Birds of a Feather
Cafe Strega...
You recognize the name?
...I do, but it could just be a coincidence.
Even across different worlds, similar patterns tend to emerge.
Here's your order! Enjoy!
Yes. If anything, I find the other customers more bizarre.
They're devouring mind-numbingly sweet snacks with such gusto.
So, what did you call me here for?
I see. Then you already know.
Let's talk about the schedule going forward.
There's nothing I want to add to or take away from what she told you.
What, were you expecting me to vent about my tragic life?
I doubt a story like mine would move you much.
There are reasons for it.
Reasons?
...You really intend to dig until the end.
Then let me ask you instead.
There's an enemy you must stop, even if it costs your entire life.
But no matter what you do, your power can't reach them.
What would you do?
Exactly. That's why.
Even if it's deemed impossible... It doesn't mean there's no path.
No. Even if there truly is no chance, it still doesn't matter.
Because stopping her, the enemy, is my duty.
If that's the case...
According to Alicia, Hilde had passed through countless worlds.
Did that mean every single one of them... was a process of failure?
Explaining is an act of seeking understanding.
Even good deeds become tiresome if repeated often enough.
That's why I never speak of it.
No.
I could return to where I originally belong, but... it wouldn't be enough to reach her.
It wasn't that she had a bad personality.
She had simply grown numb.
From experiencing too much. From being broken too many times.
I hate talking about things like this, but...
There is one thing I should tell you.
Captain, you're better off worrying about yourself than over me.
About... myself?
Yes. Wasn't completing the [Journey] the reason you're here right now?
Then focus on what you can accomplish.
Concern yourself with the circumstances of a ghost like me, and you'll gain nothing.
Your Journey member, you say...?
It seems the Witch didn't tell you this next part.
You remember the Voidborns that appeared in this city, don't you?
The reason they were able to invade in droves was because I came to this world.
...What do you mean?
They slipped through the breach that formed when I entered this world.
The scar in the sky is proof of that.
As long as I remain here, that scar won't mend.
No, it will widen over time, using me as an anchor.
...
Do you understand now? To your world, I'm nothing more than an unwelcome guest that should be expelled as soon as possible.
So stop worrying about me, and focus on how best to make use of me.
...Me going back without things going wrong is something I want as well.
Hilde put her coffee cup down and stood up from her seat.
Then I shall take my leave.
Thanks for the coffee.
With that, Hilde left the cafe without hesitation.
A faint curl of steam lingered above the cup, the coffee still warm.