Chapter 22

## Publication Order

**Moving Forward** is the 22nd chapter in the Gachiakuta manga series written and illustrated by Kei Urana. It was published in the 33rd Weekly Shōnen Magazine issue on July 20th, 2022.

## Summary

Chapter 22 starts with Rudo sitting by himself outside the janitor headquarters. Engine joins him remarking on the long face he had. He continues to then praise Rudo for being able to use a Jinki properly but Rudo interrupts saying what face is he supposed to be making. Rudo says that he wasn't able to help the person that helped him and even though he thought he changed and made progress, the same thing happens again. Engine tells Rudo that Griss was prepared to put his life on the line to protect his comrades and that he protected Rudo because he sees him as a comrade, not just a skyperson. Engine gets up and tells Rudo to show his face to Griss.

They head inside and Rudo is stunned to see Griss sitting looking totally fine as he congratulates Rudo on awakening his power. Rudo stares and is surprised that Griss is alive. Engine and another Janitor console Rudo saying they didn't know that was why he was so depressed. Rudo gets agitated and tells them that he was confused since they said Griss was deeply wounded so he thought he died. Griss says that thanks to the medical team he is fine. He introduces Aesha Stilza, who is the only healer giver janitor and the one who helped him. She quietly says that she just happened to be of help and Griss thanks her because she saved him from dying. He then speaks to Follo and says how he helped him too but he can't be a giver if he is too impatient. Griss turns to Rudo and tells him that he and Zanka did a great job cornering such a strong opponent. He continues saying not to worry about the amulet and that he’s happy with the fact that it was useful to someone. Rudo tells Griss that he’s glad he’s alive.

Engine brings up that they now have to worry about both aberrant beasts and the vandals since they started an all out fight with the Janitors. Engine begins to talk about some new info when another janitor walks in. He talks about the border that the vandals mentioned and how that means they are investigating the heavens too. Rudo looks at the janitor wondering who it is as Engine calls him Boss. Rudo realizes that the man is the boss of the janitors as he steps forward. He introduces himself to Rudo as Alha Korvus, the head of the Janitors. He continues, recalling that Rudo is here because he wants to find out how to get back above. He then says that he thought Rudo was just here for info and they don't want people like that here. But he says that Rudo has seen the “virtue” of the Janitors,  has tried to protect them with his life and has an ability that would be useful for the janitors. He says he has no objections and officially welcomes Rudo to the Janitors.

In the Boss’ office, he talks to Rudo telling him that the “border” is what's in between the heavens and the underworld and it's said that anyone who tries to cross to the heavens will die going across it. He brings up a story about a woman in the forbidden zone that is said to be closest to the border. He says that she helped a traveller that ended up in the forbidden zone and when asked why she was there, she responded saying she “sees people coming down from above”. She had lived there for years and said that there's someone who can go up and down without dying. Korvus says that this woman may have seen a person who is able to cross the border. Rudo puts together that by finding the person the woman saw, they would be able to find a way back up. Korvus adds on saying that they would also find out how Rudo survived. He continues telling Rudo that it would be very dangerous and asks what Rudo wants to do. Rudo affirmatively says that there's no doubt he's going.

Engine walks into the office and notices Rudo wearing a Janitor’s uniform and says it suits him.

## Appearance

### Characters

* Engine
* Rudo
* Griss Lubion
* Aesha Stilza
* Alha Korvus