Edens Zero Chapter 286 Review/Recap
At the end of the last chapter of Edens Zero, things seemed to be looking up for everyone. Thanks to the cavalry arriving, the Edens One was finally destroyed. Ziggy seemingly managed to end Void, though he could return. The only thing left to do is for Shiki to force the Chronophage to cooperate and help them save Mother. That task was already easier than done, and after this chapter, it only got more challenging. As it turns out, the Chronophage can spawn mini-Chronophages! And the being that seems to its heart just wants to erase everything.
Who is this person?!?
Recap
With the One destroyed, the combined fleet starts mopping up the stragglers. However, drones have become the least of their problems. Out of nowhere, a swarm of mini-Chronophages come flying in, forcing everyone to take evasive action. With the fleet’s weapons unable to hurt them, everyone’s helpless to stop them from surrounding Rebecca, Happy, and Pino’s ship. However, before the three get overwhelmed by the monsters, Ziggy uses his Gravity Ether to give them an escape route. According to him, the Chronophage is resisting Shiki.
Back at the Chronophage, the monster spawn smaller versions of itself while Shiki fights the being at its heart. Unfortunately, Shiki finds himself on the backfoot, as the Inner Chronophage proves faster, stronger, and all-around tougher than him. Despite his best efforts, Shiki finds himself on the ground and at the mercy of the Inner Chronophage. As the being continues to beat Shiki bloody, they speak about how they came from the future to devour all worlds, not wanting them anymore.
What?
Review
This is…very concerning for several reasons.
Firstly, I was surprised to find out about the Chronophage being capable of spawning mini-versions of itself. And if each of them is like their progenitor, then just touching them will eat a person or object’s time. In the best-case scenario, the ships and people could be made too young to fight. Worst case, they cease to exist. The only consolation is that they’re focused on Rebecca. The Chronophage seems to focus exclusively on places that Rebecca goes to, and we still don’t know why. Though I do have a few theories.
When Shiki started fighting the Inner Chronophage, I speculated on their true identity. Given their appearance and their extensive use of legs in combat, I suspected they might be related to Rebecca. Given her family’s Time Ether, that would make sense. However, the reveal that she’s from the future implies something darker. What if the Chronophage is Rebecca’s child from a possible future timeline. Or worse, what if it’s actually Rebecca? If that’s true, then I shudder to imagine what could’ve turned into this. All the more reason Shiki needs to succeed. Whatever made the Chronophage and Void the way they are can’t come to pass.
Considering how the manga is approaching its endgame, this chapter was a nice twist. Right when things look like they’re under control, the heroes get another obstacle to face. It’s a good way to keep us on our toes. Hopefully, though, the heroes can deal with the Chronophage soon. Because, if they don’t, then Mother, the Earth, and everything in existence is doomed.
