El Dust part.1

When he chose a different path, another destiny unfolded according to his will.

The moment he opened his eyes, Zeimachi slowly slipped beneath the veil of consciousness, and merged himself into another vessel he used for his own purposes.

Intentionally abandoning his original body adorned with the imprints of time and experiences, he sought to briefly exist without the burden of his tainted soul.

This led to the emergence of different facets known as his Persona, reflections of his past and present selves, resurfacing behind the familiar face that Zeimachi had once used for his previous identities.

"Flesh pulsates with life, blood courses through my veins. Huhuhu, heartbeats that resonate very well, and my stomach with its content. Ahhhh~ How long has it been since I savored this sensation, I wonder?" mused El Dust.

El Dust—this was the moniker he embraced, a name known to many.

The naming process of each persona intertwined with the identities he once held, leaving the reasons for choosing such appellations shrouded in mystery.

Nevertheless, El Dust appeared content. Both his countenance and tone—traits inherent to Zeimachi—exuded such contentment.

"Somehow... I feel like it wasn't for long," mused El Dust.

Despite once seizing an opportunity during the emotional and spiritual leak of The Fool, intending to make Wakasa Ruu as one of his "adorable plaything," El Dust seemed to have genuinely forgotten that crucial moment.

Whether it was an honest admission or merely lip service remained unclear. Nevertheless, El Dust proceeded to meticulously comb through the contents of the room.

"Huhuhu, let's set that aside. I've planned for occasions like this extensively. Now then..." chuckled El Dust.

While perusing the room, which held one or two items the persona recalled from their past, they seemed to stumble upon a thrilling surprise.

Like finding money tucked away in a sock, the persona felt a rush of joy stumbling upon one or two items that should have been discarded long ago but still lingered there.

"...Even this thing is here," muttered El Dust.

Among the items lay an old, battered keychain. El Dust's demeanor shifted visibly as they laid eyes on a picture nestled within the keychain. A wistful expression took hold, painting a portrait of longing on their face.

Reluctantly returning the item to its place, they took refuge in a chair near the study table in their room.

Engrossed in revisiting the contents of shelves and drawers, El Dust was immersed in a journey through memories long past while they pieced together several bits of information they had gathered.

"From what I've seen, it's clear that our body has regressed a few years. From our face, body, and the books on this table, it appears we've returned to our learning days. But I'm not pretty sure when, I've never heard about this lesson," mused El Dust as he carefully set down one of the books.

That book seems to be a text book that contained information about the history of that World.

❛Regression eh? But are you certain? What if we've found ourselves in a new body similar to him, or taken over the body of someone in this world? I mean there's this book about our proof in this world, but we don't actually hold any of those memories right?❜ questioned Loli-man with uncertainty.

As El Dust momentarily paused to sift through information, a voice echoed within their mind—a voice that exuded both calmness and vigilance simultaneously.

Comprehending the essence of the voice's message prompted El Dust to ponder the background and origins of the figure known as "Zeimachi" in this world.

❛Remembering might be a good idea, but in my opinion... perhaps it's best not to dwell on it. Everything created in this world is composed of various information obtained by The Will of the World from our friend Zei. It would be quicker to ask "IT" directly.❜「Natakluh ref Rednialsig」

Soon after, the voice shifted into one that exuded authority yet maintained a remarkably friendly tone, distinct from the others that followed, sounding impatient and angry.

❛Heck no, just a waste of time. It's better we explore our identities while discovering what lies beyond. Why remember something we've never experienced?❜「Sengoku」 

❛...Even if it's risky, following Als' suggestion might unveil greater insights into what's inscribed within this world. However, the final decision rests in your hands, Dust. You're the one playing; you get to decide.❜ spoke Necro-phi/Vandango.

As he reached out and touched several different books, flipping through their pages without actually reading them, El Dust who had been silently listening to the advice and suggestions from the other personas pondered something.

He found that he could understand the text in these books, even though grasping their meaning proved to be a different matter altogether, very unusual indeed.

After thoroughly perusing the books, he stacked the ones he had read on the wooden floor covered by a black carpet he stood upon. The carpet's texture felt inviting beneath his feet, akin to stepping on damp sand at the beach or the soft muck along the roadside.

The sensation tempted El Dust to recline on the comfortable carpet.

"Phew... this world, it's created from our deepest desires and aspirations. If sought after diligently, perhaps we truly can find it," mused El Dust.

Glancing beneath the bed, he found an empty space which nothing more than merely a hollow area. Nevertheless, he felt it would be a fitting spot for monsters to conceal themselves, or even to be served as a good place to hide something.

"Be it becoming an adventurer, an academic, or anything else, I'm sure those opportunities exist out there. But alas, my dear brothers, I already have my schedule meticulously planned," mused El Dust once more, his tone both understanding and resolute.

Indeed, he cherished and respected the other personas, akin to how he held affection for his own brothers. However, when it came to desires and aspirations, El Dust had his own, and he was not easily swayed by others' influence.

They were all Personalities with diverse characteristics and preferences, hence it was natural for them to have similarities, differences, or even opposing thoughts among them.

The Persona who heard the statement seemed to comprehend their decision, and then chose to cease their advice. Particularly Sengoku, whose voice began to fade not long after hearing those words, until it gradually disappearing.

"Kukuku, as expected of Brother Sengoku. We truly do match," El Dust chuckled.

From the perspective of the other personas, Sengoku raised his middle finger upon hearing this, but it didn't stop his consciousness seeming to fade continuously until it gradually disappeared.

It appeared that Sengoku had already understood El Dust's behavior, prompting him to decide to leave ahead of everyone else.

❛Oh? I'm really sorry, El. We were late in catching your meaning, then we're going back as well,❜ Nanekluh ref Rednialsig said.

❛What's the catch here? I thought we're going to backseat him together.❜「Loli-man」

❛...He doesn't like it, though he doesn't mind it, but anyway, let's return to the Chamber,❜ added Necro-phi/Vandango.

One by one, the voices heard by El Dust slowly faded away. They returned to the place where the personas had previously gathered, or to be more specific, their dwelling.

A place born from the utilization of Zeimachi's Fenghuang Down, in the depths of their subconscious—a place where they were initially frozen in slumber until this recent awakening.

"Truth be told, it's not I didn't want you all to witness it firsthand. I simply felt it'd be unethical for me to act based on your decisions," El Dust confessed.

Leaving El Dust there as the sole remaining and domineering persona.

"But well, my gratitude, brothers. Please enjoy as a viewer from now on. I'll make the scene as intense as possible," El Dust said in somewhat weird but spicy(?) manner.

Weirdly not long after, he started to lie down and doing some weird movement.

Starting with a warm-up beginning from his neck, then down to both shoulders, all while lying on the carpeted floor of his room. He begun to gathers bits of information within his sight range, while still warming the blood flowing within his body.

Starting from a photo album, images of many figures he recognized but didn't know, and a form of identification tucked in the back pocket of his pants. He found much clues that seemed have been meticulously arranged, yet with undefined reasons of why they're there.

"Indeed, all of this is too convenient. What backdrop have you prepared, the Will of this World? If it's as meticulous as this, then you must have also prepared the 'main dish' for me, haven't you?" El Dust remarked in muse.

After expressing his anticipation, El Dust who seemingly expecting something delightful, began rolling over the soft, comfortable carpet. He appeared to take a liking to it very much, especially with an ID Card that hold many information of his current body.

"So the name is still Zeimachi, huhuhu. Well, name doesn't really matter. Brother will be brother after all, and whether it's to save the world or perhaps to destroy it... whatever it may be, I'll be looking forward to it," El Dust chuckled.

This persona, El Dust was aware of his twisted taste and desires.

Indifferent to distinctions of evil or justice, light or darkness, he paid little attention to such trivial matters. What occupied his mind was pleasure, something only attainable through his unconventional ways, condemned by anyone holding onto moral values.

"Hmm, first things first... perhaps I should start with the people in this house, uhmm nonono, let's patiently gather our surrounding first shall I?" El Dust mused, in yet again, not a very good intentions.

In that world shaped by his desires, apart from those who were unaware of Zeimachi's true self, there were also many individuals who knew him well. Encountering figures like them was what made the blood coursing through him stir a bit.

—————————————————

Meanwhile when a certain Persona have opened his eyes, there's also another figure who've been awakened due to his presence. Bearing an air of weariness toward worldly affairs, she gazed around at her surroundings which no longer had become a void filled with white.

[...]

[This...]

A vivid, shining world. Her eyes which're weary and languid were utterly surprised to see her 'coffin' had transformed so drastically, and now filled with numerous unknown people and consciousness.

However, unfortunately her body seemed unable to gather strength.

In the place where she opened her eyes, where the sky and clouds formed a rainbow, the figure could only fall silent and feeble as various colors and shapes began forming themselves, changing the desolate 'coffin' into a garden filled with both joy and misery.

[This presence...]

However, it seemed that what urged the figure to move again wasn't solely the changes occurring around her. Amidst the construction and reconstruction of the world before her, there's something, or rather someone, that sparked a glimmer of light in the eyes of the blonde-haired figure.

[... Machi?]

It's as if she is slowly regaining her 'life'."

—————————————————

Back to the house where her currently resided.

While El Dust was adapting to the new phenomenon he had just encountered in his room, on the other side, an abnormal phenomenon was unfolding within the house and many residents within it.

Indeed, as it turned out there're already residents besides him staying within that house.

Much like inhabitants of a world with consciousness of their own, they engaged in activities aligned with the data stored about them, each triggering their own phenomenon.

This time however, the mentioned phenomenon wasn't something threatening. It was nothing more than a morning breakfast, where most family members gathered within the same dining room for their breakfast.

A familiar and heartwarming scene, commonly found anywhere in many worlds where families exist. But what made this abnormal was the three figures seated at their dining table, and a woman cooking in the kitchen.

"Big sis, there's a part I don't understand from my last exam, can you help me with it?"「Sirin」

"Of course, just let me know where you find it difficult."「Bianca」 

"Ohh! Speaking of exams, how did you both do?"「Siegfried」

There were three figures engaged in conversation on their morning, the head of the family reading a newspaper, seemingly following the conversation between his two daughters. He had a glass of strawberry milk in front of him that appeared untouched.

"Huhu! I passed with flying colors!" Sirin exclaimed.

"For me... I think there's more that I can learn. Next time, I'll do better," Bianca reflected.

Differing from their father, who was already neatly dressed, both girls were still in their pajamas. Nonetheless, their respective preferred drinks were placed on the same dining table they used.

And there's a sign that they've already taken a sip from it.

"Geez, Bianca. Hey dad, did you know Bianca is among the top 5 of our class? She's pretty smart, you know. What do you think will happen if she becomes even smarter than this?" Sirin teased her older sister, playfully whispering towards their father to intentionally showcase Bianca's intelligence to their parent.

Hearing this, it not only made Siegfried slightly proud, but on the other hand, it also made his blonde-haired daughter feel a bit embarrassed.

"T-Top five? Well... that's awesome. But! Even your father once was placed among the top five, you know," Siegfried said, a mix of surprise and admiration in his tone. However, it seemed like the father wasn't going to be outdone.

He intended to showcase one of his achievements to his two daughters. As a father of three beautiful and sweet daughters, Siegfried felt he shouldn't be considered less intelligent than both of them.

Unfortunately, someone shattered his moment.

"Top five, from behind the grade wasn't it? Huhu," Cecilia chimed in.

From behind the stove and still-lit grill, a lively voice of a woman with a remarkably beautiful appearance could be heard.

Whether it was her white hair tied neatly at the back of her head or the apron covering her front torso, both were just minor details that could be considered beautiful about this woman.

"Cecilia... let me act cool before my girls once in a while," Siegfried joked.

"Yes, yes," Cecilia chuckled in response.

The glint in her blue eyes emitted a sense of affection and comfort, akin to a mother carrying a few dishes to the dining table while conversing with her family. Each dish crafted by her hands looked very appealing, enough for Sirin and Bianca to feel a grumble of their stomach.

The same for Siegfried who seemed very proud of it, despite not being the one creating it. And just as Sirin, who was very eager to take a bite was about to spear a sausage she liked...

"That's right, Sirin-chan, could you call Machi from his room? Mama just heard a sound from there so he should be awake by now. Also, could you knock on Kiana's door while you're at it?" Cecilia asked.

Sirin's finger stopped just as she was about to pierce one of the dishes, yet she didn't seem upset, just slightly annoyed. Hearing her mother's kind-hearted words, Sirin felt uncomfortable but didn't mind complying with her request.

"Ehhh... onii-chan is one thing, but that Kiana should grow up already and learn to wake herself," Sirin commented.

"Hmm... now that I remember it, there's some pudding I brought in the fridge. If you wake Kiana up, I'll make it up to you. It's fine to just let her know it's morning," Cecilia offered.

"... Fine," and finally, Sirin relented.

With a somewhat reluctant tone, the girl with long purple hair then began to rise from her seat. Leaving behind the prepared breakfast, she complied with the command issued by her mother.

"Today is our academy entrance ceremony, it'll be a problem for Kiana if she got late during this important day," Bianca reminded.

"I got it already," while Sirin replied reluctantly.

There was a slight chuckle from Bianca and even Siegfried upon seeing her grumpy expression.

"Pour water if she still hasn't woken up," Siegfried joked just like a father he is.

"Honey!" but Cecilia interjected.

"I-I'm kidding, Cecilia... d-don't pour water, alright?" and it made Siegfried stammered.

With an unenthusiastic demeanor, Sirin ascended the stairs to the upper floor of the house.

"I'll turn her into sushi if that tuna is still asleep at this hour," Sirin mumbled, a hint of annoyance in her tone.

Her frustration wasn't unfounded, having lived alongside the figure referred to as Kiana, she had experienced various troubles with her that were somewhat akin to the present situation.

Moreover, unlike Cecilia, Siegfried, or even Kiana, Sirin had many differences with their family. Be it the hair color or eye shade, there was no resemblance between her and her mother or any of those three.

Even Bianca, whose hair was blonde, had the same eye color as both her parents.

"Despite being reminded since yesterday, yet here she is, sound asleep again! She must have pulled an all-nighter!" Sirin muttered.

Despite being considered part of the family there, she couldn't help but entertain such thoughts occasionally amidst her inner turmoil.

Coupled with her age, at a stage prone to emotional shifts or in the bask of teenage number, Sirin was vulnerable to experiencing breakdowns due to her fragile emotions influenced by those around her.

"Sigh... it's better to finish quickly," and again, Sirin muttered.

But somehow for now, she seemed fine.

Whether it was due to the 'background' provided to her by The Will of World, or perhaps because of the intervention of an entity that had established a familial relationship with her in that world, Sirin's downfall couldn't be seen anywhere.

Moreover in that world, she had many people who cared for her, and there's also the person she called as "Onii-chan", or simply put her big brother within that World, who apparently also had similarities with her, often making them very close to each other.

Her short steps matched her body size, each stride producing a sound as her feet touched the wooden floor of the house. Eventually, she made her way upstairs to where her sister's and her brother's rooms were located.

*Knocking loudly*

"Kiana! It's already morning. Hurry up or you'll be late for the entrance ceremony!" Sirin called out.

After reaching the second floor, the first room she visited had a plushy fish hanging on the front door, adorned with the name 'Kiana.' Undoubtedly, it was Kiana's room.

Several stickers resembling a baseball bat and cup ramen were also plastered onto the door's surface. With a thud of her small fist, Sirin attempted to knock some sense into that door. It was met with a response from the room's owner not long after.

"Hnnhh... just five more minutes..." there's the voice of a girl came from behind the closed door, sounding drowsy and devoid of energy.

"💢" Sirin's frustration grew evident.

Upon hearing Kiana's weak voice, confirming her recent response, Sirin swiftly understood that Kiana was still sound asleep and showed no inclination to rise from her bed anytime soon.

"You imbecile!" In frustration, Sirin exclaimed.

"Get up already, you Tuna!" She begun her attempt at a 'gentle' and 'loving' wake-up call method, followed by an echo that spread through the room as she tried to rouse her older sister.

As for the sister who completely unaware of the onslaught she was about to receive, Kiana's later response wasn't completely out-of-place either— it was a bewildered expression dawned on her face, together with her confusion when an object fell close to her face.

"E-Ehh what?! Ack!?"「Kiana」

—————————————————

Back to El Dust, seemingly lost in thought.

'Hmm, so that's how it is. From what I understand, it seems that someone named 'Zeimachi' has been arranged to exist and live in this world. He's just like Brother (Zeimachi), living his own life here and weaving his bond in people's memories.' El Dust pondered.

Firstly, he assumed Loli-man's speculation about the theory of "replacing" the real owner of that body he's using. However, upon closer inspection, the assumption made by the persona fond of little girls was indeed correct, yet it couldn't be deemed entirely accurate.

Just like what stated before, the reality was that everything—be it existence, memories, connections, history, structures, or every individual present in that world—was the creation of The Will of World, formed from various memories the current Zeimachi possessed.

"This body doesn't feels like duplicate, neither spare. Furthermore when my brother lend us this body, he simply removed his own consciousness. Huhuhu, fascinating."「El Dust」

Following Nanekluh ref Rednialsig's advice, it would be much more easier to unravel all these perplexing matters by directly knocking on their door and inquiring about how they created the figure of "Zeimachi" in that world.

"Most likely, The Will of This World arranged it in such a way, huhuhu, just as Als said. The more I think about it, the more complicated it becomes," El Dust mused.

For some reason, he remained lying on the floor as he continuing his thoughts. He also caught segments of the ongoing conversation from the neighboring room where Sirin and Kiana seemed to be having a sisterly argument, much like lovely sisters would.

Even if it was just for a moment, hearing the recent events nearby seemed to trigger a recollection of specific details ingrained in his mind.

These were details he gathered from various conversations and experiences with Zeimachi and other personas, regarding an incident at the beginning of someone's story.

'A character still asleep in the morning... the arrival of someone to wake them up... the commotion in the room caused by both characters, this is some scene that's familiar. And if I'm not mistaken, next should be the morning breakfast scene, when the Main Character will eat food as they prepared for school. Was that what Loli used to say?' El Dust remarked.

Even though El Dust couldn't see the colors of a person's soul or hear the sentiments of those who feel, he wasn't lacking in sensitivity towards his surroundings. Instead, he consistently observed his environment, seeking to understand whatever was unfolding around him.

"... 'Zeimachi' indeed exists in this world. In fact, he already has his own identity, history, and even connections from his own relationships. Is this what is meant by creating a world based on our desires?' El Dust pondered.

However, it's also true that this is a fundamental skill needed by everyone. So, what he just did wasn't particularly special anyway.

"A world... where we could reunite, reconnect with those we've forgotten and fail. Huhuhu... if that's the case, then this world is an epitome of sorrow," El Dust mused, this time his voice laden with a tinge of melancholy.

From the conclusions he drew, El Dust regarded this world as a manifestation of unresolved regrets. And this realization left him deeply disheartened.

"A world born from regrets, it won't propel you forward, brother. If it continues like this, this world will hinder your story," El Dust remarked.

An evil intention began to seep from within him. After all, El Dust wasn't a persona that could be considered good. He and Sengoku epitomized destruction rather than goodness and justice. Despite this, there's a chance that El Dust might not be as evil as he's perceived to be.

"Should I just destroy and remake this world? Huhuhu..." El Dust mused with malicious intent.

*Knock-knock-knock*

Still in his previous state, he noticed the commotion in the adjacent room had subsided.

Just as he heard the knocks on his own door, El Dust turned his gaze toward the source of the sound, realizing that the person behind the door was likely someone who resided in the house. In other words, a member of his family or perhaps an acquaintance in that world.

'Well, rushing it probably won't be satisfying. It might be better for me to take a look around first. Besides, to destroy something created through half-hearted effort is not amusing,' El Dust mused.

"Onii? Hurry and wake up! The school entrance ceremony will be starting today! You will be late if you keep sleeping today!" Sirin called out.

El Dust clearly heard the girl's words, yet he remained lying still, neither speaking nor making any movements. He's just like a star-fish who will not move unless he want to.

'A girl's voice? She's pretty young or maybe petite, judging by the pitch of her voice. Or could it be a trap I wonder?' El Dust mused in his thought.

He remained silent on his comfortable carpet, waiting to ascertain whether the figure behind the door would be a 'Hit' for him to destroy the world or a 'Miss' to do otherwise.

"Didn't we promise to go there together? Come on, hurry up. We just need to change and we're off," Sirin urged.

'The entrance ceremony and the first day of school, these are usually common plotlines used in most anime and games Loli usually played. Does this mean The Will of This World also obtained this information from our memories and wants me to go through with it?' El Dust mused while also pondered.

He still wanted to become a star-fish on his carpet.

Receiving silence in response, Sirin sensed something amiss. She resorted to the same trick as before and slowly opened the door ahead of her, yet, her demeanor notably different from when she faced Kiana earlier.

*Clack*

"Onii...chan?" Sirin called out.

The girl with purple hair and golden eyes felt a slight sense of unease, evidence from how meek her voice sounded. When the door became unlocked, instead of abruptly showering him with anything she could grab, Sirin gently peeked inside with only half of her face.

Soon, when she caught sight of her brother on the floor with both his eyes open, it was then Sirin entered the room with the door wide open, where the figure she was searching for lay, staring at her with a chilling gaze from the floor he was lying on.

'She is, Sirin... if I'm right. She's from Honkaiverse, wasn't it? This is a surprise, all I know about Honkai was only a few short stories from Necro,' El Dust remarked and still mused.

"... Onii, w-what's wrong? Almost thought you're a dead body for a second," Sirin stammered.

Honestly, Sirin felt a shock that made her heart seemingly drop from her chest. How startling and frightening it was for the girl to find someone waiting for her, staring at her like a ghost from horror movies.

'She is not screaming or afraid, but more like surprised. From the few pictures in this room, it seems this girl has a good relationship with 'Zeimachi' in this world. And from the way she addressed me... could I really be her brother in this world?' El Dust speculated in muse.

Meanwhile, El Dust started assessing based on his own peculiar standards and judged the girl accordingly. Leaving the girl in embarrassment due to his ogling.

'Yet strangely, I don't have those memories. Huhu, in this case, even if I were to kill this girl, it wouldn't have any connection to me at all. Such a shame,' El Dust mused.

Considering the various pictures and historical evidence in his room, it seemed that the bond between Sirin and her older brother was incredibly strong. Often, El Dust found pictures where Sirin was smiling mischievously beside him, unlike those with Kiana or Bianca.

Even though he understood that a "bond" wasn't something one-sided, he felt this girl had a special connection with her big brother, more so than with the other sister.

His brotherly instinct spoke so.

And so, he arrived at his final verdict.

"Hmm, you're a 'miss'. Fine then, there'll be no World Destruction," El Dust remarked while still musing.

"Hey, you almost gave me a heart attack! Explain why, and don't spout any of that chuuni stuff about world destruction!" Sirin demanded.

Wearing a protesting expression, Sirin barbarically stepped into the room and confidently stood before her brother, who was still lying on the floor. Even though El Dust seemed not to be too bothered by his own behavior, it appeared that was not the case with Sirin.

The young girl was still not satisfied until she found out the reason behind her brother's odd behavior this morning. Here she thought something good was bound to happen, only to find out if her brother was thinking of nothing but weird stuff again.

"Now, go on and tell me. What's wrong with you, or did something happen? Something like a nightmare or such?" Sirin probed.

It was surprising how he acted as if he were about to destroy the world right in front of his adorable younger sibling—more or less, that was the behavior depicted by Sirin's actions from where she's standing right now.

Unfortunately she wasn't aware that, as a matter of fact from his spot, El Dust could catch a glimpse of her belly.

"Onii-chan where're you looking, I thought you like my feet more?" Sirin appeared to be proud of her feet when she spout her nonsense.

"No, it's nothing. I was just lost in thought, but did you say I like feet more?" said El Dust, although he didn't mind being stepped on, it would surely be a blow to his dignity in the presence of the many personas watching him. 

"Ehehe, don't worry I'm joking. Well, if that's the case, hurry up, gather yourself, and wash your face. Breakfast is ready," Sirin replied, believing his words.

"Alright, thank you... Sirin, my little sister."「El Dust」

As he continued to reflect on his own thoughts, El Dust emphasized the phrase "my little sister," and Sirin stood proudly before him. The rare occasions when El Dust expressed such sentiments seemed to mildly amuse the girl, adding a touch of warmth to the scene.

Regardless of the dynamics, whether brother or sister, El Dust always seemed to hold a special place for those with whom he shared a sibling bond.

"Hmm? What's with that? It's not like Onii to thank me like that! Could it be real? This is the end of the world!?" Sirin exclaimed as she knelt down to look at her big brother who was still lying down.

The girl in purple pajamas felt a slight sense of satisfaction so it seems.

"It's not usual... huhu, maybe it is?" El Dust pondered as he continued to muse again.

"Stop being dramatic, I still have a lot to do today! Once this day is over, we'll all have a big event! I'll be troubled if the world ends now," Sirin said with a beaming smile on her face.

It was as if she had just discovered another side to her big brother that perhaps only she knew.

In an attempt to appeal to her big brother's antics, Sirin hastily returned to his side. She tousled the hair of the person still lying down as an expression of her feelings before standing up again, feeling satisfied. She then entrusted her task to him.

"Thanks to that 'thank you,' I'll let you off! But in return, can I trust you to drag Kiana out of bed? I woke her up earlier, but if she went back to sleep! That stubborn girl! Please, Onii-chan~" Sirin pleaded.

She seemed highly amused by El Dust's unintentional actions just now. Sirin even let out a small laugh as she closed the door to the room and walked away toward breakfast waiting for her.

Meanwhile, El Dust himself regretted his behavior that could potentially arouse suspicion about the differences within him.

"If I'm not careful, I might be found out right here. Kukuku, that's very unruly of me, I need to train my acting more," El Dust reflected in muse.

However from the conversation earlier, he gleaned a few things, one of which was that the relationship between "Zeimachi" and the residents of this world seemed to be bound by a certain bond.

Observing the distinctions between what's considered "normal" and "abnormal" behavior in individuals, along with the attitudes reflecting the seven sins and virtues, he continued to delve a bit further into a theory he was almost finishing up.

El Dust suspected that the connections created by The Will of That World were perhaps more than mere stored information and data. It might be related to something deeper, involving interactions among many people, something he wasn't yet fully aware of.

Nevertheless, he found himself stuck at several branches each time certain conclusions emerged in his mind. Despite this, at least he felt content, happy, and proud of the "Bond" that had been forged from The Will of World in that realm, they're not so frail after all or so he thought.

"Patterns, behavior, traces of egoism, mishaps, and pleasures. Sigh, I've tried not to dwell on it, but it keeps creeping back to me. Truly perplexing, this theory of world creation, huhuhu," El Dust mused.

Because that's El Dust for you, he always considering "Bond" as something unique and special to him.

"It's time to move on to the next stage," El Dust declared.

With that, he rose from his relaxed pose and stood firmly on both feet, shifting his perspective from the ground level. From his demeanor, El Dust had a clearer idea of what he needed to do now.

Though he hadn't made his choice between The Light or The Dark Side, he had decided to be a good older brother and not let his sibling in the next room be late.

However, as he prepared to open his room's door, an unexpected occurrence took place. The atmosphere of the room, initially suited for one person, suddenly shifted as if it were accommodating two.

Simultaneously, a rustle could be heard from behind him as well.

"Kiana, wasn't it? Another one from Honkai. If I'm not mistaken... she's the main character, right? I wonder what role she plays in this world—Oh?" even when in shock, he still mused.

[...]

The sound of faint breaths entered his ears, and as he turned around, he saw a figure that wasn't there moments ago. He distinctly remembered that there was no one on that messy bed of his. He was so sure, he'd even bet ten bucks with anyone who didn't believe him.

"Huhuhu, interesting. Is this what they say as hello-monster-morning in the bed? Out of nowhere a figure suddenly appeared, who'll then abduct lonely virgin into their bosom?" El Dust mused at the peculiar situation, with his arms placed on his waist.

However, the reality was different. There's no such thing as "Monster" on there, but only the figure who had recently been awakened due to their touch on that Blank World.

'Hmm? Blonde hair... if this were Honkai again, could this be the girl named Durandal? Or maybe Otto? But why would they...' El Dust pondered.

Unfortunately, he was unaware that this assumption was incorrect. Durandal, or Bianca as she was known in that world, was still engaged in conversation in the dining room with her family members.

As for the one named Otto, there's no way in hell he'll appear from beneath someone's bed, except for a certain female with white hair's whom he always treats preciously. And it's definitely not Kiana's either.

"Are you, the one name Bianca? Or someone from Honkai- I mean someone who know Honkai?" El Dust asked in muse.

It's true that on his bed, there now lay a girl with long blonde hair covering her face when the sheet fell from her. A girl that he never knew nor heard anything about, who wear an outfit that barely cover most part of her body.

With her peculiar attire and face shrouded in her own hair, she seemed to be gazing towards him, while still in the process to unveil her extremely long veil of hair away from her sight. She tried repeatedly, but it was a drawn-out process.

Her efforts were ineffective, and each time she brushed her hair back, it fell back yet again, covering her face once again with more hair of her.

[...]

"May I... give you assistance?" El Dust offered.

[Nod slowly]

El Dust decided to help the figure with long, lustrous blonde hair.

As he carefully arranged the radiant strands, a suspicion arose in El Dust's mind: could this girl be Durandal/Bianca? Yet, according to his recollection, Durandal/Bianca didn't boast hair akin to Rapunzel's.

The identity of the girl lingered as a pressing question.

And as El Dust could finally see the face of the girl, no longer obscured by her own cascading locks, he realized his assumption had missed the mark.

"Wait... you have different eyes from hers. Who are you, missy? Don't tell me you're actually that—" El Dust inquired.

[... Good day to you, dear invader. Thank your for lending me a hand with my hair.]

The voice that emanated from the girl seemed oddly synthetic, akin to the manufactured tones of an artificial intelligence commonly heard in various technologies.

"May I check on something?" El Dust inquired. To ascertain her reality, he cautiously began touching the girl's hands and shoulders. Oddly, she seemed unperturbed by his actions, almost indifferent to his touch.

[Have you, done?]

"Well well, excuse me for a moment, I almost missed that. Pardon my rudeness dear unknown lady, I'm trying to found out whether you're real or not, and deduce whether you're "Human" or not as well, " El Dust apologized and still not forgetting to muse.

[... You don't know me?]

To his surprise, the moment those words escaped him, her expression shifted abruptly into one of sorrowful lamentation. El Dust couldn't help but notice the sudden change in her demeanor, leading him to conclude that, most likely, the girl was someone "Zeimachi" knew in that world.

"Looks like that blown some of my cover, huhuhu. From the way you looks too, unusual indeed. Now then, are you... somehow related to my brother, I mean to Zeimachi perhaps?"「El Dust」

[From the way you speak, do you also have a connection with Machi?]

"It seems we both have our own questions, huhuhu. How about we start with a brief introduction then?"「El Dust」

[I don't mind, as long as you don't have ill intentions towards... this world or the body you're using.]

The girl pointed towards El Dust, or more accurately, towards the body he was inhabiting. Her tone suggested she wasn't commanding or ordering him; her words were merely a reminder.

"Kukuku, my other brothers used to say that there's always a trap hidden beneath foreign ground. While I don't have such intentions for now, I can't give you my promise for sure," El Dust responded, he doesn't mused this time.

[Which means, you won't do it for now.]

El Dust felt puzzled, wondering where the girl's self-assurance stemmed from. Was it derived from power, perhaps authority, or maybe a blend of both? However, that didn't mean he would feel intimidated or flee.

"According to your words, huhu. I didn't expect us to resonate so closely. Allow me to introduce myself. As one of those who commands will and desire, holder of the title 'El' residing within. I control the severer of timelines and fate, while also known in the past as Usurper of 'Bond'. El Dust, pleased to make your acquaintance," El Dust declared, taking a few steps back and bowing courteously like a butler, concluding his introduction.

It was quite a lengthy introduction, fitting for the persona with a slightly flamboyant nature.

On the other side, the girl seemed amused. Observing the overly grandiose introduction with amusement, she too smiled faintly as if reminded of something that amusing behavior.

"Oh, I made you laugh, succeed indeed," El Dust remarked as he began to be in muse again.

[... So that's why there are several things that resemble Machi himself. A different personality.]

"He's my brother, and I'm also part of him. I am created from fragments of his consciousness. Then, may I know the name of this pristine lady?" El Dust inquired as he extends his arm toward the girl, inviting her to take her turn.

[...]

Seeing the outstretched hand waiting for her, the girl once again envisioned her piece of the past. Memories that linked her to 'Zeimachi' were once frozen in cold promises, but from that point, the once Timeless Girl had begun to move again in her correspondent time.

[My name is... Moriarty. The Guardian of this World, and someone who has been waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.]

...

....

.....

Once again, the past will emerge from his ocean of choice to demand for his consequences. No matter how many times he runs, and no matter how deep he buried the old past, all of it will return back to his side as long he continues his journey.

The Fool couldn't live with their own failure, but when the guiding light unearthed his memories, he'll return back to them.

Due to Cera's efforts to trap him within that world, Zeimachi now has to face another part of his past. And unlike the fragment previously known as Sakura Megumi, the fragment he must face now is someone whom he left behind and neglected with only the assurance of a fleeting promise.

Moriarty, a broken fragment of his past which he planted into this world to watch over it, has finally appeared to mend her broken memories.

All of these efforts, all of these trial and error, whatever results they might bear in the end. Hopefully it'll end with a smile with no tears.