Cain, a young nobleman, navigates the dimly-lit and labyrinthine streets of 19th century London. Born into the upper echelon of society, he takes on the mantle of earl and assumes leadership of the Hargreaves family, whose reputation is steeped in mystery and scandal following the untimely death of his father. His loyal manservant, Riff, and his ten-year-old half-sister, Mary Weather, accompany Cain as he unravels the mysterious crimes that seem to lurk at every corner. Bonus Chapter: Chapter 5: The Sabbath of Solomon Grundy
Akira Takashiro and Eiji Kudou had made a bet ahead of the highly-anticipated inter high basketball tournament: whoever scored the most points would win the heart of long-time crush, Miku Aizawa. But their friendly competition was abruptly halted by a devastating earthquake, which left Akira unconscious. When he awakens, he discovers that his school has been overrun by grotesque monsters, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. Where had Eiji disappeared to amidst the chaos? And what was causing these monstrous beings to attack? As Akira searches for answers, he uncovers shocking truths and realizes that there may be more to this catastrophe than what meets the eye - perhaps even sinister government involvement.
Presented in this book are nine of Junji Ito's top short stories, handpicked by the author himself and given insightful notes and comments. The featured stories are: 1. Secondhand Record (Chuuko Record, 中古レコード) 2. Chills (Samuke, 寒気) 3. Model Look (ファッションモデル) 4. Hung Balloons (Kubitsuri Kikyuu, 首吊り気球) 5. Puppet Mansion (Ayatsuri Yashiki, あやつり屋敷) 6. Artist (Gaka, 画家) 7. The Never-Ending Dream (Nagai Yume, 長い夢) 8. Venerated Ancestors (Gosenzo-sama, ご先祖様) 9. Slathered (グリセリド) 10. Model Look: Cursed Frame (Fashion Model: Norowareta Framing, ファッションモデル・呪われたフレーミング) [new]
When Kotoko Iwanaga was a mere 11 years old, youkai took her captive and demanded she become their "God of Wisdom," bridging the gap between the human and spirit realms. Despite the price of her left leg and right eye, Kotoko agreed, and now, after six years, youkai seek her advice for their issues. Meanwhile, Kurou Sakuragawa, a 22-year-old college student, recently broke up with his girlfriend after they confronted a kappa, leaving Kurou to face the creature alone. Seizing an opportunity to get closer to him, Kotoko sets her sights on winning Kurou's heart and eventually marrying him. However, she soon realizes that Kurou has a mysterious side to him. As she works with him to unravel supernatural mysteries, she hopes that their partnership will turn into something more.
As a child, Shiki Tohno suffered a life-threatening injury and was subsequently sent away from the Tohno family. Years later, after the death of his father (the head of the household), his sister Akiha instructs him to move back home. However, Shiki has a big secret: he sees lines on objects due to his injury and must wear special glasses to correct his vision. Additionally, he struggles to remember events before his accident. Upon returning home, Shiki encounters Arcueid Brunstud, whom he accidentally decapitates during a moment of insanity. Much to his surprise, she appears alive and requests his service as a bodyguard. This event sets off a chain of events as Shiki attempts to uncover the mysteries of his past.
Andou is a high-schooler who possesses the ability to force others to vocalize his thoughts—an ability similar to ventriloquism. Inukai is young man shrouded in mystery who commands the vigilante group, Grass Hopper, which appeared in a city shaken by the downtown restoration program. This is a tale of courage, resolution… and confrontation; this is a depiction of the two boys' encounter.
Marie finds herself trapped in a dire situation, subjected to perpetual harassment from her peers and frequent sexual abuses from a teacher. With no apparent recourse and feeling utterly powerless, she reaches out to a paranormal entity affiliated with her school's seven secrets. Her sole objective is to eliminate her tormentors - her classmates and the teacher - permanently. Nevertheless, to what extent is she willing to proceed with these killings and ultimately escape her unbearable reality?
Migiri, a vampire who once terrorized Japan three centuries ago, met his end when a hero named Naonosuke Kobayashi decapitated him, sending him to permanent rest. However, Migiri's slumber has now come to an end.
After a messy breakup, college freshman Yoh Yagisawa returns home only to find she has an unexpected male roommate! Introducing himself as her old childhood friend who moved abroad, handsome Haruma Hirose is back to do a homestay. He's totally hot, super nice, and always there when Yoh's in trouble... but could Haruma's timing be a little too perfect? Plus, the house next door, where he claims to have lived—didn't the family there all commit suicide...?
For five days Masaru battled to stay alive amidst the sudden appearance of zombies. But his luck took a turn for the better when Miki Sekigahara and Karin Nakiri, two high school girls, rescued him from his dire predicament. Although initially grateful, Masaru soon realized their true intentions...!!
Rikuo Nura appears to be a regular student, but his true identity is far from typical. He is 25% youkai and destined to lead a powerful youkai clan, led by his grandfather Nurarihiyon. However, due to his childhood beliefs that youkai are solely evil, Rikuo avoids embracing his fate. At night, Rikuo transforms into a youkai resembling Nurarihiyon at his prime. He realizes that his abilities can be utilized for protection rather than destruction and begins to accept his legacy. Rikuo's ultimate goal is to unite all the youkai clans in Japan into his own "Night Parade of a Hundred Demons," and he eventually learns to embrace his destiny.
5 criminals with the perfect plan ends up kidnapping the wrong girl, and is contacted by a mysterious person who invites them to play a deadly game. Will they be able to find out who betrayed them?