At the End of the Journey
Hmm...
Consider it an honor. True, I did not even wield even a tenth of my power, but...
You still managed to survive being caught up in a battle with my esteemed self.
Well, I survived, but the comms device didn't.
If you are alive, that is all that matters. Why fret over some mere comms device?
More importantly, if you are to serve me, you should always carry spares.
You still have a long way to go before you qualify as a proper servant.
So, are you heading back now?
Unless something unexpected happens, yes.
As promised, I shall keep your devotion in mind for about an hour.
I watched her brightened face for a moment.
The one who stands at the end of the [Journey], having forged a bond of cooperation once believed impossible.
Perhaps hardship and struggle simply do not exist in her world.
But I believe in her.
Once she returns to the place where she truly belongs...
She will surely become a star shining brighter than before.
Thinking of that dazzling sight... I closed my eyes.
...Hm?
So this is what your ability amounts to?
No wonder that witch was being so protective of you.
Aaaagh—!!
What the—?! Where did you come from?!
Such theatrics. Did you really think you could escape me just by closing your eyes?
Your petty rules can be brushed aside with nothing more than my fingertips.
The Journey's over! What more do you want?!
Did I not tell you? From the very beginning, my goal was to probe your ability.
The Journey itself was nothing more than a convenient excuse.
...Don't tell me.
You're not planning to follow me to the very end, are you?
If you wish, I could accompany you until this world meets its end.
Get lost already, you tyrant!
Ahahahaha!!
Very well. Rather than waste any more time on you...
I would much rather return to my own world and poke at Hilde for my own entertainment.
I shall grant you safe passage this once, acting servant.
...I sealed away the thought of whether there would be a next time deep within me.
To avoid any unforeseen mishaps... I quietly closed my eyes.
A life trapped in the shackles of fate, spinning in an endless cycle...
It reminds me of a certain someone. Pitiful, insignificant, and hopelessly wretched.
...Well, there's no need for me to knot up those already hopeless threads just yet.
But should the strands ever unravel and find their proper course...
I will come here myself and observe how your fate unfolds.
Until then...
Struggle as much as you like, in service of a script that satisfies me.
If you are to be my servant, that much endurance is only natural.
And so, another new starlight ignited.
Its radiant flame was etched into the Archive—a beacon to pierce the endless dark of the cosmos.
Observation complete.