Abyss of Darkness: Mental Collapse

--- Ren's POV --- 

'Am I dead?'

The question reverberated through my hazy mind as I struggled to make sense of my surroundings. A pervasive drowsiness weighed on me, and the effort to comprehend my situation seemed futile.

Was it the throbbing headache or the overwhelming trauma that numbed my will? Perhaps both. Whatever it was, I lacked the energy to confront it. The task seemed insurmountable, and I resigned myself to the hopelessness that clung to me.

I had never experienced such a cacophony of dark emotions. Even at my lowest, I never despaired to this extent because I always clung to the belief that someday, she and I would meet.

But now? With what courage could I present my face to her? Was I even worthy of her?

Questions swirled in my mind, fleeting and elusive, as if my focus danced from one thought to another, unable to linger on any. The darkness enveloped me, and I allowed myself to float within its embrace....

---

[You are asking yourself the wrong questions]

Suddenly, a gentle wind brushed away the darkness, returning me to a world of light, reminiscent of my first death.

'Am I truly dead then?'

[Wrong again]

This time, the ethereal presence revealed itself in a cascade of resplendent hues. A figure emerged, a vision of divine grace, with cascading golden hair adorned by intricate jewelry that sparkled like captured stardust. Atop her regal appearance rested a crown that seemed to materialize from the very essence of sunlight. A radiant halo enveloped her, casting a warm and enchanting glow that transformed the surrounding sky into a canvas of breathtaking orange and gold. It was as if the very heavens acknowledged her presence, paying homage to this celestial being who graced the mortal realm.

"It's a surprise to see you like this."

The words slipped from my lips as my mind sought answers. The first time we met, I was a weakling, unable to meet her eyes. Now, I beheld the true form of an Ancient God.

I must say, it was quite impressive.

[Because you are strong enough. Also, even if I wanted, it's not possible to conceal my true self. I am nothing but a clone she put in here, just in case something like this occurred.]

"A Clone?"

My curiosity simmered, and I chose to let her explain.

[Yes. I am not the real Eve. My mission was to help you if your mental state collapsed. Of course, I am glad you didn't need my help for much longer than I expected...]

A pause hung in the air before her face blossomed into a smile. Had I not been devoted to Ais, I might have pursued her then.

Suddenly, her face reddened, and the demeanor of an Ancient Goddess all but crumbled.

[...I can listen to your thoughts when I'm here, uhhh...]

She covered her face like a bashful young girl, and I sighed.

"Not like I didn't say it to you already."

We had this kind of exchange once in the past, yet that was purely based on her character, more than her appearance, which must be why my thoughts felt different for her.

But now is not the time for this.

"...Moreover, it's time I ask you this question. What happened to me? Have I been killed? Or am I alive? And if I am alive, where am I right now?"

I dreaded the answer.

[This place is your deep consciousness, but do not worry, because you are alive. My true self has done an incredible job to make sure you can remain in the Danmachi World. For a clearer answer, it's best to ask her...]

The energy she emitted, like gentle waves caressing me, slowly trembled and disappeared.

"...I see, you cannot sustain yourself in here for long, isn't that right?"

I somehow knew the answer, comprehending the situation without needing her explanation.

With my state of mind now restored, there were many things I couldn't see which were clearly visible now...

To my question, she smiled again, and before I knew it, she was hugging me.

[I know what you are doing, Ren. There is no need to be afraid of the outside world. You must have realized yourself what I wanted to say, but you still want to delay the moment you need to leave here as long as possible. You are afraid to face Ais, for almost doing something really shitty. But I want you to be reassured...]

Suddenly, voices echoed in my consciousness—voices calling for me, voices hoping I woke up. Above all, one voice stood out.

"Please, come back to me, Ren..."

She was in so much despair... I felt my heart breaking the more I listened to her.

[Instead of shedding tears here all on your own, you better go and comfort everyone eagerly awaiting for you to wake up, silly boy!]

She was right, but...

"You are right, Eve. Still, I'm sorry you have to go through this when you yourself are about to die."

I hugged her back, understanding everything. Just as she shared my thoughts, I now shared hers. This "copy" had a lifespan, and in a few seconds, she would face True Death.

How terrifying must that be for her, with a mind that has lived for eons? And yet, she had been consoling me all this time.

I am nothing but a fool.

[...Go.]

She halted our hug, pushing me away. I snapped my fingers, and a door appeared behind me. Crossing it would mean returning, but before that...

I gave her a bow, for no one but me would remember this clone. Yet, I would forever be thankful to her.

[...Be sure... to treasure... her]

"I will."

[Do not despair like this... again. Communicate... with your partner... A solution can always be found, together.]

"I will."

...

I kept my head low, listening until the end, and before long, I was left alone.

---

Author's Note:

It's not Christmas yet, but Happy Christmas Eve!!

One Eve Died, but she'll forever live in my heart >.<