"Ah, of course you can. Your good luck will surely help you at just the right moment, a Stellaron and an Emanator... it's that simple, isn't it?" The illusion shook his head resignedly and sighed, "In this way, the company will gain a seat at the table. And you'll be able to extricate yourself from the endless vortex, obtaining the release you've longed for."

"It's not the first time... This is what you're best at, and what you desire most. This farce began with a death, and will end with a death."

As he spoke, the illusion let out a cold snort: "That's why Diamond chose you."

"All he wants is Pinocchio, regardless of the means, at any cost... and it has nothing to do with specific individuals."

At this point, he let out a light laugh: "Haha, it's been tough, hasn't it?"

Aventurine couldn't help but feel quite surprised: "You've suddenly become very considerate, has your conscience awakened?"

The illusion gently shook his head, explaining in a calm tone: "I was ultimately born from your self, so I know very well that trying to take back the chips you've thrown is as difficult as ascending to heaven."

"I can't stop what you're going to do, the place you're going to... we can't change that either."

Aventurine sighed: "Spilt water is hard to recover. All we can do is seize every opportunity to win one more second for ourselves if possible."

The illusion nodded in deep agreement: "Indeed. Unfortunately, it's impossible for a person to make only correct decisions throughout their life... Although good luck is always on your side, you'll keep winning, you've never lost." However, suddenly changing his tone, the illusion's voice became heavy: "But why you? Why... does it have to be you?"

His eyes revealed a hint of confusion and helplessness.

"If a lucky person's miracles are all built upon the misfortunes of everyone they love, and even more people... if every rain you bring never symbolizes the Mother Goddess's forgiveness and grace, but instead meaningless death after death......"

"...then how many mistakes must you and I have made to be born into this world?" The illusion's voice gradually became low.

[Stella: Clearly, it's also his own inner conflict.]

Aventurine was at a loss for words for a good while, before slowly, as if muttering to himself, said: "...Perhaps when I reach that final destination, our confusion will be answered."

"Hmph... alright. Go ahead, friend, I'll be waiting for you up ahead (in the future)." The illusion's voice carried a hint of resignation and determination.

"In the final moments, say a proper goodbye to this child. Try to make yourself... die without regrets." After saying these words, he gradually dissipated again.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

[Welt: Clearly, he has convinced his inner self.]

[March 7th: So the split will caused by Harmony has acknowledged Aventurine, right?]

[Firefly: I think it's more like he has reached a reconciliation with himself.]

Listening to the illusion's words, Aventurine's face revealed a bitter smile. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself down, then turned his head to look at the child beside him.

The child's eyes were clear and innocent, seemingly unaware of everything. Aventurine gently stroked the child's hair, his eyes full of tenderness. He wanted to say many things, yet didn't know where to begin.

After a moment of silence, Kaka Vasha suddenly spoke up.

"Now... it's just us left." Kaka Vasha said, "Can you take a photo for me? Just as a keepsake."

Aventurine was slightly taken aback, but quickly nodded and responded softly: "Mm, let's do it."

Kaka Vasha slowly walked behind a four-person photo board, his figure appearing somewhat lonely and desolate, his gaze staring blankly into the distance.

Aventurine took out his phone and captured the photo.

In the photo, Kaka Vasha looked cute, innocent, and happy—completely different from himself.

After taking the photo, Kaka Vasha looked at the picture on the phone, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth: "That's nice, this way, I can see what I look like too."

Aventurine looked at Kaka Vasha tenderly and said softly: "Next time you take a photo, remember to look at the camera, your expression will be more natural."

"Mm, I will." Kaka Vasha nodded, indicating he understood, then asked somewhat timidly: "So... sir, are you going back now too?"

Aventurine shook his head, smiling as he answered: "I can't leave yet.. I have a performance here."

Kaka Vasha revealed a surprised expression, asking further: "Oh... so you're about to go on stage, right? Let's go then, I'll take you to the main stage."

"Mm," Aventurine nodded.

Kaka Vasha happily agreed, walking alongside Aventurine while curiously observing the elaborate and exquisite costume he was wearing, and couldn't help but exclaim: "So you're an actor... no wonder your clothes are so beautiful."

Hearing these words, Aventurine felt a bit heavy-hearted, but still corrected: "Actually, I'm a... merchant. But I do have a performance."

Kaka Vasha blinked his eyes, asking in confusion: "Are you like the black-clothed people in the sky? But you're not wearing black clothes."

"Only ordinary employees have to wear those kinds of clothes, my position... is much higher than theirs."

After hearing this, Kaka Vasha's eyes sparkled with admiration, and he sighed: "That's amazing, I hope I can become a beautiful adult like you too."

"You can," Aventurine said firmly, "You'll definitely be better and more capable than me."

The journey continued, and the floating words seemed to represent the current state of mind.

(Step onto the stage, don't be afraid! Don't look back!)

(There's another person beside you!)

(But who is the person walking beside you?)

(Surging across the vast plains. Falling into the cracked earth.)

Aventurine looked at these characters, feeling as if he had shed many burdens, his body becoming lighter and more agile.

Finally, he arrived behind the curtain. The thick curtain before him seemed to separate two worlds.

"The main stage is behind this curtain."

"It's almost time for you to go on stage, are you ready? I wish you a successful performance." Kaka Vasha advised.

"Thank you."

Kaka Vasha seemed to notice that Aventurine still appeared somewhat nervous, so he decided to take a special approach to help him relax:

"Hey, you still look very nervous, let's do a high five. If Mother Goddess blesses us, you can feel more at ease."

Afraid that Aventurine might not understand, Kaka Vasha explained in a manner of a little adult: "A high five is a small ritual, we put our palms together and recite the prayer for Mama Fengge to hear, then she will bless us."

"If you don't know how, I can teach you."

Aventurine smiled slightly, his eyes revealing tenderness. He softly replied: "It's alright, I know how.."

Of course I know.