[Urban supernatural powers + healing and redemption + a satisfying tale about breaking free from self-inflicted stress]
“Hello, I'm Anxiety. I'm here to eat you.”
“Oh. Sit over there and don't move. Let me give you a name first.”
The overworked Lu Tu has a little-known secret: he can see things other people can't, the “chaos mists” formed from negative emotions.
Workplace bullying takes the form of swarms of rats that gnaw at the mind. Social anxiety condenses into black clouds that blot out the sky, while perfectionism is like an invisible chain, trapping people where they stand. These monsters are silently devouring the city's order and its people's peace of mind.
Then one day, he unexpectedly awakens the “Power of Naming” and becomes the world's last namer. From then on, his daily routine shifts from currying favor with his boss to naming all kinds of eerie mist monsters. “Oh, you're called ‘Monday Syndrome’? Then I'll call you ‘Get Lost, Workaholic.’”
Though Lu Tu seems carefree and irreverent, he carries a heavy burden. He meets Wu Luo, a gifted young woman driven to the brink of collapse by perfectionism, and together they form the “Anti-Burnout Alliance.” One uses naming to strip monsters of their power, while the other uses healing to mend broken hearts.
They fight not only the tangible chaos mists, but also the avoidance, greed, and blind obedience buried deep in human nature. From the “Overtime Grudge Wraiths” in office towers to the “Keyboard Warrior Storm” online, and finally the conspiracy of the “Nameless Lord” looming over the entire city, Lu Tu gradually realizes that the true enemy has never been the fog outside, but the shadows everyone is afraid to face within themselves.
When he finally stands before the source of chaos and calls out the true name he has been preparing for so long…
It's rare that Tomato writes a good book about anxiety. Now I'm under a lot of pressure and annoying at work. This book really gave me inspiration to deal with it.