Subtitle: Apple
When I opened my eyes, Apollon was in front of me. I rubbed my eyes. I shook my head.
Something felt familiar. I leaned my head back.
Apollon – We're friends, right?
That phrase felt extremely familiar. At that moment, as if I wasn't the one inside my own body, I opened my mouth.
Naiadler – What does that have to do with anything now!
I stood up unwillingly. I was about to leave. With the last bit of strength left, I didn't give the note in my pocket.
Without caring about Apollon, I quickly left the room. I was running to get out of the garden as fast as possible.
When I finally reached a secluded place, I leaned my shoulder against a wall. I closed my eyes and tried to relax. I was taking deep and shaky breaths.
Their memories were slowly coming back. I knew the transformation was at the door. No matter how much I struggled, I had to become them, I couldn't stop it…
Calmly I looked at the sky. The moon was about to take the sun's place. I sighed while watching it. Silently, I watched the moon take over the sky.
I held my arm with my hand and wanted to spend my last day as Naiadler well. I began to walk, staggering.
There was an unintended heaviness in my mind. I grinned.
Naiadler – This must be what they call misery.
Nothingness was slowly swallowing my tears, just like it would swallow me. I could neither laugh nor rejoice…
While walking down the street, the lights of the inn beside me caught my attention.
With hopeless laughter:
Naiadler – I haven't drunk in a long time.
I quietly climbed the stairs and sat at one of the tables.
People around me were already lost in the fake worlds handed to them.
A waiter brought me a drink without caring about my appearance. Society was truly rotten.
I poured the drink into the glass slowly, watching its flow. I shook the glass lightly and lifted it into the air.
Naiadler – I wonder if I can dive into that fake world too?
Slowly, I pulled my hand back. I brought the glass to my nose and smelled it. Its scent was clearly terrible. Someone who cared about that wouldn't live long in this world.
Before losing my identity, I wanted to lose myself. I wanted to drink every drop and laugh in my fake world. I wanted my world to stay that way forever. To be stuck in this cycle, to never want it to end…
I emptied the poison in the glass into my mouth. After a long swallow, I took the bottle into my hand.
I think some kind of liquid was leaking from my eyes. People probably called that "tears."
I laid my cheek on the table. Drops of water slowly invaded the remaining parts of my face.
Naiadler – I! I! WANT TO STAY LIKE THIS FOREVER!
I buried my head into the table. Despite knowing this would happen, I had lied to Apollon.
I suddenly poured the bottle over my head.
Naiadler – If alcohol is harmful, then my body should burn and never exist.
I shattered the bottle angrily.
Naiadler – I must not drink it if I don't want to lose my humanity.
Without caring about the noise I made, I left the inn.
When I stepped outside, it was snowing. I lowered my head and walked, rubbing against the walls.
Naiadler – If I cannot be real in this world, is there any meaning in living?
I leaned against one of the walls. I stood there with hopeless eyes. I opened my mouth silently and after staying that way for a while, finally used it.
Naiadler – I want to be myself.
A voice calling out to me made me freeze. I turned around.
A figure holding a spear – WAIT!
At that moment I remembered I hadn't left money at the inn, so I took out 100 yuan. I turned back and held out the money.
The person with the spear didn't understand the situation.
Naiadler – I apologize for forgetting to pay for what I drank at the inn. If you'll allow me, I will take my leave.
The person grabbed my shoulder firmly.
Spear-holder – Aren't you Naiadler?
I shook my head to say no and turned away.
Spear-holder – At least take this scarf! You'll catch a cold.
They threw a scarf at me and disappeared. I picked up the scarf from between the piles of snow. I wrapped it around my neck.
My nose and fingertips were red. I could see my breath.
I walked through the alleys, watching my breath. I walked and walked…
When I finally reached the square, no one was around. Only me and them.
I pressed the scarf to my chest.
Naiadler – I wonder if I can shatter my heart?
Them – Is it hard to bear my memories?
I looked at the Third Sur with fake hatred. I turned my head and kept walking.
Them – You were never Naiadler! There was only me. No one else but me.
I froze in place and could do nothing but deny it.
They extended a hand and offered me a single choice.
Them – Complete the revenge I couldn't finish, Naiadler.
Like a moth drawn to a flame, even if it meant burning… At least I could say I tried, so I said yes.
They held my hand instantly. They were full of hope.
I slowly opened my mouth and said empty words.
The Third's Shadow – You're talking about our older sibling's revenge?
Third – Yes. I trust you. This time, I will erase the entire human race.
At that moment I remembered Odasaku, Apollon, Edmun. They were also human… But Zero could turn them as well.
I narrowed my eyes slightly and said:
The Third's Shadow – Of course.
The Third slowly broke apart and disappeared. I entered the inheritance to search for the daggers within the void.
This was a place where everything existed and didn't exist at the same time. In the past, when I had been here, I was afraid, but now a cold calmness wrapped around me.
While thinking this, I finally found the daggers. I took one and left the void. I began wandering around to find them.
In a building a bit ahead of the library, there were some people. One was someone whose leg was poisoned—wouldn't live long. And next to them… I couldn't fully perceive who they were, and I didn't try.
I ignored the tragedy that would occur and entered the room where the old man was.
The Monster – What is it, Naiadler?
The Third's Shadow – Don't call me that. Maybe you remember me?
Monster – Naiadler, are you okay?
I leaned on a nearby table.
The Third's Shadow – A father fed to the cult, a mother whose hope was swallowed, a hero older sibling who died after losing, and finally a lost younger sibling.
The Monster suddenly stood up. They now knew exactly who I was. With a disgusting expression and fear from their old age, they pointed their hand at me.
Monster – You're th-that one.
Their voice trembled. They no longer had that old strength. Or maybe I…
Before they could respond, I kicked them. I must have lost to my anger because I sent them flying all the way toward the mountains.
Passing through piles of rubble, I reached them.
Slowly walking toward them, I held out the dagger.
I began asking questions.
Third – Why did you do it?
Monster – BECAUSE I WANTED TO BE IMMORTAL! IF THE ANCESTOR COULD DO IT…
Third – Do you know how a family is destroyed? DO YOU KNOW THE FEAR OF WATCHING A FAMILY BE TORN APART? CAN YOU SEE A ROPE AROUND YOUR MOTHER'S NECK? SEEING YOUR FATHER LOSE JUST BECAUSE THEY TRUSTED SOMEONE? WATCHING YOUR OLDER SIBLING DISAPPEAR TRYING TO PROTECT THEIR YOUNGER SIBLING RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES? HAVE YOU SEEN THAT?
Monster – I only…
Third – WHY ARE YOU SUCH A COWARD! WHERE IS YOUR OLD STRENGTH?!
I stabbed the dagger into their hand with hatred.
Monster – Power is temporary.
My rage grew stronger. My steps were indistinct. My mind was about to bite the apple.
I pulled the dagger out and stabbed that filth repeatedly. I didn't scream while doing it, I just silently looked at the apple. And finally, my hand reached toward it.
Zero – It's so nice that the first person to reach the Zero Point is Naiadler. I wonder what kind of flower will bloom in my garden this time?
Third wasn't such a bad name. I opened my mouth to bite the apple and heard that voice.
Apollon – NAİADLER!
Zero – Apollon, the worn-out stage is yours now.
End of chapter
Author's note: I know I made you wait too long, and that this chapter is short. I'll make it up to you.