Established in 1947, Article 9 prohibits Japan from maintaining an armed military, stating in part, “The Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.”

This historic vote follows weeks of increasing tension after China used a nuclear weapon against an alleged magical threat within its own borders. A statement from China’s Ministry of Defense claimed the nuclear strike was only authorized as a last resort. “The threat posed by these magical rebels is equivalent to an active terrorist organization with nuclear capabilities. No nation would willingly allow such a threat within their borders.”

Japan’s Prime Minister rejected that explanation. “The world cannot tolerate a policy of nuclear aggression against potential magical threats. Nor do we believe the world could survive such a policy. We call upon all nations to condemn this attack, and we offer refuge and aid to those targeted by this act of war.”

According to Article 96 of Japan’s Constitution, an amendment to Article 9 requires a 2/3 supermajority vote by the legislature as well as an affirmative vote by the people. A special election has been scheduled for one week from today.

Chapter 10

“What are you?”

“I’ll need you to be a little more specific, Isaac.”

“Are you alive?”

“That’s an interesting question. It’s also a difficult one to answer with any accuracy. I’d say I’m as alive and self-aware as Smudge or Lena.”

“Both of whom nearly lost their minds when they were brought from their books into the real world. Based on everything we know, shouldn’t you be insane?”

“Where does such madness arise? Is it the shock of finding oneself in another world? I spent more than five centuries in your world. Is it the shortcoming of text, the inability to truly capture a complete mind in print? But then, a book written by a libriomancer is more than mere text. Particularly a book written by me, if I say so myself.”

“Particularly if you’re borrowing techniques from the Students of Bi Sheng.”

“You noticed that, did you?”

“Are you a ghost?”

“The Porters have been shamefully sloppy with their classification of ‘ghosts.’ When a vampire uses their power to speak with the dead, are they truly contacting a ghost? The mental and spiritual energy I used to guide my automatons, do those tattered remnants of humanity qualify as ghosts? Or Meridiana’s so-called ghost army? Those poor souls had little in common with their living counterparts.”

“You’re avoiding the question.”

“I have no answer for you, Isaac. I simply am.”