[Review] The Chronicles of Nog-Aldo / Arlon

I would like to write a review for the entry in the Fantasy category of the Creative Awards 2024 by Arlon, a friend I enjoy
World Blue Story with.

This is a spoiler-filled review that follows the flow of the story rather than going chapter by chapter.

[Review] The Chronicles of Nog-Aldo

The Beginning of the War Chronicles

The prologue's explanation of the land and countries is easy to understand.
It is characteristic that even though it is a "war chronicle," it begins with a detailed description of the trading company.
Thanks to the explanation from the perspective of the trading company, the detailed descriptions of other countries' geography and national character do not feel out of place.

The "Third Caravan Member"

This is a description that might be a bit confusing at first glance, but it makes sense once you read to the end of the story.

The narrative voice is actually Solm himself, so the first person to appear when the story begins is Solm.

Upbringing and Reality

The speed of his actions after learning of his origins.
His trust in Ventus and the undeniable reality.

He moves forward, setting aside the description of Aiol's own feelings.

The conversation between the three men after protecting them from the eagle in Niarg.
Please give me more of that men's banter like "Woo-hoo!"

The Appearance of Elif

Ludo flinching at Ventus's rage.
His patriotism is revealed in the intensity that makes even an important figure of the country shrink back.

In response to that, Elif, who accepts it by saying, "Those are very reasonable words," begins to talk about himself the very next moment.

Such boldness.

With that theatrical entrance, my foreshadowing sensor starts tingling... (lol)

The reunion of the twins.

In this situation, one can guess that it won't be a touching one. Or rather, it will likely turn out that way.

The older brother, Lazuli's, overly tyrannical attitude toward those around him disturbs Aiol's emotions, and as a result, all of Aiol's anxieties up to this point come gushing out.

The presentation is moving. Is the reason older brother Lazuli didn't fight back because he was worried about the stormy day that we learn about later?

I had been curious about it ever since their names were revealed, but

Why is the older brother "Lazuli" and the younger brother "Lapis"?

The answer was in the middle of the battle. The older brother calls the younger brother "Lapis." The younger brother calls the older brother "Lazuli."

That's perfect!!!

So emotional✨

How to use teleportation magic.

I think that having teleportation magic be cheat-level is a good constraint for a fantasy story.

While there is the fun of being able to go anywhere freely, in a story swirling with conspiracies like a coup d'état, things like alibis become difficult, and it also tests the reader's imagination.

Truth and Facts

Truth differs depending on one's perspective.

I think it's admirable that Lazuli was able to speak in front of Igni, who hates her.

And regarding her attitude when reuniting with Aiol, could it be that she is also frustrated with herself for sacrificing Lapis?

The death of a person and the heart that wishes for them to live

This is a human theme.
In this story, that is judged as self-interest.
There is no salvation in wishes, and that is precisely why the wish for someone to live shines so brightly.

The place of the legend that Elif told Solm becomes the site of the final battle.

The result of choices

The object that rolls out of Elif's robe.
Because she didn't use it, Elif's thoughts were transformed, and her desires changed.
An unexpected victim
(Reading up to this point, I didn't think there would be a victim)

Because Elif didn't use it,
Aiol was able to use it,
and Solm's actions serve as a major payoff for the foreshadowing.
It's a sad development, but as a flow of the story, it feels satisfying.

And the ending!
The title reveal!!

I had been bothered by the ambiguity of whose perspective the narrative was from, but now that I know, I feel relieved!!

I reread it from the beginning.

Also,
the twins'!
aftermath!
I'd love to see their relaxed interactions too!!

I also read the side story.
It has that side-story feel, connecting as a branch off the main narrative.
Even so, this is a heroic tale uniquely their own.

[Review] The Chronicles of Nog-Aldo: Side Story

Arlon-san's talent for ateji (kanji substitution).

It wasn't in the main story, but I can see glimpses of the Socially Hitman side story that I saw in the World Blue Story series.
The magic tools with ateji names are interesting.

The way of life for those without family.

Telling yourself "this is all there is" as you go through life is something even real-world modern people tend to do, isn't it?

The dialogue with the witch, the dialogue with Azure.

A story about Gary's path being forged?

Or so I thought.

A child, a disciple... I see.

I want you to actually read this part

so you can grin for yourself,

so I will keep the details hidden.

Fantasy is just so interesting!!

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Thank you for reading☆
I would be happy if you liked it♡
I get excited when you leave a comment♪
See you later(⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)

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I'll do my best until 8/31~✨

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