◇ ◇ ◇
I’ve only lived for about twenty years, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
A life without regrets simply doesn’t exist.
Failures are inevitable, even when you believe you’re making the best possible choice. Yet, at the same time, those choices always yield something valuable in return.
That’s why I believe it’s more constructive to focus on what you stand to gain rather than what you might lose. When you reach a crossroads, the important thing is to give your absolute all to the path you choose. You have to keep striving until you’re satisfied, until you’ve gained enough that you don't feel the need to look back and wonder about the "what ifs."
...Even so, if I were granted the chance to do it all over again, I would fight back against that senselessness.
Grandpa staked his life to give me one more chance. To honor his memory—and more than anything, to ensure I never have to feel that way again—I will not fail.
I vow once more.
No matter what absurdity awaits me, I will not stop. I will give everything I have to ensure that my precious things never slip through my fingers again. I will never lose them a second time!
In the Hidden World, where only Shion and I remained after seeing August-san off, I etched that vow into my soul.
"Well then, shall we go, Orun?"
Shion turned to me with a radiant smile, her voice clear and bright.
Our time had begun to move forward again.
—"You know, I bet the 'Outside World' is filled with sights just as beautiful as this."
—"Are you going there, Orun...?"
—"Yeah. I know there are a lot of problems out there. But I want to solve them, and then I want to travel. I want to see everything... So, Shion. Won't you come with me?"
—"Eh? Is it really okay for me to come too?"
—"Of course! Why wouldn't it be? Traveling alone is lonely, and I'd be so much happier if you were there."
—"I-In that case, I want to go! I want to go with you!"
—"It's a promise, then! We'll see the world together!"
—"Mhm!"
My heart grew warm as I remembered that promise, made so long ago amidst the silver, frosted world she had shown me.
At the same time, a deep sense of guilt gnawed at me. I had forgotten that promise for nearly a decade, leaving Shion to suffer through the loneliness alone.
But it starts here. Everything starts over from this moment.
"Yeah. Let’s go destroy the world, Shion."
With my resolve renewed, I began to walk.
◆
"Ugh... heavy..."
It was the morning after the battle with the "Doctor"—the Cyclamen Cult executive—an incident sparked by the chaos surrounding Sophia’s engagement and the subsequent condemnation of the former Count Claudel.
My day began with the sensation of a heavy weight resting on my stomach.
(...Ah, right. It starts from here.)
I knew exactly where I was. This was the day we were scheduled to depart from Daluane.
Strangely, I remembered everything—the events that were supposed to happen next, and everything that had transpired within the Hidden World. It was a bizarre sensation, but the overwhelming relief that I hadn't forgotten a single detail eclipsed the confusion.
I sat up, and just as I expected, I found Fuuka sprawled across me, sleeping soundly.
"Nn... mmn..."
As I watched her with a faint smile, she suddenly sat bolt upright.
"......Orun. Good morning."
"Morning, Fuuka. ...I see. You were here because you knew this was a turning point, weren't you? Your 【Future Sight】 told you."
Fuuka’s eyes widened when I mentioned the "turning point." Then, her expression shifted, becoming more serious than I had ever seen it.
"—Orun, how are you feeling?"
She asked me the exact same question she had asked in the original timeline.
"Perfect. I couldn't be better."
Fuuka nodded, looking satisfied. "I see. You've come back, haven't you?"
"Yeah. I'm back. I’ve got my memories and my ability."
"Good. Welcome back, Orun."
"I'm home. And I'm going to need your help right away."
Without a moment’s hesitation, Fuuka nodded. "Naturally. I am Orun's sword, after all."
(My sword, huh? Hahaha. That’s one way to put it.)
I’d heard her say that before, but back then, the meaning had completely escaped me. Now, I finally understood. She was the one who would stand on the front lines with me.
And she was the one who wouldn't let me run away from the fight.
After getting ready for the day, I met up with Fuuka outside the room.
"Orun, what's the plan?" she asked as we walked down the manor’s corridor.
"I have several things I want to set in motion, but our top priority is the total annihilation of Rasetsu and The War Ogre. Fuuka, this time, don't hold back. No limits on your ability or your Yoryoku. Use your full power to cut The War Ogre down."
Those two were responsible for the devastation of Tsutrail. I had no intention of showing them mercy.
"I can do that. Leave it to me."
By the time we finished talking, we had reached the dining hall.
"Ah, Orun-san! Good morning!"
"Master, good morning!"
"Mornin', Master!"
My disciples greeted me with bright smiles. Luna and Selma-san followed suit with their own greetings.
A slight blur clouded my vision as I took in their voices and smiles.
(I really did make it back...!)
The precious things that had once been torn from my grasp were right here in front of me. Every person in this room was someone I cherished—someone who made my life warmer.
That was exactly why I would never lose them again.
Even if a time comes when I can no longer stay by their side, I want them to be able to live as themselves. If they can live their lives with a smile, I couldn't ask for anything more.
"......Yeah. Good morning, everyone."
"Hmm? What's the matter, Master? Did you have a scary dream or something?"
"You're up later than usual, Orun-san. Are you feeling alright? We can delay the trip to Tsutrail if you're not up for it..."
Carol was the first to pick up on my mood, and Luna, who had known me the longest, looked at me with genuine concern.
"Yeah, actually. I had a bit of a nightmare. But seeing all of you made the fear vanish. I'm fine, and I'm feeling great physically."
"A dream scary enough to rattle even Orun? Now I'm curious what was in it," Selma-san chimed in teasingly, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.
"Ahaha... I'll tell you about it sometime. It was a scary dream, but it's one I must never forget."
There was a time when I regretted joining the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky. But if I hadn't, I never would have met my disciples, or Selma-san, or any of the irreplaceable friends I had made. I wouldn't have been able to reconnect with Luna, either.
I had gained so much from that choice.
The Cult was trying to take those precious things away from me for their own twisted reasons. That was something I could not allow.
By a strange twist of fate, the "result" I sought and the one the Cult pursued were the same. But the process—and the world that would result from it—were worlds apart.
That is why I will crush the Cyclamen Cult.
I will never let them steal what is mine again.
With that burning resolve, I took my first step down a new path.
Thank you for reading until the end. This concludes Chapter Seven. Chapter Eight will begin updating in three weeks, on May 17th. Additionally, due to various circumstances, updates will be bi-weekly for a while. I apologize to everyone looking forward to the story, but I appreciate your understanding.
Afterword
First of all, I know the developments in Chapter Seven were quite stressful for the readers, so thank you for sticking with it this far. I hope you enjoyed the payoff.
This chapter represents a major turning point in the story. Orun’s position and role will shift significantly moving forward.
I believe I mentioned before that I was debating whether to end the story at Chapter Eight or continue into a "Part Two" starting from Chapter Nine. I have followed the original story plan without major deviations, but the volume of text and time required has exceeded my initial estimates. If I were to write out every single thing I envisioned, it would likely take double the amount of content I've already produced.
While I would be delighted if readers want me to write until the very end, I have to be honest about whether my motivation will hold out. My primary goal is to provide a proper conclusion rather than leaving the series unfinished ("etaring").
That said, finishing at Chapter Eight feels like it would leave things half-baked. I am currently re-evaluating the roadmap to ensure we head toward a satisfying finale. At the moment, Chapter Ten seems like the earliest possible conclusion, but the final chapter count is still undecided. I will do my best to run all the way to the finish line!
Reader feedback is my greatest motivation, so even a short comment means the world to me. Finally, if you enjoy the series, please consider supporting the official light novel or manga releases. Realistically, sales are what determine if a series can continue, so your support is deeply appreciated!