Illusion of Self. Part 2.

The illusion didn’t wait—it struck right where it hurt most.

"So, Alric... how’s your dear Lucina?"

The words cut through his chest like a rusted blade. He clenched his teeth. His breath caught. For a moment—he lost control.

"...Damn you… Lucina… Lucina… Lucina..."

Tears slid down his cheeks. Fragments of the past flashed before his eyes. Her voice. Her touch. That day. That moment.

Alric stood frozen. The illusion wasted no time—the blade soared toward his throat, gleaming in the dim light.

> "I can’t... I can’t bring back the past... but why does it still hurt so much...?

If I had been stronger... Lucina... please forgive me..."

Half a second remained.

But within that fleeting eternity—something broke. Or maybe... something reconnected. Like a scorched wire finally catching a spark.

And then—a voice. Not from outside, but from within. Quiet. Like a first breath.

> "Get up. That’s enough. You’re still alive."

The next moment—he vanished.

Before the illusion could react, Alric was already behind it.

"I won’t think anymore. I’ll act."

His sword cut through the air—and through the darkness.

The illusion's body crumpled, collapsing slowly to the ground. Alric stood above his mirror image—not with hate, but with a terrifying calm in his eyes.

"...There it is..." the illusion whispered, fading.

"You finally surpassed yourself... I’m glad you could..."

And just like a dream at dawn—it vanished.

Silence. Only a heartbeat. But it no longer pounded from fear—only from resolve.

"I’ve already lost two..." he exhaled. "I won’t lose anyone else."

---

Anastasia.

The world fell silent.

A field, bathed in golden light. A girl with chestnut hair, laughing, playing the flute.

"Alric, promise me... If I ever disappear... you’ll smile for both of us, okay?"

He had only nodded then. Naively. Stupidly. Not knowing those words would become a prophecy.

"...I’m sorry... Lucina... Anastasia..." he whispered.

"I swear... I will have my revenge."

He stepped forward, deeper into the corridor.

Three paths. One collapsed.

"Someone blocked that passage? But I didn’t sense any magic or mana... Whoever did this wasn’t a normal student. Hm… or maybe the wall broke on its own... or something else did it?"

"...Well, whatever. Doesn’t matter."

He looked around, then chose the right path.

"If another illusion shows up—I won’t hesitate. I’m not the one who cries anymore. I’m the one who moves forward."

But even as he thought that, something still rang inside him—like an old melody he couldn’t forget.

"Save yourself... No... Run..."

He clenched his fists.

"Damn it... Again... those voices again. But I won’t break. I’ll endure. I have to."

---

> "I’ll never leave you."

"Let’s get married when we grow up."

"Alric, you’re my best friend..."

"I love you... Alric..."

Whispers from the past. Flickers of memory. They wouldn't let go.

And finally—

"Forgive me... Alric..."

Words that echoed forever. A burden. A vow

.

Alric kept walking. But now—it wasn’t out of pain.

It was for the sake of those who were gone.