Chapter 142: Beneath the Fire-Flowers Blooming in the Night

“Having the whole place to ourselves is incredible.”

“Ayane’s luck is as terrifying as ever.”

When we’d first planned this Enoshima trip, Ayane had applied for the special fireworks seating on a whim. Naturally, she’d won. Now, the six of us were back in our yukata, stepping out onto a private observation deck.

“...Since we’re here, it’s a shame Levi couldn’t have joined us,” I muttered.

“You’re right. Today was a lot of fun,” Ayane replied.

We made small talk as the elevator climbed toward the top floor.

The show was set to begin in ten minutes. I found myself looking forward to it—it had been a long time since I’d seen a proper display. I stood back for a moment, simply watching the others.

Shiki was busy bickering with Kaiser, throwing out jabs just to get a rise out of him. Laura watched them with a look of pure exasperation, while Tsubaki was preoccupied with stuffing her face with the mountain of food she’d stockpiled. Ayane stood beside me, watching them with a bright smile until she couldn't contain herself any longer and ran over to join the circle.

I thought about it constantly. I was an anomaly—a foreign object. The Reima who truly belonged in this world wasn't me. I was the version that had been executed in that other world; the fact that I was standing here at all was nothing short of an impossible stroke of luck.

The threat of the Dungeons grew with every passing day. To protect everyone, I had to get stronger—I had to reclaim the power I’d held during my prime. But my current mana capacity was too low to call upon my most powerful allies. I had to force my mana to return, even if it meant pushing myself to the breaking point.

But doing that might mean sacrificing the Reima of this world.

Someday, I’ll have to disappear. A dead man like me has no right to linger in this world forever.

And yet... the reason I find myself wanting to live in this world is because of them. Because I have companions who spend their days with me like this.

“Hm? Reima-dono! Come over here, I say!”

“It starts in five minutes! You should stand next to me; the view from here is unparalleled!”

“...Quiet, Goro. Just let me watch in peace.”

I took my seat beside them to wait for the show to begin. Ayane sat to my side, wearing the same black yukata she’d worn yesterday. It gave her a mature air I’d never seen back in my original world. I’d never expected to see her like this. It made me realize, once again—

“Right. I want to show Luna and the others, too. Is that alright?”

“Of course,” Ayane said. “The place is reserved, so we don't have to worry about anyone seeing them.”

“True... [Tria Summon]: Luna Managarm. Sol Skoll. Lycoris Hydros.”

I called upon the usual members—the companions who had supported me ever since I’d arrived in this parallel world. They looked at me with slightly pained expressions, clearly sensing my mood, but they didn't pry. Instead, they simply took up positions behind me.

Apparently, fireworks had existed back in the Wakuni of Mythologia, but they’d only known of them by reputation; they’d never had the luxury of actually watching them. I hoped they would find them beautiful.

A moment later, the first flowers of fire bloomed in the sky.

“They’re just as beautiful as the ones we see inside Master,” one of them remarked.

“...Hold on. What do you mean, ‘inside me’?”

“The Japanese Mythology group is always setting them off, Reima,” Sol explained. “I hated it at first because it was so noisy, but I got used to it. They’re actually quite pretty. They hold displays regularly now.”

“.........It’s a bit late to ask, but what the hell is going on inside my body?”

I could no longer fully grasp the state of my own Soul World. It wasn't as vast as Mythologia, but I had a sinking feeling its scale was becoming something nonsensical.

I felt a headache coming on—not from the fireworks, but from this new information. Still, seeing everyone so happy brought a small smile to my face. I really do have to protect them.

“Hey, Reima. Are you having fun?”

Ayane’s voice pulled me back. I hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering.

“...Yeah. I am.”

It wasn't a lie. There was no way I couldn’t be enjoying myself when I was surrounded by my friends and my Summoned Beasts again.

I’m sorry, Reima.

I still... I want to stay here with everyone a little longer.