After consulting with Iris and Machina to gather information, Alice had reached a firm conclusion: Nebula was, in her estimation, ninety-nine percent a good person at heart. Even so, the depths of the girl's current thoughts remained an enigma.
Alice understood the past well enough, but she needed to see for herself whether Nebula would pose any threat to Kaito's future. Direct observation was the only way to be sure.
Though Nebula’s current power resided in the Quasi-Almighty Class, Alice was confident that she wouldn't be caught off guard as long as she remained vigilant. She posed her question while maintaining a mental readiness to act at a moment's notice. After a brief, thoughtful pause, Nebula finally spoke.
"Since that question could be answered as both 'correct' and 'incorrect,' I find myself somewhat hesitant on how to respond."
"In what way?" Alice asked.
"The title of 'Ultimate God' refers to who I once was. I am an entity that has already met its end; I am currently a Spirit, not a God. Thus, 'Former Ultimate God' would be the more accurate term."
"I see..."
"Regardless of my station or circumstances, however, the fact remains that I am an Absolute One!"
Seeing the small girl puff out her chest with such pride, Alice let out a faint, wry smile. It was a possibility she had already considered, but Nebula had admitted to being the entity once known as the Ultimate God with surprising ease.
Or rather, judging by her casual tone, it didn't seem like she had ever intended to hide it in the first place.
"But tell me, Alice-san, how did you come across this information? Did you hear it from Shallow Vernal?"
"No, it started as a deduction. Initially..."
As Alice explained the evidence and the reasoning that had led her to conclude Nebula was the Former Ultimate God, an impressed expression crossed the girl's face.
"To be so nearly correct at the stage of mere deduction... Alice-san, you possess a truly exceptional mind and power of thought."
"I'm honored by the praise. However, I still had a few lingering concerns, so I thought it best to ask you directly. With that in mind, would you object to answering a few more questions?"
"Of course not. I am an Absolute One! It would be unthinkable for me to turn away those who seek knowledge."
Even as the conversation continued, Nebula maintained a friendly demeanor. No matter how closely Alice observed her, she couldn't detect even a trace of malice.
"Do you have any complaints about your current situation?"
"I have mountains of them! The fact that I, an Absolute One, have been rank-lowered; the sheer inconvenience of these restrictions on my power; the humiliation of bowing to those who are little more than inferior creatures compared to me... Yes, my grievances are numerous. However, I accepted this role as a watchdog of my own volition. To vent my frustrations on those around me or to complain after the fact would be beneath the dignity of an Absolute One. I have my complaints, but I have reached a state of acceptance."
"I see. And do you have any intention of harming Kaito-san?"
"Why would I ever harm Master? He is, in a sense, the very first object of protection I have gained in this new life. I have endless reasons to safeguard and assist him, and not a single reason to do him harm."
There was no lie in Nebula's words. She certainly harbored dissatisfaction regarding her lower rank and her change in race to a Spirit, but she had no desire to take those feelings out on the people around her. Nor did she intend to complain or demand a return to her former status after having accepted the terms.
Nebula’s honesty—admitting her dissatisfaction while affirming her commitment—struck a chord with Alice. Had she tried to play it off by claiming she had no complaints at all, she would have seemed less trustworthy. Instead, Alice felt she was catching a glimpse of Nebula's genuine, sincere nature.
"By the way, is that way of speaking your natural voice?"
"Hmm, that is another difficult question. If you are asking how it compares to the tone I used in the past, then no, it is different. Previously, I stood above countless others, and my speech reflected that status. However, if you ask if this is my 'natural' self, I cannot say for certain."
"Right... It's just, for someone who calls themselves an Absolute One, you seem remarkably humble."
Nebula nodded as if she had expected the doubt. Then, her voice turned quiet and steady.
"My status as an Absolute One does not change, even in rebirth... but does the possession of great power entitle one to be arrogant? Certainly not. Such behavior is the mark of those who are third-rate or lower. True mastery of etiquette is what defines an Absolute One. While I am who I am, I am also the newest arrival here. It is only fitting that my speech and conduct reflect that reality."
"Well... what can I say? You really are just... far too sensible, aren't you?"
"Naturally. One must excel in all aspects to be an Absolute One!"
"Heh... I see. I'm impressed."
Looking at Nebula as she puffed out her chest with total confidence, Alice finally concluded that there truly was no problem. She let the tension drain from her shoulders and, with a fond smile, reached out to pat Nebula’s head. Nebula didn't object, accepting the gesture with a look of quiet satisfaction before clenching a determined fist.
"Alice-san, if you are ever in trouble, you may consult me as well. As an Absolute One, I will never hesitate to lend a helping hand!"
"Hahaha, that’s certainly reassuring."
Alice's vigilance toward Nebula vanished completely. The two of them remained there together, looking up at the beautiful moon as they drifted into idle chatter.
Serious-senpai: "She’s just... she’s far too normal. Or maybe she only seems that way because the two she's being compared to are so utterly ridiculous. Besides, she doesn't seem to be trying to hide a thing. I bet if Kaito just asked, she’d spill her whole identity without a second thought."