Chapter 58: The Sweet Gift of Death, White Calamity, and the Unawakened Confused...

Before Bai'e and Mimi awaken, and before Lai Gushi comes knocking, a wisp of consciousness from March 7th remains in your mind, replacing Mimi's original position and assisting you in releasing the skill of Memory Fate.

A tall, suspended figure in black silently watches you.

He initially intended to attack you directly, but you dodged to the side. The blue and pink light left on you by March 7th then enveloped him, radiating a warm and delicate [memory] glow.

The man in black paused, as if a monster that had lost its mind had suddenly been awakened. His fierce killing moves became hesitant, and after more than ten seconds, he actually slowly put his weapon away.

“You… are different,” he said hesitantly. “You have his scent on you, but I’ve never seen you before.”

His black clothes were even more badly damaged.

When Sai Fei'er fought him last time, she tore his sleeve. If you look closely, the tear is still there. It seems he hasn't had a proper rest at all.

You look up at the weapon in his hand, sharp and cold, but he doesn't point the tip at you. Instead, he carefully and clumsily puts it away, its edge pointing directly at himself.

“I feel like I know you very well,” you said. “Your voice, your speaking style…”

And that moment when he paused and looked at you, his eyes were as tender as a lover's.

He paused for a second, then said, "I am not your lover."

He was far from being that lucky.

“I saw your memories, and my memories have stabilized a bit more,” the man in black added. “You are all good people. You cherish each other very much, unlike me…”

March 7th whispers in your mind:

"I'm not saying anything, but why is he saying such strange things... What do you mean by 'you' and 'our'? What is there that I don't know about you since you came to Onphalos?"

You silently replied to her in your heart:

[Didn't you look at my memories?]

March 7th, a day of righteous indignation:

"Hey, that's your privacy. It's really impolite to go through it like that. We don't do such unethical things—we're only responsible for helping you recover your memories and providing strategic support. Don't get the wrong idea."

You are a little surprised:

[I didn't expect Little March to be so sensible?] March 7th feigned anger:

"I've always been very sensible, okay! That was a special case before! ...We're too familiar with each other, we don't have any secrets anymore."

[All right. ]

Anyway, it's come to this point, there's no way to hide it anymore. You think to yourself:

[Actually, he said that because I'm in a relationship, and my boyfriend is Bai E.]

"Pshaw, I thought it was something serious..."

"..."

"What!!? What—!? Does Teacher Danheng know? Does Mr. Shajin know? Does Sunday know—"

The Fire Thief's memories are still stuck in the previous cycle, but after countless reincarnations, he has vaguely grasped the essence of Onpharos's power, and his connection with [Destruction] has become increasingly close.

On his previous encounters with you, he sensed a powerful and overwhelming aura emanating from you, one that seemed to rival even the ultimate force of [destruction]. Most importantly, you appeared to have a close connection to his reincarnated self, forcing him to reassess your importance.

Those who hinder him from completing his mission should be eliminated. But before, he hesitated; this time, recalling everything before he became like this, he can no longer bring himself to kill you.

“Kill me,” he said. “It doesn’t matter whether he or you end it; my mission is to make the next me stronger.”

He recalled the many years he had spent working hard in the previous reincarnation, and felt a vague sense of... jealousy.

Envious of Bai E's ability to receive so much favoritism and support in this cycle of reincarnation, and to have people stand by his side no matter what choices he makes, he is still all alone as he approaches the end.

The power of March 7th not only restored some of his sanity, but also allowed him to glimpse a part of your past with Bai E. At first, he felt that this reincarnated Bai E was a stranger, making such a gentle expression... as if just looking at you was enough to bring him happiness, which puzzled him, who had never experienced love.

But if he connects you to the image of his childhood hero, then he can understand. You are strong and dazzling, always bringing novel perspectives and whimsical ideas, telling him what love is and why he deserves to be loved, like the sky that embraces the sun.

If someone loved him so unconditionally, would his ending have been different?

You paused, then said, "...Me?"

You wanted to say, "I can't do it."

But then he suddenly reached out, took off his mask, and revealed his true self to you without reservation.

—You don't know how to describe the shock you felt when you saw his face.

His face was almost completely cracked open. The shattered, stone-like face reflected the swirling stars behind him.

He didn't say a word, but when you looked at that familiar face, the face of your lover, the face that always showed a gentle smile and a sly expression, now in such a dilapidated state, your heart couldn't help but tremble.

“Before me, millions of others have already died,” Haer said. “Your lover is the lucky one.”

He paused, "...I'm content that you've brought me to my end."

Before, I didn't even have the chance to see you, to experience what love is like, or to cherish someone who would make me smile when I thought of them.

In comparison, he is already incredibly lucky to have his life's suffering ended by your own hand.

His life had been so bitter. So even if he was killed, as long as the executioner was the one who could bring light, he felt it was a blessing.

You look at his face, which is exactly the same as your lover's, at the cracks in his forehead and his tired eyes, and your hands tremble.

“I…” I can’t do it.

"Death is not painful for me, living is."

He seemed to have used all his strength to say those words.

You recall the feelings that Xia Die had previously revealed to you:

[I have no right to give death to others... but if they are truly suffering, I will do this favor. Call me an executioner or a bringer of misfortune, I just... just hope they can smile again, even if only in sweet dreams...]

When you face this choice, you'll realize just how much Xia Die has been carrying.

The Fire-Stealing Walker grasped your wrist, placed the weapon in your hand, and whispered:

"Don't get your weapons dirty."

You bite your lip, "Don't say that."

...Even though their experiences are different, their essence is extremely similar. You can still see the shadow of that sunny young man in him.

At a time like this, he says we shouldn't get the weapons dirty...! Who does he think he is...!

His wrists were cold, just like when I first met him in the treehouse.

"...I believe this story will have a happy ending."

He lowered his eyes, and after many years, as if he had unloaded all his burdens, he finally revealed a smile.

And that smile was completely free of gloom, just like the one he took a nap in the wheat field back then.

...

Hanabi, unusually, didn't make any teasing remarks; she simply remained silent, watching your shoulders tremble slightly.

On March 7th, she didn't know what to say. At times like this, even the lively girl didn't know how to comfort you.

"At least, he fulfilled his wish?" she said dryly at the end.

Fireworks, too, stammered and seemed quite unskilled at offering comfort:

[He'll be back... Don't be too sad, Little Grey. This isn't like you.]

You take a deep breath. "I understand. Thank you, March and Fireworks."

Although March was shocked that Fireworks' consciousness could penetrate Onpharos's barrier and come here with you—she thought you were joking when you said you were raising a child—she obviously knew that she shouldn't ask this at this time, so she could only remain silent.

You opened "Raise a White Evil Simulator," a game that heralds the beginning of everything. The main interface is black, and the character attributes have been updated.

Name: Bai Er (Kaeslana)

Gender: Male

age:?

Identity: Villager of Aili Mixie (Savior)

Combat ability: 100/100

Charm value: 100/100

However, seeing this character attribute actually made you feel a little more at ease.

After so many days of getting used to it, you've already noticed that this attribute panel updates according to Bai E's status—for example, the [Kauslana] and [Savior] sections initially have a few question marks, which gradually unfold as you progress through your adventures.

The attribute panel is normal now, which means that Bai E is not in immediate danger.

You recall playing Oracle cards with Xi Lian before, when the pink-haired girl drew the same [Savior] card as Bai E, and her hesitant expression.

At the time, you thought it was just a coincidence and didn't pay much attention. Now, looking back, you realize that your fate was already foreshadowed back then.

Place your right hand on your heart and feel the pulse of life there. Mimi, as your memory spirit, is still connected to you, although the connection is weaker than before, but at least it lets you know that she is temporarily safe.

The floral wreath ring around her neck had long been warmed by her body heat and, protected by alchemy, remained intact and undamaged.

Bai Er truly succeeded; he successfully made you think of his jewel-like eyes whenever you see that blue sky. But why do you feel like crying?

[We cannot change this established process.]

Fireworks said:

[We can only work on the details and bring him back as soon as possible—don't worry, we've already contacted the Star Train and the Star Core Hunters, and the Genius Club seems to have gotten involved too… In any case, he'll definitely come back safe and sound.]

You look down and ask, "Is the person who came back still the same person?"

Fireworks paused for a moment:

[this……]

You actually know all this. The worst-case scenario is that White Calamity and Iron Tomb merge, but then, will it be your lover who returns, or a monster with your lover's memories...?

You no longer wish to discuss this topic, and have temporarily sealed those vivid memories deep within your mind.

And perhaps one day in the future, they will see the light of day again.