KEIICHI MIURA

I stood at the threshold of the elevator, its doors beckoning me to step forward and embark on the journey to the next realm. Yet, despite the tangible path before me, I couldn’t muster the courage to take that decisive step.

The weight of recent events pressed upon me, leaving my mind a swirling tempest of thoughts and emotions. In the midst of this internal chaos, I chose to sit in silence, seeking solace in moments of contemplation.

The revelation of Mrizem’s true identity had shaken me to my core. It was a profound realization that unraveled the enigmatic threads of the inexplicable occurrences I had witnessed. Everything seemed to align, fitting into a puzzling yet cohesive narrative.

"Why, Wallace?" I murmured, my voice barely audible, as I replayed the final moments of my friends in my mind.

Regret tugged at my heart as I grappled with the bitter truth—I hadn’t been able to save them in time. In a split-second decision, I had chosen self-preservation, abandoning them to their fate. The guilt weighed heavily on me, suffocating my spirit.

Those who had walked alongside me, supporting me and sharing in the challenges of our journey, were now gone in the blink of an eye. It felt surreal, like a cruel twist of fate that ripped them away from me so abruptly. The reality of their absence was a harsh blow, cutting through my soul with a sharpness that brought tears to my eyes.

In my vulnerability, I couldn’t help but acknowledge my own weaknesses. The encounters with Voidshades and Voidkeepers exposed the limits of my abilities. Despite my best efforts, I had only managed to inflict minimal damage on a Voidshade with Wallace’s assistance, and I had been easily incapacitated by a Voidkeeper.

If only I had possessed greater strength, perhaps I could have turned the tides and saved them from their tragic fate. The burden of my perceived inadequacy bore down on me with crushing force, fueling my tears of anguish.

A piercing cry erupted from deep within me as intense pain surged through my body. Days had passed since I last indulged in the luxury of sleep, relentlessly pushing forward in my quest through the treacherous depths of the dungeon. Now, the toll of my relentless exertion and the repeated activation of my enhanced state have exacted their bitter retribution.

In that excruciating moment, every fibre of my being seemed to rebel against me. Hunger gnawed at my insides, thirst parched my throat, and the unrelenting agony coursing through my body left no corner untouched.

It was as if the culmination of losing my dear friends and the weight of my helplessness collided, shattering the fragile equilibrium of my mind. I was caught in a relentless onslaught, simultaneously besieged by an onslaught of physical and emotional pain.

Overwhelmed and drained, I felt the fissures of my resilience threaten to splinter and break. It was a vicious assault, an all-encompassing barrage that left me feeling powerless to resist.

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Every second felt like an eternity as the waves of torment washed over me, threatening to consume my spirit. With no strength left to fight back, I made the choice to close my eyes, seeking a respite from the relentless storm that raged within and around me.

Lost in the depths of my contemplation, I was enveloped by conflicting emotions. On one hand, a gentle allure seduced me, tempting me to succumb to weariness and surrender to eternal rest. The thought of simply lying down and relinquishing all responsibilities seemed alluring, promising an escape from the burdens that weighed heavily on my shoulders.

Yet, midst this intoxicating tranquilly, a resolute voice echoed in my mind, urging me to push forward. It reminded me that there were still tasks unfinished, dreams yet to be realised, and a purpose waiting to be fulfilled. It reminded me that I had a choice—to either succumb to the lull of complacency or rise above adversity and persevere.

In the depths of my despair, as the gentle feeling threatened to engulf me, memories of Wallace and Elsie surged forth, intertwining with the tapestry of my life.

Their unwavering determination and selflessness resonated within me, like a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. Their images flickered in my mind, reminding me of the strength and resilience that existed within me.

A sudden realisation jolted me from my reverie, snapping me back to reality. In that moment, I rejected the allure of surrender and seized hold of the resolute voice within. I refused to let the seductive embrace of eternal rest claim me, for I knew there was still much to be done.

Then, as if in response to my renewed determination, a voice whispered within my mind.

[ The Blessing of Eternal Vigour has been awakened.]

I felt a surge of vitality coursing through my veins, and the pain that had burdened my joints began to dissipate. It was as if the very essence of the surrounding sol energy was drawn towards me, revitalising my weary body and revitalising my spirit.

Realising the source of this newfound strength, I marvelled at the effects of the blessing. No longer hungry, sleepy, or tired, I stood up with a sense of purpose radiating from within me. The weight of my burdens felt lighter, and a fiery determination burned within my core.

With this renewed vigour, I made a declaration to myself, my voice filled with unwavering conviction. I vowed to press on, to embrace the challenges that awaited me, and to honour the memory of those who had fallen.

"There is much work to be done," I whispered to myself, my voice resolute yet tinged with grief. "I must become stronger, not just for myself but to protect this place in Wallace’s absence. I owe it to him and Elsie to carry on their fight."

With renewed determination, I set my sights on a path of self-improvement. "I will push my limits and train relentlessly," I declared, my voice filled with conviction. "Every day, I will strive to surpass my previous self. Through discipline and perseverance, I will master the art of sol-weaving, unlocking its true potential within me."

A sense of purpose welled up within me as I continued, "But strength alone is not enough. I need allies and trustworthy companions who share my goal of safeguarding this realm. Together, we will form a united front against the forces of darkness. I will seek out those who are willing to stand by my side and lend their strength and wisdom to our cause."

I paused for a moment, allowing the weight of my words to sink in. "From this day forward, I vow to protect this realm with all my strength," I proclaimed, my voice echoing with determination. "I will honour the legacy of my fallen friends and ensure that their sacrifice serves as a beacon of hope in our darkest hours. This is my solemn oath."

With renewed purpose, I opened my eyes, gazing at the path that lay before me. The elevator beckoned, an invitation to the next realm, teeming with untold dangers and mysteries. I knew that I could not afford to dwell on the past; instead, I would draw strength from it, using it as fuel to propel me forward.