct evidence of The Prophet exists. Later, he goes shopping with Jeanne who will soon be departing for the capital, Urzakk. In a flashback, we see Kai as a child falling into a Crypt of demons and stumbling upon Sid's sword. While speaking with Jeanne, a "World Overwite" occurs and Kai finds himself alone in the ruins of the city he was just shopping in where he's immediately attacked by demon.

He's able to defeat it, but another demon appears and Kai, a "Wanderer", is quickly secured and extracted by Saki and Ashran, friends from the previous world he was in. But unlike Kai, they have no memory of him, or the Human Protection Agency. Saki tells him they're part of The Resistance. Humans lost the Five Races War, there is no Prophet Sid, and the four other (non-human) races rule the continent. He arrives at the human city of Neo-Vishal which is underground, guarded by The Resistance. He soon meets the commander of the resistance, Lord Jeanne, who also has no memory of him (and is pretending to be a man). The next day Kai departs for the crypts and finds that they've been opened. When he enters, he finds and draws The Prophet's sword. It teleports him to the angel who we saw at the beginning asking for help.

Figure 15 A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero, Episode 3

Luceria and Sylphy help Takagi kill monsters.

Episode 3 of A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero begins with Takagi meeting Luceria who, like Sylphy, begins killing monsters for magic stones. Takagi, Sylphy, and Luceria venture to the third floor where they begin defeating groups of powerful monsters. However, because both Sylphy and Luceria demand magical stones, Takagi makes less money than expected. Sylphy gets jealous of Luceria who keeps getting "extra" magical stones from Takagi, and tells him to be "nicer" to her, too. Eventually, Sylphy levels up and has to consume more magical cores to continue fighting. Eventually he encoutners another rare slime that drops a magic orb that teaches him a new spell: Water Ball, but it doesn't deal a lot of damage. Outside of the dungeon, Takagi wonders if Katsuragi is jealous, too.

Figure 16 My Wife Has No Emotion, Episode 3

Akari is introduced to Mina.

Episode 3 of My Wife Has No Emotion begins with the phone call between Mina and Akari, Takuma's little sister, who is shocked to learn he has a "wife". Akari drops by his apartment to meet Mina, who prompty finds out that she's a robot. Takuma tells Akari that he's in love with Mina, which the sister emphatically approves of. After speaking with Mina privately, Akari understands why Takuma loves her. Mina hands Akari and SD card with her backup data and asks her to keep it. Later, Mina tells Takuma she'd like to plan something for his birthday, and Akari buys Mina new (cuter) clothes. At the end of the episode, Takuma and Mina take a bath together.

Figure 17 Too Many Losing Heroines!, Episode 1

Anna stands alone on the roof, still upset about her breakup.

Episode 1 of Too Many Losing Heroines! begins with the main character wondering what it'd be like to have a regular high school romance... as he reads a romance LN and watches two of his classmates breakup. Afterwards, the guy leaves and the girl, Anna, in tears sits with Nukumizu and complains over the break up. Nukumizu describes her as a "losing Heroine". The next day at school Nukumizu and Anna each lunch together, where she further complains about the break up. Nukumizu asks Anna to pay him back, and she instead offers to make him lunch the next day. Later, Komari asks Nukumizu to show up to the literature club room, lest they get in trouble with The Student Council. Later, we run into Lemon-chan who also had another guy ripped away from her by a "homewrecker". At the end of the episode, Anna cries on the roof, finally accepting her breakup.

Figure 18 ATRI: My Dear Moments, Episode 1

Natsuki tells Atri to go home with Catherine for the night.

I know ATRI: My Dear Moments is based on a VN, much less one from the same studio that brought us The Fruit of Grisaia, so I have pretty low hopes overall. Episode 1 begins with Natsuki working with Catherine to build a working submarine to find underwater treasure. A friend of Natsuki, Minamo, tags along to help. The sea level rose rapidly, and many coastal towns are now underwater. Natsuki's submersible works, and begins to explore the city where he grew up, which is now completely underwater. He finds a humanoid girl but crashes his submersible in the process. The girl, Atri, swimming through the water, helps recover the submersible and bring him to the surface.

Natsuki learns Atri belonged to her grandmother, and informs her that his grandmother recently passed away. Atri recognizes Natsuki has her new master. Natsuki and Catherine decide to sell Atri. When they arrive in town Natsuki struggles to walk due to an old prosthetic leg and begins using a cane. A vendor informs them that Atri model has been recalled, but will still offer top dollar to buy. Atri asks if thye can sell her later, after she completes Natsuki's grandmother's final order... although she informed them that her memory is vague regarding the specifics of the order. At the end of the episode, Atri loses her show and Natsuki chases after them to return it, but can't catch up. When he arrives back at his house boat, he has another flashback of his leg being crushed as a child. When he awakens, Atri tells him she'll be his leg.

Figure 19 Shoushimin Series ("How to Become Ordinary"), Episode 2

Three autistic retards wonder how to make hot chocolate.

Insofar as shows I may drop, Shoushimin Series is already on the chopping block due to it's weak plot, uninteresting characters, and how late it airs on Saturday. To me, it doesn't seem worth watching, but we'll give it a few more chances. Episode 2 begins Kobato meeting Yuki into a shopping center. Yuki's bike was spotted at a break-in and she was scolded by a school counselor for letting it be stolen. Afterwards, Kobato and Yuki drop by Kengo's place where he asks what happened to him in middle school—he seems very different than how he was back then. He responds there's no difference, he's just more mature, but Kengo doesn't believe him. Kengo gives them hot chocolate which they find suspicions (for whatever reason), and Kobato shows how he prepared it without a pot. What a thrilling mystery. I hate this show.

Figure 20 Dahlia in Bloom, Episode 2

Dahlia at her father's funeral.

Episode 2 of Dahlia in Bloom starts with Dahlia, now older, returning home from school. Her father introduces Tob ias Orlando as her senior apprentice. After a rainstorm, Dahlia decides to make a magical fabric that can better repel water—a rain coat, using slimes. After several weeks and numerous prototypes, she's able to create and patent her own water resistant fabric (and rain coat), and the orders for it come flooding in. Later, a friend of Carlo asks if his son, who happens to be Tobias, could marry his daughter Dahlia. Tobias is from a major trading company. He agrees, explaining that he doesn't have much time left himself. The next day they inform Dahlia and Tobias of their plans, and they sign the paperwork for their engagement... however, Tobias is quite demanding and they don't get along well. Tobias's father, the head of the Trading Company, passes away and Tobias becomes the new head. Shortly thereafter, Carlo too collapses to memories of his daughter. Dahlia arrives and finds him on his deathbed. The episode ends at his funeral, with Dahlia standing over his gravestone.

Figure 21 Days with My Stepsister, Episode 2

Yuuta and Ayase eating dinner together.

After the disaster that was Episode 1, I have very low expectations going into Episode 2 of Days with My Stepsister. It begins at school with a friend of Yuuta warning him that Ayase is selling her body, but Yuuta insists that's just a rumor. At school, no one talks to Ayase. After school, Ayase tells Yuuta she dresses like the way she does to "raise her defenses"; she also inquires about getting a part time job so she doesn't need to rely on others. Yuuta agrees to help Ayase find a job, and Ayase agrees to return the favor by cooking for him. At the end of the episode, Yuuta saves Ayase from getting hit by a truck. In a post credits scene, Ayase brgins a classmate home.

Figure 22 No Longer Allowed in Another World, Episode 1

Annette greating Sensei after he arrives in another world.

Given that No Longer Allowed in Another World literally has "isekai" in the title I'm worried. I think our only hope is that it's ironic and funny, but given Japan's general inability to be funny I wouldn't get my hopes up. Episode 1 begins with Sensei and Sacchan both committing suicide. Sensei awakens in another world and is greeted by Annette, who tells him it's his job to bring light to this world. Upon learning this, he immediately commits suicide again, and Annette revives him. Annette checks his stats and realizes he's weak and powerless. He leaves without taking a profession, telling Annette he's a writer. Annette realizes he's been waiting for a man like Sensei to arrive.

Shortly after Sensei leaves the castle he's attacked by a Death Tree that sucks his life force away from him... but because he has no life force the tree dies instead, saving a girl, Tama, in the process. Sensei again reflects on how his life continues despite his persistent wish for the sweet release for death. He wonders if Sacchan is somewhere in this world with him, and decides finding her will be his reason to live. In a post credits scene, Annette prays for Sensei's safety just has he returns to her chapel and asks for Sacchan, but she has no information. Annette, Tama, and Sensei depart.

Figure 23 Tasuuketsu: The Fate of the Majority, Episode 2

Saya speaking with a revived Saneastu.

Time for one of the worst shows of the season. Episode 2 of The Fate of the Majority begins with Saya carrying Saneatsu's body past a group of boys who also died from from The Emperor's previous question. One of the boys, Omi, survives using a special privilege, and another competitor revives Saneatsu, the other boys, and everyone else who died as a result of Omi's sole survival. However, a second question results in more deaths, and Omi regrets using a special privilege ("Prime Right") so early. The next day Saneatsu learns that Mika Kaido killed him and the other boys with the "male or female" question. He also learns of Omi's Prime Right, and that he may have had it before the game starts, and that there may be a traitor in his group. Sudo informs Saneatsu it's likely the Emperor doesn't understand the rules of the game either, and likely did not expect revival to be possible. The episode ends with Sudo telling Saneatsu that he, too, plans to find and kill The Emperor.

Figure 24 Love Is Indivisible by Twins, Episode 1

Rumi telling Naori she's no longer dating Jun.

Just the name of Love Is Indivisible by Twins has mean convinced it's going to be another terrible so-called "romance" anime where absolutely nothing happens. Anyways, Episode 1 starts with Rumi, in elementary school, falling for Jun. Future Rumi says this as a mistake, because Jun always seemed to prefer her twin sister, Naori, over her. In the present, Rumi and Naori have grown apart both physically and emotionally. Regardless, one evening Rumi asks Jun to go out with her, and he says yes. They date for several months, with Rumi keeping their relationship a secret from everyone. Naori knew of Rumi's love and decided to never pursue and relationship with Jun, despite the fact that she loved him too. Eventually, she ends the relationship, despite Jun's protests.

Figure 25 VTuber Legend, Episode 1

Kokorone answer what type of business yuri she prefers.

Ugh. A vtuber anime. Episode 1 of VTuber Legend begins with Awayuki Kokorone concluding her vtuber livestream then drinking heavily and cracking crude jokes while talking to herself. However, she didn't actually conclude the stream and all of her viewers are still watching. The next morning Kokorone's manger, Suzuki, calls her and tells her to turn off her stream. She finds that her bizarre drunken pass out stream was hugely popular. Her manager tells her that the change from pure to crude doesn't matter. All that matters is viewers are up. Kokorone decides to embrace the insanity, and restarts her stream with her drunken unhinged ramblings. Other vtubers drop by her chat and support her. This was easily the worst episode of the season. This show is terrible. This episode single-handedly reduced my overall opinion of anime as a creative medium.

Other Remarks

I just started a new key on the piano, G Major, and I'm planning to learn The Waltz of Chihiro ("Reprise") from Spirited Away which is in G Major. We'll see how it goes!

After literally months of turning it over in my head, checking prices (and the stock market) every day I finally had to put myself out of my own self-inflicted misery and bought the Yamaha YC61. I also bought its carrying case, and a pair of Yamaha HS5 Studio Monitors to go with it. While I do practice on a grand piano every day, I really wanted a portable piano to practice on, too.

Figure 1 Yamaha YC61, Organ Focused Keyboard

The keyboard itself is quite small, even shorter in length than a regular guitar.
Leica M11 / Summicron-M 35mm f/2.0 ASPH — ISO 200 f/16 0.8s.

I've only had it for a few days, and still need to read through the manual (and has so many features it makes me dizzy), but even with a few moments of experimenting with it it's a blast. I'm not used to layering all these different sounds and settings. The only issue I have with it is the keyboard isn't weighted. It's semi-weighted. This would perhaps be more upsetting if I didn't already own a literal grand piano downstairs.

Figure 2 My current setup (opposite my computer)

The little corner of my room where everything is setup. It's cramped, but I'm not that big so it works!
Leica M11 / Summicron-M 35mm f/2.0 ASPH — ISO 200 f/16 8.0s.

We'll see what songs I can make on it. I'm still only 3-4 months into learning the piano, though. So it will probably be a while until I can whip up anything impressive. Still, simple "video game" esque melodies seem within my grasp, with a bit of experimenting, that is.

Other Remarks

Just this morning I skipped my morning walk (it was raining) and I finally finished The Salty title. With that and Salty a week or two ago, I've got two of the larger meta-achievements out of the way for the Trimmed Completionist Cape!

Figure 3 Salty, completing The Arc

After about a month and half, I finally got Salty!

I also did my first experimenting with AI generated music yesterday and this morning. It's a bit of a weird story. I found a cool YouTube music channel called hi otaku and liked a lot of their songs... but something always felt off about them. Well, I found out they were AI generated. So I decided to dip my toe into AI generated music too, just for fun. I made up a fake AI generated band, Fata Morgan(n)a, AI generated music, and an AI generated album cover, and posted it on social media. We'll see what happens next, but I hope it's entertaining.

It's the start of the Summer season! I honestly can't say there are any standouts yet, but we're only one week and plenty of the shows are nevertheless still fun to watch! We should get even more shows next week, too, so let's get started.

Figure 1 Failure Frame, Episode 1

Vicius banishes Touka to the Ruins of Disposal.

Episode 1 of Failure Frame begins with a class field trip. Oyamada is bullying a girl on the bus (Sogou-san), and the main character, Touka Mimori, intervenes. Shortly thereafter, everyone on the bus gets summoned by Goddess Vicius to another world, Alion. Vicius tells them she needs their help to defeat The Demon King, and that they can return to their world if they do. Vicius reveals the hidden powers of each student, with many of the students having strong latent aptitudes. Except Touka. He is the lowest rank of all the heroes, and can only inflict weak status ailments. Vicius sends him to The Ruins of Disposal. They tell him if he, the trash hero, can escape the ruins, he'll be free. Hell tells his classmates, along with the Goddess who betrayed him, that they'll be punished if he gets back.

He arrives in the Ruins and immediately gets attacked by a monster that he's able to paralyze. Then poison. Then kill. Rembering the pain from his childhood abuse, he resolves to fight to the end.

Figure 2 NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season, Episode 13

2B(E) executing 9S after he got too close to discovering the truth about humanity.

Let's hope NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season doesn't suffer from the some production problems as season 1. Episode 13 (continuing from the first season) begins 2B and 9S arriving, again, at City Ruins, and defeating the machines that reside there. They meet a member of the Resistance that asks them to look for a friend—their Pod is in the area. The Resistance member vaguely recognizes 2B. They find a dead YoRHa solider and her Pod, and realize The Resistance member killed her. The Resistance member is also a YoRHa model, Type E (Executioner), designed to kill traitors and deserters. 9S asks 2B if she knew of Type E models, but she doesn't respond. Back in the bunker, 9S wonders why 2B wasn't surprised to learn of Type E models.

Later, 2B and 9S scout a desert shrine. While there, 2B is about to execute 9S before receiving another transmission and leaving. As they do, we see the body of another 9S model in the shrine. They arrive at the Shopping Center on the edge of The Forest and encounter the rolling Emil head, which quickly rolls away. Afterwards, 2B attacks 9S again. When he tries to hack 2B, it fails. The commander learned that 9S has access confidential files about the truth of humanity at the bunker, and as such 2B has been reclassified as 2E. Execution models have direct countermeasures to prevent hacking from S-type models. Back at the bunker, the Commander tells herself that this cycle may finally end, and prepares for the "final battle".

Figure 3 Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Episode 1

Alya in class after taking off one of her stockings.

For how much /a/ posted about this show prior to airing I know it's going to be bad. Episode 1 of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian begins with Alisa Kujou arriving at Seirei Academy, where she immediately turns down all the guys who ask her out. In class she greets Kuze-kun, who is asleep from staying up late watching anime. After the opening (which was pretty good), we learn that Kuze understands Russian, and can understand what Alya is saying when she speaks Russian: She's calling him cute. At lunch, the three members of the student council, Alya, Maria, and Yuki all sit with Kuze-kun and his friends. Alya learns Kuze and Yuki are childhood friends, and Yuki asks to be friends with Alya too. Yuki asks Kuze to join the student council, but he declines. In a flashback, Kuze studies Russian to speak to one of his childhood friends, but it's been so long that he can't even remember who she was or her name.

The next day Kujo and Kuze are on day duty and arrive early at school to clean the classroom. Alya again asks him to join the student council, but he refuses. When Alya arrives one of her stockings are stained—she removes removes them and asks Kuze to put on a new one on her. When he actually does it, Alya gets flustered and leaves. The episode ends with them both apologizing to each other.

Figure 4 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, Episode 1

Okumura takes cosplay photos of Ririsa.

Episode 1 of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction begins with a prologue telling the viewer directly that this is a show about women who cosplay. After the OP, we're greeted to the main character, Okumura, explaining how he hates 3D women and loves Liliel, his waifu, instead. Just then, first year Ririsa Amano asks to join the manga club with Okumura. Ririsa explains she's always loved heroines designed for male fantasy—she self-inserts as them. Ririsa asks Okumura to help her cosplay as various heroines from the manga she reads (and take photos of her doing it). Okumura tells her to wear whatever sexy outfits she wants—he's not attracted to 3D women. Ririsa immediately begins undressing and cosplay as Liliel—which he loves and, as a result, passes out. When he wakes up he questions if he can stay loyal to Liliel. The next day, she dresses in another Liliel outfit and asks Okumura to take photos of her. At the end of the episode, Ririsa wonders if she likes Okumura, too.

Figure 5 My Wife Has No Emotion, Episodes 1 and 2

(Top) Takuma eats a dinner made by Mina. (Bottom) Takuma gives a wedding ring to Mina.

Episode 1

I'm not sure if My Wife Has No Emotion leaked early, but regardless I was able to watch it on Saturday right at the end of the Spring season. Episode 1 starts with the main character, Takuma Kosugi, arriving home late after work, where he is greeted by his "appliance", a housekeeping robot named Mina. While she is cooking dinner, he awkwardly asks her to be his wife, and she writes "Love Takuma" on the omelet she prepared for him. While readnig the manual, he can't find any documentation for this behavior. The next day Takuma works with Mina to prepare lunch and begins to believe he's falling in love with Mina. That night, he tells Mina he likes her. He continues to wonder if Mina likes him, and asks her what he is her. She responds she's her "husband", and asks him if she's an acceptable "wife". While drink, he asks Mina to sleep next to him in his futon and she does. Mina asks if he's in a state of "sexual arousal" causing him to become flustered an pass out (drunk). The next morning Takuma tells Mina the breakfast she prepared is delicious.

Episode 2

I've heard this show goes a bit off the rails, so I'm a bit worried and will grow more so with each passing episode. For now, though, Episode 2 begins Takuma and Mina going on a picnic. On the way, Takuma feels a bit embarrassed for walking with his robot, and asks to hold hands with her. After they arrive at the park they eat lunch, and Mina puts down her hair to increase her solar charging abilities. Mina tells Takuma that she finds eating outdoors enjoyable. She asks if Takuma enjoys living with her, and he says he does. Unfortunately, it begins to rain, and Mina switches to power save mode because she can no longer solar charge. Takuma carries her to a gazebo. Mina tells her to leave her there and go home, but he refuses. At work, he tells his coworkers about his housekeeping robot and how much he loves her. Afterwards, he buys her a wedding ring. However, she has to wear the ring as a necklace because she's a food prep robot. He too buys a wedding band for himself. After the credits, "Akari" (Takuma's sister) calls his apartment and learns about Mina.

Figure 6 A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero, Episode 1 and 2

(Top) Takagi meets Sylphy. (Bottom) Takagi meets Luceria.

A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero had a double episode (1 and 2) premiere. Episode 1 starts with the main character, Kaito Takagi, clearing slimes in a dungeon. While there, he finds a rare slime for his thousandth kill which drops a servant card for Sylphy, a Valkyrie class demigod. He learns that the card would sell overseas for billions of yen, and can't decide if he should summon her to become more powerful, or sell her to buy better gear. He decides to keep it, and the next day he goes to the dungeon to summon Valkyrie Sylphy. However, after summoning her he finds she's a small girl... and believes he has wasted billions of yen. However, she is much stronger than expected, and one-shots all the slimes, and as a result sets a daily record for slaying slimes (wow!). With his and Sylphy's strength, he decides to venture to the second floor for the first time.

Episode 2 starts right where Episode 1 left off, with Takagi and Sylphy venturing into the second floor where they quickly encounter a goblin that Takagi defeats with great effort and, in the end, by accident. Together, he and Sylphy defeat many goblins, eventually reaching level 10. Together, they find and defeat a silver slime that drops another servant card, one for Luceria, a Viscount-Class Devil. When he summons her, he finds that it's another small girl.

Figure 7 I Parry Everything, Episode 1

Noor saves a girl from a Minotaru then leaves immediately.

With a title like I Parry Everything I know it's going to be bad. Anyways, Episode 1 begins with the main character as a child, Noor, caring for his sick mother. One evening as he brings her dinner, he finds that she has passed away, and buries her next to his father. Afterwards, he decides to become an adventurer and leaves for the Adventurer's Guild. They tell him he'll need lessons, and he starts training at The Royal Training School. However, after several months he makes little progress and he's dismissed. The Guild tells him they can't register and adventurer like him who has no skills or talents, and he returns to his cottage in the forest. Nevertheless, he continues to train, training the one skill he has: the ability to parry attacks. For year and after year, he trains his ability to parry.

14 years later he returns to the Guild to register. The register him as an "F-Rank" adventurer that's forbidden to leave the city or fight monsters. He then proceeds to complete various menial tasks around the city while continuing his parrying training. One day, he hears a girl calling for help and rushes in to save her. She, along with a party of knights, is being attacked by a large Minotaur. And he defeats it by parrying its own weapon back into its neck. The girl asks his name, but he responds he's not very important then leaves.

Figure 8 The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human, Episodes 1 and 2

(Top) Ike meets The Demon Lord. (Bottom) Ike speaks with Alistair in prison.

Episode 1

Oh god just the name of this show, The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human, has me already questioning if it's worth watching and I only just downloaded Episode 1 moments ago. Well, let's at least give it a shot. The opening song was good. We start with Ike and an army of demons attacking the human city of Arsenam and quickly capturing it. Afterwards, Ike reveals he is a human and his teacher, Romberg, was a demon that took him in as a child. He tells him to continue to wear a disguise for the remainder of his life. He accidentally encounters Satie, a human maid who learns of his secret identity. After the battle, he spares all remaining humans.

His Commander, Cefiro, summons him. She is the only demon who knows of his secret identity. She informs him that the Demon Lord himself, Dairokuten, wants to speak with him directly. Lord Dairokuten (who looks like an older version of Aura the Guillotine) praises him for taking Arsenam with such a limited loss of life. She tells him that, next time, she'd like to see the "real face" behind his mask. He teleports back to Arsenam and makes Satie his maid. The Demon Lord made Ike the ruler of Ivalias, a city on the front line of the battle between humans and demons. And his demons, working along with humans, begin to rebuild it.

Episode 2

I can't say I had high hopes for Episode 2 given how generic Episode 1 was. Anyways, it starts with White Rose Knight Commander Alistair being ordered to retake Ivalias. Meanwhile Ike, wearing regular human clothes, scouts his enemy, The Alliance of Kings, a joint coalition of human kingdoms working together to counter The Demon Lord. He also learns Rosearia's army is eager to act before the alliance, attacking Ivalias directly. After a brief, comical, and unrelated meeting between Lilith, a random succubus, and his maid Satie, Rosearia's army arrives and begins their attack. As they do, they're ambushed by Ike's forces and immediately retreat, and Alistair is later jailed for her failure. As they retreat, Ike is shot in the back by an assassin.

Ike awakens next to Cefiro who healed him, who warns him The Demon Lord may become suspicious due to the lack of human casualties. He learns of Alistair's imprisonment, and travels to the prison where she is being held (Lilith, for whatever reason, tags along too). He finds Alistair and asks her if she was the one who sent in the assassin to kill him. She doesn't answer, and instead asks if he's a human.

Figure 9 Pseudo Harem, Episode 1

The opening of Pseudo Harem showing the many personalities of Rin.

There seemed to be an issue with the subtitles on Episode 1 of Pseudo Harem so I took the Pon no Michi method of watching B-Global subs. It starts with Rin and Eiji joining the theater club at their school. Eiji tells Rin he wants his own harem, and Rin begins acting like different girls to give him the "pseudo harem" experience. The next day Eiji loses his phone and Rin asks for his number to call it. She proceeds to act in many different ways with many different personalities to gain Eiji's attention. Both Eiji and Rin perform poorly on their midterms.

Figure 10 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 22

All the Cures with the Garugaru they've just purified.

Wonderful Pretty Cure! Episode 22 starts with Iroha conducting agility training with Komugi... which goes poorly and she fails every obstacle on the course. While training, a Garugaru squirrel hatches and all the Cures transform to fight it. The squirrel flees and climbs to the top of a lighthouse, and Iroha and Komugi use their "failed" agility training to jump to the top and hug the Garugaru, after which Cure Nyammy and Lillian cleanse it and send it back to Niko Garden.

Figure 11 Days with My Stepsister, Episode 1

Saki and her Mom (Akiko) arrive at Yuuta's apartment.

Episode 1 of Days with My Stepsister starts with Yuuta's dad telling him he's planning to remarry and, as a result, he'll have a little (step) sister. That evening he meets her, Saki Ayase, who is only a week younger than him. Saki tells him not to expect much of her, and they both agree to remain strangers. The next day Saki and her Mom (Akiko) arrive at Yuuta's apartment... to move in together (Saki explains her previous apartment was small). Yuuta learns that he and Saki also go to the same school, and he tells her he'll pretend not to know her. At work Yuuta tells a coworker about the move-in, and also his internal struggles of how to act around his new sister.

Figure 12 Spice & Wolf, Episode 14

Holo and Lawrence eat dinner shortly after arriving in Kumerson.

Episode 14 of Spice & Wolf starts with Lawrence and Holo traveling to Kumerson. While on the way, he encounters another merchant, Fermi Amati, who warns him many of the inns in town may be booked due to an upcoming festival. Amati, also a member of the Rowen Trading Guild like Lawrence, tells him the Guild may be able to help procure him a room when he arrives (they do). The next day Lawrence sells some of his goods in the market and asks Holo where her hometown of Yoitsu is is. She tells him she's not sure if the exact location, but it's near Nyohhira. Holo becomes slightly upset when she contemplates and end to her journey with Lawrence, but Lawrence explains it doesn't have to end if/when they find Yoitsu.

Figure 13 Tasuuketsu: The Fate of the Majority, Episode 1

Saneatus and Saaya take a selfie together.

Tuesday always has weak shows, and I have a strong feeling Tasuuketsu with continue this tradition. Episode 1 starts with the main character, Saneatsu, seeing a strange message on his computer at school. The next morning, after seeing another strange message on his television, he finds that his friend Ryuta is dead. At school, he learns many of his classmates, their families, along with most people in the town, are dead. The 10 survivors all saw the same cryptic messages on their computers, and they plan to return to school the next day to search for answers.

The next day they learn the student council president is also dead. They postulate the questions on the screen are resulting in deaths. The receive another message: the rules will be announced at midnight. That midnight, "The Emperor" announces the rules. There are one million people remaining in Tokyo who will submit "Yes" or "No" questions throughout the day. At midnight, the majority side of those who answer "Yes" or "No" will die. There are also special privileges, should the players find them. The final player alive will be able to meet the emperor. Saneatsu resolves to find The Emperor before the game ends. He also realizes its like the student council president knew of the game before it started. Saneatsu finds a privileges, and Sudo-sensei begins to wander around school with a gun and tries to murder students. That night, question appears: Male or Female. Saneatsu dies, and his friend Saaya decides to continue his mission to find and stop The Emperor.

Figure 14 Dahlia in Bloom, Episode 1

Dahlia and her father construct a magical blow dryer.

Episode 1 of Dahlia in Bloom starts with the main character dying then being reincarnated in another world. As a child, Dahlia's father makes magical devices. He explains while a limited number of people can use magic, anyone can use magical devices. She tells her father she wants to grow up to be a magical artificer like him, and begins studying pursuant to that goal. Dahlia attempts to make a hairdryer using magical stones, but accidentally causes a fire. Her father explains the devices she makes can be dangerous and she still has a lot to learn. Her father helps her design the hairdryer, and after several prototypes and redesigns they developed a finished model. In a time-skip, we see an older Dahlia still working with her father in his workshop.

Figure 15 Shoushimin Series ("How to Become Ordinary"), Episode 1

Kobato and Osanai speak with Takada who stole a girl's purse.

I know absolutely nothing about Shoushimin Series so I went into Episode 1 completely blind. Could be good. Could be bad. The latter is more likely. It starts with Kobato and Osanai both getting into Funato High School. Kengo Doujime, a childhood friend of Kobato, asks him to help find a stolen pochette, but they fail to find it. Afterwards, Kobato believes Takada, a student in the search party, is responsible for the theft, and Osanai confirms that she saw him. Kobato manages to find it, and Takada explains that he planted a love letter in it, but he tried to take it back. After school, Kobato and Osanai have their bike stolen (and their strawberry tarts destroyed).

Other Remarks

My Yamaha YC61 came in today, but not the speakers I need, so I'll wait until next week to post about! I'll make sure to add pictures, too!

For as long as I've been alive I've followed the news, particularly political news, pretty closely. I have very fond memories watching The Daily Show and The Colbert Report every day after school. And for years and years, well into the present day, I enjoyed listening to NPR and BBC World Service to get updated on what's happening in the world. But as of late, following several terrible supreme court rulings and an increasing likelihood Trump will win again in November, I've become increasingly despondent, no, genuinely annoyed with political news. As of late, because it's always bad news, because I always find it mildly upsetting, I'm finding myself walking, no, jogging, a point where I block all political news, articles, and videos online. And, due to the prevalence of that content, it would necessarily mean I just stop reading the main stream news so often, if I ever read it at all.

In the past, I would have argued, as the reader may now, that this disinterest in the political process is wrong because it means I cannot effect the change in the very process that jaded me. In simpler terms, my inaction would cause me to be the unconscious author of my own suffering. And indeed that precise belief has kept me engaged for so long. I believed for many years that the more I focused on the process, the better informed I was, the better the outcome may be. For example, if I knew a lot out two political candidates and their positions, that would somehow mean the better candidate would win.

Figure 1 A mildly sad AI generated anime girl working at a desk.

As time has passed, however, I have firmly come to the conclusion that not only is that belief plainly mistaken (it is), but it is itself pernicious to the believer. For starters, their is an associated pain, a struggle, with constantly paying attention to politics, regardless of the outcome in the end. That is to say, constantly reading the news and being outraged at how dumb the other side is itself is harmful, even if that other side is defeated soundly. Even if. But in life, in politics, in terms of the news, I draw the Five of Swords: sometimes the victory isn't worth the cost. Even if the side I prefer to win does so in the end, this does not in anyway abate the outrage I felt hitherto. On the contrary, that reward, should it come to pass, has not, in my experience, outweighed misery leading up to it—the misery of reading the news and being upset every day.

In the past I most certainly enjoyed "outrage news" for a sort of raw entertainment purpose, but when the outrage is so great the entertainment is so minimal that I cannot believe it's worth the effort. Witnessing Roe v. Wade being overturned, hearing that the supreme court believes the president is above the law (equal justice under the law, unless you are president, of course), and again driving in real time as we approach the exit where a convicted rapist, liar, and charlatan will be the chief citizen of this country, the only defense I can muster is not to throw my body upon the leavers and the gears, but instead accept that we get what we deserve. Garbage in. Garbage out. I'd like to believe I live in a world where everyone thinks critically and at length about issues, but that is self-evidently not the case.

Figure 2 A happy AI generated anime girl reading a book.

I think this general disinterest is also chiefly caused by the fact that, come what may, I will be fine. I'm rich. I live in a house that's paid off, driving a car that's paid off, and I'm wearing a $45,000 watch as a type this. At the end of the day, I'll come home and play games, music, watch anime, and nothing will principally effect my life in a way that will make it better or worse. If anything, it will only get better as stocks continue to rise (along with my home value).

So then, that's it. I'll just focus on my hobbies. Anime, learning the piano, practicing calligraphy, playing Runescape, maybe taking some photographs every now and then. Oh, and reading too, I suppose. These are, after all, what brings me joy in life. So I might as well focus my effort on that. In time, I may change my mind. But for now, I should focus on myself and my own happiness.

Other Remarks

I'll say it for posterity, although I've belied it for long before writing it now: Robert de Saint-Loup is far too good of a friend for the narrator. The narrator is a clingy obsessive weirdo, and Saint-Loup isn't. Saint-Loup is the only normal person in the entire book.

I've been spending all summer learning and practicing the piano, so it feels a bit weird to not have posted an update on Morganna's House about it. Well, the reason I haven't posted an update is precisely because I've been so busy with the piano! Whenever I have free time, that's what I immediately practice!

I finished How to Read Music in 30 Days by Matthew Ellul yesterday. It was... not particularly good. The author spent a huge amount of time on tempo, but virtually no time on how to effectively read notes (e.g., what note is one what portion of the grand staff). It felt so weird that I still don't understand his logic. Overall, I'd say the book was poor and I would not recommend it. Still, I did learn enough to feel a bit more comfortable identifying some of the rarer marks in sheet music, so I shouldn't despair too much. I'll nevertheless keep it as a reference.

Figure 1 An AI generated anime girl playing the piano.

I should complete the main piano book, Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Piano Course Book 1 by Nancy and Randall Faber, by August. It's an okay book. I've learned a lot from it, however, the songs have been getting progressively more boring as the chapters progress. I also feel like the author's sequencing is a bit krangled. Nevertheless, I will still move on to Book 2 after I complete Book 1. I guess I'm stuck with the authors for now. I may take a break and memorize the common keys at the end of the book, however, like the authors said, before moving on.

I've learned several of my own songs along the way. The first was I See The Light, from Tangled. I then learned The Promise of the World from Howl's Moving Castle. I tried (and failed) to learn A Town with an Ocean View from Kiki's Delivery Service (the arpeggios were prohibitively complicated for me as a beginner). A loosely learned Hallelujah, and as of today I'm trying to learn Starting The Job, which is also from Kiki's Delivery Service. Wish me luck!

Figure 2 An AI generated anime girl playing a digital keyboard.

I'm also planning to buy a Yamaha YC61 portable digital keyboard, too. I have the money to buy it now, I'm just sort of waiting because I don't really need it yet. But I would like to practice and play on a digital keyboard as well! And because it's portable, all the better! I'll buy some Yamaha speakers with it, too. Perhaps next week? Perhaps later? I'll post images if/when I do after it arrives.

Other Remarks

I got the Sandy title in Runescape yesterday. We're on our way to the trimmed completionist cape! I'm trying to get the hardest and longest achievements out of the way first, but I suppose I won't really know what the hardest and longest ones will be for me until I'm done with them all. I'm around page 150 in The Guermantes Way. It's slow going—just as slow as Within a Budding Grove. But I am still enjoying it (even though the narrator's obsession with Madame de Guermantes is even creepier than his obsession with Madame Swann).