A few hours ago. —Estelle—My thoughts ran in a downward spiral as I walked down the lit caverns we were currently exploring. Since everybody was busy, I had come with only one of my companions, a female elf. To make the expedition more smooth-lined, I had hired some explorers to do the heavy lifting. We were only to be informed when something important was discovered. As it turned out, something was found. As I followed behind our guide, I glance to the side, where Astra was following along with long strides. This body had developed quite nicely throughout the years, so I couldn’t really say I had the same insecurities as I did a few years back. That said, when I had companions on Astra’s level, I couldn’t help but be envious. Still lost in my thoughts, we arrived at what appeared to be an unnatural opening in an otherwise natural cavern. The smooth walls indicated it had been curved out by something bearing intelligence. I was hesitant to dub it man-made, after all, what I

Ah, so this is a dream... I suppose nothing ever changes. A dream of the future, a memory of the past.I watched, through eyes which were both mine and at the same time not, as a tragedy far worse than anything I had ever experienced transpired. It was at this time that I made my vow, that I hardened myself to do what needed to be done, no matter what.This one-sided thinking often cost me.I've always wondered whether I was doing the right thing. Childish, some may call me, for willing to go this far over a simple grudge. I don’t care. Childish I may be, but there are some things I will never forgive.For an ending—my ideal ending—to occur, I need to sacrifice them all. Without fear or remorse. ‘Killing is wrong?’ Those were the words of an impassioned fool. So what, save strangers and leave friends to die? No. That will never happen, no matter which personality I assume. If I don’t do this, nothing will ever change.Besides, it’s not like I’m the one needed to perform th

Kyra rubbed her temples in exasperation. She had already been briefed on what had happened, and she couldn’t help but cast an unbelieving eye towards Astra and Estelle. The former looked her in the eye without batting an eye—not that her expression ever changed—while the latter glanced down at her feet while fidgeting with her forefingers. “…I think my ears aren’t working well. Can you please repeat all you’ve done?” she asked, her voice dangerously low. “Okay.” Astra replied evenly. The air was tense, but despite it, she showed no outward sign of anxiety. This was not an act on her part. She simply thought the problem wasn’t hers to deal with. Meaning she threw all accusations on her companion without so much as a hint of hesitation. Kyra listened to everything they said, her brow twitching all the while. “Let me get this straight,” she paused, before releasing a profound sigh, “You activated an FRA? An admin class, no less?” Astra nodded empathetically while Estelle wis

Chapter 14I was once asked a foolish question. “Which is more important? This world, or the people who live in it?” Leave it to a dying person to spout psychological nonsense with their dying breath. Of course, he wanted to know why I found his decision so disagreeable. After all, he had done the impossible and maintained both. But I knew my answer. “I would sacrifice both. What you did was offer a sacrifice that wasn’t yours to give. For that, I will never forgive you.”“S-so what now?” he’d asked.“I will prevent this future from ever taking place,” was my reply.“A foolish endeavor. You would need to die more than a million times in multiple timelines to even get the chance to make that a reality.”“So what? That’s how little I value my life, and that of those who brought this upon us. At the very least, I shall ensure they get a taste of hell with each new life of mine I give up.”How many years has it been since then? How many eons? What have I been fighting for?