"Front Seats to the End" (終わりのサイゼンセン Owari no saizensen?) is the one hundred and thirty-fifth chapter of the Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign manga series, written by Takaya Kagami and illustrated by Yamato Yamamoto.'
Synopsis[]
As Ferid consumes his remains, in a realm bearing a lone tree, Crowley awakens. Also entrapped in the tree are Horn and Chess. Slowly being turned into demons and devoured by Ferid, they see a manifestation some distance away. This aspect of Ferid had not responded to others he had eaten but does answer Crowley that this is the final stretch.
Physically, Ferid feels his powers should now be on par with a third progenitor before he leaps away. Elsewhere, Yu with Mika engage the vampire progenitors. Saito orders Yu captured. Shikama Doji attempts to assist Yu, even as Shinoa attacks him from within. The First's darkness powers strike Basteya, yet Urd defends Saito. While the vampires defend one another from Shikama Doji's powers, Yu plans with Mika to form four large black seraph wings.
Heading to Shikama Doji, Yu addresses him as father and says he is here to save him. The First has something to entrust to him. In their sphere, Shinoa means to absorb the First's power. With Arukanu before her, Krul finds Ferid join her, yet asks who he is.
Characters[]
List of characters in order of appearance:
- Ferid Bathory (a child manifestation too)
- Crowley Eusford
- Horn Skuld
- Chess Belle
- Basteya Irclu
- Lest Karr
- Yūichirō Hyakuya
- Saitō
- Urd Geales
- Mikaela Hyakuya (mentioned, helps generate Yu's power)
- Ky Luc
- Shikama Dōji
- Shinoa Hīragi
- Krul Tepes
- Arukanu
Summary[]
Crowley's remains are consumed by Ferid. Within a demon-like realm, a single tree stands isolated in its landscape. Trapped inside the tree's large form are multiple vampires, including Crowley. His name spoken, Crowley awakens to find both Horn Skuld and Chess Belle also imprisoned nearby.[1]
As Horn comments how they finally meet again, Crowley notices a sound around his waist as he registers how he is stuck. Remarking how it has been a while, Horn wishes it did not have to be under these circumstances however. Questioning how he could be so mean, Chess raises how Crowley acted as if he did not even notice when they vanished. Further, Chess adds Crowley did not even spent a single second looking for them.[2]
After Crowley responds that he thought they got bored of him and left, Chess refutes the idea they would leave his side without a word. Having a different view, Horn feels Crowley knew it, that he realized what had happened to them. Answering that is true, Crowley states Chess and Horn were his first servants so he had an idea.[3]
For those in the tree Crowley addresses how Ferid ate everyone in here. Wondering where they even are, Crowley asks what kind of place this is. Replying that they are slowly and gradually turning into demons, Horn continues that Ferid is equally slowly devouring them.[4]
Once Crowley has his answer that they are inside Ferid then, Chess sees this as obvious and mentions for him to look over there. Away some distance, Ferid sits alone and unconnected from the tree. Seeing Ferid's back to them, Crowley nonchalantly comments how now he is going to be a demon. Wondering if this is some human spell, Crowley speaks favorably how Ferid can do all kinds of things.[5]
Although unresponsive, Ferid seems to contemplate something. As Crowley registers the sound of the tree around him, Chess clarifies that is how he is slowly digesting them. As Chess apparently experiences this, Horn places her hand to another vampire nearby, one that appears drained and is unresponsive.[6]
Horn explains as the digestion progresses they will eventually lose consciousness. Seeing this, Crowley also hears that it is doubtful that his voice reached Lord Ferid at all. Detailing the situation more, Horn adds everyone here, themselves included have yelled and shouted at Ferid, where Crowley gathers there has been no response.[7]
Confirming that is the case, Horn states their voices at least have fallen on deaf ears. Hearing that, Crowley speaks to Ferid to ask whether that is true. The visage of Ferid remains silent, so Crowley can do little but say that is fine if he wants.[8]
Speaking that he will be watching from here inside him, Crowley feels this spot might give him the chance to see stuff that Ferid never showed him, specifically like what he is really thinking. Crowley is also interested in what Ferid is really planning.[9]
Turning his head at that, Ferid states that Crowley had best be watching closely then. Revealing that he has been working hard for a long time, Ferid affirms this is the last stretch. Where Chess is shocked, Horn is also taken aback at Ferid engaging with others.[10]
The spiked tips of the tree branches stab into Crowley and wrap round him. Where Crowley alone is affected, Horn shouts his name in alarm. Looking to him, Crowley views Ferid from his imprisoned vantage point. Having taken to standing, the manifestation of Ferid announces for them to do this then.[11]
Atop a building back in the physical world, Ferid speaks to himself how Crowley lived for a really long time, right up until a few minutes ago in fact. If his calculations are correct, now that Ferid has devoured Crowley he might just barely be on par with a third progenitor. His hand shaking with anticipation, Ferid thinks to test it out and leaps to where he has in mind.[12]
Elsewhere, Yu stands facing vampire progenitors. Basteya is nearby, as is Lest Karr. Also in the vicinity are Saito and Urd. As curse based darkness covers Yu he speaks for his desires to be devoured and for Mikaela to go berserk. Yu's teeth become fangs and demon horns are formed on top of his head.[13]
Angered at this turn of events, Saito declares he did not expect Yu to listen to reason anyway. Ordering that he be captured, Saito specifies that Yu is not to be harmed though. In response, Ky Luc questions is that even possible. With this many of them, Lest Karr reasons it ought to be easy.[14]
Lying nailed to the floor of the prison he is in, Shikama Doji invokes darkness to protect Yu. In raising his arm however, the First finds his hand has been severed off. As blood drips on his face, Shikama Doji thinks how Shinoa's attacks are starting to affect his external body.[15]
Accordingly, Shikama Doji speaks for darkness where through a halo mirror like construct an aura of darkness is formed. With this, Shikama Doji guides the power to rot those vampires. The vaguely orb like shadow breaks into at least five others which are then propelled through the air.[16]
While Yu is enraged by the demonic energy active through him, Ky Luc along with Lest Karr and Basteya pick up on the streaks of darkness that have smashed their way out of a building nearby. The nearest shadow hones in towards Lest Karr and Urd.[17]
Identifying this, Saito commands all to dodge. Although Ky Luc appears unsure to the extent of the danger, Lest Karr crouches to avoid the shadows. Ducking, Urd also manages to avoid one. While Basteya sees one in time, they are struck by the darkness where their upper half disappears.[18]
Having likely evaded the attacks, Ky Luc is surprised where it has dawned on him and Lest Karr that the First can attack too. Additionally, Yu is right there and preparing to strike Ky Luc. Calling for his own sword, Ky Luc generates his weapon around his arm.[19]
From behind where Saito is, two streams of energy dive down towards him. Shouting his name, Urd manages to knock Saito out of their path. Requesting that Urd have his back, Saito fires chains out his hand to snare the darkness zipping around. The chains can reach individual orbs of darkness and catch them.[20]
One chain draws near Yu who has set his sights on Urd. As Saito concentrates, Urd slashes across a shadow yet finds the upper section of his sword has completely melted. Regarding the remaining half of the blade, Urd speaks for his sword to drink as much of his blood as it must. Urd's sword is able to reform anew, and shimmers with a harsh light. Urd finds himself targeted by two streaks of darkness.[21]
Darting upwards, Urd's empowered sword can now cut apart the withering energies. When Urd lands, he and Saito both notice the many black orbs floating above them. Damning it, Urd calls to Rigr that this might be difficult if they do not destroy the original first. Deeming it impressive, Saito remarks how Shikama Doji still has this much strength left.[22]
Each singular orbs emits a black electrical-like stream towards their targets. Ready with an answer for this, Saito invokes his chains to protect as he covers Lest Karr from the spheres' attacks. The chains are able to endure these blasts.[23]
Ever saturated with demon power, Yu is prepared with Mika for their plan. Saying for Mika to do it now, Yu produces four large feathered seraph wings. Taking to the sky, Yu heads towards the breakage in the building from where the shadows came.[24]
Saito orders Urd to stop him. Blood drips from Urd's hand who has evidently drawn upon more power. Without a word Urd complies at once and casts off a gigantic strike from his weapon. Upfront that it won't be unharmed, in fact Urd has concluded if they cannot control Yu then it is better to kill him anyway.[25]
Reaching the open side of the building, Yu finds the cage within. Seeing him, in his mind Shikama Doji calls Yu's name. Seeing that Shikama Doji looks tired, Yu adds it is like he always did in his memories. Yu does not know how yet but he is here to save Shikama Doji, who he addresses as father.[26]
Willing him to hurry, Shikama Doji communicates that it seems he does not have much time left. The First adds that he needs to entrust something to him.[27]
Inside their realm, Shinoa has stabbed her hand into Shikama Doji there. Laughing with success, Shinoa calls for all of it, every last bit. Her face adorned with blackened markings, Shinoa proclaims that she will absorb every last drop of the First.[28]
Stood alone amongst buildings, Krul finds Arukanu has come to her. The being flies over and prepares to perch on Krul's outstretched finger. Finding that someone has landed violently behind her, Krul turns to the other newcomer.[29]
Where Krul appears unsure of this even though it is Ferid, it is commented that he is so much different now than last time. Then saying for him to wait, Krul questions who Ferid is as she stares at him thoroughly. Responding that he is a big fan of hers, Ferid labels Krul as M'lady Queen.[30]
Quotes[]
| “ | Lord Crowley. We finally meet again. It's been a while, Lord Crowley. Though I wish it didn't have to be under these circumstances. | ” |
–Horn speaks upon finding Crowley has joined her and Chess in the tree within Ferid. Page 3-4 | ||
| “ | Lord Crowley, how could you be so mean? When we vanished, it was as if you didn't even notice! You didn't spend even one second looking for us! | ” |
–Chess points out her justified grievances after seeing Crowley again, and providing background given that herself and Horn have not been mentioned in their absence. Page 4 | ||
| “ | Oh, I thought you got bored of me and left. | ” |
–Crowley's comical response and reason for not thinking anything of Chess and Horn not being seen. Page 4 | ||
| “ | True. You two were my first servants. I had an idea. So Ferid ate everyone in here, huh? Where are we, anyway? What kind of place is this? | ” |
–Crowley had an idea of what may have happened to Chess and Horn, then turns to how they are all here in a place connected to Ferid. Page 5 | ||
| “ | We are slowly, gradually being transformed into demons... While he equally slowly devours us. | ” |
–Horn understanding the situation they are in concerning the tree that contains them. Page 5 | ||
| “ | Ah. Now I'm gonna be a demon, huh? Is this some human spell? Boy, you can do all kind of things, Ferid. | ” |
–Crowley attempts to communicate with the unresponsive manifestation of Ferid within view. Page 7 | ||
| “ | Yeah. That's how he's slowly digesting us... | ” |
–Chess explains the sounds of the tree to Crowley and is aware of what Ferid is doing. Page 7 | ||
| “ | Ah well. That's fine, if you want. I'll be watching, from here inside you. Besides, this spot might give me the chance to see stuff you never showed me... ...Like what you're really thinking. What you're really planning. | ” |
–Crowley telling himself the situation is fine and trying to find something positive out of it. Page 10 | ||
| “ | You'd best be watching closely then, Crowley. I've been working hard a long time. This is the last stretch. | ” |
–Ferid's form around the tree sphere answers Crowley. Page 11 | ||
| “ | Crowley lived for a really, really long time. Right up until a few moments ago, in fact. If my calculations are correct, now that I've devoured him I might just barely be on par with a third progenitor. I think, but I guess we'll see. | ” |
–Ferid speaks aloud to himself as he considers his next step. Page 14 | ||
| “ | Hah! I didn't expect you to listen to reason, anyway. Capture him, but do not harm him! | ” |
–Saito's response to Yu activating his demon power, and directing other vampires to respond. Page 16 | ||
| “ | Darkness... Protect Yu... Damn. Shinoa's attacks are starting to affect my external body. Monster. Darkness. Rot those vampires. | ” |
–Shikama Doji from his prison means to defend Yu, then thinks how he is impacted given Shinoa attacking him, then forming a power to assail the progenitors. Page 17-18 | ||
| “ | Damn. Rigr! This might be difficult if we don't destroy the original first! | ” |
–Urd finds many black orbs around them, and has the impression dealing with the first one may be helpful. Page 27 | ||
| “ | Impressive, father. You still have that much strength left? | ” |
–Saito composed in response to Shikama Doji's involvement in their fight. Page 27 | ||
| “ | It won't be unharmed, Rigr. In fact... ...If we cannot control him, better to kill him anyway. | ” |
–Urd after firing a ranged strike towards Yu and having his own plan of preventing him reaching the First. Page 29 | ||
| “ | Yeah. You look tired... ...Just like you always did in my memories. I don't know how, yet... ...But I'm here to save you... ...Father | ” |
–Yu with four blackened seraph wings sees Shikama Doji and meaning to save who he calls father. Page 30 | ||
| “ | Hurry. It seems I haven't much time left. I need to entrust something to you... | ” |
–Shikama Doji feels he has a time limit as he calls to Yu while being assailed by Shinoa within. Page 31 | ||
| “ | Ha ha... Aha ha! All of it! Every last bit! I'll absorb every last drop of you! | ” |
–Shinoa busies herself with draining Shikama Doji's power. Page 32 | ||
| “ | ... What? Oh wow. You're so much different now than last time. Wait. Who are you? | ” |
–Krul turns her attention to Ferid and can discern his inner changed state. Page 34 | ||
Chapter Notes[]
Cover Details[]
The feature image for chapter 135 displays in-universe events taking place. It continues from where the previous chapter 134: "Reincarnation Rondo" left off at. The new scenario involves Crowley's remains which have been brought up to Ferid who continues to consume him entirely. The first three panels again feature Ferid physically eating another where before vampires just drank the blood of their targets. Unseen in the chapter, Shinoa Squad would be on the ground below from the building where Ferid was viewing them. The cover image also features a single tree in what resembles a demon realm. All the lettering details including the Seraph of the End logo, chapter title and number are featured in this panel.
- New to the series, what turns out to be a huge tree contains multiple vampires. It is situated in a barren landscape that is identical to a demon realm. This inward sphere of Ferid's is the first time a vampire has been shown to possess this kind of area. Suspected of being a human-based spell, it is supposedly able to sap the strength of vampires to bolster Ferid's own power much higher than what his seventh progenitor rank should be.
- That Ferid can resort to this realm's power may indicate he is much more involved in human plans than his already deep connections.
- Of the vampires trapped in the tree's surface, they all appear to be vampire nobles based on their attire.
- After being seen murdered by Ferid in the previous chapter, there is an update on Crowley right away when he awakens sealed in the tree.
- While their names were mentioned in the previous chapter where it was implied they had been killed, this chapter 135 shows Chess and Horn physically for the first time since their last appearance in episode 24: "Seraph of the End" along with chapter 42: "Sanguinem's End".
- It is probable that Chess and Horn were murdered by Ferid shortly after the time of chapter 42 as Crowley has been with Ferid since.
- Almost one hundred chapters later Chess and Horn are conscious within Ferid's entrapping spell that drains them of their power for his own.
- For meeting again, Chess raises how Crowley didn't even look for them, and indeed Crowley is not known to have spared a thought for Chess or Horn. Vampire apathy aside, Crowley explains it as he thought Chess and Horn had got bored of his so left without a word.
- When pressed on the subject though, Crowley speaks how he did have an idea which indeed he expressed in the previous chapter. Had Crowley suspected Ferid may have killed Chess and Horn earlier it is clearly not one he seriously considered, and didn't bring up in any case.
- In describing Chess and Horn as his first servants, Crowley may be saying they are his foremost ones, or literally the first ones to become his servants.
- Where Crowley gathers that everyone within the tree has been eaten by Ferid he is unsure where they are situated. It would likely be Crowley's first experience of an area outside the physical world.
- Although vampires are being slowly transformed into demons, the tree may be purposely delaying this natural outcome for deceased vampires. Extending the time it takes for vampires to become demons to drain them of energy so there is a sustained amount for Ferid's benefit over time.
- A manifestation of Ferid sits away from the power draining tree. Perhaps an avatar of sorts, Ferid would likely be aware of others in the tree so rather than being unable to hear them, Ferid would perhaps not be accessing this point to interact with them.
- The apparition of Ferid looks exactly like he did when a sixteen year old human down to the clothes. The only difference is the alteration of vampire ears only, this form of Ferid has regular human teeth rather than fangs.
- Seemingly unemotional at becoming a demon, Crowley is aware that this is the fate of vampires who die.
- For the extent of his knowledge, Crowley guesses that this tree that is able to sap vampire nobles' powers might be a human spell.
- According to Horn other vampires have been calling to an unresponsive Ferid yet she is doubtful as to whether he can hear them.
- Not allowing himself to succumb to despair if he could feel that, Crowley feels as a positivve that he will be able to see what Ferid is really planning.
- Seen speaking for the first time, the manifestation of Ferid informs Crowley that he is ready to enact what he has planned. This may have coincided with Ferid having finished consuming Crowley in the physical world. If Crowley were fully inside Ferid he would be ready to use the tree to sap Crowley's powers all at once where Ferid felt he had reached the point to be able to compete with a third progenitor in terms of power.
- The front row seats to the end title may refer to Crowley's firsthand view of what Ferid is to carry out, in which the perspective is from the branches of a tree inside Ferid.
- In thinking about how Crowley lived for a long time, Ferid seems only concerned with the amount of power that afforded him, he promptly moves on to how devouring Crowley improves his own rank.
- Absorbing the powers of others to energize an individual has been done using chains by Saito in chapter 81: "Fallen Wings" where he could bolster his own strength to challenge the First possessing Shinoa's body. Seemingly newfound powers also allowed him to deploy beasts of the apocalypse. Similarly Guren could drain power from Shinya and his squad in chapter 83: "Two Demons" which with preparation allowed Guren to utterly ensure all his plans at the time could be fulfilled, and those of his enemies were foiled. For Ferid, he has enhanced his strength using a different means, but with the same result of a dramatic increase in power.
- Calculations may be literally involved in ascertaining how Ferid could boost his own capabilities. In absorbing another seventh progenitor, among many other vampire nobles, Ferid has an inclination that he could be on par with a third progenitor. In leaping away, if Ferid were heading to a third progenitor there would be the two options of Lest Karr or Krul Tepes nearby.
- During the events of chapter 132: "Battle to The First" it could be inferred that Basteya had joined the other progenitors in seeking to stop Yu from reaching the First. This chapter confirms it just in case, Basteya is prepared to help carry out the progenitors' task at hand.
- Becoming a demon, Yu and Mika's plan now seemingly involves targeting the vampire progenitors, or at least fuel the power needed to be able to use seraph based powers to reach the First when striking the vampires proved unfeasible.
- Where Yu had revealed he knew how to bring Mikaela back, Saito orders him captured with the specification that he remain unharmed. Bringing Mikaela back might remain a possibility Saito may wish to use.
- While Ky Luc had engaged Yu in the previous chapter, here he has reservations whether it is possible to capture Yu as directed. Lest Karr feels they have the advantage in numbers.
- Maintaining an overview on the battle Yu is in, Shikama Doji comes to his assistance by deploying darkness based powers.
- This may also indicate that Shikama Doji can sense that Yu even when in a demon state would run into difficulties against the strongest vampires in the world.
- In previous chapters, Shikama Doji had willed Yu to reach him as he was under duress from Shinoa in their sphere. Where this is not practical for Yu in this moment, the First attempts to help him yet finds himself physically affected by Shinoa's actions.
- Shikama Doji's hand can be physically severed by what he experiences in a demon realm.
- In lieu of his hand, Shikama Doji can speak for darkness to form where multiple projectiles with the power to obliterate those they come into contact with can be made.
- Whether he has seen them before or knows what to anticipate having gathered they are from the First, Saito orders all to dodge the shadowy orbs crashing towards them.
- From their introduction in chapter 80: "Lightning over Shibuya" this chapter may possibly be one where Basteya has perished, although Crowley was seen graphically murdered in a previous one yet is active in another state of being.
- Seen to have been imprisoned, the vampire progenitors found Shikama Doji could have some influence outside the jail in chapter 114: "Everyone's Goals" where his voice could reach their minds. Here, it is a surprise to them also that the First can launch outright attacks to them.
- Focusing on the vampires who are attempting to evade the First's strikes, Yu targets Ky Luc first.
- Struck with a scythe from the First in chapter 107: "Angel's Plan" it is likely that Saito would have been caught off guard and hit from behind here by the manifested shadow, and so his life is saved by Urd who pushes him out of harm's way.
- The corrosive shadows can leave little left to a vampire or a second progenitor's sword upon contact, yet for what Saito's chains are made of they seem able to constrain the dark matter without any detrimental effects.
- Invoking his sword to drink his blood, Urd displays the ability to reform his weapon. Now radiating light, the sword can break apart the darkness that before melted it away.
- The shadows come to form into rounded spheres resembling black suns. In chapter 103: "The Sky Awaits Them Both" black suns also displayed the identical ability here, namely firing off a current of electrical appearing energy.
- For the powers they are being assaulted by, Urd feels that destroying the original shadow would be best for one bearing a multiplying ability.
- The discharge from the black suns can be blocked by Saito's chains. He uses the chains to defend Lest Karr from them.
- With the vampires occupied, Yu is ready with Mika to reveal two pairs of blackened wings.
- A single wing-like structure was seen on Yu upon his transformation in chapter 13: "Reunion of Childhood Friends". That was a partial experimental seraph state, hindered deliberately by a demon in order to keep control of Yu. In the ancient past, a Yu was seen with six white wings in chapter 78: "The Dark Ages of Greece". Here, Yu clearly has four feather based wings yet the structures are more jagged but fully formed. Yu speaks coherently in this state, in contrast to the demon and seraph rage he has had in instances before.
- Ready and able to stop him, Urd wastes no time in swinging at Yu where he has his own mind to prevent him reaching the First never mind if he is killed.
- It is possible Yu had drawn upon so much demon power, and formed four seraph wings, to the point that Mikaela may have gained consciousness in his body. During chapter 88: "Ashera Tepes" it was shown that Ashera could be partially conscious in Yu's body. It would explain why Yu would speak that Shikama Doji always looked tired in his memories, would want to save him, and call him father, as it may have actually been Mikaela speaking.
- Sensing the end, Shikama Doji resorts to entrusting something to Yu.
- If it is something physical, a Sinful Key is something that Shikama Doji could impart given he acquired one in chapter 130: "The Light Which Remains" and is an object of great and strategic worth to Yu.
- Continuing what she set out to do in chapter 133: "Maidens in Love" Shinoa may have accessed Shikama Doji's memories and here has now moved into absorbing his power as she also intended to do afterwards. From where Shinoa is physically located with Shinoa Squad she is directly responsible for the limits of help Shikama Doji is able to provide, and his possible end if the First has now resorted to passing on what he can to Yu.
- Having been seen in memories and thought of, Krul is seen physically again after last appearing in chapter 120: "The Price of Appetite". Where they had split up to look for Yu after he fled Akihabara she had taken to looking in the urban area she is currently in.
- Arukanu returns to the Seraph of the End manga after having last been seen in chapter 11: "Queen's Contract". If it is not a different being of its unique species, then Arukanu is confirmed to have survived the sacking of Sanguinem in chapter 42: "Sanguinem's End". For its lengthly absence, Arukanu may have come across Krul by chance but in any case appears close to her once again.
- For where Ferid leapt to earlier in the chapter, the answer is provided here, he has sought out Krul.
- Evidently having not sensed Crowley's demise, Krul can perceive that Ferid is different when he draws near her in person.
- After Ferid professed to be a fan of hers, it was a similar sentiment in chapter 5: "Vampire Mikaela" when Krul suspected that Ferid only liked her for her power.
Gallery[]
- Image gallery: Front Seats to the End
Manga panels provide a visual overview of the events of chapter 135 with depictions of the characters, Seraph of the End world and scenarios.
References[]
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