※
“Whew.”
"Fixing this⋯⋯was actually possible?!"
The Tower Master clapped like a seal in admiration. I generously gave the Tower Master enough time to praise me.
I think I managed to piece everything together quite well. I gave them enough meaning and motivation, and although a physical reward would be like icing on the cake, it was hard to prepare something so quickly after just being woken up.
However, there were some loose ends.
Among them, there was one who had yet to reach a clear conclusion.
Black Wizard Bennett Hilton. He dived in for information to fulfill a directive from the Black Wizards, perhaps even hoping to save his sister by going for the Shining Trapezohedron. His initial goal wasn’t the emotional satisfaction of saving the world.
During the session, he speculated that the session's content would somewhat be related to the Black Wizards’ summoning plans. However, it was insufficient as a reason to fight to the end. Wouldn’t it be simpler to submit a report to the Defense Bureau if they wished for the incident to be resolved?
Then why was he still fighting, even after losing an arm?Was it just because he got caught up in the moment and ended up like this? Probably not. If he were such a fool, he wouldn't have survived the harsh life of a Black Wizard.
Disgusted by the Black Wizards’ vile attempt to summon the Outer God, perhaps he admitted that he had a near-zero chance of getting his sister back and gave up? That couldn’t be it. He was not the type to give up now, was he?
He must’ve had his reasons. But his thoughts wouldn’t have been that organized. He had definitely changed throughout my sessions, but he wasn’t fully aware of what he’d gained or how he’d changed.
So, I thought of helping Bennett to organize his thoughts.
A little conversation should suffice. He was mature enough to answer the questions in front of him. If I gave him a hint, he could figure it out on his own.
Let’s use Joseph.
The scene where the male protagonist organized his thoughts was important, and since that bastard might interfere if I tamper with the AI, I would be taking over directly this time.
Of course, it would’ve been better if Tara or Niolle had taken on this role.
Wouldn’t it be intriguing if Bennett, who had been the mental pillar of the party, found the path he needed to traverse via the other two this time? But, looking at how the situation was progressing right now⋯⋯.
[Bennett, I want to change this bandage. Can you help me?]
-Don't ask Bennett, ask Joseph to help⋯⋯!
[We’re guests here. She’s already provided us with a safe place to stay, so asking for help with first aid would be a bit much.]
-Don't take off your clothes, you punk⋯⋯!
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
Niolle pulled up her top so that her underboob was visible. Meanwhile, Tara stared, unable to do anything but try to keep her in check from beyond the mirror. The two girls were clearly lingering in an incredibly primitive stage of communication.
Moreover, Bennett turned his head away from this spectacle, looking at a distant horizon.
A physical attack would be good. Yes, it’s nice and all, but an emotional attack was more appropriate in the current time. It was right before the final showdown, after all. To survive in this ruthless competition of heroines, they needed to focus on more emotional exchanges…
Still, those boobs seem to be worth copying as a model.
While watching Niolle's thrilling tightrope walk, a relatively small hand suddenly appeared in front of me. The Tower Master had casted a spell that blocked my sight.
"⋯⋯That’s rude!”
“I say the Tower Master, who cut off their arms and left gaping wounds in their body, is more rude.”
“Kkeuaang!”
However, she was all too easily defeated just like that.
Okay, let’s proceed. To knock on Bennett's heart.
===============================================================
Bennett learned from Joseph that the place where the Evil God had been sealed was where the meteorite pit had been. The Future Team now had to tend to their wounds, prepare for battle, and then head to the seal to inflict damage on the Evil God.
Then what should Tara, who's stuck in the past do?
Where did the Evil God descend in the past and how did Tara manage to seal it? To find out, he once again sought information from Joseph, who quietly handed over a picture book.
A picture book depicting the story of Saintess Tara sealing the Evil God, drawn in a fairy-tale style. Was it perhaps because it was a children’s book? It had minimal depictions of blood.
"Your outfit is tightly covered up too."
-⋯⋯Exposing a bit of chest should be fine, right?
“What?”
[It would be bad for the children's mental development, Tara.]
According to the fairy tale, Saintess Tara fought the Evil God that had descended at the Order’s building. It was said that she was able to drive it away by stabbing and sealing the female goat, which was the medium for the Evil God’s descent.
The monster resembling a goat with translucent tentacles sprouted around it. It was similar to when the Evil God dwelled in the body of the Cult Leader.
Then where might that goat be located?
"The most likely would be the basement of the Order of the Silver Twilight’s main building."
[I think so too.]
-Should I go down and destroy it?
"Don't just rush in blindly. We'll think about ways to help you from here."
Bennett asked Tara to gather all the seditious books stored in the Order's main building and send them to the future. They planned to study their research and determine the Evil God's weaknesses.
When Tara buried a book called ‘Method of Communicating with the Vastness of Space’, a bookshelf appeared in the Order’s building of the future. The posterity of Abraham, who had dug it up, continued the research, and thus… Poof!A result magically materialized.
As Tara gathered more materials, future research became more abundant. Some books drastically altered the future into one where Joseph became corrupted, so there were some incidents of prompting a quick retrieval and burning of those books.
Securing various buildings created a snowball effect along with killing fanatics, increasing the number of survivors.
Bennett orally transmitted the book 'Basic Magic Lecture’ to Tara, who transcribed it and left in the past. As a result, Joseph learned how to use magic.
In the end, the Order’s building in the future grew to at least twice its previous size, and Joseph became a high priest commanding twelve priests under her. Research on the Evil God also made significant progress.
-⋯⋯Can I play a prank?
“What are you trying to do?”
Tara buried a magazine called 'Bondage of May’ that she found in the Order. Upon doing so, Joseph’s surroundings started glitching, before appearing in a lewd outfit made only of black leather stra──
Tara dug out the magazine and burned it. Bennett, who watched the entire scene unfold, scolded her with a stern expression.
“Don’t play such unnecessary pranks.”
-No, like… I was just curious.⋯⋯Bennett, do you hate clothes like that?
“⋯⋯Don’t play unnecessary pranks!”
-It wasn't a prank, though⋯⋯.
Their plan was successful, and their plan to kill the Evil God also went smoothly.
According to the prophecy left by Saintess Tara, ‘In 100 years, two heroes will come to kill the Evil God, so treat them with the utmost sincerity’. As such, Bennett and Niolle could prepare accordingly while being treated as guests of honor.
During this time, Joseph, who was a high priest, wizard, and a blacksmith, gestured quietly.
“Dear Hero, may I speak with you for a moment?”
"⋯⋯Of course. What is it, Joseph?"
“Please come to the rooftop. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Joseph leisurely went up the stairs. Bennett hesitated for a moment, then followed her as neither Tara nor Niolle were around.
===============================================================
From the rooftop, the view below was clear. Facilities like grain storages and wells had emerged due to repeated changes to the future, but clothes still fluttered on the clotheslines in the wind.
Joseph, who had been living alone, changed in many ways but still retained her kindness and gentleness. Such unchanging aspects despite the differing circumstances, could be called her true nature.
Joseph spoke quickly.
"Hehe⋯⋯ You’re here. Did you manage to give them the slip?"
"⋯⋯What do you mean?”
"It seemed like you were wary of the ladies. I saw you checking your surroundings. Perhaps if Niolle had been there, you wouldn't have come up alone."
“⋯⋯I’d like you to go straight to the point.”
Joseph tapped the rooftop railing with her index finger. Then, after a moment's thought, she blurted out something unexpected.
“I like women.”
“What?”
“So, I’m thinking about confessing to Niolle.”
“No, that’s⋯⋯.”
Bennett was taken aback. His hand reached forward as if to stop her, and Joseph caught Bennett’s awkwardly stretched hand. It was rather clear evidence of his true thoughts.
Joseph smiled faintly like a Saintess. But on closer inspection, there was a thick layer of mischief, almost as if she were someone else.
“You tried to stop me. Right?”
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
“You seem to care deeply about them. Your comrades. Both Tara and Niolle.”
Bennett withdrew his hand and stepped back cautiously. It had been a short time, so he couldn't fully grasp who Joseph was, but her mischievousness stood out like a nail puncturing a tire.
It was as if someone else was controlling Joseph.
"Who⋯⋯ are you?"
She seemed momentarily flustered, but soon regained her composure and introduced herself calmly. The motion of pointing to herself with her hand was ever so buoyant and unceremonious. An easygoing manner.
"You may call me the Goddess. As I have lost all my power, I am now unable to offer any help, though. Not even a sliver. I’m verifiably broke."
"⋯⋯So, the one who handed over the Goddess's Crystal was you, is it?"
"That was the last authority I had. Now I'm no different from a powerless ghost, so relax. If we fight, I'd lose."
The Goddess inside Joseph spoke as her eyes twinkled with a golden light.
"I have been watching all along. Your entire journey."
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
“I wish to thank you on behalf of this world. You have wonderfully accomplished what I could not, even as a mere mortal.”
"You are getting ahead of yourself. We have not even defeated the Evil God yet."
The Goddess held her hands together as if she was praying.
"I believe. I can see it. The scene in which you defeat it. It is not that I have the power of foresight, but rather⋯⋯ I cannot ever imagine you losing."
"I’d prefer if you──"
"Got to the point. Sure. You must be curious about what I have to say after appearing so suddenly, yes⋯⋯?"
The Goddess sprang up and began walking along the rooftop railing. The narrow railing barely accommodated one foot. To the left was a fall from the third floor, and to the right was falling back onto the rooftop.
She skillfully walked the narrow path and asked.
"Don’t you want to save her? Your sister?"
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
"If you defeat the Evil God like this, the fanatics in your world⋯⋯ that is,the Black Wizards, their plans will also be disrupted. Then your sister would be in danger."
Bennett clenched his fist.
"⋯⋯Didn’t you want to save this world? If you left me alone, I would have tried to overthrow the Evil God. What's the reason you brought this up now?"
‘Why are you trying to make me falter now?’, was what Bennett thought as he glared at the Goddess. Meanwhile, she looked down on him with a gaze filled with compassion and concern.
The Goddess was worried about Bennett.
“I do not wish to see you, who worked so hard, fall into ruin. Much is said about great causes and sacrifices, as if they are the end all, be all. But it seems, I… do not like stories where one sacrifices themselves for another.”
"⋯⋯I see why you lost to the Evil God."
“But it also might end up being the reason we win, you know?”
The Goddess continued to walk the narrow path, smiling while walking so precariously that the slightest loss of balance would end in her plunge. Despite teetering and swaying as if she might fall at any moment, for some reason… It did not seem like she would actually fall.
Her gaze…
The Goddess's gaze was firmly directed… somewhere else.
“You have only ever hurt yourself for your goals. I wish you could pick up what you have dropped. Not just for your sake, but for Niolle and Tara’s sake as well.”
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
"That is all I wished to tell you."
Hop.
Joseph landed from the railing onto the rooftop floor, and then she blinked. After the golden light in her eyes disappeared,she looked around with a confused expression on her face.
“Oh, why am I here⋯⋯?”
Baffled, Joseph excused herself to Bennett and went downstairs. The Goddess had come suddenly like a shower of rain, throwing all kinds of questionsfor Bennett to ponder, before disappearing vexingly.
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
Why am I… fighting? What… do I really want to do?
Bennett leaned his arms on the railing and got lost in thought.
===============================================================
At first.
Of course, to save his sister. To complete the Black Wizards’ plan,he continued to pursue his purpose.
Since when did it start to change?
His perspective slowly began to shift.
He met Abraham, and under his kindness, stayed at his mansion. Living together under one roof, he learned that Tara's self sufficiency was near zero and that Niolle would wave her fingers as if conducting when she was in a good mood.
Reflecting back on his time at the mansion, the three of them felt like they were family. Perhaps the reason why he cared so much for these people, who he had only met a few days ago, was because his dried out heart needed others in his life.
He also had a conversation with Abraham on a moonlit night. He was a dreamer who lived for humanity. Bennett was very impressed by his dedication.
After that…
At Niolle’s suggestion, he saved the Reporter Sally, who was being kidnapped. Although that act of kindness later turned into a great tragedy… But when Bennett heard Sally thanking him, he had definitely felt… something.
Later, Abraham’s mansion was burnt down, and they were chased by fanatics. It was a hard time for them as Tara and Niolle started to break down.
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
Watching them suffer was extremely difficult for him. Seeing their pure kindness and sense of justice being trampled on, angered him.
Although they paid a high price for it, after going through all those hardships, the three became very close.
When he barely made it to the secret safe house, he ran out of time and returned to reality. From there, another tragedy awaited them—Abraham's soul was trapped inside a golem's body.
Perhaps if Abraham had screamed in agony,the three of them wouldn't have been able to survive. The old man chased his dreams even while trapped in the golem's body. Abraham gave them the strength to carry on even after his death.
Bennett started to think about the path he needed to take.
Come back and defeat Isaac,erase the magic circle, after fighting the Cult Leader, and now. The party was preparing for the final fight after many twists and turns.
And now⋯⋯ if he looked into his own heart.
"⋯⋯I.”
The dream that his beating heart was spilling out along with the throbs of life was…
“I wish...”
His desire…
“To protect them all.”
Be it, his sister, Tara, Niolle, or everyone else who had given him something, he wanted to protect them.
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
The walls of reality were high and thick, so Bennett always chose the next best option. If he lacked the strength, he offered his own soul. If he lacked wisdom, he offered his dreams. He committed evil by throwing away the things that made him the person he was, one by one.
After all, it was not possible to keep everything at once, so he had to abandon his friends and colleagues. If he wanted to truly keep one thing, then he had to think about sacrificing everything else. And that was how…
That was how he whittled himself down, perhaps shying away from what he truly desired because he thought, ‘It could not be done’, ‘It can’t be achieved’. Perhaps the reason why he didn’t even try was because he was scared of getting hurt.
But he…
“Everyone.”
He wanted to protect everyone.
He wanted to save his sister without killing anyone or siding with Black Wizards. He wanted to save her while being a morally upright person who could stand proud in front of anyone.
He wished to save everyone without sacrifices. He didn’t want Tara to be angry, nor did he want Niolle to despair.
If only I could save everyone I love…
Such reckless greed...
That very greed was precisely the form of himself that Bennett had lost.
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
Bennett decided to be honest with himself. Although he had tried to ignore it, it could not be repressed. He was a greedy person who wished to save everything and everyone without losing anything.
And, what was needed to achieve that desire was the light that guides the heart.
"⋯⋯Abraham's grand wish of wanting to save the world eventually came true. My wish is not that difficult. If I can just protect a few people, that's enough. Then⋯⋯ wouldn't it be easy?"
Bennett contemplated in his heart.
Life is difficult, storms rage, and fierce waves crash as if to devour me at any moment. Yet, despite all this…
I will never lose myself. I will not lose my dream.
===============================================================
When Bennett gripped it, in that place was a shining sword.
He knew that this shining sword was his soul, as well as his Metamorphosis.
Something that would never shatter as long as his resolve did not break…
Metamorphosis, 『Guardian’s Dream』.
***
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