Chapter 10

## Chapter Chronology

**"Salvation"** (救 (すく) い, *Sukui*) serves as the tenth chapter in the *Gokurakugai* manga series, a work written and illustrated by Yuto Sano. It is also featured as the fourth chapter within the third volume of the series.

## Summary

Alma awakens from a dream about Kanata and finds Tao by his side. Tao explains that Alma's actions, including his transformation into a Maga, had saved Kanata by allowing her to resist her cannibalistic urges and find closure.

Yoki, Dara, and Tatsuomi visit Alma and express their support. Yoki highlights Alma's crucial role in identifying the mastermind behind the Maga crisis. They review security footage from the subway station, noticing Yomi's involvement and his resemblance to Alma, especially their similar rings.

Alma vows to confront Yomi and end the transformation of humans into Maga. He expresses his desire to become more self-sufficient in helping others. Tao and Tatsuomi depart, discussing their theories about Yomi's actions.

Alma inquires about Nei, who is intensely focused on work. Yoki suggests a potential mentor for Alma to enhance his abilities. Yoki is negotiating with this mentor, who is known for their intense nature, to help Alma.

## Plot Details

Alma roused from a dream involving Kanata and the events of that fateful day. As he regained consciousness, he found Tao seated before him. Upon awakening, she promptly contacted someone to inform them of his regained awareness. Tao went on to mention that his arm's severance had led to anemia, yet Alma's response was directed towards a question of his own. He inquired whether he was responsible for Kanata's demise. Tao confirmed his involvement, evoking a sense of self-judgment from Alma, who believed he hadn't changed.

Tao emphasized, however, that his actions had granted Kanata a form of salvation. She believed that Kanata had resisted her inherent instincts in a way distinct from their prior encounters, even though her journey ultimately culminated in taking lives. Tao continued by explaining their duty to manage the intersection between the living and the deceased, asserting that Alma's intervention in the cannibalism case had brought closure. She clarified that Kanata hadn't perished due to Alma's actions; he had, in essence, saved her while sacrificing himself anew. This commitment to ensuring the appropriate fate for maga was the path Alma had chosen, a shared journey that offered solace to him.

After a brief interval, Yoki, Dara, and Tatsuomi entered Alma's room, expressing their concern through a supportive embrace. Alma voiced his regret for his perceived ineffectiveness, but Yoki reassured him by highlighting the pivotal role he played in identifying a significant lead on the mastermind. Given the relative obscurity surrounding Maga, the fact that they had managed to uncover the root cause of these crises was an invaluable contribution. Yoki emphasized that Alma's collaboration would greatly assist their ongoing efforts. Their conversation shifted as Dara initiated the blood extraction procedure, causing Alma to feel apprehensive.

Tatsuomi had procured security camera footage from the subway station and sought Tao's acknowledgment for his efforts. The group then collectively reviewed the footage, meticulously analyzing the unfolding events at the subway station. Yoki observed that Yomi bore a human appearance, but his departure through the Maga's Gate indicated his maga status. Alma pointed out the similarity between Yomi's ring and the one he wore as a necklace. Tao speculated that Yomi appeared to be connected to Alma, considering the uncanny resemblance between their rings. Dara remarked on the apparent cruelty Yomi had inflicted upon Kanata if he were indeed the Magas' leader.

Alma, with determination in his voice, asserted that if Yomi were to disappear, the transformation of humans into Maga would cease. He pledged to confront Yomi without hesitation, driven by his conviction. However, Tatsuomi playfully intervened, teasing Alma about his reliance on Tao for fighting. Alma acknowledged this personal weakness, admitting his desire to no longer rely solely on others and his yearning to render aid independently. He shared his aspiration with Tao, expressing his wish to emulate her ability to save people and his inclination to assist her during times of trouble. Subsequently, Tao departed the room to gather additional information, with Tatsuomi accompanying her, prompting a blush from Tatsuomi due to his own assumptions.

A few minutes later, the personnel responsible for the headquarters' services entered the room, delivering food from the cafeteria to address his hunger. As he began to eat, he took a moment to caution Tao. As Tao and Tatsuomi departed, they engaged in a conversation regarding Tatsuomi's perspective on Yomi. In a playful manner, Tatsuomi humorously remarked that he felt envious that Yomi had managed to capture Tao's attention.

Tao elaborated on her assessment of Yomi's actions, explaining that he had manipulated Kanata into killing humans and then discarded her when her usefulness was exhausted, leading to Alma's involvement in her demise. While Tatsuomi found this explanation plausible, he also acknowledged the existence of alternative scenarios. He suggested that Yomi's actions might have been random or motivated by specific reasons, alluding to the individual responsible for the Meito Shrine incident. Tatsuomi speculated that this person had clear intentions to kill and left behind victims as evidence, indicating the possible presence of multiple higher-ranking maga entities. Despite grappling with these theories, Tao remained frustrated by the lack of concrete information. The weight of the situation was exacerbated by the loss of Kanata, a crucial source of information they now had to do without.

While enjoying his meal, Alma inquired about Nei's whereabouts. Dara responded that Nei had been assigned to a task, citing Nei's admission that she couldn't effectively be on par with Yomi. Nei was channeling her frustration into work, a reflection of her determination to achieve excellence in everything she undertook. This marked her fourth assignment since Alma's period of unconsciousness. Yoki expressed gratitude for Nei's contributions to their understaffed team, yet he harbored concerns over her persistent absence, fearing a lack of time for recovery.

Yoki further mentioned that Alma's condition had also caused him considerable worry. He recognized the necessity for Alma to train independently, to learn through practical experience—a point Tao had previously raised. Yoki proposed a potential mentor for Alma, someone well-suited for the task, albeit characterized by an intense nature. Despite this individual's formidable approach, Alma was resolute in his determination to acquire self-sufficiency and was open to any strategies proposed.

Currently, Yoki was engaging with this potential mentor, attempting to convince him through the offer of a thirty-year-aged, exceptionally high-quality sake. Yoki was endeavoring to appeal to the individual's considerations, as he deemed him the most fitting candidate for the role.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* Alma wakes up and discusses his role in Kanata's transformation and sacrifice with Tao. He grapples with guilt but also recognizes the importance of his actions in uncovering the truth about Magas.
* Yoki, Dara, and Tatsuomi visit Alma to express their support and appreciation for his contributions to their investigations. They review security camera footage from the subway station and discuss Yomi's possible connection to Alma.
	+ Alma expresses his determination to confront Yomi and his desire to become more self-reliant in aiding Tao in their missions.
* Tao and Tatsuomi engage in a conversation about Yomi's actions and motivations, speculating on the existence of multiple higher-ranking Magas. They are frustrated by the lack of concrete information and the loss of Kanata as a potential source of knowledge.
* Alma inquires about Nei's whereabouts and learns that she has been assigned multiple tasks, channeling her frustration into work. Yoki expresses concern about her well-being.
* Yoki proposes a potential mentor for Alma, someone with an intense nature but suitable for helping Alma gain self-sufficiency. He is in the process of convincing this mentor to take on the role.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Yomi**Dream
**Kanata**Dream
**Alma**
**Tao**
**Tatsuomi**
**Yoki**
**Dara**
**Saragi Aide**
**Yomi**Mentioned
**Service Crew**Debut
**Nei**Mentioned
**Ryu**1st Appearance