Cold...

Everything felt so cold, as if my entire body has been incased in ice. Weakly, I moved my fingers without opening my eyes.

The sensation of movement spread across my frozen body as I felt the twitch of my muscles. A feeling of inner warmth arised, as it slowly moved to meet with the bitter outer coldness that surrounds me.

My eyelids remained closed as the two mix of feelings brought about a dreamlike trance. Half-awake, half-asleep, the lucid change of temperatures danced throughout my entire body.

Warm...cold...warm...and cold again...

Where my head was resting, I felt a familiar sensation as it was elevated above the ground. The gentle comfort of another person’s lap; a strangely cold yet tender touch.

Am I still sleeping? Am I still dreaming?

I kept my eyes shut, even as blotches of light appeared in my eyelids like fireworks in the night skies. This moment of peace, I was afraid of breaking it.

“If I am to move...if I am to open my eyes; would it all end?” Came the selfish thoughts in my dazed mind as I felt tears flowing down my cheeks.

“Asumi...” Weakly, the words left my mouth. It was the only luxury I could afford, in this delicate state where my mind and body fought to stir yet remained still.

“Do not cry, Takatora Ryuuko...” Came the reply of a familiar voice, as I felt a cold yet gentle finger wiping the tears away from my face.

My eyes popped open as I leapt to my feet, only for my still slumbering legs to give out on me.

“AH!!” I screamed, bracing myself for the impact. But as I fell on what should be ground, there was no pain. Where I landed was instead emptiness, as if I was stand floating in a void, yet every touch sent ripples throughout the place.

Looking down through the translucent floor was a field of flowers that stretched further than my eyes could reach. Their image was reminiscent of a mirage. Furiously shaking my head to ensure I wasn’t hallucinating, I watched as they swayed and danced despite the lack of wind.

Everything was so confusing, I struggled to wrap my head on all that is around me. Neither below nor above made any sense. Where what was to be the skies, was nothing more than an empty abyss of white with no beginning nor end. Yet even so, despite the bizarre scenery that laid before me, my focus instead was turned towards the person floating in front of me.

“Alma!” I called to them, spitting the name out like poison as I met with their soul-less eyes. There they stood like the ghastly image of a phantom, floating slightly above the lucent grounds yet continuous ripples formed beneath their feet. Hearing me called their name, they responded with a disturbing smile and a small wave.

“Hello again, Takatora Ryuuko. It is good to see you.” Alma spoke in a overtly casual tone, as if addressing a close friend. “I must say, you have done very well. Thanks to you, I am once again able to step foot in this world. Ah...how wonderful...”

“Wha...what are you talking about?!” I exclaimed as I nervously looked around. What did they mean, “thanks to me”? What have this psychopath done?!

“I wonder can you feel it as well, Takatora Ryuuko? The flow of emotions that pour into this world. Endlessly being spun into threads that strangles both the sinners and the innocents. How marvelous...how sickening...”

“Huh?! What are you even—I don't understand what you're saying at all!” I scoffed, baffled at their nonsensical words. Yet, for some reason, I felt a curiosity to understand what they meant. Against my better judgement, I closed my eyes.

BABUMP

Faint heartbeats not of my own suddenly rang out in my head, taking me by surprise. It was weak and small, yet the rhythmic beat was as if I was hearing the sounds of numerous other people all at once.

BABUMP BABUMP BABUMP

Slowly, the echoing of hearts grew louder, along with the gnawing feeling of panic that ate at me. But just as I was to re-open my eyes, my body suddenly got calm. No longer was my heart racing but instead was beginning to beating in sync, like beautiful music that danced throughout my mind.

It was strange, as for a brief moment—I felt a sense of indescribable happiness.

Everything...everything felt at peace.

“Ah...what...what was that?” I choked as I finally opened my eyes. I felt tears rolling down my cheeks as the mysterious, yet wonderous feelings vanished as quickly as it came.

“As I have expected, you felt it. How was it, the feelings of pure bliss?” Alma snickered. I looked up to meet with a condescending smirk as they continued to speak. “But not yet. You are yet to be able to sever and free it from the cruel grasp of paradise, my dear Eve.”

“Eve...you called me that before. What does it mean? Please tell me, where are we?” My voice cracked as I begged for answers. The tears were still flowing uncontrollably from my eyes, as I carefully ruminated the lingering feelings from mere moments before.

“This is Eden’s “garden of mercy”; Kardea. I welcome you, Takatora Ryuuko.” Alma responded as they gave me a small bow. “For you are Eve; my friend, and...”

A terrifying grin slowly spread across their emotionless face.

“Eden’s destroyer.”

=

“Hideyoshi! Hideyoshi!” Kenjirou called to his underclassmen, trying to wake him.

“Whoever is shaking me...please stop. Everything hurts like hell and you’re making it worse.” Takuya mumbled as he slowly opened his eyes to the familiar scary looking face of his club president.

“Hideyoshi! You’re awake!” He cried out in joy.

“Tsk, and I was just about to do it too. Must you ruin everything, Takuya?” Juntaro said as he popped up on his live screen.

“Senpai, I’ve been up for less than a minute and I already don't know what the hell you’re yammering on abou-...wait a minute.” He looked down to see the cellphone placed firmly on his chest before immediately leaping to his feet. “OH HELL NO-ouch! Ouch, ouch ouch!”

“Hideyoshi, take it easy. You’re still hurt.”

“Don’t give me that crap! You were about to let that bastard do his bullcrap electrotherapy on me, weren’t you?! And after what happened last time-ow...ow...” Takuya exclaimed, as he struggled to stand upright.

“....You were sleeping for a while. But rest assured, I would’ve stopped him if he happened to go too far.” The president replied, a guilty look on his face as he helped him up.

“You asshole! And after I specifically told you to never do that again!”

“Oh, don’t be such a baby. I was going to set it to medium this time. It would have been fine...probably.” Juntaro snickered.

“Screw you! I still have burn marks on places I didn’t know could scar thanks to you, you electronic piece of shi-“

“Stop!” Kenjirou quickly jumped in and broke them up. “We have more important matters to attend to. Now, Mitsuhide tell me; what have you gathered about this place we are currently in?”

The three of them turn their face towards the colossal silvery tree that stands before them.

“Hmm...unfortunately not much. As I told you after you awoke, I’m running at minimum power. But even if I wasn’t, there isn’t much I could do because of the limited range of my scanner, due to the lack of any electrical outlets in this place.” Juntaro sighed as he explained his predicament.

“So this place is a deadzone, as it was with where we previously came from. Then that means, the two places might be the same. Or at least, part of the same world.” Takuya said.

“It’s possible, I can’t refute that for now. However, from what little information I was able to compile, there are two things I can confirm. Tell me, have you guys ever heard of the 「The World Tree」?

“「The World Tree」? Kenjirou asked.

“I think senpai means “the tree of the world”. If I remember correctly, that’s from mythology isn’t it? More specifically, Norse?” Takuya contemplated as he scratched his chin.

“Yes. The 「The World Tree」, also known as the “tree of life” or “tree of knowledge”, from various other stories, is a giant tree that is said to stand in the center of the world, that connects the heavens, earth and hell.” Juntaro explained.

“But, what does that have to do with anything?” Takuya scoffed.

“I was getting to that. From my scans of this place, I have concluded, that tree standing over there is of something similar. All my readings indicate that is what’s currently holding together this entire world.”

“Hmph...I see.”

“Whoa...that would explained why when I attacked it, it felt as if I was crushed by an incredible weight similar that to the entire world. That’s crazy.” Takuya exclaimed. “But what does it mean? Are we supposed to be in some mythological world or something now?”

“Don’t be an idiot. This is real life, not some made-up fantasy. So even if we are to be in such a world, it wouldn’t be a “mythological world”, it would be reality.”

“So just a roundabout way of saying yes? Seriously...”

“Oh shut up.”

“Mitsuhide, you said it this “World Tree” connected heaven, earth and hell, correct?” Kenjirou interjected as he slowly glanced around. “Then does that mean...this is heaven?”

“We’re not dead yet, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“Heaven, ha! If that really was the case, then senpai would’ve never made it here. Not in a million years.” Takuya laughed.

“Why you-!”

“I do question how we got here. If this place was somehow connected to that other world, that if somehow one was able to step into this place...could it be possible...” Kenjirou suddenly said quietly.

"...Don't get your hopes up, Prez. It'll only hurt more." Takuya interjected, as he quickly understood what Kenjirou was trying to get at.

“Hmph...I know.” Kenjirou replied with a sad grimace. “Mitsuhide, what’s the other thing you’ve confirmed?”

“That tree, it’s alive.”

“All trees are alive. I could’ve told you that, geez.” Takuya sighed as if he had heard something stupid.

“Grrr...what I meant, is that the tree is sentient. When Takuya struck it before, it let out life signals not unlike an animal. The outer appearance is of a tree, but I believe that it is actually a living being, a creature of some sort. In fact, there’s a large amount of life readings coming from it, as if its a compilation of multiple living things all together.”

“Hmm...how curious.” Kenjirou mumbled as he fixed his gaze on the giant tree.

“Prez, when you were trapped within that tree did you experienced anything at all?” Takuya asked.

“No, nothing. At least nothing that I can recall. What happened to me?”

“When we found you, you were wrapped up by that tree’s strange roots and they were draining your life. Luckily we got you out of there and your body right now is nominal, but you were in terrible danger.”

“I see...thank you both, for saving me. And..." A sudden look of guilt appeared on his face as he glanced over at Takuya, before turning away. "I’m sorry...”

“Tch...you’re sorry? My ass you are.” Takuya clicked his tongue. “You think your half-ass apology is going to be enough?”

“Huh?” Kenjirou turned back to him in surprise as he met with an angry look on his face.

“You thought I forgot, didn’t you?” Takuya scoffed as he got closer.

WHAM

“Whoa! What the hell Takuya?!”

“ARGH! Damn you and that rock-hard head of yours!” Takuya cursed as he grabbed his aching fist. They were shaking, as if he had just punched a thick wall.

Unfazed by the sudden blow, Kenjirou adjusted his glasses and looked to his friend with concern.

“Are you alright, Hideyoshi?”

“You big bastard-!” Takuya growled. “Now answer me, you big bastard; WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU TRYING TO PULL BACK THERE?!”

“...I don’t know what you mean!”

WHAM

Takuya’s fist flew as he once again punched him in the face.

“Stop, you’re only going to hurt yourself...”

“SCREW YOU!” He screamed as he threw another towards him, only for the club president to catch both his arms.

“AAAAHH!”

CLONK

“OOF” Kenjirou grunted as he was knocked off his feet by the sudden force of the headbutt. His head was in a daze as he looked to see Takuya towering over him, clutching his head with his right hand, as blood dripped down his face, before grabbing him by the collar with his left and pulling him up to his face.

“Listen to me and listen to me well, you self-serving sack of crap! Don’t you ever DARE try to pull that heroic B.S again! This isn’t the first time you’ve done it and, frankly, I’m sick of it! Remember this; if you are to ever die, I will never, ever, ever, EVER forgive you for betraying the promise we made to Mayu-senpai that day! DO YOU HEAR ME?!”

Kenjirou was silent, unable to answer him. Full of guilt, he could not even meet with his friend’s glaring eyes as he shamefully looked away.

“You piece of shi-!” Takuya gritted his teeth as he prepared to punch him again.

“THAT’S ENOUGH!”

BZZZZT

“UWWWAHH!” Takuya screamed in pain as a sudden jolt of electricity ran through his body, causing him to release Kenjirou and dropped to the ground.

“Mitsuhide! Stop this!”

“No, you stop this! Both of you!” Juntaro huffed. “This isn’t the god damn time or place for this stupid drama of yours! If you’re going to beat the crap out of each other, do it when I’m not around to watch.”

“Tch...asshole.”

“Shut up Takuya! Kenjirou, we have to get out of here right now. This place isn’t safe, and we can’t afford to stay here any longer.” He exclaimed.

“But what about Takatora? We still don’t know where she is.” Kenjirou snapped back.

“Forget about the girl. We’ve already lost her when that bastard Alma took her. I saw it, when they appeared from the storm and whisked her away without a trace.”

“Senpai, so you saw them too.” Takuya grumbled as he shook his head and picked himself up.

“I’ve tried everything I could to track her down, but it’s no use. She isn’t even in this world, that I’m positive of. Please, let’s just get out of here.” He begged.

Kenjirou gritted his teeth as he weighed the predicament in his mind. He did not want to have to abandon what might be the most significant lead for the A.R.C., as well as a fellow club member, but as he looked into the tired faces of his friends he could only find himself feeling the same.

“I don’t want to have to leave her either Prez, but right now there’s nothing we can do.” Takuya agreed reluctantly.

“...Very well. Let’s get out of here.”

The two quickly picked themselves up and turned away to leave.

“So senpai, how are we going to get out of here?” Takuya asked.

“Well, from the looks of it we wou-“

RUMBLE

Before he could finish the ground began to shake violently.

“W-w-what the hell!?”

“Seismic activity?! S-Something is happening underground! I don’t know wha-“

BOOM BOOM BOOM

Thundering sounds rang out from behind them as from the ground erupted giant pillars of silver.

"Those...those are the roots of the tree! But why-what's going in on?!" Juntaro cried out as warnings blared amass from his system. “Kenjirou! Takuya! Watch out, I’m getting multiple life reading from those things and t-they’re the same as those monsters from before!”

“WHAT?!”

Emerging from the roots were numerous hands as they slowly stretched out and ripped from the silvery pillars. Skeletal figures of humanoid creatures dropped to the ground with a sickening splat. The pieces of the torn roots they appeared from were stuck to them as it bubbled and contorted, melting away and struggled to wrapped around their bones to form disgusting silvery white skin.

“Dear god...” Takuya gasped, fighting to hold back the churning in his stomach as they all watched in horror the scene in front of them, unable to look away even if they tried.

From the monster’s limbs burst out parts of their bones as they formed blade like appendages that curved and extended like branches from a tree. Dagger like fangs shot out from their skulls as the grotesques figures let out spine-chilling cries of pain, sounds indistinguishable from animal nor human.

Where the skin was not form appeared red pores, reminiscent of eyes, that popped opened and twitched violently, scanning and searching the surrounding before finally all locking on to the two boys that were standing away from them. As the monsters slowly turned towards them, strange halo-like wreaths made of golden lights formed around their heads like crowns, floating slightly in the air without contact.

Then everything was quiet. The two groups stared at each other, both completely still as the boys held their breath. The tension in the air was suffocating, as Takuya felt the sweat from his brows slowly rolling down his head and falling from his cheeks.

DRIP

The monsters let out a blood curdling roar as they all immediately charged towards Takuya and Kenjirou, their fangs and claws bared.

=

“Eden's destroyer?” I repeated the words in shock. My entire body felt paralyzed at the thought, as my mind raced to understand what Alma meant. A destroyer...of this world? But why? But how?

“Oh, what an interesting reaction. How cute.” Alma giggled. Their jeering laughter broke my confused train of thoughts as I vigorously slapped myself and looked them in the eyes.

“Explain to me! What do you mean?! E-Eden’s destroyer...what nonsense!” I rebuked angrily, my body trembling as both fear and curiosity filled me. Fear of the answer to come, yet a burning desire to know what Alma is to say.

Watching as Alma’s face curved to a mischievous smile, our eyes locked without break in what felt like an eternity before they finally began to speak.

“Eve is “the women of the end”. A scourge who shall sever the threads wrapped tightly around the necks of humanity like a noose. To the hell brought upon this innocent world, she shall tear apart the illusions of paradise deceived by those calling themselves saviors.” Alma slowly explained, not a hint of emotion in their voice.

“And like a virus, she shall infect the body of those imprisoned in ignorance and take revenge upon the lies spread by the false god who has devoured the world.” As they spoke the last sentence, a terrifying look of satisfaction appeared on Alma’s face.

“False god...?” I carefully repeated in disbelief. The words Alma spoke made no sense, yet it did not feel unfamiliar. As if I had heard it before, my heart raced as I struggled to comprehend.

“Takatora Ryuuko, how much do you know about the world you’re currently residing in?” Alma suddenly asked.

“A-are you talking about Artificial? I w-was told it was a fake world, created to mimic our own. That where the entire population of the real world is now living in some kind of endless loop of the same day over and over again.” I answered nervously. "That the people are like puppets, controlled and not able to even see beyond what they are allowed to. Is...is that true?"

“My, my...those boys really are impressive. Indeed, Takatora Ryuuko. What you have been told is quite correct.” Alma mused.

“Why?! Why was Artificial created?! What purpose does it serve to imprison the people like this and why have we been taken away from our real world?! WHY HAVE YOU DONE ALL THIS?!” I demanded, All the questions I had desperately wanted answers to flew through my head and out from my mouth.

“Is that what those boys told you as well? That I’m the main cause for all of this? So it seems that in the eyes of humanity, I am the villain. How interesting."

“Don’t dodge my questions! Answers....I want answers! Isn’t that what you have promised me after demanding that I meet you.” I screamed. At that moment, my anger overtook me. Reaching for the holster on my leg, I swiftly pulled out the coilgun and aimed it at them.

“I've had enough of your riddles and nonsense! I will never forgive you, for threatening the lives of the people and my friend. Now, SPEAK YOU MONSTER!!” My finger was twitching as I held steadfast on the trigger.

Yet as I threatened them, Alma would only chuckle slightly as if amused by my outburst.

“Your wrath is quite exceptional. How quickly you are growing, Takatora Ryuuko. I’m very pleased. But it’s no use. I know that “gun” cannot function without that clubmate of yours. And even if it did, you cannot harm me.”

“Wha...How did you-“ I immediately caught myself as I remembered that Alma knew about things they weren’t there for. That they had been watching me. I looked at the coilgun, the weapon was silent without senpai in it.

An empty threat...a spur of the moment that I had hope to use to gain an upper hand, but they saw right through me. But even so, I still felt angry as I hesitantly lowered the weapon.

“Speaking of which, it seems you’ve gotten quite close to those boys. I wonder, do you now consider them your friends?” Alma suddenly asked coyly.

“Ugh...” I struggled as I tried to find words to speak. I did not want to give the satisfaction of answering them, but at the same time I felt compelled to reply.

“That’s right. I am proud to say that I’m a member of the A.R.C., that they are my fellow club members and...and...” Taking a deep breath, I steady myself as I spoke with conviction. “That they are my friends.”

“I see. It was only 3 days, yet you have changed so. You called them your friends, yet that same sentiment is not shared towards me. It saddens me very much.” Alma spoke with a smile, yet their voice was a tone without emotion. It was impossible for me to tell if they were being truthful or just another trick. “But if they were your friends, why have you brought them to die?”

“Wha-?! W-what do you mean?!” I gasped.

Alma snapped their fingers and suddenly the world around us changed. Bright lights flashed in my eyes as greenery stretched before me. And as I looked ahead I saw an enormous white building towering before me. No...not a building. It was...

“A tree!?” I exclaimed.

But my attention was then shifted to the sound of screams and roars as I turned my head to see the sight of the President and Hideyoshi fighting off hordes of horrifying yet familiar monsters.

“DAMMIT ALL TO HELL!” I heard Hideyoshi cursed as I watched him get knocked to the ground. He was holding back the biting jaws of a monster as it sneered and ripped at him before plunging a knife into its skull.

“Hideyoshi!” The president called to him as he was struggling with multiple monsters leaping on top of him and tearing into his back. As he fought, he suddenly turned his head to our direction and his eyes widen as they met with mine.

“Ta...Takato-“ I heard him gasped as suddenly another sound of a snap occurred and everything turn back to white.

“NO!! PRESIDENT! HIDEYOSHI!!” I cried out as I ran towards where they were. “WHY?! WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY?!”

“I had warned you before that there was no guarantee of their safety if they were to come along, yet you still brought them. However, it is quite amusing to watch them struggle so well. For the Anti-bodies to come into defense, they must really be perceived as a threat. Wonderful.” Alma chuckled.

“You...YOU BASTARD!” I screamed as I pulled out a knife, my mind filled with rage.

"Oh? What do you hope to do with that? Ah, do not worry. We are quite safe from them here." Alma giggled, no change in appearance even as I held the knife directly at them.

“I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU! PULL THOSE MONSTERS BACK RIGHT NOW OR I’LL...I’LL...!” I threatened, as my entire body shook violently. A mix of fear and anger, as the idea of using a knife on somebody suffocated me, but in desperation to help the A.R.C. I did not know what else to do.

“Or you’ll what?” Alma mocked.

Upon hearing those words, I felt myself losing control. Everything seemed to have blacked out as I lunged myself towards them, my hand gripping tightly to the knife.

“There was no going back anymore. I have no other choice. To save the others I must...” Were the only thoughts that raced through my mind.

Then everything was still. As if suddenly the world had stopped. No...not the world...it’s...it’s...

“Ah...” I let out a weak croak from my paralyzed body. Completely frozen, I watched as Alma slowly floated towards me, the ripples in the ground spreading apart like waves in water under their feet.

“It is unfortunate. I did not want to do this to you, my dear Eve. But your instability will only hinder you as a weapon towards the false god. Your current memory and your will, I shall reject them for you.”

“A....ah....” I weakly gasped as I struggled to break free, to no avail.

“Do not worry, Takatora Ryuuko. When the next time you wake, surely we will still be...friends.” Alma smiled.

“No no no NO NO NO!!!” I screamed internally, desperately fighting and begging as I watched, helplessly, Alma’s finger moving towards my head.

I don’t want it to end like this. Please, somebody help me...

“GOT YOU NOW YOU SON OF A –“

BZZZZZZT

“Tsk!” Alma winced as they pulled their hand back from the sudden jolt of electricity that ran through my entire body. Finally breaking free from my confinements, my body dropped to the ground as I wheezed and gasped for air.

“Ryuuko! Ryuuko! Are you alright?!” Called a familiar voice from my holster as I felt the humming of my coilgun.

“M-Mitsuhide-senpai!?”