After exchanging a meaningful gaze, Eve broke the silence:
Eve: Thank you… Liran, I needed this.
Me: You’re welcome. I’m truly glad that you’ve made positive changes in your life. I’m so proud of you…
A faint blush colored Eve’s cheeks upon hearing my words…
Eve: I… I don’t know what to say. You’ve been the catalyst for my transformation. I’ve recognized my past flaws and harmful habits… and now, I find myself happier.
I’m grateful that someone like you exists. You’re nothing short of a miracle…
A warm smile spread across my face in response to her heartfelt confession…
Me: Thank you. Your kind words mean a lot to me. I believe it’s time for us to move on now.
Eve: Yes…
Together, we started walking out of the alley. After a few moments, we emerged onto the sidewalk, standing near the entrance of the alley.
Eve: I’ll see you later, Liran…
Eve then turned around and began walking away.
My thoughts echoed inwardly: Heh, this encounter turned out to be something truly wonderful…
I, too, continued on my way, walking with a renewed sense of contentment.
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DEATH’S POV:
Myself: The black monarch and I were unable to impede Liran, a most captivating conundrum indeed.
I found myself in the domain where Liran dwells, on Earth, assuming my counterfeit and feeble guise.
One of my acquaintances accompanied me.
Mysterious Entity: I concur, this enigma called “Liran” poses a peril to all of us; he must be eradicated from both existence and nonexistence.
Myself: Yet, how shall we accomplish such a feat? Our abilities are impotent against him; his presence eludes our senses. This being remains an enigma to us all.
We must avenge the black monarch!
Mysterious Entity: Hm… as you perceive, you personify “death,” while I embody “despair.”
Perchance, we could cunningly deceive Liran and pursue him relentlessly. What are your thoughts on this strategy?
Myself: Hm, we can attempt it, although I remain uncertain of our chances for success.
Despair: Perchance, we can assume semblance akin to those “researchers” or celestial deities who toil in the foundations of outer space? In this guise, we may deceive him and triumph over him.
Myself: Let us endeavor to do so… let us proceed and observe.
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LIRAN’S POV:
Upon my return to the base following another conversation with Eve, I experienced a sense of tranquility and serenity.
Now, I found myself in the corridors of this base, observing diligent researchers and divine beings engrossed in their respective tasks.
My Thoughts: Derek ought to be somewhere within these premises…
After a few minutes of traversing the halls and inquiring with some researchers about Derek’s whereabouts, I finally came across the chamber of the head researcher.
Upon entering, I caught sight of the esteemed head researcher, who took notice of my presence.
Head Researcher: Hey there… do you need something?
Myself: Have you happened to see Derek?
Head Researcher: Ah, he’s presently in his new chamber, taking some rest.
Myself: Resting, you say?
Head Researcher: Indeed. Derek has been instrumental in assisting us with certain matters, so we provided him with a comfortable room as a gesture of gratitude.
Would you like to pay him a visit?
Myself: Yes, absolutely.
Head Researcher: Very well.
The head researcher then proceeded to provide me with directions to locate Derek. After receiving this valuable information, I exited the room.
Standing in the hallway, I commenced my journey toward Derek’s quarters, faithfully following the instructions bestowed upon me by the head researcher.
After a few minutes of walking, I beheld a grand door that led to Derek’s abode.
Approaching the door, I gently knocked on it.
Myself: Derek? Are you in there?
After a couple of seconds, the door simply vanished. It didn’t open or move; it disappeared entirely.
And there stood Derek, a few meters in front of me, holding a button in his hand.
Derek: Ta-da! What do you think?
Myself: Well, well… you certainly have an intriguing door, don’t you?
Derek: Yeah, I helped out these researchers with some tasks, and as a token of appreciation, they provided me with this lovely room.
Come on in!
I stepped inside the room, and shortly after, Derek pressed the button again, causing the door to reappear and lock the room.
As I surveyed the surroundings, I noticed a spacious bed, a table, a chair, a television, and other amenities.
Myself: They really went all out with the furnishings. Not bad at all.
Derek: Yeah, I can just kick back and relax here whenever I want.
So… what have you been up to?
Myself: I met someone and played a prank on them. Don’t worry, they took it in good stride.
Derek: Ah, you’re quite the mischievous friend, aren’t you?
Myself: Hehe, I suppose I am.
Could you tell me about what you’ve been doing while I was away?
Derek: Certainly. I’ve been assisting the researchers with various peculiar entities and anomalies. It’s been relatively straightforward thanks to these gloves I received from Rythmeus.
They’ve been a lifesaver.
Myself: I’m glad to hear that. Do you feel like going somewhere or would you prefer to stay here and rest?
Derek: I’ll take some time to rest for now. You can go ahead if you have other plans. I’ll catch up with you later.
Derek then pressed the button in his hand once again, causing the door to vanish once more.
Myself: I’ll catch up with you later.
I exited the room, pausing for a moment to glance at Derek before he pressed the button once more, causing the door to reappear and lock his chamber.
Afterward, I resumed walking through the hallway.
My Thoughts: What can I do now? I’m beginning to sense something unusual…
As I continued along the corridor, I noticed two researchers. However, something seemed amiss.
Upon closer observation, I realized that their physical forms bore a striking resemblance to Rythmeus, but their colors… they were devoid of hues.
Myself: ?...
One of the researchers directed their gaze towards me and spoke: Researcher: Greetings…
Myself: Hello, you both have an intriguing appearance.
Researcher: Ah, why thank you~
The second researcher chimed in:
Second Researcher: We appreciate your kind words. We do possess a unique look amidst all these beings who exhibit their own vibrant colors. We, on the other hand, find contentment in our colorlessness.
Myself: I see. Well, I’m currently in a rush, so I must bid you farewell. I’ll see you both later.
With that, I swiftly resumed my journey, leaving the two researchers behind.
Researcher: Until we meet again… perhaps our paths will cross once more.
I continued my stride, passing by the researchers. As I kept walking, I ventured through different hallways, lost in thought.
My Thoughts: There’s something unsettling about those two. They bear a striking resemblance to beings associated with the Black King’s palace. It’s puzzling to encounter researchers of this nature.
I continued to navigate through the base, contemplating my next move. Should I go to the council and inform Epsilon about what I witnessed? Uncertainty clouded my judgment.
Yet, there was an undeniable sense of unease emanating from those researchers. Something about them felt suspicious, triggering a warning within me.
My Thoughts: Perhaps I will encounter them again in the future…
Pressing onward through the hallways, I knew that our paths would likely cross once more.
When that moment arrived, I resolved to approach the situation differently, taking further action as necessary.
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