Monika woke up in a milky white place, there's absolutely nothing and for one instant she thought she went blind, but she could still see her body. She tries to walk around and shout but there's no echo from anywhere. Monika started running but God knows after how long, she still seemingly stopped at one place. She's exhausted, she fell on the ground gasping hard. She hasn't felt like something like this after running eighty km to find Noel. Just when she's about to get up and run again, she suddenly hears a burst of laughter from behind her, it was not here before. She sees Lanaya and the crimson daemon mask is seemingly having a tea party.

"Oh hey! We didn't know you were also joining us. Come!" Lanaya moved her finger and another chair appeared.

"What is happening…?" Monika is very confused; she's thinking that whether she has gone insane or something

"Mr. Mask, your boss is here, aren't you supposed to pretend that you are working or something?" Lanaya said it in a sarcastic tone.

"Yes, she is, however, I do find myself feeling pity for her, especially after reading her diary about her childhood." the mask takes out a book.

"Stop!" Monika takes the book away and puts it on her back: "This is confidential! I should've kept it with me if I knew you could read it."

"I am like a keeper of your items. So naturally, I have my duty to keep it safe... also, from time to time read all the secrets that you were too embarrassed to tell." The mask sounds sassy, like some other collector: "Well anyways, you are here, so have a seat. I don't think you can go anywhere anytime soon."

"What do you mean?" Monika asks, she was about to break the mask into pieces but what he said captured her attention.

"Your consciousness is now being taken over by something else. So this is why you are here, most people fell into a coma which there's nothing, but you have us." The mask explains.

"I have to say, the best thing that has happened to me is being trapped in this place. I can also access your stuff, and guess what, they are really amazing. Like your love letter that you wanted to give Trazyn to tell him how you feel…." Lanaya laughs hysterically.

Monika's face is bright red. She almost fainted out of embarrassment: "You two… are so dead."

"But we are not, because you can't really hurt us." Lanaya calmly sips a cup of tea.

"Wait, so you are saying my body is being used by another person? But who? I don't even know what happened to me." Monika finally decides to take a seat.

"We wouldn't know because we couldn't see the world through your eyes. And more, you can't even release us now because you are… here." The mask explains: " Best bet for you is just to sit back and relax, there's nothing you can do."

"I refuse to believe this bullcrap." Monika stands up and starts running away from the table.

"This idiot…" Lanaya shakes her head and sips another sip of tea.

Monika doesn't remember how long she has been running, eventually, she's out of strength and collapses on the floor. Lanaya appears behind her again: " Come on, we will get you sorted, at least you wouldn't be bored with us."

"How can you be so calm?! You are trapped in this place and Trazyn got hurt because I am not strong enough. And I still don't know what the foundations of reality mean." Monika is frustrated.

"I can't do anything about the prior two, but I can tell you what the foundation of reality is." Lanaya crouches and takes out a small towel to wipe away Monika's sweat: "If you please, just go take a shower and I'll tell you. I hate talking to someone who isn't clean."

Monika needed a bath as well, but is taking a bath in your mind actually counts as taking a bath? She couldn't think more, because her head now is a mess. In the bath, she stares into her own reflection: "Why are you so weak Monika? Why do you need people to protect you?"

"Because you are not determined to sacrifice your surroundings in exchange for power." Lanaya appears from nowhere: "Don't worry, I am also a woman, so you don't have to cover your things… But I have to say… nice racks."

"Stop being weird! And tell me the reason that I'm weak!" Monika hates her, she keeps making a fool of Monika.

"Remember the time when you were at the peak of your power? I didn't know that but from what you've put in the combat report, I think it is around the time when you lost Trazyn due to the banishment spell. To be honest, I can just bring him back with a snap but that's out of the topic." Lanaya has a meaningful smile on her face.

"What about it?" Monika doesn't want to think about that part of her life, it was dark and grim.

"You lost the dearest person in your life, and you went berserk. To unleash the sadness, you wiped half of the heretic on the planet in the span of ten months. You need to become that person again, but this time use that energy to protect the people you love."

"Aren't you mad about me putting you in here?" Monika glances at Lanaya, she doesn't like her but she's right.

"Mad? Hell no. Thanks to you and Trazyn I can be here forever without working for that crazy bitch again." Lanaya sits next to the bathtub: "Honestly, I'd rather find a peaceful place that I can meditate for eternity than on the road of conquest again. I could always wait for Trazyn, since you have a limited life span."

"Do you love him?"

"Yes." Lanaya sighs: " But the feeling was not neutral, well what can you do? I think you two deserve to be together anyway. After all, you do deserve something relatively good in your life."

Monika looks away, she doesn't want to think about her past that much as well: " I can… get you out if you get me out…" Monika said it with a hint of jealousy.

Lanaya chuckles and leaves the bathroom: "You are adorable."

When Monika dried herself up, she needed a change of clothes. But when she pushed open the door, a scene like her old childhood bedroom showed up: "Hello, Ms. Terra. What can I do for you today." Vegas spoke from an arm clock.

"Vegas ? I thought you were destroyed."

"I did not, I was instantly transferred to this dimension as protocol from Lord Trazyn."

"I see, it's good to have you back." Monika takes some clothes and opens the door again, this time it is a scene of a classroom, and Monika for some reason is in her uniform.

"Welcome to your class, student, today we will start with a universe history." Lanaya is on the stage: "Please take your seat." Lanaya suddenly realized something: "Before we start, do you need anything like a snack?"

"Tea would be good, thanks."

"Good taste." Lanaya winks: "This tea was made with my body fluid."

Monika spilled it: "WHY?!"

"Enough chit-chatting, let's start with the foundation of reality. At least in magic terms. Surely your world has its own explanations. So, there are three basic components of our lives: strength, agility, and intelligence. This is a way to measure a living being. Like perks, we managed to master this art and thus know the method to increase the certain perks in us. Like moving heavy stuff to increase strength. Have you thought about why though? Why does this framework work for every living being? " Lanaya uses magic to project a simulation of the universe: " At first, there was nothing, then comes the first light. With the light casts shadow. These are the very three things that exist in any realm. In my world, there was heaven, hell, and of course abyss. I am not sure how it manifests in your world, but it should be something close to this."

"So, Glissa is trying to kill… gods?" Monika blinks, she has seen a handful of gods already and they don't really seem to be that hard to kill. But all of them are a pain in the ass if she has to say it in a bad way.

"Yes, but what Glissa is trying to kill are… elementals but grander and more powerful. You see, she manifested them into reality and if she slays them, she can gain their power and literally become a god. Now, since this is out of the way. Why don't we start baking?" Lanaya has an evil grin on her face: "Put these on." She throws out a maid costume.

"Wait... I still don't understand any of it… also why am I supposed to put on those disgusting clothes?" Monika frowns.

"How about this, I can teach you how to beat Glissa if you put it on and start calling me master from now on?"

"..." Monika is so angry that no word is coming out of her mouth.

"You know I found this in your little horde, right? If you hated it, then why did you keep it? There's always a price to pay, and your price is to entertain me."

"..."

"If you are not acting, then put on this thong." She threw a swim piece to Monika.

Monika grabs the maid and storms out of the room. Soon, when Monika comes out her eyes are a little red and she's constantly deep breathing for some reason: "..." Monika is just looking down on the ground.

"Say it." Lanaya sits on the chair and sips her tea.

Monika mutters about something really quiet, Lanaya isn't satisfied with that.

"Louder or the deal is off."

"Mas...ter"

"Louder!"

Monika closes her eyes and shouts: "MASTER!"

Lanaya walks to Monika and puts her head on Monika's shoulder: "Now this is a good girl~" Lanaya snaps her finger and Monika is back in her normal clothes: "I don't really want you to hate me or something, I also want Glissa to be beaten, so trust me we are on the same page. But it's always fun to mess with you… my little Starbuck."

Monika suddenly puts a knife against Lanaya's throat: " If I hear those words coming out from your mouth, then I'd rather be stuck here than letting you live another minute!" A rare occasion where Monika is actually triggered. Monika then puts her knife away.

"I am sorry…" Lanaya read about it in one of Monika's journals, but she never realized this word means so much for Monika.

"Let's start with the ways to kill Glissa, I need to find something to do to process this." Monika pulls out her sword and is ready.

"Well then…" Lanaya changes her appearance to Glissa: " Shall we begin?"

Inside Monika's house, Trazyn is still staring at the monitor, it's been almost two days and it doesn't seem to have captured any of the signal: " Sire, I've prepared some drink for you, it says it will improve your mental status." Sannet poured a cup of coffee.

"This bean juice does nothing but shortens the lifespan of human creatures, but." He gulped: " I guess anything would help."

"Sire, do you have the ability to kill Glissa when you teleport to Monika's location?" A million credit questions, even if Trazyn gets to teleport to that location but will he be able to stop them?

"Sannet, do you remember what we did in the star sector 13-b1?"

"You blew up the sun, Sire."

"Remind me what was the reason for my action again?"

"To observe… and record fleeing human expression, Sire."

"Exactly, this is what I am going to do as well. To test, to find out the truth by myself." Trazyn sighs, it is at this very moment the rift machine is lit up like a Christmas tree, the rift is about to start: "Wish me luck, Sannet."

"May the eternal light of the infinite empire shine upon you." Sannet bows: " We will set off immediately to your dispatched location."

Trazyn left in an instant, and the scanner shows he appeared on the other side of the planet, Sannet quickly calls Minka and Nova and starts the plane engine. Teleportation can only teleport one person and it would be foolish to go one by one.

Trazyn immediately activated the phase shift ability, then he found a decent spot to observe the battlefield. Trazyn sees two shadows clashing against each other, one is seemingly riding a horse and another one is wielding a one-handed sword. Trazyn scans for radiation signature, the one that was using the sword fits with Trazyn's data.

He throws a spear at the horseman, and it flinches away. At this moment Trazyn can see the person with a sword, a girl who has blonde short hair that's wearing a black dress, her eyes are yellow, and she looks nothing like Monika: "Who the hell are you?"

"Death," she said in a light tone, and a blast of magic energy pierce through the sky. What was left on the ground is the weapon Trazyn carried with him, the rest are just dust. Then this mysterious woman charged the horseman and they then disappeared again.

When Minka's plane arrived, they found nothing on the ground but the lost weapon. Sannet examines the dust on the floor and suddenly realizes something. She just shakes her head and walks away: "They are gone, maybe somewhere that we cannot perceive. I don't think we are going to find them."

"Then we need to find them." Minka is worried.

"We can try… but now we have no lead." Sannet looks away, she knows what happened, but she just doesn't want to say it out loud. When you have known someone for millions of years and suddenly, he's gone, the trauma ought to be devastating. But she's still calm, Trazyn has already told Sannet about the following protocol after he's dead. But most of them are related to the gallery, but if there's one thing Sannet can do is to move on and find purpose in her own life. By his death, the contract between him and Sannet is broken.

Nova is still examining the ground, she collected some samples for analysis later, but she sorts of got a glimpse of truth from how Sannet replied. But knowing Minka and Trazyn are so close she decided to not say anything: " We can try to follow the radiation signal, maybe he went to chase for them. We should improve the teleportation device and next time we can all catch them at the same time. "What were you thinking Trazyn?" She thought, "are you going to leave us like this?"

In the home. "God damn it!" Minka throws a bunch of tools on the wall, first, she lost her mom and now dad. And the worst thing is that she has no idea how to find them or bring them back. There's absolutely no plan or anything like that. If she still had her old body, she could have done way more. Now it is just a piece of junk body that can barely even let her lift up a cup of water with her psyker ability, Minka needs to leave the house and go for a walk. And because she was mad, for some reason, she eventually arrived at the funeral parlor which is owned by Lynine. In this timeline, the only time they've met was during that trade deal. But when she thinks back, it was always Lynine who helped her when she was in need. When she was failing the lieutenant exam, it was Lynine who taught her how to use a lance.

Minka knocked on the door, no one replied, or she didn't hear anything from inside. She knocks again, the same result. Minka tries to have a peek from the window but seemingly Lynine isn't home yet: " What are you sneaking around for?" Lynine appeared behind Minka and it surely startled Minka.

Minka doesn't know where to start, she hasn't thought about what to say to Lynine before she sets out on a journey: "I ah… I mean… I need… help?" This is the best thing Minka can come up with.

"You are seeking help by trying to break into my house?"

"You didn't really reply to my knocking from the front door…Anyways..."

"I will stop you right here, I don't know you that well and I don't like you from our limited interaction with each other. and-" Minka suddenly grabs Lynine by her clothes and on her knee: "What... what are you doing?"

"Please… I have lost the two most precious people in my life. Please, I beg you, I will give you anything if you can help me." An incredibly rare occasion where Minka actually begs for help.

Lynine closes her eyes, she doesn't want to have direct eye contact with Minka, because she would definitely have her judgment clouded by those incredibly sad eyes, after thinking for a bit, she let out a sigh: " Fine... come in, takes out your shoes and get into your guest slipper... Also, pat away the dust, I don't want those things in my house."

Lynine poured a cup of tea for Minka, but Minka doesn't like tea. She just holds the cup because it's warm, Lynine sits across and leans back on the sofa: " Tell me what happened, and I'll see what I can do for you."

Minka told Lynine everything that has happened to her after she came back from time travel, and of course, Minka purposely utilized a lot of emotional words to purposely make the whole story sad and dramatic. This is where Minka excels, hell she grew up forging report cards to be able to hide out of sight.

"Oh… '' Lynine isn't really impressed: " So, do you want me to help to find where Trazyn and Monika went? I suppose Monika is nice and Trazyn is rather likable as a person. You, however,… how did they make a creature like you?"

"That's incredibly rude." Minka pouts.

"At least you look like her when you're mad." Lynine chuckles: "I don't really have a way to help you, given-"

"I am so sorry!" Minka suddenly bows in front of Lynine: "I am so sorry about everything I did!" Minka did a mind read and the results were… unexpecting.

Lynine's eyelid twitches for an instant: " Oh? Now you are sorry? Were you sorry when you destroyed a whole world? You only noticed your action has consequences when you need help?" Lynine stands up and her expression is full of anger.

"I never knew that… you have a shared memory with other realities."

"Of course, you don't because I hid it so well, you've destroyed dozens for the world and some of them just for the sake of fun, I would never forgive a kind like you. You are selfish and have no regard for consequences. You are a daughter of Monika and Trazyn but you have the worst of those two, Trazyn at least never intentionally destroyed a reality like you did."

"..." Minka shuts her eyes, her body is shaking, she's both terrified and ashamed.

Lynine holds Minka's chin and brings her face to her eye level: "I will never forgive what you've done, but I owe a favor from a friend in a different reality. I will help you, but you need to promise me that you are not going to destroy more realities. Even the ones that are doomed."

"So... does this mean you also know about… me in my timeline?"

Lynine nods: " You are one of the most interesting specimens out of all timelines, this is one of the reasons why I am always so tolerant towards you." Lynine looks at Minka in a warm way.

"This is getting weird… I think I should leave…" Minka gulps, literally a minute ago Lynine was cold to her as the ice water in winter but now she's acting like she's been with her for years now. This sudden change of personality is something that Minka cannot understand.

Lynine slams the door: " I didn't say you could leave~ You are still going to make up with me, right?" Lynine pushes Minka on the wall and holds Minka by the chin, she looks at Minka full of passion and candid, Minka tries to fight back but for some reason, her hand isn't reacting to her brain, just when their lips are about to touch with each other, a series of knocking came out from the door.

Lynine frowns and leaves Minka. Minka's legs couldn't respond to her as well, so she just slipped on the floor completely strengthless. Lynine opens the door, and it was Nova who was knocking.

"Ah… Major. Terra. It's been a really long time." Lynine hasn't seen Nova for years, the last time they met was at a conference meeting for retired soldier treatment.

"Lynine..Mortalite if I remember correctly, I am here for Minka." Straight to the point, Nova's way to solve problems.

"She's here, but we still have unfinished business." Lynine isn't backing down, even though it's Nova she's facing.

"I am currently her guardian by law, so I need to ensure her safety."

"Well... come on in, she's fine but she requested my service, so we need to hammer the contract. I guess you can be the witness." Lynine let Nova in.

"Aunt Nova!" Lynine jumps on Nova and starts weeping: " I almost got violated by this woman!"

Nova pats Minka's back while giving a cold glare to Lynine. Lynine did stand down as well, she also gave an aggressive stare at Nova: "Alright, let's go home." Nova felt like if they stayed here any longer a fight was going to break off.

Nova doesn't really know how to comfort people; she just sits silently next to Minka on a park bench. Minka is just eating the rose cake bit by bit, she never experienced anything like this before. Nova is staring at a butterfly which is on the flower, no one recognizes Nova because they thought she was dead, for once in her life she finally felt like she's not under a microscope.

"Aunt Nova?" Minka mutters: " Can I…. Borrow your shoulders...?"

Nova nods, she regrets that she doesn't have the certain skill set to consult people in a time like this, she was always too busy with work, perhaps Monika also needed a person to talk to but Nova was never there for her. You really do start to notice these things when you are finally slowing down. Nova looks at Minka and lets out a sigh: "You know what, screw Lynine. I will go teach her a lesson." Nova grabs Minka's hand and returns to Lynine's house.

"Hey," Nova said to Lynine in a frightening way: "Apologies to my niece right now or there will be consequences."

"What? Do you think this is like in kindergarten when I pushed you a bit too hard that it scratched your knees, so I have to apologize to you?"

Nova's eyes are turning blue, lightning sparks are traveling between her fingers: " I said now."

"Minka was asking for my assistance, why don't you behave a bit better, so I don't have to say no."

"This is a separate matter, you violated her and now you'll pay."

"Fine… I will apologize, only because I don't want you to make a mess of my house." For a person who has been living as long as Lynine, she has experience in almost all matters for a human, naturally, she knows the best solution for resolving this: "I am sorry, Minka for trying to tease you, but apparently it went a bit too far."

Nova turns her head at Minka, but Minka didn't say anything in response: " I guess you still haven't convinced this girl."

"Fine… I'll help you guys, I wanted to do so anyway." Lynine leans on the chair: " I was just messing with you guys anyway, you don't really get a lot of visitors while living here." She points at the ceiling.

Minka asks: " So… Lynine, do you know what has happened to Trazyn?"

"No, but I can tell you that he did not die."

"How?" Minka asks.

"You'll know when he's dead, just like when everyone thought Nova was dead, Monika could tell that she did not." Lynine sips the tea: " You see… It is not a coincidence that the Terra family produced some of the finest soldiers for the imperium. I've been following you guys for a while now and every few generations there are a few Terras that claim the top of the world in their respective ways. From what I've seen, all the Terra are connected telepathically, if one is disconnected then the other will feel. This process subconsciously happened and took me a really long time to figure out. That's why I approached you guys on various occasions, well one of the benefits of being a fifth-dimensional creature, is that you have an unlimited resource for observation."

"But Trazyn is not my real dad… and I never felt something similar to my real father."

"Does it matter? Your love for him is true and real, and he responded accordingly." Lynine stands up and looks at Minka, a slip of sadness comes out from her eyes: " I feel sorry for you, truly Minka. But sometimes you just have to accept things and move on."

Nova was confused about the last part but thinking about Minka maybe it is best to not pry further. That is her own business: " How do we get to them then?"

"You don't, we need to prepare for it when the day comes. What we are going to go against is a force that could vaporize necrodermis. Anything that comes in contact with it would be fatal. So, prepare yourselves before we set out on a journey. If you people have anyone to bid farewell, this is the time." Lynine takes out a map and circles it around an area: " A week later, we meet on the top of the mountain, we should get a closer look at that being."

After having his consciousness being bounced around for god knows how long. Trazyn felt like he was slammed to the floor, the area surrounding him is pure white. He gets up and looks around: " YES! I did it! I am the greatest being alive in the universe!"

But someone kicked him from the back and made him fall to the ground, when he turns it is Monika looking at him in a despising way: " Really? Did you make another Trazyn illusion? You can't use the same trick a hundred times and expect me to fall for it again."

"I did not make that one…" Lanaya looks at Trazyn in a strange and surprising way.

"Lies." Monika steps on Trazyn's chest.

"Monika honey… What is this about? It's me! I did it! I did the impossible!" Trazyn is happy like a child.

"The Trazyn I know would never act like this." Monika steps harder: " Dispel yourself if you don't want to suffer more."

"Honey… you are going to break my chest..." Trazyn is trying to move Monika's feet away but for some reason, her strength is way stronger than before in a similar scenario.

Monika frowns and moves her foot away, instead, she sits on Trazyn and stares right into his eyes: " Traz?" she asked. But then she immediately shakes her head and is about to swing her fist.

Trazyn sees what's going on, but instead, he decides to play with Monika for a bit: " Wait! Before you dispel me by force, can I tell you what I've never told anyone?"

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Say it."

"Will you marry me?"

Monika's face twitched a bit, but her face was turning red by the second: "Die!" Before Monika could swing her fist, Lanaya stopped her.

"Monika… this is the real deal... " Lanaya still can't believe this is the real Trazyn.

Monika puts her arm against Trazyn's throat: " If you are the real deal, then… were you serious when you said… "

"Na it was a joke..." Before Monika hits him in the face he immediately continued his sentence: "but… I'd give you a ring if we are out of this strange dimension." Trazyn has a hint of smugness on his face.

"You… are unbelievable...and I hate you… and I can't…"Monika grabs Trazyn by the collar, tears of happiness dripping on his face.

"Can't?"

Monika presses her lips against Trazyn's, she has way too many words to say to Trazyn but all of them pales in comparison to this kiss.

"So… what is your answer?"

"Damn you Trazyn… but… YES! A MILLION TIMES YES!" Monika picks Trazyn up and hugs him tightly. She squeaks in happiness.

Lanaya just standing there looking at these two, she still hates Trazyn about the lies he told to her. The only reason she's not killing him now is that she has grown fond of Monika, for some strange reason she just wants to see her be happy.

In the supreme command center. Leonard is repeating the death of Trazyn's videotape over and over again, there's no way that Trazyn would die this easily. But all sources of information showed that he got vaporized by the magical blast, he did not phase shift, and even if he did it wouldn't work because that magic blast is out worldly. Eula was just walking by and seeing Leonard struggling she decided to give him some input.

"Have you tried reading the energy signature?" Eula asks.

"That blast's energy level is way too high to let anything survive."

"No, that." Eula points her finger at radiation level: " For something to instantly turn anything into dust out of nowhere it requires an insane amount of energy. But it is magic."

"Which means?" Leonard is getting annoyed, he never liked Eula's way of telling the information, she likes to make everything into a riddle.

"Which means that the blast can be transformed, so it was not a violent blast on Trazyn, I bet he somehow transformed the energy into something we know nothing of. But in the process, it left a pile of dust on his original body. This is why his sidekick said he's dead." Eula shakes her head; it is so obvious.

"Next time, just say it. I'm tired of riddling with you." Even though he did not like her input but Leonard now has a direction for investigation.

"Hmpns" She tilts her head: "I will not let this one slide, mark my words vengeance shall be mine!"

"Eula, bring this to Cecilia please, I need to meet someone tonight." Leonard gives a small flash drive to Eula.

"General, are you sure you are going to intervene with… her work?" Eula looks a bit nervous, a counterpart of how she usually behaves.

"I have to, it is time to put an end to this."

Leonard activates the teleportation device and he's ready to confront his mother, if it wasn't because of what Monika told him, he would've never known his mother is still alive in this world. Tracking her down was an easy task given Leonard is literally the government itself or what was left of it.

In a bell tower, one which is on the edge of collapse. In the grand hall, there's a seat that was supposed to be preserved for the lords but now it's full of rusty marks and rotten wood. Maria Terra is sitting on the throne, she looks asleep but a person like Leonard can sense that any step he takes will draw closer to his demise: " Mother, it's time to come home."

Maria opens her eyes then slowly closes it, she's tired but she still can't give up: " Leo, would you tell the same thing to your sisters to stop in pursuit of your loved ones?"

"I won't because it's all under control."

"Everything is controlled for you, isn't it? What did we tell you when we set off on a journey with the admiral? Do you think you did a great job looking after your family? "

"I did exactly that, now I am on top of the control chain, no one is above me. We are free, mother. The old government is gone, the new one I am establishing will prosper, a new order. This way, no one will ever look down on us, the Terra family crest will shine glory in every corner of this planet. Dad is gone… you know that from the start, yet after a decade of search you've still found nothing. It is time to come home." Leonard raised his voice.

Maria hits the throne with her fist, and it shatters like it was made of biscuit: " Stay out of my way, son."

"Mother, how did it feel when you met Monika again? Did it feel like the only time you were actually alive? Aren't you going to be there for them when they harvest the fruit of their love?" Leonard knows that there's no way he can convince his mom if he goes the hard way. And he doesn't want to resort to force.

The room started leaking blood water, yet Leonard didn't even look away: " If you come with me, I will figure out a way to get rid of the curse. It is time to stop the pointless crusade. The admiral failed his expedition, it was already being discussed in the administration, how long will you realize all of your efforts are completely pointless?"

"By just saying this… you are not my son anymore." Blood water became spikes and it pierced through Leonard's body, but it was just an illusion. Maria suddenly feels like her eyes are getting heavier by the second. Leonard's way of defeating the opponent is rather simple, he prefers to out 'mind' the enemy by purely relying on psychic attacks. He's a master at breaking the target from within.

"Why does every single woman in our family like this? Stubborn, not having the ability to see the bigger picture, and worst of all, you always let your emotions get the best of you. Nova was supposed to be the outliner, but that stupid Monika just kept dragging her into the abyss." Leonard's voice came from everywhere in the bell tower. It is the result of a disoriented sense of sound.

Maria's head feels like it is about to explode: " Leonard… what are you if you don't have those emotions that you so despise? You are just playing as a god, that's all. You are not even thinking about the best for your sisters…" Maria takes out a dagger that's infused with a rune symbol: " If you know anything about our family crest, we were never the ruler, we were servants to the people. What you are doing is essentially a disgrace to what we were built upon." Maria slashes the dagger on her palm and the dagger glows with golden light.

She then launches the dagger away, and for some reason it as if it has a mind of its own, soon a stabbing noise comes from the top of the bell tower and Leonard drops in front of Maria: " Leo, you were supposed to be the best of our family… I am so sorry, but I have to-'' Leonard suddenly appeared from the back and injected a special type of chemical that will inhibit one's movement for an extended period of time.

"As I said, I never failed your teaching, mother. I have surpassed you all. Do I want to play as a god? If the time calls for it, I'd gladly do so. The next time you wake up, you will not remember any of this mother. I hope you enjoy a great life… as a family." Leonard can only alter the memory if the target is still awake. When he sees Maria has fallen unconscious: "I will find a dad for you. Rest, you deserve it."

In an unknown dimension, "Traz, how did you even find this place?" Monika sits on his lap; the couple is enjoying this moment that belongs to themselves only. Lanaya, however, is just doing something by herself.

"It was not an easy task, this is like the last ace in my sleeves, if I ever die, I will end up here, with you."

"Aw, don't be so cheesy… I am not going to let you die, but how did you transfer your consciousness here through?"

" Remember the time when Nova almost killed me, it was that moment I had an idea. If I can somehow use Vegas to find the exact dimension that belongs to you. Then I should be able to locate Vegas if I am out of the hosting body that I made. It was a huge gamble since I have no way to know whether Vegas was lost in the countless dimensions or finally ended up here." Trazyn is seemingly so proud of himself but Monika on the other hand is almost in tears: " Why… are you crying?"

Monika didn't answer, she just hugged Trazyn tightly: " Promise me this will be the last time we do something like this... "

Trazyn grins in comfort: "Yes, I promise. I love you my dear, no more surprises, no more separation, when this war is finished, I will stay with you."

"I love you too, Traz. You know…. I am not used to hearing these words coming out of your… but I like it... A lot." They then shared a deep kiss: " You mean the world to me Traz."

"Are you two done?" Lanaya suddenly appeared behind them: " Everyone can hear the cheesy talks in here, so would you mind keeping it down a bit?"

Then comes the awkward silence from these two, but for some reason, Lanaya is getting emotional: " I hate you two so much…" She then created a door and shut it with force.

"Maybe I should talk to her..." Trazyn said because he doesn't want Monika to bear these weights.

"I'll go, I was getting closer to her during the time here…Also... You hurt her pretty badly, so you would just make matters worse." Monika gives Trazyn a cute wink and knocks on the door. Surprisingly it opened.

But when Monika stepped in the door shut again and disappeared: " I am sorry, Lanaya... For hurting your feelings."

Lanaya throws a sword to Monika: " Enough talking, I want to see your limit."

"What do you mean?"

"I want to push you as far as you can, even if it means that I have to break you."

"Is it because we were PDA in front of you? We will stop... I swear."

"No, because what is waiting for you is something you cannot imagine. I sensed it from Trazyn. He stinks of the smell of the abyss." Lanaya's voice deepened for some reason: " What killed him is something from the abyss and it is powerful, more powerful than anything you've met. This is why you need to show me how strong you truly are."

"If you insist…" The air around Monika begins to be twisted, black lightning surrounds her, and a sword appears from her hand. From what it seems, it is the sword that generated all of that energy. Even though her body has lost its augments but the magical weapons that she acquired from Glissa's arsenal and in various other places still make her a very formidable opponent.

Monika slightly adjusted her bangs and tied her hair into a ponytail, Lanaya was a bit confused but when she blinked, Monika was already nowhere to be found, she felt someone blow some air at her neck but when she hit back, there was nothing. A strange feeling arises from Lanaya and her face feels burning hot due to the sudden increase of adrenaline.

"Hey." Monika holds her sword like a dagger and half covers her mouth with the arm holding the sword: " Die." She coldly said. Flashes of magical lightning cover up her traces and Monika has just vanished from the air.

Lanaya released an all-direction energy burst, but the moment she finished Monika's dagger was hovering on Lanaya's neck: "Nice trick." Lanaya comments.

"Thanks." Monika reappeared in front of Lanaya: "I was just getting started."

"I don't understand, if you are this strong, why do you never use them?"

"I have my reasons."

"Is it because of Trazyn? Is it because you are afraid that if Trazyn knows how strong you are he would just leave?" Lanaya has a look of suspicion: "Or... This is your way of keeping him around. He saved you in that bar, so you want him to constantly feel that way like the first time you two met. Even better yet, is this what you like? Being the damsel in distress?"

Monika remained silent: " This conversation doesn't leave this room." Monika snapped her finger and the door reappeared: " I trust your ability to keep it a secret." Monika's sudden tone change was unexpected, when you are being nice, people tend to forget about what you are hidden under. Just like Monika always said, she doesn't need any enhancement or special ability, her skill is sufficient enough, the only thing that can stop her is her own decisions.

Lanaya felt like her body was frozen, but soon she was able to move again. She just looks at Monika's back image and sighs: " That girl… she really is something isn't she?" Then she chuckles due to her realizing she was talking to herself.

In the command center, Minka is looking at Lynine in an 'unbelievable' face: "You are kidding?" Minka slams the table: "Why would we use Nova as bait?"

"She's the champion of this world and everyone thought she's dead, can't think of a better person," Lynine explains.

"I will not allow it!" Minka insists but Nova pats her shoulder.

"Thanks for your concern, but Lynine is right. If there's a person that could get whatever this being's attention is, it's probably me." Nova has a rare comforting smile on her face: " Besides, I trust your abilities to take down the being when the time comes."

Minka bit her lips and hugged Nova tightly, she wanted to cry but she held it back. Minka is scared, she doesn't want anyone else to die. Of course, she can go back to her timeline, but she sees this timeline as the one she truly belongs to.

Lynine looks at both of them, for some reason she feels like this scene is going to happen again for some reason, she's a being that transcends time, but she doesn't use her power to see the future, mainly because what's the point of living if you already know everything that is going to happen?

"Let's go save your mom and dad." Nova pats Minka's arm and grins.

At the peak of this world's highest mountain, Nova stands unflinching by the cold wind, her expression is calm, and she activates the device that was prepared by Lynine, it will cause an energy disturbance that will go across the planet. Somewhere in the capital city, Fane accidentally dropped his glass while drinking, in the palace of Phyrexian, Glissa shivered for some reason, and somewhere hidden Wednesday let out a long sigh: A storm is coming and those who are extraordinary can feel the change in the wind.

On the edge of the sky, it suddenly became darker, and a white line was seemingly approaching Nova at an incredible speed, but when it was about to hit Nova, it stopped. Nova now can finally see the person, she has short blond hair and yellow eyes, her dark dress contradicts with her white skin, but for some reason, it felt beautiful, like the beauty among the chaos.

The clash between these two is fast, they just look each other in the eyes and immediately know about each other's intentions. Their attacks flash with the spark that clashes between the blades. Nova flips back and pulls out two sniper rifles from her back, one she holds with her hand and the second she throws far away from her. The shot fired, but it was easily deflected, but this isn't some kind of desperate move that was done by Nova. While the second sniper rifle was still in the air, she turned its gun barrel at the back of the being and fired another shot. It couldn't react to it and was shot from the back. The bullet went through, and the attack was disrupted.

"Not a bad trick." The wound was already healed up, but she did not immediately attack again, instead she stood there and looked at Nova in a strange way: " What is your name brave warrior?"

"Nova, Champion of this world."

"I have heard of you, it seems like you haven't perished from this plane, but I shall fix it for you, when you die, you will be part of the legion of the abyss and from there you will serve me. For I am the ruler of the abyss: Azaglor" Her voice deepens and the air surrounding her starts feeling thicker than usual. Nova prepares her rifle again and gives a small glimpse far away.

Minka is adjusting her scope, the weapon she's using is more of a cannon than a rifle, she only used it once and it was for bringing down a ship from orbit, Lynine and Sannet stand next to her helping her to pinpoint the target. Minka brings out the bullet that was created to kill Trazyn, it is made of simple components, yet the destructive power is unmatched by any weapon of this caliber.

"Loaded." Lynine signs Minka and Sannet is trying to predict the movement of Azaglor by utilizing her advanced movement ai, she then gives the coordinate to Minka. After a loud bang across the mountains, the first bullet was shot, the ammo was shot with unmatched speed and thanks to the fact that Nova was distracting her, the bullet hit directly on her shoulder. The bullet tore Azaglor's arm off and exploded on the spot. Nova was unharmed because she activated the shield as soon as they informed her.

"I see you've called for an audience for your grand finale." Her arm is regenerating at an incredible speed, soon a few more bullets came but it was blocked by her unknown ability: " No matter, after I am done with you. They will not escape."

On the other side, Minka's face is pale white, she's terrified of the creature's durability, if it is an aircraft, it will be already shot down the second hit. But even when she's providing unmatched fire support, Nova is still seemingly struggling in the fight. She looks at the portable teleportation device Trazyn has given her. She always had it but she never had the chance to use it. After giving some thought, she teleported her old body back to the field and immediately transferred her consciousness into the body. She felt the familiar power but also the pain of a decaying body. After having the change of body, her attack is way more intense than ever but soon she realizes that she's out of resources to make more ammunition. She looks at Lynine and Sannet, they are both charging towards the abyss lord to assist Nova from a closer range.

Minka looked at the teleportation device and the consciousness transferring device, they are all powered by immensely powerful necrodermis batteries. The bullet that would make from these two would be most devastating. Minka let out a long sigh and started disassembling the battery and eventually, it made a bullet that glows in green light. Minka took a long breath and started aiming at her weapon. This is a shot that she cannot miss.

Nova is having cold sweat everywhere, the being in front of her has gotten shot by the weapon that could have killed Trazyn or anyone hundreds of times, but she is still regenerating, her stamina is about to be depleted, yet the attack is still coming as strong as ever as if Azaglor doesn't even care about those attacks.

Nova blasted out a line of lightning and it did almost nothing. However, a strange green glowing bullet hit directly on Azaglor's head, instead of being completely fine after regenerating, for some reason, Azaglor starts holding her head and kneeling on the ground.

Inside her head, Monika, Trazyn, and Lanaya are trying to break the psychic barriers from within. Normally the outside world attack will not affect the dimension in the mind, but Minka's bullet is special, it was also meant to break one's neuron system as well, which if it's used on Trazyn, he will not be able to leap out of this body as his mind was damaged in the process. But inside the strange dimension, every hit was done by Minka somehow affects what's going on inside, Monika and Trazyn actually found a way that would allow them to manipulate the action of the being while having Lanaya constantly give them aid with magic.

From outside, it was just merely a few seconds but inside they've been trying for probably days, but soon after a flash of bright light, Azaglor is gone, but instead, it is Monika on the spot, Monika casts immediately out Trazyn and Lanaya out from her storage dimension but she's also feeling incredibly weak, and she feels like something is inside of her and is about to take over her any minute.

"Monika, darling..." Trazyn is trying to pick her up, but she replies with a push.

"Stay away!" Monika shakes her head, but her feature starts turning towards Azaglor. Her eye color kept shifting between yellow and green.

"No…" Lanaya is shocked: " Glissa… No, she didn't... "

" What did she do?!" Trazyn is about to lose himself.

"She made Monika accept herself to be the host of Azaglor… I don't think we can ever undo it… because she invited the abyss lord herself..." Lanaya is avoiding the glare from Trazyn.

"Traz…" Monika mutters while in incredible pain: " Please… kill me… before it's too late."

Trazyn's anger can be physically seen from the amount of overheating radiating from his body; he will never kill Monika, not in eternity. But if he doesn't, no one is sure if they can defeat the abyss queen again. At this moment, he lost himself: " All of the most talented beings on this planet have gathered here, yet no one can figure out a way to save-" suddenly Trazyn's hand is grabbed by Monika.

Even on the verge of death, all Monika cares about is still Trazyn, she will not allow Trazyn to go back to a heartless machine, she cares so much about Trazyn that even death is seemingly insignificant: " Traz.. it is fine… it's normal that sometimes you cannot do anything about… some situation…" As she speaks, her figure is slowly morphing into the abyss queen: " I love you Trazyn…"

"I love you too…" Trazyn holds both hands of Monika and sees her changed back to the abyss queen. Trazyn swings his fist on the abyss queen's face, yet she doesn't care about a mere strike like this: " Bring her back!" Another hit strikes her face, the result is the same no matter how many times he strikes Azaglor.

Everyone's nerves are tense because they need to respond to the strike the moment Azaglor decides to strike back, but for some reason, she didn't. She's not in thought, she just coldly looks at Trazyn until his mechanical arm is completely shattered. Trazyn kneels on the ground looking down in a hopeless way: " Please… bring her back..." Trazyn's voice is stuck.

Azaglor suddenly looks up to the cosmos, it is a realm of the dark void, and she has a contract signed with Glissa. Yet this man in front of her gets her thinking if a machine can feel love and response while interacting with a human being. Does it make it human? Trazyn is a Necron yet at this phase, he can be easily categorized as a human. At first a machine, Trazyn bragged about him being the first one to bring back their biological body, yet he didn't notice but he is also the first of his kind that regained his soul. At this moment, he is no longer a machine. He is a living being, a man that loves a girl that he met and adventures with. If a machine without a soul can achieve this, then what else can happen in this universe? If Azaglor tries to fulfill the contract then she would miss out on moments like this, a miracle. The abyss is not evil but another dimension that also has its own realm and social structure. She ruled there to try to bring prosperity that was promised by Glissa, yet she only sees death and destruction after coming to this realm.

Azaglor puts her hand on Trazyn's head and slowly closes her eyes, Azaglor's form is gone, and Monika is on the place instead. She's confused but soon the joy overcomes all emotions she immediately sits down and gives Trazyn a deep kiss. Too much emotion has blossomed at this moment, and so many things they want to say but all words become meaningless at this very moment.

Minka sits down in a corner, she feels so tired, her eyes are trying to close themselves, but she just wanted to see her parents be happy once more. Seeing Trazyn and Monika back to normal, Minka couldn't help but have a warm smile on her face. She can feel her heartbeat is going slower and her vision is getting less clear by the second. Minka closes her eyes and starts seeing flashbacks of her life going through her eyes. From the moment she was born to this very moment, she felt happy that her life didn't go to waste. Tears dripped down from her eyes and eventually, she stopped breathing, before she left, she sat like a soldier who's just resting by hugging her gun. People didn't notice until they were about to wrap up and leave.

That day, everyone cried. The sky started to rain as if feeling bad about the departure of Minka. Emilia didn't go to the funeral for some reason, maybe it is because she refuses to believe this. Nova eventually found the disassembled parts while investigating the battlefield. But in the end, Nova didn't tell anyone, her sister can't take more than the pain there is already. Even for a person like Nova, she believes that Minka should've left with everyone around her, but in the end, this is her choice, her last dignity. If Minka decides to leave like this, then no one can blame her.

Monika and Trazyn stayed after the funeral in front of Minka's tombstone for a long time. Minka was like a real daughter to them, but at the same time they are glad that Minka left in a peaceful way, she deserved it, she has been through so much hardship. Even though she died at a young age, it was a beautiful one, everyone loved her, and she has brought honor in the name of Terra. It is impossible to see from the outside but the person who was hurt the most is Trazyn. He has seen too much death, but none was painful and unforgettable like this. Minka and Trazyn were very close and Trazyn accepted her as if she were his real daughter. They time traveled, fought but also laughed on numerous occasions. Is it the shared experience that makes Trazyn feel this way or simply the word: love, can conclude the very pain he feels right now. The whole night Monika stood next to Trazyn holding his hand, she could feel the pain just by standing next to him. After spending so much time with Trazyn she can almost feel every thought of him. In the shadow of sadness, Trazyn is also confused. Why did Azaglor give control back to Monika and where did Azaglor go? Those questions are just unsolvable with their current time and resources at this moment. Monika felt that she didn't know anything either. The whole thing feels like her consciousness is suddenly brought back to reality, but she has no memory about anything beforehand as well. But none of these matters, they've got each other and the people around them. Now their last goal is simple: kill the person who is responsible for all of this: Glissa, and make her pay for what she's done.

Monika is worried, she never saw Trazyn look… mad if she has to describe it in a way. She fears that this tendency of Trazyn might let him lose focus, but again without Trazyn, they are not sure whether they can defeat Glissa or not. For her, Trazyn is her world, and she will do everything to protect him. Late at night she went to the basement and saw Sannet was working on something. She slowly leans on the wall and waits until Sannet finishes whatever she's working on.

After a good ten minutes, Sannet took off her welding mask and turned to Monika: " My apologies, I was on a critical advancement point, how may I assist you?" Sannet's polite demeanor somehow gives Monika some chills from her spine.

"I believe we haven't officially met each other yet; my name is Monika." Monika reaches out her hand, but Sannet just looks at her questioningly.

"I am sorry, but I am not used to having physical contact with another human."

"For us, it is a sign of friendliness…." Monika forgot that Sannet is not a human but also a Necron like Trazyn: " Forgive my rudeness, if I have to be honest, I am here to ask for a favor."

"You are… Minka's relative, right?" Sannet ignored Monika's request, she has her own process going on now.

"Yes… I mean… I am not her real mother but a mother from a different timeline... However, I do see her as my daughter, it is complicated to explain in such a short span of time..."

Sannet holds her chin and walks around Monika at a slow pace: " So… you are the person lord Trazyn never stop talking about, I thought you are supposed to be a person of extraordinary but…this is rather depressing."

Monika is getting annoyed: " I am here for a rather important matter, if you want to diss me then you can do it another time."

"You are nothing like Minka." Sannet slightly tilts her head upward: " The way you talk and the way you act, from Minka I can see the shadow of lord Trazyn but you? Not a slight bit."

"Alright, I've heard enough. Let's get this out of the way and listen to me. I want to save Trazyn, he will get himself killed, I am sure of it." Monika is trying hard to not let herself punch Sannet in the face, but she would do anything for Trazyn, including not hitting his most trusted subordinate.

"How did you get that idea? Did you also feel that Lord Trazyn is off because of the way he acts?" Sannet is being sarcastic, but it is not normal for her to act like this to anyone.

"Yes, that's exactly why I am here. Look, I need to know what might stop Trazyn from being emotional, since you are his most trusted assistant, I think you might have an idea or two." Monika is being very patient compared to how she usually acts.

"Ok," Sannet replied.

"Please... I am serious-... Wait, will you help me?" Monika thought Sannet was going to find a way to deny and humiliate her.

"Yes, that's what I said. But remember, I am helping you just because of the safety of lord Trazyn." Sannet throws a device to Monika: " Take this, it is a device that can store lord Trazyn's consciousness in a time of emergency. You can put it in whatever pocket dimension you have."

"But I am trying to prevent him from joining the mission…" Monika is still trying.

"You can't stop him from this, he will not let anyone get away taking things from him. Never has been, never will be." Sannet's tone suddenly became serious: " Just like Minka…. Speaking of which you do have similarities with her. Your stubbornness and persistence are just like Minka's."

"Alright stop saying these kinds of things, I will get off your hair now." Monika gently shut the door down but then a shake from the wall almost made Sannet's tool drop on the ground. Sannet went out and checked but she only saw a fist mark in the wall instead of Monika.

It is a time like this Monika will shed a light drop of tears, out of worry, frustration, and of course hatred for herself due to powerlessness. Even her peers constantly remind her of how strong she is, but Monika still feels powerless. Monika is not that carefree girl anymore, she has too many things around her to care about. At some point, she felt limited but while having everyone around her, it gets harder and harder for her to leave. This is why she can't understand why Minka confronts Glissa alone.

"Honey." Trazyn hugs Monika from the back. This act surprised her, but soon she relaxed her muscles and let herself fully lean on Trazyn.

"Traz…" Monika avoids his gaze at first yet after a few more seconds she finally gathers her courage: " Traz, I don't think you should join in the battle…"

Trazyn holds Monika's chin with one of his hands, his expression is… complicated: " You know? … I was about to say the same thing to you as well." their gaze fixed upon each other for a while, they are no longer just lovers, both of them are part of their life and losing them will be like cutting off one of their limbs.

"No matter what happens, at least we will have each other right?" Trazyn smiles warmly,

Monika's face is burning red, she is not used to seeing Trazyn acting like this. Yet she doesn't dislike this as well. Monika could hear her own heartbeat, she tips her toe and kisses Trazyn on the lips: " If you say these kinds of words to another person, I will kill you myself." Monika looks away yet even an idiot can tell that she's deeply touched by these words, it's just Monika doesn't know what to respond as this is a brand-new situation for her.

Nova was around the corner the whole time, she could leave, but for some reason, her body couldn't move during the whole event. At some point, she felt mad because Trazyn was teasing her baby sister, but then again, they've known each other for a while now, maybe it is time for her to lose her vigilance a little. Nova took out her phone, she wanted to call Maverick but then she put down the phone. She doesn't know how to face him, the world still thinks that Nova is dead, that includes Maverick. She heard that he had already left the army and joined the resistance group. It is rare for her to be troubled by anything. Maybe it is time for her to consult someone.

Lynine crosses her legs across the table and sips the tea, she was called out of the blue by Nova and she's really curious about what she's going to say, as everyone on the planet wanted an autograph from the champion of the world. In fact, Lynine is trying hard to control herself as well, she's also a fan of Nova.

Compared to her usual cold and hardened expression, Nova right now is more like a neighboring girl who's seemingly troubled by some matters. In this case, her expression does reflect what she's thinking, and a human that lived for thousands of years can see it through in an instant. Lynine leans on the chair handle and grins in a way that's both teasy and welcoming.

Nova gathered her words and made the first move: " I called you because I wanted to be consulted on…. Relationships."

Lynine's smile widens, as a member of the Nova fan club, the information here can be sold for a fortune, however, she isn't a shallow person who would do this kind of thing, at least not now: " Please, state your question."

Nova looked at Lynine weirdly and looked away in a shy way: "I was in a relationship before I… died. But now, I find it hard to face him anymore… as he didn't know about me coming back."

"What are you scared of? Are you scared that he's with another person or afraid that he has already moved on?" Lynine pointed out the obvious in an instant: "Let me tell you something… even if a person said they have moved on, in reality, they are still hoping to see you again."

"Have you had something like this happening to you?" Nova asks.

Lynine let out a really long sigh: " You see… I was one of those super soldiers in my era, I have naturally high regenerative properties that can both restore my body and prevent me from forgetting anything. I have never forgotten any of them. I still love them, but time is my ultimate enemy. I may be alive but in reality, my heart was dead a while ago. Then I met a man, a man that faces the same issue. But at this stage, I have to leave him be."

Nova naturally knows that Lynine is talking about Trazyn, but she's not here for this: " So you are saying that… I should just go to him."

"Basically, yea. You are amazing and I bet whoever this person is, he's going to welcome you back with an open arm." Lynine held Nova's hand, but she immediately retracted because of how cold Nova's gaze was when their hand touched: " Anyways… I need to run some errands… so… bye!" Lynine runs out. Leaving Nova sitting in the room completely alone.

"Sis?" Monika enters the room with a confusing look: " Why did Lynine run out? Did you threaten her or something?"

"I did not."

"Well, I wanted to talk to you anyways." Monika holds Nova's hand and suddenly starts shedding tears: "I... I am so glad that you are back…" Monika then hugs Nova tightly: "I didn't have a chance to say this, or it is because we know each other so well that saying this kind of thing would make things awkward…. But I still need to say this… Sis... my life was not the same without you."

"Monika…" Nova didn't know what to say next, she just hugs Monika lightly and rubs her back gently.

"Sis… I am really scared… I am scared that I would lose anyone. Especially after...Oh my…. Minka…" Monika broke down and sat on the floor, Nova also sat down with her and just tried to make Monika feel better: " That poor child...I…"

Nova tries to calm Monika's shaking body as much as possible, but Nova realizes that it is not going to help at this point. Nova concentrates her energy and remembers the process of memory-erasing trick that Minka did: " Monika… if you want, I can remove the memory away from you..."

"No... Please…" Monika wipes away her tears: "I need to remember her, so my own daughter in the future will not cross the same path as her…" Monika seemingly is calmer now: " Thanks, sis… I don't know how to thank you for being here for me…"

Nova suddenly has her signature smug face again: "Well... you could give me a sisterly kiss."

"Why you… aagh." Monika stumps her feet: " Why do you have to ruin the moment?"

"What were you expecting me to say?" Nova tilts her head sideways.

"Nothing… Now, close your eyes!" Monika's face is bright red.

Nova closes her eyes with a punchable expression: " On the lips please~"

"I will not do that." Monika grabs Nova's head and gives her a light kiss on the cheek, then she goes back to her angry/embarrassed face: " You are a jerk, do you know that?"

"Now it's my turn~" Nova grabs Monika's head and gives her several long kisses on her face.

At first, Monika tries her best to resist but then she just gives up, not because she can't escape but because maybe Nova also needed a moment to express her love to Monika in her own way. When Nova is satisfied Monika wipes off the saliva from her face: " Well… I…"

Nova's smug expression is gone, instead of just a genuine smile on her face, she's waiting for Monika to finish her sentence.

"I... I love you, sis…" Monika then opens the door and rushes out. Her face is red hot even after half an hour. She has never done this to Nova in her life. But the recent event did change Monika's perspective by a huge margin as well.

Nova was satisfied because, from the glimpse of Monika rushing out of the room, she could see the happy yet embarrassing expression on Monika's face. Then she couldn't help but start giggling like a child. Maybe only when Nova is alone is the moment that she will show her true self.

"Major Nova!" Trazyn kicked open the door.

Nova immediately unleashed a blast of energy to push him out and closed the door: " I am not in the mood with your shenanigans."

Trazyn got up and knocked on the door gently: " Hey…. I am sorry for how I behaved. I have an important matter to discuss with you."

Nova opened the door with a cold and deadly expression on her face, similar to the face when they first met under the oil rig.

"May I enter?"

"You may not, speak immediately or leave."

"Here." Trazyn gave her a small cylinder: "This is one of the storage drives for my personality and memory. If my body ever gets destroyed during the fight with Glissa, this device will be the temporary storage unit of my memory."

"And why did you give it to me?" Nova crosses her arms.

"Because… you are Nova Terra? Also, because you looked really cute in this picture." Trazyn hands over a picture which belongs to Nova when she was 12: " Loved that little bag you carr-" Then Trazyn's face was welcomed by a hard swung fist from Nova.

"Delete that picture from your memory or help me, emperor…." Nova's hand is shaking in anger.

"Alright, alright…" Trazyn puts back his dislocated jaw: " Well… I wish you good luck."

That night, Nova stared at the distant stars and fell asleep on the window.