The Case Study of Vanitas (Simuldub)

Vanitas and Noé travel to Gévaudan in search of a creature known as the Beast, but things go sideways when they encounter a murderous paladin, a hostile acquaintance, and an old nemesis. Will our heroes survive these threats, not to mention the Beast?

Vanitas and Jeanne spend a steamy yet awkward night together. Tempers flare when Vanitas learns Dante withheld information. Though they all know they're at cross-purposes, they set out to find Noé. Meanwhile, Noé wakes to find himself in the Beast's lair.

Noé learns Naenia took Chloé's true name. Chloé's past and the d'Apchiers' history come to light, including her friendship with Jeanne, the Alteration Engine, and Ruthven's friendship with Chloé, which he shattered by trying to take the engine research.

Noé unwillingly taps into Jean-Jacques's memories and learns what happened to him and how he befriended Chloé. The Beast's true identity and the vast conspiracy behind it come to light. Vanitas tries to stop Chloé from activating the Alteration Engine.

Chloé reveals why she wants to kill Naenia. After Naenia's true nature is revealed and Chloé's malnomen is triggered, Vanitas and Noé scramble to save Gévaudan with some unexpected help. A Church cover-up comes to light along with Jeanne's dark past.

Vanitas tries to convince Jeanne not to slay Chloé. The cause of Astolfo's hatred is laid bare. Jean-Jacques finally learns Chloé's end game and tries to stop her. Vanitas activates the Alteration engine to save Chloé and Gévaudan, but is it too late?

Vanitas identifies Chloé's malnomen. Astolfo's hatred spirals out of control. Chloé must choose between annihilation and a dismal life. Vanitas remembers he doesn't have to be alone, but is it too late? Will our heroes save Gévaudan and themselves?

Noé begs Count Orlok to save Vanitas from a strange ailment. Vanitas bumps into Roland and asks him about love "for a friend." Jeanne confides in Luca to his dismay. Dominque seems strangely obsessed with Noé. Noé tells Vanitas he is glad they met.

Noé springs into action after he receives a disturbing letter. Details about Domi and Louis' past, as well as Mikhail's past, come to light. Vanitas is alarmed to hear of Mikhail's return. Noé confronts Mikhail but is forced to do as he asks.

As Noé sucks Mikhail's blood, he gets a glimpse of the latter's past with Vanitas. Details emerge about Vanitas's parents, his history with the Vampire of the Blue Moon, and the experiments he endured. Mikhail is delighted when Vanitas comes to save Noé.

Mikhail tells Vanitas what he wants. Noé and Vanitas clash. Details emerge about why Vanitas shuns others and doesn't want them to peer into his memories. Dominique's life is on the razor's edge. Noé says he can't do the one thing Vanitas wants.

Mikhail pleads with Vanitas to join him. Dominque comes to terms with her inner self. Mikhail unleashes terror on his foes, but the book exacts a toll. An unexpected figure appears amid the ruins. Vanitas mends fences with Noé and parts ways with Mikhail.