Chapter 175

Had I only tried, made an effort to be understood, talked to and listened to others… …I could have been friends with anyone. Being reborn in a new era taught me so many lessons. The one I learned from Elrado was unique. And that’s why… “Elrado Spencer, please come back to me! Don’t let that devil win! You’re better than tha—!” In the middle of my heartfelt plea, I sensed a presence striking from the side. I unconsciously moved to counter. It wasn’t a conscious decision. Had I only known, had I seen who it was, I would’ve stopped myself. Hurting my best friend was unthinkable, even if it was to defend against a sneak attack. It just happened too quickly. That’s why I couldn’t believe it. The sight before me was unreal. I didn’t want to accept it. No. Not this. I won’t let this… “‘I won’t let this happen.’ I’ll bet that’s what you’re going to say. “But it is happening, my dear. “You hurt her with wind magic. You struck her when she sneak-attacked you. “How wretched you must feel. Just look, you’ve nearly dismembered her. “Awww, you poor thing. “You really are a poor little dear—sweet Ireena.” That devil’s voice. That devil’s thoughts. They bound me as I tried to escape. I couldn’t look away from the girl splayed on the ground. “Iree…na?” I called to her, but she didn’t budge. I’d slashed her all over with Wind Blades. Blood ran freely from the wounds. And as I saw her, on the ground, in a pool of blood… “Wow, déjà vu! Reminds me of that day. “It really looks just like that time you murdered my Lydia.” …I had a flashback to the day I killed my best friend. Did I kill again? Did I kill my best friend while she was possessed by the devil? My mind went blank. I couldn’t think anymore. My body wouldn’t run. Honestly, I lacked the will to move. Elrado’s fire magic came racing for me. I took the entirety of the massive pillar of flame. The blunt force of the impact ripped through me, filling me with searing agony. When my senses returned, I was on the ground. My uniform and skin were burnt, and tremendous pain coursed through me. But I didn’t care. I wasn’t able to care. “I killed…Ireena… I…” It was a surreal sensation. A part of me screamed at myself to do something, urging me to stand and deal with this. However, I could only do the opposite. “No. This can’t be… It’s impossible…” I lay there impotently, muttering to myself. I was a broken shell of a person. “Awww, you always were a fragile boy, my love. “You really never grow up. “Where did all that fight you had before go?” Not even that devil’s words stirred any feeling in me. “C’mon, stand up. “Hey, I hope you aren’t trying to end things here. “Stand up and fight me. “C’mon. “Hello? “…… “…Oh no, did you actually give up? “Please. “You’re pulling my leg, right? “Aren’t you gonna show me the power of friendship? Didn’t you mean to prove how wrong I am? “C’mon. “Please, say something. “Say something. “…………” “……” “…Okay. I’ll leave you alone.” His voice was beyond icy. It was filled with loss and despair. I didn’t care, though. Mephisto was right, my heart was broken. I’d been in such high spirits and convinced myself that I had to win at any cost. However, I didn’t have the will to go on anymore. I can’t beat this devil. Resisting him is pointless. I don’t want to be hurt. I don’t want to hurt anyone. “I can tell you’re terribly devastated right now, honey. “This isn’t how I wanted things to end. “Because you’re my—No. “There’s no point in talking anymore…” The devil had given up on me. He was all but telling me to go away. Elrado came charging at me to deliver the final blow. Still, I didn’t move. After I die, he’s going to erase everything and everyone… It wouldn’t be so bad if they all vanished peacefully. You might even call it good. “Farewell, my first and final—” Elrado spoke the devil’s words, but never finished. “No…” My heart, subjugated by defeat. My soul, welcoming oblivion. From deep within the grim resignation came a voice. “…reak…you…” It built to a rallying cry. “Don’t you dare let him break you!” Scorching words. Violent emotions. I knew that voice. “Lydia…,” I managed through the delirium. Tremendous energy burst within me. And then it manifested. The devil tensed. I felt his agitation through Elrado’s body. Lydia stood before me like a shield, but only for an instant. She vanished like a mirage in a blink. Someone quickly arrived to replace her, though. “Ya oughtta be ashamed of yourself, Ard Meteor.” The wind picked up as the newcomer spoke. I felt like I was floating. It took a moment for me to realize what had happened. Mephisto was surely just as stunned as I was. Perhaps that’s why he didn’t move. The intruder had appeared out of nowhere. I was huddled in her arms, feeling the air currents caress my skin. And as we moved through the deep blue sky, I called her name. “Elzard…is that you?”