Chapter 28

[Professor Hermion, who was writing a critical article about “Knight Shin Chronicle,” has declared that he will no longer write any critical articles.]

[Professor Hermion claims the creator of “Knight Shin Chronicle” is an artist on a completely different level from himself… He feels nothing but regret for not recognizing this sooner…]

[“Knight Shin Chronicle” is an unparalleled masterpiece… Professor Hermion has revealed plans to incorporate “Knight Shin Chronicle” into his Academy classes starting next year…]

‘Shit.’

The next morning, I cringed as I saw that article splashed across the front page of the newspaper.

My chest ached.

It turned out that Hermion, who had been such a huge help in steering “Knight Shin Chronicle” toward its destined terrible ending, had defected to the other side.

Was this how Lord Liu Bei felt when he heard of General Guan Yu’s death at Xiangyang?

Or maybe like Zhou Yu clutching his chest in sorrow after releasing Pi Zuntou?

In any case, now that my most reliable ally had betrayed me, my options were limited.

‘Damn it… What should I do now?’

At this rate, I might be forced by public opinion to complete “Knight Shin Chronicle” as a clean, neatly wrapped masterpiece.

Which would mean I’d end up spending the rest of my life as the Emperor’s personal slave, miserably producing anime until I die.

What a terrifying and horrifying thought!

‘I’d like to kill off some more convenient characters again…’

Unfortunately, I couldn’t just kill off characters in “Knight Shin Chronicle” anymore.

Because after watching episode 17, the Emperor had summoned me and said something along these lines:

– Ragnar, if possible, I’d appreciate it if you could refrain from killing off characters…

– …Excuse me?

– Heh heh, even though they’re minor characters, seeing pilots who have dedicated their lives to humanity die so meaninglessly really pains my heart.

– Your Majesty… Luke’s death was a necessary sacrifice for the story’s progression…

– …And I haven’t said anything about it, have I? But… if Saya or Eilian had died, I don’t know what I might have done to you.

– …

– I have no intention of interfering with the storyline or ending of “Knight Shin Chronicle.” But I’m asking you to show a little mercy.

So basically, we had that kind of conversation.

‘Even though I did get the Emperor’s assurance that he wouldn’t interfere with the ending…’

Still, losing the easy method of creating a depressing atmosphere by killing off characters was a painful blow.

‘This way, it’ll be harder to steer toward the orange juice ending.’

All I want is to bring about human extinction in the ending, so why are there so many obstacles?

While sighing deeply, I realized it was time to use the trump card I’d been saving.

‘So he said not to kill characters, huh?’

Then let’s interpret that differently.

If I don’t kill characters, does that mean everything else is allowed?

That’s how I managed to complete episode 25 of “Knight Shin Chronicle,” which would shock and terrify all viewers following episode 17.

***

After episode 17 aired, interest in “Knight Shin Chronicle” skyrocketed to unprecedented levels.

The reason was the shocking storyline that no one had imagined before: the Outsider absorbing Knight Shin, the berserk Zero Unit, and the death of a fellow pilot.

This adrenaline-pumping plot twist drew in even those who hadn’t been watching “Knight Shin Chronicle.”

However, contrary to viewers’ expectations of continued high-octane drama, the story flowed rather peacefully afterward.

On the surface, the storyline of “Knight Shin Chronicle” didn’t change much from before episode 17.

Humanity was still threatened by the Outsiders, new Outsiders attacked, and Kai and other pilots fought them off in Knight Shins.

But simultaneously, everyone noticed a significant shift in the atmosphere of “Knight Shin Chronicle.”

“It feels like the mood has become heavier, doesn’t it?”

“I have a feeling something big is about to happen soon.”

That’s right.

Even though “Knight Shin Chronicle” had a setting where humanity faced extinction due to the Outsiders, the previous atmosphere wasn’t particularly dark.

Rather, it was bright and hopeful, a typical mecha series full of optimism.

But after Luke’s death in episode 17, the atmosphere completely changed.

“Someone asked me to pilot a Knight Shin to save others, but because of me, someone else died. Is it really okay for someone like me to pilot a Knight Shin?”

Kai, the protagonist, was experiencing inner conflict due to the trauma of killing Luke, questioning why he must pilot a Knight Shin.

“…Kai. There’s nothing I can do while you suffer so much. Seeing your sadness makes me sad too, but tears won’t come to my eyes. Am I really just a doll?”

Saya secretly watched Kai’s suffering with a despondent expression.

“Knight Shin, I must pilot it. I need to kill the Outsiders instead of that idiot. That’s how… that’s how I can gain recognition from others… It’s the only value I have in living…”

Eilian showed severe obsessive-compulsive symptoms regarding fighting the Outsiders.

“All is… going according to my plan.”

“Are you sure everything is fine? The old men in the Senate might interfere with your plans.”

“It doesn’t matter. It’s all within my calculations. The real start of the entire plan begins after exterminating all Outsiders.”

The commander and vice-commander were busy having ominous conversations.

Additionally, crucially,

“What exactly is a Knight Shin? What is the true identity of Knight Shin that allows it to injure and kill Outsiders?”

“…It’s exactly what you think. A Knight Shin is merely a specialized artificial weapon created by humanity to fight Outsiders.”

“…Don’t joke around. Do you think I’m some mindless idiot? No weapon humanity has ever created has affected the Outsiders. Yet only Knight Shins can kill them? Does that make any sense?”

“So what? Will knowing change anything?”

“…What?”

“As a close friend, I advise you not to dig deeper into the true nature of Knight Shins. This is your final warning.”

The relationship between Linnea, the operations commander’s close friend, and Rachel, a capable scientist within the organization, broke down.

Viewers who had previously enjoyed dopamine rushes from scenes of Kai and other pilots defeating Outsiders were naturally perplexed.

“Hey, resolving plot points is good, but it could’ve been done in a brighter atmosphere. Why push the story forward in such a gloomy mood?”

“Well, the Illuminati being a suspicious organization and Knight Shins having secrets were breadcrumbs dropped since episode one. We knew we had to address these issues eventually.”

Amidst divided opinions among viewers,

Finally, the day episode 25 of “Knight Shin Chronicle” aired arrived.

“I wonder if we’ll see Linnea trying to uncover the true nature of Knight Shins again today.”

“Recently, it’s been too melancholic. I hope this episode delivers some exciting twists.”

Episode 25 of “Knight Shin Chronicle” began with Outsiders invading the base, responding to viewer expectations.

“This unique wavelength! They’re Outsiders! An Outsider has appeared ahead!”

“…The 15th Outsider, Crawling Chaos. Commonly called Nyarlathotep.”

“Under no circumstances should it be underestimated. According to records, Crawling Chaos is one of the strongest Outsiders. We must give it our all.”

Thus, the commander dispatched Kai, Eilian, Saya, and Chloe simultaneously against the Outsiders.

But,

“My goodness. The current Outsider is surrounded by no less than fifteen layers of dimensional barriers. Normal Knight Shin attacks won’t penetrate!”

“Units One and Two… Both Knight Shins have suffered over seventy percent damage from the Outsider’s attack! Signals from the pilots have been lost!”

“…Unit Three, complete silence. Destrudo response has disappeared.”

“Unit Zero, what about Unit Zero?”

“Unit Zero has minimal damage so far. However…”

The current Kai lacked the vigor he once possessed.

Since killing Luke with his own hands, Kai’s synchronization rate with the Knight Shin had continuously declined, achieving no results in battles against Outsiders.

It was impossible for such a Kai to defeat the 15th Outsider, known as the strongest.

Eventually, Kai succumbed to the overwhelming power of the Outsider.

However,

“My, my goodness! The Outsider is absorbing another Knight Shin!”

“Unit One is being devoured! The pilot’s life signal aboard Unit One is nearly gone!”

Right before Kai’s eyes, the Outsider was absorbing another Knight Shin.

Inside was Saya, who had learned human emotions from Kai and discovered how to smile subtly.

Witnessing this scene, Kai felt something snap inside him.

“…No.”

Images of the day he killed Luke flashed before Kai’s eyes.

“…That, that must not happen. I don’t want to experience that pain again. So please, return Saya…”

“Give her back!”

In the next moment, Kai’s eyes glowed red as Unit Zero emitted a mighty roar.

“ROOOAAARRR!”

“Ah, that’s what I’m talking about!”

“If it doesn’t go berserk in a crisis, I’d be disappointed!”

Viewers watching believed Unit Zero had gone berserk as usual.

But,

“It’s not a berserk state? Could this be… awakening…?”

The current berserk state of Unit Zero was different from before.

Whenever Unit Zero went berserk, the pilot lost consciousness, and the Knight Shin moved like a wild beast attacking enemies.

Currently, Kai was clearly conscious and controlling the berserk Knight Shin with his own will.

However, the backlash of piloting the awakened Unit Zero under control was evident.

“Pilot’s mental contamination index has breached negative levels! It’s dangerous to continue!”

“Stop it, Kai! If you proceed further, you won’t be able to maintain your human form!”

Linnea and Rachel desperately tried to stop Kai, but he ignored their warnings and plunged his hand into the Outsider’s core.

And then,

“This time, I will save you. Definitely!”

Responding to Kai’s determination to save Saya, Unit Zero emitted light and unfolded wings from behind.

Keeeiiingggg!

A massive pillar of light connecting heaven and earth formed, destroying everything it touched.

Initially the size of a mountain, the pillar of light soon grew to cover an entire mountain range.

Watching this magnificent spectacle, viewers absentmindedly commented.

“So, the heroine of this series is confirmed to be Saya, right?”

“What nonsense? How can a girl who just died be the heroine?”

“Shh! By the end of this episode, all these controversies will be resolved!”

But contrary to people’s expectations, the pillar of light continued to expand, eventually swallowing the entire continent-

“Huh?”

A moment later, people staring at their screens blinked in disbelief.

Because they couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed.

“Uh… If this happens, who exactly is the real heroine?”

“…You crazy bastard. Unit Zero just blew up the entire Earth. Is that even relevant now?”