Before the Final Trial
Hmm... So this is where my story comes to an end, is it?
A bit lacking for a grand climax... but it does have a certain charm.
I can feel a strange kind of energy here... something reminiscent of what I sensed inside thee.
Perhaps the peculiar aura of this place is what stirs such deja vu.
Are you nervous?
Nervous...?
Didst thou just ask me if I am nervous?
For someone like me, this sort of trial is nothing more than a trifle, a moment of amusement.
Or rather, I fear it may not even be worthy of that term.
Worry not. I am a Dragon. One who has lived far longer than thine imagination could ever stretch.
More importantly, I've begun plotting my next book.
Already?
"Already"? How rude!
Thou saw how the readers swarmed the library last time, didst thou not? My fans must be beside themselves by now.
One of the virtues of a true author is cherishing one's readers, after all.
She looked at me with mock seriousness, as if expecting my approval.
That's a fine mindset to have.
Fufu. I've never had a poor one.
But enough about that...
Art thou not curious what my next story will be about?
I just might share a little, for old times' sake. All thou hast to do is say the word.
Care to listen?
The way she asked made it clear she wanted me to say yes.
Lacy's next story... I was curious. Yet, even so...
No. I'd rather not.
W-what?! And why not? Thou wouldst call thyself my fan, yet refuse mine offer?
I am her fan. That's exactly why I chose not to listen.
...Because I want to read it myself.
As one of her fans, I wanted to experience her story the right way. Not through spoilers.
Hmm...
How careless of me. Hearing fragments in advance only dulls the thrill when one finally read it, does it not? It would spoil the surprise entirely.
Surprise?
Oh? Now thou art curious?
Too late. I've completely lost the will to tell thee now.
If thou wish to know, thou shalt simply have to wait until 'tis published.
Now then, let us finish this so-called "final trial" so I may return to my writing.
...Are you ready, Captain?
Is it time?
Yes. The Star Savior Succession Trial, the [Journey].
Its final trial will now begin.
Your opponent will be the [Executor of Aldebaran, Gille].
[Dirac's Well] has begun projection.
'Tis been a while since I've had to use my real strength.
Let us end this quickly—before the scenes I've imagined for my story slip from my mind.