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Hal Kamhout
Hal infobox

Japanese Name

ハル・カムホート

Romanized Name

Haru Kamuhōto

Nickname(s)/Alias(es)

Book Burning Officer (焚書官 Funsho-kan)

Debut

Chapter 5 (light novel 1);
Episode 6

Ward

Flamberge

Voice actor

加藤将之
Masayuki Katou

Status

Alive

Hal Kamhout is a Book Burning Officer and the key-keeper of the Long Lost Library. Accompanied by Flamberge, he travels throughout the world to search of Phantom Books to burn. He’s part of the Libricide, Book of Atonement, Phantom Book Thief, Paradise and Phantom Book of the King stories.

Background[]

Striving for knowledge, Hal used to read in a small laboratory of an old university. He knew Francesca, later known as Flamberge, as a strange girl living at the nearby clock tower. Hal was invited to study in America, something that he dreamt about. He wished to move with the woman precious to him, away from the war that was about to start.[1] It’s implied that eventually Hal burned this woman to death.[2]

Somehow, Hal became a Book Burning Officer (焚書官 Funsho-kan), tasked to burn all Phantom Books. He also became the key-keeper of the Long Lost Library contained inside Flamberge. The keys to the library are magically sealed inside his right hand, as indicated by the beautiful crimson jewel at the back of it. He uses the magical power of Phantom Books taken from the Long Lost Library to power his staff and burn forbidden knowledge.[3] Naturally, the other key-keepers and Biblioprincesses became his enemy. Hal is proficient at an oriental martial art known as Baritsu.[2] Hal and Flamberge are Grosseteste’s acquaintances.[4]

Looking for Phantom Books to destroy, Hal and Flamberge travel throughout the world using a large military motorcycle of an unknown model produced in America. It has a large two-cylinder engine and, at the right side, a sidecar with a windshield. Hal ties his staff to the side of the vehicle. It’s the Staff of Disaster of the Fire Giant Surtr (炎の巨人スルトの災厄の杖 Honō no Kyojin Suruto no Saiyaku no Tsue) used by Hal to burn Phantom Books. It’s a branch of calamities (災いの枝 Wazawai no Eda) sealed with nine keys, a weapon who will incinerate the whole world during the Twilight of the Gods. It’s a metallic staff larger than him, with a censer at the end, resembling a device used during religious rituals. It destroys all forbidden knowledge, even those in the reader’s memories and soul.[3] Beings without any association with forbidden knowledge are not affected by the flames.[5] The staff is powered with the magic of Phantom Books. There are some who know about the existence of Book Burning Officers and the staff of Surtr. It’s said that the person who wields the staff will vanish into his own flames, like the mythological giants.[1]

When Hal wants to use the staff, he holds it horizontally at the waist with his right hand. He places a Phantom Book from the Long Lost Library at the tip of the weapon. He says “Cartridge Load – Blaze!”. A blue, glowing flame resembling a fiery, giant sword is released from the tip of the staff. The long, heavy body of the staff becomes a damper which absorbs the impact, the censer becomes a suppressor which controls the recoil. Hal says “Branch of Calamity, burn everything!”. Hal’s targets are enveloped in magical blue flames. The weapon also spits out balls of fire.[3]

In the anime, when Hal places a Phantom Book at the tip of the staff, it’s a female calm voice coming from the weapon that says “Cartridge Load”. In this adaptation, the staff is golden, with details in red and green. The incense burner part at the top of the staff is held by two arms shaped like snakes. The mark of the key on the back of Hal’s right hand is silver and blue.[6]

Personality[]

Hal believes that Phantom Books only bring pain and death. He wants to burn them all, judging that humanity doesn’t need them. He has a very calm and mature personality. He’s intelligent and very focused in his work. He detests the Biblioprincesses and the key-keepers who obey them. He sees Hugh as Dalian’s dog. Hal is always confronting them, suspecting that they are causing troubles by using Phantom Books.[2] Hal particularly hates the Professor.[3] Hal has a tragic past which he tries to forget. He blames himself for the death of the woman precious to him.[1] Consequently, Hal wishes to die by his own flames. He accepts this as the destiny of a Book Burning Officer. Hal is grumpy and arrogant. He seems unkind, but he shows emotions sometimes, although he tries to hide it. He’s always telling Flamberge to shut up. He refers to her as an insane doll, or as trash. They frequently draw attention to themselves with their bickering. Hal has no patience for Flamberge’s provocations.[4] He likes coffee without sugar.[1] In Dalian-chan's Bookshelf, Hal is a man of few words. He's a brute who's always in a bad mood, but he's more open to interact with other characters in this spin-off.[7]

Appearance[]

He’s a tall man a little over twenty-five years old. Although he has beautiful facial features, he’s always intimidatingly pursing his lips. His ashen hair is tightly tied behind the back of his head. There’s a deep wrinkle between his eyebrows. He wears leather boots and a long coat resembling a cassock. It’s a strange attire that makes him look like a bounty hunter or a priest.[3]

In the anime, he wears a long coat with a dark shade of blue and details in yellow. He uses glasses, black fingerless gloves, black boots and a long light blue fabric around his waist. Sometimes he’s seen with a wide-brimmed blue hat. He protects his deep green eyes with brown goggles while driving his motorcycle. He has short brown hair, although a long fringe covers the left part of his face.[6] In Dalian-chan's Bookshelf, Hal has black hair and wears a black long coat with a high collar and waist pockets.[8]

Plot[]

Libricide[]

Mabel Hal Flam

Hal and Flamberge are stopped by Mabel.

Hal and Flamberge ride into a lakeside town. Hal seems to be looking for someone. They are stopped by Mabel Nash, a policewoman, who wants to know more about the strange couple. Mabel notices Flamberge’s inhuman attire. According to Hal, Flamberge likes to dress like that. After some bickering between Flamberge and Hal, Mabel asks about their identities. Hal introduces himself as a Book Burning Officer. He’s searching for a young man accompanied by a little girl strangely dressed holding a lock and a book.

Hal asks Mabel where he can buy gasoline. Mabel tells him that a merchant will come the day after tomorrow. Hal decides to wait, although the town has no hotels. Hal chooses to spent the night in the open air. Mabel offers a place in her small house. Hal and Flamberge follow Mabel through the shopping district. Hal feels like everyone is pretending, as if they are living a fake life. He notices many brothels around. According to Mabel, the women had many clients when the local weapon factory was active. Hal and Flamberge heard rumors about the town. It’s said that more than eighty people disappeared since the end of the war. According to Mabel, it’s a false statement.

They reach Mabel’s beautiful house. Hal sees Mabel’s grandparents, who look unnatural, like mechanical dolls. Patricia, Mabel’s little sister, tells Hal and Flamberge to leave the town. Hal notices that Patricia shows emotions, unlike the others inhabitants of the small town.

After midnight, Hal leaves the house to investigate. He finds a hidden, ruined part of the town, a place scarred by war. A prostitute suddenly appears. She asks to spent the night with him. Hal wonders why a prostitute is wandering in such isolated place. He asks who is controlling her. The woman seems confused and disturbed. She attacks Hal, moving her hand like a knife to slice his throat. Hal fights her, applying his Baritsu techniques. He restrains her, but she sacrifices her arm to free herself. The woman manages to wound Hal. He grabs her head and smashes it against the ground. The wooden doll acting as a prostitute finally stops.

Hal returns at dawn, only to see Flamberge and Patricia huddled together on the bed of the guest room. Patricia wakes up, trembling with fear. She was worried for the well-being of Hal and Flamberge. Travelers had visited the town before, but they never came back. Hal tells Flamberge that it’s time to go. Hal enters a gloomy factory, carrying Flamberge on his shoulder like a bag. Hal explains that the factory is where wooden dolls controlled by magic are built to populate the town, replacing the inhabitants who died during the war. Mabel shows up, revealing herself as the user of the Rahōto Reihō Kaigen, a Phantom Book which grants the power of creating obedient puppets. Mabel received the Phantom Book from a Biblioprincess. Anger appears in Hal's eyes as the Biblioprincess is mentioned. Hal knew that he would find the Rahōto Reihō Kaigen user if he drove his motorcycle around asking about a little girl with a book. Hal reveals that the wooden dolls are attacking the travelers, but Mabel refuses to believe. She orders the dolls to attack the couple. Hal opens the Long Lost Library. Hal reaches into the gap on Flamberge’s body to grab a Phantom Book. He uses the Phantom Book to charge his staff and burn the wooden dolls, the Rahōto Reihō Kaigen, and the corrupted part of Mabel’s soul. Mabel tells him that, by using the staff of Surtr, Hal will eventually disappear into his own flames. Hal accepts his fate.

Hal returns the unconscious Mabel to Patricia. He tells Patricia that Mabel probably lost all memories about the Phantom Book and the wooden dolls. Patricia thanks Hal for saving the town and her sister. Hal drives away in his motorcycle. Flamberge, in the sidecar, provokes Hal after noticing his subtle smile. Hal tells her to shut up. Their bickering starts once again.[3]

Book of Atonement[]

Hal tells Flamberge to shut up as she complains about the gloomy weather. He explains why he’s driving in circles. Four days ago, a single man attacked the embassy and wounded seven police officers. It’s said that the attacker didn’t stop even after getting shot twenty times. He disappeared when he was touched by sunlight. Hal suspects that the monster was created by a Phantom Book user who was conducting an experiment. Soon, the terrorist will act again, probably to disrupt the post-war reconstruction meeting. Flamberge mocks Hal. After all, it won’t be easy to find the culprit and burn his Phantom Book. However, Hal apparently had already found his target.

Hal drives towards the café. He doesn’t slow down even on the sidewalk. He hits the tables while aiming for Hugh and Dalian. Hugh manages to grab Dalian by the collar and avoid the motorcycle. Dalian recognizes the uniform of the Book Burning Officer. Hal suddenly attacks Hugh with a Baritsu technique. Hugh wipes his bloody lips. Hal is surprised that Hugh was fast enough to defend the blow. Hal wonders if Hugh is a soldier, but the latter introduces himself as a former pilot. Hal wants to burn everything related to Phantom Books, including the Black Biblioprincess and her key-keeper. Hal believes that humans don’t need knowledge from Phantom Books. Dalian tells Flamberge to keep Hal in a cage or on a chain.

Hal suspects that Hugh and Dalian are responsible for the attack at the embassy. Hal asks what Hugh and Dalian are doing with a Phantom Book. However, it’s revealed that Hugh and Dalian were only consulting a guidebook with a list of cafes and pastry shops. Nonetheless, Hal raises his right hand, revealing a bunch of golden keys. Hugh and Hal are about to open the Dantalian’s Bookshelf and the Long Lost Library, respectively, but the confrontation is interrupted when shouts are heard from the direction of the metro station. Hal rides away, leaving his staff behind.

He drives inside the station, where a group of zombies is threatening the passersby. He destroys the creature’s joints. Someone had displayed forbidden knowledge for everyone to read at the information board. Those who read the entire transcription turned into zombies. Hal plans to fight the zombies and destroy the information board, but he’s overwhelmed by the creatures. Hugh reads a Phantom Book to freeze the zombies. Hal recognizes the Book of the Feast of the Dead of the Windowless Hall. Hal affirms that there was no need to use a Phantom Book.

The four deduce that the terrorist was conducting another experiment. Flamberge suggests that, next time, the terrorist will put the forbidden knowledge into newspapers to affect a large number of people. An important football match was about to end, and everyone will buy newspapers to read about it. Hal walks away to find the printing shop used by the terrorists. However, Dalian points out that he has no time to search for the place. Hal reluctantly agrees to work with Hugh for a moment. But, later, they will continue their fight

Long Lost Library open

Hal opens the Long Lost Library.

Hugh and Dalian go to the stadium to prolong the match. Meanwhile, Hal and Flamberge find the printing shop used by the terrorists to produce the newspapers with forbidden knowledge. Through the radio, the terrorists notice that the absurd result of the match was not as they expected. Now, the headline they’ve prepared is useless. Hal introduces himself as Book Burning Officer. According to the Leutnant, leader of the terrorists, the man in white who offered the Phantom Book told the terrorists that he will not be involved if the Book Burning Officer shows up. Hal is unable to hide his hate for the man in white. The Leutnant wants to proceed with the plan of spreading Phantom Books throughout the capital. He tells his comrade zombies to attack Hal and Flamberge. The Leutnant himself uses the Book of Atonement to turn into a zombie. Hal opens the Long Lost Library to obtain a Phantom Book and uses its magical power as fuel for his staff. Hal burns the terrorists and the forbidden knowledge. The Leutnant warns Hal that he’ll burn mankind someday. Hal affirms that he already burned someone precious to him with his own hands.

The next day, Hal and Flamberge wait in front of a large museum. Hal had told Hugh to meet there so that they can continue their fight. Flamberge calls Hal a fool and tells him to give up. After all, Hugh will not appear. Hal is furious, since he was fooled by Hugh and Dalian. Hal roars in rage as the rain pours down.[2]

The House-Elf's Rough Time[]

After working day after day organizing the books at the Disward estate, the house-elf tries to find a less demanding owner. Hal becomes one of the owners. Without even opening the Book of the House-Elf, Hal tells the creature to burn it. According to Hal, Book Burning Officers burn all Phantom Books. The house-elf shakes with fear. The creature asks permission to go to another owner. Hal points the tip of his staff at the house-elf. Hal says “Blaze!”. The house-elf barely escaped. He returned to Dalian with a slightly scorched Phantom Book.[9]

Phantom Book Thief[]

Hal drives towards a small castle surrounded by a fortress. Hal drove into such wilderness because of a newspaper with an unusual headline. It talks about Mithril, the Phantom Book Thief. The mysterious person apparently sent a letter to the police and to the newspapers, warning everyone that he will steal a valuable Phantom Book from Ben Arkin. Flamberge teases Hal for believing in the news. She wonders if he wants to catch the thief to become famous, or if he became Mithril’s fan. If Ben Arkin really has a Phantom Book, Hal plans to burn it. He tells Flamberge to shut up. Flamberge affirms that Hal should show gratitude. After all, laughter is good for health. As they approach the Reizl Castle, Flamberge warns Hal about the rumors about the Arkin estate. It’s said that a demon, the Scarlet Robe, was seen in those lands years ago. Hal is astonished, realizing that Flamberge still has fragments of memories from before her breakdown.

The couple is stopped by the police at the gate of the Reizl Castle. Hal introduces himself as a Book Burning Officer. The detective is shocked to see Flamberge’s attire. Hal refers to her as a simple doll. She tells the detective to relax. According to her, Hal is only a man with strange fetishes. The couple starts bickering, but their loud noise is interrupted when a man with a hunting hat appears. Hal recognizes Inspector Grosseteste. The latter tells him to leave, since no Phantom Books are involved in the case. Hal turns his motorcycle around to ride along the fortress.

Hal finds magical symbols on the wall. It looks like a magical barrier that prevents uninvited people from entering the fortress. It’s an ancient barrier created with forbidden knowledge from a Phantom Book. Their investigation is interrupted when a monster appears carrying an unconscious little girl on top of the fortress. The creature jumps to the ground, defying gravity. Hal chases him. Hal blocks the kidnapper’s path. Hal jumps out of the motorcycle, his staff in hand. The monster jumps on his shoulders and pushes off towards the forest. The monster runs away, leaving the little girl behind.

After saving Elisha, Ben Arkin’s daughter, Hal and Flamberge are invited inside the Reizl Castle. Yuna, Elisha’s personal doctor, didn’t believe that Book Burning Officers existed, because she heard about them from a mentally unstable patient. Flamberge laughs, agreeing that their existence is unreasonable. Hal tells her to shut up. Arkin is surprised to know about the existence of Book Burning Officers. Arkin asks Hal to stay in the castle protecting Elisha. Hal hesitates for a moment, but he accepts.

When Elisha wakes up in her bedroom, she feels a little scared with the presence of such unusual couple. Hal tries to ignore Yuna’s handshake. She unexpectedly grabs Hal’s arm by force. She thanks Hal and Flamberge for saving the little girl. The doctor tells them about the Elisha’s poor health. Yuna promises to cure Elisha. The little girl also thanks Hal and Flamberge for saving her. According to Flamberge, Hal had only lustful desires while acting as a hero. Hal interrogates Elisha, but she has no information about the kidnapper.

Hal and Flamberge follow Elisha to the castle’s library. The couple suddenly stops, feeling the blood in the air. The Scarlet Robe had killed the policemen who were waiting for Mithril. The witch recognizes Flamberge and Hal as a Biblioprincess and a key-keeper, respectively, although Hal identifies himself as a Book Burning Officer. The Scarlet Robe sends her familiars to kill the couple. Hal opens the Long Lost Library. He grabs a Phantom Book and uses its magical power to charge his staff. He uses his staff to burn the monsters, although the Scarlet Robe, Elisha’s doppelganger, remains unharmed. The witch disappears, threatening to take Elisha’s life.

Hal and the others gather to talk about the case. Suddenly, they hear Elisha screaming. Hal runs to the guest room, his staff in hand. He finds a bloody dress hung to the wall by a silver knife. The knife has a griffin symbol associated with Mithril. Arkin reveals that Elisha’s doppelgänger is in fact Hildegard, his sister. Hildegard, after having her soul corrupted by her grandfather’s Phantom Books, was imprisoned inside the basement of the castle by her own brother. Hal, Flamberge and the policemen find Elisha while exploring the basement. Hal pushes Arkin aside, recognizing the little girl as Hildegard. Hal opens the Long Lost Library once again to obtain the magical power of a Phantom Book. Hildegard uses a barrier to protect herself from the flames of Hal’s staff. Mithril eventually shows up to help Hal. The latter knows that Mithril is using a Phantom Book due to the thief’s inhuman movements. Mithril steals Hildegard’s Phantom Book and throws it to Hal. The Book Burning Officer uses his staff to burn Hildegard’s Phantom Book and defeat the witch.

At dawn, Hal and Flamberge meet Yuna inside Hildegard’s basement. Hal exposes Yuna as Mithril, the thief who uses the Faceless Book to disguise herself. Mithril had used Hal to defeat Hildegard and gain access to the Phantom Book collection hidden inside the basement. Hal tries to attack Mithril, but the thief easily jumps over him. Mithril manages to escape. The thief tells Hal to not burn himself with his own flame. However, according to Hal, dying by his own flames is the destiny of a Book Burning Officer and his own wish. Hal burns all Phantom Books inside the Reizl Castle. When Hal and Flamberge are ready to ride away, Elisha shows up. The little girl wishes to thank Yuna. Now that Hildegard is gone, Elisha's health has improved. Elisha knows that Yuna was Mithril in disguise. Nonetheless, Mithril kept her promise and cured Elisha. Hal smiles for a moment. He drives off. Flamberge teases him, noticing how he tries to hide his feelings. Hal tells her to shut up. They continue their rude conversation.[4]

Paradise[]

Flamberge Hal

Hal and Flamberge reach the Latham Archipelago.

Hal and Flamberge reach the Latham Archipelago aboard a steam vessel. She tells him to look more cheerful to attract the girls in swimwear. However, he’s not interested in women. Hal angrily tells her to keep quiet. Her appearance makes a sailor nearby clearly puzzled. Hal tells him to not pay attention to her. She tells the sailor that she’s only pleasing Hal’s perverse tastes. The sailor tells the couple to not disturb the other passengers. Hal asks about Haycroft. According to the sailor, he’s an influential man who lives on the hill, in a remarkable house.

The couple easily finds Haycroft’s house. The latter called for a Book Burning Officer in order to find his missing daughter Oriana. Hal accepts the task when Haycroft explains that Oriana left home to find the Book of Paradise. It’s said that the Phantom Book can be found at the Holy Land of the Sea Devils. Hal is curious to know more about the creatures. Hal and Flamberge receive a box with Oriana’s belongings. Hal finds a small pipe inside it. Flamberge suggests that it’s a tool used for drug intake.

Hal and Flamberge stop on the beach after failing to gather useful information from drug dealers. Flamberge sees a crowd in the distance. It seems like the police is removing a bloody man from a vessel. It’s said that the victim was attacked by a sea devil. Hal wants to approach the crowd and investigate, but his path is blocked by a woman. She grabs Hal’s staff to support herself. She throws up, feeling seasickness. The stranger apologizes. Hal introduces himself as a Book Burning Officer looking for a young woman. Lucrece recognizes the pipe in Hal’s hands as a tool for the consumption of Paradise Pieces. Lucrece tells Hal where he should go to know more about it.

Hal walks to a poor region of the Latham Archipelago. He enters the Driftwood Pavilion. He immediately jumps over the counter and grabs the owner by the collar. Hal asks about the pipe owned by Oriana. It’s revealed that she was using Paradise Pieces to relive happy moments of her life. Hal also learns that the substance tends to attract people to the Holy Land of the Sea Devils. Hal affirms that there’s no way to go back in time.

In the evening, Hal and Flamberge try to find a boat to reach the Holy Land of the Sea Devils. However, no one is willing to take them. Bonnie Lee also refuses them. Hal identifies her as the responsible for collection the Paradise Pieces. Bonnie Lee feels threatened. The two stare at each other. The tense moment is interrupted by Lucrece. The latter convinces Bonnie Lee to take them in her vessel. Hal and the three women sail to the Holy Land of the Sea Devils. Bonnie Lee confirms that sea devils exist there. She gets as close as possible to the island with her boat. Hal lifts Flamberge as a sack of potatoes and walks into a cave. They find the Paradise Pieces. Hal throws Flamberge off his shoulder. The couple hears a melodious voice. Hal realizes that the voice is reading a Phantom Book. Hal collapses.

Hal relives a moment from his past. He’s reading in a small laboratory of an old university. The pretty woman precious to him appears. She was going to see Francesca, but after seeing the lights on, she decided to stop by. Hal thinks that Francesca is a ghost. The pretty woman is certain that Francesca and Hal would easily get along. The pretty woman makes some coffee. Hal asks for a cup without sugar. Hal reveals that he’s going to study in America. He wants to take her with him, away from the war. The pretty woman is happy for him. She tells him not to worry. After all, she has a Phantom Book which grants all her wishes. Piece will come and they will be together forever.

Meanwhile, Flamberge finds the reader of the Book of Paradise, the Sea Devil Queen. Flamberge is still awake because she has no memories of her past. The Book of Paradise affects only those with happy memories. She watches as a viscous substance covers the body of the unconscious Hal. He’s about to be trapped inside a stalactite, and Flamberge has no way to prevent that. However, Flamberge reveals that she’s not the only person without happy memories.

Hal wakes up. He struggles to yell her name. He opens the Long Lost Library to grab a Phantom Book and use it as fuel for his staff. He burns the stalactites, the Book of Paradise and its user. The Sea Devil Queen affirms that Hal will burn his own life and memories someday while using the staff of Surtr. Hal affirms that his past was incinerated a long time ago. He has nothing to lose. The Sea Devil Queen laughs, noticing the lie. After all, Hal is crying. He touches his cheek to feel his tears.

After freeing the victims of the Book of Paradise, including Oriana, the couple returns to the main island. Hal points his staff at Lucrece, accusing her of being a sea devil. Lucrece affirms to be a scientist. Satisfied, he lowers the staff. Hal is ready to leave, although he was hoping to meet another Biblioprincess in the Latham Archipelago. Lucrece mentions a girl named Dalian wearing a blue dress. Due to the description, Hal and Flamberge do not think Lucrece is referring to the Black Biblioprincess. Flamberge insists on going to the beach, but Hal refuses. Now in a serious tone, Flamberge asks if Hal had a happy dream. Hal affirms that he doesn’t remember. He walks away.[1]

Phantom Book of the King[]

Flamberge is frustrated with the high temperature. She tells Hal to do a performance so that they can get some money for a hotel. He tells her to shut up. Hal is following Lazarus Goldin, the Newspaper King. According to Flamberge, not even Hal has a face as evil as Goldin’s. The Newspaper King probably used illicit ways to make his career. In the past, Goldin traveled with Gaveston, the man who found the Phantom Book Cemetery. Gaveston affirmed that the legendary place exists, although he showed no proof. Now, Goldin is preparing an expedition to the Phantom Book Cemetery. Hal suspects that Goldin has a Phantom Book.

A young girl accidentally lets go of her suitcase. The luggage hits Hal, and the couple is buried under a mountain of clothes. Flamberge tells the young girl not to worry, since Hal loves to wear women’s clothes. Hal tells Flamberge to stop talking nonsense. Due to Flamberge’s attire, Ernie mistakes Hal for a slave trader. She tells him to release Flamberge. He introduces himself as a Book Burning Officer. Ernie introduces herself as a researcher looking for the Phantom Book Cemetery. Hal doesn’t trust her. Ernie leaves to meet someone else.

Ernie has a brief conversation with Hugh and Dalian. Hal interrupts them to confront Hugh. Hal seizes a notebook from Hugh and inserts in his own pocket. Hugh mistakes Hal for Dalian’s acquantaince. Hal and Dalian protest in unison. Hugh knew that Hal would show up. Hugh was prepared for Hal. The couples argue with each other.

Goldin shows up. Hal threatens to burn his Phantom Book. Hal is ready to open the Long Lost Library, but Goldin orders him to freeze. Hal is unable to oppose Goldin, user of the Book of Royal Power. Goldin tells Hal to drown himself in the Nile. Hal hurts his own body trying to regain control. Hal may die before reaching the river. Suddenly, Hugh shoots Hal. The latter falls forward. His body jerks several times and freezes.Hugh affirms that he wished to finish Hal with his own hands. Hugh and Dalian follow Goldin to the ship bound for the Phantom Book Cemetery.

Hal wakes up inside a dark room, his head resting on Ernie’s lap. For Hal’s shock, Ernie tries to give him some water mouth-to-mouth. According to Flamberge, Ernie took care of Hal all night. Flamberge throws Hugh’s notebook to Hal. It’s revealed that Hugh shot the notebook in Hal’s pocket. Hugh did that to save Hal from the unbeatable influence of the Book of Royal Power. Ernie and Flamberge carried the unconscious Hal to the ship, as planned by Hugh. Hal, Flamberge and Ernie find Hugh and Dalian on the deck. Hal shakes with anger and humiliation, knowing that he was saved by Hugh. However, Hal agrees to make peace for a moment.

Dalian reveals the little she knows about the Book of Royal Power. Hal wants to burn the Phantom Book but, according to Flamberge, he will lose control of his body once again. Suddenly, the ship is attacked by giant crocodiles and fishes. Hugh planned to use Hal to get rid of the monsters. Hal opens the Long Lost Library. He grabs a Phantom Book to use it as magical power for his staff. However, the creatures are not affected by the flames released from Hal’s staff since they are not associated with forbidden knowledge. Hal is knocked down by the tail of a giant fish. He hits the wall and drops his staff. Hal is about to be bitten by a giant crocodile, but Goldin shows up to save the ship. He notices Hal and Flamberge on the deck. Goldin doesn’t trust Hugh anymore.

Hal Arnie

Hal protects Ernie.

Hugh and Hal are forced to join Goldin’s crew and pull the wagon. Dalian and Flamberge are tied to each other. Dalian blames Hal and Flamberge for their misfortune. Hal falls to his knees, exhausted. Dalian and Flamberge tease him. Hal expresses his hate for the Biblioprincesses. Ernie kisses Hal’s cheek to heal his wound. The group reaches the Phantom Book Cemetery. The Book of Royal Power goes out of control. Goldin releases powerful shock waves. Hal pushes Ernie against the ground to protect her. Hal tries to stop Goldin. The latter tells Hal to kill Flamberge and then kill himself. Hal grabs her by the neck. He screams in pain while trying to resist. Hugh removes four Books of Royal Power from the Dantalian’s Bookshelf. Hal regains control of his own body. Hal realizes that the Phantom Book Cemetery is the home of the Books of Royal Power.

Hal wants to burn Goldin to erase everything related to Phantom Books. Goldin is knocked down by Ernie, who reveals to be Gaveston II. Flamberge knew that Ernie was a man when she looked into the contents of his briefcase. Flamberge affirms that she’s not as stupid as Hal. Gaveston II winks at Hal. Gaveston II is happy to have met Hal. The latter feels humiliated. They run back to the ship as a volcanic eruption starts. It’s revealed that Hugh planned everything to return the Books of Royal Power to the Phantom Book Cemetery. Hal thinks that the Phantom Books were destroyed during the eruption, but Hugh explains that they were launched to outer space, bound for another world. Hal raises his staff, wishing to fight Hugh and Dalian, but the couple uses the Book of the Descendant of the Mist to escape. Hal stomps his foot furiously. He’s certain that they will meet again. Hal is decided to chase them to the end of the world.[5]

Song of the Unseen Tomorrow (anime-only)[]

The newspapers with the transcription of the Book of Atonement are produced. Rasiel and the Professor are ready to proceed with the plan of turning the inhabitants of London into zombies and disrupting the post-war reconstruction meeting. However, accompanied by Flamberge, Hal shows up to destroy the newspaper with the flames from his staff. The Professor affirms that Hal will burn humans someday. Hal reveals that he already burned someone precious to him with his own hands. Rasiel and the Professor walk away. Hal wants to follow them, but Flamberge tells him to give up. They hear the voice of Dalian asking for help. After all, Hugh had been shot by the Professor. Later, Flamberge appears sat in the sidecar of Hal’s motorcycle. She finds funny how he saved Hugh and Dalian. She wonders if Hal will give a Phantom Book to them next time. Hal dismisses her sarcastic remark. He affirms that all Phantom Books must be destroyed.[10]

Dalian-chan's Bookshelf[]

Hal intro

Hal interrupts Flamberge's work.

In Chapter 2, Hugh is tending the garden of the Disward estate, when suddenly Flamberge shows up, affirming that Hal can help, although the place would be in a serious risk of being burned down. She reveals that she was walking with Hal, when he had the urge to go to the bathroom. Flamberge decided to wait Hal in the garden. Flamberge uses her hair to make a grass sculpture in the shape of a sensual female bust. Hal interrupts the work. He offends Flamberge and tells her to go sit in the motorcycle. They ride away.[11]

In Chapter 3, Flamberge and Hal compete in an obstacle course. The competition starts. The first part of the race is hurdling. While Dalian is having trouble, Hal easily overtakes her. He dashes through the course, pushing the tires away while holding Flamberge under his arm. Next, they must climb a wall using a rope. Dalian looks at Flamberge and Hal satisfied. After all, Flamberge won’t be able to climb with her straitjacket. However, Hal simply launches Flamberge over the wall.

At the last part of the race, the competitors must grab one of the pieces of paper on the floor and cross the finish line with the thing described on the paper. The paper chosen by the Professor and Rasiel contains the words “white coat”. They are lucky, since the Professor is always wearing a white coat. However, Hal shows up, revealing that he also has to cross the finish line with a white coat. Hal and Flamberge run after Rasiel and the Professor. Hugh and Dalian win the race. Flamberge is angry because the Professor didn’t share his white coat. Flamberge and Hal were disqualified.[12]

In Chapter 5, Flamberge and Hal visit the Disward estate for a Christmas party. They brought meat. It seems like Hal just caught a live chicken. Hal goes to the kitchen to prepare the meat. The Professor is already there. He looks like a woman, missing only a chest. Hal lights a match, but the Professor thinks that he’s too noisy. Hal yells, as if he’s using his staff to burn something. The Christmas party starts. Flamberge and Hal brought a gift. Hal appears with a huge, intimidating box. It seems like there’s a beast inside.[13]

In Chapter 6, it's revealed that Flamberge and Hal sent a New Year card to Hugh and Dalian. The letter is black, apparently burned.[14] In Chapter 7, Dalian invites Flamberge and Rasiel to make Valentine's Day chocolates. Hugh, Hal and the Professor must wait inside an igloo. Flamberge shows up with the ingredients. Dalian is unhappy because Flamberge bought chocolates from a store. Flamberge affirms that those chocolates are enough to convey her feelings for Hal. She eventually gives her chocolate to Hal. She puts a chocolate-coated biscuit stick in her mouth. Since she can’t use her hands, it’s the only way to give it to Hal. He bites the opposite end of the stick.[15]

In Chapter 11, Hugh activates the Book of Adventure by accident, so he and Dalian enter a RPG world. They must defeat the Devil to return home. They decide to go to the nearest town. Suddenly, they see Hal dragging Flamberge. Hugh and Dalian pretend that they didn’t see someone familiar, but Flamberge notices their presence. Flamberge explains that she was sleeping close to Hugh, in secret, so she was also trapped inside that world. She believes that she can defeat the Devil before Hugh and Dalian. Hugh and Dalian visit an equipment store. He asks if Flamberge and Hal bought something. It’s revealed that they bought a coffin, so that Hal can drag Flamberge around without any pain. It's revealed that Hal and Flamberge were able to get money by looking into people’s chests and pots.[16]

In the Final Chapter, Hugh and Dalian confront the Devil and her aide, revealed to be Rasiel and the Professor, respectively. Suddenly, the Professor is hit by a coffin. Flamberge and Hal are late, since they were leveling up. Now they are almost level 1000 characters, more than enough to defeat the Professor. Hal even has a high-level sword. The couple beats the Professor, a level 99 character.[17]

Level 999

Flamberge and Hal are ready to battle.

Trivia[]

  • In interview, Masayuki Katou lamented that the anime ended. He wanted to interact more with the work and the characters.[18]
    • The voice actor felt a strong sense of duty from Hal. Katou avoided making Hal too negative.[18]
    • Other than Hal, Flamberge is Katou's favorite character. According to the voice actor, although she's restrained, she's also free-spirited, which is refreshing. Furthermore, she is kind for trying to lift Hal's mood.[18]
  • Baritsu is the name given to a form of martial art practiced by Sherlock Holmes. It is almost certainly a misspelling of the real martial art of Bartitsu.[19] It's an eclectic martial art and self-defence method originally developed in England during the years 1898–1902, combining elements of boxing, jujitsu, cane fighting, and French kickboxing.[20]
  • During World War I, the British Army sought to increase the mobility of its Vickers machine guns. A solution to this problem was to fit the guns to sidecar motorcycles. This would allow the guns to be moved rapidly between different sectors, and allow them to quickly pursue retreating enemy troops.[21]
    • Hal's motorcycle is probably a Harley-Davidson. In 1917, the United States entered World War I and the military demanded motorcycles for the war effort. World War I was the first time that Harleys were adopted for military issue. The U.S. military purchased over 20,000 motorcycles from Harley-Davidson.[22]
  • In Norse mythology, Surtr is a jötunn, a type of entity contrasted with gods and other figures, such as dwarves and elves. At the end of the world, Surtr will engulf everything in flames.[23]
    • Twilight of the Gods is the translation of Ragnarøkkr, from Old Norse. In Norse mythology, Ragnarök is a series of events, including a great battle, foretold to lead to the death of a number of great figures, natural disasters and the submersion of the world in water. After these events, the world will resurface anew and fertile.[24]
    • Branch of calamities or destruction is a reference to Lævateinn. In some Norse legends, it's sometimes considered to be the blade that Surtr wields during Ragnarök.[25]
  • Book burning is the deliberate destruction by fire of books or other written materials. It represents an element of censorship and usually proceeds from a cultural, religious, or political opposition to the materials in question.[26]
  • Hal is the only key-keeper not adapted to the manga.[27]
  • The voice of Hal's staff is not credited.[6]
  • To promote the anime, volumes 1 to 7 of the light novel were released with new covers depicting the character designs from the adaptation. Hal was featured in volume 4.[28]
Hal cover

Cover of the light novel volume 4 special edition.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 The Mystic Archives of Dantalian light novelChapter 4, volume 6.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 The Mystic Archives of Dantalian light novelChapter 5, volume 3.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 The Mystic Archives of Dantalian light novelChapter 5, volume 1.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 The Mystic Archives of Dantalian light novelChapter 5, volume 4.
  5. 5.0 5.1 The Mystic Archives of Dantalian light novelChapter 1, volume 8.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 The Mystic Archives of Dantalian anime, Episode 6.
  7. The Mystic Archives of Dalian-chan manga, Chapter 5.
  8. The Mystic Archives of Dalian-chan manga, Chapter 5.
  9. The Mystic Archives of Dantalian light novelFragment 2, volume 4.
  10. The Mystic Archives of Dantalian anime, Episode 12.
  11. The Mystic Archives of Dalian-chan manga, Chapter 2.
  12. The Mystic Archives of Dalian-chan manga, Chapter 3.
  13. The Mystic Archives of Dalian-chan manga, Chapter 5.
  14. The Mystic Archives of Dalian-chan manga, Chapter 6.
  15. The Mystic Archives of Dalian-chan manga, Chapter 7.
  16. The Mystic Archives of Dalian-chan manga, Chapter 11.
  17. The Mystic Archives of Dalian-chan manga, Final Chapter.
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 千葉研一. 沢城みゆき、小野大輔らが語る、「ダンタリアンの書架」最終話アフレコ後インタビュー. In KoePota. Retrieved 10:07, September 27, 2020, from http://www.koepota.jp/news/2011/09/26/0301.html
  19. Baritsu. (2020, May 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 10:35, September 27, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baritsu&oldid=958799433
  20. Bartitsu. (2020, September 2). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 10:50, September 27, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bartitsu&oldid=976352020
  21. Sidecar. (2020, July 26). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 10:28, September 27, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sidecar&oldid=969549379
  22. Harley-Davidson. (2020, September 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 10:31, September 27, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Harley-Davidson&oldid=980320172
  23. Surtr. (2020, August 19). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 00:07, September 27, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Surtr&oldid=973812592
  24. Ragnarök. (2020, September 21). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 10:02, September 27, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ragnar%C3%B6k&oldid=979565840
  25. Lævateinn. (2020, July 26). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 10:07, September 27, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=L%C3%A6vateinn&oldid=969599283
  26. Book burning. (2020, September 24). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 11:01, September 27, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Book_burning&oldid=980128052
  27. The Mystic Archives of Dantalian manga.
  28. 『ダンタリアンの書架』 やっぱアニメのキャラデザ受け入れられんかも. In Reshinanidayo. Retrieved 16:07, October 15, 2020, from http://blog.livedoor.jp/reshinanidayo/archives/40687011.html
Characters

Biblioprincesses

Dalian - Flamberge - Rasiel

Key-keepers

Hugh Anthony Disward - Hal Kamhout - Professor

Recurring characters

The Girl in the Bookshelf - Wesley Disward - Kamilla Sauer Keynes - Jessica Elphinstone - Shura Irmania - Armand Jeremiah - The Perennial Wisdom's Owner - Oliver Grosseteste - Mithril - Hugh's mother - Hugh's father - Natalia - Hal's beloved - Miss Roedean

Creatures and machines

Atlantic Rim - Automaton - Beast of Ashwell - Book of Royal Power - Branches of Relationship - Broken Wings - Dantalian - Dead Book - Ghost train - Golem - Guignols - Guillemot - Heath - House-elf - Kasuruhau - Logbook - Loge's giant - Musical automaton - Pioneer Plant - The Harlequinade's creatures - Ras Alhague monster - Scarlet Robe - Sea devils - Steam Giant - The Queen of the Night - W Machine - Winged women - Wooden dolls - Zombies

Dalian Days

Priscilla Riley - Cecil Patreina - Margaret Manschwell

Others

Male Characters - Female Characters
Phantom Book Users - Deceased Characters
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