Chapter 249

Chapter 148 The Battle Is Not Over Yet

“ASH, what do you think about yourself?!”

The palm print still burning on her face was radiating pain, but that wasn’t all; the deep-seated doubt triggered by her own humiliation felt like a crushing insult to Ash. It was almost as if this was the ultimate insult!

Despite being slapped, Ash, who didn’t know whether he felt guilty, couldn’t even say a harsh word now.

Ash had no place left to retreat.

He was just grieving, indignant at an unclear object, or maybe it was “incompetent rage.”

Ai could sense Ash’s anger, but her fury towards him surpassed his own!

“Ash! I’ve always admired you when you were bad and strong, supporting us in our growth and cooperating with us for Regina’s sake. I always thought you were a great person!”

“But in reality, my ideal man can only remain down after being struck?”

“If you’re nothing more than this, I’m extremely disappointed in you!”

This instantly ignited Ash’s defiance, facing Ai, though he was met with an unyielding gaze that rebuked him.

“SAY IT! If you shout it out loud, your mood might improve!”

This time, she wouldn’t fear him.

“I…I!”

The voice, without hesitation, seemed stuck in his throat, unable to utter a word.

“Ash, the battle has ended.”

In his ears, their previous words echoed.

These were supposed to be deceptive words to keep Ash rooted in the past, but they sounded more like they were meant for him now.

Why am I fighting? To collect the dark echoes for the system? If so, does that mean my battle has ended?

[Isn’t this something you know best?]

The flames consumed the last remnants of the ruins. Ash’s memories of the home he neither liked nor could forget had vanished completely without trace.

There was nothing left to yearn for. Since it’s already happened…

“No, my battle isn’t over until I make a pact with Him.”

“Regardless of the enemy, even myself!”

Seeing Ash regain his resolve through self-talk, Ai’s face broke into a relieved smile.

“It seems both ordinary people and geniuses dream.”

Hearing Ash’s dramatic statement, Ai’s mouth twitched uncomfortably from laughter, her shoulders shaking hard—it looked like a struggle. At such times, it’s better not to say these grand statements…but this is Ash for sure!

“I won’t get lost in dreams. Mana, pull me up.”

“Ash, when asking someone, you have to ask kindly. What should you say when requesting something?”

Looking at the smiling girl who braced herself with one leg and leaned in close, Ash gave a mocking smile.

Ha, truly, give her an inch and she takes a yard.

“Classmate Ai, can you please pull me up?”

“Sure, use a gentlemanly grip—woah!”

Grabbing Ai’s hand, Ash almost pulled her down with him as he stood up.

Frustrated, he thumped her lightly before the two parted ways. Ash didn’t look back at the ruins behind them, running off together toward the outside world.

“Mana, there’s something I need you to promise to do.”

“What?”

Defending themselves with crossed arms, they shattered the glass-like barrier and passed through the world wall, Ash quietly making another request as they did.

After returning to the real world, Ash quietly withdrew his hand from hers. The waiting four and their dog rushed forward, forming a protective circle around them.

“Great!” Six Flowers practically flew over, hugging Ai tightly. “Mana, it’s so good that you can do this!”

“Hold on, Six Flowers, stop exaggerating—originally, I believed Ash would escape!”

“I understand…but I still want to hug His Majesty.”

While saying so, Blue-haired Girl tightened her embrace around her dear friend even more.

“Ash,” Arizu, smiling, asked nonchalantly, “Have you reconsidered and clearly understood your situation?”

“Just do some self-reflection and realize what outrageous things you’ve done!”双手抱胸的ACE also joined the condemnation.

“Really.” Ash rubbed his head in frustration. “I’m not here to answer to you. And honestly, who’s to say what’s real and what’s just a dream right now?”

Smack!

With his hand over his face, Ash lifted his head, which had been turned away, and another bright palm print appeared on the other side of his face.

“Hmph!” Makoto retracted her hand, humphed, then turned away. “Do you get it? This is a dream or reality?”

Sss— Ash sucked in a breath, growled at Makoto. “Don’t think for a second I won’t teach you a lesson now!”

“Then come on! Just like before, insult me without restraint!”

“I—”

Arisu and Akuri hurried to interject, trying to stop the confrontation.

Tch, I have more pressing matters now. “Where is that scoundrel who messed with my memories?”

“It’s me.”

Before others could respond, Mallo silently stepped out from beside Ai, looking uneasily at this man who had grown close to her master.

Ash raised an eyebrow; he hadn’t expected such a straightforward response from a mere lackey.

“Mallo…”

Ai called to her dog, her voice filled with worry. She didn’t stop either of them or speak further, only watching tensely as they faced each other; hoping no one would get hurt.

Ash met eyes with the small white dog, then averted his gaze with contempt.

“Huh, I’m not interested in someone like you who’s been duped. Where’s the true leader who awakened your intelligence and granted you power?”

“It…”

Speak of the devil. As they discussed, their footing suddenly shook. Everyone’s gaze turned toward the source, seeing an old clarinet encased in energy flying out from the whale’s heart. Even more shocking, this instrument could speak.

“Matthew, you traitor, you’ve truly let me down. You took an oath to erase our regrets and avenge forgotten beings by obtaining power!”

“Wrong!” Mallo firmly cut in. “I’m not Matthew, I’m Mallo!”

“So you are—”

“Huh?”

Their exchange was interrupted by another voice. Ash held a random pipe he’d torn off the whale and knocked it against any surface with a metallic sound, walking closer.

“So you’re the puppet master.”