86 Eighty-Six

"86 -Eighty Six-" is a Japanese science fiction light novel series written by Asato Asato and illustrated by Shirabii. The story is set in a fictional future world where the Republic of San Magnolia is under constant attack from the Giadian Empire's unmanned drones known as the "Legion". To combat the "Legion", the Republic develops its own autonomous drones, which they claim makes the war bloodless. However, beyond the 85 sectors of the Republic lies the "nonexistent" 86th sector, where young men and women known as the "86" are stripped of their humanity and forced to pilot these "unmanned" weapons in battle. The story revolves around the interactions of these young people, the 86, and their Republic handlers, and unveils the cruel truths and deep social issues behind the war. The series is highly praised for its captivating plot, profound themes, and beautiful visuals, and has been adapted into various forms such as anime and manga.