[attr="class","boldinghereafter"]Hereafter is a story of decadence, materialism, alcoholic nights, opium filled air, and a vanishing civilization. Set in the late 1920s, Shangrila faces a disappearing emperor, angry spirits, and mounting conflicts that threaten to tear the country into millions of ugly fragments.

Shangrila (桃花源) is an oriental country set in the industrialization era, during the second industrial revolution, where the revolution heralds an unprecedented movement of people and ideas. This is bought on by the rise of western influence after World War 1. The story starts with the disappearance of the Jade Emperor; a man entrusted with the heavenly artifact called "Mandate of Heaven" that is said to be capable of crushing any foe with an overwhelming blessing from the divine.

Before the industrial revolution occurs, Ayakashi (spirits) live peacefully alongside humans, both worshiped and respected. Temples were built in some of their names, and they take care of nature, the climate, and ensure that food and water are plentiful for all. The more respected an Ayakashi is, the more influence they have over human affairs. This brings about the rise of Shamans; groups of intellects that study the earth, sea, and sky to weave magic with intelligence, forming contracts with Ayakashis as companions and friends, but never lovers.

Each Shaman has an artifact called a Relic that they carry with them at all times, a small token that represents the line of study they decide to pursue when they turn 18 years old. The Relic are vital for two reasons; to cleanse evil, and to form contracts with Ayakashis that cannot be broken unless due to special, dire circumstances. Shamans often reside in temples, and they are scholars, counselors, and respected individuals that stay by the side of the Jade Emperor- at least, until he vanished without a trace.

When he vanished, the Shamans and Ayakashis are thrown in a disarray by a military coup from the Imperial Army, led by a commander known for his cutting words and swift actions. The Imperial Army took over the country, destroying temples ruthlessly, running a smear campaign against Shamans as charlatans, and Ayakashis as figments of imagination. Any Ayakashi found will be seized and murdered ruthlessly, while Shamans are placed under surveillance, with the remaining temples closely guarded. With that, the people's trust in the existence of Ayakashi subsequently faded, diminishing Ayakashis' influence and power to something that cannot really touch the human world. Ayakashis are fading- their existence unknown, and they are forced to live as humans, with humans, disguised as humans with what is left of their powers.

That phenomenon led to the creation of Mononokes; corrupted Ayakashi that have become too intertwined with human affairs, and hence filled with anger and resentment. The Mononokes' powers ballooned when corrupted- turning them into harmful, angered curses that seek to spread malice and despair. Left with no choice, the Imperial Army accused Shamans of spreading despair, while Shamans and Ayakashis strive to work together and cleanse the Mononokes permanently- by seeking the Truth (why the Mononoke was created), Form (the real appearance of the Mononoke), and the Regret (the Mononoke's final desire).

While the conflicts rage on beneath the thinly veiled civilization, the human world isn't so simple. Opium has finally fell into the hands of the inhabitants of Shangrila, leading to rising drug trades, criminal activity, all laced together in the age of partying and decadence- with complete and utter disregard for what the future holds. At the same time, the Prohibition Era is here; the ban of alcohol only further increase bootlegging and consumption of dangerous alcohols. Shangrila never sleeps- and its facade of peace is breaking apart at the edges.

"And they live happily ever after" is a typical, mundane ending to every story. Shangrila gives you your once upon a time - submerge yourself in the story and find a Hereafter that you won't ever regret.