Luce—or rather, Akari—had vanished from the city hosting the Six Kings Festival, transported in an instant to a location far beyond its borders.
It was not her own power that had moved her. Just as Alice and Iris had suspected, an external force had intervened to spirit her away.
"Are you finished already? You still had a bit of time left to talk."
"Yes. If I speak with him any longer, I’m sure a fool like me will only mess things up... Thank you for giving me the chance to see that child, Shallow Vernal-sama."
"There is no need for thanks. I am merely utilizing you for my own convenience."
An inflectionless voice echoed as the surrounding scenery shifted to the Hanging Garden—the Sanctuary. The being standing there was none other than the pinnacle of the God Realm, the Creator God Shallow Vernal.
The mastermind who had brought Akari into contact with Kaito was indeed Shallow Vernal.
She had previously told Kuromueina that she had not resurrected Kaito’s mother, nor had she created a duplicate of her.
There was no lie in those words. Akari Miyama had not been brought back to life; she existed here only as a soul. She was, in a sense, a ghost granted the ability to interact with the physical world through Shallow Vernal’s power.
Securing Akari Miyama’s soul was a matter Shallow Vernal had been negotiating with Eden for quite some time. She required it for a specific purpose, and thus she had approached the Earth God early on.
Eden had been reluctant, making the negotiations difficult. However, once Eden visited this world and developed a profound interest in Kaito, she found a personal benefit in assisting Shallow Vernal’s agenda. Thus, the deal was struck, and Akari’s soul was brought to this world.
While Shallow Vernal had obtained the soul for her own ends, she had given Akari the freedom of choice. To allow her to decide whether to cooperate, she had permitted Akari to meet Kaito on the condition that she keep her true identity a secret.
"So, what is your decision? Do you require more time to reflect?"
"No, I have seen enough. I will accept the conditions you’ve presented."
"You are certain? In the worst-case scenario, this may result in you crushing Kaito’s spirit."
"..."
The role Shallow Vernal had assigned to Akari was that of an obstacle to Kaito.
Essentially, she was being asked to stand in opposition to her own son. Even Shallow Vernal found it somewhat unexpected that Akari would accept such a role so readily after having been given the chance to see him.
This was why Shallow Vernal questioned her once more, asking if she was truly at peace with the decision.
Akari looked directly at the Creator God and spoke.
"I can’t do it myself. Just standing before you makes me shake uncontrollably. I am certain that it is impossible for me to ever win against you or even resist you."
"Then are you obeying me out of fear?"
"No, that’s not it. I might be powerless... but that child is different. Kaito will defeat you."
"The trial I described to you is quite severe, is it not?"
"It is. Honestly, I wonder if anyone could ever overcome something like that."
"Your statements seem contradictory."
As Shallow Vernal tilted her head in confusion, Akari forced her trembling body still and stared back with eyes burning with a fierce light.
"I am a small, insignificant human. I am terrified of you, and I can’t even begin to imagine a future where someone defeats you. But I believe Kaito will create a future I can’t imagine—one I could never even envision. I may be a tiny existence, but I refuse to be so weak that I cannot believe in my own son with all my heart!"
"..."
"Even if I don't know how he'll do it, I believe Kaito will win against you, Shallow Vernal-sama. That is why I am placing my soul on the betting table."
A future she could not conceive, the certainty that no one could best Shallow Vernal—Akari believed Kaito would overturn it all. Believing in Kaito and wagering her own soul was her way of fighting.
Watching Akari, the corners of Shallow Vernal’s mouth lifted ever so slightly—a change so subtle it would have gone unnoticed by anyone not watching closely.
"I see. You truly are Kaito’s mother. Those were quite interesting words."
"..."
"Your assessment hits the mark. Indeed, there is a possibility that Kaito will overcome my trial and claim victory over me... though at this stage, the probability is only about twenty percent."
"Should I take that as a very high evaluation?"
"Yes. I evaluate Kaito very highly. That is why I must know. Is he a truly unique existence—one I will never find again if I let him go? Or is he replaceable? To think he would make even me fret this much... your son is a real heart-breaker of a man."
As she spoke, Shallow Vernal lightly flicked her finger. Akari’s body was instantly enveloped in light, shrinking back into a small, glowing sphere—her soul.
Holding that soul in her hand, the Creator God gazed out from the Sanctuary and murmured to herself.
"The stage is almost set. Still, even I must admit I have devised a cruel trial. Kuro will be absolutely furious. Perhaps I should make some preparations to ensure the God Realm isn't destroyed in her rage..."
Her words were ominous, yet Shallow Vernal’s expression as she spoke was unusually cheerful, as if she were genuinely looking forward to the future.
~NG Scene~
Natural: "I have a weakness for cheap thrills. What do you say? Want to make a bet?"
Akkarin: "...Then I'll bet it! My soul!"
Natural: "Good!"
Serious-senpai Act 3: "I told you to stop ruining the mood in the afterword!"