Liminal Border Part I

Liminal Border Part I is the first installment in a four-part visual novel series. You follow Itsuki Ninomae, a geek whose hobby is making fan movies that attract few viewers. By accidentally creating a video that can mesmerize anyone who watches it, he becomes involved in a digital hypnotism business and enters the underworld.

Story

After making the hypnotic video, Itsuki shows it to Rin Akinashi, a childhood acquaintance who has always looked down on him. He discovers that the popular, straight-A student hides a cunning nature. Seeing the video’s potential, Rin proposes a lucrative business using digital hypnotism. Itsuki feels guilt and fear about the situation at first, but he is drawn into legally murky dealings.

Characters

Itsuki’s circle includes classmates, members of a delinquent gang and people connected to organized crime:

• Rin Akinashi: Itsuki’s long-time acquaintance and classmate. Popular for her looks, behavior and grades, she masks a calculating nature and treats Itsuki with cold hostility because he knows the truth about her. She proposes the business, handles its organization and stays behind the scenes, while Itsuki and Hina run it. Though she comes from a prosperous family, she is strongly attached to money and runs the business with Hina’s help.
• Hina Yorozuya: Itsuki’s classmate and the heroine of Part I. Her home life has led her to take an unconventional path and associate with unsavory people, though she is friendly and likable. She partners with Rin’s business to make ends meet. Cautious around men and never in a relationship, she nevertheless treats Itsuki like a lover despite barely having spoken to him. She cooks well and has strong opinions about Japanese curry.
• Kotoko Teshigawara: A student in the year above Itsuki and the daughter of a crime syndicate boss. Proud of her yakuza family, she values benevolence and justice. After learning about the digital hypnotism business, she allows it to proceed under her supervision.
• Meryl Hathaway: A mysterious young girl who accompanies Kotoko. Though slight and seemingly indifferent, she shows exceptional skill in emergencies and likes sweet things.
• Tatsuya Yorozuya: Hina’s older brother, a student at Badman Academy and leader of DREAD. He uses whatever means he sees fit to make money, including violence, and his activities are backed by the yakuza. Despite his rough manner, he is fiercely loyal and caring toward those he respects.
• Shiori Iida: Rin’s classmate and close friend, who is popular with boys.
• Koji: A Badman Academy student and DREAD member who faithfully follows Tatsuya’s orders, though he is not a deep thinker.
• Shoji: A teacher at Badman Academy with strong computer and peripherals knowledge who is willing to help Hina.