The battle between the false god forged by human hands and the hero from the age of gods remained locked within the memories of a single girl who had witnessed it all. To the rest of the world, the conflict never happened.
Two weeks had passed since that day. On the artificial island where only a lone building stood, Alicia sat upon a wooden bench she had conjured from somewhere, gazing up at the tapestry of the night sky.
She had demolished the massive walls that once hemmed in Machina’s home, claiming they were an eyesore. Now, with the horizon wide and clear, the stars seemed more brilliant than they had ever been.
Machina approached her, clutching two mugs in her hands.
"Here, Alicia."
"Hm? Thanks."
Alicia accepted the mug of hot milk with a word of thanks, and Machina settled onto the bench beside her with a soft smile.
Their life on the island appeared to have reverted to the quiet days before the Deus Ex Machina's arrival—at least, on the surface.
The man-made god was gone, and Machina was finally free. Yet, that did not mean everything remained the same. Rather, it felt as though the true changes were only just beginning to stir.
"...Hey, Alicia. There's something I need to tell you."
"Yeah?"
"I really should have said something sooner, but I was so confused myself. It took me a while to gather my thoughts."
"I see."
Alicia tilted her head curiously. Machina took a slow sip of the milk, cradling the mug with both hands, before looking back up at the shimmering stars.
"When I was absorbed into the core and touched that immense magic power... I realized something. I finally understood the nature of my true power."
"Your true power?"
"Yes. It wasn't just Clairvoyance. Or rather, my sight was only a tiny fragment of what I can actually do."
Inside the artificial god’s core, Machina’s body had undergone a transformation after coming into contact with a vast reservoir of magic—the power of an entity that had once been hailed, however erroneously, as a god. It was less a change and more of an awakening to a truth she had never before grasped.
"...My true power is Omniscience. If I desire to know something, I can know it. Anything. It’s a divine power that far exceeds the limits of humanity."
"Huh. Is that so?"
"Yeah... Wait, that’s it?"
"Now that you mention it, I’m craving a snack. Something bitter to go with the milk—maybe some dark chocolate cookies? I think I stashed some away somewhere..."
"Wait, wait! Did I say it wrong? Sorry, Alicia, let me try that again."
"Hmm?"
Despite the gravity with which Machina had spoken, Alicia had merely nodded with her usual casual air. In fact, she seemed more interested in finding a snack than discussing the birth of an omniscient being.
Baffled by this lukewarm reception, Machina tried once more, putting even more emphasis on her words.
"My true power... is Omniscience."
"I heard you the first time."
"Right, okay."
"Yeah."
"...No, wait! What is wrong with you!?"
"Whoa! What’s with the sudden yelling?"
Machina had reclaimed her serious expression, but Alicia’s reaction remained frustratingly thin.
"No, look, I just said something monumental! Why are you so underwhelmed? You could at least act a little surprised!"
"Oh, did you want me to be surprised? Alright, I get it. Let’s take it from the top."
"Wait, again? Well... okay..."
Forced into a third attempt, Machina’s confusion reached its peak, but she dutifully repeated herself one more time.
"...My true power is Omniscience."
"Good heavens, unbelievable! Munch, munch... What a shock! I’m absolutely stunned!"
"That was the most monotone delivery I’ve ever heard! And you’re eating cookies in the middle of it! Why are you like this? I spent so long worrying about how to tell you!"
"Well, think about it. Even if you are Omniscient, Machina, does it actually change anything? Whatever power you have, you’re still my precious best friend."
"Ugh... You shouldn't say such cool things at a time like this. It’s cheating."
Machina’s true power might have been terrifying in scope, but Alicia didn't care. To her, it wasn't a reason for their relationship to shift. Besides, Alicia herself possessed strength far beyond the human norm; a little divinity wasn't going to rattle her.
"Sigh... All that nervous energy, wasted. I suppose that’s just the way you are, though."
"I’ll take that as a compliment. So, was that all you wanted to talk about?"
"No... that was just the lead-in. The real topic starts now."
Machina turned to look Alicia directly in the eye, her expression shifting. The uncertainty was gone, replaced by a firm, unwavering resolve.
"Alicia, I’ve found something I want to do."
"Something you want to do?"
The last time Alicia had asked if she wanted to run away, Machina had claimed she had no desires. She had no reason to leave the island and no goal to pursue. But she had finally found an answer.
"Yes. The world is full of suffering and sadness, I know that now. But just as you showed me, there’s also hope. The world is shaped by so many different emotions. And I realized... I want to try creating a world like that."
"Creating a world? Well, you certainly don't lack for ambition."
Normally, such a claim would be laughed off as a delusion. But Alicia didn't laugh. This was the wish of a girl who had seen the darkest depths of human negativity and still chose to hope. There was no reason to mock that.
"I want to become a God. One who affirms everything—joy, sadness, suffering, and anger. I want to be a God who can love all of it."
Alicia wondered what Machina had seen and thought over the last two weeks since her awakening. Alicia didn't have Omniscience; she couldn't know the depth of the girl's reflections.
But one thing was clear: "Becoming a God" was the first dream Machina had ever had. It was her first true goal.
"Do you think... I can do it?"
"I’m not the one who gets to decide that. If you’ve found your answer, then all that’s left is for me to cheer you on."
"Thank you, Alicia."
Alicia chose to affirm that dream. Even though she understood exactly what such a wish would eventually entail, she gave her friend the push she needed.
"But can you actually become a God just by wanting it?"
"I know how through my Omniscience. But I need one specific thing. And you have it, Alicia."
"I do?"
"Yes. Alicia, please... would you give me the Great Evil God's Core? I mean, I’d even be happy if you just lent it to me."
Alicia didn’t hesitate. Without even a flicker of a serious expression, she reached into the empty air and pulled out a large, crystal sphere.
It was the Great Evil God's Core, restored to its complete form after Alicia had retrieved the final fragments from the wreckage of the man-made god.
"Sure. Here you go."
"Wait, I know it’s not something you can just hand over easily! I'm sure it's a memento of—wait, what!?"
"You're doing a lot of shouting today."
"Of course I am! Why are you giving it to me so casually? What happened to all my dramatic tension!?"
"I mean, to me, this is just a fancy crystal ball with a lot of magic power. I don't really have a use for it."
"I don't understand... Everything is going exactly as I hoped, yet I feel so unsatisfied..."
Wearing a conflicted expression, Machina accepted the core from Alicia.
"So, how does the god-making process work?"
"Well, I’ll use my Omniscience to analyze the core and then replicate its essence within my own body. Though, since I’m tailoring it to myself, it’s more like a transformation than a simple copy."
"Will it happen right away?"
"It should take about a month."
"I see."
"Yeah."
A sudden, somber silence fell between them. They both knew the truth. Machina’s desire to "create a world" meant an inevitable parting.
Alicia was a traveler who searched for things lost to the world; Machina was an architect who sought to build a new one. Their paths could not run parallel forever.
Though they felt the end of their time together approaching, neither spoke of it. Yet the month that followed seemed to slip through their fingers faster than any time before.
One month later, they were back on the bench, gazing at the same stars.
"You know, for someone who says she’s a God now, you don't look much different."
"Hehe, that’s because I’m just a newborn. Right now, I’ve basically just 'stopped being human.' The only real difference is that I’m now immortal. I can't actually use my divine powers for much of anything yet."
They shared a wry laugh, but then Alicia’s face turned serious.
"Are you leaving this world?"
"I have to. I can't build a new world while staying in this one. The scale might be different, but I guess that makes me a traveler, just like you."
"The scale is definitely different... but I suppose the wandering part is the same."
"Yes. I plan to visit many different worlds first. Once I’ve truly mastered my powers as a God, I’ll start building my own."
"Practical. A bit dull, maybe, but practical."
Alicia gave a gentle smile as Machina described her plan to hone her skills through pilgrimage. She was savoring these final moments.
"I suppose it is. But someday, Alicia... I want to show you the world I make."
"If I’m still around by then."
At those words, Machina stood up. She turned toward Alicia with a lonely, bittersweet expression.
"I wish we could keep talking like this forever, but I know we can’t."
"I suppose not."
"So, I think it’s time for me to go."
"Yeah... No."
"I hope you stay well, Alicia—wait, what?"
Machina had been prepared for a poignant farewell, but Alicia had flatly rejected it. Stunned, Machina blinked several times, her voice trailing off in confusion.
"U-Um, did I hear that right? Wasn't this the part where we have a heart-wrenching goodbye?"
"Maybe for some people. But I said no! You still have unfinished business!"
"I do?"
"Of course! You say you want to travel and see other worlds to learn how to build your own, but you don't even know anything about this one! That’s just ridiculous!"
Alicia pointed a finger at herself with dramatic flair. Machina looked on, bewildered, already feeling the familiar sensation of being steamrolled by her friend’s whims.
"B-But I have Omniscience..."
"Hah! This is exactly why you’re such a sheltered young lady. Knowledge without experience is worthless!"
"Oh no... she’s being incredibly persuasive... So, what exactly are you getting at? What are you going to make me do?"
"I hereby declare the start of our 'Heart-pounding! Around-the-World Trip for Just the Two of Us'!"
"Whaaaat!? I see... so that’s how it’s going to be. My grand resolve for our parting has been completely ignored."
"There might even be fanservice moments for you!"
"There will not! Absolutely not!"
The day they would go their separate ways would surely come. But as Alicia made her outrageous declaration, Machina couldn't help but offer a small, resigned smile. At least that day wasn't today.
"Alright, if it’s settled, let’s go!"
"That’s sudden! I mean, I don't have any luggage, so I guess it’s fine—wait, Alicia? What are you doing? Why are you picking me up?"
"We need to move."
"This... this doesn't feel like a normal way to move."
Alicia had hoisted Machina up onto her shoulder like a sack of grain. Even in her new divine state, Machina was light as a feather to Alicia. However, anxiety began to gnaw at Machina's gut.
She knew that look on Alicia’s face. It was the look she wore when she was about to pull a prank.
"Well, you see, you can't use your God powers yet, so I figured I’d carry you."
"I mean, I don't disagree with the logic... but is it my imagination, or are you 'winding up'? You aren't going to throw me, are you?"
"I’ll put a barrier around you. It’ll be fine."
"Nothing about that sounds fine! What’s going to happen to me!?"
"Why don't you use your Omniscience to find out?"
"I don't want to! I have a bad feeling about this. A really, really bad feeling!"
"Well, looking won't change the outcome anyway."
With that, Alicia took a deep breath, braced herself, and swung her body forward. Machina squeezed her eyes shut, took a breath, and prepared to scream.
"Machina, launch!"
"Alicia, you idi-ooooooooooooot!"
Machina was hurled toward the starlit horizon with incredible velocity, and Alicia immediately sprinted off in pursuit.
As an aside, a certain man in the far-distant future would one day find himself transported in much the same manner.
Later, on the deck of a luxury liner cutting through the night sea, Machina leaned against the railing, gasping for air, while Alicia stood nearby with a cheeky grin.
"Man, a sea voyage at night is something else, isn't it?"
"I have... so many complaints. But for now, just tell me where we're going."
"First stop: Asia. I’m taking us to a country called Japan. It’s where I was planning to go originally."
"Japan? What’s it like?"
"It’s small, but it’s a great place. Let’s see, I have a guidebook around here somewhere..."
Machina wanted to yell about being kidnapped onto a ship before she could even process what was happening, but she knew Alicia would just dodge her with a joke. After several months together, she had learned when to give up. She decided to focus on their destination instead.
Alicia produced a guidebook from thin air and flipped it open, pointing at the pages.
"It’s autumn there now, so the trees will be beautiful and the food is amazing."
"Wow, it looks lovely."
"I definitely recommend the hot springs. Soaking in a bath while looking out at the scenery is pure bliss."
"Hehe, I see. I’m looking forward to it."
"You just leave it to me! Alicia-chan is a master of sightseeing!"
"I’m counting on you... but please, keep the pranks to a minimum."
"I’ll take that under advisement."
"That doesn’t make me feel better at all."
As they talked, they found themselves laughing together. They were simply a perfect match; even without doing anything special, they enjoyed each other’s company.
After a while, a mischievous thought struck Alicia.
"Alright, Machina! Let’s head to the ship’s casino!"
"Talk about a change of pace..."
"I may not look it, but I’m a pro at gambling."
"You actually look exactly like someone who would be good at gambling."
"Fair point. I’ve always been lucky. Want to make a bet?"
"Alicia, do you realize who you're talking to? I’m Omniscient. Isn't that a bit reckless?"
Alicia gave a provocative grin, and Machina met it with a confident smile of her own. This was, after all, Machina’s first time ever stepping foot in a casino.
"Whoever loses has to do a penalty game. But no roulette—winning 36-to-1 too many times makes people suspicious."
"Hehe, deal. If I lose, I’ll do whatever you want for a day."
"Big words for someone who’s never played before!"
"Fufun. No matter how lucky you are, Alicia... you can't beat someone who knows everything!"
Several hours later, in a sprawling, top-tier suite, Machina was beet-red and trembling. She was no longer wearing her dress. Instead, she was clad in a bunny suit she had never seen before, while a delighted Alicia snapped endless photos of her.
"Yes, perfect! That really suits you. Now, look this way!"
"Why... why did I lose? I’m... I’m Omniscient!"
"Oh, it was a close match! You really kept me on my toes. Alright, time for the next outfit!"
"Something is wrong with you, Alicia! Your luck is terrifying! How can someone get a Royal Straight Flush that often?"
"I guess I was just born under a lucky star. I’ve always had amazing luck. I’m just glad this casino pays out based on the hand strength, or I might have actually lost."
"Ugh... that’s cheating. I was making the perfect moves every time... but even in Blackjack, you just kept hitting twenty-one..."
"To be called a cheater by an Omniscient girl... that’s a first. Anyway, you made the bet! Our 'Cosplay Photo Session' is only just getting started!"
"How much longer is this going to go on!? My face is going to melt from embarrassment!"
"Hmm... about forty more outfits to go."
"Forty!?"
Machina: "By the way, about that technique in the previous chapter... it’s rare for Alice to use a named move, isn't it?"
???: "Actually, it’s a bit of a trivia point, but the move 'Pierce Hope' appears as 'Pierce Death' in the extra story 'The First Visitor.' It’s a bit of a metaphor for how Alicia’s heart shifted from hoping for the future to clinging to the past and longing for death."
Machina: "Heh, those kinds of secrets are interesting. Besides, I liked that move. Gathering beams of hope to fire them is so cool!"
???: "Eh? Oh, uh, yeah! Exactly! It’s a super-advanced technique involving incredibly complex magical theory."
Machina: "...That was a suspicious pause. Let me check with my Omniscience—wait! That move is just 'throwing a knife with a lot of magic in it'? And the only reason it looked like hope was because Alicia’s magic during that Ultimate War-Form was the Magic Power of Hope!?"
???: "..."
Machina: "..."
???: "Alright, look! Pierce Hope and Pierce Death are just... 'throwing a knife really hard'! To be honest, I could do the same thing with a regular rock."
Machina: "I... I feel like I just saw the person inside a mascot costume at an amusement park. My dreams are ruined. I wish I’d never known."