Riddle Story of Devil

Riddle Story of Devil, otherwise known as Akuma no Riddle, is a dark, action-packed anime series that originally aired in 2014. Released by animation giant FUNimation and based on the manga series written by Yun Kōga, the show puts a unique spin on the classic battle royale narrative. Its story is woven with elements of suspense, terror, action, strategic warfare, and an unexpected sprinkle of yuri (a genre involving love between women), which offers an intriguing break from the typical definition of the genre by adding a heartrending emotional twist.

The plot revolves around a private girls' boarding school named Myōjō Academy, which on the surface, appears like any other educational institution fostering the growth of young minds. However, there's a nefarious twist: nestled within the academy is a robustly secretive Class Black, which is composed of thirteen students. Twelve of these students are assassins, each with their dark pasts, varied skill sets, and deadly intentions. The thirteenth student named Haru Ichinose is their prey, an unwitting quarry who must face their lethal machinations, fight for survival and strive to graduate without getting assassinated.

The lead character and one of the assassins, Tokaku Azuma, is a no-nonsense fighter hailing from a family of renowned assassins. Brought up in a harsh, unloving environment from childhood, she's inherently equipped with all the essential survival and combat skills. She’s cold and unapproachable but undoubtedly one of the toughest and most competent killers in the class. Upon receiving orders to join Myōjō Academy’s Class Black, she arrives with the same objective as her counterparts: to eliminate Haru.

However, as the story unfolds, Tokaku develops an unexpected sense of attachment to Haru. This connection builds an intriguing dynamic, forging an alliance that subsists in a battleground where trust is a luxury. Tokaku renounces her mission and assumes the mantle of Haru's bodyguard, vowing to protect her from the other assassins. As they both scurry to fend off the lurking threats, the storyline weaves an intense narrative of survival, unveiling secrets about the academy, the purpose of Class Black, and the real motive behind the deadly assignment.

While the grim premise establishes a chilling atmosphere, the anime also explores the psychological dimensions of the characters. Each assassin in Class Black possesses depth, relatability, and a unique narrative of their own. Through their individual pitiless extermination attempts, their stories unfurl, revealing various elements of their hearts and history, their needs to succeed, and the consequences of their potential failures.

The animation is skillful and crisp; the fight scenes are intricately choreographed, ensuring that the viewer remains on the edge of their seat, eagerly anticipating the next skilled strike or evasion. The soundtrack of Riddle Story of Devil is admirable, with composition synchronizing well with the intensity of the scenarios and adding another layer to the overall emotional impact.

Moreover, the series incorporates themes of identity, friendship, loyalty, determination, and sacrifice. It emphasizes that life's value goes beyond survival, delves into what makes one human, and measures the lengths one is willing to go to protect those they care for. The dichotomy between the cold, unfeeling assassins and their actual tender feelings and sentiments create a harsh contrast that makes the narrative ever compelling.

Although 'Riddle Story of Devil' runs for just 12 episodes, the inventiveness of its plot, its intricate character development, music, animation quality, and the subtle yet effective infusion of emotional depth manage to leave a profound impact.

With an unexpected blend of action, suspense, and emotion, Riddle Story of Devil is a must-watch for action, mystery, and yuri genre enthusiasts. Through breath-taking battles, emotional upheavals, and thrilling suspense, it challenges societal notions, tests the limits of human strength and resilience, and subtly reveals the bittersweet aspects of life. Funimation Entertainment's compelling series is sure to keep viewers hooked as they navigate the intense, deadly journey of survival inside Class Black.