Chapter 69: Tangible Strings

"What were you thinking, telling a child something like that?" Haru asked in disbelief as they proceeded to their next game. "You totally sounded like a scammer there."

Shiho cackled. "But all that I've said then was true! About someone adopting you, how they won't find you useful, and that I was entranced to you as a compatible vessel! That's why I tried to get your attention then."

"What? That was serious?"

"Of course!"

Haru moved and maneuvered the joystick and pressed the buttons as they were playing. It's one of the most famous arcade video games where they just have to choose their characters that they would control to fight in a bout using the joysticks and the buttons. Haru was genuinely getting entertained regardless of the peculiar situation he is in right now.

Midway the game, Haru has persistently asked about the world he was in before she kidnapped him and eventually, Shiho gave up and told him about the Devil's world.

"Five of you voluntarily went inside the invitation portal that the Devil sent to you," She explained. "He created five worlds in total, which he's currently test-running right now. As you know, the world is ending."

Haru's logical side thought that it was strange for a Devil to attempt creating a world because the original one is going to be destroyed. That didn't make much sense to him. Why would a Devil want to do that?

But for some reason, in his heart, it felt like he understood. It's as if he knew what the Devil's intentions are even though his head is empty right now.

"So we're like the subjects of his worlds?" He continued the conversation.

"That's correct. And you were in your fourth world when I grabbed you over here. I only got the opportunity now since I traveled a long way, you know."

"Why would I even… accept a Devil's invitation? Even if I didn't like my life…"

The old woman let out another chuckle. "Of course, you won't understand! You don't have your memories! Besides, being a 'Devil's subject' may sound bad to you, but as I have seen it, the five of you seem to actually enjoy the worlds. You have indulged yourselves to pleasures and comforts generated by that Devil. And none of you seem to regret your decisions and actions."

Haru felt like he understood her words, but he still found it unbelievable. He can't comprehend or convince himself yet.

At the very last round when the game's almost ending, Haru stopped in the middle of his attack barrages on the old woman's character. Shiho glanced over to him as if asking what he's doing. Haru stared at the screen for a while until he wore a determined look in his eyes.

"I think… I want to take the wish."