I felt my body going deeper into the darkness as coldness seeped into my bones.
It's cold. So cold... I can't open my eyes. I can't move my limbs. Even breathing is difficult as if my lungs were filled with water.
Despite the coldness which restricted me from doing anything, I felt at peace. Even though it was lonely, I thought of it as the correct thing to feel. Even though so much time had passed, I could never be anxious about it.
"You can't..." A voice echoed. Deep within this darkness, I heard a voice which was accompanied with the chime of a bell.
"Don't go 'there'... you mustn't touch 'that' place yet."
Who said that? Why are you stopping me? Who are... you...?
".....you can't go... 'There'...... it's not... time..."
Why? Just why? I don't... get it. But…
"Listen to her, young soul of human."
Suddenly I felt myself being scooped up by large hands. Who? What? What happened? What's going on…?
I couldn't understand anything yet the world started to become brighter and brighter. Once everything was basked with light... another voice echoed.
"Thank you, Helios.... just barely in time."
"...I'm just doing my job."
"But the Child almost wandered 'there' so I feel relieved you saved her."
Two voices.... One was a female and the other was a male. I couldn't grasp well what they meant and my vision was still restricted.
This place is bright... and warm. Gentle and serene compared to the darkness I had been in. But... Why does it feel so made up? It's as if... this light... Is just a fleeting sensation. It feels as if... this is just a dream.
"More importantly, Vainticel... What is this?"
"Ah... that's......"
"Being undamaged by Lagnaris is one thing but this.... Isn't she not from this world? She's supposed to be a World Traveler right?"
.......World... Traveler...? What are they talking about....? Uuu... So... sleepy......
".....don't tell me you tampered with her soul?" The male voice inquired.
"What? No! There's no way I will EVER do that! Don't you see how maidenly her heart is?!" The female voice denied.
The two were talking fiercely. They were arguing but why...? I don't get it... It's noisy... and irritating... especially the female voice.
"......stop... fighting... you two......" I said.
It was just my thought. It was simply me complaining. But my lips moved and I heard my vocal cord trembling.
Still... things quieted down so... I think... I can... sleep......
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-Helios' POV-
"...........Vainticel."
"......yes...?"
"...this girl. Are you sure she's not what I think?"
"That's... I don't know."
You don't know...? I stared at the Goddess of Temptation who took a mortal as her servant by whim. But then again, she has always been a problem child so I guess it doesn't matter. She's not the type to raise them as weapon but rather to mend them should they have any... complex circumstance.
Does that mean… This girl is her? Could it truly be her…? After all this time…
".....I'll leave the matter for now. It's already bothersome to have a Vagnalos of Vanity to Harmonize and he even have the nerves to assign This One as his limiter. I have to notify the Council now." Turning my heels, I started to walk away. "But—I can't guarantee anything. If she paves the same path, then...."
I heard a footstep. Behind me, the goddess with long black hair stood in front of the existence I saved and a gaze full of resolution was shown.
"Please don't. At least not her." Vainticel said.
".....Hmph. You imbecilic fool..." I snorted.
The world hasn't encountered any wave for thousands of years. However, there will be a powerful wave and it is our duty to ensure no mistakes were done. Not because of obligation or duty but because we love the world as is now.
Imperfect. Transient. And yet dearly beloved by us gods. All for the sake of atoning our sins in the past where no one remembered. Because we realized how much we loved the world left behind by 'them.'
For us to protect the Inheritance... There should be nothing that can make a crack in the realm even after the wave ended, especially around the Binding. I stared outside at the endless field of white clouds and shimmering stars. I remembered something which caused me to smile but also saddened me.
The decision was picked. I have chosen my path and for the 'promised time' yet to come-
"No Irregular is permitted to exist even if she's one of Them. You know that too, Vainticel."
"....I... I know..... I know it already... but..."
"...send her back to Magnis. I doubt any Spatial Rift will appear soon but if you really care about her then return her. This place is poison for unripe souls."
With that I left the abode. With that I left Vainticel to her own device. And yet, the moment I remembered the soul I touched to save...
"......to think a human soul inherited Her Spirit once again... Why does fate play tricks like no other?"
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...the moment I opened my eyes, I saw a blurry scenery where white tiles filled most of it. From the right side, I felt cold breeze tickling my cheek. I groaned as I tried to move my hand yet my body felt heavy like heck. I couldn't even move my fingers...
"...what... happened...? Where... am I...?" I muttered as my head felt like it’s in a haze.
Then I heard the sound of clicking which I assumed as the door opening from the left. Fortunately I could rotate my head so I turned to the left...
There... seemed... to be.... something. Someone is... There. I heard an approaching footstep... and the figure arrived next to me.
"You've woken up! Hey, are you alright? Do you still remember me?"
......who...? I raised my brows slightly. It's a wonder for me and though this high-pitched voice clearly showed the person as a female... I couldn't think up of any familiarity with her.
With a pang of pain in my head I groaned, then I started to see flashes of images. Someone who stood at the doorstep. Someone who I treated... as rival. Someone.... who's my roommate.
"...Ren...leina......" I said.
"You do remember! Thank goodness. It would be unfair if my rival can't even remember who she is." Renleina said.
I heard a sigh containing many emotions. Relief, anger, joy, and sadness. How did I think of it as complicated? I don't know...
"Would you like some water? Ah, I have to tell the others too...! And the pitcher... why is it empty?"
Fine then. The figure swayed back and forth. With the sound of pitter patter, the figure distanced itself from my sight.
"I'll go get some water. Just rest for now, Charlotte!"
......she's... like a wind. Appearing and disappearing without notices like that... The room quieted then I exhaled and closed my eyes. Ah, I never thought that girl would treat me like that. I should’ve recorded it…
I recalled everything back slowly. It took some time and I was so absorbed in remembering everything that I didn't notice a new presence approaching me.
"...Charlotte......" A new voice appeared.
The tone was deep and low. Though there was still a hint of immaturity, I couldn't think up anything but a name from that manner of speaking.
"......Fei..." I said while rolling my gaze to him.
His figure was blurry. And he's wearing clothes which seemed so black it nearly caused me to mistake him for a robber. But... Is that a formal attire?
"...you really are the Black Hero," I commented, my lips curved upwards and I said "...so black like soot."
I heard a sharp intake of breath. Then I heard a deep sigh which befits Fei whenever he's in a trouble involving something other than battle related stuff.
"I'm not a Hero. I'm a Monster."
"Really...? In my eyes... you're a Hero, Fei."
"...Why?"
"Because... you're the one... I looked up for. You... the one who gave me a reason to live."
...I wonder what I'm saying. I couldn't help on saying it, and… it feels as if this is the right timing...
"...I'm glad... I'm so glad you are still... yourself......."
I really feels that way. I’m just so glad I can see him talking back to me like this. It’s the Fei I know. It’s not an impostor. It’s the person – the knight I always knew…
".....you're kind. You're so kind I can't help but feel ashamed at myself," Fei muttered. "Really. You're just too kind for someone like me, Idiot."
What... Why is he suddenly insulting me? It caused me to frown while glaring at Fei.
"Stop calling me... idiot, you dummy."
"But you are an idiot. Why didn't you run away from me?"
"I don't want to..."
"Thanks to your stupidity, we lost track of that pest you know?"
…That's just you being incompetent. Also—
"Whose fault... do you think it was...? I never ordered you... to revive only to rampage around." I complained softly.
"So it's okay to revive...?" Fei asked half in doubt.
...who knows? If possible, I want us to stay together until we see the world. Though that's just me being selfish but I don't want to see him dying before then... Not until I see the same scenery with him.
......then again...
"...if you did that again… I’m not going to stop at beating you… senseless."
I slowly sat up, forcing myself as the sounds of creaking came from somewhere in my body. Fei rushed to me and told me to rest but I shook my head.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"...it's the first time I had my chest pierced like this." I said. “And I was awake unlike five years ago.”
"......that's... I'm... I'm so sorry..." Fei apologized.
"It's fine... I don't really mind anyway." I said.
In fact, it's worth to be called as a trophy. Maybe I can become a phoenix in Magnis counting how many times I nearly died yet surviving. Then again... I'm a really lucky person to live through it all.
Although I'm not sure if I resurrected back to life or not. There's this strange dream I couldn't recall too... Vainticel and Helios… All I remembered were them talking to each other.
"...you don't mind me hurting you...?"
"Of course not... you must have... my consent beforehand."
Besides... being pierced through with a sword is unpleasant. I was reminded of how my body was riddled with holes when that Demon General attacked.
"...Charlotte, I..." Fei paused. Like a child who was at a lost when he ought to explain his reasons in doing pranks, his voice wavered for times. Hm... I can guess what he wanted to say.
"......I don't mind it at all... you know?"
"...but...! You know what I did right!? I am...!!"
"It doesn't matter... Fei."
It was... actually difficult for me to put pressure in my voice... and I became slightly lightheaded. Even so, I said...
"I don't care what you are... I don't even care whatever secret you have... All that matters is that you're alive... and well..."
"......Why do you say so...?"
"Because you are... important to me."
Fei fell silent. The air stilled when a cool breeze entered through the open windows.
"You're seriously an idiot." Fei suddenly said.
"What do you mean by that...?" I asked.
"You're an idiot," Fei repeated his words. "You have the nerves to say that when you were a step away from death for four months."
...ugh. If you said that I can't deny it now... it's not like I can think up a smart method within a minute. Also, Fei snapped back to his senses right so I'm definitely not in the wrong here...
"...Please don't do it again. That kind of suicidal attempt."
"......If I said no… are you going to be angry?"
"Yeah."
...I guess he's right. I've been in rough times for so many times it became normal for me to face risks... And this time, I nearly died twice. Even the fact I was still alive despite having a sword piercing through my chest estranged me.
I gazed up at the ceiling for a while. The same clean scent. The same sterile atmosphere. It might be no different than what happened back in my previous life. Often... I was bedridden in the hospital out of injuries. And yet, I—
"...then... I will do it again." I muttered.
"Why!? You know that you're not going to live long if you continue to do this!!" Fei yelled.
...so he knew. How considerate of him to not say anything until now. I gazed at Fei who's biting his lips as his shoulders quivered. From my eyes, he seemed to blame himself rather than being angry at me. But... that's also the reason why I can't stop now.
"Because I don't want... to lose even you..."
I don't want to lose him. He who I looked up for. The person who told me to live. The person who risked his life for an idiot like me.
Before I knew it, I moved my left hand which was covered with bandages from within the blanket. As if grasping for something. Trying to reach the blurry figure who's grown silent.
However—I stopped in the middle. I realized I couldn't allow myself to be like this. I mustn't stay like this. It's not like me to show this side of me. After all... won't I be a pitiful, pathetic person? Of everyone... I don't want Fei to see this side of me. Not when I haven't achieved anything... not when I still have no right to stay by his side....... And not when I have already vowed to become his equal.
"...sorry, Fei... please forget all that—" I muttered hastily while forcing a smile. Even though something warm streamed down from my eyes, I couldn't help but to apologize—
"...then......"
Suddenly, I felt warmth. My fingertips were wrapped by something. It was rough, but warm nonetheless. Then my left hand was gently pulled as Fei spoke.
"...then, I will protect you..."
...eh...? What did he... say...?
"I don't want to lose you too... even if I have to lose what makes up who I am... I don't want to lose you, Charlotte......."
Fei said. His voice trembling, his warmth seemed so faint and yet so vivid... and...
"I'll do anything for you. I won't hesitate to go against the world for you. I'm prepared to accept everything, including my Destiny as long as I can protect you. That's why... I......."
In a moment later, my back of hand felt moist as a slight pressure touched it. It was warm and it caused my heart to skip a beat.
"Under the guidance of the Sacred Sword, at this place and at this moment, I—Felix Sanctum Raumia—hereby pledge my allegiance as the Seventh Vagnalos to Charlotte Augmund."
At once, my vision cleared up.
"My body shall become your shield from all malice that threaten you."
At once, powerful warmth engulfed my body. Emerging from the place Fei once pierced, a throbbing sensation appeared as if resonating with my quickening heartbeat.
"My soul shall become your sword to slay even fate itself."
In the middle of bursting warmth transmitted through words, I saw a boy who kneeled while holding my hand as he put his other hand on his left chest.
"Now, I offer my entire existence to you."
That day, as my heart beats furiously......
"In the name of all the gods who rule the heaven above..."
The person I adored in my second life...
"I swear I shall protect you, my Oratoria."
Pledged an oath to me.
http%3a%2f%2fpre11.deviantart.net%2fdd71%2fth%2fpre%2f...92li37.jpg [http://pre11.deviantart.net/dd71/th/pre/i/2015/205/0/6/vol__3_scene_3b_by_zetsunen-d92li37.jpg]
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-???'s POV-
"Hey there! It's been a while!!"
"Took you so long... and who's that?"
"Source of information? Please handle him since I'm done letting out my stresses on him."
Haa... Why do I even bother? Oh well. It's an opportunity since a long break appeared and I could concentrate on my job. Besides, he has no limbs so it'll be easy to force him to speak.
"Oh, by the way... What about him?"
"Not yet.... He is surprisingly a tough nut to crack. Also very skillful."
My partner said as she knitted her brows together. Hm... to think the usual playfulness was replaced with troubled expression. This is new.
"...you know that I'm relying on your sharp intuition."
The girl laughed as she thanked me for the compliment. She's always like this so I sighed when my shoulder was bumped by hers.
"Don't worry! I'll get my job done here so you should do what you want and what you must!!"
"...I really can't wait to crush him though."
"Well, I guess you will considering how you're not even able to observe his actions from up close."
That's right. As long as I'm not allowed to make direct contact then even the Sign won't appear. My partner has a lot more opportunities to even prolong her Sign unlike me so I'm a bit jealous.
"Hehe, I haven't seen you pouting lately. Do you want to Bond again?" She said.
"Hah... don't be stupid. I don't want to be seen when there's someone else with us." I replied while pointing my index finger at the dragged informant.
After all, my Sign already spread all over. It's an ill humor if I were seen exposing it all in front of a stranger. And there's just no way for me to show it to others.
"Don't worry~ I'm not going to involve personal matter with my job. Just rest easy~"
My partner chuckled as she rubbed her shoulder against mine. She's so shameless... even though this village is outside the capital's wall, I refuse to be seen like this and my cheeks feel hot too...
"This kingdom really is a good place to start~ Just a month and we found a Chaos Stone. Then we found some clues about the Cult three months later."
"Though we're still in the dark about them. I can't believe someone is capable of slicing Chaos Stone in halves too."
"Well, the Black Hero did a good job to prevent troubles. A true Hero always arrived at the right time."
Yeah... I'm really surprised when you showed me the broken Stone to prove how ridiculous the Seventh Prince is. I would have liked to inspect it had my Sign not acting up.
Still... this means we can fulfill our objective. There's that person, the Stone and the Cult.
As long as Chaos Stone is found, then the spellcaster must have been nearby. It's always like that since they must set an ethereal connection to make sure the Stone is working normally.
Hmh... but she said the voice is different. If there are two or three more targets then even I will be troubled. Guess we have to proceed patiently while waiting the right chance to strike a huge blow on them.
"Let's go, Anise. We're going to crush all of those damned demons."
My shadow melded into the darkness as I paved my way. I gazed forward while I imagined the day where I can vanquish those vile creatures and exterminate their entire race. All of them... with my own hands......!
"......ah... but, I don't want to see the two of you fighting... Alia."