The Art of Gold Digging

Ch. 21- Layers.

Amy returned to her room just as the Academy bell tolled the evening curfew. Once inside, she locked the door and slumped onto her bed with a weary sigh.

"Okay," she muttered, taking the floating book in her hands. "Let's get this over with."

[Are you certain you're ready?]

"As ready as I'll ever be," she stretched her legs out, trying to get comfortable. "Let’s not waste time; just show me the new chapter."

[Very well.]

The book's pages began to glow, transforming into the manga's latest installment.

[Chapter 155 is titled "Foresight." It mainly focuses on Zayd Gaspard's perspective leading up to your tea meeting.]

“Zayd's perspective?” Amy tilted her head, “That’s weird, I don’t think that the original manga has done a chapter with his POV.”

[It did, five times in fact. Though they weren’t really plot-centered, more like filler.]

“Oh? I probably just skipped them if that’s the case.”

[Unsurprisingly.]

As she pondered over the rare occurrence, an ominous thought suddenly crossed her mind, “Makes me wonder…” she began, her voice trembling slightly, “Will I ever get one, like one chapter entirely in my POV?” while asking the question, a chill ran through her spine.

[Probably,] Libris responded to her dismay. [Though if it contradicts your character in any way or becomes too meta, I will cut it out or at least censor it.]

“Good to know...” despite the reassurance, she did not feel better about it.

She shook the thought off and turned her attention back to the page. The cover art for Chapter 155 featured Zayd standing at the center, his eyes seeming to stare directly at the reader. Behind him loomed three shadowy figures: to his right, Kaelen; to his left, Crow; and hiding behind him, Amy. Most striking was the subtle pattern of constellation-like golden dots connecting them, forming what looked like spider threads.

“Cool art,” Amy commented without thinking and then rapidly caught herself; no way she was praising this thing. "The only reason this series is popular is because the art is good, because honestly the story is dogshit," she added; yup she thought that was better.

[There are plenty of well-drawn manga that didn’t get as popular as this one.]

“What are you trying to say?”

[Nothing, just pointing out a fact.]

“...” as much as she hated to admit it, Libris was right.

Without wasting any more time, Amy began reading.

The chapter opened with a scene she recognized immediately, the conversation leading toward the vote in Crow's room about which route to take to the Eastern Wing. The manga had included a shortened version of the dialogue in addition to Lain’s callout of Amy's act.

"The Headmaster's office," Amy had said in the final panel of that scene, casting the deciding vote.

The scene then abruptly shifted, to a black page with a text box indicating: “Six hours earlier.”

The manga portrayed Zayd Gaspard in his room. Unlike Crow's bare-bones dormitory, Zayd's space was filled with artifacts and instruments likely related to divination.

He sat cross-legged on a circular rug emblazoned with constellation patterns, his eyes closed in meditation. The panels showed his breathing becoming deeper, more rhythmic, as a subtle golden glow emanated from the symbols around him.

A sharp knock at his door broke his concentration. The glow faded immediately as his eyes snapped open.

"Enter," he called.

Professor Kaelen stepped into the room.

"Uncle," Zayd acknowledged, rising to his feet. "I wasn't expecting you."

"Clearly," Kaelen replied, his thin lips curved in that characteristic creepy smile of his. "You've been difficult to locate today."

Zayd sat at a small table near the window, pouring tea from an ornate pot. "I've been practicing my astral divination; it has become quite difficult to use lately."

"Indeed. The stars are particularly... vocal this season." Kaelen followed him and sat beside him, all while accepting the offered cup with a nod. "However, there's another matter that requires your attention."

"Oh?"

"Yes, I’m here to inform you about a meeting scheduled during your usual afternoon tea."

Zayd's hand stilled momentarily as he poured his own cup. "I don't recall making such arrangements."

"I agreed on your behalf. Miss Stake expressed interest in discussing divination practices with someone closer to her age."

"Did she…? How convenient that she came to you instead of me. Tell me, uncle, is this truly not another one of your schemes?"

Kaelen's eyes narrowed slightly. "Your tone borders on disrespect, nephew."

Zayd smiled kindly at this. "My apologies, but…can you blame me, uncle? You haven’t even tried concealing your interest in Miss Stake."

The older man sipped his tea, watching Zayd over the rim of his cup. "The emergence of a non-Gaspard seer is a significant development. Surely you can appreciate my curiosity."

"Curiosity… Is that truly it?"

"What else would it be?"

Zayd set down his cup, his eyes meeting his uncle's directly. "Family policy regarding outsiders with prophetic abilities has historically been less than welcoming. Something you probably are far more knowledgeable about than me..."

A panel showed Kaelen's expression hardening, yet his voice remained calm. "Times change, nephew. As do our Family and their methods."

"And what method are you employing with Miss Stake? The same one they used with you…?"

"One that doesn't require your understanding," Kaelen replied coldly. "Only your cooperation. You will meet with her this afternoon in the East Tower gardens. Ask her about her abilities. Assess her potential."

"As your agent? Or as her peer?"

"As a Gaspard," Kaelen said, setting down his cup with finality. "The Family has questions. You will help answer them."

The next panels depicted a subtle shift in the room's atmosphere—shadows deepening as power radiated from Kaelen in nearly invisible waves. Zayd remained outwardly calm; though, a close-up in his eyes revealed his irritation.

"I see," Zayd said finally. "Then I shall meet with her as requested."

"Excellent," Kaelen replied, rising to leave. "East Tower gardens, four o'clock. Don't be late."

Amy paused in her reading, a sigh leaving her. "I wish I could smack my past self for choosing foresight as my ability…"

[I wish I could smack you too.]

"You little—" she took a deep breath, calming herself while thinking: it isn’t worth it. Then she returned to reading the manga.

After his uncle departed, a close-up panel showed Zayd's expression darkening, his fists clenching at his sides. His internal monologue appeared in a text box:

“Just you wait, one day I will become free.”

After another time skip, the manga showed Zayd right after finishing combat class. A watch on his left wrist indicated it was break time, almost time for divination class.

His internal monologue continued: “Missing uncle's class would be seen as deliberate provocation. Perhaps it is.”

Zayd smiled at the thought.

The scene then continued with Zayd moving silently through the Academy corridors. The panels depicted him pausing as he caught sight of Crow and his companions talking in a secluded corner of the grounds.

A close-up of Zayd's eyes narrowing with interest followed as he noticed Amy with them, the newest addition to their circle.

“I should prepare for our meeting,” his thought bubble read. “But something about their gathering feels... significant.”

Rather than continuing toward his quarters, Zayd slipped into an alcove, his hands forming a distinct pattern, his fingers interlacing in a complex sequence that caused his eyes to momentarily darken to solid black.

Zayd's consciousness seemed to separate from his body, forming an invisible observer that followed Crow's group as they moved toward the Class S dormitories. The technique—rendered in ethereal, translucent panels overlaid on the main scene—allowed him to listen undetected as they entered Crow's room.

"What the—” Amy interjected, her eyebrows shooting up. “The hell is that!? How is Crow’s ability not detecting it?"

[I just checked, and it is honestly very interesting. Mmm… I suppose that you will find out in a few minutes, so I’m probably allowed to tell you. That is one of the Onyx tribe’s spells.]

“...what?” all her thoughts stopped abruptly.

[As you heard it.]

“Wait, what…? I don’t remember this being in the manga, did I gloss over it?”

[You didn’t. It was neither told nor shown in the original; although, it had always been there. It's another change.]

Amy stared at the page, her mind reeling from the revelation. "Onyx tribe? Are you serious right now?"

[Yes, quite serious.]

"But that doesn't make any sense," she protested, sitting up straighter. "Aren’t they like the big baddies?Zayd's evil???"

[How about you keep reading and find out?]

With an exasperated groan, Amy returned to the manga. The panels showed Zayd's perspective as he witnessed the most crucial parts of the conversation.

After it ended, a panel showed his spiritual form withdrawing, returning to his physical body in the alcove. His eyes returned to their normal amber color as he leaned against the wall, processing what he had witnessed.

“So that's what they're planning,” his thought bubble read. “The Eastern Wing... where time distorts and reality bends. It's no coincidence this happens now, just as the Vernal Alignment approaches.”

The scene shifted to the East Tower gardens, where Zayd waited at the tea table, his expression serene. A small text box revealed his internal debate:

“Should I warn them of the dangers? Or is this path necessary? The Eastern Wing has shown me only chaos in my visions..."

His thoughts were interrupted by Madame Elise announcing Amy's arrival. Zayd composed himself, schooling his features into polite neutrality as Amy approached.

The manga depicted their tea conversation, with particular detail on Zayd's reactions to Amy's questions. When she asked about seeing his own future, a close-up panel showed his slight surprise followed by a flash of suspicion in his amber eyes.

“That question,” his thought bubble read. “It follows the Tribe's Third Protocol for approaching potential recruits. Is she one of them? Does she serve the same masters as I pretend to?”

The scene continued, showing Zayd's growing confusion as Amy's conversational style contradicted what he expected from a Tribe agent. When she asked about changing a moment in his past, his internal monologue revealed his thoughts:

“She's breaking the Protocol. The questions are right, but the delivery is wrong. Is this deliberate? A test? Did the tribe of Onyx realize I was planning on betraying them? Or does she genuinely not know the significance of what she's asking?”

"Wait," Amy interrupted her reading, frowning. "Let me get this straight... From what I’m reading, Zayd is pretending to work with the Tribe of Onyx but isn't actually loyal to them? And he thought that I might be testing his loyalty?"

[It appears so.]

"Ok, ok… So Kaelen was setting me up to look like a Tribe agent, while Zayd was pretending to be one, while trying to figure out if I was one too, while I was trying to fool Zayd into not appearing like one, and later on he realises my “plan” of fooling Kaelen, but in reality it was my ability just telling me what to do... This is like a Russian nesting doll of deception."

[When you put it that way, it sounds so convoluted.]

“The worst part is that isn’t all. Apart from this conversation, we also have the readers who don’t know they are getting fooled either. How many layers does this have?”

[Maybe we are also another layer; after all, the goddess is probably spectating right now.]

Holy shit wait, there are more layers.

“I’m starting to get confused…”

Amy shook her head. She was tired of thinking; moreover, it was getting late. The faster she finished reading the chapter, the faster she could go to sleep.

With a long sigh, she continued reading.

The final sequence of their tea meeting showed Zayd become increasingly convinced that Amy was not what she appeared to be. When she asked her third question about changing fate, a panel zoomed in on Zayd’s eyes, showing a moment of recognition and decision.

“She's not from the Tribe,” his thought bubble revealed. “She couldn't be—their agents would never be this... genuine. These questions are truly hers, albeit suspiciously aligned with their recruitment protocol. Or... is this her way of communicating? Does she know I've seen their plans? Is this a request for an alliance?”

His thoughts were interrupted after Kaelen's arrival, his cold disapproval evident as he observed them.

At that moment, the manga once again turned to the past, showing the familiar conversation Amy had with Kaelen about the three questions.

This time, though, it also added Kaelen's internal plan to change Zayd’s fate.

After the conversation, the manga once again returned to the present. A close-up on Zayd's face captured his realization:

“Uncle was indeed planning something. But something went wrong. I don’t know what, but she's outsmarted him somehow.”

The manga next showed the tense discussion between Zayd and his uncle. After Amy departed, Kaelen shut the conversation down, clearly mad and unwilling to converse any longer.

The final panels showed Zayd quickly writing a note a text box revealing his decision:

“That Amy Stake is planning something…whatever it is, I’m currently desperate enough to need her. It can’t be a coincidence that she’s with Crow. Fate has been drawing Crow and me together, tangling our threads into a single cord. Perhaps it's time I stopped resisting. Maybe this is truly the path where I gain freedom, in the chaos of uncertainty.”

The last panel showed Zayd instructing Madame Elise to deliver his note to Amy, his expression resolute despite the uncertainty reflected in his eyes.

[End of Chapter 155]

Amy let out a slow breath as she finished reading, setting the book down on her lap. "Well, that sure was...one of the chapters of all time."

[I agree, though I don’t know what you mean by that.]

"...So, Zayd is like a double agent, right?" She frowned, thinking through the implications. “Should we trust him?" the obvious question left her mouth.

Like seriously, it wasn’t like she had much trust in him before the revelation, but it also wasn’t like she was wary of him. All of her reluctance to interact with him previously was because of his uncle. But now…

[That depends on whether his goals align with yours. He clearly desires freedom, a sentiment that all living beings can relate to somewhat. Whether that makes him an ally or another complication remains to be seen.]

"In the original story, he never becomes a villain, right? Or am I remembering things incorrectly?"

[You are correct. Though his neutrality is always tenuous at best.]

Amy sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Why is everything so complicated..."

Amy closed the book with a sigh, seemingly hesitating before reopening it to the comments section.

"Actually..." she said, her fingers lingering on the cover, "maybe we should save the comments for tomorrow. It's getting late, and I need to process what I just read."

[...Amy…]

Amy's lips quivered into a small smile. "I'm just kidding. Don’t worry, I’m really ready,” she said with a small laugh while reopening the book. “Show me the most popular comments as well as any threads you think I will find useful. Let's see what these random people on the internet have to say about me. How bad could it be, right?"

[Famous last words.]

The book's pages began to glow, shifting and reformatting.

[Displaying comments from both chapters 154 and 155.]

[Ch.154]

AnalyticalReader: A DOUBLE RELEASE!!!!!!! And this chapter is literally so packed with development. From the aftermath of Building B to the mystery box to Crow's father connections… Crow's perspective on the box was so well-written! That moment when he held it and realized it was from his father, you could FEEL the weight of that revelation. The way he kept it from the Headmistress shows he still doesn't trust the Academy hierarchy.

↳ 3.3k likes ⋅ 597 comments

MangaVeteran replying to AnalyticalReader: That final scene with the box being opened was peak Takahashi-sensei. Build up the expectation for 100+ chapters only to reveal another key and more mystery I hate this man.

↳ 1.5k likes ⋅ 197 comments

MysteryLover98: Okay but Crow's "Fuck." as the first word of the chapter was literally me after the last cliffhanger. Takahashi-sensei knows exactly what he's doing to us.

↳ 908 likes ⋅ 42 comments

CommonSense2023 replying to MysteryLover98: The way the artist drew his face in that panel, like he'd aged 10 years in one day... I've never seen Crow look so exhausted.

↳ 214 likes ⋅ 7 comments

AestheticDoom: Crow putting Amy's book by her bedside while she was unconscious was the most lowkey sweet thing he's done in 100+ chapters. The panel where he bowed and said thanks? My heart.

↳ 893 likes ⋅ 78 comments

ShipWars2023 replying to AestheticDoom: This is how you build a relationship - small, significant moments rather than forced romance, other mangakas should take note.

↳ 126 likes ⋅ 78 comments

PatternRecognition: Did anyone else catch that Crow thinks Amy "knew everything" and "gave the book expecting those creatures to appear"? He's literally confirming she has some serious prophetic abilities.

↳ 784 likes ⋅ 68 comments

ConspiracyTracker: More mysteries + Blood Emperor ritual + Gaspards + Amy and her mysterious book = I'm not sleeping tonight.

↳ 65 likes ⋅ 4 comments

CriticalReader21: Am I the only one who thinks this plot is getting unnecessarily convoluted? Keys that lead to more keys, mysterious books, prophecies about prophecies... it feels like the author is making it up as he goes along.

↳ 17 likes ⋅ 28 replies

D0raTheExpl0rer replying to CriticalReader21: Bro's been reading for 154 chapters and just now realized

↳ 118 likes

ZaydFan2000: No Zayd again this chapter I miss my boy!!!!

↳ 294 likes ⋅ 23 comments

[Ch.155]

ZaydFan2000: OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG ZAYD POV.

↳ 4.3k likes ⋅ 823 comments

NotLikeOtherMCs replying to ZaydFan2000: Real.

↳ 2.3k likes ⋅ 523 comments

ZaydFan2000: FINALLY A ZAYD-CENTRIC CHAPTER!!!!! My prayers have been answered! And what a chapter it was - revealing his secret rebellion against his family and the Tribe, his astral projection abilities, his decision to ally with Crow and Amy... I'm so proud of my boy! 🥹

↳ 1.8k likes ⋅ 167 comments

PremonitionSeeker: ZAYD IS A DOUBLE AGENT?!?!?! How did I not see this coming? The signs were all there!

↳ 3.2k likes ⋅ 231 comments

NotLikeOtherMCs replying to PremonitionSeeker: The way they revealed it was brilliant. We thought Kaelen was the only villain in the Gaspard family but turns out he's just a pawn for the real bad guys.

↳ 729 likes ⋅ 51 comments

MysteryLover98 replying to NotLikeOtherMCs: Brainwashed pawn* Remember how Zayd thought about "the same method they used with you" when talking to his uncle? Sounds like Kaelen might be a victim too.

↳ 468 likes ⋅ 21 comments

TheoristSage: So let me get this straight: Kaelen wanted Amy to look like a Tribe agent to Zayd, but Zayd is pretending to be a Tribe agent while suspecting Amy might be one testing his loyalty, while Amy is just playing them both? Literally 5d chest.

↳ 2.7k likes ⋅ 189 comments

CognitiveDrift replying to TheoristSage: And then Zayd realizes Amy outplayed Kaelen somehow, decides she's worth allying with, and sends her a note about the Eastern Wing that he learned about by spying on them with what probably is onyx magic. My brain hurts.

↳ 693 likes ⋅ 89 comments

Fate_Navigator replying to CognitiveDrift: Takahashi-sensei really said "you thought Arc 1 was complicated? Hold my beer."

↳ 418 likes ⋅ 49 comments

PlotHound: The dynamic between Amy and Lain should be explored more. The way Lain called Amy out on her bluffing was crazy, "...you would come regardless of what any of us say." chills. She did the same thing with Crow. Lain is the only one consistently seeing through everyone's bs and I'm here for it. She barely speaks but when she does, it MATTERS.

↳ 1.1k likes ⋅ 87 comments

NoContextMemes replying to PlotHound: Lain: "you are bluffing" Amy: surprised pika face.

↳ 821 likes ⋅ 27 comments

LoreHunter99: So we have: A mysterious golden box from Crow's missing father that was somehow in a Blood Emperor ritual chamber which contains...another key that supposedly leads to "The Library"? My conspiracy theory board is going crazy right now.

↳ 1.4k likes ⋅ 203 comments

TheoristSage replying to LoreHunter99: The Library has been hinted at since chapter 27. Remember when Vanheim mentioned "knowledge lost to all but those who guard the eternal archives"?

↳ 25 likes ⋅ 44 comments

Arandomguy replying to TheoristSage: This is such a reach lol.

↳ 125 likes ⋅ 7 comments

HollowPlush replying to LoreHunter99: Honestly the most interesting part of this whole subplot are Amy and her book. Everyone's focused on the golden key but she and her sentient artifact are right there. Like, that book knows things. I bet it could tell us everything about the Library if it wanted to.

↳ 173 likes ⋅ 21 replies

BloodiedSword replying to HollowPlush: First Amy stan that I see, lol

↳ 67 likes ⋅ 8 comments

HollowPlush replying to BloodiedSword: Not just Amy, but also her book!!! That cute little floating thing is hiding major secrets and I want a whole chapter from its perspective. Imagine the mysterious, ancient voice it would have!

↳ 105 likes ⋅ 4 comments

CelestiaPrime: Going through the Headmaster's office? RIP to our protagonists, it was nice knowing you all

↳ 423 likes ⋅ 18 comments

VanheimFanclub: Y’all remember when Vanheim was trying to warn Crow about getting too involved with Amy? I bet it was foreshadowing, something big is going to happen in the Eastern wing.

↳ 321 likes ⋅ 31 comments

CalmNinja replying to VanheimFanclub: Vanheim knows waaaay more than he's letting on. The way he said "Not everything—or everyone—is as they first appear" was definitely not just about Amy.

↳ 187 likes ⋅ 21 comments

EmpathicSoul: Zayd's thought about freedom was heartbreaking. "One day I will become free." What has my poor boy been through?

↳ 1.9k likes ⋅ 127 comments

GaspardLorekeeper replying to EmpathicSoul: The Gaspard family has always been portrayed as prestigious but with dark undercurrents. Now we're seeing just how controlling they really are.

↳ 412 likes ⋅ 77 comments

PhilosophicalMind replying to GaspardLorekeeper: It's the perfect parallel to Crow searching for his father. Zayd has a family but wishes to escape them, while Crow has no family but desperately seeks one.

↳ 876 likes ⋅ 47 comments

HollowPlush: I'm calling it now. Amy's sentient book is somehow related to The Library they're trying to find. She knew about the box because of the book, she knew about the Eastern Wing because of the book, and the booook is always "coincidentally" around when important revelations happen! And the reason she knew is because of the boooook!!! That thing is the real mastermind of this series and I will DIE on this hill!

↳ 436 likes ⋅ 343 comments

FateReader replying to HollowPlush: I swear you comment about that book in every thread

↳ 129 likes ⋅ 17 comments

HollowPlush replying to FateReader: IT'S IMPORTANT!! Imagine the centuries of knowledge it must contain! The secrets! The wisdom! And it chose AMY of all people. There's a reason for that and I need answers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

↳ 207 likes ⋅ 17 comments

MangaPhilosopher replying to HollowPlush: You ok dude?

↳ 316 likes ⋅ 7 comments

AcidRainDreamer: The Onyx Tribe being behind everything makes so much sense now. Remember the prophecy about the "shadows weaving fate's web"? They weren't just talking about the Blood Emperor.

↳ 1.3k likes ⋅ 98 comments

PatternRecognition replying to AcidRainDreamer: The layered deception going on here is wild. Makes you wonder how many other characters are playing double or triple roles that we don't know about yet.

↳ 376 likes

TribalAnalyst: The Onyx Tribe's "Third Protocol" for approaching potential recruits is fascinating. It suggests they have a whole system for identifying and converting seers. Makes you wonder how many other prophetic users they've targeted besides the Gaspards.

↳ 987 likes ⋅ 73 comments

SilentObserver replying to TribalAnalyst: And now we know why Kaelen was so interested in Amy, a non-Gaspard seer would be a prime target for the Tribe, so he's either trying to recruit her first or eliminate the competition.

↳ 356 likes ⋅ 43 comments

MagicMaven42: That astral projection technique Zayd used to spy on Crow's meeting? That’s Onyx Tribe magic. He's in deeper than I thought. Plus it confirms the Tribe has been watching the main cast this whole time.

↳ 1.2k likes ⋅ 394 comments

Abro replying to MagicMaven42: Wait, so does this mean the Tribe knows about their plan to go to the Eastern Wing? Is Zayd's offer to help genuine or is he leading them into a trap?

↳ 321 likes ⋅ 94 comments

CharacterAnalyst: Zayd's going to be a game-changing ally for the group. He has insider knowledge of the Tribe, divination abilities different from Amy's, and astral projection? Team Protagonist just got a major power boost.

↳ 765 likes ⋅ 43 comments

DeepLorist replying to CharacterAnalyst: IF we can trust him. Double agents can triple-cross just as easily.

↳ 214 likes ⋅ 23 comments

StoryStructuralist: This is brilliant setup for the Eastern Wing arc. Now we have:

1. Crow seeking answers about his father
2. The entire group together + Amy
3. Zayd joining as a wild card with his own agenda
4. The threat of the Academy AND the Tribe potentially stopping them.
5. The stakes have never been higher.

↳ 986 likes ⋅ 67 comments

CriticalReader21: This story is getting ridiculously convoluted. Now we're supposed to believe Zayd has been a fake Tribe agent this whole time? Feels like the author is retconning earlier characterization.

↳ 38 likes ⋅ 37 replies

LogicalResponseTeam replying to CriticalReader21: Bro, Zayd has had like 15 appearances total before this. There's nothing to retcon.

↳ 247 likes ⋅ 47 replies

ThatGuyOnRedlit: The Vernal Alignment that Zayd mentioned... isn't that the celestial event that's supposed to weaken the barriers between dimensions? The timing of all this can't be coincidental.

↳ 654 likes ⋅ 43 comments

Thread: ZAYD THEORY MEGATHREAD (Spoilers for Ch. 155)

GaspardExpert [Thread Starter]: Alright, after that bombshell in Chapter 155, we need to consolidate our Zayd theories. Here's what we know:

1. Zayd is pretending to work with the Tribe of Onyx while actually planning to betray them
2. He has access to Tribe magic (that astral projection spell)
3. He believes fate is bringing him and Crow together for a reason
4. He's seeking "freedom" from both his family and the Tribe

Let's discuss what this means for the plot going forward. Personally, I think Zayd is going to be the key to understanding the true nature of prophetic abilities in this world.

↳ 2.1k likes ⋅ 317 comments

LoreHunter99 replying to GaspardExpert: Don't forget that in Chapter 97, Zayd briefly mentioned "the prison of foreknowledge" when talking to Crow. At the time it seemed like he was being poetic, but now it sounds like he was literally describing his situation.

↳ 487 likes ⋅ 57 comments

OutsideContext replying to GaspardExpert: The Tribe of Onyx has been the shadow villain for so long, it's exciting to finally see their methods in action. The fact that they have an established protocol for recruiting seers suggests they've been doing this for centuries.

↳ 369 likes ⋅ 17 comments

ZaydFan2000 replying to GaspardExpert: I've been saying Zayd would be important ever since his first appearance. His whole "I must walk my path alone" attitude wasn't edginess, he was protecting others from getting caught in his dangerous double life.

↳ 293 likes ⋅ 25 comments

DeepLore replying to GaspardExpert: Here's my theory: the Gaspard family was originally formed to counter the Tribe of Onyx, but over generations, they were infiltrated and corrupted. Zayd might be one of the few "true" Gaspards left who remembers their original purpose.

↳ 531 likes ⋅ 32 replies

TheoristSupreme replying to DeepLore: That would explain why the Gaspards have such a monopoly on prophetic abilities! They were meant to be guardians against the Tribe, but now they're compromised.

↳ 214 likes ⋅ 13 comments

SilentObserver replying to DeepLore: What if Crow's father discovered this corruption and that's why he disappeared? Maybe he hid himself to work against them from the shadows.

↳ 178 likes

CriticalReader21 replying to GaspardExpert: Here's a crazy thought: what if this whole "double agent" thing is actually a triple cross? What if Zayd IS loyal to the Tribe and this inner monologue is just setting up readers to be shocked when he betrays everyone?

↳ 5 likes ⋅ 16 replies

LogicalReader replying to CriticalReader21: That would undermine the entire point of an internal monologue, which is to show a character's true thoughts. Why would the author lie to readers like that?

↳ 83 likes ⋅ 2 replies

Thread: The Dynamic Between Amy & Lain (Analysis)

CharacterDynamics [Thread Starter]: Can we talk about what's happening between Amy and Lain? The whole "you are bluffing, you would come regardless of what any of us say" moment felt huge.

I think there's something special developing here. Lain, who barely speaks to anyone, called Amy out immediately. And instead of being defensive, Amy just... accepted it. Like they understand each other on some level the others don't.

This makes SO much sense after what they went through in the nightmare together. Lain literally carried unconscious Amy out while fighting those creatures. They've seen each other at their most vulnerable and desperate moments.

Thoughts on where this relationship is heading?

↳ 1.7k likes ⋅ 213 comments

LainDefenseSquad replying to CharacterDynamics: I've been tracking Lain's dialogue count for the entire series, and she's spoken more to Amy in these few chapters than to ANYONE else except Crow. That's significant.

↳ 456 likes ⋅ 83 comments

IceQueenLover replying to CharacterDynamics: You know how Lain struggles to express her feelings? Maybe she sees in Amy someone who does the opposite, hiding true intentions behind a confident facade. They're complimentary.

↳ 321 likes ⋅ 13 comments

FrozenRose replying to IceQueenLover: Exactly. Lain doesn't speak much but is honest when she does. Amy speaks plenty but often hides her true thoughts. They balance each other.

↳ 287 likes ⋅ 8 comments

HollowPlush replying to CharacterDynamics: I just want to point out that Amy's book was there for this whole interaction too. What if the book is somehow helping Lain see through Amy's act? Maybe it has some truth-revealing powers we don't know about yet.

↳ 73 likes ⋅ 7 replies

BookwormBait replying to HollowPlush: You really need to chill with the book theories in every thread

↳ 126 likes ⋅ 3 comments

HollowPlush replying to BookwormBait: NEVER. That book is the key to everything and I will die on this hill! slams fist on table

↳ 108 likes

Shipper87245 replying to CharacterDynamics: Ok but are we shipping them or...?

↳ 93 likes ⋅ 124 replies

AntishippingLeague replying to Shipper87245: They've known each other for like a week…

↳ 127 likes ⋅ 23 comments

ShipRights replying to AntishippingLeague: People ship Crow with anyone he makes eye contact with for 2 seconds, why the double standard?

↳ 414 likes ⋅ 53 comments

Thread: The Library of Time (Theory)

AncientLoreSeeker [Thread Starter]: I think I've figured out what "The Library" is. In chapter 43, there was a brief mention of "the lost archives where all paths of time are recorded." Then in chapter 87, Vanheim talked about "knowledge forbidden even to the Academy's highest circles."

I believe The Library isn't just a collection of books, it's a place where all possible futures are recorded as they happen! That would explain why it's hidden beneath the Academy where "time distorts."

And if Crow's father discovered it, that might explain why he disappeared - he saw something in the future that he had to prevent.

↳ 1.3k likes ⋅ 189 comments

ConspiracyTracker replying to AncientLoreSeeker: This would also explain why seers are so valuable/dangerous. If they can naturally glimpse what The Library contains, they'd be both a threat to whoever controls it AND a target for recruitment.

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HollowPlush replying to AncientLoreSeeker: OMG YES! And what if Amy's book is literally FROM this Library?! That would explain why it seems to know things before they happen and why it chose Amy specifically! Omg…

↳ 898 likes ⋅ 219 replies

BookwormBait replying to HollowPlush: You might actually be onto something.

↳ 156 likes ⋅ 49 comments

HollowPlush replying to BookwormBait: Look, when that book turns out to be the most important artifact in the entire series I'll be the one laughing!!!! I've been making theories about it since chapter 152 and I WILL be vindicated!!!!

↳ 87 likes ⋅ 49 comments

TimeManipulation replying to AncientLoreSeeker: If The Library records all possible futures, wouldn't that mean it's constantly changing? Every decision creates new branches of possibility.

↳ 342 likes ⋅ 49 comments

LoreExpert replying to TimeManipulation: Unless it exists outside of linear time entirely. What if The Library doesn't just record futures - what if it's the nexus point where all realities converge?

↳ 287 likes ⋅ 29 comments

Thread: Kaelen is the WORST (Spoilers for 155)

KaelenHaters [Thread Starter]: Can we talk about how absolutely vile Kaelen is? Not only is he manipulating his own nephew, but he's trying to use Amy as a pawn in whatever sick game he's playing with the Tribe.

"The family has questions. You will help answer them." The casual way he treats people like tools is disgusting. And the way he threatened Amy after divination class? Straight up villain behavior.

Anyone else hate this creepy dude as much as I do?

↳ 876 likes ⋅ 103 comments

PsychAnalyst replying to KaelenHaters: The interesting part is that Zayd implied Kaelen himself might be a victim of the Family. "The same method they used with you" suggests Kaelen went through something traumatic that made him who he is.

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GrayMorality replying to PsychAnalyst: Exactly. I think Kaelen is more tragic than purely villainous. The Gaspard family and the Tribe have clearly been using manipulation techniques for generations.

↳ 198 likes ⋅ 23 comments

AngryReader2357 replying to KaelenHaters: I hope he gets what's coming to him. The way he threatened Amy makes my blood boil.

↳ 47 likes ⋅ 13 comments

EvilPlans replying to AngryReader2357: A teacher who knows something is very wrong with that "student"... Amy's appearance and powers are suspicious, and Kaelen clearly knows more about what she really is than we do.

↳ 126 likes ⋅ 18 replies

HollowPlush replying to EvilPlans: There's NOTHING wrong with Amy! I'm tired of people acting like she's suspicious just because she has unique powers and a sentient magical book companion! Kaelen is just jealous because her divination abilities aren't bound by his family's rules!!!!!

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RealisticPerspective replying to HollowPlush: Amy literally appeared out of nowhere with unexplained powers and knowledge. Of course that's suspicious, even if she turns out to be good.

↳ 156 likes ⋅ 33 comments

Thread: Unpopular Opinion: This manga is getting too complex

ExhaustedReader [Thread Starter]: I'm going to get downvoted to oblivion, but I need to say it: Quest for Avalon is becoming too convoluted for its own good.

We now have:

• Crow's father mystery
• The Academy's secrets
• The Eastern Wing
• The Library
• The Gaspard family drama
• The Tribe of Onyx
• The Blood Emperor
• Amy's mysterious powers
• Zayd's double agent status
• About 15 other subplots I'm forgetting

I've been reading since chapter 1, but I'm struggling to keep track of everything. It feels like Takahashi-sensei is adding complexity for complexity's sake rather than advancing the core story.

Anyone else feeling overwhelmed?

↳ 176 likes ⋅ 698 comments

LoyalFan123 replying to ExhaustedReader: No, you're absolutely right, don’t listen to the hive-mind. I love this manga but sometimes I need to reread multiple chapters just to understand what's happening.

↳ 74 likes ⋅ 398 comments

PlotDefender replying to ExhaustedReader: Hard disagree. Complex doesn't mean convoluted. All these threads are connected, you just need to pay attention.

↳ 997 likes ⋅ 45 comments

MangaScholar replying to ExhaustedReader: This is actually very typical of long-running mystery series. The middle arcs often seem the most complex because they're connecting early plot points to later revelations.

↳ 234 likes ⋅ 28 comments

SimpleJoys replying to ExhaustedReader: I agree. I miss when this was just about Crow and his friends dealing with academy life and occasional monsters. Now everyone's a secret agent with 5 different agendas.

↳ 87 likes ⋅ 132 replies

DepthAppreciator replying to SimpleJoys: That was literally just the first 10 chapters. Did you expect 150+ chapters of school slice-of-life?

↳ 376 likes ⋅ 82 replies

SimpleTastes replying to ExhaustedReader: I've started just reading for the character moments and cool battles. The plot is too convoluted to fully grasp anyway.

↳ 32 likes

Thread: Amy Stake is a VILLAIN and here's why (155 spoilers)

VillainSeeker [Thread Starter]: Everyone's getting caught up in the Zayd revelations, but I think we're missing the biggest twist hiding in plain sight: AMY STAKE IS A VILLAIN.

Evidence:

1. She appears EXACTLY when the Blood Emperor ritual happens
2. Her powers align perfectly with what the Tribe values (rare non-Gaspard seer)
3. She immediately attaches herself to the protagonist group
4. She's CONSTANTLY lying and manipulating everyone
5. She knows things she shouldn't possibly know

I think she's playing an even longer game than Zayd - possibly working for a third faction we haven't even met yet.

↳ 347 likes ⋅ 1213 comments

HollowPlush replying to VillainSeeker: OHHH FUCK OFFF. shut the fuck up. SHUT THE FUCK UP. Shut the fuck up holy shit shut the fuck up. shut the fuck up. SHUT THE FUCK UP. Shut the fuck up holy shit shut the fuck up. shut the fuck up. SHUT THE FUCK UP. Shut the fuck up holy shit shut the fuck up.

↳ 87 likes ⋅ 1001 comments

SspypsS replying to HollowPlush: Bro…?

↳ 487 likes ⋅ 10 comments

LogicalThinker replying to VillainSeeker: You're misreading everything. She's mysterious, yes, but every piece of evidence you listed could easily be explained by her simply being a powerful seer with good intentions.

↳ 214 likes ⋅ 60 comments

BalancedView replying to VillainSeeker: I think the truth is somewhere in the middle. Amy probably has a secret agenda, but that doesn't make her a villain. She's helped too many people to be purely evil.

↳ 687 likes ⋅ 40 comments

VillainSeeker replying to BalancedView: The best villains are the ones who do good things for bad reasons. Just watch - she's using these kids to get to The Library for her own purposes.

↳ 23 likes ⋅ 37 replies

CriticalReader2100 replying to VillainSeeker: Honestly if that’s the case, might actually become a fan.

↳ 31 likes ⋅ 5 comments

RealisticPerspective replying to VillainSeeker: Just because a character is mysterious doesn't make them a villain. The manga has shown Amy's thoughts, she genuinely wants to help.

↳ 156 likes ⋅ 4 comments

MangaDefender replying to VillainSeeker: Some of y'all just hate female characters who have agency.

↳ 43 likes ⋅ 15 comments

Amy closed the book with a heavy sigh, letting her head fall back against her pillow.

"Well, that wasn’t as bad as I feared," she muttered, her eyes fixed on the ceiling.

[Really?] Libris inquired.

“Yeah, I suppose that last time it affected me so much because…Elias, and that one comment who mocked his death…” the name was still hard to say, but it did not carry the same impossible weight that it did a few days prior; that chat with Libris sure did help a lot.

“But other than that…” she continued, “It’s just the internet. I've been basically living here since my birth, so…”

[Good to see you are doing better, seriously… Tell me, if it isn’t too much for you, what were your thoughts on everything overall?]

"First of all, it’s really funny how obsessed people are with you, if only they knew what a pain you actually are," Amy said with a short laugh.

[I find their advocacy rather endearing, actually. At least someone appreciates my significance to the narrative.]

"And what's with everyone being so invested in my relationship with Lain? We've barely interacted! And I have no interest in anybody right now. My problems are too big, too many!"

[The readers crave meaningful connections. And Lain did carry your unconscious body in a princess-carry. People have shipped characters for far less.]

Amy rolled her eyes. "At least the hate comments are minimal this time. Though that VillainSeeker person... they’re not wrong... I am kind of manipulating everyone."

[You're not malicious, though. There's a difference between manipulation for personal gain and manipulation to save lives.]

"Is there?" Amy asked softly. "Sometimes I wonder. The line feels pretty blurry from where I'm sitting..." She shook her head, as if physically dispelling the thought. After a moment, she added, "The theories about The Library being a place where all futures are recorded is interesting, though. And surprisingly close to the truth, from what I remember."

[Indeed. The readers are quite perceptive when they put their minds to it.]

“By the way, what about the theories around my power?”

[They haven’t changed much, so I didn’t include them. Basically people are still undecided on the extent of your powers and are awaiting responses.]

“I see…” Amy yawned, setting the book aside. "I should sleep. Tomorrow I need to start training in earnest if I'm going to increase my mastery before the Eastern Wing expedition."

[Don’t you want to see your updated status?]

“Tomorrow, right now I’m tired…”

[Many things to do tomorrow.]

“Telling Crow about Zayd, status, training, planning how to make sure that the readers believe you have a shared power with me… So much to do…”

[Indeed. You should rest, Amy. Don’t let me keep you awake.]

"G'night, Libris," she murmured, already drifting toward sleep. "Thanks for the walk earlier. It... helped."

[You're welcome, friend,] came the quiet reply, the metallic undertone briefly resurfacing in the word "friend."

But Amy was already asleep, the book watching over her as the Academy fell silent under the night sky.