Chapter 169: The Battle of Twin Wills
Nao’s POV:
I finally managed to break the seal that had bound Envi for so long. Honestly, I didn’t really do anything complicated — all I did was punch him, haha. It was almost ridiculous how simple it was after everything we had been through.
But even though I was joking about it, deep down, I understood the gravity of what Envi had suffered. I had seen glimpses of his dreams, the memories he clung to while trapped alone inside that dark, endless room. I could feel the depth of his loneliness and yearning. When I realized just how much he wished to become human, it brought a bittersweet smile to my face. It was such a simple yet beautiful dream.
At first, I genuinely felt sympathy for him. I wanted to reach out and comfort him somehow. But then another thought crossed my mind — a ridiculous but somehow fitting thought. If Envi actually became human, knowing his personality, he’d probably end up acting shamelessly toward every girl he met. That irritation bubbled up inside me, and without thinking, I threw a punch at him.
To my shock, my fist actually connected.
All this time, Envi had been untouchable — a system, an existence made of data and magic, without a physical form. I had never once been able to lay a finger on him. But now... Now, I could hit him. And honestly, it felt incredibly satisfying. All the pent-up frustrations I had — I released them in that one punch. It was strangely relieving.
When Envi finally woke up, dazed and rubbing the spot where I’d hit him, he looked at me with such confusion that I couldn’t help but tease him a little. It was harmless fun. Still, as I looked at him, I could feel a deep understanding forming between us. I knew the pain of having a wish that might never be granted. I knew how much it hurt. In the end, I couldn’t stay mad at him.
After exchanging a few more words and a few more laughs, I made peace with Envi. I helped him regain his spirit, lifting the heavy gloom that had weighed on him. It was then that the dark, crumbling room around us finally shattered like glass. Pieces of it scattered into nothingness, and Envi returned to me — merging back into my body as my system once again.
Now, the two of us stood together, back in the audience of the God of Darkness and Canis, who had clearly been waiting for our return.
The God of Darkness gave me a small, knowing smile and said, "Not bad. Now that you two have reunited, you can finally unleash your full potential."
Before I could reply, Canis let out a derisive laugh, the sound dripping with malice. "You little insect," he growled, "I’ve given you enough time. Looks like you’re ready now, haha. Don’t think it’ll save you. I’m going to crush you!" His voice deepened as he reverted to his monstrous, terrifying form, activating his terrifying skill: [Unique Skill Activated: Endless Shadow World].