Chapter 58

A few days later, episode 12 of “Book of Life and Death” aired, and as usual, the story was unfolding like a crazy rollercoaster.

“Thus, I am certain. The true identity of Miss Mari… is none other than the second Zodiac.”

One day, out of nowhere, Mari—who had claimed to be Louis’ girlfriend—was arrested by Alfa.

“With Miss Mari in custody, we should soon uncover the identity of the first Zodiac. To be honest… I have a rough idea of who it might be.”

“…”

Alfa was also waiting for another chance to arrest Louis.

“Shinigami (God of Death), this is farewell for now.”

“…What?”

“I didn’t want to resort to this method if possible… but there’s no other way. You know the final rule of the Book of Life and Death, right?”

“…Kukuku. Surely, you’re not planning to do THAT, are you?”

“Yeah, starting now… I relinquish ownership of the Book of Life and Death.”

Cornered, Louis decided to give up ownership of the Book of Life and Death, erasing all related memories as his last move to turn the situation around.

The storytelling was so wild and unrelenting, it felt like a runaway train going full speed ahead.

Before you knew it, 30 minutes would pass just by mindlessly watching TV, completely absorbed in the show.

It wasn’t until the staff roll appeared that viewers snapped out of their trance from being so engrossed in “Book of Life and Death.”

Normally, at this point, fans would’ve been passionately discussing the developments of the latest episode.

But strangely, all the viewers could do was sigh while staring at the credits.

The reason was simple.

“Is it true that such an entertaining ‘Book of Life and Death’ will soon come to an end?”

“Apparently, even the nobles mentioned it during a recent meeting. ‘Book of Life and Death’ is expected to conclude within 10 episodes at most.”

“So, does that mean it’ll wrap up somewhere between episode 25 or 20?”

That’s right.

Word about the early ending of “Book of Life and Death,” which had been discussed in a recent state conference, had spread throughout the entire empire.

Naturally, the news that “Book of Life and Death” would soon end sent shockwaves through the populace, especially among members of ‘My Struggle,’ whose outrage was nothing short of extraordinary.

“Isn’t this ridiculous? ‘Book of Life and Death’ should obviously air for at least 50 episodes like ‘Knight Shin Chronicle,’ right?”

“That’s correct. What kind of monstrosity is Director Ragnar pulling off by limiting this anime to only around 20 episodes?”

“Ragnar… you promised to make ‘Book of Life and Death’ into a masterpiece like ‘Knight Shin Chronicle.’ Are you deceiving us?”

“Haa… Should we gather everyone again for another Soviet-style meeting?”

Truthfully, they all knew why Ragnar wanted to wrap things up here.

Finishing the series now would give it a clean beginning, climax, turning point, and resolution.

But still…

There isn’t a single fan anywhere in the world who would cheerfully applaud the conclusion of their favorite anime after just 20 episodes.

Just as everyone was sighing and reluctantly accepting the harsh reality…

An astonishing piece of news reached the ears of the empire’s citizens.

“What? They’re planning to adapt ‘Book of Life and Death’ into a play and musical soon?”

“Yeah. According to rumors, the storyline for the play and musical versions will differ from the anime but will feature an original script personally written by Director Ragnar.”

This was shocking news that any fan of “Book of Life and Death” couldn’t help but flip out over.

Even the anime alone wasn’t enough to satisfy the hunger and thirst in their hearts.

An original storyline for “Book of Life and Death” branching off in a different direction?

There’s no way we can sit on our hands for this!

And what made it even more decisive…

“And there’s something else… somewhat surprising actually…”

“Just spit it out already! What is it?”

“Apparently, people who attend the play or musical performances of ‘Book of Life and Death’ will receive a lottery ticket allowing them to enter a draw for limited-edition high-quality ‘Book of Life and Death’ merchandise.”

“What, WHAT!”

At the man’s words, everyone who had been quietly listening nearby gasped in astonishment.

Because since anime became popular in the empire, anime-related goods and figurines skyrocketed in price.

While “Knight Shin Chronicle” managed to sell various goods at reasonable prices during a festival, its meticulously crafted figures of the Zero Unit and other knights boasted astronomical price tags in the hundreds of millions.

Meanwhile, rare goods tied to “The Mysterious Disappearance of Eli and Hammel,” which were sold briefly in theaters with extremely limited quantities, had become priceless treasures.

Not long ago, a replica of Hammel’s staff from the anime, originally worth dozens of gold coins, was auctioned off for thousands of gold coins. No further explanation needed.

Since everyone in the empire was well aware of these facts, it wasn’t hard to imagine just how valuable the limited edition “Book of Life and Death” merchandise would be.

“According to rumors, the identity of the limited-edition ‘Book of Life and Death’ merchandise prepared by Director Ragnar himself is none other than a super high-quality replica of the actual Book of Life and Death.”

“A re-replica of the Book of Life and Death?!”

So, this meant a replica of the book used by the protagonist Louis in “Book of Life and Death” to punish criminals?

“The replica of the Book of Life and Death has been enchanted by a Great Mage, ensuring its pages never decrease, and it supposedly contains several hidden functions. Due to its complexity, only twelve copies of this replica have been produced.”

“There’s no way…”

As they heard this, everyone present gulped audibly.

With only twelve copies available across the entire empire, this replica of the Book of Life and Death was something any fan who enjoyed the series would go insane over.

And its value would undoubtedly reach astronomical levels, incomparable to any previous merchandise.

Therefore, everyone shared the same thought at this moment:

‘I can do it. Definitely!’

Of course, even if you manage to get your hands on a lottery ticket and participate, the chances of winning the replica of the Book of Life and Death would be incredibly slim.

But isn’t entering the lottery a hundred times better than doing nothing?

And what if you actually win and get the replica of the Book of Life and Death?

Then what? Big deal, right?

That’s life-changing right there.

Isn’t it?

While others might sell it, members of ‘My Struggle’ planned to flaunt it in front of others rather than cashing in.

“By the way, I heard the theater is taking advance ticket reservations. If I’m not mistaken, tickets will likely sell out instantly, so we should hurry and grab ours, right?”

“…”

At those words, people involuntarily glanced at each other.

But only for a moment.

“Which theater is closest to here?”

“Dad, Mom, older brother, younger sister… anyone else in the family? We need to secure as many entries as possible!”

“I’ll pay triple the price of the musical tickets for entry forms! If anyone’s interested, let me know!”

“…Are you talking about my entry form? If you want it, take it. Look harder. I left all of them there.”

And thus…

The world entered the great era of plays and musicals.

****

[It’s too much… one play or musical ticket for one “Book of Life and Death” merchandise raffle ticket. Is this really okay?]

[A super raffle ticket obtainable with ten regular tickets… pure marketing gimmickry. Criticism floods the greedy theater and musical industries…]

[From scalping tickets to hoarding them, all sorts of societal issues arise, sparking heated debates…]

[Professor Hermion of the Royal Art Academy: “Theater and musical industries are dog meat restaurants themselves. It’s no different from launching mint chocolate or rose-flavored dog meat to attract young audiences.” Sharp criticism ensues…]

[Director Ragnar Terison of “Knight Shin Chronicle” and “Book of Life and Death” receives reevaluation amidst the chaos…]

[Not only did he broadcast anime freely across the empire, but he also sold goods at rock-bottom prices during festivals. His actions starkly contrast with the theater and musical industries…]

[The evil axis: Theater and musical industries. And the sole justice of this era: Director Ragnar. How did he become the ‘fool’ who makes anime solely for the citizens of the empire?]

“Ugh, this is why merchants are simply impossible to trust. What’s this nonsense about a super raffle ticket? Truly unbelievable.”

Days later, Serika muttered while reading various sensational headlines plastered across newspapers.

“Ragnar generously extended a hand to the theater and musical industries, and this is how they repay him? At this rate, we wouldn’t be surprised if they came up with something like ‘Super Eviction’ to forcibly remove audience members from theaters or ‘Anti-Eviction Shield’ to protect themselves. Right, Your Majesty?”

“I agree with you, Serika.”

Kayla also frowned, clearly displeased.

“Money-grubbing scum are beyond saving. Exploiting fans’ love for anime like this is utterly despicable… Regardless of anything else, it feels like the pure love for Ragnar-sama’s anime has been trampled on, and it makes me feel sick.”

“…”

“Hmm? Ragnar? Why do you look so troubled?”

“That’s right, Director. Is something wrong? You look like someone who’s just heard something they shouldn’t have.”

“No, I was merely lamenting… how can beings wearing human faces commit acts worse than beasts?”

And with that, Ragnar sighed deeply in despair.

Super raffle tickets? Ceiling prices?

Whoever created such things… Ragnar thought bitterly that whoever came up with that idea wasn’t human.