Four Ruined Realms

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, gender discrimination, and cursing.

“I’m so sick of being on this ship—the rocking, the closed-in space, everyone wanting to kill me. It’s been exhausting.”

These are the opening lines of the novel. As Aeri’s thoughts, they indicate that she is the protagonist. The group is reeling from King Joon revealing some of their secrets, an early introduction to the theme of The Morality of Secrets and Lies that highlights the tensions between the characters.

“Our loved ones hang in the balance. If it can’t be trust, let vengeance bind us.”

This is Sora’s attempt to rally her friends. She notes that the secrets between them in their previous mission destroyed all the trust between the team members. Instead, she suggests that they look outside the team for motivation, directing them to act out of vengeance instead.

“Without burning anger, all you’re left with is the embers of grief. In many ways, fury is better because at least it’s something to cling to. Sadness is a barren expanse.”

Mikail thinks this about Sora after Euyn’s confession that he hunted her father, showing his response to grief and loss. Sora, however, shows how different responses can be: She starts off being angry but then gives in to sorrow. The characters all view sadness in differing ways; Mikail sees it as a weakness, but Sora sees it as a useful part of life.