The Ancient Magus’ Bride vol. 16

The college is still in lockdown when the volume opens, but Chise and the other students are still finding ways to make the best of their lot.  Whether it’s finishing off the tour of haunted places from the previous volume, sampling the horticultural offerings of the grounds, making charms for others, or just being tormented… er, taught by the teachers, the students have plenty to occupy their time with.  It also serves as a distraction from the missing tome and whoever stole it.  Until the students start passing out and manifesting curses that seek to suck Chise’s magical energy dry.  While she and Elias want to get to the bottom of this, their quarry is far too well hidden for even them.  Then there’s the matter of Philomena who’s become even more sickly and withdrawn than usual.  Surely there’s no connection between her and what’s been going on at the college.  Right?

Mangaka Kore Yamazaki has been setting things up in this series for a while now and I wouldn’t blame anyone if they were starting to feel a little frustrated by it all.  Much as I love her skills with characterization and worldbuilding I was starting to wonder if we’d ever see some payoff here.  The good news is that we’re finally starting to get some with vol. 16.  It might not seem like it at first, but the early sparks soon catch fire and the narrative is on fire by the time we get to the.  Which feels entirely appropriate since it looks like the story might be going to Hell in very short order.