A very odd game to me. The beginning caught my immediate interest with how bombastic it was and how indulgent it handed out CGs. I was hooked! Then came a great lull as the game got lost in its own world building, where every conversation felt like its sole purpose was to explain the magic system in stilted explanations. It was a trudge for a good while, but eventually the crux of the story got introduced with a slow and meandering build up. I wasn't sure at first about the themes it presented because they felt heavy handed and clumsy, but somehow, out of nowhere, the conclusion was able to tie it all together in a very satisfying and emotional way. Every worry I had about the writing was made good on. The ending was not quite as bombastic as the beginning, but hooked me just as much, and made me immediately wishlist the sequel.