Spending time with Trianne increased my babysitting experience.
Based on how it goes, I can already feel the thirst of certain people to have a child. The contraceptive function of the [Sun-Moon Creation Art] might be disabled at some point.
Going farther was babysitting. I know for a fact that kids are difficult to manage. I don't know how I will fare, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
The remaining days happened the exact same as it. Tribios' small avatars took up most of my time, to the point I can name them with their voices alone. Sometimes, I spent time with Aglaea, hitting up commissions whenever possible. In turn, I stored them in separate boxes.
If it is obvious, my intentions are to leave them to the future Chrysos Heirs. Castorice in a sailor school uniform, Hyacine in a nurse outfit, Cyrene in Elysia's Fire MOTH uniform…
The possibilities are absolutely limitless.
Of course, there are also ones for the boys. Anaxa's teacher uniform, Phainon's Kevin outfit, Mydei's outfit based on Gilgamesh's casual one, and so on.
Whenever I think of it, the number of male friends that I have can be counted in one hand. Grandpa Su is one. Welt Yang is also one, given our shared enthusiasm with Gundam.
Then…
There's no more.
This fact made me speechless. I can't even consider Chen Tianwu as a friend; an acquaintance at most. Even if, say, I add Kevin to the mix, that's three.
In the end, I could only sigh at my frivolousness.
What I avoided the most in my past life—to have a lot of girl friends—happened in this life.
"Ghost fry likes to daydream… even if it is nighttime."
"I just realized something. I don't know if it is good or bad."
"Hm."
Looking at Hysilens whose entire body bore nothing but a night dress, I immediately shifted my gaze away.
Cerydra's order of 24-7 surveillance never failed to take effect. Tribios and Aglaea can accompany me during the day. As for night, there was only one who could do so:
Hysilens.
Every night is a test of my self-control. Having tasted that countless times changed me completely. It doesn't help that I am allowed to have a harem.
One thing that I checked is my current body. It followed my child self, though there are 'changes'. My thing is bigger than I can remember, though it is less than its true size. There are no issues regarding hormones whatsoever. My Divine Mind is not something that can be constrained by these issues.
Fortunately, she did not show any signs of being interested in that. It helped a lot. Every time I get over this hurdle, laying beside her felt very peaceful.
With her, every thought melts into nothingness. Beyond this layer of snow lay one's truest self.
The sounds of our breathing filled the room. Hysilens did not shy her gaze away from me. The small fish scales near her eyes refracted the rays of moonlight entering the room, showcasing its unique elegance.
"Can I tell you a new story?"
"Go ahead."
I had a conjecture for a while, one I did not verify until now.
Can my memories be used to create a [Memoria]?
Before, I was quite wary of Nihility jumping out of nowhere. With the forgotten cycle and several rounds of confirmation, Nihility won't jump out just because of a memory related to THEM.
"There was once a man. He lived a rather ordinary life, with nothing to pursue for his future…"
I began telling my past life's story. It wasn't as heart-pounding nor as interesting as the other stories. It was merely a story of a man without a goal in life.
Things changed after he died. He was sent inside a space of infinite darkness. The 'worthlessness' and 'futility' he lamented throughout his mortal life was as insignificant as a dust to this darkness.
I chose to leave it at that. In turn, it elicited a thin smile on Hysilens' face.
[Memoria recorded successfully. The entry "Untold Emanator" has been added.]
"You found the answer." She stated. "To have brightly lit flames hidden beneath your eyes explains it all."
I paused.
She is… right.
The beginning of my journey was the time I met Kiana. I desperately sought for a 'meaning' behind my existence. Through it, I discovered my desire to pen stories myself rather than to become a spectator. I changed the endings for the better and led Earth to a future it has never seen.
Now, in Amphoreus, I am bound to do the same.
"Yes. That is why… I am hoping you will find your answer as well."
Surprise became apparent in her widened eyes.
From them, I saw an emotion I was too familiar with…
*****
"This trial only has one mission."
In her personal set of blue pajamas (courtesy of Shi Tian), Cerydra recalled the words she received from the Vortex of Genesis.
Oronyx, they do not have a suitable successor. Talanton is a different matter. Cerydra's ties to Talanton goes way back to the Hyperborean Empire. It was her light blue hair, coupled with her eyes, that served as a mark of the royal family blessed by Talanton.
Albeit a fake, her achievements were real. Talanton recognized Cerydra's feats. She became the Coreflame's possessor, becoming a Demigod like Tribios.
A problem occurred when she tried to return the Coreflames to the Vortex of Genesis. Upon its return, she is to receive an opportunity to write a 'Law' all throughout Amphoreus. It will also serve as a progress towards the Flame-Chase journey, sporting two benefits in one act.
However, Talanton's trial was nothing but simple.
"The world runs under equivalent exchange. To gain something, one must sacrifice what is precious to themselves."
These words gave Cerydra a strong sense of foreboding… which turned out true in the next moment.
"To complete this trial, sacrifice five hundred of your finest."
Five hundred of her finest referred not to Okhemian citizens, but Cerydra's most loyal warriors!
Sending them straight to their deaths was something completely out of her consideration.
A chess board inadvertently appeared within her mind.
'I presumed I was in the player's seat.'
Cerydra treated the world like a chess game.
To retreat, to advance forward, to sacrifice something… such are the rules of her life.
She always treated herself as a chess player.
With Talanton's absurd divine trial, she felt nothing like a chess player, but instead a chess piece. One that can be willingly manipulated up to the others' will.
She hated that feeling the most.
Nevertheless…
She can't do anything. How could she overturn the verdicts of gods, as a mere Chrysos Heir atop that?
Nights after nights left her seeking an answer.
Tonight was no different…
'...Merlin.'
…or not.