Lots of talking in this chapter, and I can’t say it progressed the story beyond making lots of inferences and hinting at a bunch of potential future plots; not a bad chapter though, containing that great noblesse humor I have grown to love, and some touching moments.
Rai’s revival triggers a spectral appearance, sentiments are exchanged as Rai’s revitalization is explained
This chapter spoke more about Noblesse’s future than I gave it credit on my first reading; admittedly these are little more than assumption. But considerable portions of the manga have placed emphasis upon Rai’s fleeting mortality and the precarious nature of his existence.
I guess it is symbolic that a being whose power revolves around blood manipulation would need to draw upon his own life force to exact his duties as a Noblesse. Part of me wasn’t happy with what seemed like a return to the status quo, muzzling Rai’s power once more under a life threatening consequence to using his abilities.
It all feels like an attempt by the authors evade having to deal with the power house that Rai is, and the difficulties of creating credible threats in the presence of his overwhelming strength; a cop out in fact, because I was looking forward to following a fully powered Rai in action, no longer held back by life threatening restrictions.
And I still can’t say I am happy with the Manhwa’s decision to keep the leash on. Yet one might consider what the story is trying to hint at. Rai isn’t likely to survive to the end of Noblesse.
Certainly the Manhwa is called Noblesse and should logically follow the progress of the Noblesse; but the Lord’s inability to revitalize Rai seems to predict the Noblesse’ eventual end, the idea that Rai’s position and power have set him on a collision course towards a painful death, under the thumb of his abilities, most likely in an effort to save his friends.
That would make for a tragic turn in the series, and one that seems even more likely to come about with the clear indication in chapter 326 that there is no permanent fix to Rai’s condition. But maybe this is great set up on the author’s part, an opportunity to finally develop all those peripheral characters that surround Rai, usually quick to fall and hence requiring his aid and who will now have to step forward to protect their master from the need of having to put his life on the line for innocent human lives.
Over all interesting stuff, at least in the context of the over arcing story. Raskrea’s moments were nice to read, allowing the Lord an opportunity to finally put to rest her bitter feelings towards her father.
RATING: 7/10, a character driven chapter that I can appreciate.