A little grammatical errors here and there but hopefully you enjoy :)

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Chapter 13: In Cold Blood

I am awake.

Before the shimmering golden disk could even bask the land with it's warm light, I've already decided to end my life and start anew. It was truly scary― the thought of plucking a knife on your own throat― yet at the same time, the residing fear in my heart was able to guide my emotions to what I believe is right.

When I heard Erin murmuring 'names' on her sleep, I knew it was time for me to come back and fix our mistakes. There were instances that she tries hard not for me to notice, but every action she took, every decision she made, she would always mention Levasti.

Even now, gazing upon her sleeping face was heartbreaking and every passing second that I remain with her, the harder it is for me to return. Simply put, the past few days were just me delaying the inevitable.

There are three purposes that I must fulfill. . .

First is to safely secure the Spirit Weapons back.

According to Erin's explanation, Spirit Weapons have an ability to read through a person's mind. Simply imprinting their fingertips on the weapon's core was enough to record that person's lifetime. A valuable key to help me solve this riddle of death. Most importantly, they're both part of her family; which she could not afford to let go.

Second is to save her friend that was left unconscious somewhere in the forest.

Castanea, was it? If my predictions are correct, she could be the clue that I needed to answer all of my fearsome uncertainty. Saving her is a must.

Third is to kill Galvin.

It was tough for me to define his allegiance, but no matter what side he is, his actions towards us could only be describe as hostile. Even if that wasn't the case, it is already too late for me to know. Whatever it may be that he's hiding, I don't have the time and leisure to comprehend. It is either him or us.

Was there any other consequences for me to rule out?

While thinking about the possibilities, I held my chin and inclined my head in an attempt to think.

". . . Don't tell me. Holy shit."

There is simply no way for me to prove, but is this ability of mine really to rewind time through my death? So far, there hasn't been any proof to state that that conclusion was correct.

What if... I never really go back in time? Is it really possible to jump back in time? Is it really that simple? Or are there some other elements in place here?

"A never ending stream of worlds where a dead person's soul can hop on..."

I suddenly remembered the results of my futile endeavor regarding my research about that book entitled 'Soul Stream'...

If this theory is correct, then if I die here, will I be leaving Erin by herself? Will time really rewind or will my soul simply find a similar world? Then does that mean that this is a different Erin from the one that I first met?

No.....

I shook my head and threw off the odd thoughts forming in my head.

"This is no time for me to waver..."

After quietly muttering those words to myself, I exited our room and left the house. The skies outside was still gray and none of the view presented in front of me stood out so much that it could steal my attention.

It was supposed to be like that, however...

Over there, on the ground, swiping my eyes to stare were the same glittering flowers that I found beautiful back in the Sea of Trees. Intrigued, I approached the flowers and knelt...

And as if. . . as if fate was forcing me to pick one.

"??"

Maybe I did not notice before, but these flowers could have been here all along. I was thinking along those lines when a slightly high pitched voice called out to me from behind.

"Keisuke? What are you doing out here so early in the morning?"

Because of the tension accumulating inside me, I was startled. I twisted my head and turned around to face the figure.

"Sh-Shara?"

"Yes? What's wrong?"

There she was, curiously looking at me. I must looked pathetic in her eyes to jump in bewilderment like that. Nonetheless, even though she broke that tension, my eyes quickly returned to these flowers.

"One question, were these flowers here beforehand?"

"Oh, those... Yes, they've been there for years."

Years huh? I don't know why, but a mysterious feeling of uneasiness filled up my chest.

"Anyways, can you please watch Erin for me?"

I regained my composure and stretched my arms as I said those words. Not in attempt to look cool of course.

"Meaning??"

"I'll be back..."

"Wait!!"

Because of the evident moisture building at the corner of my eyes, I started to run.

Her family offered us help even though they don't have the slightest clue as to who we are. They did not doubt us. If I manage to come back successfully, I'd like to do something for them in return.

As I run aimlessly, my legs eventually led me to a secluded area where I could rest in peace.

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“ The tragedy of this world is that no one is happy, whether stuck in a time of pain or of joy. The tragedy of this world is that everyone is alone. For a life in the past cannot be shared with the present. Each person who gets stuck in time gets stuck alone. ”

― Alan Lightman, Einstein's Dreams

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Once again, my thoughts drifted away, leading me to that realm of nothingness. My ticket to this domain was my own life that surged out from my own throat. Howling pain. Splattering of blood. My face tasting the solid ground. Arterial blood spurted out of the hole on my neck like a tomato juice, pierced and sipped by a thin straw.

My grip towards the blade I employed to end my life was released. Squirming on my own puddle of blood, I fought the irresistible urge to scratch my throat. Intense biting pain plague my senses before my inevitable death escorted me to that pitch black darkness.

"So... this is death?"

Sufficiently malevolent and the bottomless pit draw upon the lingering emotions around me. While everything else were drowning into the distant whirlpool of memories, I simply swam against that malicious torrent of darkness.

There was a tiny shed of light ahead, and just like a moth fascinated by a portchlight, I chase after it. But no matter how many times I tried to reach that light, the light moves further and further away.

What is it at the end that fascinated me so?

Thinking about the answer, I swam against the tide in desperate motions. But no matter what I do, the whirlpool keeps sucking me in. Its no use. With nothing to hold onto, I fell. I fell backwards into that endless pit of darkness.

...................................Murmurs.

"Look at that guy crying on a paper bag."

"He got dump again from what I heard..."

*Crack!*

Tsk, bystanders...

At the last moment, it did occur to me that I wanted to help that guy. But what does it have for me in the end? I'll only be poking my nose to a place where it does not belong. By doing so, I would shatter my own peace and quiet that I've worked so hard to attain. That's what I thought, so I turned a blind eye on the bullying that was happening around me. Just as if I became their accomplice. As long as it does not concern me, I thought everything was else fine. You may call me a heartless son of a bitch, but after losing Reina I just.......

*Crack!*

Eh...?

What am I standing here for? Who are these people? I feel like I knew them, but I can't remember. I feel like they at least hold a much bigger significance in my life. Classmate? Why did I just said that? What is the meaning of that word? What is―

*TANG!*

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Blistering memories shattered, and Keisuke's consciousness was shepherd back to the harsh reality. He collapsed towards a figure that had confined everything to him moments ago. A stroke of embarrassment was creeping along her face, on the side of her cheek that was visible to him.

"Troublesome idiot..."

Erin's voice fell and rose in his ears, and he was shrouded in a warm and comfortable light that healed his wounds and replenished his lost energy.

That's right, he successfully came back in time. He chose to return and correct all of his mistakes even if his actions could be seen as fiendish.

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"Ahahaha," his voice was trembling as he laugh. "I'm back Erin... I'm sorry it took me so long."

Erin's eyes were the size of saucers when she found herself caught up tight in Keisuke's arms. She felt panic coming on. She was not ready for this. However, the emotions backing his embrace prevented her from retorting. She heard him sniffle, as if he was holding back his own tears.

"Stupid, are you crying?" She voiced a question.

"No, no... Just stay there for now, okay?"

The words kept resounding in Erin's head as his hands fluttered nervously over her golden hair. She convinced herself to calm down, they just passed through a life or death situation after all. She could spare him a little bit of reward― she thought.

Yet for Keisuke, it was different. He cracked his neck and shoulders, as he walked over the leaves and picked up Volius. Just like how he was in his previous memory, the blade's gem had lost it's shine.

"Come out!"

While balancing the knife in his hand, Keisuke shouted and appeared in front of him was a calm and confident man. Same distance, same malicious intent, and same arrogant posture. Everything else was the same, which Keisuke will use to lead his enemy to his demise.

Unfortunately for you, I will kill you this time. Keisuke said in his thoughts.

His blood is boiling, not with anger, but with excitement. Shivering with excitement to finally remove the mischievous grin plastered on his nemesis' face. Measuring their distance in his mind, he took a couple of steps behind and assumed a stance.

"Well, well. For you to notice me in this darkness.." The man arrogantly declared.

Keisuke carefully payed attention to the slightest bit of movement his enemy makes. A wind had come up, and a cloud of dust was left behind. Galvin disappears into thin air!

Swish~!

It was a speed too fast for his eyes to follow, but not something that he could not avoid. If Keisuke did not know any better, this attack would surely be fatal and would no doubt lead to his death― just like before. There is no such thing as youthful combo's or the like. A single strike could decide everything!

As soon as Keisuke saw the cloud of dust, he immediately angled his body and positioned his knife in the air; where he predicted Galvin's hand would land.

His eyes were burning with concentration.

As quick as the passing wind, he felt flesh coursing through his blade, and from there he twisted and pressed, striking a mighty blow!

"Haaa!!"

A line of blood arched in the air, and Galvin's right hand was cut off from his wrist!

Galvin tried to keep his balance, but the pain had disoriented him. He stumbled and fell forward. The impact of his speed grated his face on the rockery floor.

"HUMAN!!"

Keisuke did not utter any word, he only immediately rushed to Galvin's direction. He grabbed his hair and pulled his head up, as he leveled the knife on his throat.

"Keisuke, wa---"

Remembering his past carelessness, Erin's voice fell to deaf ears. And with a quick pulling motion, Keisuke slit his nemesis' throat with all his might. Erin's face distorted to that of shock, and witnessing Keisuke's monstrous behavior stalled the air in her lungs.

"Kaaaaa...."

The small man quivered on the ground as his life rapidly drained on the dirt. He spat and shivered, his helpless body buffeted the hungry soil with his blood. When he tried to cry his mouth out, he only saw his existence swiftly fading away.

"Yooou!!"

Galvin attempted to cast healing magic but Keisuke didn't halt there.

*Twack!*

*Twack!*

*Twack!*

Without batting an eye, Keisuke skewered his flank multiple times until he was satisfied. Galvin was a slippery bastard after all. Galvin's head jerked forward― the scraped, his bloodied face, his vacant eyes, his slack open mouth, a line of spittle drooling out in between his gore. All of this, Keisuke accepted inside.

When understanding finally dawned on him, a dead body had already laid waste beneath his demonic behavior. The puddle of blood was rippled by the small droplets of gore spilling on his knife. There, he saw his reflection. His visage covered in blood. Blood of his mortal enemy.

Their battle was over in an instant.

Erin stood without moving. Confusion swirled about her brain, and as if she had forgotten to breath. She could not even begin to identify what type of incident just transpired. It was all too quick. A sudden vibration passed between her hand when Keisuke took her hand in his.

"Mon... You MONSTER!!"

She tumbled backwards and crawled away, as if a never before seen entity stood in front of her eyes. Mindlessly, she searched for a weapon to defend herself.

"Erin....."

Keisuke approached her in slow steps, gently murmuring her name as he walk. But with the moon beaming upon his visage― revealing his smiling face covered in gore― his actions only showed a negative effect.

"Get away from me!! I'm warning you!!"

Her hands searched for Levasti in panic, and after grabbing it over a handful of leaves, she pointed the dagger towards Keisuke.

"Erin, it's just me, Keisuke."

"Liar!! Keisuke was a pervert, I know that! He... even though... even though he was like that, he was never this heartless!!"

Their meeting might not be the best but behind all of those mistrust, Keisuke was able to earn a spot in her heart. His words and actions carried a gentle warmth, and she could feel the sincerity in his sentences. But now, he killed Galvin,― a person she considered a good friend all her life― without even hesitating. It might be different for Keisuke, who's aware of the death loops, but for Erin, this was the first time. Standing in front of her was a monster indeed.

"There was no other choice," he said.

Keisuke wasted no chance. He clenched the sharp blade and swiftly took it away from her trembling hands...

"―Eh..."

Erin was bewildered. Keisuke's dry expression did not change, even though he just suffered a major injury. A wound inflicted by a Spirit Weapon was no normal wound. Levasti left a chill that repeatedly wrecked his brain in pain, as if his hand was cut multiple times. Desperately, he battled unconsciousness.

He dropped the weapons on the ground and embrace her.

"Erin, I'm sorry." His hand went at the back of her head, easing her gently. " I know my actions were brutal, but I had to do it."

Erin wanted to deny it but couldn't find the words. Her throat closed with tears. Keisuke's gentle voice was her undoing.

"Let me shoulder your problems... Everything, all of them... I'll take them all... You can cry on my shoulders and I'll do the same... If you cannot find someone to blame, then blame me. I promise, I won't go away..."

Full of sincerity, his words shattered the invisible wall between them. Erin could feel her heart pounding with dread. She does not know how he knew, yet she was comforted by his unknown warmth. After a moment of deciding, she began to sob and cry earnestly, without any further care in the world.

"Haa... Uaghh.. Hic... I don't...hic.. understand.. Hic.." Her frame shook with harsh weeping, and he let her cry.

"Its fine," Keisuke said too softly to be heard. "Just let it all out."

His bleeding hand patted her back and the other gently caressed her smooth golden hair. Knowing his efforts were not in vain, Keisuke smiled in relief.

"We need to save your friend too..."

It took some time, but all the accumulated pain, stress, and all of those negative emotions finally caught up to Keisuke. His eyes shut on their own after muttering those last words. His mind drifted into the distant sea of dreams....

And with it, the frozen clock of fate had finally began to move. Did he made the right decision? Will he able to subdue whatever struggles fate has in store for him? Or will he simply succumb to his emotions?

Can he paved his way passed the garden of insanity and save the girl he care about from the fate of death?

Whatever his answers may be, only despair awaits, to those foolish enough, to come back in time~

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Whew... there it is, the end of volume 1 :)

The real adventure will soon begin~