Ouroboros (4)

The Traitor, Ricardo Lühensprache.

The battle with this man shocked me in many ways.

It wasn’t just the elite skills, high stats, or the aura—what one would typically consider “specs.” For the first time, I realized how much of an impact weapon mastery could have in a fight.

Swish!

Even his seemingly casual swings were all calculated, with each move naturally leading to the next.

He had surpassed the level of merely being good at fighting.

That being said, it’s not like the situation was hopeless.

After all, I don’t have to win this fight.

As long as I could buy time, victory would be mine.

So I decided to drag it out, carefully observing his swordsmanship.

I think I’m starting to see it.

At first, I relied purely on reflexes and instincts to urgently dodge and block his sword. But as time passed, I began to understand. I could anticipate how he would follow up his current move with the next one.

Swish!

When he aims for my wrist, it’s just a feint. 

The best way to avoid it is to retreat, but…

That’s probably what he’s aiming for. If I do that, I’ll leave my neck exposed.

It could be considered a checkmate—if his Silence Command works properly, that is.

Swish.

As I canceled Gigantification, my body shrank, and his sword narrowly grazed my wrist. Did he calculate even this?

Swish!

His sword twisted like a snake, targeting my thigh.

Tap.

I swiftly retreated.

But without hesitation, he adjusted his sword’s trajectory again—this time toward the unconscious Amelia.

Damn it…

I quickly used [Transcendence] and [Eye of the Storm] to pull him back toward me, ensuring Amelia’s safety.

But…

Shhhhhh!

As if he had anticipated even this, he swung his sword with precision while being pulled toward me by the wind.

I barely managed to avoid the attack, but…

Is this guy’s brain some kind of supercomputer?

The more I fought him, the more I felt like I was being toyed with.

It’s as if he could read all my moves. I began to understand how modern Go players felt being outmatched by advanced AI.

If only I could learn even a bit of how he does it, it would be incredibly helpful.

This wasn’t a level of swordsmanship one could learn just by watching, it’s rare to face such a skilled swordsman in a life-or-death duel, so I tried to learn as much as possible while stalling for time.

And as time passed…

The old man’s side should be wrapping up by now…

Just as that thought crossed my mind…

“Ugh…”

A groan escaped Amelia’s lips.

She wasn’t fully conscious yet, but it was a sign that her injuries were healing.

Okay, once Amelia wakes up, we can take him down 2-on-1…

That’s probably why he kept targeting Amelia whenever he got the chance, even while fighting me.

Just like when he saw the Knight of Light, he fled; despite his incredible swordsmanship, he had no pride as a warrior.

If the situation becomes unfavorable, this guy will flee without hesitation.

No hesitation, not even a glance back.

Just like now.

“…I won’t forget what happened today.”

Perhaps he judged that now was the right time to escape, before Amelia fully regained consciousness.

Tap.

With a typical parting line, he swiftly retreated, putting distance between us. I didn’t chase after him.

Not that I showed it, but I was nearly out of MP.

I had to use Swing to avoid being overpowered every time I blocked his sword, and constantly used Transcendence, Leap, and Eye of the Storm throughout the battle, leaving me drained.

Well, that’s settled…

I approached Amelia.

Her breathing was stable, but it looked like it would take a bit more time for her severed arm to fully heal—

“Haha.”

Suddenly, I heard a voice behind me, without any sign of approach.

I quickly turned around.

“You really handled that guy all by yourself?”

It was Auril Gavis, looking at me with a hint of admiration.

***

“It would have been much easier if you had helped, sir.”

“I didn’t want to meet that fellow just yet.”

“Is that so…”

It was obvious he wasn’t going to explain why, so I turned my gaze away.

To Auril Gavis’s left was a figure floating in the air, as if by telekinesis.

No, not a figure—a person.

It was the unconscious Amelia Young .

Seeing her here meant things went smoothly on his side too, but…

I should confirm it.

I refocused on Auril Gavis and asked,

“So… how did things go?”

“It went well. Just as you asked, I made sure to mention my name at the end.”

“What about Laura?”

“Hm, it seems your tone has suddenly gotten a bit short…”

“Haha, no way. Just a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding.”

The old man gave me a suspicious look, but then let out a chuckle, as if it wasn’t important.

“Anyway, I took care of her sister just as you requested. Gave her the medicine, treated her body, and sent her up to the surface.”

I had to admit, the old man did handle things properly.

From what I heard, once she was on the surface, he tossed her into the first carriage he saw, making it look like an accident.

That would serve as the basis for her lost memories.

He even placed an identity badge with no known connections but matching her age in her belongings…

“Seems I figured out what you wanted, so I didn’t do anything unnecessary. Haha.”

“Of course.”

With this, there should be no issues on her sister’s side.

So I moved on to the next matter.

“What about her sister?”

“Don’t worry. As I said, secrecy is my specialty. She’ll never realize she saw an illusion. Everything she experienced was real, except for the moment her heart stopped.”

Laura being crushed under the rocks and stabbing her own neck really happened. Only the moment her heart stopped, and the potion’s effect wore off, was an illusion.

“But… did you really have to reveal my name?”

“That’s what her memories tell her, so what can I do?”

It was a necessary part of the script to avoid any contradictions.

“Hm, that’s true. Still, you’re quite clever. Coming up with such an ingenious plan.”

The old man looked at me in admiration, but I just felt a bitter taste in my mouth.

In hindsight, it was such a ridiculous farce.

It felt like I had become an actor following a script.

It’s all so inefficient.

Even now, I can’t shake off the feeling of dissatisfaction.

If it were me, I wouldn’t have handled things this way.

There was no need to fake Laura’s death, nor did I need to take Amelia to Noark. I could’ve just sent her to the surface with her sister.

It could have been a happy ending for everyone.

But despite that, I used this inefficient method that forced a girl to endure twenty years of tragedy.

Because I met Auril Gavis in the past.

And because I realized there was no way to change what had already happened.

I ended up matching the pieces to the already determined result.

In a way, it was like a mere trick of perception.

Perhaps…

Perhaps the question of whether the chicken or the egg came first was meaningless from the start.

After all, does it really matter?

Regardless of what comes first, the egg laid by a chicken will eventually hatch into another chicken.

“You don’t seem too happy.”

Auril Gavis’s question prompted me to share my thoughts honestly. Though it was a lengthy explanation, he listened attentively before patting my arm.

“I understand how you feel, but don’t overthink it. You’ve gained a lot from this experience, haven’t you?”

It wasn’t exactly comforting.

I did gain things that could only be obtained from the past—the buffs Auril Gavis provided, the Double Numbered item—Demon Crusher of Kraul—and even Amelia (SSR)’s recruitment ticket.

I definitely gained a lot, but…

“The world, nations, and societies all function because everyone plays their part. Think of this as your role.”

Somehow, that only made me feel more unsettled.

What exactly is the Fragment of Records?

I wanted to ask more, but I didn’t have the luxury of time right now.

“Anyway, since everything’s wrapped up, I think it’s time to receive my promised reward—”

Auril Gavis tried to shift the topic subtly, but I cut him off firmly.

“It’s not over yet.”

“Hm?”

“Give her to me.”

There was one last thing I needed to do.

***

When Amelia Young regained consciousness, she found herself being carried on someone’s back, running through the sewers.

Even in her groggy state, she wondered who it could be.

“You’re awake, it seems.”

The voice brought her back to full awareness.

No wonder the shoulders felt so broad they made her arms ache.

“Iron Mask…”

It was Iron Mask.

The one who had been kind and considerate to her and her sister, unlike the other clan members, both in the labyrinth and outside.

And…

Emily’s comrade.

She didn’t know why, but for the entire day, Emily had looked after them. Amelia wasn’t so oblivious that she didn’t notice.

Why are these people helping us…

She didn’t know.

But there was one thing she knew for sure.

If it weren’t for their dedication, she and her sister would’ve…

Would’ve…?

As her thoughts reached that point, memories flooded back.

“Sister!”

“…?”

“What happened to my sister? She was right next to me…! Didn’t you see her?”

“…You were the only one I found in the rubble.”

“Oh…”

Amelia unconsciously clenched her fists.

“A-ah…”

Her head felt dizzy.

Iron Mask’s words explaining the situation seemed muffled and distorted.

“We’re heading back to Noark. The path to the city has collapsed… What, are you asleep?”

As her consciousness faded again, she heard the deep voice of the man holding her.

“…I’m sorry, I couldn’t save you properly.”

“…”

“See you later.”

That was the last thing she remembered.

“Where…”

When she opened her eyes again, she was in a desolate cemetery.

In the distance, the fortress of Noark was visible, and the air smelled of smoke.

And…

“…”

There was no one around.

No Iron Mask, no Emily.

Not even her only sister.

Swish.

As if in a trance, Amelia drew her dagger.

It was stained with thick blood.

“S-sister…”

Looking at the blood on the dagger, reality hit her.

Everything that happened today wasn’t a dream.

“A-ah…”

Amelia sat there for a long time, listening to the distant commotion.

“There’s someone here!”

“What the—who is she?”

“Looks like she’s with Felix Barker’s pack.”

“Let’s take her. She might know something.”

It wasn’t until she was led into the city by the guards that Amelia realized…

“…”

She was completely alone.

Her sister, who had protected her, was gone.

Now, she had to survive in this city on her own.

***

As I watched Amelia being taken away by the guards, I heard a voice behind me.

“Seeing her like that makes me feel heavy-hearted. As if I did something wrong.”

What is he saying? Trying to play the role of a benevolent old man?

Even though he doesn’t actually feel that way.

“By the way, where is my companion? Why did you come alone?”

“That young lady is still back there.”

“Leaving an unconscious woman alone…”

“Don’t worry. She should’ve woken up right after I left.”

Well, in that case.

His words put me at ease.

She’s a woman who can take care of herself, no matter what happens.

But there’s one thing I’m curious about.

“Why didn’t she come with you?”

Auril Gavis answered as if it were obvious.

“Because I have something to discuss with you.”

Ah, that…

It’s not like I can back out now…

It’s natural for people to change their attitude once they’re out of the restroom.

Even though I had resolved to give him what he wanted, now that the moment had come, it was hard to get the words out.

“Are you planning to break our promise?”

Auril Gavis’s voice was gentle, but there was a subtle pressure in his words.

“Your name.”

As I avoided his gaze, the old man’s eyes glinted as he took a step closer.

“Tell me your name. Or you could remove that mask first. Hmm, yes… Perhaps it would be better to see your face first.”

The way he exhaled with every breath was truly terrifying.

So…

“W-wait!”

I quickly raised my hand to stop Auril Gavis.

Then I reached into my subspace.

Seeing this, he asked,

“…Why are you rummaging through your bag?”

Because I have something to try.

“The Fragment of Records?”

He tilted his head as he saw the item I pulled from my subspace bag.

“And why is that?”

Why, you ask?

Because this is my final trick up my sleeve.

After all, the lord of Noark had said:

[When you’ve completed everything you need to do here, you’ll be called back, just as you arrived…]

The way to return to my original time was to finish all my tasks here. I figured that my remaining task was to save Laura.

And that role was now complete.

In other words, I could use this to escape to the future without paying him anything.

Well, that was the plan, but…

Why isn’t it working?

The Fragment of Records didn’t respond.

Maybe my disappointment showed on my face.

“…So that’s what you were after.”

The old man seemed to have caught on to my intentions, and his eyes narrowed as he glared at me.

“I’ve tried to be friendly, accommodating even, granting all your troublesome requests… But to think you planned to betray me in the end.”

“It’s a misunderstanding… A misunderstanding. If we could just calmly discuss—”

“Enough. I know exactly how to deal with you now.”

Damn it.

I unconsciously took a step back, and Auril Gavis gestured at the air.

Whoosh!

Like the [Eye of the Storm], an invisible force dragged me toward him. By the time I realized it, I was already standing in front of him.

“Now, let’s see your face.”

Auril Gavis reached out for my helmet.

Hah, I should’ve just taken it off myself.

I regretted it too late as his fingers touched my helmet.

Even in the darkness of night, light still exists.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, the Fragment of Records in my hand emitted a brilliant white light, illuminating everything around me.

This is how you exploit the elderly.

As the world turned white, I smirked.

“Sorry, I really did intend to keep my promise.”

“You…!!”

“Don’t shout. What can I do about it? My role here is done.”

“Your name! At least tell me your—”

Flash!

The light burst like a flashbang, drowning out Auril Gavis’s voice.

And then…

Tap.

As the light faded, my feet touched the ground.

The timing had been tight, but it seemed my plan to escape without paying off had succeeded—

“Wait…”

But then, what is this?

“Wait…?”

As I surveyed my surroundings, I stood frozen in shock.

Because everything was the same.

The broken tombstones.

The gravekeeper’s corpse.

Even the smell of burning from the city was still there.

If I had returned to my original time, something should’ve changed, but everything around me was exactly the same.

Except…

“Where did that old man go?”

Only Auril Gavis was gone.