Chapter 232

I get the kid.

But the kid doesn’t get me.

And I wonder if it’s because I’m older and have been through more, though maybe that’s part of it.

“First off, there’s no reason to blame the two of them… or is it? Did you suffer something?”

“…?”

“Suffered what?”

“…”

“It’s impossible to overthrow Father and Mother by force. Objectively speaking, it just doesn’t make sense. So if you’re trying to connect this to some family discord…”

“…”

“Yeah. That could be a possibility. Unlike me, you’re pretty naive in many ways. But even if that were true… do you really think others would just sit back and watch?”

The kid lets out a small sigh.

“Is your perpetually gloomy demeanor tied to that too? Because you’ve been rejected and ignored by the world?”

“…”

Should I admit there’s some truth to it, or should I tell him not to jump to conclusions?

Was I always this gloomy from the start?

That… isn’t the case.

The reason I became this way is all thanks to being used by the Demon King for various things. My emotions wore thin, and my way of thinking diverged greatly from what it once was.

If there was one positive influence the Demon King had on me—though not intentionally—it was teaching me about purity.

It wasn’t like she set out to teach me. It was just that… her calmness and towering self-esteem made me envious, so I wanted to make those qualities my own.

…Though it’s probably impossible for me to fully emulate her because I know better than anyone the evil deeds she’s committed as the Demon King. There’s exaggeration and distortion, sure, but still…

She seemed completely indifferent.

Other people’s perspectives and evaluations have never mattered to her since ancient times.

Bowing to others’ opinions and words should only happen when it’s sincere advice.

Otherwise, at most, it’s tolerable.

Sentient beings, including humans, tend to try to bring down others who are direct or indirect competitors instead of helping or supporting them.

She stated this with certainty.

“Stop messing around. So what is it you want now?”

At those words, I snapped out of my reverie without even realizing I’d fallen into one.

“What do I want?”

“That’s why you’ve come this far, right?”

“…”

To want something…

“I’ll destroy it.”

“Destroy what?”

“The Warrior.”

There, I took a short breath.

“The ridiculous mindset and expectations surrounding Warriors, their principles—all of it, I’ll destroy it.”

“…What are you saying? Do you even realize what you’re saying? And aren’t you contradicting yourself by acting so much like a Warrior right now?”

“I’m not a Warrior.”

Even if I can tolerate everything else…

“You shouldn’t be saying that to me.”

“Even though it’s me?”

“…You and I are already different enough that it doesn’t matter.”

It’s not just because we’re different versions of the same person from the past.

It’s not because the kid represents the monster within me either.

Back then, both the monster and the snake were integral parts of who I was.

“So what? What exactly are you planning to destroy? Trying to become the Demon King?”

“You’re stuck within the limits of Warriors and Demon Kings.”

In a sense, that itself is a form of faith.

I think.

“First, I’ll defeat Father. That’s my first task.”

“…Are you serious?”

Without needing any explanation, the kid seemed to readily agree.

Rather, he might have understood me a little.

But understanding and accepting are two different matters.

The kid asked after a thoughtful pause.

“And if this is the first step, does that mean there’s a next one? What’s the next move?”

“…”

That…

“Don’t feel like saying it, huh?”

“Can’t kill others, so you plan to kill yourself instead? Are you thinking of committing suicide in front of Father after defeating him?”

“…”

Back in the day…

I can’t remember exactly when, but there was a time I wished for it. They say losing a grown child is the deepest wound and scar for a parent. Someone told me that.

…Would I throw myself away for that single moment?

A smirk might’ve escaped me, but now I feel nothing.

Logically, it just doesn’t add up no matter how I think about it. Yeah, maybe it’s because I’ve suffered too much, and now such an act seems trivial.

If I had been insignificant, perhaps this choice would’ve been the best one for me—the ultimate revenge.

“That’s not revenge; that’s just stupid.”

That kind of self-sacrifice is only for those who see no other way out. I don’t need to resort to that anymore.

…Which is why I won’t.

“Still, if you end up becoming someone mother can’t save, it might be an appealing method.”

“How far have you fallen?”

“It’s less of a fall and more of a decline. And this is all your choice, so if you’re upset, change the future.”

Then maybe…

I’ll disappear.

…In a way, that might be the best outcome.

“Apoptosis.”

“…?”

“To the one who insists on falling: Was standing every moment and each day truly so burdensome that you preferred the pain of a steep descent?”

“…”

Where did he pick up that line?

“But they say falling can also mean liberation from confinement for some. By rejecting the constraints of birth and reality and choosing freedom, can one truly sever ties with the world and find liberty?”

“…”

Watching silently, the kid smiled genuinely and said,

“Know what? Your current state is sort of like a warning the World Tree is sending to me now.”

“Warning?”

Crossing his arms, the kid showed one hand and said,

“Aren’t you curious? About what choices I made to become you?”

“…”

“In fact, I haven’t made them yet, but I’ve resolved to. It’s already decided.”

So… sorry about that.

“Still, you didn’t attribute your misfortunes to others, wallowing in resentment and hatred all this time. You chose to bear the pain, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and blame all on your own… That must’ve been an incredibly painful process… Yeah. The reason you hate Warriors and argue that doing good isn’t necessarily righteous—I think I understand a bit now. At least, you’re not wrong. And since you’ve obtained this power and reached this point, that’s certain, right?”

“…”

You…

“If I had more time, I’d try to persuade you, but… I guess that wouldn’t work either.”

“This situation isn’t a test for me or her… It’s a test for you.”

“You already told me. If you don’t like how things are going, you’re hearing it in various ways to stop.”

But listen…

“If I refuse you, the future that awaits me will ultimately be the same, right?”

Either become the fire that burns the world…

Or die and become firewood.

“You might not know this, but the past and present you’ve lived through are a precious future I could never obtain.”

We can never escape the grasp of fate, even for a moment.

“I won’t say anything more. I think I’ve said enough.”

Saying that, the kid slowly took a step back.

“And don’t let Sister down.”

Because I know.

“You probably won’t feel any of this yet.”

Saying that, the kid slowly waved goodbye,

As if seeing off a traveler who’d formed a bond overnight.

“Everything has its own meaning, after all.”

It wasn’t a greeting or a farewell, but…

It was definitely…

A blinding white light floods over the pure-white world, overwhelming the field of vision.

“…”

Maybe even Lucesia and I…

Had no choice but to close our eyes.

====

Everything moves quickly.

The scene I caught a glimpse of before unfolds anew in front of me.

But none of it matters.

I’d already heard something similar when I came here.

Back then, she was with me at the scene.

Remira, I mean.

From her and the Queen, I could infer various details.

But the decisive factor was that I allowed that dim-witted Legion Commander to land a blow. Whether he anticipated it or not, I don’t know…

…Guess not.

‘It was a sacrificial ritual.’

They say spreading blood around the World Tree was common in ancient times.

And there, the girl who couldn’t die sacrificed herself to bear the deaths of others, praying for their wishes and beseeching for miracles.

And the girl who couldn’t die…

…Even after death, remained bound to the World Tree, unable to pass on.

And at that time, I realized…

…Meeting her would be impossible without entering the consciousness directly.

So I practically used the necessary evil of a sacrifice, wagering half of myself in a gamble.

That’s how the kid actually managed to enter the immeasurable expanse of the World Tree’s consciousness.

Countless worlds

Countless possibilities.

They overflow before his eyes in the form of hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of branches, leaves, and fruits, exceeding the limits of sight.

Within such a vast world, the kid… I am merely a tiny speck…

“Don’t do it.”

I can’t see them.

But I can hear the voice.

Their presence resonates.

Yet, I still can’t see them.

“I’m fine as I am. There’s not much time left now.”

Finally.

…The day of rest is near.

So please, don’t do it.

“It’s meaningless sacrifice.”

Sacrifice. Sacrifice.

And back then, the younger me responded rather absurdly to that statement.

“Sacrifice? Who’re you calling stupid? There’s no way I’d do something like that. What do you take me for?”

…?

The voice stopped, but the awkward silence lingered for a long while.

…How embarrassing it must’ve been for the one listening in, let alone the person involved.

“Then… why did you go that far?”

Curiosity?

Simple skepticism?

What’s clear is…

It shifted indifference into interest.

Moreover…

“Because I knew this was the only way to see you. There was no other option, right?”

He spouts such absurdities again.

“Did… you come to see me?”

Young me was bold.

“Why else would I willingly endure such hardship?”

“Not the Sacred Tree? Me?”

“What’s so cute about a tree?”

His snide remark carries a hint of sharpness.

“From beginning to end, you were the objective. Meeting you like this.”

“…Why? Why?”

“Hmm. Father once told me something. That’s why.”

“???”

Young me didn’t rush, staying calm.

And then…

“When you see a crybaby, run up and tease them mercilessly. That’s what He said.”

With a teasing tone, he kept giggling long after finishing his sentence.

…What is this kid?

“It’s a lie, though.”

Then he nonchalantly shrugged.

“He told me that just watching someone and letting them know you’re watching can change the world. So I tried it.”

“So? Do I look good to you?”

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