Chapter 264: Repercussions

Beyond Creators.

They are beings who surpassed their very limits. Each one of them is a precious existence not only for themselves but for their worlds. Once a world receives someone like them, they can have a guardian who ensures order. In the far future, these existences became even more valuable.

Lord of Dragon's Nest, Yu Ilhan.

Martial God, Kim Soohyung.

Chaos Creator, Rimuru Tempest.

President of SOS Brigade, Haruhi Suzumiya.

Herscherrr of the End.

Hero-for-Fun, Saitama.

Sun God, Amaterasu. (Extella)

...

Each one of the above spearheaded the operation of the future. Dozens of Beyond Creators banding together to fight against "it". To retain.... r... fi...

Along with them are the earliest members of the chat group.

Tyrant, Takanashi Touka.

Mechanic, Yuuko Kouzuki.

Doctor, Kal'tsit.

Grand Caster, Solomon.

Immovable Star, Matou Shinji.

Arbiter, Cardinal.

Martyred King, Lelouch vi Britannia.

Lone Singularity, Seol Jihu.

Law of Cycles, Kaname Madoka.

Ephemeral Ghost, Honma.

Brightest Sun, Asada Shino.

Fake Extra, Kim Hajin.

These twelve are the first ones who knew of "it". The reason why it started, its main purpose, and so on were held by them alone. The "leaders" who held things at bay knew of it later on after joining the chat group. With the addition of many chat group members, the network expanded. It became the thing that held every single being to save their worlds.

In the end, the world's... li... n... e... per...n.

...h...o.

*****

Altair currently has "its" powers present. Shinji is accustomed to fighting against it while Kal'tsit has extensive study regarding it. As for Ruri...

Clang-!

Clang-!

Her cuts went through Altair easily. With the help of her millions of soldiers, she expertly controlled the flow of the battlefield. Even so, she doesn't look the least bit satisfied by it.

"It's coming back."

The "one" that continuously "corrupts" her mind. Due to some circumstances in the future, she became like this. The only thing that kept her sane, a plain black blade, is not with her right now. She thought at first that it didn't follow her through time, but she was mistaken. The more she comes in contact with Altair, the worse her condition will become.

"Kal'tsit. Time is limited."

"I'm aware. The conditions are already set up."

Rays of unknown symbols surrounded Kal'tsit. It is far more complex than the likes of magic circles, with more than millions of information embedded within a single symbol. What she is currently summoning forth is none other than her work that spanned decades; centuries if real-time is not taken into factor.

"Everything came from theories. There's no assurance that this will work."

"We still need to try." Ruri replied. "I'm not letting this chance go away."

"...I am the same. To cut off the source of 'it'—"

"—to change his future."

The symbols flew to Ruri's black dagger. They stuck themselves into the blade, filling it with symbols. The darkness of the blade was further amplified as a result.

She sank into the shadows before reappearing midair behind Altair. With a swing of her arm—

Clang-!

—she cut through Altair's defenses and reached her concept once more.

Hum.

A low sound was brought as her blade made contact with Altair's essence. The latter struggled from it by shooting swords and activating most of her abilities simultaneously, but Ruri's shadow soldiers became decoys and impeded everything. They were not obliterated due to the power inside of her as well.

The dagger was stabbed into Altair's chest. Red cracks were made with it as the epicenter. The familiar ominous aura faintly leaked out in the air, resulting in Ruri wincing out of her habit.

Pssshk-!

She pulled out her blade as the dark film around Altair disintegrated. With that, she fell off to the ground.

Tap-!

Ruri landed as well, examining the damages endured by her Shadow Domain. There used to be many infrastructures where her soldiers would live, but everything was destroyed. Not a single bit of matter was spared from Altair's rampage.

"Tsk. And I have to shoulder everything."

Just as she was musing, a loud shout interrupted her.

"Ruri-nee!"

Shinji's panicked eyes were exhibited at this exact moment. He made no hesitation when he threw the ice spear in his hand.

Sou-!

It made many cracks inside the Shadow Domain. Each time it passed through one, the distance between it and Ruri was shortened. Soon, it flew over her head.

Zoom-!

A ray of black-red light descended on her place. It broke through the darkness that loomed over their heads, piercing the gap of space-time with ease.

Clang-!

A metallic sound was generated as the spear tip collided with the light. Immediately, the spear was broken into pieces, but not without the power contained in it weakening the descent of the pillar. By the time it reached Ruri, it was duller than before.

After it cleared up, no visible changes happened. It didn't harm her in any way possible. Only...

"...it."

A swathe of dark thoughts invaded her mind. This is not the result of the black light but merely caused by her reactions. It was as if she is reliving her lonely moments in that dark space.

"No..!"

Kal'tsit found out the cause of her rumblings. In her sight, a red string connected Ruri to an unknown place.

"It's pulling her back... no. That's not it..."

RUMBLE-!

The shadow domain visibly shook. Cracks began appearing in the ground, threatening to destroy this place.

"It's using her... as a springboard!"

Realizing everything, Kal'tsit urged the full potential of her powers despite the backlash she would receive. Blood dripped down her forehead while wounds were opened in her arms. Cracks were formed in her soul, the foundation of her existence. Her cat ears twitched due to the load that her body is receiving.

"I need to kick it out."

Symbols formed within her grasp. They looked like strings of light, shining brightly in the darkness akin to a constellation. This represented her everything. No matter how badly injured she will be, she has to make this decision.

If not, this might be as well the early destruction of everything.

Blood trickled down her lips. She could already feel the heaviness of her body as well as the weight that she has to bear with this attack.

Suddenly—

"Stop."

A hand grasped hers. It is pure white, with it coming under a matching white robe. When she looked up, her gaze met with his bright golden eyes. His locks of black and white hair were something that she never saw since "that time".

His power reversed everything that she had done with her body. From her drawn state until her rest state, it was cleanly done. It's as if she had never suffered from any injuries.

"Long time no see, Kal'tsit." He said.

Despite knowing that he was just together with Kal'tsit, he still said this seemingly inexplicable message. However, the meaning behind it is clear.

"...Shiro."

Her voice cackled up, tears threatening to come out of her eyes.

"I'm sorry."

These words sincerely came from his heart. Only now did he truly realize the implications behind his "sacrificial attitude". He might be satisfied with the outcome, but the others would remain hurt.

"Aniki..!"

After decades of fighting, Shinji was no longer the same little boy as before. He was numbed down from the sorrows that he underwent. Even so, seeing the sight of his aniki whom he looked up to as an idol drastically affected him.

"You have grown up well." He said with a smile.

After that, he appeared behind the struggling Ruri. Then—

"It's alright now."

—he hugged her from behind whilst whispering these words lowly.