Chapter 35

CHAPTER 1 Darkness Falls Rintarou Magami suddenly snapped to his senses. “Where…am…I?” It was like everything around him had been daubed over with thick darkness. There was nothing but the void in front of him—a hushed and empty world. Only his own figure was clearly perceptible. “…Why am I here?” Rintarou tried to retrace his steps, using his unique intuition to remember the cause of this unknown state. But he just couldn’t remember how he had gotten here. “Tch… What the hell is going on…?” he grumbled. That was when the unexpected happened. “What’s up, Merlin?” There was a young boy in front of Rintarou. His golden eyes peeked out from behind his demonic alabaster hair, and his hooded jet-black robe covered his head. Sinister patterns wrapped around his exposed skin, which radiated a nauseating black Aura… “You’re…?!” Rintarou exclaimed. He realized the boy looked exactly like…him. The corners of his twin’s mouth curled up, offering a lurid smirk…as though they were once close friends. “Yo, Merlin. We finally meet… I’m happy to see you.” In contrast, Rintarou was shaken for a moment— “The hell are you?” —but he immediately regained his composure, barking back with his typical sardonicism. “Hmm? Didn’t I already tell you? I’m you.” “How should I know? Are you me from my past life or something?” “Aaaah! There it is!” cried his twin, clutching his head in exasperation and looking up. “Merlin… I guess you’re going by Rintarou Magami now? You know, I always thought you were cringey. Since the ancient era. I guess kids nowadays might call you an edgelord or—” “Shut up!” Rintarou shouted at his other self, not bothering to hide his irritation anymore. “Answer the question! Who the hell are you?! Where are we?! Tell me, or you’ll get offed!” The other Rintarou didn’t even blink at the threat, shrugging in disinterest. “I’m getting secondhand embarrassment, pal… Whatever. It’s been too long since I last saw you. I guess we should reintroduce ourselves… Well, I’ve already told you: I’m you, Merlin. If you’re the front end of Rintarou Magami, then I’m the back end.” “…Kh?!” “Just call me ‘Id.’ It’d be a waste of time to call each other ‘the other you.’” “Id…as in the mirror to my instincts…? Who’s the edgelord now?” As Rintarou clicked his tongue, his twin—Id—gleefully pretended not to notice. “If you’re here…we must be in my subconscious… A netherworld,” Rintarou observed. “Bingo. Making my job easier, pal.” “Like hell. Knowing you exist in me gets on my nerves… Whatever. I’m never coming back here again anyway.” Rintarou turned his back to Id, refusing to engage. “Hey! …That’s harsh, pal…” At that moment, Id made his move, coming around in front of Rintarou as though he’d teleported. He yanked Rintarou up by the collar. “Gaaah?!” Even a warrior like Rintarou couldn’t prepare himself for Id’s agility. “I said it’s been a while,” he gritted out. “You might not have business with me, but I’ve got something to discuss with you.” “Gar… Ah! Why…?!” Id held Rintarou up with an absurd amount of physical strength. Even when Rintarou desperately tried to fight off his twin, nothing happened. C-crap… He’s…?! This was bad. This Id guy spelled bad news. Tch…! Guess there’s no way around it! Rintarou instinctively activated fight-or-flight mode, invoking his Fomorian Transformation to face Id with his indomitable power. However— “What?! What the hell…?!” In any normal circumstance, it came to him as naturally as breathing… But this time, it didn’t respond at all. “Hey! You can’t do that, pal.” While Rintarou was distracted, Id threw him on the ground. “Gah!” “You obviously can’t use Fomorian Transformation here. What do you think is the source of your power? You might have pulled it off in your past life…but you’re just a human now. Did you really think you could control it? Heh-heh-heh…,” Id chuckled pridefully, stepping on Rintarou’s head. Then he pulled something out from his pocket and showed it to Rintarou. “…Is that…an eyeball…?” Indeed. An eye of someone with a golden iris. “That’s right. This is the source of our Fomorian power…” From the eyeball in Id’s hand, something sinister started to mushroom, curling around his body before transforming him. Rintarou couldn’t believe his eyes. There was no mistaking it. Their powers were one and the same—the power of the Fomorians. “Got it? I’m the one controlling the power. Your subconscious. I respond to your requests and release this power…and I did a hell of a job at it in the past and present.” “…Hgh?!” Rintarou’s jaw dropped at this revelation, and he broke out in a cold sweat. “Hey, don’t wet your pants, pal. We go by different names, but I’m you and you’re me… As your partner from the other side of things, I thought I could give you some advice…” Id stomped on Rintarou, speaking like he found something about this situation funny. “We…have one purpose. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already. We’ve got to kill Arthur. That’s why we were born… Remember? How can you go so soft? How long are you going to keep at it? It’s been this way since the legendary era. If you don’t get it together, we’re going to fail again.” “Hey! What did you say…?! I don’t get what you’re trying to—” “Geez. That wretched woman really messed this up,” Id lamented, sighing and ruffling his hair. “Well, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to fulfill our purpose this time. I’m going to become you, and you’ll become me. Then we’ll kill Arthur once and for all. Capisce?” “Gh… What are you talking about? …I don’t get it.” “Just use it, Merlin. I’ll lend you power. Use my Fomorian power as necessary.” Id continued to mock Rintarou, who couldn’t hide his alarm. “When you use my power…you become me. You get closer to me… Don’t hold back from now on, all right?” “—Hgh?!” In that moment, Rintarou shifted every last ounce of strength to launch himself off the ground, escaping from under Id and leaping away to distance himself. “What did you say?! Don’t mess with me!” Rintarou glared at Id. “Who’s killing who?! According to what fate?! You’re kidding! I do what I want… I decide for myself! It’s my prerogative who I kill and who I let live! I don’t remember saying I’d listen to you, you little shit!” “Huh. You just don’t get it…” Id started to look annoyed, though he’d been in high spirits until then. “We need to kill Arthur… That’s our karma. Our lot in life. We were created for that purpose. It’s our raison d’être. Are you trying to deny that now?” “Ha! Like I care. I don’t know who made that decision, but it’s not my business. I live for myself. I won’t let anyone get in the way, and I’ll be damned if they try.” “……” Something about Rintarou’s statement must have touched a nerve. “…Geez… I knew I couldn’t leave this to you…” Rintarou could feel Id explode with enough fury to scorch the surface of the entire world. “It’s been a hundred years since we’ve last met… Maybe I should commemorate the occasion by trading places with you.” An unbearable darkness more saturated than the void before them started seeping out of Id. “What?!” It rushed toward Rintarou like a tsunami, swallowing him before he could think of a way to stop it. His arms and legs melted into the darkness, then it consumed everything else, leaving nothing behind. “HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!” Id roared with laughter at the repulsive scene. “Don’t be afraid! Remember what I said? I’m you, and you’re me! Nothing will change if we swap places! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!” “Shit…! Dammit…!” Rintarou struggled desperately against the darkness that closed in on him. But…there wasn’t anything he could do. No move could save him. The darkness was totally irrepressible. Rintarou’s spine tingled with terror when he realized he would drown in it and disappear forever… FWOOSH! Suddenly, the place flooded with light, blasting away the swampy darkness. “…Huh?” Id gasped. “What…?” Rintarou murmured in astonishment. Their comments harmonized. The particles of blinding light had blanketed Rintarou, protecting him. It’s okay. Don’t worry, Merlin… I’m here with you… A girl’s voice pierced through his consciousness like a pealing bell. He recognized that voice. In the next moment, the particles purified the space, driving back the evil darkness…and filling it with warm light. “D-dammit… Is this…?!” Id started to panic. He was the one swallowed by light, starting to fade… “Tch! Was she here the whole time? Is that wretched woman here in this era, too?” For a while, Id resisted the blinding light as Rintarou gaped at him. But…he eventually raised his hands in surrender. “I give up! There isn’t enough space here for me to win… I surrender! I said I surrender!” He shrugged, looking ticked off. Even through that, Id was growing fainter. “Well, fine. I’ll behave for now. But the dice have already been cast. All was set in stone back in the legendary era…” “What…does that even mean…? What the hell do you know that I don’t?!” “Who knows. But I’ll let you in on one thing: Even if you resist, we’re going to kill Arthur. It’s all a matter of time…until you meet your fate.” “……NGH?!” “I hope you enjoy playing teenager until then, Merlin. Wag your tail for your cute little King… Heh-heh-heh,” Id chuckled ominously. “See you…soon.” The other Rintarou—Id—slipped into the light. And then the world burned bright. Rintarou’s consciousness started to reemerge from its deep slumber. … He…opened his eyes. He could make out a white ceiling and white walls. The smell of disinfectant stung his nose. This had to be a hospital room somewhere. When he came to his senses, Rintarou realized he was lying faceup on top of a white bed. Why am I here…? He didn’t even have the chance to think before he noticed something soft and warm pressing against his forehead. He examined his surroundings, trying to clear the dense thicket of slumber… “…Oh, good. You’re awake,” called out a gentle voice, driving away the last of his drowsiness. Rintarou let his gaze slip to the side. On a chair next to the bed sat a girl with her knees primly pressed together. Her black hair was as sleek as a glistening crow’s wing, and her eyes shined like black diamonds. Her face was doll-like, but not in the uncanny, inhuman way. In fact, her smile felt like sunshine, granting him warmth of life. Nayuki Fuyuse. Rintarou’s classmate. Her name in Japanese was evocative of winter, yet something about her made him think of spring. Nayuki smiled at Rintarou, gently reaching out to him. Her dainty hand grazed his forehead. “…Uh? What do you think you’re doing?” “Checking for a fever… Looks like it’s gone.” Nayuki giggled, sounding relieved. “Plus…I heard you groaning in your dreams…so I thought this would make it better.” “Ha… I don’t think that could ward off a nightmare.” Rintarou brushed away her hand, looking embarrassed. But Nayuki didn’t seem to be particularly bothered by Rintarou’s response. Her smile still remained. “Hee-hee. And how are you feeling?” “Not bad.” “…Do you remember what happened…before you got here?” …Obviously. It had happened after his fight with Emma and Sir Lamorak. Rintarou had been at Camelot International High School, which served as his perpetual alibi. Luna had been up to no good, which was her modus operandi. She’d concocted another plan for a peculiar event that obviously involved Rintarou against his will. …A swimsuit photo shoot for Sir Kay, if I remember correctly… In the middle of preparing everything, Rintarou had felt faint. It had felt like his soul was being ripped out of his body—a dreaded sense of desolation, like the entire world was plunging into darkness. As his consciousness had stretched further away, he’d been assaulted by sleep, plagued by pain. He’d found himself hyperventilating. With no way around it, Rintarou had been defeated, collapsing to the ground. Luna had peeked at his face, holding back tears. Nothing had happened when she’d called out. Rintarou had plunged into the abyss. “…How many days has it been?” “Three. We were so worried… Even the doctor couldn’t figure out why you were in a coma… I’m so glad you’re okay…” “It’s not that big of a deal…” “Luna didn’t leave your side after school for three days…but she couldn’t get out of her responsibilities for the student council today. So she ordered me to observe you… Hee-hee. Sorry that I’m not Luna.” “What does that even mean?” Rintarou pretended not to notice Nayuki teasing him. He mulled over what could have caused his coma. …There was one thing that rang a bell. It must have been my fight with Lamorak… I broke past my limits using my Fomorian Transformation… I knew I’d be in trouble… Nothing had happened after the battle, and he’d let his guard down. The Fomorian Transformation was a power of the Fomorians, a race of evil gods from the Irish Lebor Gabála Érenn mythology. Though he’d been Merlin in his past life, it placed an immense burden on his current human body when he wielded his frightening power. In fact, it eroded his life and soul. But everything about the world bored Rintarou. He lived in the moment. A little sacrifice wasn’t enough to scare him or turn him away, even if it literally meant his life. But he really went overboard this time. And that Fomorian Transformation seems to have awakened something in me. Id. Rintarou hadn’t known what had been sleeping inside of him. Even when he sifted through his memories of his past life, nothing concerning Id seemed to come up. What is that guy? What am I? I’m the reincarnation of the legendary sorcerer Merlin… But maybe there’s more to the story. And kill Arthur? What does that mean? He’s been long gone… How am I supposed to kill someone who’s already six feet under? I don’t get it. He didn’t think he would be able to answer these questions anytime soon. “Tch… Looks like I owe you one.” He yanked out the tubes in his arms from the IV drips and medical machinery, hurling them to the floor. He sat up, ready to get out of bed… “Hey! Stop! You need to take it easy for a while!” Nayuki tried to push him down. She obviously wasn’t strong enough to hold him back…but her sudden actions made him stop despite himself. “H-hey… I told you I’m fine.” “I’ll get a doctor to check on you right now! You have to rest!” “Heh. Those quacks wouldn’t be able to figure out anything from an exam anyway.” But— “…Please, Rintarou… Would you rest…for a little longer…?” He saw her concerned gaze piercing through him, looking at him deep in the eyes. For some reason, he just couldn’t be mean to her. “…Sigh… Fine…” This was a mystery even to him. Rintarou obediently obliged Nayuki, sinking into the bed. She grinned at him in return. The doctor had rushed over, requesting that Rintarou go through a general checkup and exam. They were waiting for the results. Rintarou maintained his stance, insisting he was fine, while Nayuki nagged him to go back to sleep like a mother admonishing a child. For some reason, he acquiesced, lying back in bed. “……” He gazed at her profile, looking like he wanted to say something. “Hmm. Hmm, hmm. ” Nayuki hummed to herself, contentedly peeling one of the apples from his “get well soon” gifts. “…What are you so happy about?” “This situation is basically every girl’s fantasy.” Nayuki giggled, continuing to peel the apple. “Seriously?” “Yes. Taking care of someone who’s sick, staying by their side.” “Except I’m not sick. Plus, it’s pointless unless it’s with your crush… You won’t get anything out of doing this for me.” Rintarou looked fed up. “Hee-hee-hee.” Nayuki just giggled again, leaving things unsaid. “Okay, all done. Help yourself.” After a while, she served the apple slices in a bowl, offering them to Rintarou. “…They’re cut in the shape of bunnies. You’re domestic… Unlike a certain someone.” Rintarou didn’t hesitate to pick up one of the neatly cut slices, crunching into it head-side first. No tact whatsoever. But Nayuki seemed genuinely gleeful. “Oh, right. Luna should be here soon,” she announced, gazing at him from the side and pulling out her phone. “I let them know you were awake. Luna just left…so I imagine…it shouldn’t take too much longer.” “Ugh. Can you tell her not to come? She can be so annoying,” Rintarou groaned, placing the now empty bowl on the desk next to him, having made quick work of the apple slices. He folded his hands behind his head, lying back onto the pillow. “Thanks for the apples. I appreciate it.” “Were they good?” “Uh-huh. Tasted like apples.” “Ah-ha-ha. Oh, Rintarou. You never have to worry about me, but I’m sure Luna would sulk if she was in my shoes.” “…What?” “Or would you be honest with Luna and praise her for taking care of you?”