As I inferred in my literary analysis of episode 17 of Shingeki no Bahamut: Virgin Soul, it was logical according to the plot and foreshadowed in the story that Chris and Nina would grow closer so Nina could control her transformation into the Red Dragon, just as Azazel had deduced in episode 4 of the series. However, due to animation reasons and because it is an animated series, this scene was not possible to materialize. This is evidenced by the series writer, Shizuka Oishi, in the third artbook of the collector's edition Blu-ray of Shingeki no Bahamut VIRGIN SOUL.
Next, I will detail the excerpt provided by Ms. Oishi for the collector's edition, which clarifies the major doubt we fans of this beautiful series had.
It is no surprise that someone like Ms. Oishi, erudite in literature and performing arts, would leave aside such an important detail as the consummation of love between the series' protagonists. However, since it is a delicate topic for certain viewers, this caused discontent among some people involved in the anime's production. Nonetheless, despite all the obstacles Ms. Oishi faced, it can be inferred that Chris and Nina did become intimate thanks to the subtleties mentioned in the analysis of episode 17, a beautiful episode full of elements to analyze.
Excerpt from the interview between the interviewer, Mr. Haruno Oto, and Ms. Shizuka Oishi, the writer of VIRGIN SOUL:
Mr. Haruno Oto: What is your final impression of "BahaSoul" as an anime?
Shizuka Oishi: At first, I was surprised by how long it took from when the script was finished until the anime aired. Anime requires a lot of time for drawing, and even more so in the case of "BahaSoul", which is very demanding in terms of drawings. Before I got involved in this work, I thought drawing was something that could be done anywhere, but I realized it really takes a lot of time. Also, since each episode has a different setting, like in "BahaSoul", it's something uncommon... I didn't know that, so I wrote the script thinking I could do anything, which caused trouble.
Shizuka Oishi: "BahaSoul" has relatively few lines of dialogue, but still, you can feel a lot through the drawings. When writing the script with Takeda-san and Otsuka-san, we tried not to make the dialogue explanatory. That's something always told to new scriptwriters. Also, when watching it, I realized that, good or bad, drawings don't have the harshness of real life. For example, if in a real action scene someone is bleeding and collapses, it's hard to watch, but in drawings, even the most intense expressions are conveyed more smoothly. That's something I feel. So, the love scene between Nina and Charioce in the cave of episode 17 is really beautiful, but also a bit superficial. At that moment, I thought, "Wouldn't it be better if Nina and Charioce slept together?" However, in anime, it's not common to go that far, and if they did, Nina's perception would change afterward. Of course, it's not necessary to show it explicitly, but if it's hinted at, Nina's sadness would increase. I discussed this with Takeda-san and Otsuka-san, but the final decision of director Sato Keiichi was to reject it (laughs).
Shizuka Oishi: As a drama, it could be interesting, but it could also be something viewers wouldn't appreciate, so I understand the director's decision. It might also be a bit embarrassing. Even when directing a live-action love scene, directors say it's like exposing their own hands, and it's terribly embarrassing. Of course, I respect the director's final decision this time.
Anyone analyzing the series will remember the dialogue from Azazel in episode 4:
- Nina: I think if I turned around and looked at you right now, I'd probably turn into a dragon.
- Azazel: That would be a problem.
- Nina: I'm such a disaster that I don't think I'd be useful to you or the demons.
- Azazel: That's not true. If you can't control yourself, I'll control you.
- Nina: What do you mean?
- Azazel: Let me make love to you and turn you into a dragon.
As someone who loves this series and has dedicated themselves to its deep analysis, I think the sex scene between Chris and Nina actually happened due to all the subtle hints in episode 17, but it's so subtle that no one could change Nina's opinion about it. I believe that even though Ms. Oishi was disappointed by not being able to carry out her original plan, it was still carried out in the same way, and it's only evident to those who pay attention to the key details that are consistent with what was foreshadowed in earlier episodes.
I cordially invite you to read in-depth the analysis of episode 17 of the series, as it is one of the most complex written from a literary perspective.
References:
- Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul Blu-ray Amazon.co.jp - All-Volumes Purchase Bonus Drama CD 'With Nina'
This is the English version of the literary analysis originally posted in Spanish on March 5, 2025.
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