Name: 宝石の国(12)
ISBN: 9784065297322

市川春子

フォスは月人の軍勢と月の宝石たち数名を連れて地上に降り立ち、地上の宝石たちを粉々にしていき、学校内部へと進む。

宝石の国(12)

** spoiler alert **
           Probably the most compelling volume in the entire series. The story’s pacing made the progression to unveiling the truth relentless and exceptional. Till the very last panel the reader hopes for a dignifying ending to Phos’ story arc. I won’t say I didn’t see this miserable fate for them coming: with Aechmea’s plan unfolding (or should i say Enma, at this point?) it’s clear how their twelve-volumes-long discovery of truth and subsequent thirst for revenge brought to such a bitter conclusion. 
I think Enma’s intentions had always been quite coherent (comprehensible and legitimate, to an extent, since his unbiased aim was the Lunarians’ salvation), making the character not as grey and complex as Phos’, whom Ichikawa Haruko has made such an enthralling work creating. 
I really don’t think that the protagonist’s decisions were entirely corrupted by Lapis’ influence if not channeled by: hasn’t Phos always been determined to seek the truth? haven’t they been questioning since the very beginning Vajra’s role? to assume everything was caused by external influences would take away from the character’s personal journey. Lapis has surely channeled Phos’ potential: a permanent desire to subvert a system in which they felt unnecessary and unpleasant; often Phos’ frustration takes over, blurring their judgment. 
I wonder what the future holds for Phos from now on: whether they’ll commit suicide, as an ultimate act of rebellion against those who wronged them, confining Lunarians in an eternal abeyance, or not. And if that is the case, what path will they choose? 
I found the overall story so incredibly weaved, enriched by high philosophical subjects and literary innuendos; I just hope for it to continue in the same spirit. Meanwhile, I’ll watch the anime series and revisit the astonishing world created by Ichikawa.