kscans

Chapter 58 - The Outcome of the Showdown [Part 2]

Assuming there are other beings like this one. If the 'Queen Route' ending Falty reached is just one of many possible endings. Then it's not unreasonable to think there are other beings guiding people down other paths. From what it said earlier, once an ending is reached, they no longer lend a hand to that person. That's how it's supposed to work. Is one being handling the support for multiple people? Considering efficiency, that doesn't seem likely.

(Now, what should I do?)

If there was an opening for Lupia to exploit, it was the strangeness of this very situation. Despite Falty having reached an ending, it was interfering with this side through her. That in itself could constitute a rule violation. But what if it truly abandoned Falty and tried to forcibly take over Lupia's consciousness…?

No, wait, Lupia thought again. I must not stop thinking. I have no desire to obey a creature like this, and I've decided to determine and grasp my own future.

"I have one question."

<>

Its tone of voice clearly changed. It probably thought Lupia had taken an interest in its offer.

"What happens if I refuse?"

<>

"I'm asking what happens if I refuse. Though, since I've already refused, I suppose it's a foolish question… Let's see, is there some kind of penalty? There isn't, is there?"

<<…No, there is an ending I want you, and only you, to achieve. Until that is fulfilled, I shall—>>

"I see. In that case, goodbye."

Without an incantation, Lupia manifested a sharp spike of ice in the palm of her hand.

<>

The spike instantly changed shape into a blade. It looked as if a blade of ice had grown from Lupia's hand. Without hesitation, Lupia pressed the blade flat against her neck, near the carotid artery.

<>

"I'd rather die than be controlled by you."

<>

"Oh, my. How rich, coming from an inhuman creature who tempted someone and tore their future to shreds."

Grk. She pressed the blade harder. She felt the skin on her neck break, and something warm began to flow out. She knew it was blood, of course, and the spot where she was pressing the blade began to sting and throb, but she couldn't stop. It was a gamble, but she could not back down.

The fact that it was this obsessed with her meant that this being before her did not want to 'lose' 'Lupia herself.'

So, what if such a being was about to die?

Its objective, versus the life of the one who must fulfill that objective. Which was more important?

"You see, your methods, your way of thinking, your very existence… everything about you,"

<>

"I find it disagreeable, and I despise it."

<>

Ggrk. The further she pushed the blade, the stronger the pain became, and the unpleasant sensation of the blade digging into her flesh traveled up her arm. The pain was immense, but if she could escape this thing, it didn't matter. Besides, she had received a protective charm from Rod.

Ah, but if Rupert or Vernella found out I inflicted such a painful wound on myself, they'd surely be angry. Father and Mother would be furious, too, no doubt. But this is the quickest way, Lupia murmured to herself.

"If you want me to stop… promise me you will disappear from this world right now."

<>

"Then, goodbye."

Just as Lupia gritted her teeth, resolved to slash her own throat in one go, a different voice echoed.

I do apologize.

The voice was surprisingly quiet, entering her mind directly, as if it belonged there.

"Eh…?"

Lupia-Calmond. Please move that blade away from your neck. There is no need for you to do such a thing.

"Ah…"

She wasn't being controlled, but it felt like being gently chided by her mother. The blood still flowed from her neck, but the blade moved away from her skin. No, it was moved. Her neck throbbed with pain, but to show off the blood, Lupia performed only minimal first aid. Carefully regulating her mana, she used a chantless spell to heal the wound on her neck with pinpoint accuracy. The slightest shock would surely make it bleed again, but for now, this was enough. Keeping her guard up, Lupia scanned her surroundings, searching for the other being.

"And you are…"

Beside the Will of God (System). There was another mist, but the presence of this one was on a completely different level of alien. It looked as if it were stepping on the head of another figure that was prostrating itself on the ground.

"…What are you…"

Before she could finish her sentence, the other being began to speak.

I detected a grave rule violation and hurried here, but… I am truly sorry for allowing you to be injured.

"N-no, it's…"

Its tone was polite and gentle, but when it addressed the being at its feet, that changed completely.

One for one. Why can't you even abide by such a simple rule? And you couldn't even guide this groveling subject to the original ending it was meant to… no, wanted to reach! For a mere 'Navigator,' what did you call yourself?

Another unfamiliar word. This is getting beyond my comprehension, Lupia thought, staying silent and listening intently to their conversation.

As the Will of God…? No, no, we are not permitted to act as some aspect of a divine being.

<>

Paying it no mind whatsoever, the being stepping on the other continued to speak. It radiated a kind of rejection, as if to say, 'Your words are not even worth listening to,' and simply spoke on, matter-of-factly.

Well then, let me state the results. Your selection of personnel and your subsequent actions are of the lowest rank. You will atone for your own arrogance. Understand this, you will never—

Vwoom. The gaze of the one doing the stepping turned to lock onto Lupia. Her body stiffened, and she could only hope it would be forgiven… but it seemed to be fine. It continued to speak matter-of-factly, and Lupia could do nothing but watch.

—involve others. Furthermore, you are not to interfere with a world that has reached an ending. The penalty for these rule violations is heavy… but what shall we do with you?

<>

A sound like a sob, and it was unmistakably directed at Lupia.

Let's see… Lady Lupia.

"Y-yes!"

Her voice cracked, but that seemed to be fine too. In fact, there was an air of amusement about it.

What would you like to do?

"Pardon?"

With this one, who has committed these rule violations. What would you like to do? If you have a request, this time it is due to our oversight… No, that is the only reason…

"Ahaha," it laughed, a sound so bright it was out of place. One being, stomped upon and trembling. The other, laughing.

They were similar beings, yet their power dynamic and this entire situation were completely different. The one being stomped on was lower, and the one doing the stomping was higher. The difference in their power was so overwhelming that she didn't know what to do.

As an apology for the great trouble we have caused you this time, though it may not be much, we shall grant your every wish. Of course, we will not ask for anything in return. For this is due to our—

Ggrk. The pressure on the being underfoot intensified.

—inexcusable foolishness, so please think of this as an apology.

It was probably telling the truth. Lupia had thought it was a possibility, but all her predictions had come true. She had taken it lightly, but for them, violating the rules was a 'forbidden taboo' so severe that it threatened their very existence. The one that broke those rules to contact Lupia had guts, she'd give it that, but every world has its rules, and if you break them, you are naturally punished. That was all there was to it.

"…Truly, anything?"

It is only natural that you would be suspicious. But please, believe me. I simply wish to apologize for this one's failure.

If it had a face, the being speaking to Lupia would surely have a dubious smile. She was certain of it. But right now, she would cling to even that. So, Lupia slowly began to speak.

"In that case, could you please take the… um, person you are stepping on, and leave? And I would like you to promise to never have any contact with us ever again."

Of course.

"For as long as my bloodline continues."

…Oh?

A slit that seemed to be a mouth appeared and curved upwards. Not in anger, but in extreme, profound amusement.

So this is the clever young lady that would make one so obsessed. I see, I see…

"You can do that, can't you?"

Yes, of course.

"What a shame, what a pity!" it exclaimed with exaggerated gestures, then floated over to Lupia.

If only I had found you first… You are such a captivating person that I would want to have you as my protagonist… but alas, no. One's own feelings can become too strong.

"I see. Thank you."

You are most welcome. Well then, 'we' shall not interfere with this world in any way for as long as your bloodline continues. Should we do so, we pledge to dispose of the offending entity immediately.

"…Hey, I want to ask something."

Yes, anything you wish.

The being bowed respectfully like a butler, and Lupia asked her question.

"What is it that you people want to do?"

It was a pure question. In the end, what was their purpose? What did they think, moving people around like toys, like pawns?

That is something that has absolutely no connection to your side… and something I'm sure you would not understand at all. Therefore, I shall put it this way.

Again, the slit-like mouth appeared and curved into a grin. Ah… it's laughing again, looking so amused, she thought. The being then brought its face-like area close to hers and declared:

It's the same as with you people. We just want to complete the series.

Almost as soon as it finished speaking, it seemed to forcibly drag the other one, who was pleading 'No, help me, please,' out of this world, pinning its arms behind its back. They vanished as if sucked into the void. …Whether that description was accurate, she didn't know, but she was sure they would no longer interfere with the world she lived in.

But for now.

"……………I'm exhausted."

Lupia collapsed right where she stood. If that thing hadn't appeared, she would have lost her life. A tremendous tremor now wracked her body, a delayed reaction.

"…Oh dear, what's wrong with me…"

She muttered, since she was alone now.

"Dying is… scary, isn't it."