=== Chapter 6 [Harp]

A lot of things happened between me and my sister, but also between me and my lady. I made a lot of changes to both of our shops—they seem to be doing well so I'm happy. Additionally, I also came to terms with my sister finally. It seems that she finally accepted Avaria, and I was surprised that she did. In the end she said sorry and we all hugged. Thank you sis.

Above that it seems that today, Avaria wanted to do something special with me, outside of work. I asked if I should invite my sister but she said it wasn't necessary. We were going to form a party, and all the slots were covered so I couldn't invite Hina. There was also something strange about it...

[For you see, this matter was quite secretly placed upon my trust, thus I say Pina,

do not mention it to your sister or to anyone else. Have your lips sealed darling.]

[Yes my lady... I'm just a little nervous that this is sudden.]

Together with my employer I teleported to a faraway place. It was quite dark at first, but soon I saw light. We found ourselves in a circle in the middle of a dense forest. The leaves were strangely shaped and coloured. It wasn't just the fact it were golden, but the saturation itself was drained from those poor plants. A pretty gloomy atmosphere for an outing...

My lady also said that we will be meeting others along the way, and our destination is the mountain. Indeed, from our position we could see something far in the horizon, a bald rock or something. Whenever I would ask about the place my lady would have smiled and said not to worry about a thing.

[So you see Pina, take this as your everyday morning walk and I enjoy the moment. This forest,

it's pretty mysterious isn't it? But do not worry about a thing my little helper, for I shall protect you.]

[I'm do not worry about monsters or anything... it's just this is quite strange.]

[Ah yes, and so were his words. But eventually I think you will get to know him as well,

as for now, if you allow, take my hand if you are scared. We still have a long way I'm afraid.]

I nodded a little and took Avaria's stretched out hand. As usual, her skin was soft as silk, and warm as cotton. With clicks after clicks, we walked the path of stone that was to lead us somewhere. I just hoped that destination was our goal. With time, the sun was more visible and trees were less dense.

[Oh, hello there.]

And it seems we finally found someone, I wonder what they were doing here. On the road, three people were standing. One of them looked like a tall knight dressed in black and with a cape. The other one was an exotic dancer. And the last one, albeit a little shyly hiding behind them, was a very thin girl dressed in a white camo snow-suit.

[Oh then I assume that you are the one that humoured me before, mister Havah right?

It's a pleasure to meet you on this splendid day, though the circumstances are quite strange.

I do reckon that you and the others are all the part of his plan, am I not wrong?]

[Yea, I got stronger since that day. But why are you here?

Were you invited as well or something? That's kinda weird.]

It seems that my Lady knew at least one person from the strange group we have just encountered. Additionally she said about something him, so maybe there is a person that organized this all? I do have questions but knowing that they are quite eager to talk with each other I remained silent.

[I see that the old man has twisted our fates with the hand of dim mystery.

Let us first disperse that fog for our visions to become clouded no more.

This black knight shall begin, my name is Juger, the one serves the hand of justice,

the one that follows the code of chivalry and seeks balance for all, above everything else.]

Is something that the black knight said. I could only see his mouth, his helmet actually covered by his eyes. His voice was quite strong—he spoke as if reciting a poem or something. He's a quite strange guy, I thought.

[Okay, so I will go next. My name is Havilah but everyone just calls me Havah.

I play the Rogue class, though I also dance a lot. I like both of those things.

I also meet Avaria at some point and we have a bit of history in the past.]

Havah said with striking a different pose as he was talking. His Rogue pose emphasized muscles, while his dancer pose was focused on flexibility of his legs. He also had a bit feminine voice.

[How grand that you still want to continue our relationship Havah, I shall keep it dear to me.

Henceforth, this fine lady shall introduce herself to others. The name given to me by my father is Avaria,

and with grace I bow to you fine men and women, it's a pleasure to meet you all. And also, this is Pina.]

[Right... I forgot I was also a part of this now.

Hello everyone, my name is Pina. I'm her assistant.]

I did forget for a moment that I was just being an escort to Avaria today, but that was fine. It seems that everyone did travel and meet here for a certain goal, but I had no idea. I wondered if it was okay to talk about it when I also noticed something strange...

The last person, who has not yet introduced herself, silently without saying a word, was backing up. She was moving away from us and into the woods. I wonder why she acting so unusual all of the sudden.

[I'm sorry my lady, but do you have any idea who is that person?

She seems a little fretted or something... she is a part of this right?]

[I do beg your pardon, but I’m afraid that I’m as clueless as you are darling.]

[Well...she was acting this strange ever since we saw her too.

I mean she didn't talk or said ever her name so I dunno.]

[For her lips are sealed with a spell of a forest witch, I presume.

However, considering our uncertain circumstances, I do consider her as a comrade.

Therefore we mustn't leave her to herself and pursue her dark demons.]

I guess Juger was right—we should definitely try to follow her. Even if this forest is quite scary, there is no way she would be in danger of getting killed. To make monsters spawn you have to first interact with tracks...but what if this is some kind of dungeon though?

[Okay I will do it... I mean you guys seem to be a part of something,

I feel like an extra so let me try... I will get her back somehow I promise.]

[Quite a marvellous idea Pina, if I say so myself. Are you sure you don't need my help?

We could go together if you wish so—I do not mind fostering you in the slightest. ohoho~]

[I'm fine alone... I just need to see why she has left in the first place.

She might think of you guys as people involved with this... but I'm not right?

Therefore she will trust me more I think. You guys wait here okay? I will be back.]

And albeit I wasn't even sure what was going on, I went on a little trip through the scary forest. Others were surprisingly accepting my proposition, allowing me to go solo, even though I personally had no idea what was waiting for me deep within the foreboding woodland...

===

It was a little damp and muddy for my shoes, but I knew this game just messes with you all the time. It's not like real life, where you have to clean your clothes every time when they get dirty. I jumped over a small river and climbed a fallen log, but the white wearing girl was nowhere in sight.

[Hey! Can anyone hear me? I just wanna talk.]

It seems that I could only hear the echo of my own voice, like the deep forest foliage was warped around me. There was this creepy chilly wind that made me feel like I was being watched. It approached me from my feet and ran all the way to my chest, making me shiver a little. But I wasn't scared, I wanted to help that girl because I felt something strange that I couldn't describe.

Ever since WRose left, and I was playing this game just with my sister, it became a burden. I couldn't just normally enjoy things any more—it was like a rainy day that keeps on repeating. Little droplets on my face, dribbled down to my chest, and eventually reached my numb legs.

But those days vanished when I met Avaria, a shop manager, who was someone I learned to admire. She was like a sun to me, although fierce like a lion sometimes. She showed me the light, and shined for my cloudy days. She sold me the joy and pleasure I so desired during my lonely days. In return, I had to trade something to her as well. This little padlock is the seal of my conviction.

[Hey don't worry... I will return to you soon my lady.

If I don't find her then I guess I will have to improvise.]

[Hey wait! Don't leave me alone you little dolly like cat.

I'm going to come out so don't try anything okay? Nice and steady.]

From the bush behind me, the girl raised from the prone position upwards. She was holding a sniper rifle which was aimed at me. It had a cutesy sticker on it with a little ducky too... but I didn’t necessarily have the time to examine that now. Considering my predicament was more important, I raised my hands in the air almost instantly.

[Oh it's you? Why the gun... I'm quite a peaceful and docile cat, don't worry.

Can you lower it down a little... then we can talk all you want okay?]

[I'm quite comfortable doing this, so I don't mind. Perhaps you want me get angry?

Now on the ground and with hands down! Do it or I will shot, you have no choice!]

With my legs and my hands on the ground, I started to tremble a little. I'm not good at VR motions, especially involving a certain part of my body, though doing stuff like sitting emotes is fine...

[Um... is this okay? I don't really mean harm so don't get angry okay?

I just wanted to talk... not to become a hostage in the middle of the forest.]

[Ihihi~ A hostage? That's quite cute of you. I mean I'm just messing with you,

if I wanted to kill you I would have done it already. Hey you didn't think I would, did you?]

[I was a little surprised that's all... I never had a gun pointed at me like that.]

I rose from the ground and began brushing off the dirt and the leaves that were stuck to my clothes. Luckily that was only the effect of the game again. I guess sometimes I do take this too realistically...Anyway I turned my head towards the sniper girl again, and although she did lower her gun, she didn't put it away.

[So I thought at first that you were just another person that was recruited by that guy.

But I noticed what you said about your... master? I think you call her your lady.]

[Oh you mean Avaria? I call her that... well because I like it.

She is kinda like a queen or a princess so I thought that title would fit.

But don't get any weird ideas okay? We are just... good friends.]

[Right right, sorry to bring this up all of a sudden, but I didn't think you would have come here.

Anyway, what about you? Is there any participial reason to why you decided to follow me around?]

She seems quite nice now that she opened a little. I wonder what was wrong before—she feels like a different person now. With that mask on her mouth, and that messy makeup...I guess that girl was through something in her life. She also looked like haven't eaten in days.

[Oh yea I wanted to bring you back to the party, but I don't even know why did you ran away.

Maybe you could tell me? Others were a little too occupied so… I have decided to go after you.]

[You are interested in that I see? Don't worry,

I was just feeling a little cold, that's all. ihihi~

I just needed slight warm up, that's about it.]

Somehow I could feel that she was being a little silly there, since she was a shaking a little and had red cheeks. I guess she was hiding the reason behind her shyness, but I really didn't want to know. Frankly, the thing I was interested more was the party they formed at this strange location and all...

[I guess even with clothes like these it doesn't matter how cold you can get... in this game,

but that aside, my lady probably got impatient from waiting now. Can we talk about something else?

Like about...If that's not a problem, can you tell me why everyone did come here or why did you...?]

[Oh I see... sorry for the cold feet. Though I don't really have anything to do with your lady,

I can still tell she was send here by the same guy. Somehow, believe it or not, there is this one guy,

a very ugly old man in rags, who meets people and asks them to join his party or something.]

[I see... so he went through all of you and invited you all individually.

But I do find it strange... maybe a little weird do. Can you tell me about him?]

[Well he has quite the tongue and can make people do things I guess?]

Saying so, the girl was avoiding eye contact with me and holding her hands around the stomach. I guess she really was disgusted by the stranger that she didn't want to further talk about him. I was not sure what to do, either to ask her more or to leave the situation completely unintended.

[A strange man... well I guess I can talk with my lady about him later.

How about you, are you coming back or staying? It's fine, I'm sure he would...]

[No! Don't even think about involving yourself with him! He is rotten, he's...]

Suddenly, the girl, who I thought was getting better, got pierced with a strange sensation. She felt on the ground motionlessly, as if she was struck by lighting and lost consciousness. I immediately rushed to her side and caught her before she reached the dirt. She was cold, and a little shaking. I guess she didn't really like that man but at the same time why did she...

[Schuld is his name... he said that he would share everything if I wasn't cooperating...

Even if you think about beating him up, forget it. I tried and there is something strange about him...

Anyway, you are not the same in the same situation as me, so you wouldn't probably understand.

For now can you just leave me...please?]

[No that's not what is going to happen... are you really okay with that?

I can see you are not... though maybe I'm wrong because I just met you today.]

How can a person who barely knows others help? Well for starters, I was already here, if I didn't help her now then no one would. Just like WRose and Avaria, they were there for me. Because of that I couldn't leave the cold sniper girl alone, even though I wasn't sure what I was doing.

[I'm going to say something to you... some things are better left unsaid.

Whatever that bastard wanted from you is not important okay? You have others,

you have me and I will help you, so don't feel alone okay? It's cold being alone...]

More or less that is how I could relate to her. Using the words of my lady and my loneliness, in my finger tips I could sense that the girl is experiencing the same troubles. Thus for my sake, and for hers, I wanted to help. I wanted to prove to my lady, my sister and WRose that I changed.

[Cold being alone... though I feel cold all the time and the winter never passes.

I have met a person like you, though he's a robot. He said that even an ugly bird,

like my penkun, could grow into a fine member of society, more or less... Was that the truth?

Was there a chance for me as well? Tell me! Do you accept me!? Why they always reject me?]

Kneeling on the ground, I held the thin girl while she started her tantrum. She was quite furious, and trying to escape my grasp. Her words didn't make sense. She threw them at the air shouting loudly, but they were not addressed to me. It was her memory I presume, something she didn't want to remember.

[How disgusting! How could ever a man love such a wench? I only make people cry,

I'm not worth anyone and especially living with others. I'm sick beyond help...]

Her voice was removed from any emotion and her empty eyes started watering. She was losing consciousness—I felt as her warmth was giving away. The cold from her body also reached me and I started shivering. This sensation of loneness spread and brought my knees further down. I saw sitting on my buttocks, much like I use to sit in real life. My legs gave no response, I felt truly hopeless like in the past.

[But... I won't give up.]

Even if I can't stand up myself, even if I can't be truly a normal person, at least I can give others the warmth. Just like my sister, I started petting the girl before me. Just like my lady, I gently caressed her fuzzy hat. A cat that you snuggle in happy times, a pillow you hug in sad times, that was the least I could do for others. Was that okay with me? Of course it was, I already given up on my legs, but I couldn't allow anyone else to...

[Don't give up... If there is a way you will probably find it, with or without help of others.

I was lonely once... but then I found someone to take care of me. I ended up being her asset...

but that's not what's important! She said a lot of things that gave me the courage to walk again.]

[And so? You are not the same…you’re different! How could you even begin to understand...]

[No that’s wrong! We are different… but despite that we can still connect somehow.

Just like me and WRose…we both had secrets and although we didn’t understand each other,

we were still friends. So just like with that robot…you need to give yourself a chance to listen.]

As I said those words, the sound caused the wind around us to suddenly rise. The leaves on the ground danced, whispering pleasantly in the air. Their rustling sound that gently caressed my ears reached the other girl as well. As her expression changed drastically, her eyes opened wide and her hair stood on end. We both raised our bodies from the ground, and held each others’ hands briefly. As soon as he was aware again, she retracted them back to her side.

[Okay fine... I can walk just don't say anything about this, okay?

I'm going to shoot if you don't so be a nice girl and show me the way back.]

After that brief change of season she was back to her old self. Well I'm glad for that, however...

[Hey... maybe without that gun pointing at me...]

She still insisted on having her sniper pointed at me from behind.

[Anyway my name is Pina, but how about you?]

[I'm Yukihiru. But just so you know, I'm going to follow them because I trust you.]

[Okay... Yuki I will keep that in mind.]

If being her hostage a condition to having her back at the party, they sure...I can allow that. I still want to learn more about that person, one that gathered all these people here, although I feel like asking anyone about that is not a good idea, considering how Yuki reacted. Thus, onwards we go, through this forest, which appears to become more and more dim as I go.

===

[Universe 25 is the name of a rat utopia. It was a social experiment that focused on the effect of density of a population. A group of rats were provided with housing, infinite food, and limited space. From the start, it did not appear that the rats themselves had a problem with living in the enclosed space. They were healthy and behaving normally as far as rats do. However...]

[As soon as the population rose and there was no longer space for every rat to comfortably live. Rats changed their behaviour, especially the alpha male ones. They started to be more aggressive with defending their territory and females which they own the right to copulate with. Additionally, female rats themselves were less keen on having babies, making them eventually infertile.]

[Further into the experiment, some rats started to show a decline in their behaviours, such as killing their offspring or performing sexual intercourse with the same sex for males. This action was a way for them to release their stress, since weaker rats didn’t have the access to the food soft or females. That was the privilege of the alpha rats, which treated their partners as beauties who can’t be touched by others.]

[The deviant etiquette became the new norm. Without new prodigies the population went into decline and eventually self-annihilated itself. All of the rats died. This wasn’t the first experiment of this kind, but the result was the same in every case, even in differently constructed enclosed spaces. The question here is simple, with birth control and population density of cities, is humanity facing the same fate?]

All things must come to an end, all dreams shall vanish and civilizations will perish. The unavoidable fate... for the better or worse?

I am sorry for this little intermission, but it is utmost important to understand the behavioural sink before I met them in the flesh. Let us then hear out this discussion of the voices from the internet.

[So considering this experiment I shall discuss several behaviours that describe our current generation. Firstly, because we are so free, we don’t have anything to believe it. When you pick the “healthiest” milk, what is your way to being sure you made the right choice? Price, ingredients, expiration date? How can you be sure of what’s inside the box?]

[Certainly there is no way to be one hundred percent sure—we have consumer laws for that. But I understand what you mean. There is no way of telling unless you have the money to run some tests by ourselves. No one will actually do that though—it’s a waste of money. But at the same time, people would believe in consumer or expert’s opinion more than they would in companies.]

[Which in turn, I say that this “belief” doesn’t just apply to milk, but to every other aspect of information. In a world where we have technology that can literally tell us more than ever before, we need to “know”. Whenever it is tomorrow’s weather, or best college, or best partner, we want to make the best possible decision. This is what we grown up to be. However, that sounds good on paper, in reality it only magnifies the confusion which is deeply established of late.]

Rather than “To be, or not to be” the question of today is “To believe, or not to believe”. In this chaotic world where your well-being is decided by a roll of dice, which misery will you choose I wonder?

[This was the case in the past as well. Even though philosophically there was no definite answer to human suffering, people still chose to live and created the civilization that we live in today. And I wonder, besides that, how do our choices connect with the behavioural sink?]

[Because we have no telling which choice is good for us, we choose randomly, right? That was not the case for the rats. They chose to perform acts that normally were not socially accepted. Birth control, falling for fantasies, aggressive behaviour towards others...aren’t those things present in the real world now as well?]

[Some countries do experience a decline in new births, we have a generation of electronic entertainment addicts, and we also have some terrorist attacks and protests here and there. How all of that is the cause of overpopulation though?]

[Maybe it is not, but the fact still remains. Knowing this dark forecast, would you rather do anything to stop it? The truth is, no one actually knows how to please everyone, no one individually is strong enough to change anything, and no one is outside of the problem, it affects everyone.]

[Yes, I agree that together we can think of something. But I also don’t think the situation is that desperate. Improvement is something that comes overtime, and thus humans can change their ways. We can definitely use the technology to change the world of tomorrow.]

So it is true, if you believe the internet brings people closer, rather than secludes them further. The answer to that question I leave with others, not even a being as myself can answer that. Still, the burden of responsibly lies with me, and with you, the goal of making a better tomorrow for everyone.

This is a task only fitted for a hero, but the world will not wait for one. If you seek salvation, you must act yourself first. Thus I did, gathering those four candidates to my side. Anytime soon they shall arrive, and I will explain all to them.

I will save the world and myself, whatever it takes, no matter the price.

===

And despite a little chill behind my back, I was forced to lead Yuki back to our group. I knew now that they all were asked to help one man, but what did he do to Yuki I wonder? It must have been something hideous, so I didn't dare to ask or even wanted to know in the first place.

Eventually we meet up with the party and it seems that Yuki, although I didn't look, lowered her gun before we arrived. However, she didn't leave my back just yet, as we walked towards the mountain peak, she was stalking behind me at all time.

[So how did it go, my little adorable cat assistant? Were you able to sniff out the missing one?]

[She is behind me...Well just leave her alone—she said she was going to follow.]

[Hey I can talk okay? I'm Yukihiru... just please forget about this and let's go.]

Others just nodded, as no further talking was necessary. I bet they were also impatient, from all the waiting, but also exited to finally meet with Schuld. I was too in a way—I wanted to know more about the person who used trickery to gather Yuki and others here.

The stone road soon receded in rocks and turned inky green. We were walking on the grass, and with each step it was less and less dense. Even the trees themselves started to disappear. Around us an eerie air of mystery chilled our limbs and shrouded our vision. It was dark.

As soon as we exited the fog, we found ourselves in a world of no life. Around us, the remains of tress, the ground was ash-like and all sound was silent. Not even the wind blew. In this strange world, there was but one object standing from the rest. It was a huge rock on top of the hill with dark clouds around. It was shaped into something resembling a skull. I never would have imagined something like this was in the game. I was a little sacred...

[Feeling anxious Pina? Don't worry I got your back so if anything happens...]

[Yes thank you Yuki... I knew I could count on your help.]

[Anyway, we should be going towards the peak, I can't see the old man yet.]

[Precisely, the old man is probably hiding behind a rock, the worm he is.]

[Then it's settled, I assume that you gentleman know how to treat a lady, is that correct?]

Somehow I had the goosebumps, even with knowing that there are four other people here. They didn't seem too friendly with each other, especially Havah and Avaria. He did say...that he had history with her and he got stronger, so I could only imagine they had a fight.

But anyway, the men seemed to know proper etiquette and escorted us ladies in the back. Yuki however refused any escort and just stayed behind me as usual. Thus our party advanced, and with every step the smell of burned wood was reaching my nostrils deeper and deeper.

With a bit of progress, we managed to climb to the surface below the skull rock. From up close it wasn't that big as I imagine, though I was a small girl myself. I guess I could climb it if I wanted to...but I really did not feel like trying that.

[Welcome my dear lambs to the place referred as the Skull Mountain. It is here precisely,

where I wanted to meet you, though your arrival is late. I shall say this once again,

it is me Schuld, the one that brought you all here and the one that has prophesied it all.]

Like a hermit suddenly appearing out of nowhere, a man dressed in rags and with a staff welcomed us. He was a bit old looking, to say the least, but had a very specific way of saying things. His tone also...it was as if he was stretching his throat to pronounce words in an ominous way. What a strange old man...

[So you have shown yourself finally, after all these days of your absence. Listen well,

for this dark knight has seen many atrocities in his life. You called us all in this very place,

but provided us with no clue. I demand you shatter this dark mask and reveal the truth to us.]

[Very well my impatient yet diligent old friend. For it is you see, I shall first have to inform you,

that my task is not to be taken lightly. You shall face many dangers and doubts within your soul,

but if you persevere in the end, you shall see your reward. Are you on the same page, so I could start my story?]

[Very well, speak old man—I shall hear what the whispers in the air grant our ears today.]

The rest also nodded, as they were interested to what the old man has to say. As for me, didn't get to meet this person before so I didn't know what his deal from the start was.

[Very well, I shall start with the essentials, as this will take a while. As you all might know,

this world was founded upon the power of words. It is the essence of existence, the very building stone.

Without it, this or the other world would have not formed, and it's all thanks to our long forgotten ancestors.]

[Yea I have read that, something about ancient humans?

It's kinda cool and all but the Word system is quite complicated.]

Havan, who didn't really gather how grave this situation was, reached out both of his open hands, and tilted his head a little in excitement. I too was curious what was the prophet trying to say in the end.

[And so this world was created by words spoke by the people long before us. You may know them by the name "Ghost AIs".

It is them who in the end manage to avoid the end of the world for all the Earth's sake. And as you can see now,

things are far from perfect today as well. Thus, by sheer twist of fate fortunate to us, they dream no more,

and are awake even now. Not all of them, but I shall talk about that later. Firstly, I need to mention about Wolf.]

[That Wolf? The sole benefactor of Lunar's blessing? The black hero who decapitated the dragon?

The one that in the end saved the world, brought the sun back, and then vanished into the mist?]

I know who Juger was talking about, because I was actually there when it happened. I wonder though if Wolf and WRose are still together and well? I sure hope so...

[Yes that Wolf, the person who was blessed by the goddess and showed the way to others,

he woke up her from the dream and is now alongside with her. It is he who has taught others,

about the connection between this world and the other. It is an indubitable fact, if you wish to believe,

that whenever one world is affected, the other also suffer the same effect. That is what Wolf proven.]

[I do fancy to hear out your words, my dear gentleman, but to believe that?

Surely it was quite the show back then, but even so, how that connects to mua?]

My lady also had expressed her doubts, she was uncertain to why we were involved. I like reading stories sometimes but when I don't understand the plot...then I stop.

[It is simple as a single glance around you. Now you see what has become of this place?

Due a calamity, only ashes remain now. This is the result of the influence from the other world.

It is there where it all started, were life began to vanish. For you see, the fires here not present,

rather life itself lost colour and only darkness remained. What is the reason behind it all?]

[That's the question I should be asking, you prick! Get to the point already!

Do you have no other hobbies than humouring strangers with your stories?]

Yuki from behind my back complained, albeit she was only partially leaning from my side. I must say she was right—we have finally reached the point where his man started to bore us.

[I see, so perhaps if I all made it simpler and told you what to do, would that be of any help?

Very well Yukihiru, I will start with you. Remember when we meet? Where you not missing your boyfriends?

Were you not upset that the world rejects you and only gives you vague answers? Be it no more,

for the end of the world is going to rectify it all, and we shall bring it with our own hands.]

[End of the world? Are you mad old man? Why would I...]

With her hands on my back, Yuki pushed against my body. But she wasn't firm at all, rather she was shaky. She was confused because she didn't know what to think about the rambling of the old man.

As for myself...this end of the world business is pretty much old news. We already had several of them, according to certain prophecies. Yet, the atmosphere of this place alone gave me the shivers, much like it did with Yuki.

[Various riches exist in this world but their value is nothing but a speck inside your mind.

What is truly a treasure is the unambiguous love from others. Thus what is the world worth,

if not for those very few things that people want to steal from you? Shouldn’t they be punished?]

[I do agree that you do make sense, but my problem dear is still...]

Even my lady was a little shaken to express her words. Perhaps she did really admit that something could have been done to make the world a better place, but I wasn't sure.

[And so, every day there are people who don't receive the justice they actually deserve.

Only those in power can set the rules, thus those without are nothing but tools for them.

What is that world worth when it's rotten to the core and can't be reformed by any means?]

[You say that, you worm, but to destroy this world entirely...]

Juger, albeit I couldn't see his eyes, was the only one was really listening to what was said here. I guess Schuld did call him his friend thus they might have known each other for a long time.

[World of lies, world where the strong dictates the rules and who survives. Who are you for others,

if you are weak? Nothing more than someone they push around and tell how to behave. A world unjust like that,

is it worth living in? What is the goal in becoming strong if they will never truly listen to your words?]

[This is right... I have no need to become strong for that kind of world.

I need only them to understand what’s wrong. If that is what it takes then I will...]

In that brief second, everyone’s breathing become silent. Havah, the one that expressed himself with poses, showed us the thumb oriented downwards and to the throat. Was he ready to kill, to make someone listen?

[I'm sorry, but we haven't yet meet mister Schuld. I'm Pina... I'm with my lady, Avaria.

Anyway I wanted ask, why do you really want to destroy the world? Isn't that a bad thing?]

[Well my child, I see you have made your way here, thus you are also the part of our dark alliance.

For you have not been chosen, I will say this. The reason why I did pick them all was that they do desire this,

they sincerely desire the world to change. However, as you saw the way in which Wolf tried to save it,

he was unsuccessful in the end. Answer me then, is there any other way for the world to be saved?]

[I mean if you destroy the world then... it's going to end right?]

[It's not the end of the world that matters, but what is going to happen afterwards. Hear the word of Lunar,

sleep, dream, awakening and rebirth, follow that path and you shall be able to content us. Thus as you see,

we already were through the part where we dreamt and did briefly awake, but in the end we went to sleep again.

If someone like Wolf tried to save the world, he would get the same result—therefore my belief is in rebirth.]

Rebirth he says... he might be right that even from the ashes, the phoenix will raise. This notion is something that Wolf also said, about believing in the future after the fire. More or less... this seems like a thing that would make sense but I don't understand why...

[Listen to me, my young and beautiful kitten. There are things in the world better left unsaid.

Whatever happens afterwards is up to us and we will manage, as long as we have us both right?

Therefore I will say this—maybe it is better for all of us that we restore things to their original state.]

[You can't be serious my lady... I don't understand!]

[You will in due time, I am sure you will. It is the same reason to why do a lady needs bathe herself in the light of glamour.

As for now, as your master and your owner, I would only dare to ask you to follow me, understood?]

I guess if my lady says so, I shall at least try to understand her. She says that a lady needs bathe herself in shinies...as in everyone needs a guidance. For me it’s obvious that my light is Avaria herself, but does she really believe that the world would be better in its original state?

And just when I was still quite puzzled, thinking about this rebirth plan, it seems that our knight wanted to speak up.

[This is preposterous! You decide the fate of the world upon your own whim?

The black knight before you will not agree to this so easily. Giving up on hope,

diving into the abyss of darkness is something against the code of chivalry.

Even if there is no other way, doing so will only doom us all! Search we must...]

[This was also scribed in my prophecies. Very well Juger, you desire a special care after all.

I will give you a reason and show you a way. Furthermore, this will be a test for everyone here.

The door I will open will hold a Word. You shall acquire it, and do with it as you please.

When you decide to return with your answer, when you gather your thoughts, I shall be waiting here.]

[Let it be so, I shall do as you please. But remember you worm,

my decision will be my own, and no one else's. Are we clear?]