Chapter 78

Extra Case File 78 Love Resonates Across the Entire World

Chapter 4K

The darkness receded, and the sun reappeared in the sky.

All those who still held on to hope gathered nervously in front of their TVs, watching the live broadcast from the aircraft. The final battle between the steel deity robot standing amidst the ruins of the city and the goddess-shaped Final Monster was about to unfold. This fight would decide the fate of humanity tomorrow.

However, Ash, standing before the shattered Masked V-Raptor robot, felt no inclination towards such grand themes as the world and human destiny.

He knew her well enough that she must be both angry at him and carrying guilt. Her hopes were shattered, and a dormant love never blossomed because of his presence and only to be crushed by a single rejection. Their mutual misunderstanding, and the revelation of Timefire’s true identity—these all hurt her deeply. He could see she also carried guilt for overlooking and hurting him.

These accumulated hurts became the last straw over eight years.

“I’ve fought this far, and my last enemy turned out to be you…”

Then it was her turn to reject him.

So, are you torturing yourself like this?

“Joking around!”

The no longer needed weaker ranged weapons, now shining with Tomorrow Energy, the V-Raptor robot punched the dark barrier in front of the Final Monster repeatedly, more visible cracks appearing on its surface. He grabbed the mechanical tentacle and pulled hard enough to send the huge creature crashing down, trampling the darkness into shards!

He steadily approached her, though unsure of the answer.

“Cure Yell—you’re a great hero protecting this world. Why this ending…”

Ash suddenly halted his anguished monologue when he saw the girl, held in the forehead “rotting pistil,” whose eyes were filled with emptiness and sorrow.

He understood something. “I understand.”

Cure Yell, you might have given too much encouragement to others. Walking alone until now has left you exhausted. You need someone to tell you to keep going.

But, remember, you’re not alone anymore.

Removing the helmet, allowing it to fall with gravity, Ash revealed himself, meeting her gaze in front of the entire world. Before the TV, several people covered their mouths in shock as they watched her tangled black hair drift in the wind.

Now is the time to say what needed to be said.

It’s me who must apologize for keeping things bottled up.

(BGM: Over the Rainbow)

“Yell—Hana!”

The V-Raptor robot struck the center of the Final Monster’s chest, shattering the dark barrier within the palm of its hand amid a crisp explosion.

All attacks ceased.

In the backdrop of a burning street, the imposing golden super-robot stood tall alongside the colossal goddess Final Monster.

Standing atop the steel giant, the crimson warrior gazed at the sky. Opposite, bound in the “rotting pistil,” the girl looked downward.

“Do you hear me…? Even if you can’t hear, you will surely get the message. After all, you are the world’s greatest hero.”

“I have something I need to say…Your father, Mr. Hana, is gravely injured because of injuries sustained while saving lives and is currently hospitalized. They don’t know if he’ll wake up.”

Teardrops, which had been absent, now returned to Hana’s hollow eyes.

“But I assure you, your mother, sister, and friends are fine. As long as I remain, even severe injuries can be healed. Hana, listen to me.”

“I know… Both your hope and despair are my faults. I used the意志 from the game world to crush your genuine feelings. It’s okay to blame me for everything—it may make you feel better— but—”

Seeing the monster writhing under control, Ash smiled lightly.”But, if so, you’d likely suffer more. So, these mistakes don’t matter. Neither your past nor mine does.”

“In fact, I want to blame you… If you had voiced that earlier, perhaps we wouldn’t be here today. Regardless, sharing our burdens would prevent us from misunderstanding.”

“In losing our humanity, we risk falling even if God Almighty appeared.”

“Hey Hana, this month with you has been truly joyous.”

“Our month hasn’t been just a temporary relief before destruction, has it?”

“You—whether it’s your or the world’s demise—that’s not how a world with miracles should end, right?”

“If I promised to save you and you don’t have a happy ending, it loses meaning.”

With his helmet removed, showing only sincerity, Ash spoke bitterly, “I am…”

The V-Raptor robot stepped forward, placing Ash within reach of Hana’s face.

“The fool who only seeks thrills from battles and the shimmer of light.”

“I wish to spend another month, year, forever with you.”

“So, clumsy like me, comforting you is difficult.”

The raging energy composing darkness around Ash began to vibrate violently; Hana’s pistil quivered, nearly reclaiming her, but her calloused hand was firmly grasped.

“And I, with this, embrace you…”

The man didn’t absorb all the Tomorrow Energy. Instead, with strength, he threw the Future Crystal skyward, disintegrating it with a gunshot!

“Yo-you…”

With the energy, the Tomorrow energy flooded over the bound wings of the young girl like a radiant gold light.

Like sunlight, it filled her, in place of the pink outfit came a gown-like veil and a transparent wing, emerging a few years later on Hana.

Under the brilliance, even the darkness threatening Ash’s life vanished!

“I love you!”

Their hands clasped, Ash gripping hers tightly.

“I desire you!”

Tears fell straight from Ash as he embraced his beloved with all his strength during the explosion of darkness.

“Hana!”

Believing in a miracle…

“Ash…”

“Ash…”

“Ash.”

“Guh…”

Lying in Ash’s arms, unable to contain her love any longer, she whispered lovingly.

“There’s nothing to regret.”

Watching Hana’s tears, Ash spoke first, “It’s not your fault. Look, the world continues and that rainbow.”

The dark energy gone, the world remained intact.

Her hope and the dream-like rainbow connected them across the world’s timeline.

“You extended your hands to me.”

The man raised the linked hand with the woman.

“Now firmly held.”

In the transition between light and dark at the horizon, under the sun’s watchful eye, Ash passionately embraced the woman adorned as in a wedding gown. No hesitation, kissing her with hope in those lips.

“—”

She reciprocated, looping her arms around Ash’s back, her wounds exposed.

How sweet.

“I’m sure.” Squeezing wide hands, empty eyes of sadness were filled with his hope and love. “No leaving, together.”

“This future, let’s bear it together.”

Their determination merged.

“To find solace in times of confusion, to have arms in sadness. Not alone but together.”

Until the last flame burns—

“Ohhhhhhhh—”

People worldwide cheered, moved by their kiss, embracing loved ones nearby.

Tomorrow energy overflowed once again.

Some wept, observing the scene.

“Growing, little Hana—”

With Hana’s departure, the beautiful goddess form of the Final Monster collapsed, revealing sharp fangs, ugly bat wings, grotesque heads with eyes of horror twisting, transformed into nightmarish abominations!

The实体ized rage emitted an unworldly roar, charging. It sought to reclaim Hana.

“Sister!”

In front of the TV, with her mother, she stared horrified, watching the monster rushing toward the golden super-robot standing tall.

Hands were held, eyes shut, prayers offered.

Yet, the worry was misplaced. Determinations were clear.

“Let’s go, Hana.” Handing love, Ash prepared for war against the monstrous enemy. “Time for our ace.”

“Okay!”

Clenching hands, faith, vitality, courage—a familiar glow returned to Hana.

“Go! Go, Ash!”

“Go! Go, myself!”

Using their trademark words, Hana smiled reminiscently, holding onto nostalgia.

When was the last time she wholeheartedly cheered?

“Onward, Ash!”

From the chest of the V-Raptor, their coordinated movements led them, facing the beast.

“For this grateful prayer.”

Ash raised his clenched left hand.

Behind, lightning struck from the steel behemoth, preparing for the charge. New energy surged into the core.

[Output of Tomorrow Power: 5.67 billion%]

A heart emblem and TimeRider emblem overlapped.

“For this sparkling future!” Hana raised her bright right hand.

Energy united, converging into one point.

The V-Raptor robot’s fist glowed.

“‘Tomorrow’ Punch!”

A symbol of opening a new future, the light-piercing iron fist shot out, illuminating darkness.

What scene emerges when infinite light clashes with absolute darkness?

Ash and Hana gazed at the sunrise on the horizon.

The colossal darkness halted, its center pierced by a large heart-shaped gap. On one side, a smoke-veiled robotic arm was held high by the super-robot, Hana and Ash feeling the breeze.

Facing her former source of pain, Hana took a deep breath.

“Ascension!”

Unending ‘Tomorrow’ effortlessly broke the despair for the ‘Past,’ exploding into chaos within the darkness.

In the light, no pained screams, only a serene sigh of happiness.

“Cheer for you.” With sacred dignity, Hana clasped hands.

‘The End.’ Coolly, Ash swept his bangs aside.

“Tomorrow.”

Beside her, now the ordinary, familiar girl named ‘Hana,’ Ash smiled seeing her extend arms.

“A beautiful tomorrow awaits.”

Facing the bandaged veteran at his side, she smiled at his embrace, pulling her close.

“I understand, Ash.”

Leaning on the man’s shoulder, a drowsy Hana watched the sunset, whispering softly.

“The world granted me tomorrow and a hopeful future.”

Her eyes closed, no longer shy, as she kissed him softly.

“Chu~”

“I like you.”

“Me too.”