Alaysia was dead.
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Her death was so meaningless and unremarkable compared to the evil deeds she had committed.
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Perhaps that was why those present could only stare vacantly.
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Drip—
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Blood flowed down the retrieved Holy Sword.
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The falling crimson droplets stained Alaysia’s hair red.
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Vera watched for a moment before planting his sword into the ground.
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‘It’s over.’
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Everything was over.
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The enemy who threatened the world, that unforgivable blasphemy.
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Nothing remained.
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Except one.
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‘...Myself.’
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He alone remained as the symbol of corruption.
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Vera looked at his hand.
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A vile being covered entirely in black marks was there.
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Though no one said it aloud, the instant Vera saw that hand, he realized.
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That he should not exist.
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That his mere existence would cause Providence to break down.
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“Sir Vera…”
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Albrecht took a step forward.
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Vargo and Hegrion followed, approaching him.
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Vera raised his hand to stop them.
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“You can’t.”
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Flinch—
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They stopped.
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Vera watched their hesitation before walking past them.
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At the end of his path was a collapsed woman, still pure white as ever.
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“...Vera.”
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Renee opened her mouth.
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Vera stopped in front of her and knelt down.
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“Yes, I’m here.”
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Renee pressed her lips tightly together.
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His playful tone implied far too much.
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“Let me ask first. What are you trying to do…?”
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It was a pointless question because she already knew his answer, yet she still asked on the off chance she was wrong.
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His reply once again betrayed Renee’s expectations.
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“...I believe you already know.”
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Renee’s expression crumpled.
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It was evident by the forced expression on her face that she was trying not to cry.
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Vera reached his hand out to Renee, then stopped and pulled back.
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He didn’t want to touch her with his hand, which was stained with impurity.
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Renee spoke again.
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“Don’t do it.”
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“I must.”
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“I told you not to.”
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“I am unable to comply.”
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Since they knew each other so well, even this short back-and-forth exchange allowed them to realize some things.
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Renee sensed that Vera was trying to take his own life.
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Vera realized that Renee had noticed.
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He let out a long sigh.
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“It’s ironic, isn’t it? To save the world only for this to be the end.”
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“This worthless world can be destroyed, then.”
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“I know you don’t really think so.”
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“I don’t need a world that’s safe only if Vera dies.”
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“I need it.”
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“Why…?”
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“That way, you can live on.”
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Vera looked at Renee.
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Transparent tears were streaming down her face.
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Finally, she seemed to have given up on holding her sorrow inside.
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He wanted to wipe away her tears, but he couldn’t do even that. So, Vera just spoke.
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“...I am greedy by nature. I am a person who must attain all that I desire, and absolutely refuse to let go of what is mine.”
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“I know.”
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“I am also narrow-minded, so I cannot tolerate when things don’t go my way.”
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“...I know that too.”
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“So I apologize. Even as I take my last breath, I am a man who will prioritize my greed.”
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Once, in the past...
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There was a future he had always imagined from the moment he met Renee.
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“It’s regrettable. For it to end here.”
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After their journey ended, he planned to search the continent for a way to heal her eyes.
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Once he cured her sight, they would embark on another long trip so he could show her all the places they had visited.
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At the end, he would make a magnificent proposal at the lake where he had first confessed.
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To live happily ever after, with a son and daughter.
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There was a time when he imagined such things.
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It was truly regrettable. It was a future he longed for so deeply.
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But it was fine.
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“...I want to ask something.”
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Because he had something he wished for, something he longed for, and something to chase.
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Because he was certain that he had finally reached them.
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“Have I become the light that illuminates the world?”
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It was a question with a specific answer.
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Renee bit down hard on her lip, nodding ever so slightly.
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Vera smiled.
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“I’m glad.”
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And like that, he placed his hand over his chest.
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Thump.
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Thump.
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Along with his heartbeat rose the oath that had led him here.
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The single oath that had led Vera to this point.
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[I will live for the Saint.]
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He confronted it and opened his mouth.
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“I will disappear from here.”
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Crack—
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The oath cracked.
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“I’m so proud of myself that I have finally reached the light. I intend to vanish to ensure that light never fades.”
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The cracks grew wider,
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“I have such greed. Therefore, I will betray you.”
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And twisted.
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The oath was breaking down, unable to maintain its form.
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With pain akin to his entire body being torn apart, Vera said his final words.
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“For my own sake, this is the end I desire.”
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Shatter—!
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A clear, explosive sound resonated within Vera.
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“Gah—!”
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Blood spewed from Vera’s mouth.
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It was the phenomenon of breaking the oath engraved within his soul.
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This would be the end of everything.
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The false symbol would vanish, and those he had wished to protect could look forward to tomorrow.
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Renee would have a long road ahead of her.
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Just as he thought that and tried to close his eyes...
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“...I don’t want that.”
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Renee reached out her hand.
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Fortunately, her hand reached his cheek.
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“I won’t let Vera go.”
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Saying so, Renee unleashed her divinity.
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A pure, white crown materialized above her head.
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In the final illusion, her past self told her the following words.
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- You have two options laid before you.
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- In the end, he will try to erase himself. You may respect his wishes and let him go, or refuse them and save him. You will have to choose between your future and his.
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Renee remembered it vividly.
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The emotions that surfaced within her as she heard those words were tinged with a mournful and bittersweet echo.
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- ...Yes. From the start, there was only one choice. For me, and for you as well. So, I will say this.