Hideo Yamada compiles 18 stories about loneliness. Presented through themes of straggling, futility, insanity, seclusion, and an epilogue. **Rakugo** (落伍): 1. **Chikatetsu wo Orite.......**(地下鉄を降りて……) \[Daijiro Morohoshi\] 2. **Ohenro-san** (おへんろさん) \[Takashi Imashiro\] 3. **Oshiroi Komachi** (白粉小町) \[Youko Kondou\] 4. **Kuroi Chou** (黒い蝶) \[Kakusai Han\] **Muyou** (無用): 5. **Kamen** (仮面) \[Shinji Nagashima\] 6. **Ishi wo Kai ni Kita Onna** (石を買いに来た女) \[Motoyuki Oota\] 7. **Otsuuya no Kyaku** (お通夜の客) \[Yuu Takita\] 8. **Kibishii Shiren (from Pattman X)** (きびしい試練「パットマンX」より) \[George Akiyama\] 9. **Nichijou Seikatsu** (日常生活) \[Jun Kagari\] **Fuukyou** (風狂): 10. **Omoide no Occhan** (思い出のおっちゃん) \[Jun Urata\] 11. **Yoru no Semi** (夜の蝉) \[Tadao Tsuge\] 12. **Aburemon** (あぶれもん) \[Kaiji Kawaguchi\] 13. **Hisashiburi** (久しぶり) \[Shinichi Abe\] **Inton** (隠遁): 14. **Shounan (From Musashino)** (沼南「武蔵野」より) \[Junichirou Saitou\] 15. **The Salamander** (山椒魚) \[Yoshiharu Tsuge\] 16. **Shimi** (紙魚) \[Shigeru Mizuki\] **Epilogue** (エピローグ) 17. **Sorekara** (それから) \[Hozumi\] 18. **Hitotsu no Hi** (ひとつの火 カシワイ) \[Kashiwai, original story: Niimi Nankichi\]
“Innate Magic” — a talent that everyone is born with. In this world of absolute meritocracy, where the strength of one’s innate magic determines everything, Light was born into nobility but without any innate magic. Looked down upon as useless, he was disowned. Even so, he never gave up and worked harder than anyone else. And then — in the Imperial Magic Academy, where he enrolled in despair, all that effort finally pays off, and an extraordinary power awakens within him…!? “I finally understand… Now, I can activate your innate magic —!!” The ultimate comeback of a fallen failure begins here —!! *Source: BookLive, translated*
Svetlana Kurokawa is a well-behaved, high achiever, and super chairperson of the committee. She is also my childhood friend whom I have not seen in several years. However, this seemingly perfect Kurokawa has a “certain” secret… “Tak-kun, you’re here! There’s probably something in there.” In fact, she is so timid that she cannot go to the bathroom alone at night! When Kurokawa’s parents were transferred overseas, I decided to live with her and help her overcome her weakness. “I’m afraid of…… being alone, so why don’t you sleep with me?” I’m afraid of being alone, so I’m going to sleep with you. “Hey, are you okay with my high school life!?” Source: NU