The next day, as soon as I woke up, I was not in my usual place. Instead of a forest, I found myself in a totally white space. No matter where I looked, there was nothing, and it didn't seem like I would find anything if I started walking. While I was confused about my situation, a familiar voice made itself present in the scene, but instead of coming from my head, it was coming from a specific location.

"It's been a while, Makoto"

Said the woman standing there with a gentle smile on her face. I dare say she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in all my few years of life. She had beautiful silver hair and beautiful sky-blue eyes. Her face was exquisitely sculpted like a work of art, and her beautiful white dress gave her a divine air that was difficult to explain in words. Not knowing exactly how to react, I knelt before such a being.

"It is an honor to be able to see you again, Aurora-sama"

I said as I looked at her. Hearing my words, Aurora-sama's smile widened, and she started to walk around me.

"That's really fascinating... even looking at me, you didn't go crazy, as I thought. You are really special"

Said Aurora-sama with a smile on her face. Hearing her words, I was a little confused since it was the first time I had heard that.

"What do you mean by that, Aurora-sama?"

I asked. Hearing my words, she raised her finger as if pointing to something.

"Do you remember the first time we met?"

Aurora-sama asked. I nodded my head, indicating that I did remember.

"As you may recall, the first time I appeared to you, I was a being formed of darkness. That was a preemptive way not to drive you crazy. But as our conversation went on, I began to realize that you were different from the other humans, so to speak. Thinking about that, I did a test. At the end, when I passed my powers to you, they should have served to at least protect your mind a little when you looked at my face. Normally, there should be some sequela, but as I observed you, I noticed that there was no such thing. And now I could confirm it since you are looking at me right now, and nothing is happening to you"

Explained Aurora-sama, putting her hand on her chin and seeming to think of something.

"Do you... do you see what is happening as something real?"

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Aurora-sama suddenly asked me, leaving me confused.

"What do you mean?"

I asked, still trying to understand. Hearing my words, Aurora-sama said nothing, she just stared into my eyes as if looking for something.

"Maybe... maybe you have the potential to become one..."

Aurora-sama whispered. I couldn't hear almost anything she said, and it was making me even more confused.

"Umm... Aurora-sama, is everything okay?"

I asked, still confused. Hearing my words, Aurora-sama looked at me and shook her head.

"No... it's nothing. Anyway, the reason I brought you here was not just for this. I need to warn you about something"

Said Aurora-sama, changing to a serious tone.

"What would that be?"

I asked, also becoming serious.

"It's about Artena... my little sister"

Aurora-sama said. Hearing her words, I felt like I heard something unexpected, but I decided not to interrupt Aurora-sama.

"She noticed that I did something with one of the summoned ones and probably knows that you have some connection with me. Although she can't act directly against you, she will surely find some way to take you out of the game, and she will do it fast. So... be careful"

Aurora-sama said with a strange smile. After hearing her words, my vision began to blur and seemed to become distorted.

"You don't have to worry. I'm talking to you in a dream, but it's about time you woke up"

Aurora-sama said, turning around.

"See you later, I expect great things from you, Makoto"

Said Aurora-sama. After that, my vision went totally dark, and I blacked out. When I woke up, it was already morning, and everyone was already getting ready. Some were making coffee while others were talking about something. Putting my hand on my head, I remembered the conversation I had with Aurora-sama.

(Looks like my time for pretending is coming to an end)

I thought as I looked up at the sky.

(Anyway, I don't see any reason to stay here waiting any longer)

I thought as I looked at my hand.

(Even though I want to kill Shinji right now, I still feel it would be too easy for him. First, I will show him the overwhelming difference in our strengths and take everything he loves right in front of him)

With that thought in mind, I stood up from where I was and started to look around. I didn't see Shinji and the others, and it also looked like Ana wasn't around.

(There is only one place she could be)

I thought as I started walking towards the lake. I ignored everyone who tried to talk to me since I knew they would simply tell me to do something. Since I won't be here any longer, I see no reason to obey them. As I approached the lake, the sound of something hitting the water caught my attention. Speeding up my pace, I arrived in a few seconds at the lake. Hiding behind a tree, I looked at the lake to see if something was happening, but what I saw was not exactly what I was expecting.

Ana was naked while bathing in something. Her beautiful silver hair was reflected by the water while her immaculate white skin gave her a high air of beauty. Although her breasts were not that large, they were not that small either; they would probably fit perfectly in my hand. As I was mesmerized by my kouhai's body, suddenly an ice stake flew towards me.

"Dark manipulation"

I said, and a huge black wall appeared before me, saving me from Ana's attack.

"Who's there?"

A cute and carefree voice echoed seconds after I blocked Ana's attack.