The day began with Yuki urgently calling out to Ryu. "Hey,Ryu! Wake up! Ryu, quickly!" Yuki attempted to rouse him from his slumber. "Ah,Yuki... What is it? Is there a problem?" Ryu asked, his voice thick with sleep. "Ryu,we must act now. The final day has begun," Yuki declared. "Oh,yes... the day. Where is the Elder? Is he alright?" Ryu asked, suddenly sitting upright. "Yes,he is fine for now, but we must do something to save him today," Yuki replied. "Well...I spoke with the Elder. He explained everything to me..." Ryu said, and proceeded to relay all that Daisuke had told him. "I believe I understand.The entire world could be altered if we attempt to change the past," Yuki responded. "Indeed,but I still wish to save him," Ryu insisted. "Yes,we must attempt something, even if we are forced to remain in this timeline forever. The future we know will not change, and any alteration could reshape existence entirely," Yuki reasoned. "You are correct,Yuki. To change the future is to sacrifice the relatives we know. The totality of existence would be rewritten, and only the Elder, you, and I would know the truth," Ryu said.
They began to formulate a plan for the day. "Altering the future is no simple feat.We shall attempt it, but should we fail, we will revert to our original plan of escape," Ryu stated. "Yes,Ryu, but I feel guilty about returning. The Elder has aided us in so many ways," Yuki expressed, her voice heavy with remorse. "I share that guilt,Yuki," Ryu replied.
Later, Ryu approached Sora, who was conducting a new experiment. "Master,have you created a new skill?" Ryu inquired. "Well...I was merely experimenting," Sora replied. "Master,I have discovered a new skill. Could you assist me in refining it?" Ryu asked. "A new skill?Very well, demonstrate it," Sora said. Ryu then drew his new sword and unleashed the skill:Shadow Slash. "Oh,Ryu! This is quite an impressive skill. We could potentially fuse it more deeply with the blade," Sora observed. "Yes,Master, I attempted that but failed," Ryu admitted. "Have you given it a name?"Sora asked. "I believe'Shadow Slash' remains a fitting name," Ryu said. "An excellent name,Ryu," Sora commended. "Let us now address the problem,"Sora said, and they dedicated a long time to perfecting the skill.
As time passed, a breakthrough finally came. "Finally,Master, we have succeeded!" Ryu exclaimed. "Yes,Ryu, it is complete," Sora confirmed. "Now,have you conceived a suitable name for the perfected skill?" Sora asked. "Since the skill is derived from Shadow Slash and utilizes blades,what about 'Shadow Blade'?" Ryu suggested. "Marvelous,Ryu! That is the perfect name," Sora said. "Thank you,Master," Ryu replied with a smile, concluding their training session.
Yuki had been observing from a distance. As the session ended, she approached Ryu. "Congratulations,Ryu! You have mastered another skill," Yuki said. "Thank you,Yuki, but I did not accomplish much. Master Sora resolved most of the complications," Ryu replied humbly. "Do not underestimate your own contribution,Ryu. The creator of the raw spell is still you," Sora interjected before departing for the forest.
Now alone in the garden, Ryu and Yuki resumed their grave discussion. "Ryu,have you determined how we can assist the Elder?" Yuki asked. "I...I do not know. I have no insight into the nature of the attack that will claim his life," Ryu confessed. "What are you two discussing?"Daisuke inquired, suddenly appearing. "Wha—Elder!How long have you been listening?" Ryu and Yuki asked in unison, shocked. "I...hmm... Since you began speaking of me," Daisuke stated calmly. "But—"Ryu began, but was cut off. "Desist,Ryu. I have already told you," Daisuke's voice was firm. "Elder,we cannot simply allow you to die!" Ryu protested. "No,Ryu. It would change the entire future, the very world. Moreover, this has already transpired in your original timeline. Do not trouble yourself. I will fight until my last breath. I am a warrior; I will not sacrifice my life easily," Daisuke declared. "Elder..."Yuki murmured. "Do not worry,Yuki. All men must die. Your true timeline is 5,000 years hence; I could not possibly live that long. Whether by nature or by blade, my time will come. Be at peace, for I have lived fully," Daisuke reasoned. "You are correct,Elder, but we cannot stand idly by when we know the cause," Ryu argued. "No,Ryu. You must understand. You, too, will die one day. How can I delay the inevitable? Please, comprehend my stance," Daisuke implored. "Very well,Elder. I understand. But I will not let your death be in vain. I will exact revenge upon the Shadow Cult," Ryu vowed. "That is a worthy ambition,"Daisuke conceded. "Since you will not permit us to save you,this is the only path left to us," Ryu replied. "I have something for you both,"Daisuke announced. "For us?"they asked in surprise. "Yes,for you," he confirmed.
Daisuke summoned a unique mage staff, fitted with a blade—a hybrid weapon capable of both melee and magical projectile attacks. "This is a custom weapon,a fusion of a blade and a mage staff," Daisuke explained, presenting it to Ryu.
Next, he summoned a simple staff and a spell book for Yuki. "This is a basic mage staff enhanced with additional abilities,and this ancient spellbook contains many forgotten magics," he said, handing them to Yuki.
"Thank you so much, Elder. These are incredible gifts," they both expressed. "They are but small tokens.My time to prepare was short, knowing your departure is imminent," Daisuke said. "They are priceless to us,Elder." "I am pleased you think so,"Daisuke replied. "Elder,are you familiar with the concept of domain creation during combat?" Ryu asked. "What...a domain? Hmm, I have heard tales of such battle domains, but I am not well-versed in that divine magic," Daisuke admitted. "I thought you might know.I... accidentally created a Shadow Battle Domain during a fight," Ryu revealed. "What?Truly?" Daisuke asked, astonished. "Yes,but I do not know how I achieved it. I could not even sense its formation; Yuki had to inform me," Ryu explained. "You are truly gifted.It seems the gods have blessed you with profound divine energy," Daisuke said with a smile. "You are also blessed,Elder. You are one of the most powerful Battle Mages of this era," Ryu countered. "Ryu,I am not that remarkable. It is Sora who ranks among the very top," Daisuke deflected. "Elder,could you grant us one final lesson on magic and battle before we return?" Ryu requested. "It would be my pleasure,"Daisuke agreed. "Thank you,Elder."
"When facing monsters, the battle is straightforward. They lack intelligence and act on their leader's commands. Eliminate the leader, and the rest become manageable," Daisuke began. "Understood,"both replied. "The true complexity arises when facing other humans or a cult.Such conflicts are critical. You must employ illusions, tricks, and strategy. Raw power alone cannot guarantee victory; a well-laid plan can topple even a god," Daisuke lectured. "Yes,Elder. In a duel, technique, speed, and accuracy are paramount. But against a team, we must dismantle their internal structure first. Destroy their power source, and they will fall easily," Ryu added. "Precisely,Ryu. Techniques are honed through friendly sparring, polishing your skills," Daisuke affirmed. "And Yuki,you possess the potential to wield offensive spells, even if you are not a Battle Mage. You can support Ryu as a healer and a helper," Daisuke advised. "I will,Elder," Yuki replied. "Ryu,you must form an adventurer team. Do not forget to include a dedicated swordsman. As a magic-wielding sword fighter, you may become vulnerable if your mana is depleted. An advanced swordsman will balance your team," Daisuke recommended. "We already have a team—the one you met with Yuki and Sister Akari,"Ryu said. "Is that so?That is excellent. They seemed like good people. You do not need the most powerful members, but kind and reliable ones whom you can trust without reservation," Daisuke emphasized. "Exactly.A supremely powerful betrayer is more dangerous than any enemy," Ryu concurred. "Precisely,Ryu."
"Well, I just recalled some unfinished business I must attend to before nightfall. I will see you both this evening," Daisuke said. "Of course,Elder," they replied. "Ryu,I have one more thing for you. Take my mental space for training. Remember, when you return to the future, this space will persist in the past. When you enter it again, it will be as we left it, separate from the one where we first met," Daisuke explained, summoning a soul-like structure that merged with Ryu's body. "Now,I must take my leave," Daisuke said. "Thank you again for everything,Elder," Ryu said. Daisuke then summoned a magic circle and flew away.
"Yuki, what are your thoughts? To defeat the cult, we will require years of training. It will not be easy," Ryu mused. "Yes,the cult survived the Great Tragedy. We will need power akin to the Demon Queen's, but without losing control," Yuki stated. "Remember,when we return, we will be stronger, having learned divine and forbidden arts. We must not reveal this to anyone except Sister Akari. She alone can help us cultivate this power safely," Ryu cautioned. "I understand.Revealing our true strength would draw unwanted attention. We must act as if our power is growing at a normal pace," Yuki agreed. "Exactly.We will gradually reveal our progress. Once we graduate, we will establish our own cult—not to destroy, but to save. We will operate in secret to dismantle the Shadow Cult from within, just as the Elder described. We will target the mastermind first," Ryu outlined. "That is a sound strategy,"Yuki affirmed.
Time passed, and Ryu and Yuki eventually dozed off on a sofa. "Where am I?"Ryu wondered. He found himself in a deserted town. He blinked, and the area was suddenly filled with a festive crowd. He blinked again and was standing on a battlefield, surrounded by thousands of dead warriors and knights, the ground soaked in blood. "What is this?This is horrifying. I have killed, but this... this is disturbing," Ryu whispered, looking at his hands, which were covered in blood. His sword dripped with it. "Did I... did I kill them all?" he gasped in shock. He blinked once more, and the sword transformed into a hand. He was a child of six, walking with Akari. Another blink, and he was at a wedding ceremony—his own, to both Yuki and Rin. "What? My marriage? To both?" he whispered, stunned. He blinked again,and the scene shifted to a horrific vision: the severed heads of Akari, Yuki, Rin, Amelia, Zara, and Kyros were arranged on a blood magic circle, their lifeless bodies nearby. "W-What?!" he cried out, shouting their names. One final blink revealed a memory from his childhood:an old woman entering his room as he slept and fusing a magic stone into his body. Ryu watched his younger self from the sidelines. He then jolted awake,finding Yuki calling his name. He was back on the sofa. Overwhelmed, he pulled Yuki into a tight embrace. "Ryu!What is wrong? Did you have a nightmare? Why are you acting this way?" Yuki asked, trying to calm him. "Yuki,you're alright!" he cried. "I have been fine all along!But why? What happened?" she pressed. "It was nothing...just a disturbing dream," Ryu replied, releasing her. "I saw you.Tears were streaming down your face, and you shouted, so I woke you," Yuki said. "I am just relieved you are safe,"Ryu murmured. "What did you see?"Yuki asked. "I do not wish to explain,but I should not hide it. If you are prepared, I will tell you everything," he said. After recounting the dream, he concluded, "This is my greatest fear." "Do not worry,Ryu. I am safe, and Sister Akari and the others will be, too," Yuki reassured him. "I hope so." "You mentioned...a wedding," Yuki said, blushing. "Let us not speak of that,"Ryu replied, his own cheeks flushing.
Evening arrived, and Daisuke returned. "Welcome back,Elder," they greeted. "Ryu,Yuki. Let us have dinner first, then we can talk in the garden," Daisuke suggested. After dinner,they gathered under their usual tree. "When you return,it will be to the exact moment you left. No one will know of these days, correct?" Daisuke confirmed. "Yes.We will only confide in Sister Akari, as she can guide our power growth," Ryu replied. "Akari is of Sora's bloodline,"Daisuke noted. "Yes.She told us that after the Great Tragedy, only a few human families survived. Master Sora's family was one, and she was revered as a goddess. In our time, Akari is the last of that line; her village was destroyed," Ryu explained. "I see.I had hoped they would lead humanity forward. What of Haru and Yoko?" Daisuke asked. "Haru is remembered as the'Angelic Lady' or 'White Goddess.' She and Sora were called the Dual Goddesses for leading humanity. Some of Haru's descendants are said to exist but remain hidden. We know nothing of Yoko," Ryu answered. "I searched for Yoko tirelessly,but she vanished one night," Daisuke said sadly. "What happened?"Ryu asked. "She was working on a dimensional magic experiment.The next morning, she was gone. Her lab was in disarray, as if a storm had struck, but there were no signs of a struggle. I was meditating in the next room and heard nothing," Daisuke recounted. "Could we see the room?"Ryu requested. "Of course,"Daisuke agreed, leading them there. The room remained untouched, chaotic. "I see...The room is sealed. The only entrance is this door," Ryu observed. "Correct.I believe she left of her own volition during her experiment," Daisuke said. "Not necessarily.Look at these circles; they resemble ancient spells from the book you gave me. I believe she accidentally teleported herself and could not return because the spell was incomplete," Ryu theorized. "That is plausible.You are sharper than you appear," Daisuke remarked. "Not at all.How can we find her?" Ryu asked. "Do you have a picture?"Ryu inquired. "No,but I can project her image into your mind using my Thought Exchange skill," Daisuke offered. "This skill is remarkable." "Yoko created it.It is detailed in the book I gave you," Daisuke said. "I saw it but failed to cast it.I will try again when my mana control improves," Ryu said. "Never give up,Ryu," Daisuke encouraged.
They returned to the garden, where Yuki waited. "Yuki,you are still awake?" Ryu asked. "I was waiting for you,"she replied.
Suddenly, an attack shot towards Daisuke, which he deftly dodged. "Who is there?"he shouted. Another attack followed, which he countered with a blast of his own. A hooded figure materialized. "Who are you?"Daisuke demanded. The figure lowered its hood. "Master,do you not recognize me?" the person taunted. "It is you?Why would you seek to kill me?" "My Cult Leader promised me supreme power.I will rule this world!" the person declared with a malevolent laugh. "Fool!If they possessed such power, they would rule themselves! They are using you! They will betray you once I am dead!" Daisuke retorted. "Impossible!They have already granted me power! They would not betray me!" the assassin yelled, launching another attack at Daisuke. "It seems you are beyond reason.Very well, let us fight!" Daisuke declared, slashing with a blade of energy. "Ryu! Yuki! Run! Escape from here!" he shouted. "Distracting me to let them escape?You are a fool!" the assassin snarled, directing a powerful attack toward Yuki. "Yuki!Dodge!" Daisuke cried.
The attack connected, erupting in a massive dust cloud. The assassin laughed triumphantly. "Now she is finished!Time for the boy!" he gloated. "You monster!You killed Yuki!" Daisuke roared in fury. "But where is the boy?"the assassin wondered. Daisuke and the assassin stared as the dust settled.Yuki stood, unharmed. "What?She is alive? How?!" the assassin stammered. "You...you bastard!" Ryu's voice thundered. "He...he blocked the attack with his sword?!" Daisuke gasped. "W-What?!"the assassin stuttered, frozen in disbelief. "How dare you attempt to harm Yuki!"Ryu shouted. His eyes glowed with a blue aura that deepened to a menacing purple. He began to levitate. "H-How are you flying?!"the assassin exclaimed. Suddenly,a Shadow Domain enveloped the area. The immense pressure forced the assassin to his knees. "Ryu,no! Do not lose control!" Daisuke pleaded. Yuki rushed forward and embraced Ryu from behind. "Ryu,stop! Please, regain control! I am unharmed! If you continue, you will destroy everything, including the Elder!" she cried. Her words broke through.Ryu's senses returned. "Yuki? What is happening?" The domain dissipated. Daisuke approached the kneeling assassin."To kill, you require true supreme power," he stated coldly. "Ah...that child is a monster... but my reinforcements are coming! They will slaughter you all!" the assassin threatened. "Ryu,escape now! Return to your own time! Cult reinforcements are approaching!" Daisuke commanded. Yuki grabbed Ryu's hand and began to run,tears streaming down her face. "Yuki,wait! We must fight!" Ryu protested. "No,Ryu! You cannot! You would devastate the entire area!" Yuki cried, pulling him along. Reluctantly, Ryu began to run with her. "Yuki,I sense a large host of monsters and mages approaching," Ryu said. "What?"she replied. "We must warn Master Sora and Miss Kiyomi!They can handle this. If they avert the tragedy, the future may not change!" Ryu suggested. "Let's go!"Yuki agreed.
They raced to Sora's room and called for her, but she did not respond. "Master,hurry! Why can't you hear us?" Ryu shouted. He tried to shake her, but his hand passed through her body and the surrounding objects. "Ryu,what is happening?" Yuki asked. "I cannot touch anything!Master cannot hear or see us! I believe we have become intangible, like in my dream!" Ryu realized. "W-What?"Yuki stammered. "Try for yourself.I think we are phantoms here. We must find another way," Ryu said. As he attempted to use magic, the world shattered like glass, and they plummeted into a void. "Yuki!"Ryu shouted, grabbing her and shielding her with his body as they fell.
They awoke with a start, back on the sofa, in each other's arms, exactly as they had been in the afternoon. They quickly separated,flustered. "Ryu,what just happened? What time is this?" Yuki asked, confused. "I do not know,but I believe we have been returned to an earlier point in the past," Ryu deduced. "Returned?Truly?" Yuki exclaimed. "Let us find the Elder,"Ryu said, and they hurried to Sora.
"Master, where is the Elder?" Ryu asked. "Ryu,you are awake. I saw you sleeping and did not wish to disturb you," Sora said. "Master,where is Elder Daisuke now?" Ryu pressed. "He went to the capital on business this morning and has not yet returned,"Sora replied. "Master,is today the full moon?" Ryu asked. "The full moon?Yes, but why?" Sora inquired. "So I was correct,"Ryu whispered. "Did you say something,Ryu?" Sora asked. "No,Master. Please inform me when the Elder returns. I need to speak with him," Ryu said, taking Yuki's hand and leading her to the garden. "Yuki,I was right. We have returned to the past," Ryu confirmed. "That explains why the day seems so ordinary,"Yuki observed. "But why did this happen?"Ryu pondered. "Yes,that is the question. Why were we sent back again?" Yuki echoed.
They decided to maintain normality. When Daisuke returned, they explained everything. "Ryu,are you certain?" Daisuke asked, astonished. "Yes,Elder. We relived the events and returned," Ryu affirmed. "The how is secondary.The greater mystery is how you manifested such power and then regained control," Daisuke probed. "I felt as if another consciousness was controlling me.I relinquished control, and it wielded the power," Ryu explained. "Ryu,you were wielding a different sword—not your usual one. It emitted a terrifying aura," Yuki added. "A different sword?Wait." Ryu summoned the sword he had taken from the Great Mage's grave. "Was this it?"he asked. "Yes!Where did you get that?" Yuki questioned. "Wait...Is that the mythical sword? Its aura feels familiar, like my spellbook!" Daisuke exclaimed. "It may be the sword of the Great Mage,"Ryu stated, and proceeded to recount the entire story of how he obtained it. "Remarkable!But the most significant fact is that the sword has accepted you," Daisuke declared. "Accepted me?What do you mean?" Ryu asked. "This sword is directly linked to the gods.It chooses its wielder based on worthiness," Daisuke explained. "It chose me?"Ryu whispered, stunned. "Yes,Ryu." "But why did it control me?" "Legend says the sword contains divine power and attempts to dominate the soul of its user.If the soul is weak, it drains the user's life force and traps their soul within its crystal to grow stronger," Daisuke revealed. "So I must use it sparingly,especially with my current control," Ryu deduced. "Use it only in dire need.You may also be able to access the memories of past wielders, or even commune with the gods themselves," Daisuke said. "It is more than a weapon;it is a relic that can influence humanity," Ryu realized. "Indeed.It is a wonder you can wield it at all." Ryu stored the sword away. "Let us focus on why we returned." "It is most strange,"Daisuke agreed. "Wait,how can we be sure this is not merely a dream?" Daisuke questioned. "That cannot be.You had not yet told me of Miss Yoko, yet I had already seen her room. I experienced the future, even if it was a dream. The sword is also real," Ryu countered. "You are right,Ryu," Daisuke conceded after a moment's thought. "Elder,the 'how' is less important now. Let us discuss how you will confront the assassin," Ryu redirected. "Very well.What did he look like?" Ryu and Yuki described the attacker in detail. "I see.This time, you should leave the garden before the attack," Daisuke advised. "Agreed.But you must fight with all your strength. Do not hold back," Ryu urged.
Suddenly, an attack targeted Daisuke, who blocked it. "No,not now! He came in the midnight, not the evening!" Ryu cried. "He is here?"Daisuke asked. "So,you blocked it. And the boy is clever enough to anticipate our plans," the assassin taunted. "So,you have finally arrived," Daisuke said. "I must kill that little brat first!"the assassin declared. "No!You will not touch Ryu!" Daisuke retorted. As the assassin lunged at Ryu,reality fractured like broken glass once more. "Not again..."Ryu whispered.
He opened his eyes. He was back on the sofa. "Yuki,"he murmured. "Ryu,we have returned again," Yuki confirmed. "We are trapped in an infinite time loop,"Ryu stated grimly. "How do we escape?"Yuki asked. "I do not know.We must deduce the cause. The loop triggers when I attack the assassin—when we attempt to change the future. Perhaps we must enact a change to break free," Ryu theorized. "Your theory has merit.But why did the assassin appear early the second time?" Yuki wondered. "I have no explanation." "What can we do now?" "We must find a way to delay the assassin,discuss the problem with the Elder, and find an escape, or attempt to return to our own time directly," Ryu proposed. "Wait,how do you know all this? Your behavior is... unlike you," Yuki noted cautiously. "W-What?No, Yuki, I am fine," Ryu replied, his demeanor shifting oddly. "Very well.I trust you," Yuki said, though concern laced her voice. "Good,"Ryu said, visibly relaxing.
At that moment, Sora entered. "Ryu,Yuki, you are awake." "Yes,Master. We have a problem," Ryu said. "What is it?"Sora asked. "I used a detection spell earlier and sensed the Elder returning,followed by someone he has not noticed. I fear it is dangerous. Could you please investigate?" Ryu implored. "Truly?"Sora said. She immediately cast a spell, erecting a powerful barrier around the pact. "There.He should be safe now," Sora stated. "Thank you,Master," Ryu replied, then took Yuki's hand and led her to the garden. "Master,we have some matters to discuss. I will speak with you later," Ryu said. "Very well.It is nearly nightfall. When Daisuke returns, we shall have dinner," Sora said. "Understood,"Ryu called back as they left.
"Yuki, we can speak safely here. We will wait for the Elder," Ryu said. "But what will we tell him?"Yuki asked. "We will inform him of his impending fight,bid him farewell, and then go to the location from which we can return to our timeline," Ryu outlined. "A sound plan.But what of the others? They will think we simply vanished," Yuki worried. "It is of no consequence.Once the disaster begins, they will assume we perished in it. It will not be an issue," Ryu reasoned logically. "That logic is sound.But how can you be certain we will return? You speak with the confidence of one who has done this many times before," Yuki pressed. "Please,Yuki, trust me. I will explain later," Ryu pleaded. "Alright,Ryu. But please, do nothing reckless," Yuki urged. "Do not worry.Everything will be fine," Ryu replied with an assured smile.
Daisuke soon arrived within the pact's barrier, landing in the garden. "Ryu,Yuki. Why has Sora raised the barrier?" he asked. Ryu explained the situation and revealed his theory on breaking the loop. "I see.Now I understand," Daisuke said. "Let us have dinner.Afterward, we will return here. I will dismantle the barrier, and Yuki and I will depart for our own time. You must fight the assassin with everything you have," Ryu instructed. "I understand.But Ryu, your words carry a weight of experience. Has something changed within you?" Daisuke inquired. "You are overthinking,Elder," Ryu deflected.
After dinner, they reconvened under the tree. "The time has come,"Ryu announced. "I am ready.Be safe, and grow strong," Daisuke said. "I will miss you,Elder," Ryu said. "And I,you," Yuki added. "I will miss you both.Remember, always be safe, and protect the lives of others," Daisuke imparted as his final lesson. "We will,"they promised.
Ryu activated his Third Eye skill, pinpointed the assassin's location, and relayed it to Daisuke. "Until we meet again,if fate allows," Ryu said in an uncharacteristically deep voice. He cast a spell, and the barrier dissolved. In the next instant, he and Yuki teleported away, arriving at the Great Mage's grave.
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Scene Change: Daisuke
"So, it was not Ryu. I wonder who was aiding him. No matter. I am prepared for this fight," Daisuke whispered. The battle commenced. Sensing the conflict, Sora and Kiyomi soon arrived at the riverside, their eyes widening at the scene.
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Scene Change: Ryu & Yuki
"You promised to explain the truth once we arrived," Yuki demanded. "Yes...The truth is, I am not Ryu. You will understand my identity when Ryu awakens to his full power," the entity controlling Ryu stated in a different tone. He led Yuki to a magic circle. "Hold onto Ryu. When I relinquish control, he will fall unconscious." "Alright,"Yuki agreed. The circle activated, and Ryu collapsed into Yuki's arms. They began to float through a void.A vision played before Yuki's eyes: She saw herself levitating with an unconscious Ryu above Kiyomi, who was kneeling and weeping over Daisuke's body. A dark aura erupted from Kiyomi. Horns sprouted from her head as she transformed into the Demon Queen, unleashing devastation upon Daisuke's killers until the world itself shattered.
Yuki blinked, and found herself standing on a magic circle, Ryu still unconscious in her arms. She recognized the cave from which they had first been sent to the past. "We have returned to our original timeline,"she whispered.
Time passed. Ryu slowly stirred. "Yuki...are you alright? Are we free of the loop? Where is the Elder?" he asked groggily. "Ryu,calm yourself. We have returned to our true timeline," Yuki reassured him. "Truly?"He looked around. "This is the cave... the very spot where we were sent to the past." "Exactly."
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Scene Change: The Demon Lord
The Demon Lord observed Ryu and Yuki's return through a crystal scrying pool. "At last.They have returned. I had begun to fear the magical doorway was broken beyond repair," he murmured to himself.
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