The Heavenly Delusion’s post-apocalyptic world was brought about by a series of events. The initial trigger occurred when the children discovered that the adults at Takahara Academy had been conducting experiments on them. This shocking revelation sparked chaos within the school as the children realized they had been manipulated. These experiments bestowed upon each child a unique ability, prompting them to flee the academy in search of truth and freedom.
However, the experiments had unintended consequences. The children, as a result of these manipulations, became susceptible to transforming into monstrous beings once their “core” reached its limit. This transformation typically occurred upon their death, essentially turning the children into man-eaters. This revelation confirmed that the children themselves were the source of the devastating threat in the post-apocalyptic world.
Heavenly Delusion shares a similar premise to “The Promised Neverland.” Both stories initially portray the seemingly ordinary lives of children living together in a confined space. However, there exists a mysterious and imposing wall that piques the children’s curiosity. As viewers, we are aware that there is a significant secret concealed beyond that wall. Our intuition proves accurate when we discover that the world beyond the wall is a dangerous place, in stark contrast to the sense of security and contentment we experience while observing the events unfold at Takahara Academy.
Later on in the story, we come to realize that the perceived “Heaven,” or rather, Takahara Academy, is nothing more than a fanciful illusion. The genesis of the post-apocalyptic world can be traced back to the events that unfolded within the confines of Takahara Academy. However, a significant turning point occurred when a catastrophic meteorite struck, an event often referred to as “The Great Disaster” by Maru and the other characters.
The revelation concerning the children’s experimentation, coupled with “The Great Disaster” and the ensuing earthquake, shattered the world’s equilibrium. Takahara Academy, once considered a sanctuary, lost its veil of heavenly splendor as the world crumbled around it. Furthermore, as the children transformed into man-eating creatures, the world became plagued by relentless and indestructible monsters that brought terror upon all.
Read more: Heavenly Delusion Television Anime Releases English Dub on Hulu
Where Do Heavenly Delusion’s Man-Eaters Come From?
The beginning of the man-eaters can be traced back to Tokio and the other children’s time at Takahara Academy. It was there that the adults harbored a horrifying secret, engaging in experiments on the children from a very young age, even during infancy. These experiments resulted in each student developing unique abilities.
For instance, Tokio discovered her capacity to render herself invisible to surveillance cameras. Kuku, on the other hand, demonstrated remarkable leaping powers, capable of scaling great heights and even sticking to walls.
Understanding that the children possessed these extraordinary abilities, coupled with the realization that the events at Takahara Academy and within the post-apocalyptic world occurred in distinct timelines, confirms that the man-eaters were once the very same children inhabiting the so-called “Heaven.”
In the future timeline, which revolves around the thrilling escapades of Maru and Kiruko, their lives are constantly endangered by the looming presence of the man-eaters. These monstrous beings were absent during the events that unfolded in the supposed “Heaven.” This is because the children who were subjected to the experiments themselves transformed into these creatures.
This truth plunged the situation into chaos. While the exact process and reasons behind their transformation into these creatures remain unclear, it is likely connected to the manipulation of their genetic makeup. Unfortunately, the children have no control over this transformation whatsoever. The occurrence of their death often serves as a forewarning that they are on the verge of becoming man-eaters. Surprisingly, even in their transformed state, they retain the abilities they possessed when they were still human.
The foreshadowing of the post-apocalyptic world in Heavenly Delusion can be observed through subtle hints in both the anime and manga. As early as Episode 2, Kona’s drawing of a fish-like creature bears a striking resemblance to the man-eater that emerges in Episode 4. In the manga, Mimihime experiences a vision of Kona’s man-eater form, and considering her ability to see the future, it suggests the possibility that Kona eventually succumbed to becoming a man-eater, unless he had already met his death.
During Episode 4 of the anime, Kuku and Tokio embarked on a covert mission, venturing into the school’s ventilation system. Their secret exploration eventually led them to a room brimming with incubated creatures. It is highly likely that these were additional children undergoing experimentation.
The School in Heavenly Delusion Explained
Takahara Academy is the name of the school where Tokio and the other children studied, and presumably, it was probably the same place where the children were born and raised. All the adults hide what is outside of the walls from all the students, although once Tokio herself voices out her curiosity to the Director, all the Director tells her is that it is full of monsters.
At first glance, Takahara Academy appears to be Heaven, while the realm beyond the walls, where Maru and Kiruko find themselves, seems like Hell. However, as the story unfolds, we come to realize that these events occur in different time periods. The happenings within Takahara Academy take place in the past, specifically 10 years before, while Maru and Kiruko exist in a post-apocalyptic future.
In Chapter 15, it is revealed that all the children at the academy are genetically modified to be immune to diseases. This suggests that Takahara Academy serves as a place where superhuman children are created. The exact purpose behind this remains unclear, but it may be linked to the concept of establishing a heavenly place by creating these superhumans.
The academy’s initial portrayal as a heavenly place is a deception, meant to shield the students from the truth about the outside world. In reality, the children at the academy were subjected to horrifying experiments as mere laboratory subjects. There is even a mysterious term called “pickup day” for which the students were being prepared. Its exact nature is uncertain, but it involves taking the students out of the academy. Some theories suggest that they would either have their brains switched with the staff or serve as a highly-skilled army to consolidate power.
The events suggest that there is no actual “Heaven” or “Hell” in their world. The idea of Heaven was nothing more than a deceptive “delusion” fabricated by the adults to mislead the students. Thus, despite its initially appealing and inviting facade, Takahara Academy conceals a sinister secret beneath its beautiful exterior.
Read more: Is Kiruko a Girl in Heavenly Delusion?