Sixth Loop, Chapter 27 : ゴーレムの最終決戦 (The Golem’s Final Stand)

In the world of memories where Daichi spoke with Alter Daichi, time seemed frozen, a stillness that allowed them to face their shared truths. Yet outside, the tension grew unbearable. The air was charged with crackling energy as Daichi's towering golem—the protector he had created long ago—began to change.

The once-hulking mass of stone and raw energy began to tremble, its indistinct form shifting as an intense blue glow pulsed from within. The radiant light surged through its body like veins of molten power, illuminating the darkness with an otherworldly brilliance.

Cracks formed along its rough, jagged exterior, pieces of stone breaking away and dissolving into shimmering dust. Slowly, the crude, formless shape refined itself, its edges smoothing and sculpting into sharp, elegant features.

What was once an imposing, faceless entity now stood with an unmistakable presence—tall, poised, almost eerily refined. Its glowing eyes burned with an unnatural intensity, exuding both wisdom and an unsettling calm.

The transformation reached its peak as dark fabric materialized over its newly-formed body, molding into the unmistakable silhouette of a butler's uniform. The crisp folds of the jacket, the polished buttons, the pristine white gloves—it was an unsettling contrast against the raw, inhuman energy still radiating from its form.

As its transformation completed, the golem turned toward Alter Izumi, its glowing eyes like twin suns in the dark void. Its presence radiated an undeniable sense of authority, as if it had become a force of nature itself.

Alter Izumi floated before it, her expression one of disbelief and fury. "Impossible!" she hissed, her voice sharp and venomous. "How can you still move? My time manipulation should have stopped everything, frozen you like the rest of this pitiful world!"

The golem's newly formed lips curled into a mocking smirk. Its voice rumbled deeply, echoing like a distant thunderstorm. "Your power binds those who possess a soul," it said, its tone calm yet cold. "But I am not a living being. I am a construct—a vessel, born from Daichi's will and a fragment of his power. I have no soul… only purpose. And that purpose is to stop you."

Izumi's eyes narrowed, her aura flaring with black and violet energy, twisting violently around her as her rage grew. "You dare challenge me?" she spat, her voice trembling with both fury and disdain. "You're nothing but a relic of his failure, a mindless tool! Do you really believe you can restrain me? I am beyond your comprehension!"

The golem raised its hand, the motion slow and deliberate. Its glowing eyes locked onto hers, unyielding. "Let's find out."

The air around them shimmered with a haunting, ethereal glow. In an instant, countless portals erupted into existence, surrounding Alter Izumi like a predator circling its prey. The shimmering gateways were jagged and unstable, each pulsating with an eerie crimson light. The oppressive hum that accompanied them was suffocating, reverberating deep into the marrow of existence itself.

Izumi's defiance faltered for the briefest of moments as she turned her head sharply, taking in the encircling trap. "What… is this?" she demanded, her voice tinged with unease.

The golem's gaze burned brighter, its determination unshaken. "This is my final stand," it said solemnly. "I was created to protect Daichi's world—and to protect you from yourself. You've suffered enough, Izumi, but this ends here."

With a commanding gesture, fiery chains erupted from the portals, streaking through the air like serpents. The chains were wrapped in a swirling mix of black and crimson flames, their energy ancient and terrifying. They lunged at Alter Izumi, coiling around her wrists, her ankles, her waist.

"Release me!" she shrieked, her voice raw with rage as she thrashed against the restraints. Her aura surged, black and purple flames spiraling outward in an attempt to break free. The chains groaned and splintered under the immense pressure, but they held fast.

The golem took a heavy step forward, the ground trembling beneath it. "Izumi," it said, its voice trembling with a sorrowful edge. "You've been consumed by hatred for so long… but hatred will only destroy you. Please—let it go."

"Let it go?!" Izumi's glowing eyes burned with fury, tears of blood streaking down her pale face. "Do you know what they took from me?! Humanity doesn't deserve forgiveness! They destroyed my family, my dreams, my very life! And now you ask me to forgive them?!" Her voice cracked, a raw, anguished sound that echoed through the void.

The golem's gaze softened, a flicker of sadness in its radiant eyes. "I know your pain," it said quietly. "But revenge will not heal it. The hatred you carry will only destroy everything you once loved."

The chains trembled, cracks forming along their surface as Izumi's aura surged again. The golem staggered, its form flickering as its strength began to waver.

"So much hatred," it whispered to itself, its deep voice filled with regret. "And yet…" It raised its head, its eyes blazing with renewed determination. "I must stop you."

Suddenly, the golem tilted its head back and let out a haunting, otherworldly whistle. The sound was unnatural, piercing, as though it called to forces from beyond the void. A chilling wind swept through the air, howling with the cries of the damned.

Behind Alter Izumi, a massive gate materialized, its grotesque design covered in writhing patterns and ominous symbols. The symbols seemed alive, shifting and pulsating as though the gate itself was a living entity.

Izumi froze, her eyes darting to the gate. For the first time, fear flickered across her face. "What… is this?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

The golem took another step forward, its body visibly cracking under the strain. "This is your prison," it said. "A place where your pain and rage will no longer harm anyone else." It hesitated, its voice softening. "I'm sorry, Izumi… but this is the only way."

The gate creaked open, emitting a bone-chilling wind that sent shivers down the spine of the very void. The chains pulled Alter Izumi toward it, inch by inch, as she screamed and writhed.

"NO!" she shrieked, her voice raw and desperate. "You can't do this to me! I won't forgive you! I WON'T FORGIVE HUMANITY!" Her cries grew fainter as the gate consumed her, the last echoes of her voice fading into silence.

The golem staggered, its once-imposing form now brittle and fragile. Its light dimmed as cracks spread across its body like spiderwebs.

"NO!" Daichi's voice broke through the void as he appeared, running toward the golem with frantic desperation. "What's happening to you?!"

The golem turned to him, its fractured face curving into a faint smile. "Daichi… don't worry about me. My purpose… has been fulfilled." Its voice was growing weaker, the light in its eyes flickering like a dying flame.

"Don't say that!" Daichi shouted, dropping to his knees before the crumbling figure. "You're more than just a purpose! You're my creation—my friend!"

The golem's body continued to disintegrate, its fragments glowing softly as they floated into the void. "Thank you… for giving me life," it said, its voice barely above a whisper. "You've grown so much, Daichi. You've become someone… who can change the world."

Tears streamed down Daichi's face as he shook his head. "No… don't leave me. Not you too."

The golem's final words echoed softly as it faded away. "Remember, Daichi… always forgive. Even when it's hard. Humanity may falter, but there is always another way… a better way."

And with that, the golem was gone, leaving Daichi alone in the dark void. He clenched his fists, his tears falling freely.

"I'll finish what you started," Daichi whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "I'll stop her… and I'll find a way to save her."

With resolve burning in his heart, Daichi rose, his eyes blazing with determination. He stepped into the darkness, ready to face the battles that lay ahead.