...der. Vander.

I slowly opened my eyes. Odd... I just decided on my name two days ago, but that voice wasn't my Master's. Who is calling me?

Oh? Was that supposed to be a secret? You know you're not supposed to keep them from an old friend.

An old friend? I turned and saw a black-haired woman in a black gown and black long ball gloves sitting on the table not far from where I was sitting. She seemed to sip a wine glass filled with black wine. Yet something about her and her purple eyes seemed very familiar.

Oh, right. I forgot about the conditions beforehand. Either way, you should probably recall by now why you are here in my domain.

Her...domain...

My eyes widened as a few memories suddenly flowed in my head before I uttered a word.

"U...Umbaria..."

Yes, of course! Why did I forget about our first meeting until now? Was this what she meant by "conditions"? Still, I couldn't help but crack a grin upon seeing her again.

Do you recall everything from our first meeting?

I hummed as I tried to recall the said memories that suddenly came back to me. "I remember that I have to forget our first meeting, that I have to die so I could get your blessings through my rebirth..." Then, my eyes widened as I recalled a shocking memory. "I-I remember you kissing me."

The goddess chuckled as I watched her put her wine glass on the table.

Correction: I kissed your past self, not your reincarnation. That kiss was mostly to fulfill his past self's last wishes, but I'm afraid you need to find your kiss elsewhere. Besides, I refuse to kiss minors such as yourself.

Oh... Right... I still remember I'm still 9 years old. My master and Casia would chastise me if I focus on my love life too early. Not that I'm interested in them in the first place. I quickly cleared my throat before getting back on topic.

"Okay, sorry for mentioning that. But you have business with me, right? I prayed for you every day as part of my training regime with Casia."

I saw and heard your prayers every day as well. I'm surprised you've became a genuine devout follower of mine.

I blushed when she said it. "It's because when I learned about you from Casia, I... I felt grateful for having your divine blessings protect me on our excursions. And according to my master, it's because of you that I was able to be born again in this world as my own. So I have to thank you for answering my prayers."

Oh, you're welcome, young man. But the blessings you've mentioned are mostly minor in comparison to the ones given to the heroes and the Otherworlders. That's why I summoned you here to discuss another promise I made before your rebirth.

Another promise... I remembered vaguely, but I think I know what she meant. Especially when I saw the strange blue plate still floating from my ring.

"You're talking about giving me some major blessings after I finished my trial, correct?"

That is correct. I've observed your new life in the Demon Territory so far and I feel like it's a perfect time that we should discuss what you desired for your new desires.

I smiled when I hear the news. "That's awesome!" But just as I could move on, I suddenly realized something that I couldn't ignore. Something that almost killed me if it wasn't for Casia. "But... I don't know if it's a good time to do that right now."

Her Grace tilted her head with her finger on his cheek. Oh? Is something the matter?

I didn't want to lie, so I nodded and said, "I...suddenly have this strange condition. Casia is still investigating it, but he said I was possessed by another person who looked like me. He also said a demon can't be possessed by another, but I can't seem to stop him from taking over my body or trying to run off his own. It's been hard to deal with ever since my Master died. I know he might be dangerous, but I can't help but wonder if he needs help."

Hmmm? Care to clarify?

I don't know how I could clarify my explanation. But I know what to say about it. "I saw his drawings back there. He has drawn many amazing items that I never see in real life to the point that I want to take over Master's magical item research. Yet out of all of them were drawings of him being beaten up by several people. People who punched, kicked, and insulted him with bad names with smiles on their faces. I was so angry when I saw those drawings, but I wonder if I can fight back with my small body. They looked so big and strong that even I run away when they stare at me. Despite those thoughts, I want to do something to make him happy again. To help him get away from those bad people. I wonder if I have the power to give him enough to stand up for himself."

That last sentence seemed to make the goddess stare at me with her eyebrow raised. But I know what I said. I wanted to do something to help the boy inside me. I wanted him to stand up with his two feet and get away from his bullies. I wish I could talk to him so I know what he wanted in life. But I don't know how...

Hang on... Looking at Umbaria gave me an idea that lets me do all of that!

"My Grace, is it possible for you to give me a blessing so I can give it to him?"

I watched her eyes widen and hummed while she twirled around her wine glass. That sounds like a tall order to me. If you give your blessings to the being possessing you, there's a chance you'll be defenseless against your future enemies, monsters, and demons if he leaves your body. Even if I give him a blessing along with yours, then there has to be a price. Nothing in life is free and I don't want to hand my blessings around like candies.

Oh... I don't remember what I paid so I could get a blessing from Umbaria, but I know it's so big that I forgot all about them. I guess even if I keep asking, she might ask me to give up something big. And I don't want to worry Casia any longer about it.

However, hearing all about your intruder sounds very familiar. I can't help you exorcise this being, but I can try to help you locate the issue within his heart. To do this, I will have to give him the same trial as I gave you for your rebirth.

"You mean that [Tutorial Mode] thingy before I wanted to learn magic for real without relying on my ring?" I asked while I tilted my head.

That's right. I predict this "being" you've spoken of possesses a similar potential to yours. I have a feeling you two will be strong individually. But together, you might even topple the status quo with one tiny event.

"...I don't get it."

Let's just say you and that be- No, that boy inside you will become the strongest demon if you work together. I will leave his healing to you and the Drago Nox. If you succeed, then there is a chance I might give him a blessing worthy of carrying my name.

"What about me?" I know she hasn't talked about my blessings yet. I'm worried that this guy will take everything before I do anything else.

I haven't forgotten about you, Vander. In fact, I'm inspired to create a special blessing just for you and your friend. But it would take a while for me to finish it, so you might focus on his recovery first.

A special blessing?! Wow, I can't wait to have it! But I quickly shook my head, not forgetting about the topic at hand right now.

"Alright, thank you for listening to my selfish request," I said as I stood up and bowed my head. "And I'm sorry for it."

Not at all. Besides, I'm curious how a boy with two souls will change this world that the human Otherworlders never achieve without giving in to their greed and corruption. Besides, I'm more curious about how you will help this young being inside you. He's not like any other demon you faced before in your second life.

She might have a point. I don't know if this guy would be willing enough to listen to me if we meet. Of all things I know in my second life, dealing with someone like him might not be in my department.

"I should ask Casia about it once I wake up."

That might be a wise decision. Don't be afraid to ask for help and you might able to survive this world with some company this time. Then again, I'm not as knowledgeable as your Drago Nox friend. So it's up to you what you want, how you want, and why you want to live your new life. I will be here observing the lives of the demons and humanoids who dared to trespass on my territory.

Yeah. Umbaria was still a goddess and I couldn't ask too much from her or else. Besides, I looked at my hands and noticed them glowing purple along with my body.

It looks like it's time for us to part again. Though I'm surprised we'll be seeing each other again soon despite this could have been our last meeting until your recent dilemma.

I smiled. "What are you talking about? I don't think this or the next meeting is our last. I've been praying to you every day, telling you what lessons I learned from my Master's and the achievements I did with Casia. I know I'm not doing this to ask for more favors, but it felt like you're the first ever friend I ever had in this world. Not to mention the very first one who stayed by my side despite the hardships I faced. If anything, I have to thank you for bringing me into this world and giving me a new identity I can call my own."

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The goddess herself smiled and to my surprise, she leaned down and gave me a gentle jab on my cheek with her lips. I became speechless. I didn't expect her to kiss me like that! I'm still a kid, you know!

No, I have to thank you. Out of all Otherworlders I've observed and met briefly, you're the very first one who treated me equally. I hope you never change from your true self.

My...true self? I never thought of that before. But I couldn't help but smile at her compliment. I know there was no pressure, but I didn't want to disappoint her after today. I wanted to live my own life, whatever I want, however, I want.

"I will, my Grace. I wish you well in your future endeavors."

Same to you, young master of Lavender.

Master of Lavender... I could get used to being called my Master's former title. I let the light consume my body as I closed my eyes while I return to my true home...

----------------------------------------

I slowly opened my eyes. What time is it? I felt like I slept forever, yet I noticed I haven't slept that long. Probably because I didn't intend to sleep right now. Especially when my stomach started to grumble.

Still, that strange memory didn't seem like it belonged to me, but it felt so familiar at the same time. Was that Vander's memory? And was that really her Grace herself?

I never thought he would be able to meet the Goddess of Darkness herself. I felt a bit jealous that she managed to do so before me.

"Oh, I never noticed you woke up a bit early."

I turned around to see Casia with a plate of...Mana Crystals?

Right... I recalled I have to eat them now that I'm not a human. It's somehow bittersweet, yet I couldn't change the fact that I died and was reborn as a demon. Either way, I sighed as I let him sit next to me on my bed.

"How long was I asleep, Casia?" I quietly asked.

"About an hour. It took me half to get several crystals from my lair and another to travel to the mansion."

I sighed. This was a bit hard to get used to. "If only this mansion has clocks. Do they have one invented in this world?"

"Yes, but time here in the Demon Territory is a bit...complicated."

So I noticed considering there was no sun and it's mostly nighttime all day here.

"What else do you know about the world outside the Demon Territory?"

Casia hummed while he placed the tray down on the bed. "I know that there are several kingdoms based on the number of species living there. One of the most famous kingdoms is the Kingdom of Concordis, a melting pot of all species and heritage alike."

I huffed as I felt a strange feeling about how ironic did that sound. "Sounds like a fun place to live."

"Trust me. I can name several things why you don't want to be there as a demon. You're still too young to know the dark side of Condordis and I rather not let you go there unprepared without a few tidbits when you get older. I mean, when you and Vander get older."

Me and Vander... I still have mixed feelings about the revelations I learned.

"Speaking of Vander, he said you know something about our condition. Like why I was born without him knowing and how did I come about?"

"Ah, right. I haven't explained to him clearly about it after Mr. Hyde's passing, but I expect him to listen now that you two know each others' presence." I wanted to ask him what he meant, but I rather let him continue for my sake. "What you and Vander have right now is neither a demonic possession nor a spell that merged two people. Rather, it seemed to be what you Otherworlders call a "mental illness"."

"...Excuse me?" I asked in confusion. Seriously, what the hell is this "mental" thing?

"Right. Your mind is starting to regress thanks to some revelations, so I have to explain clearly for you two to understand," Casia said. "For you two, you possessed some similar symptoms to a rare mental illness called "Dissociative Identity Disorder". In other words, your personality is split into two."

I couldn't believe my ears. My personality...was split into two and it's all because of this "mental illness" and not some kind of a curse or a spell. That didn't make sense to me.

"I know you're confused. I know I do. But it seems this one seemed to be hard to understand that even people possessing this knowledge from your world have a hard time trying to make sense of this strange condition. At least that's what I learn from the books I manifested from my mind. I don't know how to cure that condition from my knowledge, but I know the cause of it stemmed from trauma of any kind. And I guess I know where that said trauma came from."

My trauma? I tried to think hard about what kind of trauma I had in the past. Yet other than the demon ambush memory that I thought was real to me, nothing came to mind as I shook my head to Casia. "I don't. You said I'm only a personality that emerged from Vander. I doubt I can recall what it is."

"That's the point. I guessed that when Vander was in the process of his rebirth, the pain and memories from his past life from his world flooded his head before their erasure. I theorized that it almost damaged his sanity if it wasn't for my [Talent] and Master's intervention. Otherwise, it would have lost his morals and ability to tell friend and foe and turned him worse than a monster or demon."

Seriously?! Just what kind of experiment turned him into a demon that nearly cost him his sanity?!

"But he recovered after that, right? I mean, he was still a chill, yet eccentric guy when I met him," I said. "Unless he's hiding his psychotic side or something."

"If you're an intruder or someone who might threaten the house and ourselves, he often comes off as ruthless. But it wasn't the case afterward," Casia answered. "It took him nearly a month to regain his sanity. He had to stay in bed while I keep an eye on him. Hyde often came in from time to time to check on him, listened to my suggestions on approaching him during his visits, and despite the slow rate, he was still patient and didn't demand to rush his recovery immediately. Eventually, Vander woke up and he lived normally with us ever since."

I see. So despite his traumatic transformation, he managed to recover afterward. At that point, I realized what he meant. "I'm guessing that trauma came from when he was reborn and transformed, correct?"

Casia nodded. "You haven't emerged until a few months later. We found you drawing pictures of strange items we never saw before. Along with some smaller incidents, we thought it might be a byproduct of Vander's traumatic rebirth. But I never imagined it would be something more. I theorized part of him didn't want to forget a part of you, so his mind splintered off and you were created without his knowledge. The fact that you barely kept your past memories was proof of your unexpected birth inside him. A representation of your repressed trauma and the past he never wanted to forget."

I think I understood everything. The reason why I remembered my past differently. The reason why I started to forget them. And the reason why I existed. Now I wonder what would happen next for me and what Casia and Vander's plans for me were.

"Are you going to force me to merge with Vander or something?" I asked with a bit of venom against him. I'm still pissed at him for lying to me and he might try and tell me I have to merge with him to be complete or something.

"No, I would never do that. I know from my current knowledge that forcing you to heal against your wishes is going to create more problems than resolving them."

I huffed again. "What makes you so sure about that? Because I'm a problem child inside him?"

He sighed. "Because I don't want to use the knowledge I gained to turn you into what the former Master would have wanted. To tell you the truth, this knowledge I've spoken of didn't belong to me."

I raised my eyebrow. "What do you mean? Vander said you have that...whatever you know to help me."

"True. But this knowledge belonged to an Otherworlder who trespassed in the Demon Territory. An Otherworlder...who used his knowledge from his world to torture and brainwash the young children outside as soldiers. And sometimes, for pleasure."

I froze. There was an Otherworlder like that?! I couldn't imagine who he was in life, but I rather not find out. "How did you meet him?"

"He arrived here while he tried to escape along with his accomplices. Seemed like he was trying to brainwash some important, yet young Otherworlders to his cause. But the Adventurers found him and he was forced to flee here because of the rumors surrounding the Demon Territory. He found my lair along with Hyde's mansion before your arrival and planned to convert it into his hideout. However, we managed to intervene and punished the intruders accordingly while suffering no casualties on both ends."

I didn't want to know what he meant. But I needed to know how he got his [Talent]. "So what happened to the Otherworlders including the mastermind?"

"We anonymously sent them out for the Adventurers to find so they can be recovered through proper authorities and healers. As for the corrupted Otherworlder, I stole his [Talent] and burned him to ashes so he won't harm anyone anymore. To tell you the truth, I have a special ability to steal not only his [Talent] but also his identity and memories. In other words, I can steal his human body as my own."

My eyes widened. So is he saying that the human body he has right now was...

"Don't get the wrong idea, Fledgling. This body belonged to someone else who died and decided to merge his mind with mine after a while. It's a long story. I did say I burned his body after I stole his [Talent]."

Right... I almost misjudged him for that if he didn't repeat that detail clearly. "So why didn't you steal the Otherworlder's body?"

"If I steal his whole being, I may inherit some of his traits. That's the only downside to my ability. And some of them were too wretched for me to inherit. His fascination with the young, twisted love for them, and his sexual desires... I rather let him die in my black flames than let him live or turn someone like him."

Yikes. I guess some demons have standards. I couldn't imagine what would happen if that guy got to me (or in this case, Vander) first.

"On the bright side, without this [Talent], we wouldn't determine the true cause of you and Vander's strange affliction. I'm afraid I can't help you split you two up in this state, but to my knowledge, the only way you minimize the damages of your condition is that you two work together and understand each other."

I hummed as I tried to process everything that I learned so far. "Is that why you and Vander did what you did to me?"

"I've admitted that it wasn't the best solution we have. But Vander's concerns for you were genuine and the same as mine. We don't ask you to forgive us right now. But we ask you that you trust us. No matter what happens, we will get through this together and we promise we will never leave by your side."

I don't know if that promise would be the same for Vander since...you know...we're stuck in one body. But I hummed in thought and made my decision.

"Alright. I don't know what will happen to me next. But I guess for the time being, I trust you and Vander. I have nowhere to go anyway and I might accidentally drag Vander with me if I do."

Casia stroke my head with a smile on his head. "We will get through this together. I promise."

Yeah, I guess. I'm still confused about all of this and I don't know what was happening to me beyond the revelation that I'm nothing more than Vander's second half. But despite my fears, he and Casia were genuinely trying to help me get through this strange new world. At this point, I have no choice but to get used to my new life and hopefully find out more about Vander and myself. I don't know if I call myself a human anymore. Even so, maybe it's for the best I have to forget my past and hopefully move forward from here. But until then, I have to deal with something troublesome first.

"Um... Casia? Can you...uh...crush the Mana Crystals for me?" I asked while trying not to show my face which was turning red right now.

"Fufu... Consider it done."

If only I could get used to my newfound appetite with crystals I couldn't chew without breaking my teeth...