Is That My Alter Ego - Chapter 117
Chapter 117 – The Beginning
I dreamed.
A scene where my family and friends looked at me, their eyes hollow, accusing me.
An ordinary nightmare, no different from any other. I thought I had shaken it off, but it seemed that was not as easily done as I believed.
“No…”
In the dream, I thrashed about. I denied that they could ever say such things to me, struggling to break free from my place.
But in the dream, something pressed down upon me, rendering me unable to move as I wished.
A bone-chilling cold struck my body. And stronger still, loneliness and guilt burrowed into me like insects.
What… am I to do? How can I… endure this relentless cold?
The water that had gently lapped at my toes now seemed to rise to my chin. Unbeknownst to me, my breath grew ragged.
Must I… suffer like this again? It hurts so much, it’s so sorrowful. Tears seem to flow without my consent.
And in that moment.
Whoosh—!
The space, once shrouded in darkness, began to glow brightly. A light so warm and radiant that it was hard to even open my eyes.
The hands of light reached out toward me. I felt so weak, so insignificant, so utterly useless.
Yet those hands, as if they understood and embraced even me, were so very warm.
*
“Ugh…”
It seems I have finally regained my senses. Where… am I?
Rubbing my blurry eyes with my hands, I surveyed my surroundings. Beside me, a small fire crackled, and I found myself within a dirt-walled hut.
“….You’re awake?”
“Commander…! You’ve finally awakened…!”
“I’ve been waiting. Good morning.”
—
“Master…!”
And there they were, the women seated around me, gazing down with expressions that seemed to dance between joy and sorrow, a perplexing blend of emotions.
What struck me as odd was that each of them clutched one hand tightly, as if holding something precious.
“Um… did I fall asleep…?”
When did I even doze off? It felt like I merely closed my eyes for a moment.
The chirping of birds beyond the small entrance of the earthen house and the gentle breeze that brushed against me revealed that it was morning.
“Yes. You were sleeping quite soundly, even making little snoring sounds.”
“Uh… th-that…”
“Heh heh. It’s fine. I lost track of time just watching you.”
“Ahem, cough.”
“Mmm.”
“Huff huff….”
There was something strange in the air, but seeing the same expression on everyone’s faces, not just Royu’s, suggested they had all been observing me while I slept.
“Um… let’s go outside…!”
Heat rushed to my face, and I couldn’t help but shout.
Fortunately, they chuckled softly but complied with my request.
“Hmm… it’s quite fascinating. Just one eye gone, and the land of death has transformed so much.”
As we all stepped outside the earthen house, stretching our stiff bodies, Ariel spoke while surveying the surroundings.
Everyone nodded in agreement, seemingly in awe of the beautiful scenery, yet I was the only one left bewildered.
“….Ah! Captain! Your vision was obscured by that eye creature…!”
Noticing my confusion while everyone else nodded along, Seris kindly explained.
“Ah, thank you, Seris.”
“Heh… heh heh! I-I’m just glad to help! If you have any questions, this Seris will surely answer them!”
“Ahahaha…”
For some reason, I found myself looking at Seris, who wore a proud expression, her confidence soaring. I then turned my gaze to the surroundings.
So that was it. My range of activity in this body was so limited, and I hadn’t even thought to venture beyond the wall-like trees.
But still… isn’t it better this way? After all, this desolate land of death now resembled a picturesque paradise, like a painting come to life.
“Master. By the way… what shall we do now?”
“Um… well… what should we do?”
At Kali’s question, I fell once more into despair. What should I do from now on?
Now that everything has come to an end, I find myself at a loss, unsure of where to begin or what to pursue.
“Heh… If it’s what you desire, I shall grant you anything.”
As I gazed at the women nodding in agreement, mirroring Royu’s response, I began to ponder.
What was it that I truly wanted? The mundane life my dormant self had once dreamed of.
And even when I acted as my three avatars, or rather, as another version of myself, I had not forgotten.
“…Travel. I want to… travel this world.”
I am still so curious about this realm. I wish to see it with my own eyes, to walk upon it with my own feet, without a single place left unseen.
“Is that… possible?”
Of course, I could never manage it alone. Now, I possess no abilities, and I have become a person smaller and weaker than the average.
I could hardly imagine embarking on a journey, fearing I would be utterly defeated by even a mere one-star monster.
Yet.
“Of course, my love.”
“…If the Commander wishes it, then anything is possible.”
“Absolutely.”
“…..Yes!”
Though there have been three failures, perhaps it is alright now… for I am surrounded by those who are far too extraordinary for someone as insignificant as I.
“…Hehe. Thank you, everyone.”
Suddenly, my heart felt so warm that I couldn’t help but break into a foolish smile.
They were the most powerful and exceptional beings in this world, far beyond my humble self.
“”………””
But… their expressions seem somewhat strange.
*
“Um… ladies?”
As I tilted my head, gazing up at the four women, they fell into deep contemplation.
‘Should we kidnap this one, or not?’
It was because Venice’s expression was so utterly breathtaking. They had seen it many times, felt it repeatedly, yet it remained an overwhelming shock to them.
Surely, in their current state, they could whisk away a fragile being like Venice to a place unknown to anyone.
Though they were merely women utterly captivated by a single person at the moment.
They were still the anomalies of the world, the strongest warriors, the most brilliant sorceresses, and the most ferocious beasts.
—
They were the ones who had clearly forged a pact to unite for Venice last night, yet her heartfelt smile was enough to make one forget even that agreement.
….At my current state, I could easily set aside women like those beside me…
“”………..””
As I cast a furtive glance to either side, the four ladies met my gaze simultaneously.
Look at the desire glimmering in their eyes. How could one claim that this is the finest in the world?
Yet, none dared to speak. It was all too evident that those expressions and glances would reflect back upon themselves.
“Um… um.”
“Ahem…”
“…..Hmm.”
“….Oh dear.”
In the end, a cough mixed with half disappointment and half awkwardness escaped, marking the conclusion of the first failed abduction attempt of Venice.
From noble mtl dot com
“???”
The very subject of it all remained blissfully unaware. And perhaps, ignorance was indeed a balm for the mind.
*
We were walking slowly, as if on a leisurely stroll, toward the heart of the imperial capital.
Of course, if I entrusted myself to them, we would arrive in an instant, but I had no desire to do so. We had plenty of time.
“….So, Commander, you…”
“No. Venice is mine…”
“What are you saying? My lord is…”
“Heh, how ridiculous.”
I walked ahead, while the four women behind me murmured amongst themselves as if to guard me.
Their voices rose and laughter bubbled forth, suggesting they had quickly grown close. That was quite a relief.
“…Isn’t this cheating?!”
“This is… unfair.”
“….Damn it.”
“Heh… if you’re upset, you know what to do?”
They seemed to adjust their volume just enough so I could barely hear, but it was clear they were speaking about me.
Alright then. I’ll quietly take in my surroundings.
With a light step, I hummed a tune, gazing at the beautiful scenery around me.
This… just a short while ago, was a place where no living creature dared to tread?
—
Lush grasses and trees thrived around me, the melodies of creatures echoing clearly in the air.
A sight to behold, a sound to cherish. And though it was summer, the heat was gentle, the broad leaves casting just the right amount of shade.
“Hiya…”
This is life, this is existence. Until now, I felt I had squandered more than half of it.
No more hiding at home, lost in games all day, subsisting on takeout and sleep—such a monotonous routine must end.
From now on, I shall seek the new, revel in the wondrous and the strange!
“What’s this?”
And in that moment, a rustling from the nearby thicket caught my attention. Peering into the gap, I discovered a creature with a round head popping up from the ground, its bright, curious eyes and adorable antennae twitching atop its head.
What could this be? I had never seen it even in the bestiary of monsters. Could it be a creature of this world, one I had yet to know?
“Hello? What’s your name?”
I approached it slowly. Was it a creature that lived anchored to the earth? Regardless, it was undeniably cute.
My hand reached out. Just a little closer, and I could touch that soft-looking antenna—
Kraang—!
In that instant, the creature that had sprung from the ground opened its mouth wide, as if to swallow me whole, and lunged toward me.
“…..Huh?”
What is happening? It was supposed to be a small, cute friend.
Why was it larger than a monster… and why did it have so many teeth?
I felt I couldn’t escape. Its speed was blinding, and my body felt weak and slow.
Am I… going to die?
Piiing—!
As I debated whether to squeeze my eyes shut, the monster that had been charging at me suddenly halted in its tracks.
Swoosh—! Crash.
And the creature, which had been utterly still, was instantaneously torn into 184 pieces, spewing forth an immense torrent of blood.
It seemed that Ariel had cast a spell, for the blood did not splatter on me, but it gushed forth with a force greater than any fountain.
Squish-squish.
As I stared blankly at the cute antenna lying on the ground, I heard footsteps approaching from behind.
“Th… thank you.”
It was clear that I had done nothing to deserve such gratitude; they must have been the ones to protect me. I offered my thanks in return.
Kraang—!
And the moment I turned to look at them, the cries of the monster I had just heard echoed from right behind.
Swoosh.
I was watching them closely, and it seemed they flinched slightly. Surely, there was no other movement.
Crash…
The sound of hundreds of blocks collapsing from behind made it clear that I need not investigate what had transpired.
“…This won’t do. My love! Come into my arms.”
“What are you saying! Embrace me…!”
“No, it’s me.”
“Master…! Ignore these girls and come to me…!”
And as we encountered the monsters every three breaths, I broke into a sweat trying to calm the women who had begun to panic.
I still don’t understand why they all want to hold me. I am but a trivial human…
*
That night. The group led by Venice conjured a small campsite using Ariel’s magic.
They had initially urged Venice to enter and rest first, but since Venice politely declined, all five of them had no choice but to sit on the log beside the campfire.
The log was a creation born from a contest between Seris and Kali, each trying to cut it more neatly than the other, so intricate that one could easily mistake it for a bench.
The sounds of night insects and the hooting of owls filled the air at the campsite.
In that moment, apart from the crackling of the fire, not a single sound could be heard.
“….I shall keep watch! I will stand guard…! If you all don’t sleep, then I won’t sleep either!”
At Venice’s sudden declaration of watch duty, everyone was taken aback.
“Um… I’m a bit scared alone, could someone stand with me?”
As I took in the sight of Venice, hands clasped as if shy, the eyes of the four women began to blaze.
More intense and passionate than the crackling fire.