Summary: After the “arrest”, on the way back to the research facility, Haru told Kushima that he wanted to dive again. While Kushima was looking for a skilled diver, he needed Haru to pass a few tests. Connecting himself to the Metal again, he began to carry out a few tasks set for him as a test. However, attempts after attempts, he failed. Every time he would loose consciousness before he could complete the set task. It was not before long that Kushima forced Haru to stop and take a rest, for he might suffer from decompression sickness. While Haru was taking a rest, Kushima received a phone call from the Secretary General, she seem to be showing some interest in Haru.

Meanwhile, Minamo attempted to research what the Metal actually is. Apparently it is a system that was first developed to be an ocean simulator and eventually became something that can move a human conscious into a virtual environment as data. However, this did not help Minamo, she wanted to find a way for Haru to dive again. She couldn’t find any solutions, until she caught sight of a poster saying “safe and relax diving” while hanging out with her friends. That was it, Haru needed to focus less on the actual diving and more on relaxing and feeling safe.

Rushing back to tell Haru her solution, the alarm at the research centre went off. A diver was in danger, he had lost consciousness in the Metal and there were no divers available to rescue him. Haru volunteered . Kushima had no choice, since there were no one else available at the time. Taking on board Minamo’s advice, Haru began to dive. At first the current in the Metal was causing him problems, but eventually he managed to reach the victim. On his way back something caused his connection to the system to disconnection. Quickly the connection was quickly reestablished, when the monitors at the research facility were restored, everyone was surprised to see Haru back in his young body again. With that the operation was a success.

As a reward, Kushima had prepared a home office for Haru to work in, as an EISF investigator. Haru agreed, only under the condition that Minamo stayed with him. That settled, Haru now reside in his new home office accompanied by Minamo and Honlon

Outside, was a suspicious man staring into the house…

Thoughts: After last week’s rather out of place (for what the series has set itself up to be) and disappointing episode, this one restored my faith in the series a little. This was mainly because it had an explanation as to what the Metal actually is, as well as some of the theory behind the phenomenal activities that’s been taking place, which really ought to have been in last week’s episode. Of course, not everything has been revealed yet, the biggest mystery being the fact that Haru can return to his younger self while being in the Metal. There were also little bits of science in there as well, like the paragraph regarding how the Metal actually worked, which also include a new measuring unit they’ve invented called the “Bubble”, Ha.

Although the scene was brief, but it seems like there will be some political elements involving the Secretary General, or I could be misinterpreting and the whole scene was nothing more than a big show off of her tits. Speaking of flesh, Minamo, as well as others like Honlon, seem to have lost a few pounds. Either that or I am already getting used to this unique style of art, not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing…

The visual side of things is still as good as ever, the animation is fluent but perhaps not as noticeable in this episode since there were less scenic background to give you that “woah~” feel. I really like how they use bright colours, the shopping centre scene in particular. With all the boats and bridges, one might even think it’s modern Aria.

P.S: If you didn’t know already from previous comments, exams are quickly approaching (first one is in 2 days… and I am blogging instead of revising xD) and I won’t be able to keep up with the few shows I am blogging. Sorry for the inconvenience but do expect a delay on my posts. I need to prepare for my Venice trip Aria pilgrimage as well, which is the day after my final exams ^^;. Wish me luck.