CounterSide IF

by SwanSixWings

Counterside: Line Battle Arena's fanfic of alternate history setting.

5. BOOK V The Urban Fairytale

Counter:Side IF

BOOK I: Twisted Fates

BOOK II: Rise of the Administrator

BOOK III: Legacy of the Voice

BOOK IV: Minuet of Draco Serpensque

BOOK V: The Urban Fairytale

BOOK VI: Karin's Counterattack

BOOK VII: Old Veteran

BOOK VIII: Mater Matriae

BOOK IX: Waltz in the Dark

BOOK X: Bellum Replacericum

BOOK XI: The Origin

BOOK XII: Imperium Sine Fine

BOOK FIVE

The Urban Fairytale

"Welcome to Coffin Company, young lady."

Vice President Hana greeted Edie and his daughter.

Then the little girl saw Veronica who stood behind Hana. The refined pink-haired servant gave a beautiful doll's impression which made the girl admire her.

"I am Veronica. To serve the honored guest is my pleasure."

"Nice to meet you!"

They exchanged smiles.

Eddie said. "She will take care of you. Be a good girl."

The girl nodded, and they went inside the shelter of Coffin Company, which was built by Administrator to protect the family of his employees.

Veronica and a girl saw an old lady.

"Wow, it's so big inside! Hmm? Who are you?"

"Oh, so they invited more people here. Hello, my name is Louise, Leah's mother."

In this universe, she didn't suffer from dementia.

"You look so cute, remind me of Leah when she was young."

She looked happy when the old lady patted her head. Louise gave a present. "It's chocolate cookies, I baked them by myself." Then she turned her eyes to Veronica. "What's your name, young lady?" Veronica answered with grace. "I am Veronica of Flora maid service."

"Ah, Veronica! That's not a real name, isn't it? But still, it really suits you… please, take good care of everyone."

Veronica silently bowed her head, and brought the girl to the suite her father uses.

It's as big as the hotel room, though not much furniture yet. Only a bed, computer, fridge and toilet.

The girl threw herself on the bed and playfully jumped a few times. When Veronica was about to leave and closing the door from outside, she stopped the maid.

"Sis, sis!"

Veronica opened the door again.

"Should I be here alone? It will be so boring…."

"Then, how about looking around more?"

"Great!"

She put a chocolate chip in her tiny mouth and left the room with Veronica while holding the cookie bag on the other hand.

When they're walking the corrider, the girl heard strange noise. Out of curiosity she went inside with Veronica. It was an infirmary and they saw Hilde who was in the bed, unconscious. The girl asked in a worried voice. "Who is her?"

"Hilde. She's the captain of Fenrir Squad."

"Fenrir…?"

Veronica said like a young mother who tried to calm her child. "She will be good, soon."

"…Okay." The girl still looked worried, and she stretched her petite hand and patted Hilde.

Charlie was sitting on the next bed. Recognizing the little girl, he said in a friendly voice. "Oh, who's this? Eddie's daughter?" Maybe his huge body and loud voice scared her, the girl hid behind Veronica.

Jessica jokingly tapped Charlie's head. "Can't you talk a little bit more quietly? She was threatened."

"Don't hit me like that! I didn't know it!"

"I said, don't raise your voice. Girls are different from boys."

"Oh, right… I forgot that because I only have seen women like you… Gugh!"

Jessica hit Charlie's thigh with her knee. "And I saw a man who has a big mouth."

Then the girl cautiously approached with a slight hesitation.

"Umm… do you know my daddy?"

"Yeah! Wait, don't you remember me?"

"…?"

It's been a really long time since Eddie introduced his child. Well, it's no surprise.

"It's me, Charlie! Your father's friend!"

"Really?"

"Really, yeah. And just like your daddy, I'm strong too, so this isn't a big deal!"

Jessica turned her head and mumbled. "Oh my god, you just got careless while working out. Don't make a fuss about it."

"I wish you to make a quick recovery, Charlie!"

The girl patted Charlie's bandage. Maybe that touched his heart, he said in a relaxed, loose voice.

"I think now I can understand what made him working so hard and tirelessly."

"No, you're not. Stop playing adult."

"I mean, for real! Isn't she cute? If I had a daughter like this then I'd become like a real daddy!"

"Yeah… whatever."

Jessica didn't seem to agree with that, and she left the room as she yawned.

"Why does she always talk like that?" Then Jessica heard that and yelled back. "It's because you're a moron!"

"Man…." Charlie shrugged.

The girl doesn't seem to understand their relationship so she tilts her head. "Hmm…. Then bye-bye, Charlie!" As she held Veronica's hand and left too, Charlie waved his hand to her as well. "See you later, okay?"

While they were walking the passageway, they met Jisoo.

"Mmm? Who are you?"

She seemed to be rather busy. "Sorry, little girl. I have to find someone so…." Then she saw Veronica and stopped.

"Wait! You, you're the maid working in here from today, right? Miss Veronica?"

"Yes, I'm Veronica."

"Administrator was looking for you. Go to the president's room."

"I see. But…."

The girl was still holding her hand too tightly. Following the maid's eyes, Jisoo understood that and sighed. "I'm no good at taking care of children, but I will try. Go."

Veronica silently nodded and got down on the girl's eye level. "Sorry, but I need to go." But she kept holding her with a lonely face. Veronica raised her little finger. "But we will meet again, I promise."

They held their pinky fingers together and she let the maid go. "Let's play together someday!" Veronica smiled mildly and then went to where everyone was.

Inside the office, there was Olympian looking at the hologram screens.

"Ah, at last."

Administrator spoke through Olympian. President Jia also turned her head to meet Veronica's eyes.

"We've been waiting for you, since there are issues you also need to know… come."

Veronica nodded and came next to it. Then Lily who was serving a coffee to Regina saw her through the screen.

"Head-maid?"

"Good afternoon, Lily."

Lily in the screen bowed courteously.

In another floating hologram screen, Elizabeth said. "So, Miss Veronica is here too. Shall I begin the report?"

"Go ahead, please."

"The snake Elder God joined our side, and she's possessed on the head priestess of Nanahara now to aid her… just like the legend, they said."

Olympian asked. "How about our suggestion? Did Chinatsu accept our proposal?"

"Until the Replacers are defeated, they will join us."

"Excellent. You did a great job."

"Then, as soon as our preparation is finished, we will return with ADS Albion."

Then the holograms were gone as they finished to talk.

.

.

.

Among the stars of captivating brilliance, Horizon was witnessing the majestic view of the void as she rested her chin on her hand. It almost made her forget she was abducted by her own creator, Dr. Ember, who for some reason became Evolve One now.

Raul came with a tumbler cup filled with oil.

"…What's this, human?"

"Have it, kid. Leader's buyin' for ya."

He then drank a beer held by the other hand.

Raul asked. "You found something interesting? Oh, it's just stars. As if they're different from any other."

Horizon cynically retorted. "It looks better than this messy pirate ship."

"Yo, messy isn't even a word for us. Nasty, I'd say. Ha!"

"…What's so funny about it? I can't understand…. Anyway, leave me alone, Human."

Raul crossed his leg and rested his arm on the table.

"Oh, I'm so sorry if I bothered you. That's my sit to watch outside while enjoying beers. Didn't expect there will be another Stargazer friend."

"…."

"But you know, how about listening to my story?"

"Criticizing the unreasonable and illogical mindset of humans is my profession. Say it."

Raul took a sip of alcohol, smiled.

"When I was young, I was so fond of looking at stars because it evoked me for so many thoughts. Care to guess?"

"What? This isn't listening to you. You're asking what I think."

"Oh, come on. You knew what I meant! Let's just talk."

Horizon sighed.

"Unadulterated and idealistic?"

Then Raul put the beer can on the table and rested his chin as well. "Oh, so you're feeling such things when you look at the stars?"

"You gave me a command to tell what my computing process is. I did not define that as my individual judgment, Human."

"Yeah, but… that also means you just *thought* that by yourself? You looked like a woman Terminator but actually had a romantic aspect too? Wow!"

Feeling annoyance, Horizon turned her eyes. "If your goal is just trying to piss me off, then quit it. This is the first and the last warning."

"Oh, no, no. I'm terribly sorry. You look so cold, I doubted you could understand what I'd explain. So, like…."

Raul scratched his head.

"When I was a young boy, I wondered why the stars had different colors."

"Ho? It's very close to scientific perspective."

"No, what I really thought next is that just like the candies having different flavors, do they also have different tastes as well."

"…Are you a retard or something? You cannot consume celestial objects."

Raul scratched his again while he was laughing big, then drank beer again.

"Retard, huh? Well, you might not be wrong since I ended up becoming a pirate anyway."

"…."

What even is this conversation?

Horizon mumbled something and turned her eyes back. Why did she even bother?

What is Yubin doing now? Did they save Rita and Dash? Though it's not like she doubts their skills but still can't deny the possibility of failure in her CPU.

'Catastrophe Blades and Lightning Earthquake. Though they're rather random names, his combat ability was considerably one of the best that I have ever seen from Counters.'

Horizon sighed and drank through a straw.

"Man, what's the deal anyway?"

"I'm just stuck with an extremely boring person, that's all."

"Oh, come on. I'm actually the most talkative person in this ship. I just couldn't assume what you're interested in! Say, then how about you making a question then?"

Then Horizon said without expecting anything. "How about telling me of our destination and why, then?"

"Good."

"See? That's why we can't make a good conversa- what did you say?"

"I said okay. Leader said that don't treat you like an enemy, so why not? And I think you will know it soon enough anyway. Oh, but don't say I told you."

Then she put down the tumbler cup on the table as well.

"Machines make no fake promises. Yes, definitely I will not."

"Okay! So… We saw some giant cocoon in the specific parallel world."

"What? A cocoon? What are you even talking about?"

"Administratorate located a deceased body of the Corruptor which is named The Soulless One. We thought it's not a big deal but Leader is clearly obsessed with it."

"Soulless One…?"

Raul crossed his arms.

"Well, you know. Leader is a machine that evolves like a life form."

"And why is that even important anyway? Machine is but an assembled body of component mechanical parts, not adapting to the environment like animals."

"I mean, she evolves, that's her name anyway! Also, adapting… that's what I'm talking about. Even if she tries to make it happen, that process probably needs the right condition."

Horizon seemingly disagrees with that totally. "Seeking more powers? Just fighting with everything you got, that will do."

"Oh, it's not me who sought for that. So, please. Anyway, regardless of what you said, she seeks such stimulation. Also, she's also very interested in your strength which has been established in a completely different environment.

She grumbled. "Why should I care about what she tries to achieve? It's so annoying. It's just the same as before, she's just doing whatever she wants. She never changed."

"Huh, I didn't know anything about the relation between Leader and you."

"What do you even want to say anyway?"

"You see, you're a machine too. Probably you can understand her more easily than me. To improve herself, Leader literally absorbs other machines, claiming she's the embodiment of the idea of evolution. But she didn't eat you. She might be aiming something else, the goal more than her own evolution. Intriguing, isn't it?"

Maybe, Horizon thought.

Perhaps that's enough for him, Raul stood up. "I mean, whatever. That's just what I wanted to say." Horizon turned her head to meet his eyes. "I see your point. I didn't expect something productive from you but that was one, I admit."

"So you can say nice things. Okay, then."

Raul stretched his arms a little bit then left.

Horizon grabbed the cup again in a romantic mood as soon as she became alone, enjoying the silence and taste of oil as she was captivated by the natural beauty of the wondrous body of space which emits diverse and mystic colors like wizard's tricks.

.

.

.

Long Before.

The founder of Alphatrix company had a child with a young blonde lady whom he gave the name Cecilia to. Her bright and glittering blonde hair, crystal-clear sea-like cerulean eyes, and her general behavior of acting like a rodent distinguished herself from her brothers and sisters.

Apparently beloved by everyone, she always looked in mirrors and developed her own "refined" manner which was more like a spoiled princess. Yet even though she might be conceited, her heart was still naive and pure, thus the president was happy with what she was.

But one day, she lost big money in gambling. Her father scolded Cecilia and did not see her for days. This came as a huge shock and cried in her room for days.

That was just part of parenting and didn't mean more than that. Then later they dined together in a lavish restaurant, unexpectedly his granddaughter.

"Father, who is this girl…?"

"Her name is Jia. I hope you two will get along together."

To President, Jia was the chosen heiress of Alphatrix appropriate.

The only legacy of his deceased son.

However, this caused a huge mistake for Cecilia. After that night, she can't help herself but thought his attention shifted from her to Jia…. Which wasn't completely wrong in fact.

Jia was too good at everything, unthinkably so.

Quick wasn't really appropriate word to describe how she's learning. No, rather she looked like knew everything even before heard of them. Whether it's language or science or history, she comprehended all.

Cecilia's Counterwatch was manifested during this process, realizing how this universe was constructed and functioning.

The president always kept Jia around and tested her during making serious decisions related to company business.

Of course, she always chose the correct one, with no one's surprise.

No wonder Cecilia felt envy more than anyone about this.

And she felt there was no place for her. They seemed really happy without her, like loving father and daughter.

Then one day, her father was just gone.

Jia became the CEO of Alphatrix that night.

When Cecilia was crying alone in her room, suddenly someone knocked on the door.

"…Who?" As she opened the door she could see Ga Eun.

All her relatives hated Ga Eun for no apparent reason at all, but kind-hearted Cecilia was different: She felt pity.

She thought, Ga Eun couldn't get the love that she deserved.

However she was gone a long time ago, Cecilia never could expect to see her on that day.

Ga Eun said. "Cecilia, you don't like Jia, aren't you?"

Her question was rather out of place from someone who suddenly returned, but Cecilia nodded anyway.

"…I think so."

"Then come with me."

Ga Eun held Cecilia's hand tightly, then left with her from the castle-like tall grey building.

To somewhere, they went, walked and walked for a long time, inside the forgotten forest, they went down to the big hole.

It reminded her of Hollow Earth theory.

The inside was big, too big.

it wasn't dark so she could see everything. stepping on green vines, hearing the water flowing, she went deeper and at the end Cecilia could see a giant tree, with an equally large snake encircled it, sleeping.

"I never have seen a place like this before!"

"Quiet. You don't want to wake the snake. Just put your hand on the tree."

Like a princess of a fairytale, Cecilia without any doubt did what Ga Eun asked. Then her thoughts flew naturally, like the tree was reading her mind, or maybe she was talking to it.

When she lifted her palm… her heart felt a bit lighter.

Cecilia then realized something strange about the tree.

Blooming, then like the flowers or fruits, things looked like Jia fell. That made her step back, but those "Jias" approached her like hatchlings and looked at Cecilia.

"W-What are they? Go away!"

Then without any change on their faces, they backed away.

Ga Eun explained to Cecilia who still couldn't understand what was going on. "This tree eats the feelings in your heart. Since yours is about Shin Jia…."

"But they obeyed to me just now…."

Ga Eun lied. "Of course, they will. Since they were born from your emotions."

Then Cecilia stretched her back and said in a pompous tone.

"Oh yeah? Good, then! Jia! Give me a good massage!"

Then all the "Jias" rushed to her and pressed, gripped her body….

"Aww, Aww! It hurts! Stop! Only one of you is fine! Stop, stop!"

Anyway, for some reason this made her mood better, so Cecilia kept revisiting that cave continuously.

"Who's the cutest and the most competent girl in the world?"

""""It's you, auntie.""""

Maybe her pride was restored when she played with Jia who his father cared so much.

However she couldn't expect at that time, this would eventually become a great threat to her.

After years….

Cecilia was ignored by her family and disliked due to the various reasons.

She wasn't particularly talented or good at anything, simply wasted money at gambling.

While everyone just ridiculed her failure, Jia, out of her compassion, suggested her aunt to become a secretary.

However, Cecilia misunderstood it as an insult.

"What do you even know anything about me anyway?! Fine, I will make my own company and defeat this petty Alphatrix!"

Crying out aloud like a kid she ran outside… and only one place she could go.

Unlike her family who hated Cecilia so much, like flowers Jias in the underground cave waited for her and readily listened to whatever she honestly spoke.

They could embrace her as whom she really is.

While Jias hugged Cecilia and soothed her, Ga Eun approached.

"Oh, isn't it famous Gambler? Fine matches I watched, thanks to you."

"Please, don't say that…."

"Say, I admit you have great ambition. Do you really want to win against Alphatrix guys?"

"…Yes."

"Then how about founding Betatrix or whatever?"

"Beta… trix?"

"Just think it simply. You can become the CEO of Betatrix and make more money than the CEO of Alphatrix. That shall be the perfect revenge that I will aid."

At that time, whatever pushed her, Cecilia had a deal with the devil that is Ga Eun.

Then for years, Betatrix could raise funds and invent shady weapons and drugs, and conducted even more shady researches related to Corruptors and Counterside.

They grew extremely notorious and everyone in the black market noticed Betatrix company, but Cecilia had no control over it whatsoever or rather knew nothing of what was even going on.

Though one thing for sure, she could brag about this in the family reunion.

But even herself doubted whether that was the best decision or not. Ga Eun seemingly contacted the terrorist group so-called the Replacer, and had a dangerous friend so-called Mansion Master.

Yet she couldn't do anything, but just like trying to escape from reality, she didn't do anything, just wasted her time in the arms of Jias.

At that point, she noticed Ga Eun didn't even pretend to act like her friend anymore.

Why is she even here?

Everyday she only thought about such things.

Then one day, Ga Eun said.

"That Coffin Company is empty now. Since the most of units are gone, we can win if we attack now."

"…Do we really have to do this?"

Recently Cecilia only kept saying that.

Maybe it's just her wish to see the Ga Eun she knew again, in a timid and helpless attitude. But Ga Eun, although she knew it, just ignored that.

"You said you hated Alphatrix so much, did you not? Dominic said he can't get Administrator now but I don't think so."

"W-Wait…."

Then Ga Eun made a very sinister face.

"Ahahahaha, Hahahaha! It shall be very dramatic that Alphatrix is wiped out by the clones looking like their CEO!"

Then Ga Eun flipped her finger, then at once "Jias" lost their own wills, and like broken dolls they went out.

"W-Wait! Guys? Where are you going? N-No!"

"You will get what you wanted… finally."

"N-No! Please, Ga-Eun, please…! I will do anything, but spare them…!"

Then Ga Eun looked back at Cecilia with her soulless eyes, let out a voice of no living thing. "They're nothing but Corruptors created from your mind, mere delusions with forms. Why do you even care? Did you forget what I explained?"

"No… Please, no…! Right, You said, You said they came from my heart so listening to everything that I said!"

Then just like a little girl who tries to catch her elder sisters, Cecilia cried, desperately chased them. Ga Eun sneered. "Ha… it was expected." Then she turned her head… stared at Corruptor Yggdrasil.

"Hard times create strong men."

"Strong men create good times."

"Good times create weak men."

"Weak men create hard times."

"…Since she held no hatred upon me so I couldn't look deep into her thought. But now it was proven… she was just an air-headed naive girl. This Yggdrasil is under my control. She couldn't even guess, didn't she? Though it took a very long time but your role is over, Cecilia."

Then she lit her eyes and said to the giant snake encircling the tree. "Nidhogg."

It responded, moved its eyes.

"Now is the time to finish them with your poison… or else you will be dead."

Then Corruptor Nidhogg shrank its body. Apparently, this giant snake was being commanded by Ga Eun herself out of fear as well. After silently reading its thoughts, Ga Eun said and left. "If you don't like it, then be victorious. Soon, Mansion Master will come. Taint her dolls with your essence."

Then Ga Eun all of sudden disappeared from there. It was her counter ability bestowed by the gold ring. Making a hissing sound, the snake lay down and closed its eyes again.

On that night….

"Under the pale moon- For so many years I've wondered who you are- "

"How can a person like you bring me joy- Under the pale moon- "

"I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes- Life is demanding without understanding- No one's gonna drag you up to get into the light where you belong- "

"I saw the sign and it opened up my mind- And I am happy now living without you- I've left you, ooohhh- I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign- "

Administrator, Jia, Veronica, the three had dinner outside and were going back to Coffin Company in a car.

As the rain fell, he picked one of the old cassette tapes and played.

While Administrator drives the car by himself, Jia sitting in the back seat said. "That was the restaurant I went to with my grandfather and aunt Cecilia when I was young."

"No wonder it is memorable to you." Administrator replied.

"What was your impression about it, Veronica?"

The maid said. "I dare not ask more than having a meal with you, master." Though she said it but with a satisfied smile, slightly visible.

"…I guess it was fine to you as well."

"…."

She closed her eyes and smiled in a relieved mood.

After a short time passed, they almost reached Coffin HQ.

"Anyway…."

After receiving the report from Lily about Cecilia's attack, Administrator had no idea who or what she is like in this world, but one thing was clear: she'd produce Jia's clones to assault.

Adequate defensive strategy was necessary, to prepare for night battle proper, he ordered his employees to sleep during the day.

Also, there might be an enemy who disguised as CEO Jia, so he said, do not let your guard down, and only the one who's accompanied by Veronica is the real one.

Though that was the cautious and correct decision, but his assumption itself was wrong.

To be specific, there was no Singularity Project.

Jia herself was no clone, unlike the other universes Administrator knew. That much was a clear difference.

"But you never have slept today… would it be okay for you?" Jia asked.

"It matters not to me."

This man took a likeness of man but he is something more than that.

He didn't need to rest, apparently.

But though Jia vaguely figured that out, she still concerned him like a young mother overlooking her child.

"I don't like it."

"What do you not like?"

"You never should have been here. You should lead us from back, in the safe place, until the world becomes peaceful again."

"But what if you die?"

"It is okay. You will create the world we need, even if that happened… and also you will remember me, no matter what happened. But I can't even dare to imagine you'd die for us."

Her answer brought only a question to Administrator.

Why is she so protective? He thought.

'Anyone who wants to kill others must expect vice versa.'

Jia asked further. "But why did you make a decision like this? I'm here. I will do anything instead of you. If I'm not enough, don't you have Olympian already?"

Veronica too, turned her head and looked at him.

Administrator looked at the rearview mirror. "The Counters should be led from the front."

"…."

"An army of deer led by a lion is more to be feared than an army of lions led by a dear. How can we win if a coward commands you?"

They finally arrived at Coffin Company.

Administrator thought. 'Though the fortification wasn't completely finished, but it's good enough for now.'

He renovated the whole building into something like a castle.

Since it functions as a shelter for the employees and their families, so obviously he focused on that purpose.

Administrator grabbed a pistol and an umbrella then left the car with Jia and Veronica.

In front of them, Olympian landed which had stood and waited on the building's rooftop.

Then suddenly, from behind someone was coming.

It was a figure of a red hat, blonde hair, and a huge black coat.

Cecilia.

Though Administrator anticipated her presence but for some reason, she's here by herself. So he aimed the pistol in the direction.

But she didn't care.

'What's the meaning of this?'

Rain or tear, something falls from her blue dim eyes.

Cecilia ran toward Jia and grabbed her clothes desperately. "Y-You okay? Thank goodness! You don't have to listen to anyone but me! I will protect you! So…!"

"Aunt…?"

For years Jia couldn't even see her. But now she appeared from nowhere, crying, saying nonsense.

"Umm, Auntie, I don't understand what you're talking about…."

"Jia…?"

Cecilia then looked at Administrator and Veronica. She finally realized.

"W-Wait… You're the real Jia, aren't you?"

"What do you even mean, real?"

"Then? Then…?"

She ran to Coffin Company.

After a short hesitation, Administrator opened the front door from a distance with his authority.

In the inside the Corruptors who took the likeness of Jia were all dead.

"No… No…!"

Cecilia's despair came true.

To her, they were like all pets or friends she cared to much.

Cecilia sat down and tried to touch the melted remains. But yet nothing more than a sap of Corrupted World Tree, it flowed down between fingers.

She cried, cried so hard.

Like mourning for the part of herself torn out.

Not knowing what is going on, Jia and Veronica only could look at her, said nothing. Then with that sound, Eddie, Jisoo, and others were rushed to come.

Administrator raised his hand and said with Olympian at the same time.

""It's me. Everyone's in the shelter just like I ordered, isn't it?""

"…So this is our Administrator."

Olympian's red lens met Eddie's eyes. At that moment, the man in a black suit told the exact same sentence.

""Anyway, is anyone injured?""

"Not at all. But… Who's this? Why is she crying?"

Then Olympian turned on the hologram footage screen.

They were nothing to Jisoo's blade, Eddie and others provided covering fire for her.

Since these Corruptors were not that much powerful, and failed to infiltrate Admin's base, they couldn't assassinate anyone.

Born from liquid, returned to liquid.

Having intimating knowledge about Corruptor species, Administrator touched the sap and soon figured out what that was.

"Yggdrasil… The tree of granting wishes."

"Yggdrasil…?" Jia mumbled.

"Thousands of years ago, the northern gods had a council under the world tree. Even in the era of Roman Republic, there were Germanic tribes that sanctified certain areas related to this legend. Some of them were actually true, since the seeds of Yggdrasil were sowed on this earth."

"…."

"The saplings served many purposes and had a good potential. Like their original, the roots were connected to the centre of universe, they can make anything with its fruit. But it requires specific emotions or thoughts to be nourished. A lot of legends were involved with it. Many Vikings who wanted to see the gods, young adults who lost their lovers. And they got what they wanted - nothing but false delusions."

"…That's a really sad story."

"No, pointless myths." Administrator rather concluded the conversation in a cold manner. Veronica who always saw him as rational but humane, felt him a bit off from usual.

Jia fell into deep thought in questioning.

Why did Cecilia make the illusions of Jia and try to protect them?

Why is she crying so heartbroken?

After she left home like a runaway, how did she live until this point?

Administrator's explanation about the World Tree which grants the vision of the subject what they feel zeal or love….

Feeling rather confused, Jia quietly called her. "…Aunt Cecilia?"

When Cecilia heard the familiar voice again, she threw herself in the arms of Jia.

Though still could not understand….

…Somehow Jia could sympathize with her.

As if a young daughter finally returned home.

….

The others standing there didn't really know what their past relationship was like, so couldn't say anything.

Meanwhile Ga Eun….

In the deep underground cave, stood next to Mansion Master who was drinking coffee. There were combat maids she trained also with her.

The lady of Mansion was feeling unexplainable anxiety.

"What do you feel other than disturbance like usual?" Ga Eun asked with her otherworldly voice.

Mansion Master said. "Can you even guess how much time and effort I made to bloom those flowers? And you Replacers took them away from me for this… mediocre operation." She barely could contain her hostility.

'So she thinks I'm working for the Replacers…? It doesn't matter.'

Ga Eun looked at the maid next to her, and seemingly the poison of Nidhogg already corrupted their essence.

"What are you looking at?" Mansion Master asked in a very annoyed tone.

Hatred.

Actually such attitude was rather comfortable to Ga Eun. This was how people treated her, which is rather something naturally expected.

Cecilia was… an exception. different.

Ga Eun didn't like it, for some reason.

Anyway, everything seemed to be good to go, so Ga Eun said. "No, it's nothing. Just send them now."

"To address me like that is getting on my nerves."

"Like or not I don't care. Obey, this is what Dominic wants."

"…."

It wasn't actually, but Ga Eun used her misunderstanding to pass this situation. Having no other choice, Mansion Master gave a hand gesture to her Maid Combatants.

"…Then, fulfill your duties."

Already they're under the influence of Corruptor Nidhogg, but not knowing that happened, Mansion Master just watching them leave.

Ga Eun, hid beyond the shadow, silently laughing at her ignorance.

Back to Administrator.

He gathered everyone in the command room of the shelter. Jia, Xien, Edie, Charlie, Jessica, Jisoo, Veronia, Cecilia. On the monitor screen, there is an overwhelming number of maids with combat vehicles and jets.

Olympian next to Admin stood like a statue and made machinery noises, Administrator asked Cecilia.

"Cecilia, now what do you want to do?"

"…."

She doesn't say anything but hold Jia's shirt sleeve, like a little girl.

Her eyes lost will, only reflecting her empty mind.

"Aunt, we don't have much time." Hearing Jia's voice, Cecilia thought the clones and then she realized those Jias she knew are no longer with her.

"…I don't know."

Administrator said. "You're thinking too hard for mere Corruptors."

Cecilia yelled.

"Mere Corruptors?! What do you even know about them?!"

"You invested too much emotions even though not knew what they were."

"Wait, Admin…!" Jia considered this too harsh so she tried to interject.

But Administrator didn't stop.

"They were nothing from the very beginning. Know that, and see the reality with eyes of the correct view."

"You know, my aunt took emotional shock from that. Couldn't you be more considerate, a little bit?"

"If we leave her alone like that, she won't get over the feeling of guilt and loss by herself alone. To mend the mind, immediately correcting her own perspective is the best way."

"But even so…."

Then Cecilia said.

"How can you even say to forget them? They're… to me… to me they're…!" She couldn't continue.

"I didn't say to forget them. When you can face this whole occurrence by your own existence and may put your heart upon complete serenity, you will finally be reached what you truly be."

"Gee… ggg… gggk…!"

To Administrator who intertwined his fingers and said so rationally or rather coldly, Veronica gently suggested.

"Master…."

"What is it, Veronica?"

"You're an extraordinary man. To most people the way how you live your life like that… is rather something unexpectable, unimaginable, and incomprehensible."

But Administrator couldn't think otherwise. "…Is that so?" Since he was just a being like that from his nature.

Then he asked Cecilia again. "Cecilia, so how do you see yourself now? The president of Betatrix company or the aunt of Shin Jia?"

"…I don't know."

"Then let me ask you in this way. Do you want to go back where you were and help them?"

"Never… I don't want to see them again."

"Then, the only choice left for you is helping us."

Administrator continued. "We should decide what are we going to do with you now. Jia and I want to rather pardon you. Tell us everything you know, then you will be fine."

"…."

Cecilia hesitated for a bit then said. "Come to think of it now, even though I was a president of Betatrix but not that I know anything of it. Ga Eun did everything."

Jia surprised. "Shin Ga Eun, you mean?"

"Yes. One of our family members, the girl who returned to Gronia when she was young…. Yes, Ga Eun is involved with this case."

Administrator said. "So she has something to do with World Tree, then. Ga Eun planned this attack, wasn't she?"

"You know everything…. It's true. Since Coffin's units were divided and dipatched to Japan and Gronia, she ordered an assault on Coffin Company with a woman called Mansion Master."

But Administrator couldn't be convinced by that.

'They knew Olympian is here. Why did they even do that?'

This is a fight they can't win.

After the battle in America against Wilbur, Probably Olympian's power was already known to them.

It's equal to level 4 Corruptor. And they just decided to throw these puny maids?

'The Adversaria couldn't be this stupid. Perhaps she will aid this battle by herself.'

'That woman's Counter Ability is hiding, undetectable. So she will attack from the rear when Mansion Master's maids are engaging in the front? But even then….'

What is she even thinking?

Just by looking at it, no good tactics were in here on her position.

Administrator looked at the screen again and said.

"The battle will soon begin. Though I cannot even imagine what do they even try to accomplish with that…."

Then Administrator looked at everyone and ordered.

"It's about time. On the first floor, I will deploy the guard robots of great durability. Those maids will have a hard time to deal with."

"And Jia, I ask you to snipe those maids carrying big guns that could break walls."

Jia nodded. "Don't worry, I will take care of them." Then she told Xien. "Miss Lin, I want you to assist me."

Lin crossed her arms and nodded. "Good. Now I can have a real fight finally."

Administrator said. "Eddie, grab the machine guns and rockets. Destroy any aircraft approaching with missile launchers, and keep shooting bullets at the enemies on the ground."

"Your plan always sounds right and makes sense."

Charlie said. "Nice. We don't have to worry about ammo, right?!" Charlie asked.

"Practically so."

"The best company ever…."

Jessica rolled up her sleeves. "Well, he pays well. So it can be said…."

"…Where do you think I should be?" Jisoo asked as she flipped her hair.

"To the rooftop. Protect them if something happens."

"What? I'm a swordswoman. Shouldn't I be on the first floor as well?"

"No, The defense of that position will be enough with Olympian and guard robots. When the battle begins, the enemy will see the frontal gate is hard to break through and try to attack from the air as well. But those three aren't Counters. If the enemy airship could get close, then they have no choice but to fall back. But if you can hold the line if you're with them."

It will be nothing but an incompetent commander to force his subordinates to keep standing there in a situation like that.

"…I'll do as you ask, though I doubt they can actually pull that off. Yubin said that I should do whatever order you gave to me anyway."

"Speaking of asking, should Eddie's team withdraw, guard their rear."

"Oh, you're not even asking. But fine, I don't want to lose the familiar faces anyway."

Jisoo sighed. Jessica looked at her and grinned.

'All this is very considerate, only could be come from someone who has a heart of man.' Eddie thought.

Administrator said. "Then, to your position."

While everyone was leaving the room, Veronica asked. "Master, I failed to receive any order from you…?"

"You're waiting here for now. If something unexpected happens then I have to send you there."

She's a reserve, in Administrator's plan.

"Understood."

Administrator then intertwined his fingers again and covered his face, staring at the monitors with sharp eyes.

Veronica holding a rifle stood next to him.

Cecilia didn't do anything but sat there, looking down.

Three minutes later.

When the maids of Mansion Master began their attack, Coffin Company responded with Olympian in the frontal gate, from the rooftop they poured down a barrage of bullets, and from the second floor multiple images of Jia aimed at them with sniper rifles.

It wasn't even a challenge to them.

The most important factor of this type of engagement is terrain and firepower. Starting a battle with a defensive fortress already gave too much advantage to Administrator.

One of the maids shot an explosive rocket, but it didn't do any damage to the wall.

Administrator only focused on where Ga Eun is now.

As he expected, they initiated an air assault to carry a bunch of maids to the rooftop.

Charlie destroyed one of them with a rocket launcher. Through the screen Administrator could see that.

'Where is it…? Ga Eun, Where are you?'

'Would you make your move only after all maids are dead?'

'If I were you, I'll strike the rear and kill the ranged infantries first when everyone is focused on the ground battle….'

Administrator doesn't want to lose anyone because of his mistake, busily looking at the screens to find her.

But….

The Adversaria herself didn't appear.

Fourty minutes later….

"I can feel it, definitely this is a fight I yearned for." Lin said as she took another magazine and reloaded her gun.

'But anyway… The CEO of Alphatrix takes orders from a man of petty Taskforce? That's unthinkable. What relationship are they in anyway?'

Clearly this isn't normal.

And considering the conversation they had, they look very personal too. But how could someone in a rather insignificant position become an acquaintance with her?

'…Huh, maybe our young lady fell in love.'

Maybe simply it was that?

Anyway, there is no enemy left so Lin asked. "Miss President, I think our job in here is done…."

Jia was thinking about something else, then answered.

"Probably it's not over yet."

"What? But…."

Jia didn't say anything in front of Administrator, but she also doubted that the enemy wouldn't make a stupid move like this.

They totally wasted everything. And they could even know this even before conducting the operation.

Though she can't explain, something is there….

"…."

Jia kept looking outside.

The transport ship which crashed into the buildings… she felt something weird about it.

Then, the vision became surreal.

From there, the maids are coming out.

Without guns, they're attacking everything whatever they saw, biting the necks of other humans, and their victims too, were doing the exact same.

"How could this be happened…?!"

Jia hurried to open the channel. "Admin, are you watching this?!"

"I do!"

"What should we do?! If this is left unchecked then the city will be…!"

"I know. But we're not enough to stop all of them by ourselves."

"But…!"

She needs to do something, otherwise it will spread more and further. Out of responsibility, she felt desperate.

Administrator pressed Olympian forward, ripped apart the reanimated maid. Then upon its corpse he fixed the war machine's lens and carefully examined it.

'This is… poison of Nidhogg.'

He could understand everything now.

Normally this Zombie type of Corruptors isn't really effective in the siege battle for an attacker's position.

Simply because they cannot be controlled.

To attack the fortification is the primary object but since they're stupid and can't take any order, so only getting in the way. More than that, there are risks that they might cause friendly fires.

On the other hand, if you're in a defender's position, then it doesn't require any tricky tactics, since you can just throw them like meat shields.

But, what if there are Zombies like that but can be controlled?

The fearless, undying infantry units pushing themselves without failure of morale. Desirable, actually. From the mythic era, even the gods tried to research how to make such "ultimate soldiers".

This Nidhogg's poison is one of the researches for that.

Administrator could read the move of his enemy now. When the Zombies are multiplied enough, Ga Eun shall regroup them and launch the final attack.

'The chain of command will break, though, if the source of poison is eliminated. I should slay the Nidhogg by myself quick, there is no other choice left.'

Administrator asked Cecilia. "Cecilia, I ask one thing. Have you seen any unusually large giant snake before?"

"…."

"Cecilia!"

His yell brought her back to reality.

"I saw it under the World Tree…."

"When was that?"

"Today's morning… in the cave where I always have been…."

Administrator calculated the odds and decided.

'Then there is a good chance for it being still there.'

"Cecilia, ride on Olympian and guide us to that cave. If we can't kill that snake then more people will become Corruptors."

"Eh, what?!"

It's too dangerous. She knows that too.

Veronica asked too. "I, too, beg you. There is no other person who can save them, Miss Cecilia."

'N-No…. I… don't really want to go there again…!'

But.

Through the monitor screen, she could see that more people dying.

This is not a movie. It's real. How can she just avert her eyes like nothing?

And….

Jia spoke through the communication link. "Auntie."

"…."

"Please…. We must end this."

The voice she heard again.

It feels like… as if "Jias" asking to finish this whole thing….

….

"You're right… we must finish this. I will go… I will do it…!"

Administrator said. "You too, Veronica. If Ga Eun or any other enemy is waiting there then Olympian in the current state will not be enough to handle all of them."

"Understood, sir."

"There is something else I want you to take as well."

Administrator pulled a double barrel shotgun from the desk drawer to give it to Veronica. "Use this."

"Is this…?"

"It's something that I used long before. Your gun won't do any damage on Ga Eun or Nidhogg."

"…I appreciate your concern, Master."

"At once we shall move." Veronica bowed, then turned her head to Cecilia. "Lady Cecilia, this way."

Then Cecilia nodded and they went outside.

As they left the building, they saw Olympian standing there. They rode to its shoulder and flew out.

Jisoo on the rooftop saw Olympian releasing blue light from its rear and crossing the night sky. "We haven't seen such Corruptors before. What a lousy night… everything is so messy."

Organizing the ammunition, Jessica said. "We're at the end of an era. It's expectable."

"I guess so. After the Replacers emerged, the entire world lost its track."

"But I'm very glad that there are the people who try to stop them, just like you."

Jisoo gave a small smirk. "Hmm… indeed, just like you."

Meanwhile Ga Eun in the cave….

Mansion Master finally realized that she was being used, so she slammed the desk and screamed at Ga Eun. "What the hell is this?! How dare you turn my flowers into disgusting abominations like that?"

Maybe she had own sophisticated standard about life and death, and this does not befit her appetite.

But Ga Eun only gazed back at her with cold frozen eyes.

"If they were the Replacers, it could have been more effective."

"What did you say?!"

"To blame you is the rightful conclusion since you would contribute nothing to us. Know that I'm giving you a chance, if this succeeds then Dominic will recognize you."

"When did I ask such things? Do you have any idea that why did I refuse to turn my flowers into those Half-Corruptor monsters? Dominic is crazy as much as his sense, and…!"

"The only thing crazy is your ludicrous delusions."

Mansion Master now has no use for her.

So Ga Eun just told her what she actually thinks.

With that insult, she couldn't even retort back.

"You… You little bitch…!" Then Mansion Master pulled the handgun from her sleeve and fired at Ga Eun. But Adversaria suddenly disappeared, then reappeared again behind her.

"Did you honestly expect that you could kill me with that? No… do not say. Let me read your thoughts. Hmm…." Ga Eun held her gun at the head of Mansion Master.

Her drowning and darkened voice filled the silence of the cave.

"Fury… and fear."

If it was only that, then one could say it's just a lucky guess. But she was actually able to read thoughts.

"Very confusing, isn't it? Since all the maids are gone, Do I have still use to Dominic and his Replacers. Maybe they will just get rid of me."

"If I surrender to Coffin then will they accept me? If I beg Veronica then perhaps they can spare my life."

"…But life without pride but shame, do I even need that?"

"H-How…?!"

That was exactly what she had in her mind.

Mansion Master's face turned red, couldn't contain her anger and she felt dizzy and collapsed on the chair.

Ga Eun sneered.

"What a worthless individual that is you… to see through your brain is like reading the mind of a worm." With those words, the Adversaria vanished again.

The tree and snake and woman were just left there.

In the darkness, hidden under the shadow, Rivet smiled and mumbled alone.

"Oh… I thought they were friends. That was so awkward, wasn't it?"

Her index finger over lips, Rivet winked. "I think you're so done… Not that I hate you, Mansion. But I'll do this for Regina and Coffin's boss. Please don't hate me too much!" Strangely enough, no one was actually listening but Rivet just talked to herself.

She too left like Ga Eun, unnoticed.

And.

Olympian and others finally reached the forest of illusion.

The zombified living creatures were also there.

Speaking of them, even before Ga Eun carried out this operation, she tainted nearby animals and hid them under the river to guard this place.

And this time, Ga Eun is using them to block the entrance of the secret cave.

Cecilia asked. "Now here we are… what should we do now?"

Administrator let Olympian float in the air and thought.

'They're fairly weak but if I waste all Olympian's missiles and cannons at them….'

'It'd be not enough at the point when I'd face Nidhogg or Ga Eun.'

Though Olympian isn't Dialis form yet, the basic model itself is still formidable.

But the problem is that it's heavily relying on classical firearms. If they're exhausted then basically it has no weapons left to use.

'It does not seem to be a good idea to just press on from here.'

Then, suddenly someone hit the foot part of Olympian with a bullet.

Under the moonlight, Rivet on the tree waved her hand. To let Administrator know her she fired her snipe rifle at him, apparently.

'Is that Rivet? Why is she even here?'

"Here, here!"

Administrator brought Olympian closer to her.

"I never expected to see you in here, Rivet."

"Huh…? Wait, CEO! You knew my name? Have we met before? Ahaha, probably so! Sorry, I forgot."

No. Actually they haven't met before.

Anyway, Rivet said. "Mansion Master is there. I saw Ga Eun too… But she's suddenly disappeared. That's what you were looking for, right? But you're worrying that should you use all your missiles here or not, something like that? Right?"

…What is this woman?

"You read me correctly…."

"See? Sometimes mercenaries have the best hunch! Hmm… Oh… Ah!"

'You don't look like a typical mercenary though….'

Rivet said. "Boss, I know the other way to get around! But… can you trust me?"

Then both Veronica and Cecilia looked at Olympian. Administrator immediately said. "I do. Just lead the way, you don't need to fight."

"Huh? Really?"

"Is there any reason to not believe you? You're a friend of Regina, aren't you? Her friend is my friend as well."

"A friend… oh, it might be. The reason…. You see, even I do think that I myself am not a person to be trusted."

"…."

Administrator thought. 'Upon all universes, she always has a very… unique personality.'

But it's not like he hates it.

"Anyway, let's go!"

Rivet made a big leap then sat on Olympian, stretched her index finger to indicate the direction. Olympian flew that way.

Ten minutes later.

Through another cave, submerged into the underground lake and they took a few minutes later they could reach where the World Tree was.

They also saw Nidhogg and Mansion Master as well.

Veronica jumped off from silently hovering Olympian.

"Rivet… that was her name, right? She was gone." Cecilia looked around.

"She used the personal cloaking device and left. We didn't ask her to fight anyway, so it's fine."

"Okay, if you say so…. Anyway, that's the snake you asked. What do you do now…?"

"Kill it, obviously. Rather I should have to ask."

"About what?"

"Is it okay for you to remove that tree now?"

"…." Cecilia, without any words, nodded.

With that, Olympian's red lens looked at Veronica. "Now I will ask you, Veronica. Do you have anything to say to your former master?"

"No… I don't wish to interrupt my master. We will lose our chance for a surprise attack."

"You're the master of yourself."

Administrator continued. "To prove that to your past might be a crucial process in your life, I thought."

I am the master of myself. That was the word that he said to Veronica before.

"Indeed, we can just bombard her from this distance… but is that what you want?"

"…."

Veronica hesitated a little then decided.

"It is terribly regretful, but will you allow me to have a minute to put an end with her by myself?"

Then Administrator pulled back Olympian a little. "Do as you wish."

Veronica silently smiled and lowered her head, with a sincere feeling of gratitude in her heart.

Then she reveals herself from darkness, blasting off the head of a maid standing next to Mansion Master with a shotgun. Then, she gently gripped up both edges of her skirt and gracefully bowed.

But Mansion Master wasn't even impressed by that ceremony, she drank a sip of wine and said. "Ah, Veronica… my masterpiece." She continued. "Why did you return to me, you betrayer…."

"I never betrayed you." Veronica raised her double-barrel shotgun, but not aimed at her. "You betrayed me… *master*."

"Ah… my Veronica. Do we really have to argue about this even now? You can admit. You never realized what is true loyalty."

"No, it's more than what you said. When you denied my existence… I realized that in your mind I was long gone. On that day, you gave up to possess me."

Hearing her words, Mansion Master's face was twisted and she threw a wine cup. The sound of glass breaking spread in the cave. After a short moment of pause, Mansion Master gravely opened her lips.

"Me, denied you? Ridiculous! You forgot about me! Because you grew tired of me, you hated me!"

"…."

Veronica didn't say anything.

What exactly happened between them, Cecilia only could guess.

Looking deep into Veronica's eyes, Mansion Master muttered. "You don't believe me, don't you? But I always knew what you were thinking, and why did you make a face like that… always. I will show you the proof that I never forgot about you at all…."

Then she snapped her finger. Then, from every corner Corruptors looked like Veronica walked forward.

She herself too, created the copied Corruptors of Veronica by using World Tree, just like Cecilia.

Because Veronica heard this from Administrator, she too understands what this means.

"…Do you want to know about whom they are?"

"It is fine. My master already told me about this Yggdrasil…."

Veronica closed her eyes, then opened again. Everything what she wanted to tell, and has to tell is so clear right now. "I could vaguely feel that. You didn't want me. Something different… and at that time, we both couldn't know what we were talking about or even talking to. But now we know. You always desired… this tree, all along. Not me."

"…Are you saying that I never wanted you?"

Veronica with a saddened face, she lowered her gun.

"That is what I said."

"What does that even mean?! I can't understand you! You heard it, what this tree does! And you saw it, that I couldn't forget about you even now!"

"…We are…." Veronica continued. "We never had an actual conversation. You never tried to hear anything. What I think, what I feel, and how I see myself as an individual… never you tried to understand. You only tried to reflect your own notion on the vessel… which is named as Veronica. That was I."

"W-What…?!"

"The past we spent our times together… You desired to chat only with an ideal in your head. The maid what you're dreaming… and it has not been changed."

Mansion Master wasn't a slow woman, she already figured out what Veronica tried to mean. What was the real cause of leaving her or why doesn't Veronica obey her anymore…. everything was come to realization.

But her emotions pushed away her reason. She yelled. "No… I thought… I thought I finally found it, you were the flower that I was looking for, but you turned out to be nothing but a tarnished, tainted failure. That is why… I don't need you anymore, because now I got what I need! Shoot her down, Veronicas! You were the all I dreamed of!"

With that, the Corruptors cocked their shotguns. Of course, Veronica will not withstand their attacks from all directions. But then….

Missiles were launched from where she came, and they poured down on the Corruptor Veronicas.

Hitting hard, they turned into sap-like liquids. After that, with a clanking sound Olympian and Cecilia appeared.

"…."

Olympian menacingly looked down at Mansion Master, completely being silent.

Cecilia sitting on the shoulder of Olympian said. "Mansion, I think we're done…."

Out of uncontrollable fury, Mansion Master pulled off a pistol.

"You incompetent traitor… I immediately knew you were nothing but a stupid buffoon when I saw you for the first time!"

"You know… whatever you say, it's okay now. Everything is over… you can stop now."

"Don't order me around! I'm the master! How dare you address me like that…!"

But even before she pulls the trigger, out of nowhere a bullet flew to Mansion Master's head.

Completely unexpected that, Cecilia opened her eyes wide.

In the sensor of Olympian Rivet was caught but soon she was gone. The pistol of Mansion Master held was dropped on the ground, and Veronica came to her and gently closed her eyes.

"Perhaps you will find what you wanted in there."

Administrator said. "…We must kill Nidhogg now, no time to waste." But as soon as he finished his sentence.

He could see it. The giant snake raised its body and fully awoke, but not just that, Ga Eun herself appeared on the monitor.

With the power of Counter, she scaled the wall of the company by wall-jumping.

'Wait… maybe she couldn't use any other ability while using invisibility?'

That's probably it. Otherwise, she has no reason to reveal herself.

Administrator himself in Coffin Company ordered. "Eddie, That's enough! Return to the shelter!"

Immediately after, Nidhogg in front of Olympian raised its tail and swung.

"Kyaaaaaaaa!" Cecilia grabbed Olympian tightly.

Administrator controlled Olympian nimbly so that it could catch Veronica and ascended.

"…I see it now, so when my hands get busy dealing with Nidhogg, she herself will attack the base by herself…."

Yet it wasn't too hard for him to see and concentrate on both situations.

'She's definitely an Adversaria, clever move she made.'

Indeed that was the best decision she could make. Admitting her capability, Administrator told Jisoo that to the rooftop soon the powerful enemy would come, and instructed Jia to go down to the first floor and fight together with the sentrybots.

And then Jisoo….

Stood alone on the rooftop against the heartless cold wind, waiting for the challenge of Adversaria.

Come.

The Adversaria of this world….

Finally, Jisoo can test her strength on someone worthy enough. "Then… let our weapons talk."

Even if she is an Adversaria, essentially she's just a Counter at the end… there is no way that she can't defeat her, Jisoo thought.

Looking at the two different battlefields, Administrator thought.

'I may kill the snake with current Olympian. The real problem is, however, is there anyone who can defeat Ga Eun here….'

Ga Eun's power is still unknown to Administrator.

'She can disappear all of sudden, and when that happens, there is no way to hit her, undetected.'

'One must deliver the fatal attack when she appears, that's the only time to be allowed to hit.'

Maybe Ga Eun is already powerful enough to defeat The Dark Lords.

Does she even have a weakness?

'Invisible. But unlike Elizabeth or Yubin she cannot fly.'

'If there is a swordsman who can feel her presence and cut it as soon as she reappears….'

Chifuyu in the different world actually reached that level.

'Or maybe a sorcerer who can cast sealing spells to block her movement….'

Chinatsu in the different world actually reached that level.

'I can think of those two as the best pieces in a situation like this.'

But not this point the counterparts of them in this universe couldn't pull off their potential yet, let alone they're still in Japan anyway.

'Jisoo might be an adept for both fields but no expert at either of them, so she may have trouble dealing with Adversaria.'

Administrator looked at the monitor.

On the rooftop two looked at each other.

Ga Eun said in a really strange manner, like talking to air. "Lee Jisoo of Six Wings… since you do not know where I'd be as I disappear, so put up the various setups."

"…!"

"Ghost Walk? Martial God Protect Word? Reverse Body? and Forbidden technique… Night of Curses? To slash me with it?"

Though Ga Eun can read her enemy's mind, but she cannot comprehend what she didn't know.

But even then, Jisoo's plan was all revealed.

'What… how could she…? It's not a fluke, she actually read my mind!'

How can someone like that even exist?

"Mind Reading…. I never imagined anyone using it, but how about this?!"

"…."

Jisoo shouted as she swung her sword.

"Ice-Earth Bloom!" The rooftop of a tall building was covered by snow, all of a sudden.

"…What is this? Trying to track down my footworks? Futile…."

"We shall see, soon."

Making a confident smirk, Jisoo said. "Maybe I should use Ghost Walk…? Draconic Strikes!"

Stepping on snow, quickly charging on Ga Eun.

She simply raised her arm to block Jisoo's first attack, then also blocked the second and third attacks coming from left and right.

Jisoo then quickly bounced her feet back.

She stared at Ga Eun. "You can deflect my blade with your body… amazing Counter Watch output as well. You really are gifted, aren't you?"

"It's not a watch, it's a ring."

"Good to know! But that doesn't matter, now!"

Jisoo then quickly sprang up and shouted.

"Ultimate Technique… Void Slash!"

Suddenly the image of her body itself split into three, then five, and rushed to Ga Eun. The afterimages were striking down at Ga Eun, but she disappeared even before the attacks landed. Swords were clashing with each other, and then soon the images were gone.

Recognizing it didn't do anything, Jisoo thought.

'Even if I surround her, she can vanish from her position. It's useless… maybe I don't have any technique working against her?'

'She only uses a gun, she will not engage in a melee fight. Wait…!'

Jisoo suddenly realized.

The very reason why Jisoo couldn't attack is that Ga Eun kept jumping into the other dimension.

But what if she uses the wraiths? They're not bound to the material universe, and can move across the spiritual dimension as well.

'Considering my profession this isn't very ethical but nothing else seems to be working….'

Then Jisoo thrust her sword on the ground and shouted.

After she finished the setup of wraiths, there was a ring of fire surrounding her sword, melted all snow on the floor.

What is she doing?

It doesn't matter. She doesn't move.

Ga Eun, didn't miss this opportunity, she fired at Jisoo.

Though Jisoo blocked it with her arm, but she felt dizzy. Soon she realized it became very hard to maintain her posture.

"W-What is this…? She's using something different… this isn't an ordinary gun."

Jisoo thought a mere bullet couldn't do anything to her body which was empowered by Counter Watch.

That's why she was just casting the spell and focusing on it.

Ga Eun said. "It's Anti-Counter bullet. Betatrix company has manufactured them for years before."

"…!"

"Yes… I invented it. You see… now that I remember that a brat called Seo Yoon. She was planning some interesting scheme on Coffin Company, so I just sold off them for almost free. Not a bad investment… Since they crippled the Valkyrie like that."

"Valkyrie, you said. You mean Hilde…?"

"Who else can be other than her? Now, step aside. Or I will blind your other eye as well."

"Ha, hahaha, ha… so you can't see that far. My eye is not… no, that's not important. My trump card is this…!" With her last word, from her back the shadow grows long.

Then Jisoo fell.

Feeling rather suspicious, Ga Eun pulled back and became invisible again, however those shadows chased her.

'What…?!' When she uses her ability again, her general body strength reverts back to the average person's level.

So she couldn't escape from the speed of wraiths.

Then they're all sucked into Ga Eun's body.

There were more than forty of them, and surging all pain and agony they suffered in their lives from inside of Ga Eun.

But….

"…This is stupid."

These were all crushed by the heart of darkness. The Adversaria, even questionable about whether she has a soul or not, is an embodiment of the abyss itself. Such mediocre despairs of normal people couldn't scare or even impress her.

…Laughing at their fragile minds rather, she turned her eyes to Jisoo.

"Manipulating evil spirits… it was a decent idea. If it wasn't me, it would have worked."

Administrator who was tiring Nidhogg out, saw Jisoo fainted on the other screen.

'So she can do that much. Not half bad….'

Ga Eun walked down, so Administrator spoke.

"Now the time finally allowed us to meet each other… Adversaria."

"You… are the Administrator? What is the meaning of this?"

His voice rang through the entire building. Ga Eun shot the camera with her gun.

"Did you come here in prediction of me coming? I thought you were always hiding in a safe place."

"I needed to ask about you."

"And what intrigued you?"

"Everything."

Then Administrator activated all automatic defensive systems from the ceiling and wall and floor.

Ga Eun immediately reacted to this by hiding into the void again and reappeared as she destroyed the bullet-spreading machines. But while doing this, Administrator also controlled Olympian to taunt Nidhogg and dodge its attacks.

"All Adversarii have their predetermined fates, as it was the reason why the position itself was granted. To any world which is meant to encounter Countersides, there are rules meant to be applied. But you are functioning as the exception."

"Are you hoping that I will side with you?"

Against Demonlords(Darklords), Adversarii are expected to have such obligations.

"Hope, perhaps. But not exactly. What you turned out to be could be the state that you're meant to be."

"Then what purpose this conversation serves?"

"To bound me in the consequence of the process. But you're not related with me by any means."

"So! That's what you sought then, to defeat a woman who is me… ha, hahahaha! Ahahahahahaha!"

With a maniacal laugh she looked down.

The sentry bots were pulled back and fired at the zombies, and they were aided by the auto turrets.

It seems to be that Corruptors is unable to make a push if the turrets won't be destroyed.

Ga Eun looked around.

There were four clone images of Jia. Ga Eun quickly killed all of them, before also destroying the turrets, which allowed zombies to move forward.

….

But Ga Eun was concerned for a bit.

In her plan, their defense should have been breached at this point. Not to mention, the fake Jia Corruptors should have infiltrated and assassinated employees.

What she's doing now is considered a mere backup plan. Though she used the poison of Nidhogg on the maids of Mansion Master: It has to be a victory without it.

But the first plan was completely overthrown. Why?

And the second plan is being effectively hindered. Why?

Come to think of it….

This guy acts as if he knows who she is. And what will she do.

The only reason why could he outsmart everything is only that.

Then what even is this guy anyway?

Is he really the same Administrator?

'It really doesn't matter… I will read his mind as well.'

Thinking that, Ga Eun tried to talk with him more. "Though you implied that I rejected the fate or destiny, but that's far from the truth."

"Then?"

"Though maybe this universe itself identifies me as Fallen Adversaria, still I'm carrying the will of this universe."

"…What definition of Adversarius do you even have?"

"Was it not someone who is meant to slay Demon Lords? What else it could be?"

"Hmm…."

Ga Eun made a face with a hostile and vicious expression. "Not that I will become your ally. Though it is the job that I will execute anyway as that shall be the part of it."

"Are you saying killing the Dark Lords is the only part of your design? Then…."

"The whole circle will be completed… but then…."

I can see.

This man….

Wait… no, something is not right.

How?

Why?

"What…? What? What… Why? But… How…? What even… you are…?"

Ga Eun broke out in a cold sweat and tightly grabbed her forehead.

His existence.

His thought.

His notion.

His philosophy.

His identity.

Everything was literally poison to Ga Eun herself.

Like a girl who ate a toxic mushroom, shivered her body like never before.

"You… you are… you don't belong in this world. What… are you?"

"Far from what I have expected or known, but… why and what… how…?"

She herself who tried to read his mind.

Something kept writing on her head, something couldn't be contained.

Like a completely new personality….

It is emerged as if overwriting her identity.

"But What's the point…? That… cannot be."

"This is the doomed world… doomed to begin with…."

"However that only means I, too, was born in the ruined world…? What I wanted was…."

"If this is I…."

"No… then that's the future to be brought by you… this is the mankind…?"

Until this point, she never has been shaken like this.

like a completely madman, she only mumbled something that no one could understand.

"…."

Then Ga Eun….

She then walked toward a window, threw her body to break it, escaped.

…Then she completely vanished.

'….'

Ga Eun, surely read his mind. It did feel like that. But….

'No… not right now she's important.'

He might guess but it's irrelevant now.

Administrator didn't say anything but focused on the other side. Right now, Veronica hurt the two eyes of Nidhogg with her double-barrel shotgun.

After repeated rapid movements, it's completely exhausted and became nothing but a prey. Olympian now sat on its head then forced to open its mouth, then launched all the missiles and fired launcher in it.

If Ga Eun was also here to defend the World Tree then it could have been a much more difficult battle, but nonetheless he succeeded to kill Nidhogg.

Not that the move she made wasn't bad though. If Administrator was in her position, then he himself might pick that decision as well.

If she didn't decide to pull back for no apparent reason, the battle could be dragged on much longer, something unexpected might happen.

Because of that, he didn't feel that much victorious. Since it was so random, not understanding what even was that. To Administrator, still it came as a strange mystery.

But anyway, the battle itself was over.

The Corruptors besieging Coffin Company lost all their power once they slew Nidhogg. Lastly, Administrator allowed Cecilia to burn the world tree by herself, they returned with Olympian.

.

.

.

As soon as they returned, the engineer robots upgraded ADS Ashsavior with a tracking module designed by Administrator.

To rescue Horizon, Yubin and Rita departed. Though they cannot directly locate their ship Matador herself, but designated the signal from Simurg Silhouette platform.

No additional work is required when the ship is navigating.

Still it feels rather agitating since they couldn't know what would the Scavenger do to Horizon, but they couldn't help otherwise.

It took more than days, since the time itself flows differently in each physical dimension.

Then one day….

Probably at midnight, the system of the ship itself reported to Yubin that they caught the target.

Then washed his face, took out a can of coffee from the fridge, then he woke up Rita. then,

he lit the wings of fire, he went outside to confront them.

But to Yubin's surprise, Matador was stopped there. Seemingly they released Horizon whom they so desperately were looking for.

A few minutes later, Rita too came with doubt and joined the conversation between Yubin and Horizon.

Yubin said. "What exactly did they want from you, Horizon?"

"It is hard to describe… Oh."

Horizon smiled broadly - Which was rather unusual for her - when she saw Rita was completely okay.

"Honestly I doubted you, but you really did it… You saved our little Dash, too, didn't you?"

Rita said. "Yes, he did. Whatever… not about me is important. It's more about you now… Who are they? Why did they want us? What did you do with them in the past, Horizon?"

"…."

Horizon apparently tried to dodge the question. "You guys can go home by yourself. I will follow you later."

"What?"

"Give me a few minutes. They need me, and probably I do as well."

"What are you even talking about? Why do you think we're here anyway? Dash is worrying about you as well."

Horizon sighed. "Look, this is crucial matter to me as well."

She continued. "I promise, it will be over soon… but if you really worry about me that much, then why don't you just come with me?"

Rita retorted with an annoyed face. "You've got to be kidding me. They're pirates."

Why does Horizon act like this? Rita thought.

Rita asked. "What are you even thinking?"

"Would you stop asking for something that I can't give an answer? Unless I see it by myself, I cannot inform you anything."

"…What?"

Yubin collected his thoughts about this.

'Evolve One. We're talking about a woman in the body of the machine who prioritizes her own improvement above all. But seemingly she didn't do anything on Horizon, to be more specifically Simurg the Aplostle.'

'What is the point? What does she really want?'

'She's looking for something she herself cannot reach? Not belongs in the idea of evolution?'

Rita said. "Don't you realize you're not even making any sense? I don't even know what is going on."

Horizon said. "Yes, even I know. But I can only say one thing. Come with me, or leave."

They only said the same thing over and over, essentially.

Yubin doubted their motivation. 'No, Horizon herself is a machine too.'

'Evolution, always gets one and loses another characteristic… What's the use of Horizon for Ember?'

But ultimately, Yubin never heard that Scavengers were allied with Replacers.

Maybe it's just okay to see what they're having in their hands.

So Yubin affirmed. "Very well, I will go with them."

"No, wait. You can't be serious…!"

This situation, right now.

It's not surprising that Rita tried to stop him.

But….

"I don't think you can convince Horizon when she's being so stubborn like this. You know that more than anyone, Rita."

"Well, that's true." Rita sighed. "I can't help it then…."

Horrizon was a little bit surprised when they decided it.

"We should talk to Ember… She's my creator and waiting there."

Then Horizon gave a gesture in the direction of Matador, they were slowly beginning to accelerate.

Yubin ordered the system of ADS Ashsavior as well, making it closely follow them.

They then entered the bridge of Matador where Evolve One was waiting, just as big as Administrator's Olympian.

"…You have a quite interesting taste for choosing friends, Horizon."

Horizon replied with an angry voice.

"Yes, they came all the way here just for me because you caused this mess, Ember."

"That name has nothing to do with the entity that is me."

"Whatever. Just tell them what you want to say. You really liked talking anyway."

"Indeed, perhaps we can exchange knowledge about each other. Also, may you all need to know the legacy of Simurgh." Evolved One looked at Yubin.

"Legacy…? Are you referring to Simurgh as an apostle, or maybe not…?"

Then Evolved One looked down for a bit then met his eyes.

"Just as I thought. You were not from this world, isn't it? In your universe, Divine Simurgh became a Corruptor or an Aplostle by Demon Lord?"

"No, I was born in this world just like you."

"Hmm?"

"I met the other Administrator and he gave the vast information about Corruptors and Demon Lords."

"Administrator…? Do you mean there are multiple Administrators other than this world? I wonder how could you meet him."

"He chose to see me, more or less."

Matador and Ashsavior passed through the dark void where the countless stars watching silently. All unusual colors spread beyond their eyes, as they be floating the sea of memories.

Then they finally saw the broken remains of Simurgh, inside the corpse of Soulless One.

Evolve One said. "Long before there were several Elder Gods defending our world from the Dark Lords and Corruptors. Those Phantom Species with divinity. Did you know that?"

Yubin seemingly didn't know about this. "Seriously?"

What even is that…? Yubin thought.

"Simurgh was one of them who defended our world from their invasions."

"So you mean, Simurgh was one of those so-called Phantom Species?"

"Not exactly but it was acting as one of them, helping others. It was a machine, it couldn't control divinity, and came from the other world."

"Then the body Horizon controls now is…?"

Yubin looked at Horizon.

Then Evolve One nodded and continued to speak.

"Indeed, That's the main subject. In July 1999, The Dark Lord Angolmois invaded our land. He was the first Dark Lord in our world, though the original Simurgh defeated him but cost her own life as well. Her body parts couldn't be recovered perfectly, But the rest of them were reconstructed as that Horizon with us."

Evolved One continued. "This is another Simurgh that was Corrupted. But it has the chance to change everything of our world."

Landing Matador, everyone stepped on the planet.

While approaching it, Yubin thought.

'Only to help the other universe, sending units like this. It reminds me of that man.'

Germanicus succeeded in reverse-engineering Counter Watch, sent them to the chosens of other universes.

But he didn't do anything more than that, never tried to interject.

"Simurgh led the others by using the quantum computer that calculates the future with absolute accuracy." Evolve One continued. "But our Simurgh was perished with Dark Lord Angolmois. We thought it became the lost technology, until now."

"…."

"This is the remains of the other Simurgh, a machine of the same type."

Horizon asked. "So, to replace the CPU, you came all the way here then?"

Evolve One answered. "For me, only to update my data. For you, indeed. upgrade your CPU."

Then it stretched its arms and pushed inside the corpse of Soulless One, connected to the remains of Simurgh. "Perfect condition, as I presumed. It was worthy to spend all that time for searching the myth."

Evolved One transferred everything upon its memory. Then it turned its body in the direction of Matador and said. "That was all I needed. But you will take this spare part. Farewell, when the next time we will meet each other, you will give me the answer about the fate and destiny of our universe."

"Wait… Ember?"

Then just like that, Evolved One didn't say anything. She just left.

"…."

Dimensional Ship Matador jumped into the other universe. Yubin and Rita and Horizon stood there and said nothing.

Horizon broke the silence. "I really cannot understand her. She has been always acting like that, only talking whatever she wants then never listening."

Rita didn't say anything. "…."

Yubin asked. "Horizon? So, what are you going to do now?"

"I guess I will do what Ember said."

Something that gives her more power.

There is no reason to reject.

Horizon put her hand through the corpse of Soulless One, and touched the CPU part of Divine Beast Simurgh.

Then like the tail of Azure Bird, the giant white machine part was attached to her. As its power turns on, Horizon could be notified of additional functions within her memory.

'Device connected.'

'Immortal System Activated.'

There was a giant spear in her hand, all of a sudden.

Rita asked. "Huh? Horizon, what is that?"

Yubin said. "I have seen that before. It's called a spear of Ahura Mazda."

He saw it from the data that Germanicus gave.

A snow-white spear, flickering its gleams on the surface.

"This object was created by Quantum Computer. Yet not much more data about it was stored in this system. Human, can you offer any crucial information about it?"

"They said it was used as an arrow, believe it or not. By your will, it shall disintegrate or materlialized."

Horizon was spinning the spear around. "Something that can exist but not exist, it has such nature. But what does this have anything to do with Simurgh or that name of Ahura Mazda?"

"It's the name of the high god of Mazdaism, governed the idea of wisdom. The Simurghs called the arrow like that, they said."

"…." Horizon stared at it with long silence then turned the spear into mist. "Anyway, we should return."

"Wait… Rita, what are you doing down there?"

Rita was trying to grab and pull something out of the corpse of Corruptor Soulless One.

She said. "Horizon, can you lend me a hand? Someone is still alive!"

Yubin approached. "…What? That can't be…."

They lifted debris and saw his face. Yubin said. "Wait… this person is…!"

"Uhh… Guh…."

This man.

"How… Am I still alive? No way, maybe I'm still in the dream."

That was Dominic K Reginald… the man who yet not became Replacer King.

.

.

.

Upon the aftermath that Corruptor Nidhogg caused.

Administrator initiated the reconstruction of the city. They made quick progress by using worker robots.

When ADS Ashsavior returned, Administrator greeted them in person.

There he saw the unexpected guest.

"Well done, Yubin. Also you too, Rita. And…."

First Horizon, then Yubin and Rita, finally Dominic came out from the ship.

Why Replacer King is here? He thought.

Yubin gave an explanation. "This is Brigadier General Dominic K Reginald, from the other world. He tried to stop Soulless One from harming his own world and fell into the Counterside we visited."

Dominic said. "Yubin said you can shelter me for a while until I can contact Delta Seven in this world. I hope I won't be too much problem for you."

Administrator shook hands with him. "I will address this matter to Colonel Karin, then."

"…Karin? I never heard of her before. Where is Lieutenant General Antonov?"

"In our world, She was killed in action."

"What?!"

Administrator said. "You probably have seen those Lost Ships stuck in the ground. Delta Seven tried to prevent the terrorist's operation but they failed."

"…." Dominic couldn't believe his ears.

Though Maria in this world has nothing to do with him but still….

They're talking about Maria who he respects as this world's counterpart.

From his heart, he can't hide anger. "And who did this…?"

"The Replacers. They're claiming that becoming half-human and half-Corruptor is the future of mankind."

"This is so stupid. They're doing this while Corruptors threaten humanity?!"

Seeing him acting like this rather makes Administrator confused. "Anyway… I will do whatever to aid you, Dominic. Also, I promise that I will find a way to make you go back to your own world as well."

"Thank you."

"But how about talking to people in this universe first? Though you're not our Dominic, there are many people who want to talk with the war hero. Also, though in Korea here it's noon but in America it's still night. You don't want to wake her up for this, right?"

Dominic nodded. Then Administrator said to Yubin. "Everyone is waiting for us in the president's room. We should go now."

"You mean things in Japan and Gronia are finished?"

"Miss Regina and Elizabeth were as capable as you, so yes."

"Well, should have expected that."

As they were walking to Coffin Company, the glass front door was opened and someone came out.

It was Dash, and she threw herself to Horizon. "Horizooooon!" Without a word, She hugged Dash like a puppy who finally met her master.

Behind them, there were Jisoo and Amy who smiled like big sisters. Rita asked Jisoo. "What happened to your arm?"

"I made a little mistake… Adversaria was quite strong, apparently…."

Adversaria?

Yubin questioned. "Wait, did she just say Ga Eun was here?" and turned his eyes to Administrator.

"She herself led the assault. Although we repelled her off but…."

Administrator's rather unclear sentence was subdued by Dash's loud and happy voice. "I really worried about you!"

"…Same for me, Dash."

"I think you guys will be better off spending time by yourself." Administrator picked one of the cards in his wallet and gave it to Rita.

No such kindness she could get in her life, Rita said very reluctantly. "Do you have any reason to act friendly to someone like us? You know we're just mere moneylenders, right? Do you have any reason for doing this?"

"Charity doesn't require any reason. Friendship is not built by reason."

"The path to hell is paved with good intentions… that's what I believed."

"Our company will require more assistance from your finance. It's just a gift of goodwill, nothing complicated."

Rita said. "Perhaps I should detach this twisted attitude…."

"It's okay, I don't mind it."

Then the three strolled down to town together.

In the company HQ, Amy asked. "What will you do now, though?"

"…Obviously I have to finish the briefing. What else?"

"That sounds so boring. Can I just go out with Jisoo to have lunch?"

"As you please."

Amy seemed to be satisfied, then dragged Jisoo. "Very well! Let's go to the Alphatrix Cyber Themepark! We will see the movie, go to the game center, and eat burgers too!"

Jisoo tried to reject. "W-Wait, we can't just leave like that. They might say important anyway…."

"Well, Then Yubin might tell everything later!"

"Don't push me like that, why are you so hurry anyway? I'm a patient!"

"Eat well, play well, sleep well! That's how you get healthy! Just shut up and go!"

Jisoo really couldn't stop her.

Yubin talked to Administrator. "It's really difficult to control them around."

"Is that so?"

"Do you think 'Us' in other universes will act like this too? Maybe Six Wings were never formed?"

"Even I cannot tell that much…."

Then Administrator called Lily on the phone. After a few minutes, she arrived in her usual maid clothes, which only made Dominic confused even more. 'What kind of Taskforce is like this? Now I see a medieval servant here?'

Administrator said to Lily. "Miss Lily, this is Brigadier General Dominic of Delta Seven. He will take one of the rooms in the shelter."

As Administrator and Yubin walked up the stairs, Lily bowed politely and asked. "Please follow me, this way…." As she moved her arm gracefully, Dominic saw her Counter Watch in a glimpse. 'She's a Counter…? But working as a maid?'

"Is there anything wrong, sir?"

"No, not like that. Sorry."

"Then let us move."

In the shelter, Dominic saw a lot of individuals - not just for typical employees of Taskforce but people who actually live here like their home.

Eddie was playing with his daughter, Charlie was sleeping and snoring while sitting on a chair, Aki was playing a mobile game and Lin was watching her, like a frozen statue Regina was reading a book and drinking a coffee, and in the corner Chifuyu was practicing her swordsmanship.

In the other room, they were watching a movie. Lucid, Jessica, Dorothy, Skia, Liona, Ryan, Morgan, Roy, Minato, Masaki. Lycoris got a phone call and went outside and was talking to someone.

'They look like one big family, unlike the most other Taskforces… hmm?'

Then they stopped in the hallway where two people were arguing with each other.

"Mom, do you have any idea that I went through? This is the safest place in the world!"

"I'd rather die than see my only daughter doing dangerous jobs…."

"How come that I couldn't get any compliments from you?! Have you ever thought why am I doing this? For whom?!"

"Then have you ever thought what your mother would feel? What if you will die because of this old woman?"

Leah and Louise. Unlike Lily who just stood there motionlessly and had no expression on her face, Dominic made a troublesome expression. Then Louise saw Dominic behind her daughter.

"Leah, move aside. Look."

Then Revenant finally realizes that she's in the way of Dominic and Lily. "I'm sorry! I didn't notice you at all…."

"No, it's nothing…." As they walked over, Louise recognized his face and said. "Pardon me but… are you general Dominic? I saw you standing with Maria long before in the news."

Dominic replied. "I am."

"So it was true…." Louise held his hand. "People like us only could live each day because of brave and selfless soldiers like you. We're always grateful for your devotion."

Then Dominic too, tightly held her hand back. "I'm doing only my duty, to make the safe world for everyone." Then all of a sudden, it made him wonder. What kind of person was Dominic in this universe? How did he die in the end?

In the president's room.

As Yubin yawned, Administrator said. "Quite tiresome work, wasn't it?" Yubin covered his mouth with his hand. "Yup, I think things were so busy recently."

"Haha, same to me as well."

"Come to think of it, that Nidhogg's poison. It brought quite of mess while I was gone."

"It could have been so much easier only if you were here. But I could pull it through anyway…."

Administrator looked at the paper. "I guess, today's work is fine…."

In the same room. Yubin closed his eyes and straightened his back. Elizabeth was drinking a Japanese green tea, while Chinatsu was drinking a British sweet tea. Veronica served both ladies, Jia was looking through window silently. Hansol stood like awe-inspiring guardian of steel. Administrator asked Chinatsu.

"Miss Nanahara."

"What is it?" She lowered her hand holding a tea cup.

"Can I talk with the Elder God, Orochi herself?"

"I…." After a short hesitation, Chinatsu replied. "The Guardian inside me is sleeping now. I'm terribly sorry."

"Okay, then." Administrator noticed Jia was focusing her eyes on the outside. There, he also could see Cecilia.

"It was short, but I think it will be enough for today. Dismissed."

Hansol lowered his head. "Then excuse me, sir. I will leave now." Administrator nodded. Then, Jia passed Hansol and left the room faster than him.

Elizabeth said. "I never have seen her being hurried like that."

As she emptied her cup, she gave a gesture to Veronica. The maid steadily filled it up.

Administrator said. "Everyone has their own moments like that." Yubin asked as he was stretching his arms. "So even you too, then?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I thought you're the type of person who always knows and plans everything."

"Things are not always going as I intended, even to me. Like I couldn't save Hilde… something like that."

Administrator looked at Chinatsu and said. "I think we could have a dinner in really nice place tonight. How do you think?" Then she asked. "Where, I wonder?"

"I fully booked the restaurant that Jia introduced. It shall serve everyone's appetite very well, don't you think Veronica?"

Veronica gave an elegant smile. "If I dare to say, I expect both of you will be satisfied."

And Jia was….

Caught Cecilia who silently walked alone. From afar, she was waving her hand and shouting.

"Aunt, aunt! Where are you going?"

"…Oh? Jia, it's you."

Like a girl in fairytales, she was walking into the forest with a flower basket. Following her by side, Jia looked at her aunt's face. Gloomy as she was, Jia didn't say anything.

As they reached the forest of illusion, Jia realized that Cecilia already made twenty or more graves. There her aunt put down flowers, solemnly.

"The words what Veronica said still linger in my ears."

Jia sat next to her. Cecilia, still looking at the ground, let out her voice in a grimful mood.

"Mansion Master only talked with her idea in the head and never wanted to know anything about Veronica herself, she said. But it only made me wonder. How do I look to them? Was I not different from Mansion Master?"

"Auntie, that was simply a bad dream. Forget it."

"Can you really say so? For such a long time… What was I? Is it really okay to forget it like that?"

"…."

Then, Jia broke the silence.

"Why were they… me?"

"…?"

As Cecilia tilted her head, Jia continued.

"You loved your father, weren't you? I still remember you cried alone in your room when Grandfather was gone. Yes, truly that was. If so, then why did you wish me… not him?"

"That is…."

Maybe now is the time to set everything right. Mistrust, misunderstanding, misopportunity. As if the hands of the clock are overlapping after making a full circle.

"It was nothing but envy that I felt on you… beautiful, kind, clever. There was nothing you can't do. How can anyone dislike a girl like you? For what reason? You took the place where I should be… that's what I felt."

"…I was just doing what Grandfather taught."

"You did. And I cannot. Even I knew who was his favorite."

"It's not like that."

"How can it be not? Even I would favor you more than someone like myself…."

Though Jia tried to persuade her at first, after listening to what she said, she finally understood her feelings.

"However… you are…."

"But that was okay. They gave me the place where I ought to be. They were all mine. Though… everything was disappeared again."

She needed someone, she wanted someone, because the only thing she had was… loneliness.

Jia now can feel her heart. "My aunt is… not the same as that Mansion Master."

"Do you think so…?"

"She was alone and nothing was becoming her part… even Veronica was the closest one though yet, possessed all but not the master of any."

"…."

After a moment of silence, Cecilia confessed. "When my father was around, I wanted to take his attention from you. But after he was gone, I wanted to take all his legacy… including you. Fufu… wasn't it strange?"

Then she, like a distressed lady, asked. "But look at me. I was nothing, how can a woman like me dream of such a thing? I deserve nobody, now I can admit. So… so…."

"Will you, accept me?"

Then Jia held her hands, gently.

She said.

"Whatever happened, whatever happens… you're my family."

Then, finally Cecilia… cried in happiness, and smiled… wiped out her tears with her black glove.

As they crossed arms and left the shadowy forest of illusion, behind the two women winds soothingly breezed and touched the leaves and trees. Upon visiting of singing birds, peacefully, the warm sunlight met the flowers on the graves of the memory.

- EP.V END