Chapter 86

Selection of Souls (魂の選別, Tamashii no Senbetsu) is the 86th chapter of the To Your Eternity manga.

Summary
Fushi and Iddy explore Renril. Fushi notes that Renril is the largest city he's ever been to and that it'll take time to prepare its defence. Kahaku finds the two of them and informs them that he's found lodging for them. The three decide to get something to eat. While eating, Fushi asks Kahaku if his arm had given any new information. Kahaku replies it didn't. Fushi asks the Nokker how it communicates to other Nokkers, since they can't write or speak, and the Nokker explains that they communicate through mental images. Kahaku comments that it sounds similar to the Doki people. Fushi asks if the Nokker can understand human's imagination. The Nokker writes that Nokkers cannot since human bodies' function in a way that keeps thoughts inside. Even within Nokkers, they can't view another's thoughts without their cooperation. Fushi remembers something similar the Beholder once said, about not being able to control minds.

Kahaku switches topic and asks Fushi what he thinks about the city and if they could defend it. Fushi says he thinks the city can be defended using the Guardian's methods. Kahaku blushes and thanks Fushi to his puzzlement. Fushi asks why Kahaku's thanking him since he's not just protecting Kahaku but everyone. Kahaku says he knows, but when the battle is over he wants to thank Fushi again. Kahaku says they should get back Fushi's lost forms quickly. Fushi agrees and thinks about how he can't wait to meet the allies Bonchien is bringing — immortals like him.

Back in Uralis, Torta is finishing up the Renril army selection process. He tells the group of army men that he will ask them questions; if they say yes, they can stay, else leave. Meanwhile Bonchien, who's watching from above, prays to the Gods of Bennett, Monjo, and Zumla, that he's about to commit a sin. Torta asks the group if they love Uralis and Bonchien. No one leaves. He then asks if they love Fushi. Again, no one leaves. Torta stresses the question again and a man declares that Bonchien's will is their will. They won't say no until Bonchien does. This satisfys Torta but Bonchien looks on in worry. Torta then asks if the group has anyone they love and want to protect, if so, are they willing to give their life for their cause. No one leaves. Torta emphasizes that they have no qualms about leaving behind loved ones and one man finally gets up and leaves. Torta then announces to the group that in a half year's time, they will march in support of Renril and the men cheer. Bonchien's worried look stays unchanged.

Afterwards, Torta finds his brother sitting outside the room and informs him that the selected group are waiting for him. Bonchien gets up and makes his way to the room. On the way, Bonchien talks aloud to Fen and Nixon. He asks them why they still follow him when his own grandparents crossed over to the other side. Fen explains that when he died, he could feel paradise waiting for him, but he was worried about how pathetic he was and thus didn't go. Nixon says he feels the same. He guesses it's called lingering regrets. Bonchien stands in front of the door to the room with the group and readies himself. He thinks that if everything goes according to plan, then surely this time, God will pass judgement on to him.

Suddenly, an army man appears behind Bonchien. The army man asks if he's the one taking them to Renril. Bonchien is surprised and recognizes the man as Kai Renald Rawle. Kai doesn't answer, then simply tells Bonchien that he won't weed out anyone with that sort of questioning and calls Bonchien by his full real name. Bonchien is taken aback and asks how Kai knew and Kai explains that Bonchien is the only one who could recognize him without seeing his face. Kai asks Bonchien what he was trying to accomplish with those questions. Why disqualify disloyal subjects? Bonchien hesitantly tells him that the mission awaiting them is in some ways worse than death, so he wanted to give them an excuse they could use for running when the time comes. Kai says his hunch was correct and thus worth making the opposite choice to find out (and leave the room). Kai assures Bonchien that he won't abandon a mission that merely promises a fate worse than death. Bonchien protests and asks about Kai's sick father he was taking care of. Kai says his father passed away two months ago and that his life is now his own. He then asks Bonchien who did he receive his life from. (Bonchien is supposed to be dead; executed by the Church of Bennett.)

Before Bonchien can answer, a Bennett guard appears (with Pocoa) and the guard answers for Bonchien, "from that demon Fushi." The guard says he is part of those who don't believe Fushi was sealed away. He also says there's a rumor that Fushi can resurrect the dead and speculates Fushi revived Bonchien. Then says if it's true, Fushi may be a new God. Pocoa quickly apologizes to her brother saying she didn't mean to bring a guest when he was in the middle of something important. Bonchien tells her it's alright and that he actually summoned the guard from the main temple of Bennett. The guard will be heading with them to Renril.

Before the army heads out to Renril, Bonchien, Kai, and the Bennett guard, meet with an unknown man with two women by his sides. With the three new men, Bonchien's search for allies is complete. He tells them once preparations are complete, they'll head for Renril. There they'll meet with their go-between who will handle communication with the royal family and teach them about the layout of Renril. Now in Renril, Kahaku asks Bonchien is he's sure they can trust the three men. Bonchien tells him that one of them is driven by loyalty to him. Another by his apostasy. And the third, by his own self interest. Thus they're all worthy of their trust. Bonchien enters Fushi's room and asks him to come with him to meet some new people. Fushi excitedly gets up and asks if it's the Immortal Army he mentioned. Bonchien confirms but says they're not immortal yet, but they have the potential to, Fushi questions what that means. Bonchien says it means they won't know for certain until they die. He then explains that that isn't why he called them here. He called them here just as regular human beings. Bonchien suddenly turns and looks Fushi in the eyes, and tells Fushi to acquire their forms before the attack in case Fushi runs out of vessels. Fushi starts to protest but Bonchien quickly opens the door to the three men and introduces Fushi to them.

Kai introduces himself and tells Fushi they've had many prior encounters. The Bennett guard introduces himself as Hairo Rich. A former head soldier of the Church of Bennett. Hairo also introduces the last man as Messar. Messar, annoyed, asks if Bonchien's kidding. He questions how Fushi is the demon everyone's afraid of and says Fushi's just a kid. Fushi introduces himself and says he'll do his best to defend the city with them. Kai thanks him, Hairo is silent, and Messar scoffs and tells Fushi to hold up his end of the bargaining.

Chapter Notes

 * Kahaku's Nokker explains that the Nokkers communicate with each other via mental images, but only if the other party cooperates.
 * This is the debut chapter of Kai, Hairo, and Messar — Bonchien's recruits for the Immortal Army.
 * Bonchien says Kai is driven by loyalty to him. Hairo is driven by his apostasy. And Messar, by his own self interest.