Izumi couldn't help but smile at Cecilia's words.
"Maybe you don't realize it yet… but this world of mine has grown this vast for a reason."
He gestured toward the endless skyline, where cities stretched across colossal branches and distant celestial bodies shimmered in the sky.
"It's because I've been merging other worlds into it."
Cecilia's eyes widened slightly.
"So far, I've already fused three worlds into this one," Izumi continued casually. "And I'm not stopping there. More will follow."
He turned his gaze toward her, a faint, confident smirk forming on his lips.
"And eventually… I'll return to your world as well."
There was a brief pause.
"And when I do—"
His voice softened, but carried absolute certainty.
"Your world will become part of mine too."
Cecilia froze.
Her pupils shrank ever so slightly as those words sank in.
"Is that… really possible?" she asked quietly.
"If it is… then…"
Her voice trembled just a little.
If such a thing could truly happen—if her world could be brought into this peaceful place—
Then perhaps…
Perhaps humanity could finally be saved.
But at the same time, a shadow crossed her heart.
"…There are people who wouldn't allow it."
Izumi laughed softly.
"Allow it?"
He shook his head.
"No one gets a say in the matter."
His tone turned sharp, absolute.
"Even if your world rejects it… it won't change anything."
There was no arrogance in his voice—
Only fact.
"Even if your so-called 'Honkai God' shows up," he added lightly, "I'll deal with it."
To him, the Herrschers… the so-called ultimate beings of that world—
Were nothing more than familiar powers he had already mastered.
There was nothing to fear.
Cecilia stared at him.
Then slowly…
A light began to return to her eyes.
"…I understand."
If this man truly possessed such power—
Then maybe…
Just maybe—
This was salvation.
After that, Izumi brought Cecilia around his world.
He showed her everything.
A world without war.A world without bloodshed.
A world where everything was decided through games.
Everywhere they went, people were competing—laughing, strategizing, risking everything in fair matches.
Abilities. Magic. Skills.
All could be wagered.
All could be won.
"Here," Izumi explained, "if both sides agree… even your abilities can become a stake."
"Once the game ends, the loser's power turns into a card."
Cecilia blinked.
"…A card?"
Izumi nodded.
"Fair and absolute. No cheating allowed."
"This world runs on rules stronger than any law."
Cecilia watched as two individuals finished a match nearby.
A glowing card appeared in the winner's hand.
Inside it—
Was power.
Real, tangible power.
"…Amazing," she whispered.
Despite everything, though—
Not everyone possessed abilities.
Many remained ordinary.
This world didn't force equality.
It only guaranteed fairness.
"There are no countries here either," Izumi added.
"Only races."
"Humans, angels, spirits, and more."
"Humans are the most numerous… but not the strongest."
Cecilia tilted her head slightly.
"Then who is?"
Izumi smiled faintly.
"The gods."
"…But those gods," he added, "stand with humanity."
Because faith still mattered.
Over the next few days, Cecilia continued exploring.
And somewhere along the way—
Without even realizing it—
She grew closer to Izumi.
Very close.
Even knowing he wasn't hers alone…
She didn't mind.
...
A Few Days Later
The two returned home after another walk.
But the moment they stepped inside—
Izumi suddenly paused.
"…Huh."
Cecilia blinked.
"What's wrong, Izumi?"
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Some unexpected guests just arrived."
"…Guests?"
He smiled.
"You might have heard of one of them in your world."
Before Cecilia could ask—
Izumi casually lifted his hand.
Snap.
Space distorted.
And in the next instant—
Several figures appeared before them.
Cecilia's breath caught.
"…What…?"
Standing there—
Was a mischievous-looking woman with a playful grin.
Beside her stood a golden-haired swordswoman.
Izumi gestured toward them.
"Let me introduce you."
"This is Loki."
"The one from Norse mythology."
Cecilia froze.
"…The Loki?"
Loki laughed cheerfully.
"Ahaha~! Long time no see, little guy!"
Her eyes immediately shifted toward Cecilia, scanning her up and down with keen interest.
"Well now~ Who's this?"
Izumi immediately shot her a glare.
"Oi. Don't look at her like that."
Then he turned to Cecilia.
"Just a heads-up—stay away from her."
"She's… not exactly normal."
Cecilia instinctively stepped back.
"…I see."
Loki's expression twitched.
"…Hey. I feel like my reputation just got slandered."
She sighed dramatically.
"But whatever."
Her gaze shifted outward—
Taking in the world around her.
And then—
Her smile slowly widened.
"…So this is your world."
"Not bad."
"No… actually—this is incredible."
Beside her, Ais Wallenstein silently observed everything, her golden eyes reflecting the vastness of the world.
Even she couldn't hide her surprise.
Izumi crossed his arms.
"So?"
"Have you made your decision?"
"Ready to join my world?"
Loki waved her hand lazily.
"Nope. Not today."
"I just came to take a look."
But then—
Her grin sharpened.
"…Though I have to admit."
"I'm impressed."
"Way more than I expected."
Her eyes gleamed.
"This world of yours…"
"It's fun."
"For gods like us?"
"It's basically paradise."
Izumi chuckled.
Then—
His eyes narrowed slightly.
A dangerous idea forming.
"Hey, Loki."
"Wanna play something big?"
Loki immediately perked up.
"…Oh?"
"What are you plotting now?"
Izumi smiled.
Calm.
Confident.
Almost wicked.
"What do you think…"
"…about me merging your world into mine?"
Silence.
Then—
Loki's eyes widened.
"…You're insane."
A pause.
Then—
A grin.
Wide and excited.
"…I like it."
She looked around again.
At the sky.At the cities.At the rules that governed everything.
"So this is what happens when you fuse multiple worlds together, huh?"
She clicked her tongue in admiration.
"Seriously…"
"What a ridiculous move."
Then she looked back at him.
Eyes shining.
"…But damn if it isn't interesting."