Chapter 48

Semi-original characters are surprisingly easy to accept

(author: I don’t know why, but I feel that way.)

Since we have some quiet travel time, let’s reflect on the anime Fairy Savers.

Ever since we departed from Tsebaoth, the path we’ve taken has significantly diverged from the original work’s development.

With the irregularity called “Qlippoth of the abyss,” my shaky knowledge of the original work might no longer be of any use, but I’d still like to talk about it as a review.

Yes, the events that occurred after leaving Tsebaoth in the original work──that was in episode 19, subtitled “Chokmah’s Trap,” or something like that.

After reuniting with Chouta, who reconciled with Netzach using his fists, En’s group learn through Chokmah’s wide-area telepathy that the savers’ commander, Akihiro Mitsui, is being held captive in the holy city of the second island, Yod.

When they heard the declaration that he would be “executed at dawn," the flustered three rush to Yod at full speed to launch a rescue operation. However, this turns out to be a trap set by Archangel of Wisdom Chokmah to lure them out!

The three are ambushed in the prison and surrounded by an army of holy beasts, placing them in a dire situation.

However, the one who appears to save them is Tsubasa Kazaoka, who leads a group of bird-type holy beasts!──This is where the next episode leaves off.

It was a tense episode with Akari-chan having a cloudy expression and Akihiro and Tsubasa appearing.

Next comes episode 20, with a subtitle along the lines of "Gather Under Chesed!"

This is the episode where they reunite with Tsubasa and Akihiro, and it’s also the episode the Chesed faction’s Archangel ‘Tiferet’ makes her appearance.

Through coordination with her, and thanks to Tsubasa, who mastered Fairy Burst who knows when, the reunited savers successfully rescue Akihiro with the power of friendship.

After escaping from Yod, the savers and the holy beasts of the Chesed faction head to the Island of Mercy, El. There, the Chesed within Akari and Tiferet invoke wide-area telepathy at the same time to deliver a speech to all of Fairy World.

They declare that defeating the mortal enemy, Abyss, require cooperation with humans, that not all humans are bad, and that Archangel of Mercy Chesed and Archangel of Beauty Tiferet will not obey the King’s orders──They voice their dissent against Keter to the entire world.

Next is episode 21, I forgot the subtitle.

But I still remember its content. This was the episode that revealed the “truth of supernatural abilities” as part of the plan to defeat the Abyss mentioned in Chesed’s speech.

This was an intermezzo episode in which information about the holy beast side is roughly disclosed, such as the Keter faction’s meeting and the strategy session with En and the others. There was also a bathing scene with Akari-chan and Tiferet.

What becomes clear is that the situation in the Fairy World is currently very unstable.

Keter explains that even the power of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot is no longer sufficient to cope with the Abyss’s damage. In the worst-case scenario, they are even considering the migration of the holy beasts to the human world.

In the first place, to fully stop the Abyss, cooperation with humans is necessary. This is why the Holy Dragon granted humanity the power known as "Supernatural Abilities."

However, for Keter, who is deeply disillusioned with humanity and holds them in utter contempt, this was an incomprehensible decision.

『Father, why…? Why… Why the humans, when it’s already much too late. Even though you abandoned…』

The episode ends with a close-up of Keter's face, muttering the words with an empty gaze.

This was also the episode where the final boss's appearance was revealed, a stunningly handsome man with a smooth, cool voice, yet he always has lifeless eyes.

Also, I remember struggling to catch some of his lines because he mumbled at times. As a child, I felt an eerie feeling about the final boss character.

Meanwhile, the five savers set off toward the World Tree, "Sefirot," to seek an audience with the Holy Dragon Ein Sof.

The next episode, Episode 22, is the appearance of Malkuth-sama-chan, the idol of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot community.

With the help of Tiferet and the other holy beasts of the Chesed faction, the Savers head toward the World Tree.

Blocking their path are Archangel of the "Kingdom" Malkuth and the reappearing Archangel of "Wisdom" Chokmah.

The savers split into two groups where Tsubasa, Akihiro, and Chouta confront Chokmah, and En and Akari-chan confront Malkuth.

Chokmah’s overwhelming power took me by surprise when he finally showed his seriousness, and Malkuth's absolute territory drove my fetish mad.

Malkuth relentlessly attacked Chesed—Akari-chan, and asked what value humanity has.

However, no matter how much the youngest sister reproves him, the hearts of Chesed, who had faith in humanity’s potential, and Akari-chan, who believed in him, united and became one, enabling the secret technique, "Commandment of Mercy." When Akari-chan’s hair dramatically turned blue, as a child, I couldn’t help but whisper, "So beautiful…"

And so, with the combined attack of the awakened Akari-chan and En, the savers succeeded in brilliantly defeating Malkuth.

At the time, it was a scene that got me excited about Malkuth-sama-chan's spectacular defeat, but watching it now might leave a different impression. Well, I can’t actually watch it, though.

──The above is a rough outline of the original work, which likely won’t happen in this world from now on.

From Episode 23 onward, let’s discuss what happened after we reached the World Tree. At that point, my knowledge of the original work might still come in handy.

But man, you know.

Looking back, you can really see how much the goddess-like person has broken away from the original work. The original elements are so strong.

Of course, something like the "Qlippoth of the abyss," who appeared before us, didn’t exist in the original work, nor was Tiferet’s role anything like what it is now. Ah, I really wanted to introduce Chesed-kun… As a fan of the Chesed x Tiferet ship, I deeply regret missing that opportunity. Well, as long as I’m alive, there will always be chances but I’d love to see some live CheseTifa someday. Ahh, but seeing Chesed caught between Malkuth and Tiferet might also be interesting.

Geez, original protagonists have so much to do.

And once again, I’m reminded of the favorable treatment the original anime showed toward Chokmah, and the favorable treatment the goddess-like person showed toward Malkuth.

I like both Chokmah and Malkuth, so I’m fine, but since there are ten in the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, there will always be disparities in their treatment no matter what.

However, doing something about it is the fanfiction writers’ showplace. To give the goddess-like person some inspiration, I would like to give a showplace not just to En’s group, but also to the enemy side from now.

Now then, on that point, the third Archangel Binah-sama, who presides over "Understanding," is someone from Ten Archangels of Sefirot who never appeared in the original anime.

I wonder what kind of person she is… Even during the Keter faction's meetings scenes, her presence was nowhere to be seen. I only recently learned she’s female, and she’s an existence that is called ‘the goddess-like person’s semi-original character’ with just an official setting.

Apart from her, there was also the ninth archangel, Yesod, who presides "Foundation," who also never made an appearance in the story, but he was being respectfully followed by Chokmah-san when he was battling the Abyss off-screen. Keter also praised him as a reliable guy.

Since it’s the goddess-like person, maybe she’ll show up before us eventually.

Hm? Is it okay to add original characters like that? Well, I think it’s fine.

In the world of fanfiction, it’s pretty common for fanfiction writers to flesh out characters with their own interpretations based on what the official only established.

Unlike original characters that start with a blank slate from the reader's perspective, these types of characters already have a defined role in the source material, making it easier for readers to accept their characterization. To be honest, I find this dynamic a bit mysterious myself.

Of course, extreme cases like Binah-sama in Fairy Savers might be rare, but if the official material at least provided a name and a position as one of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, it’s fair to say they’re more than half a canonical character from the original work.

"I wonder what Archangel of Understanding Binah, is like. What does everyone think?"

During our flight to Elohim aboard the "Phoenix of Mercy," we were killing time in the resting room I set up on Chesed-kun’s back, each of us relaxing in our own way.

…Though, even if I say that, the only ones truly relaxing were me and Kaballah-chan, curled up on my lap.

Chouta was sweating through his workout, and En and Mea were sitting in quiet meditation, seemingly deep in concentration. So I’m the only one bored.

When we passed by the World Tree Sefirot, everyone’s eyes lit up in front of its size and divinity, but once that awe subsided, we were left with far too much time on our hands.

In the midst of all this, I groomed Kaballah-chan’s fur and even did some quick sewing to fix Mea-chan’s outfit to pass the time, but once that was done, I was so bored, I decided to rope everyone into my speculation.

After all, Elohim would be coming into view soon. I half-expected Chokmah to show up and throw a wrench in our plans, but our flight had been eerily smooth so far.

“I dunno… Chokmah was like an short-tempered general, old man Netzach’s got this hot-blooded hero vibe, Tiferet was a cold-hearted big sister. And Malkuth was a shitty brat”

“Calling her a shitty brat is going too far. I thought she was immature, but…”

“They’re all kind people… Mea thinks. Of course, Chesed is too.”

『Thank you, Mea.』

Hmm… So that’s the impression the savers have of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot.

Yes, except for Tiferet, whose role has been flipped 180° from the original work, their impressions mostly align with mine.

Based on these information,──naturally, we can narrow down what Binah’s character might be like.

Let’s see… I’m thinking she’s an intellectual beauty with glasses. That type of character hasn’t come out yet, after all.

This has become meta talk, but it’s wise to avoid main characters overlapping in creative writing.

Especially on top of novel mediums, too-similar personalities can make it difficult to tell who’s speaking in conversation scenes.

That’s probably why light novels often feature characters with unique verbal tics. Talk about a tough world, Zaurus. (tl note: I don’t know this reference, but a google search shows ultraman.)

“Oh, yeah, if it’s you, Chesed, then you should know, right? About that Binah guy.”

Chouta, finishing his thousandth push-up, posed the question to Chesed, judging that the best way to learn about the Ten Archangels of Sefirot was to ask one directly.

At times like this, I can rely on his presence. Though, as more companions joined us, my position as the knowledgeable commentator is once again being shaken, just like with Hod.

Maintaining our flight speed, Chesed answered Chouta’s question.

『I'm sorry… Binah’s island is pretty alienated, and I’ve never really talked to her. I heard she had a falling-out with Keter a while back, so she never shows up to the Archangels’ meetings. Out of everyone, she’s probably the one who does their things at their own pace the most. But from what I heard from the reputation she has among the residents of Elohim, I’d say she’s essentially a kind person.』

“What’s with that… Ah, ain’t that a good thing!? If she’s not obeying Keter, that just means she’s taking the initiative to oppose him, right? That’s promising.”

『If she joins our side, there’s no mistake she’ll be a powerful ally. She’s one of the strongest among us, second only to the king.』

“Hm, then she’s the strongest we've ever met so far?”

『About as strong as Chokmah, I’d say. Keter, Chokmah, and Binah have powers that towers over us. They’re also much older than us.』

Howee, seriously… So that person of understanding is that strong.

Well, she is the rank 3 onee-chan, after all. While the Ten Archangels of Sefirot aren’t ranked strictly by strength, the idea that Keter and Chokmah are on another level tracks. For Binah-sama to be in that league… you’re really enthusiastic, goddess-like person!

『In terms of personality… let’s see. She’s elusive, appearing and disappearing whenever she pleases. Her hobbies include observing holy beasts and helping people. She’s a mysterious woman who often speaks in poetic phrases… and her hair is black. Ahh, she might resemble Eight-sama.』

“Oh? Seriously!?”

Eh?

The new character overlaps with me──is that what you said…?

Impossible… Are you sane, goddess-like person!? Even though I’m an original protagonist!

Eight-chan shuddered.

To not be afraid of making an original protagonist and a semi-original character overlap, the goddess-like person has such an ardent courage. Hardcore players really are in a different league.

...No, that's not it.

This time, the overlapping one is me.

My suggestive and mysterious moves coincidentally overlapped with an existing character’s.

I really messed up… Oh well, it's in the past. I become quite pleased with this strong character moves as an original protagonist, so there's no point in saying it now.

Binah-sama is a mysterious beauty, I committed that to memory!

"I want to meet her soon."

“Kyuu.”

With Kaballah-chan’s squishy cheeks in my hands, I called out, “Right?”

She looks like a teddy bear like this. Thinking of that, I passed the time until we arrived in Elohim by playing with that fluffiness.

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