Chapter 73: The World Reaches Its End at This Moment
“Today… what month is it?”
I carefully placed the shattered egg into the shrine’s offertory box and turned back to the people in the shrine. “If you want to stop me, this is your last chance. Are you sure you want to let me continue like this?”
“You are already the Shrine Master. We will not go against your decision.”
“Yes…”
It seems they were prepared long ago. Perhaps the Witch had already made up her mind when I went to the shrine alone.
All the assassins have gathered here. They are the ones who know the truth of this world, and at this moment, they will also witness the end of this world.
Some could no longer hold back tears, their weeping infecting everyone and casting a somber atmosphere over the scene.
Then, I turned to look at the others. Nana and Zi’ai were there, and I had already spoken with them. Nana had said that they have souls, so they wouldn’t be destroyed with this world, and would leave this world before me. So, there was no need for goodbyes. We would probably meet again soon.
But some… I really won’t see them again. For example, Xue Qing.
I crouched down to face Xue Qing. “This time, even if you ask for my finger, I can promise it to you?”
“…Pat my head.”
“Hm? Just patting your head is enough?” Xue Qing nodded and slightly lowered her head.
It feels… really good. Smiling, I reached out and stroked her head. Her soft hair felt nice as she leaned in, closing her eyes and making a comfortable sound. Xue Qing, like a well-behaved cat, rubbed her head against my hand. It seems that in this world too, Xue Qing rarely shows…
Some of the assassins started whispering, their eyes filled with disbelief. People’s actions were so intimate.
“Haa…”
Afterward, I looked at Li Nai. “Hey, Senior Li Nai… [Novel Title]”
“I have nothing to say to you.”
“You were always so warm… why did you suddenly become so cold…”
“Think about what you’ve done first before saying that, Li Nai.”
“Yes, yes… I’m just a… Goodbye, An Juncheng. If you can’t return to your original world, just follow me.”
“One last thing, I… I actually thought of asking you to be my girlfriend before, and building a family together.”
“…Juncheng An, you!” Ahaha… maybe I shouldn’t have said that. It’s fun to tease a bit, but I really did think that.
Lan’s gaze seemed to have sharpened. Noticing my gaze, she asked, “What?”
After bidding farewell to the two, I turned back to the exit below. “Juncheng, what are you waiting for?”
“…No, it’s nothing.” She exhaled. I’ll apologize properly when I return to reality. Let’s put an end to this world!
“Okay! It’s time to end this dream. Let me put an end to this.”
“…But, how do I wake up Xiao An next? Is it okay?”
“Anyway, I’ve placed the egg in the shrine. All that’s left is to wake her up,” I said, placing my hand on the cracks of the egg. Closing my eyes, I began to pour my spiritual power into it. A torrent of spiritual energy surged onto the island, and billowing volcanic ash erupted in all directions. The surrounding air grew hotter and hotter, and the scorching heat waves from the gushing molten lava felt like they could burn my nasal cavity. Rocks began to fall from the cliffs, and a rumbling sound pressed down on everything, emitting a dazzling golden light. I saw the cracks on the egg grow larger and shatter, falling away. The feeling in my body grew duller with each fissure. I reflexively closed my eyes, and the roaring sound around me grew quieter, until finally, I could hear nothing and see nothing.
The world reached its end at this moment. A blank space like paper.
My consciousness did not break. When I opened my eyes again, I saw a familiar… “It’s been a long time. Does that mean I’m still inside the mirror?” But it didn’t seem to be my Spiritual World. I didn’t see the Yata no Kagami. They’ve all managed to return to the real world? I’m still here because I haven’t fully revived. Didn’t they say they were going to collect my blood? Was it to create… By the way, I still haven’t asked them how they plan to revive me… To create a new body for me?
Right, where is Xiao An?
…
I was about to search around, but then I saw her. The space seemed to be burning, and scorching heat washed over me. A faint golden flame surrounded her, as if it could burn through this white paper. She was dazzling, almost blinding. Her long blonde hair was flying, and her ahoge had grown several times longer, trailing behind her head. She looked almost exactly like Xiao An, but her hair wasn’t tied up. She was a Blonde Loli like Ba, except… Her attire was revealing. She was wearing an open-fronted coat that looked like Hanfu, and underneath she wore no underwear. The sleeves were extremely wide and long, looking like wings. The Yamato King was dressed formally, but Xiao An was wearing… No, it was the coat itself made of flames? This can indeed be considered… However, some of these chains were already broken, and looked like they were about to fall apart. It was difficult to treat her with the same attitude I used to have for Xiao An. Although her appearance was unchanged, the immense contrast in her aura made me… “Xiao, An?” I asked hesitantly.
“I am Yang Niao, the embodiment of the sun. Not the ‘An Yan’ you are familiar with.”
This must be the legendary Amaterasu. The embodiment of the sun’s power… that is Amaterasu Omikami.
“Yang Niao, also known as the Three-legged Crow, and in Japan, the Yatagarasu. It is the original owner of the Yata no Kagami. Thanks to her, I was able to get your soul into the mirror. Speaking of which, you should thank her,” Zi’ai said, walking towards me from behind.
“Meeting you here feels like it’s back to the old days.”
“…Ah…”
There’s just one more person, no, one god. Zi’ai pointed her chin at Amaterasu, saying casually, “Here, this golden one is the original owner of the Yata no Kagami. Thanks to her, I put your soul into the mirror. You only need to thank her.”
Urgh, is this casual attitude really okay?
“Hey! Human! You’re getting more and more outrageous!”
“Outrageous?”
“Ex-excessive! It’s because I haven’t spoken in such a long time…”
“Spoken?”
“Sp-spoken, spoken! I mean, I’ve opened my mouth! My apologies. I’m using this ancient way of speaking because ‘you’ and ‘I’ always sound off. It should be fine after a while.”
“You’re talking too much!” Zi’ai shamelessly exposed her, and she exposed a god.
“Only Juncheng is here, so wait here for a moment. I think she can tell you everything if you have any questions left unanswered. She’s preparing to revive you in the real world soon, and you’ll be reborn.”
“But speaking of the dead… you’re only excited to see Juncheng?”
“Excited to see me?” Amaterasu suddenly blushed and covered half her face with her sleeve, pouting. “I am not!”
“I don’t know if it’s because you sealed yourself away in your inner world a long time ago to integrate with the Spiritual World until you couldn’t bear the loneliness anymore, and then became Xiao An? It’s because you’re too proud to admit you’re lonely. Isn’t that right?”
“Right… so she’s just Xiao An?”
“Yes, you could say that.”
I breathed a sigh of relief and felt immense comfort. So Xiao An didn’t disappear… I suddenly felt a sense of closeness towards the god lying on the ground. I picked her up and rubbed my cheek against her head affectionately. “What the heck~ So you’re still Xiao An after all! Come on, say Papa!”
“Ugh ugh… get lost!”
