Chapter 5 – Ariadne of Aeterna

The moon hangs, a pale eye watching over the city. I climb the crumbling stairs of the abandoned insula, reaching the rooftop where my tent sits as a lone castle in the celestial sky.

This is my kingdom. My nighttime home.

I toss my pillows into place -- just as another tremor rumbles through the building. Dust shakes loose from the cracks in the walls. These tremors are getting out of hand.

“Might be time to find a new base. Falling off a rooftop isn’t exactly the kind of glory I’m after. That’s not how the great Brawler goes down after all this hard work! No way.”

I stretch my arms, ready to sink into the familiar comfort of my tent -- when something flickers.

A stray glint of light over my shoulder. Moonlight? No… something’s wrong.

The glow pulses like a heartbeat, shimmering unnaturally in the corner of my vision.

I turn.

A massive firefly hovers in the air. Not quite a bug, but a glowing sphere with long, delicate wings. Wherever it moves, it leaves behind something… unnatural. That crackling shimmer in the air looks like shattered reality.

“…Eww. What a weird bug.”

???: “I’m not a bug!”

“M-Monster!?”

“Wrong again! Fairy! Right now, I’m a fairy!”

She twirls in the air, spinning light and fractured space in her wake. The delicate lines of opal-colored glass stretch and splinter, then fade as if the air itself is cracking and repairing.

I swallow. “…That shattered reality. Are you from the Labyrinth…?”

“Kahaha~, I suppose you could say that.” Her tone sounds sinister. To me, it’s almost a preemptive warning.

The glowing sphere dips closer to the rooftop, hovering just a few paces from me.

Then--a deafening CRACK.

A sound like shattering glass exploding outward.

“Woah?!” My arms shield my face. It’s like a massive, invisible pane has just been smashed apart, sending splinters of reality spiraling in every direction. The shards twist, collapsing inward--

And then, in a blink, she is standing there.

A girl.

A single step forward. The fractured lines converge onto her figure like lightning drawn back into a storm. Reality bends, and she materializes as if the world itself was forced to acknowledge her existence.

She lands softly, weightless, as if she has always been here.

A sundress, dark blue and white. A striped ribbon tied neatly at her chest. Silky black hair that catches the moonlight and scatters it like obsidian crystal.

Her eyes, emerald-blue. Certain. Maddening.

A look that roots me to the spot, shoving aside every instinct but one.

I hold my breath with a flight or fight tension. It goes without saying that something about this situation feels horribly wrong.

“My name is Ariadne.”

“W-Wait, are you…??”

“Kahahaha~. That’s pretty rude. I gave you my name and you don’t introduce yourself in return? …Well, it doesn’t matter.”

“A Deity? A… goddess?” My hopeful words make her smile, but it contains a hint of ridicule, implying I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Ariadne gives me a devilish sneer, as if I’m already in the checkmate of a masterwork plan before I even have the chance to make my first move. “Hello, Brawler! I came to talk to you about Omine and Leader!!”

“…H-How do you know my name, no, our names? Omine and Leader, are you an acquaintance?”

“Of course, that would be your initial reaction. I can’t blame your confusion. Even if you don’t recognize me, I know everything about you. The quicker you accept that, the better. And Omine and Leader, my acquaintances, you ask?” She cackles in scorn. “Kahahaha~… Maybe in a strange world where you called your enemies your acquaintances, sure!”

Ariadne’s attacking atmosphere begins ticking me off, somehow replacing my initial discomfort with indignance as she continues. The way she hauntedly floats around doesn’t quell my distress. “Your little group? Let’s just say I’ve been paying extra attention lately. During that conversation with Leader today, you really should’ve told him off, you know. Should’ve told him you like Omine too. Put up a real fight instead of doing something as pitiful as not being honest with yourself.”

“Huuhh?? …What are you talking about? I-I was honest!”

“Hoooh? Are you sure about that??”

I take a huge huff of air and stare at her directly. “Just who do you think I am? I’m Brawler -- the world’s greatest Conqueror! Maybe a part of me felt something for Omine when I first met her, but that was years ago. After a while, she really became like a sister to me. No, I can say it with confidence! Omine is my big sis!”

“Purely because you believe no one is there to see it, you think it doesn’t happen? You and Omine kissing so passionately, you freaks!”

“That’s why it’s henceforth!”

“Yet, I understand. You were late to confess. Not because of Leader, but because you weren’t ready. But now… You should be the one who stays by her side. Leader is not good at all!”

“What type of strange romance are you trying to push on me…? It’s a bother!”

“Ah, that’s right! Not only did you stop short of standing up against your rival, but ‘You’ve got my full support, Leader!’ Is what you said! Kahahaha~! What type of response is that?! Say it for me, Brawler, say it again! The gall to encourage your rival to lay first hand on the girl you both care about!”

Ariadne uses the same words I said during my conversation with Leader earlier today, but the difference is enormous. When I said it, it was clear I reassuring him. Now, it’s almost like she’s purposely taking jabs at my innermost feelings.

“You’re pretty, but I don’t like that look one damn bit. Why even try to stir up conflict against Leader? Discord? Is that what you’re after? It’s a wasted effort… Completely baseless! That’s my damn brother! I don’t need your annoyances in my peaceful life!”

“Your peaceful life…? Your peaceful life?? Kahahahahahaha~! Out of all the ridiculous things you said, that one tops it! Do you seriously think this world is at peace?! Open your eyes, Brawler! I’m right in front of you, so you should already know that your life can no longer be at peace!!”

Her expression is one of elation and ridicule. “You common naked human! Destined to meet many soulmates! You will know when, they will all despair. You will despair. Even before I arrived, the world’s end had commenced! If your eyes can’t see the hidden truths, then let me tell you this one undeniable fact: I am your worst enemy, your absolute conflict! And I’ll be the one to kill your entirety!!”

“Who do you think you are, showing up out of nowhere and acting like you know everything? And you had the audacity to call yourself a fairy? I… almost tricked myself into thinking you were a Deity. That’s wrong… You really are just an annoying monster.”

“I--”

“Silence! Don’t attack my sense of being! It won’t get you anywhere!” I throw my arm out as if to dispel her, Deity, human, or apparition, I don’t care. Tears I can’t seem to stop begin welling up as I continue, but I don’t back down. “You think you can fool me? Deities are the kings of heroes, the stars who guide the legends! And I thought to put you on the same pedestal! A being like you, who ridicules without rhyme or reason, targeting the underpinnings of people’s life, you’re, you’re--! You’re an enemy, an enemy of Conquerors! Don’t bother me anymore! You’re an eyesore, so get lost!”

Following a short pause of stunned silence, she just leers at me with the eyes of a calculative killer and cackling that sounds like she’s enjoying herself because of her target’s futility. “…It’s been a while since I’ve seen you that frustrated. Kahaha~, this is wonderful, truly wonderful! I’m glad that you’re fired up in your ignorant stubbornness. Otherwise, seeing your defeated expression later wouldn’t be as amusing! Omine was looking healthy today, wasn’t she?! Forget your far-fetched delusion that this world is at peace! Prepare yourself for the worstttt!!”

Ariadne snaps her fingers. The air around her shimmers, cracks spreading like spiderwebs, many of them, multiple punctures opening and sealing in midair. These lines of shattered reality suddenly appear around her as well, rapidly retracting themselves back to her. In no more than three blinks, the cracking of certainty ends and she vanishes from sight, as though she was never here in the first place.

I stand, fists clenched, heart pounding, staring at the spot where she disappeared.

A chilling shiver, as if an unpleasant bug is creeping up my spine to neck, passes through me. It feels like I’ve made a terrible, terrible enemy. One second, ten seconds, thirty seconds, a minute…

…I steady myself for a while. But nothing happens after Ariadne seemingly disappears.

“Damn it,” I mutter, the silence on the rooftop pressing in. The silver moon hangs above me, but it doesn’t feel like a sanctuary anymore. Not with Ariadne’s threat weighing down like the full moon.

That snap of her fingers, like she had cast a spell of sorts.

Omine… she could be in trouble! Perturbed, I rush to the Children’s Village. The dash that feels so long is urgently short tonight. At this speed, I burst into the girl’s hut.

“Omine! I’m here to save yooou!!”

Rose: “Big bro?!”

Valentine: “Wait, my hair is frizzy.”

“Omine.”

“What is it?”

“You’re burning up.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. It’s probably because I thought of something stupid.”

“Are sure you fine? I know how you can--”

“Yes, I’m fine. Actually, I’m really happy.”

“I see.” I give a dry laugh, my lungs still heaving. “I see. Maybe I was worried. Probably about nothing. N-Not that I was worried about you in particular, big sis. Sorry. To wake you up like this.”

Teresa: “You’re so brave, Brawler. Sneaking into forbidden rooms when we’re all defenseless.”

“Oh, right. I… I’ll leave now.”

A lot of heads tilt. They were probably expecting me to jibe something like ‘I’m the one in danger,’ but I’m just too out of it right now. “I’m a bit shaken, is all. I thought something might’ve been going wrong. All I see are sleeping beauties. Looks like I jumped to conclusions too fast. Don’t mind me. I’ll retire for the night. Take it easy, everyone. Good night.”

Ariadne didn’t show up again that night. Nor the night after, nor many nights to come.

The entire encounter between us just left me uneasy, confused, and with trouble sleeping. It truly didn’t make any sense to me. Accusations and suspicions… Did she show up just to annoy and threaten me?

Omine and I settled what we wanted (not quite). That’s what I honestly believe. And that’s exactly what I told Leader today -- should he win (he won’t) I plan to support their relationship (yes). So why try to make me say otherwise?

Even more unsettling than that, how did Ariadne know our names? She seemed to have significant knowledge about the relationships within the Omine Family too.

Wait… it goes deeper than that. The conversation that I had with Leader earlier today was private. Even in the clearing, I had respected my loud voice. No one should have overheard us. Same with… um. The point is, it was impossible.

Unless she is a Deity.

But something about her had felt different. Her being here, her existence, runs completely counter to the respect I grew for the Divine and Conquerors through Demeter and Sensei.

An anti-Deity? Is there such a thing?

The thought of a shadow hiding behind us while Leader and I had been talking, creeping silently, and listening to what we said… Standing less than a meter behind us this whole time… Coldly… Slowly sneaking and encroaching on us… Standing just close enough so that their icy breath could barely be felt on our necks…

Yeah, right. Impossible. It’s impossible.

And yet, I know there’s some pretty fantastical in this world. It doesn’t matter how much Rosebell denounces and bars itself off from it all -- the Auralis Gate and Labyrinth are proof of fantasies greater than daily life. The Beasts are proof of this, as are the Deities. By this argument, it’s not implausible that there are many fantastical things I have yet to learn about.

Therefore, as much as I want to deny it, there’s certainly a possibility that the sinister girl called Ariadne was real, no matter how otherworldly she might have seemed.

And that menacing threat she made about Omine’s condition… I realize she might be planning to do something horrible to her…

I glance around for another glimpse of the fairy of shattered reality.

But Ariadne is gone.

…

This place lies far beyond Rosebell -- far beyond most of the world, for that matter.

It is the Room of Aeterna, an auditorium so breathtaking that its reputation resonates throughout the realm of the Deities. The architecture is celestial, grander than any mortal could comprehend. An infinite number of stadium seats extend endlessly, and tonight, almost every one of them is filled by the Divine Audience. The guests include not only the Deities but also deific beings and humans -- In the same manner that Hercules once ascended to the heights of Olympus, these exceptional mortals have been granted the rare privilege of sitting among the gods. From their seats, they too can enter the real world and bestow blessings or curses on those they find worthy.

Tonight, all eyes are on the stage, the World Fragment displaying the real world itself. A peculiar fairy has appeared before Brawler, capturing everyone’s attention. At first, there’s a low hum of whispers rippling through the audience. Confusion flickers across some faces, excitement on others.

However, of all the Deities, fourteen are causing the most ruckus. Without a doubt, the shrewd party planner was partially to blame for placing the yin and yang so close to one another. These fourteen Angels were always eager to show up at Aeterna without fail, if not already present in the real world with the one and only they had blessed.

The Ladies of Purgatory sit together in the front row, their antics drawing amused glances and exasperated sighs from the rest of the Divine Audience.

Beelzebub of Gluttony leans forward, her tub of popcorn nearly spilling over as she points at the First World Fragment. “Hahaha~! Is that fairy supposed to be Ariadne? Looks yummy! I could eat her right up~!”

Leviathan of Envy, teary-eyed, clutches Satan’s shoulders with trembling hands. “Why does Ariadne get to appear in the World Fragment? No, nooo! I want to go too!”

“Stop shaking me, you idiot!” Satan snaps, her eyes blazing with irritation. “You’ll get your turn eventually -- s-stop it or I’ll turn you into mincemeat!!”

Further down, Asmodeus of Lust giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “How cute, Omine and Leader are close to getting together. But… think Omine will discover her cutie boy has a big brain but might not be as big in other areas~? Hehehe~!”

“NOOOOOO!” Mammon of Greed cries bloody murder, hair oscillating on the ground. “She was this close! Omine missed out on a reverse harem! And if it’s one, it should be Brawler! Him handing her that bundle of coins was like handing her his heart! Conrad’s great but he’s too soft! I agree with Asmo, give her all three!”

Lucifer of Pride slams her hand on the armrest of her seat, rising above the rest. “Stop embarrassing yourselves! We’re supposed to embody grace and dignity! How can we, the Ladies of Purgatory, stoop to this-- this-- rabble?!”

The second row fares no better. Michael of Strength leaps to her feet, stretching her arms and cracking her knuckles. “Wouldn’t it be better if the three spar for Omine’s heart? Hehehe~! A display of true strength!”

Jophiel of Beauty shakes Gabriel, her voice tinged with insecurity. “Hey, hey, you’re smart, right? Omine can have a boyfriend, so why can’t I? It’s not because I’m ugly, is it? Please tell me I’m not ugly!”

Gabriel doesn’t even look up from her book as she swats Jophiel’s head. “Shut up already! You’re making me lose my place!”

As the chaos unfolds, Uriel of Judgment adjusts her glasses, her gaze never leaving the First World Fragment. “The Battle of Divine Interventions may commence sooner than expected. If Ariadne pushes too far…” She doesn’t finish, her words lost in the rising din of the crowd.

High above, in the theater loge, the Madam watches it all unfold with a mix of amusement and concern. Ariadne’s figure had vanished from the throne opposite to hers, reappearing within the World Fragment below. The risky shift doesn’t go unnoticed by the Madam.

“Ariadne…” she hums, thoughtfully. “So you’ve chosen to act this early? How very entertaining… but this can turn dangerous.”

She raises her hand, and her voice carries over the entire theater, silencing the uproar. “Servitor.”

The butler steps forward, bowing with practiced polish. “Yes, Honorable Madam?”

“Ensure that Ariadne does not overstep the bounds. If her actions disturb the balance, we may have more than just a stadium’s worth of chaos to deal with.”

Servitor straightens, his expression calm but determined. “As you command.”

The elegant Servitor exits the theater, carrying out his orders with the promptness deserving of the masterful butler that he is. As he departs, the Madam turns her attention back to the Fragment, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest of her throne.

…

Aeterna isn’t Heaven, Hell, Valhalla, Paradise, or the Underworld, yet it belongs in this category of realms imbued with infinite power. It is a place both separate from and connected to the mortal world, running parallel to the events of Rosebell.

The Palace of Aeterna dominates this realm, composed of four immense buildings surrounding a central courtyard so vast and intricate that it makes the surrounding structures seem small.

The Room of Aeterna -- the exalted theater of a stadium -- is the most significant of the four. Here, the Divine Audience gathers, watching the events unfolding in the world with rapt attention.

Beyond the theater’s gilded doors lies the courtyard, a breathtaking expanse of roses in every color imaginable. The blooms seem eternal, their vivid hues and gentle fragrance soothing to the soul. It’s a place where time itself feels like it pauses to admire the beauty.

Upon exiting the theater, to the left of the courtyard stands the Gathering Building of Aeterna. This vast reception hall is where the Divine Audience first arrives, attending elaborate prelude revelry before transitioning to the theater. Despite its grandeur, it is the second smallest of the four buildings.

To the right lies the Guesthouse of Aeterna, a name that doesn’t do justice to its scale. It offers luxurious lodging on its upper floors, where members of the Divine Audience can rest and indulge in extended stays if they so desire.

Opposite the theater is the final structure. Its design resembles a cathedral, with sweeping marble design and colors, yet its name is the Dungeon of Aeterna. Within its elegant yet imposing halls lies a single prisoner, confined in isolation.

…

The Dungeon of Aeterna… is it a temple or cathedral? No matter how much it might seem that way from the architecture, and no matter how polished it might be throughout, the inside carries the oppressive ambiance of catacombs. In contrast to the ornate elegance, an unruly darkness wraps the corners of the room in shadow, creating a sense of frigidity within the painfully lonely space.

Unnatural. That is the quickest way to describe it. Just entering the Dungeon for the first time makes you want to swallow hard and turn right back.

…And Brawler is locked inside this eternal cage as its prisoner. But this isn’t the same young Brawler being simultaneously witnessed from the First World Fragment, in the real world.

This second Brawler is much older, appearing to be in his mid to late twenties. His body is healthy, and more muscularly toned than during his youth. He wears loose, long rags of black and white, and crimson and aqua drapes down both shoulders. He kneels on a single-step hexagonal altar at the center of the room. Four lengthy, perpetual chains extend from the sidewalls of the chamber, shackling his suspended arms in the air and keeping his legs centered.

But what devastatingly stands out about this older Brawler, in comparison to the younger one, is that he has lost his unique, brazen grin. This chained Brawler is… expressionless.

He doesn’t speak.

He doesn’t move, except for the smallest shifts of the tips of his fingers, weak readjustments of his body, and the fragile dilation of his empty eyes. And although Brawler remains shackled to these unforgiving chains, forced into a deep slumber, he is far from dead. Instead, he is in a state of half-consciousness, his eyes glazed over.

Make no mistake: being locked in this dungeon is a fate almost worse than death.

Ariadne is also inside the dungeon, but she is completely free from shackles. She has only come to visit the prisoner held here. Unlike Brawler, Ariadne is one of the theatergoers, after all. She had just finished her conversation with the young Brawler, and returned to Aeterna in her true form, wearing an elegant, dark sheath dress with her blue bow.

Following the Madam’s orders, Servitor uses his butler magic to pinpoint Ariadne’s location and approaches the eternal cage. He courteously knocks on the grand front doors of the chamber, and as he enters, a loud smack is the first thing that reaches his ears.

It was an unrestrained slap against Brawler’s cheek by Ariadne’s hand.

“Honorable Ariadne! What are you doing…??”

But seeing Ariadne present in Aeterna and not within the World Fragment anymore makes Servitor’s sense of urgency quell down. He takes a long, heaving sigh. “Haaaah. Poor, honorable Brawler. There was little to no reason to slap him.”

“How irritating. Me, a monster? How dare he say something like that?!”

Her reaction makes Servitor smirk just a little, but he doesn’t dare show her, so he briefly bows in an attempt to hide it. Ariadne takes notice and speaks in a cold voice. “It’s not amusing, Servitor.”

“Ahem*. My sincerest apologies. …Honorable Ariadne, this is honorable Brawler’s great labor. You must be careful with the ways you interfere with the World Fragment. I am sure you know of the plight it can cause?”

“Believe me, I know. And that is what I intend.”

A foreboding moment of silence passes between them as Servitor senses the danger of her comment.

Brawler slowly shifts his head back, his shackles giving hollow jingles. His cheek reddened from Ariadne’s slap is slowly turning back to a color too pale to seem it was actually his.

“In any case, I am glad that you visited the young Brawler within the World Fragment. And though this may be presumptuous of me, if I may speak… I am also glad he told you off, no matter how frustrating it might have been. Because he will continue forward on his true path.”

“Kahaha~…”

“…? H-Honorable Ariadne?”

Ariadne spins to face Servitor, and he staggers backward and nearly falls on his behind at the sheer sight of her expression. “Kahahahaha~! You’re starting to sound just as ridiculous as the young Brawler, Servitor! I wonder if you’ll retain that gratitude after what tomorrow will bring?”

“Please, Honorable Ariadne. Don’t--!”

“Rejoice! My Diabolus ex Machina is decided. I told the Brawler within the World Fragment, didn’t I? To prepare himself for the worst. I’ll resort to all cruelties, all evils. From this day forward, hell will become a reality.”

Servitor’s mouth flaps open and shut like a goldfish starved of oxygen. “I-I beg you, honorable Ariadne. Calm your heart. You don’t have to go that far!”

“But I most certainly will, and I have. My hand has already hovered over this world, and Omine is my first Diabolus ex Machina’s target. Rest assured; I’m throwing the Battle of Divine Interventions into full motion. I shall destroy the very things this imprisoned fool stands for until my victory is achieved.”

The scared man adjusts his suit’s collar, feeling a bead of nervous sweat collect on his neck as he struggles to regain his refined tone. He had known that this was coming but that didn’t mean he had to want it. “…V-Very well then. Is this what I am to return to the honorable Madam with? My master wishes for you to be careful with the ways you interfere with the First World Fragment. For now, if you would please allow me to escort you back to the Room of Aeterna.”

“The Madam thinks she can order me around, does she? What nonsense. You can go ahead; I’ll return to the theater soon.”

“Thus, shall I deliver a message to the honorable Madam in your absence? It is not my wish to return any request empty-handed.”

“I don’t mind. Tell her that not even the prelude will remain untouched -- The opening move of the Battle of Divine Interventions starts now.”

Seeing Servitor shaken to the core but doing his best not to display it out of laudable devotion to his servitude could only be met by Ariadne’s cackling. “That’s right. I’m sure the Madam comprehended as such after my conversation with the young Brawler. She is likely preparing her reply, her Deus ex Machina as she sees fit, isn’t she?”

“I cannot speak on behalf of my master’s intentions. But if… With the Battle of Divine Interventions commencing, it would be safe to assume so.”

“In any case, my first Diabolus ex Machina is set in motion. Now, take your leave, Servitor.”

Servitor bows deeply, his polished shoes tapping faintly against the cold, stone floor as he moves toward the double doors. Yet, something inside him resists. His steps slow, and he pauses, shoulders stiffening. Turning slightly, he raises his voice, steady but laden with suppressed fear. Like the virtuoso butler he was, he speaks solemnly and steadily, even against any unease he might have previously felt.

“Honorable Ariadne… Forgive my boldness. I know this may exceed my station as the butler of Aeterna, but I must speak. I was once human. I understand mercy… and some things should never be done!”

The air grows cold. Ariadne’s lips curl into a scowl so needle-like it could draw blood. “Some things just shouldn’t be done…? As if I have any care for such a buttered-up, insignificant phrase! And mercy? How nice, how nice. You waste my time with that pitiful word?” Her voice slithers through the room, soft and venomous. “Kneel.”

“E-Eh--?”

“I won’t repeat myself a second time. Prostrate yourself before me. Grovel, beg, and maybe -- just maybe -- I shall forgive your insolence as you leave."

Servitor hesitates, his pride warring with the crushing weight of Ariadne’s presence. Ariadne isn’t his master, the Madam is. The air feels thick, suffocating, like two weights pressing against his shoulders. Slowly, trembling, he lowers himself to the ground.

“…As you command. My deepest apologies. If you allow it, I shall now take my leave.”

“Come on, Servitor. Don’t make me say the same thing againnnn~. You’ll have to do better.”

Mid-prostration, he holds his breath, afraid of what misconduct he had shown.

“Could it be you’re staking your life on providing me with the best sorts of amusements? I said kneel and leave. Grovel, beg, rub your forehead against the floor allllll the way to the exit. How else are you going to show what a lowly, shameful servant you are? This is my mercy! If your head leaves the ground for a second, the rest of your body will follllowww!!”

The temperature in the room plummets. Servitor feels weight disappear from his body. His vision swims, and for a moment, he isn’t genuflecting anymore. He’s lying face down in a pool of his own blood. His own severed body kneels over him. The gruesome sight is so vivid, so real, that he convulses in terror. Oh, I’ve been beheaded. Torn veins, torn meat, torn skin, he could see… the mush inside… He laughs fretfully. A trembling hand instinctively reaches for his throat. But the vision fades, and he finds himself still kneeling, alive but barely.

“What’s wrong, Servitor? Don’t tell me you’re already imagining your death. You’re not worthy of such an end.”

Servitor forces himself to bow lower, his forehead pressing against the cold, polished stone. “Forgive my disgraceful words… I beg your mercy.”

“Ah, such words tickle my ears. But is that the weak voice I get after doing you this favor? I really want to forgive you, I really do, so say it, okay? ‘I, the lowly, shaaaameful, paaaathetic~ excuse of a butler, Servitor… beg to the honorable Ariadne to forgive my insolence.’ Come on.”

“I… the lowly… shameful…… gh… p-pathetic… excuse of…”

Almost to tears after he finishes the degrading repetition at the face of Ariadne’s laughter echoing off the walls as if a whole crowd is deriding him, the prostrated Servitor sees her shadow approaching him. The air shrieks as if to retreat.

“You really are a pathetic servant. So amusingly pathetic that I wasn’t able to hear the rest of your speech. I could make you say the same thing again, but I shall show you mercy. Come, it’s alright to lift your head. Show me your good face, not the one screwed in terror. I shall only ask one final task of you.”

“……”

“Now, kiss my shoes. Run your tongue along them like the disgraceful pig of a servant you are.”

“…Uughu…”

“Hihhyahahahaha~! Did you seriously believe you would leave without showing me this respect?! Given how pathetic you are, how about you treat this as a command? No, but you are shameful, really shaaaameful! Deep inside, you are just secretly burning with the desire to show me this pleasure. Are you not happy? See? See?! I’m even granting someone as pathetic as you a chance to revitalize your worth as a servant. Come, prostrate yourself before your God!!”

Servitor wanted out. His dignity had already far been ruined. And so, holding back his mortification through gritting teeth, Servitor slowly inches forwards…

…When his quivering lips actually touch her shoe, Ariadne, letting a look without a single trace of elegance take her, laughs with an evil emotion filled to bursting.

Servitor eventually crawls out of the Dungeon, closing the large double doors, leaving Ariadne and Brawler by themselves. His entire body trembles as Ariadne’s mocking laughter repeats in his mind.

“Poor thing. Welcome to prison life.” Ariadne caresses the chained Brawler’s cheek with a twisted gentleness. “Fool. Looks like you’re going to be it for the long run. This will truly be hell.”

The chained Brawler’s irises dilate ever so slightly at the sound of Ariadne’s voice, a shift so insignificant that it can scarcely be considered a change in his current state. His eyes barely shifted towards her, but it was like he couldn’t actually see her standing there. His lips part as if to speak, to scream, to beg, struggling to say something, to say anything, to plead anything, to yell anything…!

…But all that comes out is a wordless breath of air. And although it should’ve been unfeasible in Brawler’s current state, his eyes glisten with tears.

…

When I woke up today, the morning sun was gentle on my skin. There was even a nice breeze coming in from the south, waving at my tent.

So why did I wake up with a tear running down my face? It feels as sad as wetting my bed. I’m not a kid anymore!

My fingers go up to wipe the tear away, but I quickly realize that it wasn’t just a single tear. My cheeks were soaked with them, even though I woke up feeling good. As for the reason why, I am none the wiser.

Shaking off the weirdness, I throw on my jacket and step out of the tent, ready to hit the printing house on Central Street. I might’ve overslept after last night’s predicament, but no big deal. The second print run’s all mine, as usual. Before that, though, I want to stop by the Children’s Village. Check on Omine. That threat Ariadne made…

“Brawler!”

I barely make it around the corner when my little brother Peter and my sisters Teresa and Clare slam into me like a human avalanche.

“Help! Please, Brawler, you’ve gotta help!” Peter yells, his voice cracking.

Teresa clutches my sleeve, tears streaming down her face. “I thought you’d already be at Central Street! But you weren’t, and-- and--”

They’re clinging to me like I’m their lifeline. It’s not just their words; it’s their faces -- blotchy, scared out of their minds.

“What’s wrong?” I demand, my tone sharper than I mean.

“It’s Omine!” Peter blurts out. “She’s-- She’s not moving anymore!”

“What?” My breath catches in my throat.

“She’s sick!” Clare sobs. “Really sick!”

Time seems to stop for a second, the words crashing into me. Then, like a spring snapping back into place, I’m moving. With no need for any further explanation, my legs kick into high gear fueled by torment as I make a dash for the Children’s Village.

“Damn it! I should’ve known something was going to go wrong! Why didn’t I stay over last night?!”

Ariadne… If you aren’t a delusion of mine… If you messed with the Omine Family… If you laid a single finger on them…

I sprint my way into the clearing. As the scenery reached my eyes, I found myself breathless but the gasp still escapes me. “What… is this place?”

The Children’s Village had always been a desolate, rundown place. A place for the poor, but for the poor that had found a way to live joyfully, accompanied by one another. My little brothers and sisters should be running around, cooking strange foods, playing pranks. They should be dancing, singing, and illuminating the atmosphere with the wonderful feeling of togetherness that shines in their hearts.

So… What is this unfamiliar scene…? What the hell is this place?!

The kids are huddled around a tiny hut, their faces pale and tear-streaked. The youngest, innocently worried as to what the cause of the tragedy is sit with their knees hugged to their chests, confused and scared. The older ones cry openly onto each other’s shoulders, clutching each other like their hearts are breaking.

The liveliness is stagnant and has been replaced by a heavy, corrosive atmosphere. The saturation of joy has withered away, obliterated by a misery that threatens to wipe away all of those halcyon memories of the past.

When Clare tugs at my sleeve, trying to get me over to the hut, I finally notice that I completely stopped in my tracks.

Clare tugs at my sleeve, her voice trembling. “Brawler… Omine’s over there.”

For a moment, I can’t move. My feet feel like they’re stuck in cement, the scene rooting me in place. Then Clare’s words finally register, and I force myself forward.

As I hurriedly made my way towards the hut, some of my little brothers and sisters flew at me to bury their tearful faces, their small hands quivering with sorrow. “Brawler, it’s horrible!” “What are we going to do? What are we going to do?” “Please, Brawler!”

“I-It’s okay. Omine is strong. Whatever it is, she’ll be okay.” I assure them knowing nothing about how menacing the situation might be. As they quieted down, I could hear pained groans coming from beyond the door. And also, a sour odor…

Teresa steps forward, gently prying the kids off me. “Go on, Brawler. We need you.”

I nod, steeling myself. My hand trembles as I push open the door.

As I enter the small room, I immediately notice its source -- nauseating gastric juices, mixed with crimson threaded trails of blood, staining the floor near Omine’s futon. My heart plummets. And at this sight alone, I can tell this isn’t a regular illness. Without question, this was a lethal and agonizing one… If left untreated……

Omine lies on her futon, her frame shivering violently, her face flushed with fever. Christopher and Maria are trying to clean up the mess while Conrad and Leader sit by her side, tending to the cloth on her forehead. Their eyes are red, their faces pale and weary.

They look at me as I enter, but no one speaks. The air feels heavy. They are voiceless, and I also find myself unable to form any words. But as I stumble over to Omine’s bedside to help them, I finally manage to mumble something. “Did you send for another pail of water?”

Leader nods weakly. “Andrew and Rita are getting some now.”

Maria wipes her face with the back of her hand. “Doctor… we need a doctor…”

“A doctor…? That…” But I stop myself. Because the cruel truth of the matter would hurt them. A doctor? A luxurious word like that can’t be afforded by the Omine Family.

However, Conrad, Leader, and Omine seem to understand what I am about to say all too well.

My hands start trembling against the ground, and Omine slowly turns her eyes to me and speaks weakly. “Brawler… sorry…”

“…Shut up, stupid…” I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. It’s a little embarrassing crying in front of them, but it’s not like I can help it. I don’t care about my age or expression at this point… Omine might just be dying in front of me…

“For a second, I… I really thought that you might have already been at death’s door…”

Omine puts on a strong face and chuckles. “That would be… bad…”

“But look at you. You’re still talking… you’re still laughing… So don’t die. Don’t die… Please promise me that much. We’ll take care of the rest.” I hate seeing her in this state. The last one I saw like this, my grandpa, was taken from me.

“Yes… I promise.”

“No…! It can’t just be a regular, offhand promise! Not when you have those tears running down your face…! Not when… you’re about to leave me… Omine… You’re the torch of the Family… damn it…”

“…How horrible…… So… I can’t pass on that torch…? Then… I promise… that I’ll take good care of it…” I lost my grandpa to his broken promise. It’s time for me to take charge. Me, powerful enough not to ever break a promise. And so, as I violently wipe away the warm water covering my hazy eyesight, I assure Omine. “Yeah… Your sickness won’t get to you… We won’t let it. From all of us to you, that’s a promise.”

…

“The Deities Sensei told me about were fantastic, remarkable beings. Beings who help humanity, legends that coexist with legends. Nothing like her! Ariadne. That witch!”

Leader and I stand by the armory display window. Even though the tool we admire is this near, the tool that will pierce our path to Conquering world, it has never felt further. I’m trembling. I could punch through the glass. A shadow casts over Leader’s expression as he looks down, unsure what to say but clearly sharing in my frustration. I’m even getting looks from the people on the street. The reason is evident. My face is so scrunched I look like a battle-hardened barbarian.

“I hate her. Ariadne didn’t only attack the ones I love, but also my faith in Sensei’s words. And it’s because of her that I have to wait even longer to purchase weapons and dawn my armor. From a trajectory standpoint, Ariadne’s attack couldn’t have been more calculative, more devastating. And then she goes off and disappears before I can have her grit her teeth. Just what the hell is she, that Witch!”

Two weeks and three days have passed following the great wind that threatened to blow out the torch of the Omine Family.

All of the little brothers and sisters of the Family have stopped moving around. They don’t play or dance anymore… They only sit around the open square, weakened from starvation.

Conrad already did more than enough to help. Maybe even too much. For this reason, Conrad’s parents have kept him from revisiting.

Leader took quite a mental blow. Inside the rundown hut, he sits by Omine’s beside, comforting and tending to her.

Omine has it worse than anyone, by far. She is weakened, fatigued with a high fevers. She’s covered in blankets brought over from Leader’s house, a wet cloth on her forehead.

Everyone clings tightly to their crimson scarves in the hopes that Omine will remain strong.

Brawler has been absent from the Children’s Village for these past days, immediately following Conrad’s absence. But right now, he returns into the clearing.

He also appears to be fatigued, the same as the entire Omine Family, but he carries a large sack over his shoulder.

“Hey… Hey everyone!”

Leader and Omine hear Brawler, and Leader steps outside the hut to see what the commotion is and to find out what Brawler has been thinking, abandoning the Children’s Village these past few days.

The Omine Kyōdai turn their gaze and slowly start walking to greet Brawler. They all manage to smile weakly, but they don’t seem to have the energy to run up to him anymore.

Brawler, however, grins wickedly like he always does whenever he has a trick up his sleeve. He heaves the sack bag over his shoulder with his remaining might.

As long as we stand united, we have nothing to fear.

“I found treasure!!”