Chapter X: And Thus, He Finds His Purpose. (1/3)

Ailiss continues explaining the game.

"However, this time it's different. First, I entered this reality with scrambled memories, unable to even remember the enemy's identity, which I'm sure I once knew. Because of that, I've wasted a lot of time, and on top of it all, he now has my machine gun."

"I also felt really dizzy on the morning of the first day. Do you think that might be related to your 'amnesia'? Come to think of it, now that you've mentioned it, I realize I don't clearly remember the start of that morning. When I came to, I was already in the classroom, stuck in my routine."

"Probably. I imagine you were also affected because you're a player. However, the biggest oddity occurred after we entered this space. As I just mentioned, there was a manifestation of the game's rules—something that never happened in my previous experiences. All these anomalies can only mean one thing: This ancient technique has been altered by another equally powerful black magic."

"Altered? Is that really so difficult to do? I mean, isn't it possible for there to be variations of it?"

"To someone who's only heard of magic through fiction, it doesn't sound so absurd because the caster's will can shape magic. However, in reality, things aren't that simple. I can draw an analogy with physics: it's like humanity trying to alter the physical properties of the universe."

I think I understand where she's going with this. So magic isn't as flexible as we're used to imagining; it has some fundamental limitations.

"So, modifying the game with another form of black magic is like circumventing energy conservation or momentum?" I try to illustrate.

"Exactly," she nods. "It's a good comparison. Given my career as an assassin of mage, I'm sensing what a physicist would feel upon hearing the example you just proposed. That's why none of this makes sense to me."

In the end, there really is an anomaly in this game, and it might be the same one that caused the behavioral changes in most of the students at the start of the game. If her memories were scrambled, mine were likely altered as well.

Taking advantage of her decision to discuss this with me, I want to ask her more about herself. This strange feeling that I've known her for a long time still hasn't subsided, and if she's had the same impression, it can't be a mere coincidence.

"Ailiss, may I ask why a young high school girl ended up working as a professional assassin in the supernatural underworld? It doesn't seem like something one would put on a career assessment."

"Nosy," she looks at me darkly. "I don't think that's relevant information for you. Personal reasons brought me to where I am, nothing more."

I should already be used to this kind of reaction.

"I'm sorry, I must have been insensitive. I imagine it's a delicate subject for you," I immediately try to retract to avoid getting punched in the face.

"Now you've gone to the opposite extreme with that clichéd and prepared phrase. It's undeniable that I have a troubled past, but I'm not some traumatized little girl who can't recall old wounds without crying," she looks up and to the left. "I avoid exposing personal details about my life, but if you must know, In short, I entered this field for revenge."

"Revenge? Against someone linked to the game?"

"More than that: against black magic as a whole. However, as you said, the bearers of the game are my priority targets. After all, one of them was responsible for my father's death. The incident occurred ten years ago, back when I still enjoyed a normal life in Potsdam."

Her words trail off. She looks down, takes a breath, and sighs. After a brief pause, she continues her story.

"A maniac attacked us while my father was picking me up from school. Since my father was a police officer, it didn't take him long to realize this wasn't just an ordinary lunatic. Unfortunately, it was too late—the game had already been conjured. The consequences are easy to deduce: I survived, and both of them were killed."

Did she encounter this so early in life?

In contrast, at that same age, I was likely drowning in boredom not too far from her.

"Do you want to know why I asked if you were scared? It's because that day, I was terrified. All I could think about was running away and hiding. But I was so scared that I froze, watching my father get murdered. I'll never forgive myself for being so weak."

"You were only about seven or eight years old at the time. You couldn't possibly have saved him! There's no reason to judge yourself so harshly for that!" I exclaim.

"Yes, you're right; there was nothing I could have done at that time. And that's exactly why I swore to avenge him. I swore to kill all users of black magic, starting with those who use the same technique as the maniac who attacked us. Knowing my case, an underworld organization contacted me, offering training and a future job. Naturally, I accepted."

"There were no complications? I mean, what about the rest of your family?"

"Since my mother died during childbirth, my father was my only close relative. So, I was being sent to some guardian. Given that the organization in question had some influence within the European Union's justice system, it wasn't hard to assign me a guardian who belonged to the organization itself."

"So, you entered this world as a child?"

Not that my childhood was anything extraordinary, either.

"The sooner I started training, the better. Time is scarce; I couldn't wait until adulthood to begin my revenge. And I achieved good results nonetheless. With five years of training, I became a professional assassin. At thirteen, I started my hunt and, with the help of my instructor, managed to take down my first conjurer."

"That's quite an accomplishment," I say with a smile.

"Not really. Once you get the hang of it, the hardest part becomes identifying the user, not killing them."

"Speaking of killing, have you decided how we'll neutralize Takashi? Do you think we can replicate what you did in the other two instances you participated in the game?"

"There's not much room for deviation. In the end, we'll need to convince or force someone to kill him. Do you remember what happens if time runs out without any player dying?"

"We're doomed..."

"Exactly. And it doesn't seem like any of the students here are willing to sacrifice themselves for our sake. Forcing someone doesn't seem like a viable choice either, as we'd need a significant advantage," she sighs. "Maybe I'll end up killing him to satiate my revenge since I'll die anyway."

Not necessarily. There is a way for Ailiss to survive and carry on with her life.

But in that case, I'd have to kill Takashi, and as a result, I'd die too...

Honestly? I don't care in the slightest. It's something that's been hammering in my subconscious. I really want to help her somehow. Maybe the blow to my face yesterday damaged my brain because I was so captivated by her, but the cause of this captivation doesn't matter.

That sensation of déjà vu I've felt since the first time I saw her has gradually become more evident. Now, I can see plainly that it feels like a duty—a duty to keep her alive.

As ironic as it may be, even though I'm weaker, every cell in my body screams that I need to be here to save her. I may never discover where I know her from, but that doesn't matter either. Even as a complete stranger, I still want to do this for her.

"Perhaps there is another solution," I say, lowering my gaze.

"Were you distracted when I explained? There isn't one. Even if we find someone willing to kill him, they'll be at a disadvantage. He could easily kill them first. Despite the anomalies, the rules are clear. With him equipped with my machine gun, he can easily fight back. That's why it needs to be a player," she sighs. "Unless you're volunteering to take on that responsibility, which I doubt is the case."

"That's exactly what I'm saying. I can kill him if necessary," I respond, meeting her gaze.

She abruptly stares at me, wide-eyed, then narrows her eyes with irritation.

"Shut up. Don't say things like that just to sound cool! You don't want to do this, so stop trying to act like a hero, saving everyone."

Why does this idea bother her so much? It would benefit her, too. Everyone would gain from this.

"I'm serious, but I think you've misunderstood me. I have no intention of being a martyr. I'm far too egocentric for that."

"Then why would you do it?"

The act of sacrifice is often described as altruistic, but this attribution is incorrect. Humans are inherently selfish and act based on their own interests.

"Why else? Clearly, for you," I reply.

At this moment, I want to protect something that belongs to me alone—these feelings I've developed by being by your side.

"For me? Was that supposed to be a joke or something?" she clenches her fists.

Unfortunately, it's not.

This feeling that I've known her for a lifetime can't just be an illusion created by this black magic. And even if it is, I'd rather abstain from critical thinking and remain deceived. Ironically, within this reality born of a pact with Death itself, it's the first time I've felt alive.

"If I can assist my superior in any way, I will. Don't you remember our agreement? I believe failing to fulfill this obligation would be a form of disloyalty. Therefore, I'll serve you to the end," I bow respectfully.

The angry expression gradually disappears from her face. Miraculously, she closes her eyes and begins to smile.

Seeing her show such an uncommon expression makes me reflect and think that crossing this terrible gray world has been worth it. A moment like this is like a crystallized gem in the vast devastation of time.

"Hmpf. Mistkerl, you're a deeply intriguing guy. It's a pity we're in these circumstances; I would have liked to have you as a partner on future missions."