The night of the feast ended, and the next morning, we returned to the Allied Nations using 《Connection》.
It was finally the day before the “Dance Battle Tournament.”
After dealing with various aftermaths, I excused myself, citing important business, and left the “Epic Seeker” headquarters alone.
I moved to an empty lot in the suburbs where no one was around, and I proceeded to do what I had decided on yesterday.
“Can I break it…?”
I took out the “Crescent Pectoral Azure’s Straight Sword” from my “Inventory” and pressed the blade against the “Bracelet.”
This sword is capable of slicing even that Crystal Golem. No matter what kind of ore the “Bracelet” is made of, it should be able to cut through it.
I put force into the sword pressed against the “Bracelet” and tried to slash it in one go.
—However, the sword did not damage the “Bracelet.”
It’s not that the sharpness of the “Crescent Pectoral Azure’s Straight Sword” was inferior to the hardness of the “Bracelet.” Simply put, I, the one wielding the sword, released my strength just before trying to cut the “Bracelet.”
My body instinctively released its strength, independent of my will.
I clicked my tongue and gathered my strength again.
“—Hngh!!”
The “Bracelet” remained without a single scratch.
It was the same no matter how many times I repeated it. As if cursed, the “Bracelet” remained unharmed, existing right there.
Moreover, I felt my health worsen by trying to force it to break.
Nausea and fatigue assailed me, as if it were stealing my strength to resist.
Yes, just like a “Curse.”
“Kuh, just as I suspected…”
It was something I had surmised, but the shock was significant.
Until recently, I was optimistic, thinking I could break the “Bracelet” anytime I wanted. However, reality was the opposite.
Even with a resolute determination, I couldn’t inflict a single scratch.
“…It can’t be helped. Next.”
I switched my mindset and moved on to the next action.
Thanks to last night’s deep contemplation, I was prepared for this situation.
I quickly returned to Epic Seeker and, without anyone noticing, entered the Labyrinth through the “Connection” in the office.
I moved to the 10th floor and searched for a “Monster” on the 11th floor.
As long as it had a decent attack power, any “Monster” would do.
I roamed around, driven by impatience.
Finding a “Monster” that looked easy to handle, resembling a gorilla, I approached it with my bare hands.
The “Monster,” spotting its prey, attacked me with a roar.
“—Magic 《Dimension – Decisive Calculation》”
I grasped the movement of all “Space” and, with strong will, remained in place.
Then, against the “Monster’s” powerful arm, I tried to “defend” with the “Bracelet”—
—The next moment, the “Monster” was sliced in half.
Watching the “Monster” disappear into light, I broke into a cold sweat.
A “Sword” was in my hand.
I knew it.
I could grasp it with 《Dimension》.
I could remember the process.
Just before defending with the “Bracelet,” I was overwhelmed by an unknown “Emotion,” drew my “Sword” from my “Inventory,” and cut the “Enemy” simultaneously. That was all there was to it.
“I can’t even have a monster break it?”
I trembled at the fact I was facing.
And then, I analyzed the unknown “Emotion” I had felt earlier.
At that moment, I felt “Fear.” The “Fear” of losing something very precious. And the “Anger” towards the “Enemy” trying to take it away. “Fear and Anger” drove me, and I unconsciously slaughtered the “Enemy” trying to break the “Bracelet.”
I understood that.
I understood, but the reason for that “Emotion” to arise was too unclear.
This way, it’s as if I cherish this “Bracelet” as much as my “Sister.”
However, I am convinced that I am not a being that can be placed alongside my “Sister.” I can assert that much.
In other words, this is undoubtedly a case of my “Emotions” being manipulated, independent of my own will.
As soon as I finished my analysis, a stagnant “Emotion” welled up.
It was a different kind from the previous “Fear and Anger,” yet the same “Emotion.” “Fear and Anger” at being manipulated by someone else overflowed, unstoppable.
I recalled one of the Reaper’s words.
“Do not meddle with fate.”
For the first time, I truly understood the meaning of those words.
I never imagined that having my will manipulated would be so terrifying, and so infuriating.
In my rage, I clenched my fist, and “Blood” dripped from my palm.
Then, I tried to punch the “Bracelet” with that fist—but it veered off. My fist hit around my elbow, sending pain throughout my body.
The two kinds of “Fear and Anger” mixed, playing a dissonant chord, bending my will again and again. Again and again, they made my fist swerve.
As my left arm grew numb with pain, I relaxed my fist.
And with nausea, I walked.
“Once more… This time, even more…”
I hardened my resolve.
No matter what happens, I will not waver.
Deciding so, I searched for another “Monster.”
I found several of the same “Monster” and exposed myself to be surrounded.
“—Come on!”
I shouted, luring the “Monsters” closer.
The “Monsters'” “Attacks” assailed me from all directions. I decided to take all of them with my bare body. And, I even attempted to align the “Bracelet” with one of those “Attacks.”
As I stood still, the “Monsters'” powerful arms struck me directly.
They struck, struck, struck—but the last one did not hit directly.
Only against the “Bracelet,” my body instinctively dodged.
“Guh, ugh—!!”
No matter how much I hurt my body, it instinctively protected only the “Bracelet.”
As if protecting something more important than life, my body moved on its own.
My head was struck, and my vision blurred. My abdomen was slashed, and my consciousness faded. My limbs couldn’t move properly from the impact. Nevertheless, the “Bracelet” remained unscratched.
Thinking I would die if this continued, I had no choice but to cut down the surrounding “Monsters.” In the scattering light, I wiped away the “Blood” flowing from my “Wounds.” I took out a recovery item from my “Inventory” and performed minimal hemostasis.
“This doesn’t work either, huh… Then…”
Dragging my battered body, I returned to “Epic Seeker” from the 10th floor.
I immediately used 《Dimension – Multiple Expansion》 to search for a skilled individual who could break through my unconscious defense.
First, I found Snow in her own room. However, I wanted to rely on her as a last resort. The anxiety I had always held towards her naturally led me to postpone it.
Next, I found Reaper.
Reaper was in the town’s library.
He was engrossed in books with a very serious expression. Upon closer inspection, he was reading multiple books at once. It seemed he was imitating my method of applying dimensional magic to reading.
The books he was researching were all related to magic.
Perhaps Reaper was trying to find a way to control his own body.
Reaper’s combat power is high. However, if I were his opponent, victory would be zero. It is highly likely that a magic formation is in place that prevents attacks against me, the current manipulator. Moreover, there’s the possibility of it simply being nullified, as happened when we fought on the 30th floor. It’s not suitable for destroying the ‘Bracelet’.
Expanding my magic further, I then found Rowen.
Rowen was wandering around town. I quickly made contact with him as he walked through the town and led him to the first empty lot.
“—Rowen, can you break this ‘Bracelet’ for me?”
Then, I asked him frankly.
Rowen listened to my words, then looked at me, and seemed to understand everything.
As understanding dawned, his face contorted.
“The ‘Bracelet’…? Why…? Why, at this timing…?”
“Why? …I finally realized I can’t allow falsehoods. Reaper taught me that.”
“R-Reaper?”
Rowen was surprised to hear a name he never expected.
“That’s why I intend to break these chains. Everything, it’s already too late…”
As a friend, I conveyed my unvarnished intentions to Rowen.
However, his expression turned dark upon hearing this.
It was very dark.
“I’m sorry, but… I can’t. I can’t do that.”
Rowen averted his gaze and refused my request.
“You… can’t…?”
I questioned him with my eyes, seeking the reason.
“After sensing the mismatch between Kanami’s mind and body, I went to Rail Senks to hear the circumstances… I probably heard more details than Kanami did…”
I was surprised by this fact.
However, I could also sense that Rowen was telling me the truth as a friend.
Just as I had not embellished my words, he was also not embellishing his.
“After hearing it, I made my judgment. It’s better not to remove Kanami’s ‘Bracelet’.”
Then, Rowen clearly stated his intentions to me.
“I have the same thought as Rail Senks. I believe it’s better for Kanami not to regain her memories. It’s much happier that way. —Everyone is happy.”
I frowned upon hearing Rowen’s answer.
However, I still believed the Rowen speaking his true feelings and tried to persuade him with my own true feelings.
“Even if it’s happiness, there are things that cannot be forgiven. I detest happiness steeped in lies. Even without memories, I can feel the anger of my past self. That’s why I will regain my memories. —I should regain them.”
However, my persuasion did not work.
“N-No. If you remove that ‘Bracelet’, there’s a high chance Kanami will stop trying to fulfill my wish. She’ll surely have other priorities than me. Therefore, I won’t cooperate with removing it. —I don’t want to.”
It was a weak voice, unusual for Rowen.
He seemed ashamed to be refusing me for his own convenience.
“That’s not true! I will cooperate in fulfilling Rowen’s ‘Lingering Desire’! Even if my memories return, absolutely!!”
“That’s something the Kanami who hasn’t regained her memories wouldn’t know. I don’t know what will happen if my memories return. In that case, I choose the Kanami as he is now…!”
“You were the one who said my mind and body were in disarray! Do you seriously think the disarrayed me is better!?”
“Th-That’s—”
Rowen stammered.
From his reaction, I could tell he didn’t truly believe that the current state was for the best. However, I could also see that there was something he absolutely would not yield on.
I leaned forward, intending to press him further. However, Rowen interrupted me.
“—I’m sorry, Kanami. Please wait until the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ is over.”
“Wh…!?”
Rowen was aware that he was saying something illogical.
Nevertheless, he was still trying to push his own desires. Therefore, with an apology, he summarized it in concise words.
“In every sense, the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ is too convenient. If I go there, I can confirm it. I have a premonition that I can reach ‘Hero’ status by surpassing Kanami. —And, as long as I’m wearing the ‘Bracelet’, I’m guaranteed that Kanami will fight me to uncover everything. That’s why I can’t break the ‘Bracelet’…”
And then, Rowen poured out his desires and plans.
I understood that there was no falsehood in them.
“Rowen, do you want to become a ‘Hero’ that badly…?”
“Yes, that is my dream. Ever since I was a child, that is all I have wished for. Yes, for a thousand years, continuously…!!”
Rowen spoke as if being chased by something.
He continued speaking and finally shouted.
“To give that up would be to betray my own life. If I do not fulfill the vow of the Aleis family, I will lose the meaning of my birth!”
The shouting Rowen looked pained.
Unlike me or Reaper, he couldn’t force a smile; his face was contorted.
I understood the difference intuitively.
Reaper and I can accept that we have the wrong ‘wishes’, so we can reach for our ‘true wishes’.
However, Rowen cannot do that.
Because he cannot accept that he has the wrong ‘wish’, he can never reach his ‘true wish’.
His appearance was similar to my own not too long ago.
“With such a pained expression, your lingering regrets will never disappear… Surely, even if you become a ‘Hero’, Rowen, you won’t be saved… What will save Rowen is something else entirely. Even I can tell that much now…”
“Yes, perhaps that’s true… However, I have no choice but to do this. I have remembered. It is the destiny of the legitimate son born into the Aleis family… and that I was born to become a ‘Hero’…”
However, even though I conveyed it, it did not reach him.
Rowen quietly shook his head.
With that, I and Rowen drifted apart.
Despite being so close, we had become beings who could not reach each other.
He understood that too and spoke plainly.
“…It’s the day before the ‘Dance Battle Tournament.’ I received guidance from the ‘Epic Seeker.’ The participants must move to the giant theater ‘Valfala’ by today.”
“…I see.”
I ponder.
I consider the option of deciding everything here and now. If I were to only think about myself, there’s a path where I could defeat the guardian of the 30th floor and return Rail’s memories.
However, I wanted to avoid getting involved in the ‘given path’ of my deal with Palinkron.
I choose for everything to be decided at the ‘Dance Battle Tournament,’ just as Rowen desires.
“I will head to ‘Valfala’ first. I’ll see you at the tournament, Kanami. …Then, everything will be resolved.”
“Understood… Have a good trip…”
Rowen leaves.
His back was not as weak as it used to be.
He, who was like a candle in the wind, had somehow donned a dense magical power.
Rowen had regained his firm ‘Lingering Desire’ on the eve of the ‘Dance Battle Tournament.’
The nature of that ‘Lingering Desire’ was probably not what he called ‘Glory.’
Surely, neither ‘Hero’ nor ‘Glory’ will save Rowen.
Though I had a vague feeling, the dragon subjugation yesterday confirmed it.
Still, Rowen will continue to wish.
The man named Rowen Aleis is too kind. Because of that, he reaches out to the wishes of others besides himself.
Is it for the Aleis family? For someone he knew in life? Was there some promise? I don’t know. But it is no longer a mistake that Rowen will aim for the summit of the ‘Dance Battle Tournament.’
If no one tells him, Rowen will continue to make mistakes.
And I had a premonition that I was the only one who could tell him.
It felt like a duty for those who had reached the 30th floor.
However, honestly—I don’t have that much leeway right now.
First, I need to resolve my own issues before I can even speak with confidence. How can I, who has lost so many memories and couldn’t even recognize what’s important to myself, guide someone down the right path?
“Quick…!”
For Rowen’s sake, and for my own, I hurry to destroy my ‘Bracelet.’
I expand the ‘Dimension’ and catch sight of the person I’ve been putting off.
I’m anxious, but it can’t be helped.
There’s no other acquaintance who can break my ‘Bracelet.’
I walk to ‘one room’ in the ‘Epic Seeker’ to meet Snow.
◆◆◆◆◆
“Hehehe…”
When I visited Snow’s room, Snow greeted me with delight.
With unpracticed hands, she prepared tea and watched my mood.
Snow maintained her smile throughout.
However, her words from the night of the ball made it seem comical. Snow was flattering me with the reason of “wanting to have an easy time.” Once I understood that, my feelings grew colder and colder.
Snow searched for topics and showed me various scarves she had knitted before.
She also brought out knitting and sewing tools, talking to me as if to share her hobbies.
However, now is not the time for such things.
I need to confirm more important matters.
I very much want to solve Snow’s problems. I have a lot to say. But first, I need to clarify things with my sister.
Even if I do something for Snow, it would certainly be better if her memories were restored.
I resolve myself and bring up the topic.
Just like with Rowen, I frankly asked for her cooperation in destroying the ‘Bracelet.’
Upon hearing that, Snow’s expression stiffened.
“…Eh, eh…?”
“I will suppress my own will to the limit. Snow, I want you to destroy the ‘Bracelet’ with all your might.”
I repeat the same request.
The moment she heard ‘Bracelet,’ Snow’s expression crumbled.
The room fell silent for a moment, and Snow and I gazed at each other.
I continued to stare with a serious expression.
In contrast, Snow averted her eyes and muttered.
“……I, don’t want to.”
She refused with a trembling voice.
When we first met, she had suggested breaking it, so I harbored a faint hope that she might cooperate with a smile.
However, my hope was crushed, and Snow shook her head.
“No. Absolutely not…!!”
Keeping her eyes on the ground, she shook her head like a child.
The anxiety I felt proved to be true.
“No… We can’t do this anymore… I can’t imagine a life without Kanami. If you break that ‘Bracelet,’ surely Kanami will quit the ‘Epic Seeker’! You’ll leave Laura Via! That… that I absolutely refuse!!”
“Snow…”
I was taken aback by Snow’s true feelings.
She was desperate.
Seeing Snow, who used to be so apathetic, become this desperate, left me speechless.
“Hey, Kanami. Isn’t it okay like this? There’s no shortage of anything. You can have status, honor, money, safety—everything. What more do you want to do? Please, stop…”
Snow made a strained smile and pleaded for me to reconsider.
“…What’s lacking is the truth. Perhaps that truth is more important than my life. That’s why I will break the ‘Bracelet.'”
I replied with words I had prepared beforehand.
Snow, who was immediately told, forced a laugh with “Hehehe…” and continued to persuade me.
“I, I’ll become a good bride! So, stay like this, Kanami! I like the Kanami who is like this! Let’s be deceived together, continuously! Right, Kanami!! There’s a world where everyone can be happy right there!?”
“Ah, they will be happy… It seems so. But, that’s no good, Snow. Snow, didn’t you just say yourself that you want to be ‘deceived’? I can’t accept something when I know I’m being deceived. I can’t ‘mistake my own wish’…!”
Feeling the pain in my palm, I borrowed the words of the Reaper.
“I want to be deceived… I want to be deceived continuously. So, Kanami, be deceived with me too…”
“That, I can’t do…”
I shook my head coldly.
Sensing that coldness, Snow’s expression changed as she recognized the firmness of my resolve.
“Th-then! Wait just a little longer! Win the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ and become a ‘Hero’ then save me! Even that–”
“That’s wrong too, Snow. No matter how much you scream, a convenient ‘hero’ won’t come to save you. …They won’t.”
Hearing the word ‘hero’, I convey the answer I reached last night to Snow.
“Huh? W-wait… They won’t come…?”
“I won’t be a ‘hero’. Because I realized that path is wrong… Therefore, the ‘hero’ Snow desires will absolutely never appear…”
I only feel distrust towards the existence of ‘heroes’.
I was certain of this when Snow and I participated in the Dance Battle Tournament.
Perhaps it would have been better to convey this after my memories returned. However, I couldn’t help but admonish her. If possible, before the Dance Battle Tournament begins, I want Snow to realize her true wish.
The time until that marriage is short. Otherwise, it will be too late.
“Uu… uuu… Aaaah――”
Finally, tears welled up in the corners of Snow’s eyes.
My heart ached. However, I maintained my composure.
Snow relies on me too much. I wish she could overcome that. If not, she will continue to suffer forever.
“I have found my true wish. I can’t remember anything, but I know for sure that this is my wish. I will reclaim the truth. And I will not let anyone’s heart be toyed with any further. …So, Snow, please don’t take the wrong path. Fulfill Snow’s own wish, not the Walker family’s wish.”
I conveyed what I’d heard from the Reaper to Snow.
Snow fell to her knees, sitting with her legs tucked inward.
Then, she covered her face with both hands.
“Ah, aah, Kanami… My Kanami…”
“…No. I do not belong to Snow.”
I regret rushing things a little.
There might have been a more gentle way to say it. There might have been a better timing.
Snow, still looking down, began to let out a dry laugh.
“…Hah, haha, hahahahaha. …As expected, I’m no good, am I? I’m no good.”
Guilt spread through my body like poison.
Still, I must aim to destroy the ‘bracelet’ for the sake of what is important. I maintain my composure.
“Besides, Snow and I were never meant to mix. …Snow might like the ‘hero Kanami’, but I hate the ‘hero version of myself’…”
I added more words, hoping Snow would give up.
Hearing them, she replied petulantly.
“…Kanami, you hate me. …You’re telling me to marry Elmiraud Sidd.”
“Marriage is something Snow must decide for herself. It’s not my place to decide. You must decide for yourself.”
It’s not something to be forced upon you, nor something to do reluctantly. Even more so, reasons like “it’s easier” are definitely wrong.
“But! You said you’ll decide for me! Palinkron said that!? He said only Kanami could guide me… He said that, but…”
Seeing my expression, Snow must have realized that no matter what she said, I wouldn’t change my mind. Her words lost their momentum midway.
“No. Believe only what you think and decide for yourself, Snow…!”
I wanted her to move forward.
I told her to “decide for herself” because I wanted her to find her own wish, just like the Reaper.
“I-I can’t do that… It’s too difficult…”
However, it was not to be.
Hearing those words, Snow showed an expression of despair. It seemed to be the thing she found most unacceptable. Then, she continued to mutter weakly.
“Kanami, you’ve abandoned me, Palinkron… And as always, no one will help me…! No one…!! Uaaah… Uuuu…”
“Snow, you have strength. You can save yourself with the power of Snow Walker, and no one else. So—!!”
Just like the Reaper—
“—…I can’t.”
However, Snow answered without a second thought.
“If you live for Snow Walker with more desperation, with more seriousness, the situation will change! Surely…!!”
“…No. …I can’t stand that.”
As I urged her not to give up, Snow calmly continued to reply.
“…Because if I just tried a little seriously, this is what happens. If I truly wanted Kanami, the pain of being abandoned is this agonizing. It’s so painful I want to die! Ah, as expected, I shouldn’t have been serious. I wish I hadn’t been serious…! When I’m serious, I suffer terribly…!”
She continued to lament with an empty expression.
There was no will to change herself visible.
Snow had given up again.
I grew irritated by her state.
It felt like I was looking at my past self, which made me irritated.
“That’s normal for a person! Those are real emotions! You mustn’t run away from them, Snow…!!”
I tried to approach her, calling her name, hoping to somehow make her reconsider.
“Do something, Kanami…”
However, seeing Snow calling my name while continuing to complain, I stopped in my tracks.
“I don’t want to do anything anymore… I don’t want to decide anything… Kanami…!!”
Snow reached out her hand, trying to cling to me.
I had misjudged.
I had only *thought* I understood.
Snow is weak.
Her spirit is far weaker than I ever imagined.
Without something to cling to, the girl named Snow Walker cannot even walk alone.
However, even if I were to reach out my hand now, Snow would not change.
It would be the same cycle.
I distance myself from Snow. I retreat to a place where she absolutely cannot reach me, take a deep breath, and calm myself. Then, I deliver my final words.
“…I have decided on my path. So, Snow, I would be happy if you also decided on your path.”
I turned my back.
Then, without looking back, I opened the door and left the room.
From behind, I could hear her calling my name.
However, I must not grant her even a single glance.
I bear some responsibility for Snow’s current state of weakness.
It’s because I was too indulgent. At the very least, it’s undeniably one of the contributing factors. Because of me, Snow clung to an impossible hope, and her heart is now on the verge of breaking from the inevitable conclusion.
Fretting over Snow any longer would only hinder her ability to make her own decisions.
For Snow’s sake, I couldn’t afford to falter here.
I left the room and walked silently through the “Epic Seeker.”
There was no one among my companions left who could break my “bracelet.”
Even Volzak, the most skilled member of “Epic Seeker,” wouldn’t be able to leave even a scratch on me.
Reluctantly, I decided to search for another capable person.
It would be easy to find one now. Conveniently, skilled individuals from all over the world had gathered in one place.
If I went to the massive mobile theater “Valfala,” I might find someone willing to cooperate for a reward.
However, before that, there was someone I needed to greet.
Mustering my resolve, I walked to the top floor of “Epic Seeker” and opened the door to the room.
“—Maria, good morning.”
I greeted the girl, who might or might not be my sister, with the widest smile I could manage.
“Ah, Big Brother…”
Maria turned her face towards me, still seated on the bed.
Looking at her was painful…
And at the same time, endearing.
Endearing, but…
There was a high probability that Maria was not my sister.
No, she probably wasn’t my sister. All of the circumstantial evidence pointed to that.
Therefore, I concluded that the feelings I had for this girl, Maria, were due to this “bracelet.” It would be child’s play for someone who could manipulate memories to influence emotions as well.
I suppressed my feelings for Maria and bid her a temporary farewell.
“I assume you’ve heard, but there’s an event called the ‘Dance Battle Tournament’ starting tomorrow. I’ll be participating as a representative of Lauravia…”
“…In that case, I’ll be waiting here. Since I can’t see, I won’t be able to watch as a spectator, and I’d only be a hindrance.”
“Yes, that’s right. You can’t see, can you…”
I found myself curious about the background of this blind girl.
I had thought she was a skilled actress cooperating with Palinkron, but the “bracelet” on her arm denied that. This girl was in the same situation as I was.
I pondered over how to break the girl’s “bracelet.”
If I broke it, she would likely remember her true self. There was a high chance of obtaining new information from that.
However, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
I couldn’t forgive having my memories tampered with. Absolutely not. But the girl in front of me hadn’t made the same resolve.
Therefore, I couldn’t, by my own judgment, force her to recall terrifying memories of misfortune.
This was the same problem as with the Reapers. Until I got my own memories back, I couldn’t make any decisions.
I informed Maria with a smile,
“Alright, I’ll be gone for a few days, Maria.”
“Eh? You’re leaving already…?”
“Yes, I have some urgent business. I’m sorry.”
“…Then I can’t help it. Have a good trip, Big Brother.”
I left the room, cutting the conversation short.
Maria seemed reluctant to see me go.
However, even Maria’s affection was something I couldn’t be sure was genuine.
Under such circumstances, it was impossible to have a pleasant conversation.
My face contorted, I walked through “Epic Seeker.”
Then, I received the “Dance Battle Tournament” documents that were addressed to Guild Master Kanami from a guild member. They contained information about the “Dance Battle Tournament” and accommodation.
The accommodation was a first-class room on a luxurious cruise ship. It was a room on the top floor with a great view.
I looked at the documents detailing the enormous mobile theater “Valfala” and was surprised by its peculiar structure.
I had thought it was just one large ship, but that was a mistake. It seemed that during the “Dance Battle Tournament,” huge ships from all over the world gathered.
There were escort warships, of course, but also ships for circuses and shows, and even ships containing restaurants, all connected.
Since it was the day before the “Dance Battle Tournament,” all the ships would likely be chained together, allowing movement on foot.
There were more than ten accommodation ships alone, and with ships carrying aristocrats from all over the world, the total number was staggering.
The fleet assembled around the giant theater ship “Valfala” was undoubtedly the world’s largest. And starting today, people would refer to that fleet as “Valfala.”
I felt a slight thrill at the prospect of visiting it.
But the excitement quickly faded.
If there had been even one person beside me with whom I could share my thoughts, the excitement wouldn’t have disappeared.
But there was no one.
Alone, I walked north towards Lauravia.
I couldn’t entirely mask my loneliness.
Just a little while ago, I had imagined participating in the “Dance Battle Tournament” with Snow, Rowen, and Reaper as if it were a festival.
But the reality was the opposite. We were completely scattered.
None of us could connect with anyone else, and we were all going our separate ways.
Along with my loneliness, I felt pathetic.
And then, it occurred to me.
“If I were Christ Eurasia… would I have handled it better?”
As Aikawa Uzunami, I had done what I could.
However, I wasn’t confident that this was the best approach. Especially concerning Snow, there might have been other ways. I wasn’t even sure if leaving her behind was the right decision.
Here, I found myself thinking about my past self.
He, who had called himself “Christ” and boldly challenged the labyrinth, might have handled things better.
He might have solved the problems of Reaper, Rowen, and Snow, and we might have walked together.
“Haha… There’s no point in thinking about it now…”
I knew there was no point in dwelling on it.
But I held onto hope.
I hoped that with my memories restored, I would become someone who could help Reaper, Rowen, and Snow.
Even if my heart was being eroded by the matter of my sister, I wanted to be someone who could help everyone who was suffering.
I wished to become that person.
To that end, I headed towards “Valfala.”
To break my “bracelet.”
They should be there.
The girls whose interests finally aligned.
Rustiara Fuziaze. Diablo Sis.
Those two.
