CHAPTER 7.5: LAST SLIVER OF MEMORIES

**Kuro**

“Hello!” the dark lady had a nonchalant smile on her lips. “I’m the Seductress, but most of you fools call me ‘Lady Arame’, the wife of Chersea’s stupid god, Gaius…or Lady Erika Annie Michelle, the wife of Marcus Albert Sidney, Duke of Rubinforth. I believe this is the first time we met, Kuro, or should I call you Greg Santos?”

“K-Kuh…” I tried to catch my breath, for her hand gripped my neck tight. Then, suddenly, I could sense something from within my body being sucked from where she held me.

Is she wresting the god-powers from me?

“Indeed, you’re correct,” she smiled. “Like that idiot husband of mine, I also desire the god-powers. How thoughtful of you to acknowledge the danger I bring!”

“F-Fuck you!” My nose felt pain as I struggled. I felt my blood vessels rupturing as the Seductress forced the divine magic through my neck. I squirmed, let my arms and legs fly in a vain attempt to shake her off. Blood flowed from my eyes and mouth. Nevertheless, my thrashes just went past the Lady Arame’s ethereal body, much to my alarm.

“Aah! I love it when mortals like you struggle,” the Seductress whispered to my ears, “makes me want to torture you more…”

Summoning my last slivers of strength, I fired my revolver towards her; of course, it only went through her body.

“Poor human boy…not only you are indecisive, at the end, you’re still the loser you are like in your own wor—gueh!”

“!!!”

Much to my surprise, the Seductress was hit, not by my gun, but by Gaius’ gladius. Her grip on my neck loosened, and I escaped from her grasp as she turned to him and snarled, “What are you doing, buffoon?”

“Don’t forget my goals, Arame,” the former god raised his shield and sword, “The god-powers are mine, not yours!”

“You traitor!” At that moment, the Lady Arame lunged at Gaius, seizing him by her miasma. However, the former god—though his legs were caught—quickly moved his sword-arm and cut the miasma tentacles meant for his hands. Then, he freed himself from the Seductress’ grasps, and closed in on her, plunging the gladius on her body.

A deafening scream echoed throughout the desert, as the Roman scored his first hit on her.

While the two of them turned against each other, I took the lull as an opportunity to heal myself of my injuries and load my revolver.

“…”

Well, shit. Not only am I greatly weakened when the Seductress forced the god-powers from me, I’m also down to my last bullets.

I couldn’t fully heal my injuries; I don’t know if that’s the effect of the attack on me, or the result of the god-powers being sucked out. And, I only had five bullets left; I knew this would be my last battle. It’s pretty futile to resist, for I couldn’t get out of this place anymore. Still, I should make these count. Gaius and the Seductress’ fight intensified, effectively sidelining their conflict with me. As the evils of this realm contested on who would kill me thereafter, I tried to look for any openings I could exploit against my enemies. However, I’m clueless, and in this three-way battle, I’m hopelessly weak.

“Kuro!” the former god called out to me, “don’t just stand there! Shoot her with your bullets!”

“W-What?” I was honestly confused in this sudden turn around by Gaius. Is he looking to ally himself with me in dealing with the Seductress?

“Cast the god-power of the Human Saint on your bullets, and shoot her in the head!”

Without a thought, I followed his instruction. Honestly, I could feel my god-powers were on its last legs. Nevertheless, summoning whatever mana reserves left in my body, I cast the Human Saint’s healing magic on a bullet.

Indeed, the former god is fighting his former wife, and he’s deliberately leading her on my aim.

However, the Seductress saw through his plan, and moved away. So, Gaius, not wishing to let her escape, jumped and held her on the spot.

“Kuro! Shoot!”

I was surprised by what he said and did. Nevertheless, I took aim, uttered a small prayer, and pulled the trigger.

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At once, the Seductress’ form vanished, having been disintegrated by the powers of the Human Saint. Gaius, who was now equally-filled with wounds all over his body, picked up his gladius and shield.

“…”

Like a gallant Roman legionnaire, he turned to me, ready to fight. “Our battle is not yet over, Kuro,” he said, “Now that Arame is gone, I can now claim the god-powers for myself!”

“Y-You…you’re injured, yet you’re still raring to go?”

“Says the one that is beaten up as well,” Gaius took a step forward, “Ambition is what keeps me going, Kuro! I will not anyone hinder me, including you!”

“And here I thought you finally changed your heart.”

“A proper god has always have to think of what will benefit everyone. And clearly, you don’t fit the bill,” he smiled, though it was a melancholic one. “Though, if the circumstances are different, we might’ve become the best of friends, Kuro.”

“Indeed…” I chuckled, “I always wondered what it will be like to have a famous historical person as a friend.”

“En garde!” The Roman raised his shield and sword, ready to jump against me any time soon. Likewise, I raised my revolver and aimed it at his head.

“…”

Honestly, I couldn’t understand what had just happened. However, I got no time to think about it, as I reactivated the god-power of the Human Saint, and cast it on my bullets.

Three more to go…and my legs are wobbling already.

“I…I’d like to see you try to grab my god-powers, Gaius…” I told him, gritting my teeth, “I know I won’t win against you, but I’ll take you to the grave with me!”

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***The Holy Palatial Gardens***

When Maddie returned to her senses, she was back at the bright and pristine gardens of her official residence.

“…”

The paladins, maids and even the three saints, all were standing around her, as if they were waiting for her arrival. Her head maid, Lily, was almost in tears. She never waited for the Human Saint to say something; she threw her arms around her friend. Soon, the others followed suit.

“Are you okay, Maddie?” Ruro asked.

She gave her a nod.

“Maddie, you’re not hurt anywhere, are you?” it was Natasha.

She just shook her head.

“It’s a close call,” Seirna revealed. “We certainly thought that you’ll end up trapped in Cherflammen when we severed its connection to Chersea. In a while, we’ll all forget about it, like just some bad dream.”

Then, at that moment, Maddie remembered, “Kuro! He’s still in Cherflammen! We need to help him!”

“Huh? You mean there’s someone else left in there?” the Saint of Darkness asked.

Maddie glared at Natasha, “What do you mean by that? Kuro is in Cherflammen! Aren’t you close to him? Why do you act like you don’t know him now?”

“Maddie,” it was Ruro. “Are you sure you didn’t hit your head or something? Who’s Kuro?”

“You need to take a break, Lady Rubinforth,” the Saint of the Flame told her. “You must be tired from the battles we fought in. We’ll take care of the refugees in your name, for the meantime.”

The Human Saint couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “You guys! Kuro just sacrificed his life for me, for us! And yet…and yet…”

“Maddie,” her head maid put a hand on her forehead. “I think you’re burning up. You really should get a rest!”

“No!” Maddie insisted. In her heart, she felt angry. Not against those people who couldn’t remember Kuro, but to herself. She just realized something; she couldn’t recall what his face looked like!

She will not forget Kuro! She has to do something!

Without delay, Maddie teleported to her room. Flinging the doors of her cabinet open, she grabbed the nearest canvas and pencil. The Human Saint began drawing up strokes, lines that made Kuro’s hair, his face, his body…even the clothes he wore. As she worked on the drawing, tears fell uncontrollably from her eyes. She couldn’t believe that, even with all the efforts he made, he would end up forgotten by the very people he helped.

I will not forget you, Kuro! At least, you will remain in my heart!

She continued drawing for some time, and Lily came to her room to check on her. As her head maid encouraged her to take a rest, Maddie pushed her away.

“Don’t bother me!” she snapped.

Lily, worried that Maddie would overexert herself, remained by her side the whole time. The Human Saint never took a break; she kept on her sketch until she made a clear drawing of the man she loved.

Only Kuro’s face remains…

Maddie, fighting back the tears, took a deep breath and started to put in the strokes for her man’s face. But then, she stopped, and looked around, as if searching for something…

Lily asked her, “What happened, Maddie?”

“Lily?” the Human Saint’s voice was back to normal. “What am I doing? Why am I crying?”

“I don’t know…maybe you’re stressed? You snapped at me earlier, saying not to disturb you.”

“Oh. Hmm…I’m sorry for that,” Maddie looked at the sketch she’d been doing before, “…and, who’s this person I’m drawing?”