Three girls from Tokyo summoned to the magical land of Cephiro by its pillar (guardian) Princess Emeraude continue their quest to become magic knights. This quest is a dangerous one, for the princess can no longer pray for her land’s peace. She’s been taken by the High Priest Zagato and monsters now roam the countryside. Yet traipsing through this countryside Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu must go, in order to obtain a legendary mineral called escudo. Only when they have it can Weaponmaster Presea design the perfect tools for them to complete their quest, awaken ‘the spirits’ and save Cephiro.
To get the escudo; Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu must make it through the Forest of Silence. Escudo lies within the Fountain of Eterna. This isn’t going to be easy with all the monsters about. Plus Zagato has despatched his minions to kill the girls before they can become Magic Knights. Any number of illusions can be thrown at these would be heroes to confuse their hearts. Happily they’re not without allies of their own, including Princess Emeraude herself, who may be imprisoned, but can still reach out to them.
All three girls developed a little more as individuals in this volume. More of their backstories were revealed and they stepped up as heroes. This went in smooth synchronicity with their evolving armour and weapons, which react to their hearts. The obstacles the girls faced were often emotional as well as physical. Presea’s way of creating weapons was beautiful, seductive, and gave an intriguing new level to her as a weaponmaster. The way Hikaru blushes when Presea crafts weapons was adorable. Fuu showed just how crafty she could be and developed the beginning of a cute relationship with the wandering swordsman, Ferio, along with an introspective attitude about the dangers the Magic Knights find themselves facing. Umi shows some serious mettle, in spite of reservations about being a Magic Knight and even being in Cephiro. An enemy falls, another rises, the intensity of the quest increases as the first part is accomplished, only to transition into the second part. All of this is depicted in beautiful artwork which evokes fantasy, magic, and wonder. For all of these qualities, I give this four stars.