"Kizuna no Aryll" is an appealing anime with a unique style, centered around students aspiring to become virtual YouTubers. It's also garnering attention for Kizuna AI's involvement in the story. The first season aired this spring, with the second scheduled for this fall. In this article, we'll recap the plot of the first season before the second season airs! It's been a while since the first season's finale, so if you've forgotten the plot, this is a must-read!
Story Overview
Kizuna AI, who appeared like a comet in the virtual world, suddenly disappeared after winning the Virtual Grid Awards five years in a row. Shortly thereafter, Miraku, a girl with dreams of becoming a virtual artist like Kizuna AI, enrolls in ADEN Academy. Miraku is joined by other students with diverse dreams, and it seems she has a lot of competition. What will Miraku's school life be like?
Miraku Meets Chris
Dreaming of becoming a virtual artist like Kizuna AI, Miraku enrolls in EDEN Academy. She performs in class, and thanks to her hard work, the response from viewers is positive. Later, she asks Noel, a famous student at the academy, to collaborate, but is flatly rejected (though it's understandable that Noel would turn her down, considering it's a sudden collaboration request from a stranger). While relaxing in the outdoor plaza, Miraku meets a mysterious character named Chris. He was interested in Miraku's performance in class. Chris decides to livestream the same song Miraku used in her performance. Miraku's performance shows the difference in skill between her and Chris's.
Toward the Virtual Grid Awards
Mirakura learns from the school principal that an event called the "Virtual Grid Awards" (VGA) will be held. However, not everyone can participate in the VGA. To participate, they must win a preliminary round called "Eidenseed," held within the school. The preliminary round was a grueling competition, narrowing the field to 15 and also intended to determine the school's representative. At that point, Miraku's channel rankings were 540th, and even Noel, who had rejected her collaboration request, was in 23rd place. Miraku began to ponder what she wanted to become. After pondering whether she wanted to be like Kizuna AI or win the VGA competition, she came to the conclusion that "doing what I want to do" was the best thing.
Noel's Past
After receiving advice from Noel about her songs and performances, Miraku's ranking improved dramatically, but she still wasn't within the top 15. Miraku, Chris, and even the mascot-like avatar Marumaru join the group as they attempt to create an original song. Noel is forced to participate in the production, and during this time, Noel's past is revealed. He was born into a musical family, and if he wasn't perfect at music, his family wouldn't pay him any attention. Because of this, Noel had a negative image of the word "family." At first, he kept this a secret from Miraku and the others, but after many twists and turns, he finally opens up to them.
A New Opportunity Arrives!
Thanks to the influence of their original songs, Noel rose to 9th place and Chris to 73rd place, but Miraku still had a long way to go. Meanwhile, he learns that an event called "Ultimate" will be held at the school. It is a racing competition using Vogelboards, which are like flying skateboards, and if he wins, it is sure to raise his profile as a virtual artist. Miraku announces his intention to participate in the race. At the same time, a secret about Marumaru is revealed. In the real world, the avatar of a boy drinking tea in the school garden is actually Marumaru. With the help of Marumaru, who was originally in the design department, a Vogelboard made just for Miraku is completed. However, it seems that there are many other students competing in Ultimate, and it looks like it will be a tough battle.
Campus Event "Ultimate"
The day of the Ultimate finally arrives. Unfamiliar with how to use the snowboard, Mirak falls behind, and Chris and Noel also drop out early on. Meanwhile, a woman named Liz leads the pack. She shows her caring side, offering Mirak advice even during the race. As the race draws to a close, darkness looms before Mirak and Liz. Encouraged by Liz's words, "The future is always dark. You never know what's going to happen. But if you jump in without fear, fear might turn to joy!", Mirak and Liz dive into the darkness. Although Liz ultimately won the race, the two developed a sense of camaraderie. Despite her success in the race, Miraku's ranking remained low and she turned to others for advice. However, Liz told her that she wasn't attracted to her dualistic approach, constantly relying on others. Miraku realized the importance of moving forward together rather than relying on others. After completing her original song, Miraku was able to regain her true self.
Forming a Unit!
Mirakura formed a unit with five other members, including herself. During various performances, she received critical comments about Marumaru's position. Worried that she might be holding the group back, Marumaru decides to reveal her true avatar's name and appearance to Miraku and the others. Her real name is "Kuon." Miraku's addition energizes the group, but Noel and Liz suggest that they should pursue individual activities to get through the preliminaries. The group is on the brink of disbanding. However, Miraku and Chris ultimately feel a desire to continue as a group of five, and they perform together at the end of the season. The performance is a resounding success, with Miraku ranking 14th.
Summary of the First Season
The first season ends with the group barely making it through the preliminaries. However, a certain character appears at the end of episode 12, creating a disturbing atmosphere. What will the second season bring? I can't wait to see what happens to Miraku and the others and whether they can achieve their dreams as virtual artists! That's all for today. Thank you for reading.
