The noise of warfare grew louder with every passing minute.
Noises of metal clashing on flesh and vice versa echoed in the air. The forces that defended the Elf Village was growing more and more desperate in their attempts to completely ward off the seemingly endless horde of Undead that tried to claw their way into the village.
This caused the ground to continuously tremble as more cries filled the air.
Giants began to fall, one after another, unable to bear the severe injuries inflicted on them, while the Dwarves ultimately ran out of ammunition in their mechanisms, forced to use their hulky weapons to attack.
Unfortunately, this made them vulnerable to multiple assaults that would dismantle their warheads and kill the pilots occupying them.
Rey's forces were slowly, but steadily perishing—the numbers becoming staggering.
As this was happening, though, Rey's eyes were wide with shock as he laid eyes on the transfigured body of Esme.
"T-The Oracle…?"
"Indeed." Esme's voice became more firm and mature as she spoke, representing the emotionless tone that The Oracle employed whenever she spoke.
"It's been a while, Rey Skylar."
Rey gritted his teeth and clenched his fist as he looked at The Oracle, a myriad of emotions rushing through him at the moment. If not for the fact that this was Esme's body, he would have rushed forward to punch The Oracle even despite the lack of power on his part.
"You took Esme's body? Why? You already had her mother!"
"A lot has happened in your absence, and the body you speak of is no more. In order to preserve this world and attempt at saving it—as you inspired me to back then—I created this contingency plan."
"Y-you! And why did it have to be Esme."
"She was the only suitable vessel for me to utilize as a manifestation of—"
"Liar! You're lying!" Rey stepped forward, feeling more pain and sorrow than actual rage.
"Calm down, Master… she is telling the truth."
Rey stopped moving and slowly moved his attention to Ater, his eyes now bloodshot with pure anger. He glared at the red-haired familiar, who took it all with fervent calmness.
"You knew!"
"I had my suspicions." Ater nodded. "And I chose not to tell you for this specific reason."
"Why? Why would you allow Esme to sacrifice herself for—"
"Because it was the only choice left." Ater sighed. "The only chance we have at saving H'Trae and breaking free from the ones above is to have The Oracle help us and also give us her Primeval Skill."
"You don't know that!"
"But I do… I have witnessed the deaths of countless worlds and even caused some of them, all to experiment and observe the rate of decay and a lot of other elements involved in it. This world has begun to experience some symptoms."
"What do you mean?"
"From air pressure to gravity and even the flow of time, things are slightly different than they used to be. I decided to investigate, and I found even more startling news. Did you know some of our weakest members can no longer activate their Status Windows? Skills have been reacting unreliably now, among other things…"
"What does that prove?"
"This world is dying." The Fairy King spoke next, his tone grave. "Once the System stops operating, that marks the end… we will no longer have access to our Skills and we will be completely powerless."
Rey's eyes widened as he listened to all of this.
"Even Magic and Martial Arts will be pointless since it requires certain constant laws to be in effect in order function, and if those tilt even the slightest, they won't work." Ater revealed, sighing once more.
"There isn't any time left."
"…."
Rey's fists were clenched. He now understood how grave the situation was, and he understood they were desperate for help.
But—
"You still should have told me…"
"Why? So you would stand in the way for the sake of another plan?"
"You don't know that…"
"I know!" At this point, Ater raised his voice. "I know everything about you, Master! I have studied you for so long, and I know you to the point where I can predict the next words that come out of your lips."
"We could have—"
"—Rescued everyone by taking them to another world using the Ancient Magic Circle, right?"
Much to Rey's astonishment, Ater guessed exactly what he would have said.
"To achieve that, it would take an unbelievable amount of energy… energy we do not currently possess. Just transporting the two of us took up all the stockpiled energy gems that the Dragon Emperor had been gathering for nearly a year on Earth, and I still had to resort to some of my personal stockpile. Transporting hundreds of thousands of people… no, over a million if we count the children and elderly, as well as weak members who are unable to fight, is impossible with the resources left on H'Trae."
"…."
Rey could offer no rebuttals.
"Now, you could suggest that we transport them bit by bit, while simultaneously searching for resources beyond H'Trae, but I have done the calculations and it would take over a hundred years before we will be able to save everyone. As I said before… we do not have time."
The world moved in a linear fashion, and it was marching to its end.
It couldn't be stopped.
"We have reached a fixed point in the story of this world, and even if we had [Reset], nothing would change. All we can do is gather all the Primeval Skills and feed them to [Doppel] in order to activate its full potential, while also ensuring you save H'Trae so you can possess the necessary Class to wield the awakened [Doppel]."
That was it.
That was the only thing that would work at this point.
"Aren't you only saying that so you can get your memories back? So we can understand why you caused all of this to happen, because remember… this is all your fault, Ater." Rey lashed out at that moment. "This Singularity nonsense is because you interfered somewhere and caused me to have the [Doppel] Skill in the first place."
"This world was always going to end… with or without my influence."
The Fairy King and The Oracle both nodded in response, both confirming what the words that Ater uttered. Only the Elves would survive the calamity, and it would be few of them who would do so anyway.
They were the beloved of the world, so they would be spared.
"But… we have a chance to make sure everyone is saved." Ater stepped forward, causing Rey's figure to shrink considerably. "And that is all thanks to me."
Rey wanted to speak, but words failed him.
"I didn't choose you specifically, Rey. I merely created an opportunity for a Singularity, and honestly that Skill could have gone to anyone. However, it went to you, which means I have to put up with you and cooperate as your Familiar… even if you can be the most annoying, immature, senseless and incredibly incompetent brat of a Master I have ever had."
"…."
"You can stand here and whine about Esme all you like, but you're not doing any favors to anyone. We are all taking risks here, including me, betting on this one chance to save the world… and I'm sure Esme did as well." Ater turned to The Oracle. "Or am I wrong?"
"You are not. Esme had a choice, and she decided to take on this mantle… because she believed in you, Rey Skylar."
"The Fairy King has also defied the rules of this world and his very purpose, leaving his stronghold behind to help you… and as for me? I have devoted my entire life, my memories, my identity, dignity, pride, and freedom, binding myself and this plan to you."
Ater, for the first time, showed anger.
He was usually very calm, but this time, he showed a completely different side of him.
"You told me you were ready to do what was necessary, well here it is!"
Raising his hand and stretching it out, Ater made a gesture, looking around him as he did so.
"Your army slowly perishes outside, and Esme has given up her life for the success of the plan and the future." He continued. "More people will die in the war to come, and they will include your classmates and people from all walks of life…"
This much was obvious.
"As our leader… and as my Master… you must now decide how you will handle their loss."
The loss that had taken place, the loss that was ongoing… and the one to come.
"How will you respond, Master?!"
Silence pervaded the room after those words were spoken, and everyone watched Rey, waiting for his answer to the question that Ater had posed.
A brutal reality had just been shown to Rey, and he had to see himself in the mirror.
What would be his answer.
"Ater… everyone…" He placed his hand on Ater's shoulder, slowly revealing the smile he had on his tear-filled face.
He was still grieving Esme's passing, and his heart was heavy with so many things.
Deaths… and even more deaths.
When would it end?
But, regardless, he could now—for the first time—see just how childish and entitled he had been all this time. Esme made her decision because she loved and trusted him, the same way everyone present were taking all sorts of risks for his sake.
Even Ater was willing to be the personification of evil to help Rey.
"… I understand it now."
His role to play in this cruel world was not The Hero who could save everyone who trusted him.
It was to be a Champion who would defeat the enemy.
That was all.
"Since you are all prepared and have placed your trust in me, I will promise you this…"
He took his hand off Ater and walked out of the Shrine, hearing the loud cries of his soldiers in the land of death. Then, he turned to look at the three who stood behind him, casting gazes of expectations on him.
"… This is the last time I will fail you."