Date(2)

After spending two hours meticulously explaining every detail, I finally managed to convey the entire story to Ais.

From the moment I first laid eyes on her on Earth to my encounter with a Goddess whose name I couldn't utter without drawing unnecessary attention, she knew it all.

Consequently, I shared only the essential details with her.

Of course, I didn't delve into every minute aspect of my experiences spanning over 800 years. It would have consumed an unimaginable amount of time, and we had already spent a significant portion of it conversing.

I hope Finn doesn't start fretting that I whisked Ais away or something.

Desperately searching for something else to divert my gaze, I was taken by surprise when I noticed her delicate hands within my line of sight.

Though I could have resisted her touch, I couldn't bring myself to do so.

I allowed her to guide my gaze to meet hers, and our eyes met. In that wordless exchange, I could see it clearly: she harbored no pity on her face.

No, it was something else. It was sadness.

"How...did you...endure...all of that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I had already explained it to her.

It was simple. I endured it all by thinking of her.

Every day, every minute, every second.

Through the pain. Near the brink of death. Amid moments of joy.

She was always the focal point of my thoughts. I knew the purpose behind my training, the reason for everything I had endured.

The mere fact she stood here before me now filled me with immeasurable happiness.

Despite laying myself bare before her, she shook her head, her expression changing.

Suddenly, she embraced me, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around her waist.

"You know... I want to erase the person who turned your suffering into a spectacle to draw people here," I said, my words seething with hatred. If only I could get my hands on those so-called "Gods." Oh, the torment I would unleash upon them.

You have no idea how satisfying it is to torment others using illusions.

The sheer pleasure of watching an ordinary person endure unimaginable pain as their organs are forcibly expelled from their body, all while remaining conscious, subjected to unimaginable agony, yet unable to slip into the comfort of unconsciousness until death claims them.

With illusions, the possibilities are endless. I can't wait to show you what I have in store for these arrogant bastards who dare to call themselves "Gods."

Raw anger seeped out of me, bordering on insanity, yet Ais held onto me even tighter.

"...Idiot. You...never think about...yourself." she said, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and concern.

I couldn't comprehend why that was a problem. In my mind, as long as she was happy, so was I. Why should I concern myself with my own well-being?

Unable to find the right words to express this sentiment, I decided to leave it unsaid for now. We had lingered in this spot for far too long, and it was time to move on.

"...How about we indulge in another Jagamarukun?" I spoke, almost teasingly. After the emotional rollercoaster we had experienced in the past two hours, it felt like one Jagamarukun wasn't enough to satisfy our cravings.

Despite the pressing matters still requiring our attention, I couldn't resist the urge to envelop her in yet another embrace, basking in the comforting warmth. To my delight, she welcomed the closeness without hesitation.

Time seemed to stand still as we stood intertwined, wrapped in each other's arms, savoring the exquisite moments that stretched on, feeling as though they encompassed hours of unadulterated bliss.

Eventually, Ais nodded, her gaze tinged with a hint of bashfulness.

Truly, she was so cute.

"...I love you, Ais."

I murmured softly, unable to contain the overwhelming surge of emotions coursing through me.

I understood that comprehending the magnitude of such love might prove challenging for her, given her limited understanding of its intricacies. Yet, I yearned to convey my affection regardless.

My words seemed to ignite a gentle flame within her as I shamelessly continued to hold her, unwilling to let go.

She reciprocated, refusing to relinquish the connection we shared.

...Thirty minutes later.

With a heavy heart, I reluctantly loosened my grip on her flawless waist, intertwining my fingers with hers and tenderly pressing our foreheads together.

"I promise you, Ais, that in due time, I will reveal more about myself. Whatever questions you have, I will answer them truthfully. You have my permission to share this knowledge with others but exercise caution. The concept of being utilized as a mere plot device would undoubtedly startle and disturb anyone else. It is for their own well-being..."

She nodded in understanding, her expression a mixture of determination and confusion. I knew comprehending the intricacies of our situation was no easy feat, yet I admired her efforts, knowing she had grasped the essential parts of what I conveyed.

...With no more reasons to delay, I reluctantly released our physical connection and rose from the bench.

I wished we could remain in each other's arms forever, for it felt like the most comfortable place in the world.

However, responsibilities and the people who cared about Ais awaited her return. Thus, it was time for us to depart.

As promised, I purchased another pair of Jagamarukuns along the way, and this time, they tasted even better than before.

Seeing the blissful smile on Ais' face as she savored the food made the world around her burst with vibrant colors. It was almost infectious, and I couldn't help but smile outwardly, feeling that this date had brought us closer together.

And so, almost effortlessly, our conversation flowed, filled with topics ranging from the mundane to the profound. The ambiance surrounding us grew increasingly lighter as if a weight we hadn't even realized burdened us had been lifted.

At that moment, we weren't formidable adventurers or warriors. No, we were simply a man and a woman, relishing in each other's company.

It amazed me how sharing pieces of oneself could create such a profound impact. The anticipation of what lay ahead filled me with eager excitement, wishing that time could arrive sooner...

---

Author's Note:

And so, the introduction of the Third volume concludes here.

I can tell you this volume will be much longer compared to the second.

Reminder: Anyone wants to help out in the server discord? If you want, please reply to this reminder <3.