Again I have to say that while this is a bit confusing, when it isn't confusing it's fantastic. Basically it's a whole bunch of boys and their best friends, fighting together, loving each other... it isn't BL, but it's... emotion porn, maybe. (That sounds dirtier than I mean it to be, but it's just... intense.) Anyway, good stuff, and I'm holding out hope that it'll all make sense in the end.

I had to reread volumes 1-3 because this was one of the victims of the publisher collapse a few years back. I didn't even realize someone else had picked it up. It had been a handful of years since I last read it. In recap, Teito runs from the imperial army, losing his best friend Mikage (now reborn as a little dragony thing), in the process. Teito hasn't many memories of the past and is the vessel for something known as the eye of Mikhal which could save or destroy the world. He wants revenge on Ayanami for killing Mikage and three bishops, Frau, Castor and Labrador are helping him (the three house three of the 7 ghosts, gods, while Ayanami seems to house the villain of the piece).

This one revolves around the church where Teito and his new partner Haruken (new friend, close friend, very quickly. He's also from the Oak family which is all in politics and the military, very important and he's more or less disowned because he wants to join the church to fight the kor, sort of demons that possess and destroy people). Teito and Haruken are up for their bishop exams (which would allow Teito free, unchallenge travel so he can track his nemesis)

In the middle of this, Ayanami's crew attack and things go sideways for Teito and he suffers an important loss. He still has to move forward in spite of it.

I do like this manga but it is very convoluted sometimes too much so. I've had to reread a few spots to figure out what is going on. On the whole, I like the art but sometimes Teito's hair is left uncolored and that adds to the confusion.

yo teito and his blond harem is super cute, intense friendships for everyone! 3.5 stars

Ayanami seems to be a really powerful opponent, being able to control half souls and planning his moves precisely. I really like him :)
More information about the Eye of Mikhail and the Seven Ghosts is given, and some more glimpses of Teitos past are shown. Frau had to decide between saving the Eye or saving Teito, a really nice move...

Spoiler

I am curious how they plan to get the Eye back.

Hakuren and Teito are becoming really good friends as they prepare for the Exam. The introduction of Bishop Lance was quite funny :D
The exam is interesting, having to answer 100 questions in different situations, could be rather difficult. The idea of the door of the victor and the door of the defeated is a great idea and the short preview of the second part of the exam teases. Threatening atmosphere!

The long awaited clergy-exam is here....more like test in courage & friendship but yeah. We get our feels from here.