86 -eighty six-

is a Japanese light novel series written by Asato Asato, with illustrations by Shirabi. The series began publication on February 10, 2017 by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko publishing imprint.

The series won the Grand Prize in the 23rd Dengeki Novel Prize.

The Series has been licensed for an English release by Yen Press under their Yen On imprint.

Synopsis
Republic of San Magnolia. Every day, it was invaded by the unmanned weapon "Legion" of the neighboring country "Imperial". However, in response to the attack, the Republic side also succeeded in developing a weapon of the same type, and rejected the threat with barely any sacrifice.

Yes-ostensibly.

The truth is that no one was dead. Outside all 85 plots of the Republic. << Non-existent "86th Ward" >>. There, boys and girls branded as "Eighty Six" continued to fight day and night "as manned drones".

Shin, a boy who leads young people heading to the dead, and Lena, a girl who became a "handler" who takes command of them by special communication from far behind.

The story of a fierce and sad battle between the two and parting begins!

86 -Eighty Six-
An anime adaptation of the light novel is set to release in April 2021.