Mistress Of The Evil Forest

The caller on the other side has a distinct voice; not too thin, clear, and soft. And right as she begins to speak, I immediately realize who I am talking to.

''Fancy meeting you here, Aurora Heathcliff.'' She says. ''All according to the script. Nice.''

''Why did you create it in the first place?'' I ask, my curiosity unconcealed. ''Did you have to? Or did you want to?''

A chuckle comes from the other side, ''Casual, are we? I like it.''

''And to answer your question... neither. I didn't create it—I saw it. By now, the anomaly must have already told you who I am, correct?''

''Yeah. And?''

''You must think of me as a tyrannical woman who sought to conquer the universes. Well? I'm here to tell you that it's not true. There's nothing to conquer out there, really. I'm trying to break out of the mold, you see.''

Intrigued by what Buezrith has to say, especially with how enthusiastic she sounds, I let her continue uninterrupted.

''The parallel universes are run in a simulation. When swimming through the passages of space-time, I could glimpse into the very essence of what made existence. Where it came from, where it began, how it began, or how it runs—everything.''

''Listen, my dear protagonist—we sit in an unimaginably large bundle of world lines, that, in itself, is an unimaginably tiny part of a vast system, and that system... is created and maintained by a higher existence.''

''Each set of world lines has a different initial setting, a different 'seed,' and a set of scripts some elements—in this reality, you and I—have to follow. I do not know what kind of ending they want to see, nor do I know the purpose behind it all. But the fact that I have been able to realize this means that we have the chance to flip it over and catch the attention of those higher beings.''

''In the script, you and I battling is an inevitable convergence. And every single time, you would win, preventing me from gaining a forbidden amount of power... but what if I win? What if I defeat you just this once, shattering this unending cycle, and attain power that could split the fabric of reality?''

''Don't you think it would be so exciting?''

''Have you ever imagined the world beyond this cage?''

For a long while, I remain silent. I don't doubt what Buezrith is saying, nor do I want to. There's no need for that, really. Whether her purpose is morally acceptable or not, it doesn't change the fact that we are destined to face one another.

But it's interesting, that's for sure. If what she said is true, if the conspiracy is true, and the universe is run in a simulation, even I would want to see the world beyond.

Nonetheless, between that mere flash of curiosity and everybody I love... no way.

Now it has become apparent to me—I cannot reason with this person at all. Well, I didn't expect something other than that anyway.

''It's fascinating how a corrupt mind like yours can hold such a strong will and intent,'' I reply. ''But whether you win or I win; whether the script can be flipped over or not, let's find it out ourselves.''

''Sure thing. I didn't tell you all that to sell you something. You, as the protagonist of this true story, deserve that much.''

I lightly jump off the throne's armguard, letting out a hum, ''I see. Then, goodbye.''

''Goodbye.''

Without turning around, I leave the crumbling chamber.

A few questions linger in my mind, but they aren't so important anymore. Why does Buezrith insist on following the script until now just to deviate later? Probably to lessen the variables as much as possible.

Strange.

Even though I am clearly unfamiliar with this individual, I feel so certain about her actions. As if... this isn't the first time I've faced her. Is it truly as she said? That we have clashed countless times in other realities? Likely. The possibilities are infinite, after all.

Maybe not infinite. There isn't enough computational power to process infinity, is there?

''Ah.''

Talk about computational power; I need to get back to Neveah.

Hearing about the missing mythical items, the goddess doesn't show much reaction, ''As long as you can help me hatch Yggdrasil, it'll be fine.'' She says, her eyes glued to the tablet.

I figure that she has expected this outcome in the first place, so no big deal. Following her request, I approach the dragon egg in her office and place my hand on it. Once I inject enough divinity into Neveah's shiny egg, it finally cracks, showing some movements.

''I wonder if it counts as our child.'' Neveah suddenly remarks.

''I don't want our child to be a dragon,'' I reply.

''We can always make a normal one using divine power.''

''I guess that's true.''

After the trivial talk, both of us refrain from speaking further. I linger by her office for a while, waiting for the egg to finally hatch. I don't have lots of things to do before the final battle anyway.

In the end, it is Neveah who tries to strike up another conversation, ''...How was it? You met Buezrith... right?'' Read full story at novel{f}ire.net

''Yeah.'' I idly nod. ''She told me a whole lot of crap about the parallel universes. Want to hear?''

''Want.''

It is a rare period of peace. A 'calm before the storm,' as they say. Days pass by without trouble. Once the red curse is integrated into the system, I begin to use it to assassinate cultists.

Needless to say, the gruesome and distinct way it kills generates a huge buzz among the people. Lately, too many horror-esque events have descended upon the masses, most of which are my work, but it doesn't stop the human population from slowly healing.

At some point, I decide to take a moment and step back. I like perching at high spots to watch over the scene now. That's very like her... and also like me.

Sometimes, I also take the crew out to gain experience. Sometimes, I observe the girls doing their best.

It has been a while since the new year began at the academy. Pure white snow once again covers the institution, but this time around, I'm no longer the maid sweeping with a broom.

Just a year has passed... yet I seem to have experienced so much.

''Hah...''

Maybe this is me being sentimental. But...

''Hey. What are you doing up there?''

''Hm?''

I lower my gaze, meeting Chloe's. She now dons a thick sweater and a scarf, perfectly fit for a cold winter. The violet in her eyes remains the same throughout the seasons, however.

''Why do you sit on a tree branch blankly like an owl... mhm... well, you're an owl, but.'' She grumbles. ''So? When are you coming down? I'm rather cold here, y'know.''

I can't help but chuckle at her words. Without much thought, I pull her to sit beside me, then shield her with my wing.

''You...''

A faint blush emerges on her cheeks as she leans on me.