Afterword
Do the fate of the stars want a farewell or…?
Thank you for picking up Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World, Volume 7.
We kicked off Chapter 1 by diving straight into an all-consuming war. How did you like it?
The theme of this volume was generational changes. As shots are fired between the Empire and the Sovereignty, one blade looms near the queen… The Nebulis Sovereignty is in total upheaval. And it feels like its relationship with the Empire is about to face a dramatic change.
The most important question is…how will the new generation—Iska and Alice—face the fate shared by the transcendental sorcerer and the queen from the old era…? I was hoping to deliver this plot to you.
Intermission time. I want to touch on something before I talk about Volume 7 in depth.
…How do I go about saying this?
……
I’m so sorry about the delay!
I was battling some writer’s block when thinking up plot developments for this series, but I think I caused readers some unnecessary worry, especially with rumors going around that I got sick. I apologize for making you wait.
I’m alive and well!
In fact, I’m so well that I’ve finished most of the manuscript for Volume 8. I know I made you wait for Volume 7, but I’m hoping that I’ll have enough good news to make up for it.
Aaaand getting back to the topic at hand.
This volume wasn’t just focused on the story between Alice and Iska or the queen and the transcendental sorcerer. A big part of the plot was the purebreds versus the Saint Disciples. I’m hoping I made up for some of the delays by presenting you with a content-rich volume.
I’m attached to some specific scenes.
The face-off between Kissing and Mei was almost roguish yet life-threatening, giving it a certain charm.
The head of household, Zoa, Growley, and Nameless unintentionally touch upon the theme of generational changes, which is fitting for experienced veterans.
Then there’s the difference in what justice means for the Nebulis Sovereignty and Empire.
I put the spotlight on the Sovereignty, since they’re the ones being attacked in this volume, though Mei and Nameless touch on the Empire’s unnegotiable objectives in their conversation. This has been in progress for a while.
To think the fate of the two supernations will come together through the love between Alice and Iska. I hope you picked up on these hints in Volume 7.
Volume 8 is in the works. I think it’ll come out in winter.
We’re chugging toward the final stage of the war in the Sovereignty. I plan on sprinkling in more romantic elements into the story and more battles. I hope you’re looking forward to it!
Addendum
I have so many stories I want to write about the pair from the older generation (Mira and Salinger). I would love to write a side story about them sometime!
Anyway, that’s enough reminiscing for now. I’m excited to make several announcements.
There is going to be a Fantasia Bunko Appreciation Festival in October in Akihabara, Tokyo. I will be there signing autographs.
Fantasia Bunko Appreciation Festival 2019 Autograph Event
Sunday, October 20
Location: Belle Salle Akihabara. (Within walking distance from Akihabara Station.)
The ticket raffle will be held at Melonbooks in Akihabara!
By the time this book is published, you should be able to find more information on Fantasia Bunko’s Twitter account, as well as on mine. I’ve been invited to autographing events in the past, but this is my first time participating in one sponsored by Fantasia. I’m really looking forward to it.
But wait—there’s more!
Since this will be at the Fantasia Bunko Appreciation Festival, there will apparently be series merch on sale and on display. I hope you’ll stop by for a good time!
Announcement about Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World’s manga
Illustrated by okama, the manga is currently being serialized in the magazine Young Animal. Volume 2 was recently published, and it details the climax of Volume 1 of the light novel. The serialized chapters are currently covering content from Volume 3 of the light novels.
I would be so happy if you enjoy it as a companion to the novels.
And one more announcement: I’d like to introduce another story that I’m writing as I publish this series.
MF Bunko J
Why Does No One Remember My World?
Volume 7 is out. I’m currently working on Volume 8.
Both the novels and manga are receiving great reception. I had an autographing event for this series in July, and I’m grateful to all the people who came!
And finally, I would like to write some words of gratitude.
To the illustrator, Ao Nekonabe.
Thank you so much for the gorgeous cover illustration and featuring Kissing with her cuteness boosted to 120 percent. The oodles of thorns are beautiful and terrifying, and this illustration made me want to involve Kissing in more of the plot.
To my editor, Y.
Thank you for reading through my work—long and short—and going above and beyond to organize events for Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World. You’ve been so thoughtful about every little detail, and you’re just so considerate. I’m so glad to be in your care.
I know we’re about to kick it into high gear, so I am counting on you for your help in the future!
Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who picked up this volume.
This is the tale of Iska the swordsman and Alice the witch princess.
As both the Empire and the Nebulis Sovereignty usher in a new age, the fate of the stars will involve the two—whether they like it or not.
I hope you expect great things from Volume 8, which is going to shake up their world.
I hope that we’ll meet in Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World, Volume 8, which is slated for winter. And again, I hope you’ll come to the 2019 Fantasia Bunko Appreciation Festival if you can.
(I think there will be lots to see…!)
On an afternoon in midsummer,
Kei Sazane
By the way, my personal account is https://twitter.com/sazanek.
I’ll post the latest announcements there. I hope you’ll check it out every once in a while!
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