Chapter 102

Extra Case File 102 Ash’s Dusk

“Ughaaaah——!!!”

This sound echoed from Ash’s mouth — but it wasn’t his own.

He could hear it; surely he could, the countless sorrow and despair that had brought pain to others in the past were now screaming in agony themselves.

It’s like a trap filled with honey; the “Wrath Energies,” attracted by the “Dark Echo,” revived and strengthened at an unprecedented speed, undoubtedly believed they could draw Ash into their ranks — thereby adding to the darkness of this world.

But Ash was nothing like them, even aiming to destroy them along with his gold coins to give to Precure as their greatest enemy — though the Wrath Energies have no self-awareness, so they couldn’t anticipate this.

“Ash——!”

As he assimilated the “Wrath Energies” into himself, yet forced them to stop further transformation, chaotic surges of energy collided inside him like tennis balls against a wall. Waves of impact radiating outwards from him made the ground crack like a fishing net’s mesh, powerful enough to push aside Cureyell, who cried out to stop such an act of self-destruction.

“Hmm…”

With the crimson combat suit failing its internal checks and fading away, the exposed man on the verge of sweat and heavy breathing.

Yet, no matter how much pain he seemed to be enduring, the man persisted, not letting out a cry.

Maybe it was out of pride or simply not wanting to admit defeat, but with a face contorted yet slightly smiling, Ash clearly knew what he was doing.

I know exactly what I’m doing… Everything is unfolding just as I hoped!

Countless shadows of darkness swirled in Ash’s vision. Precure’s “Energy of Tomorrow” could change the course of time itself, and the corresponding “Wrath Energies” share similar power.

So Ash saw it: in the near future, after his disappearance, there was Wild Flower’s suffering… even worse than her state before meeting him.

Ash foresaw it — her strength kept her from succumbing to despair, but her pain fostered an extraordinary despair, which allowed the Final Monster, as their enemy, to be resurrected and take control again.

After all, as the saying goes, “If I never saw the light, I would gladly endure the dark.” The pain of false hope leading to absolute despair is indescribable.

“Indeed…”

The future will repeat my current path.

Then when the flower’s child is born, recognizing the mother’s issues, feeling regret for not discovering earlier, even trying to alter the past to no avail.

“Whatever has happened will happen again.”

That’s what I call a vicious cycle.

“What are you doing, Ash?!”

Even with a storm of darkness enveloping him, he struggled forward. Despite the armor shedding sparks, she reached out and grabbed Ash’s arm firmly.

“I’ve got you, Ash—!”

Seeing his eyes, filled entirely with blood, she exclaimed in shock.

“Your, your eyes!”

“Did you ask what I’m doing?”

Ignoring his deteriorating condition, Ash watched Wild Flower’s horrified expression merge with the future’s empty despair.

This is what I must prevent.

“Now, I am severing this chain of tragedy from myself.”

There’s always a balance between good and evil. The demon ruling the world defeated, another stronger one emerges.

For instance, after defeating the monster engulfing the world, I myself became a new one.

If only I had recognized the truth sooner, a better solution might have become clear.

“But first, I shall be this entity!”

Driven by the innermost desires, Ash, bleeding profusely, sought to encapsulate all “Wrath Energies” within himself, then use the “Dark Echo” — destined to be absorbed by the system upon death.

Ha, this privilege of a traveler from another world.

“How could this happen?!”

Nakano Flowers, crying uncontrollably and hugging Ash covered in blood, could only mutter in distress.

“Why… why is this happening…”

“You’re from another world — why do you care so much about this world?”

“Surely this is not like you!”

“…Is it?”

No longer hunting for victory, but choosing failure — the weaker self he despised.

Such a being does not resemble Ash at all.

“Ha… Indeed.”

Grimacing in pain, Ash found solace.

“I feel like becoming something different…”

Why, even amid such turmoil…, why do I find some relief?

Is it because of Ais?

“Never will you die, Ash!”

Witnessing his incredible actions, Nakano Flowers reacted immediately, determined to save him.

Drawing on emotions and the Precure Crystal of tomorrow, she pushed her already tired body to transmit “tomorrow’s powers” to Ash.

“Don’t worry Ash! I’ll help you heal!”

“Wh-why!” Even though the “Energy of Tomorrow” erased bloodstains from Ash’s face, his body was dissolving like shadows, despite being able to heal.

“I shouldn’t be disappearing!”

“Because, I am not you.”

Removing his chest’s garment, Ash revealed the flowing “Dark Echo” to smile at the girl, “This is my true self.”

“When darkness meets light, it burns…”

And yet, it yearns for it just like the moth to the flame.

“Not for this world.”

Ash whispered gently to Flowers nestled in his arms.

“For you, Flowers.”

“I know,” her voice choked with tears. “I know!”

Thus, I hurt even more profoundly.

“If it costs you this much…”

She looked down mournfully.

“I can’t say it…”

“Flowers…” I will tell you everything.

Ash revealed his true nature: the conflict between “Wrath Energies” and “Dark Echo,” his origins as a traveler, collecting darkness destined to leave eventually.

“So, Flowers, you understand, right?” His expression conveyed remorse.

“After mastering this world’s needs, I’ll be gone. Today, I may face my demise.”

“Just wanting to help one last time.”

“How can this be?”

Bewildered, Flowers questioned his revelation, unable to accept it naturally.

Sensing his final resolution, tears poured from her chin, drenching Ash’s shirt.

“I don’t understand.”

Born good and innocent, even bullied in middle school or battling Precure’s obstacles, she never truly hated anyone.

Now, however, she cursed the “System” behind his predicaments, wishing to interrogate it for harming him.

Isn’t he your best friend!?

“Ash…”

Without a word, Flowers held him tighter.

“My Ash…”

Lovingly, yet fearfully, she embraced him.

At that moment, the chaotic “Wrath Energies” inside him paused, and Ash regained strength.

“Flowers, you know, right?”

“I may die, but not in the real sense. Missing out on seeing you doesn’t mean my story ends yours.”

He tried pushing away.

“Remaining here would hurt you. Stay away…”

“What nonsense! You think after everything, quitting on me is an option!”

“Stop!”

Dark shadows flew from Ash’s chest, landing nearby as mechanical soldiers called “Genet.”

“Impossible!” Flowers stared at the mechanical entity, perplexed.

“Why are they here?”

“They’re just leftovers,” Ash shouted towards the looming form. “They want to ensure I fail.”

But if I’m here, more disasters will come.

“We’ll find somewhere secluded,” Flowers said firmly. “We haven’t given up hope either!”

“I told you!” More monsters appeared. “Stay back!”

“I won’t! I’ll drag you away!”

Red-eyed, Flowers carried the weakened Ash toward the explosion of energy, running ahead, defying danger together.