Arius flew at insane speed toward the First World, and when he arrived, he landed in front of Clarice's palace, who had been waiting for him for a long time. When she learned that he had arrived, she wanted to surprise him, but as soon as he entered, she ran toward him, hugged him tightly, and said, "I knew it. You were a little late, but you came."
He smiled at her and said, "Yes. As I told you, I had some work to take care of."
Clarice said, "I know. I saw your soldiers as they invaded the other worlds. That was incredible."
Arius said, "It is simple. People should live freely, but the price of that freedom is equality. The strong need someone stronger than them to stop them from harming the weak. I convinced everyone of that within a few months, and many people accepted it. Now, in Worlds 10 and 0, people live however they want, but under equality. As for my soldiers, do not worry. They will not kill anyone. They will only confront anyone who tries to oppose what I proposed."
Clarice said, "You really are better than those rulers."
Arius said, "True. There are no rulers left anymore. I destroyed them all. There is only Rymus left, but he is my sister's husband, so I spared him. He also never opposed me like the others, who preferred death over submitting to me."
Clarice said, "I have a surprise for you, darling."
Arius said, "And I have one for you too. Would you like to come with me so I can show you?"
Clarice said, "Yes."
Then she thought to herself, "He is definitely going to propose to me now."
The two of them flew away from the planet and left the First World.
In World 0, Dazai was buying some groceries. When he left the store, he saw a huge man trying to steal a small child. Suddenly, one of Arius's soldiers descended to the area.
The man said, "Oh, you are one of the soldiers of that man who thinks he is some kind of national hero, the one who wanted equality or whatever between people."
The soldier looked at him without saying anything and without showing any reaction.
The man let go of the child, walked toward the soldier, and stood in front of him.
"You look rich. Come on, give me your money now, or I will kill you right here along with the child."
Before he could finish his sentence, his head fell to the ground.
The soldier took the money the man had been carrying and gave it to the child, then flew away.
Dazai said, "It seems he was serious when he said this law would be enforced through death. The death of the rulers has changed everything. The world is no longer bound by any unjust system. I hate saying this, but that bastard achieved what I had dreamed of achieving for a long time. I cannot believe my brother-in-law is Arius. Who are you really? It is impossible for a human to accomplish something like this."
After that, Dazai walked away while whistling, returning to his own mountain.
Meanwhile, on Arius's planet, Azula was sitting on the couch watching the Earth. After some time, Izak came to her and said, "Mom, I want to go to the bathroom."
She did not respond, so he shouted at her until she became annoyed and slapped him across the face, saying, "I'm busy. Go by yourself. Didn't I teach you that?"
Izak began to cry. Azula realized what she had done and immediately ran toward him to calm him down.
She said nervously, "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I didn't mean to do that. I was distracted and didn't realize it was you. Please forgive me, little one."
Izak hugged her and said, "Mom, don't hit me again."
"Of course, sweetheart. I will never do that again. It was just a mistake. Forgive me."
Mila had been watching all of this. It reminded her of her own mother, who used to hug her, read stories to her, and play with her.
She stood beside the couch and silently watched them.
Afterward, Azula took Izak to the bathroom. When they were finished, she washed him and they came back out. Azula sat down, turned on the television, and told him to sit and watch so he would not bother her again.
Azula looked toward Mila, who had hidden behind the couch.
She said, "Little one, come here right now."
Mila hesitated for a moment, but after Azula called her twice, she approached and said, "Yes, ma'am. Did I do something wrong? Forgive me. I did not mean to watch that."
Azula said, "Do not be afraid. I am not angry with you. You did nothing wrong. Tell me, little one, will you answer my questions?"
Mila said, "Yes, I can."
"Good. Come with me."
Azula took her hand and led her to the kitchen. She sat her down on a chair, brought her some sweets and fruit, then sat beside her.
"Come on, little one. Eat this."
Mila hesitated, then reached for it before pulling her hand back.
Azula cut an apple for her and asked her to open her mouth so she could feed her herself.
Mila did so and ate the piece of apple.
Azula asked, "Is it delicious?"
Mila said, "Yes, ma'am."
Azula said, "Tell me, little one, will you tell me who your mother is? Arius has not told me about her yet."
Mila said, "My mother is Nahira."
Azula's eyes widened.
She thought to herself, "That woman who kidnapped me… her mother? Of course. How did I not notice? She looks exactly like her."
She then asked, "Tell me, little one, did your father visit you often and spend time with your mother?"
Mila shook her head.
"My father never visited us. He told me he was busy and could not raise me with my mother when I was young. The times he came to us were short and quick. Back then, I thought he was a stranger until my mother told me that he was my father. She told me that when I grew up, he would be very proud of me and that I should not tell him I was his daughter until she did it herself.
"She always praised him in front of me. She told me my father was a great man and that she loved him very much and wished he could always stay with us."
Azula asked, "And where is your mother now?"
Mila remained silent for a while before saying, "My mother is gone. My aunt Clarice killed her when my mother tried to kill my father during their last fight."
Azula was shocked by what she heard.
"Your mother wanted to kill Arius?"
Mila said, "Yes. They fought and nearly killed each other. My father was angry at the time and threatened my mother, but she managed to defeat him and almost killed him. My father tells me it was just an ordinary fight, but I know they nearly killed each other."
Azula, still shocked, asked, "And how do you know what killing is?"
Mila said, "My mother taught me that when you hurt someone and they stop breathing or moving, they are dead. That is what killing is."
Azula said, "Do not talk about things like that. A child should not learn such things. Your mother did not know how to raise you properly. Listen, little one. Killing is horrible. Never think about it. It is bad, okay? Just think about your future and do not think about those things."
Mila said, "Yes, ma'am. I already think it is frightening, especially after I saw my mother die in front of me."
Azula said, "You said your aunt was the one who killed her. Why did she do that?"
Mila said, "I do not know. I lost consciousness at the time, so I do not know what happened."
Azula thought about the matter, but she still could not understand what was going on.
In deep space, Arius was flying with Clarice at high speed.
Clarice asked, "Where are we going, darling? We have been flying for hours."
Arius said, "We are going somewhere beautiful."
Clarice smiled and said, "That sounds wonderful."
After some time, they finally arrived at a somewhat strange place.
Clarice was amazed by what she saw.
"What is this?"
Arius said, "This place is the Edge, or the Gap, between our material world and the Meta World. It is a world inhabited by supernatural and strange entities. This space above us is called the Repetition Space."
Clarice said, "Repetition Space? What is that?"
Arius said, "This space is the barrier between the two worlds, and its depth is infinite. That means no matter how high we fly, we will never reach anything because its dimensions are infinite. To reach that world, we would need to break through space itself, have an entity from there transport us, or possess abilities that allow us to do so.
"Usually, no material entity can reach there except through the methods I just told you about. But that is not our goal. What I want is to give you a gift you have been waiting for."
Clarice began clapping excitedly.
"This is exactly what I wanted!"
The two of them stood at the edge of the gap. Clarice looked downward.
"Wow. Those are gigantic solar holes."
Arius said, "Yes. It is said that rings can be made from those enormous stars."
Arius stood on one side while Clarice stood on the other.
Clarice said, "Actually, I have a surprise for you too."
Arius said, "Wonderful. What is it?"
Clarice said, "Honestly, how do I explain this? But, darling…"
She placed her hand on her stomach.
"I am pregnant with your child, darling."
Arius was smiling.
Suddenly, he said, "And my surprise is…"
He struck her in the chest with a lethal blast of energy.
Clarice was shocked by what had happened and fell from the cliff.
Arius stepped forward and watched her burn among the blazing stars.
"Finally. We are done with the bloodline."
He then left the edge and began laughing as he returned toward the worlds.
When Arius returned home and entered, he was surprised.
He saw Azula tying Mila's hair and brushing it while Mila sat in her arms.
Arius smiled.
Izak ran toward his father. Arius picked him up and lifted him into the air.
"Well done, champion. You really surprised me."
Izak said, "Doesn't my sister Mila look beautiful, Dad?"
Arius said, "Yes, without a doubt. She has inherited your mother's beauty."
Azula did not look toward Arius.
After she finished, she asked Mila to look at her hairstyle in the mirror. Mila loved it and hugged Azula happily.
Azula smiled and said, "I'm happy that you like it, little one."
Then Izak said, "Come on, Mila. Let's play outside and show Uncle Zaykors your hairstyle. He will love it."
Mila said, "Yes!"
The two children left the room.
Arius walked toward his wife, held her from behind, and hugged her.
"How do you keep proving to me that you are the one who deserves my heart, Azula?"
Azula said, "So, darling, the girl you decided to build your life with is Nahira, the woman who kidnapped me, humiliated my brother, and treated us like criminals on the run?"
Arius opened his eyes wide.
"Did Mila tell you?"
Azula said, "I questioned her. But you have good taste in women, Arius. Nahira was very beautiful."
Arius placed his head beside hers.
"Do not ever think such a thing. You know how much I hate her. And now she is dead, so we are done with her."
Azula said, "Dead, yes. But you committed a sexual act with her."
Arius said, "Darling, I have told you many times. It was not within my control."
Azula said, "But you could have prevented it."
Arius said, "It was beyond my physical control. There was an avaricious entity controlling me, and it had a purpose. But I destroyed that purpose. Do you remember when I asked for your soul? That was not me. It was him. The reason was that he wanted a chance to cross into this world, and he succeeded by using Nahira.
"But by killing her, I consider the final opportunity for him to enter this world closed. So please, believe me this time. I promise I will never hide anything from you again."
Azula said, "But why did you not tell me from the beginning?"
Arius said, "It was complicated. That entity prevented me from revealing anything."
Azula asked, "Who exactly was that entity?"
Arius said, "I will tell you, but please understand that no one in this world will believe it."
Arius sat with Azula on the couch and began explaining his story.
"Long ago, I was born into a family with extremely high existential authority. That family gained its elevated status because of a writer."
Azula said, "A writer?"
Arius said, "Yes. That writer created this world we live in, placed it inside a book, and writes its events and reads its details.
"One day, she created a female character. She had actually created her before the beginning of her story, then made her live an ordinary life. After that, she created a husband for her and made them live together.
"As time passed, she made them experience countless events, writing things that cannot even be described. One day, while writing, she became bored, so she decided to bring those two characters before her and tell them that she was the one who had created them.
"The man could not accept it. He denied himself and his wife and felt that he had been living a lie his entire life.
"But the woman felt that she was experiencing something extraordinary. She decided to dedicate herself to pleasing that entity, the writer. She served her for a period of time, the length of which no one knows.
"The writer eventually became less bored because of her, so she decided to reward the woman.
"As for the woman's husband, he was happy for his wife, so he asked the writer what she wanted.
"The woman answered that she wanted to become an absolute entity that no one could oppose.
"The writer agreed, but with two conditions.
"The woman asked what they were.
"The writer told her that she would live in a story written by her, where the woman would become the queen of all existence and possess immense metaphysical authority and status.
"The second condition was that when the woman had children, especially twins, the writer would receive one of the two children when he came of age and make him her husband.
"The woman immediately agreed.
"The man objected to the decision of the writer and his wife, but he was punished by being forced to live his entire life under his wife's rule.
"At that point, their relationship became nothing more than a relationship of mutual interest.
"As time passed, the queen and her husband lived in their world. They began creating worlds, dimensions, and universes. They built systems and everything else.
"Eventually, the queen gave birth to twin boys. The first was named Trenas, and the second was named Ernas.
"Immediately after the two children were born, the father died because his purpose for existing had been fulfilled.
"The writer came to the mother, saw the two children, chose Trenas, and placed immense power within him.
"She told the mother that from now on, she would become an extension of her son, who would have a higher existential rank than her, and that she should be proud of him because he would become the heavenly writer's husband.
"After that event, the two children were raised by their mother and lived with her for a very long time.
"She also created children for herself without her husband and raised them as well.
"When the twins came of age, the worst thing that could happen to anyone occurred."
Azula asked, "What happened?"
Arius said, "The sacrifice was delivered.
"Trenas was handed over to the writer. He was dragged away in humiliation and injustice against his will. He did not want it, but he was forced into it.
"Everyone was watching him at the time, looking at him as though he were a commodity being sold so they could live comfortable lives at the expense of his own life.
"Trenas was taken to the writer, who took control over him and granted him the status she had promised.
"He became an absolute entity whom no one could raise their head against.
"But did he live happily with this?
"Of course not.
"He spent his life doing something he never wanted. He became the property of someone else, even though he had never chosen such a fate.
"He was the victim of an unjust exchange between two parties, both of whom were terrible.
"Over time, countless ages passed while Trenas remained trapped by a will that deprived him of freedom of desire.
"He possessed absolute power, but he lost the meaning of his existence.
"Even though he was a high-level metaphysical entity who created countless metaphysical beings and countless worlds, his power eventually became so great that he held the narrative itself in his hands.
"But he never chose any of this.
"He never wanted it.
"There was no such thing as humanity within a metaphysical entity, but he experienced emotions like a human.
"Something inside him was boiling.
"It was hatred, resentment, rage, negativity, and complete disgust with his situation.
"He hated himself and hated everything.
"Eventually, he began using his power to vent those feelings upon entities he saw as things trying to imitate him, even though he himself hated what he had become.
"He committed terrible acts against them, humiliated them, and did countless things simply to extinguish that feeling.
"But it only grew stronger and stronger.
"Then one day, an idea occurred to him.
"He would observe humans to see how they lived.
"And so he watched them for centuries.
"He saw the good and the bad, the selfish and the generous, the vulgar and the noble. He saw endless diversity.
"The only difference between humans and metaphysical beings was that humans had freedom of action, while metaphysical beings were bound by rules and predetermined matters.
"He admired them.
"One day, he decided to propose to his wife, the writer, that they experience human life together.
"Despite everything the writer had done to him, he lived with her, and they loved each other.
"But she completely rejected the idea.
"Her argument was that she was the sacred supreme entity who held the power to write humans and could not simply transform herself into one of them.
"She rejected it completely.
"But Trenas, also known as Eldi Prime, wanted it.
"He would descend from time to time in a human body and experience their wars and lives.
"For him, it was more enjoyable than being a rigid, emotionless entity.
"One day, he returned to his place, and the writer discovered what he had been doing.
"She became furious with him.
"That wretched woman betrayed him.
"She ripped away half of his power, sealed the other half, and told him that this would be his punishment for daring to disobey her.
"She then threw him into the Meta World as a weak human.
"When the metaphysical entities learned about this, they could not believe it.
"Even the lowest among them wanted to hunt Trenas.
"And indeed, he was captured.
"Because of what he had done, his mother decided to execute him in front of everyone.
"After he was executed, I do not know what happened.
"But he was reborn as a human and lived as one until that hatred, rage, and negativity manifested as Eldi Prime without Trenas."
Azula said, "And that person is you?"
Arius said, "Yes.
"That is my story.
"It sounds unbelievable, doesn't it?"
Azula hugged Arius and began crying.
"Why did you never tell me that all of this happened to you?"
Arius said, "I did not know. My memory was sealed until it was unlocked when I transformed into Eldi Prime. I truly did not want to reveal my foolish past to anyone."
Azula said, "You went through all of that. It explains what you are going through."
Arius said, "Actually, Eldi Prime is the embodiment of all the hatred, darkness, resentment, and rage that was in my heart.
"He became a living manifestation, and now he seeks to reclaim me and merge with me.
"I do not know why, but I think he does not actually need me. He simply wants revenge against me because he represents my worst qualities."
Azula said, "Arius, never hide anything from me again. I want you to forgive me for being harsh with you."
Arius said, "I am the one who is sorry for what happened. I swear I never intended to betray you or even think about doing so."
Azula placed her fingers over Arius's mouth.
"I believe you. Do not say anything more."
She then rested against his chest and said, "I just want us to live a normal life together. Forget the past and look toward the future."
Arius smiled.
"As you wish, darling."
After that, the two reconciled and promised each other that they would never betray one another or hide anything from each other again.
As the days passed, the two children turned four years old. Izak was about a month older than Mila.
A birthday party was held for Izak. Rymus's family and several other people were invited, and everyone celebrated together.
Arius was sitting with Clinton, discussing business.
During that period, Arius had managed to invest through Clinton by purchasing bankrupt companies and investing in them. The process was limited to purchasing assets, whether land or buildings.
Arius refused to trade planets, galaxies, or universes because, from his perspective, they were existential places rather than commodities that could be bought and sold.
He warned Clinton never to engage in such transactions.
Illyria was helping Clinton oversee the work, along with Azula, during the previous two years and up until that day.
Clinton said to Arius, "We have purchased around 1,200 residential buildings on the Earth of World 6. We also purchased 250 major companies involved in food production and 700 pieces of land distributed around the world, which are rented annually or through long-term contracts for enormous sums."
Clinton continued, "Even so, Lord Arius, do you not think that expanding could be a good idea? You have invested in only one relatively small planet."
Arius said, "Actually, I have been thinking about returning to live there.
"That place was the best location for investment, and I have no desire to expand into distant places.
"The worlds are enormous, and I do not want headaches.
"Besides, the people of Earth are simple and will not cause problems, unlike the entities that destroy things and cause chaos throughout the other worlds and universes."
Clinton said, "As you wish, boss. But tell me, should we increase our commercial activity on more planets?"
Arius said, "Do whatever you want as long as it benefits me, but do not be reckless."
Clinton said, "Do not worry.
"During the past two years, we invested the money we had from your assets. We invested an amount equivalent to $4 trillion into that planet.
"During one year, we generated approximately $138.6 billion in profits.
"And from the original $4 trillion, we still have approximately $2.525 trillion in liquid assets that we can invest further in the future."
Arius said, "That is good. Just as I calculated it. I will manage the affairs myself alongside you."
Clinton was happy.
"That is wonderful. It is obvious from your previous decisions, sir, that you have decisive judgment and remarkable attention to detail."
Arius said, "Yes. That is good."
Arius thought to himself:
"As for the $4 trillion, I sold a jewel to diamond merchants in the Northern Universe of the Second World. I obtained it from one of the dungeons long ago. It belonged to a mushroom-like monster. If I remember correctly, it was an item of Level 88 reward quality.
"I still have the things I collected back then. I wonder whether they are actually valuable."
After that, Mythos approached and said, "Master, allow me to do this."
Arius asked, "What are you going to do?"
Mythos said, "I want to thank you for teaching me throughout all these years."
Arius said, "You possess a remarkable talent, Mythos. I became certain of it when you demonstrated it."
Mythos said, "Allow me to return to my planet so I can develop on my own. When we meet again, I will show you how far I have progressed."
Arius said, "You are free, my friend. Do whatever you want."
Mythos bowed to Arius and left the place.
After that, Lina came beside her brother and said, "The party was wonderful, but you still have not told me who the girl beside Izak is."
Arius said, "She is my daughter."
Lina dropped her drink.
"What did you say?"
Arius said, "Yes."
Lina said, "But she is the same age as your son, and they are not twins."
Arius said, "Her mother is different."
Lina asked, "Did you secretly get married?"
"No. Her mother died, and Azula knows about it. I also do not want to open that subject. I could barely get Azula to accept the situation, and she is pregnant now. I do not want to upset her at all."
Lina said, "You are right. How long does she have left until she gives birth?"
Arius said, "She is in her seventh month. Only three months remain. And I also have a surprise for her. It will make her very happy."
Lina smiled.
"Tell me what the surprise is."
Arius said, "It is none of your business."
Lina said irritably, "You are shameless, brother."
Arius said, "You will find out soon."
After the party ended, everyone began leaving.
Arius and Azula said goodbye to everyone and began cleaning the place.
Arius said to Azula, "I have a surprise for you. You will really like it."
Azula looked at him.
"A surprise? What is it?"
Arius sat on a table.
"Guess."
Azula said, "Maybe a bigger bed? Our bed has become uncomfortable because of the pregnancy."
Arius said, "No, but I will get you a new one."
Azula said, "Maybe a new blanket for the baby?"
Arius said, "That already exists."
Azula said, "Come on, tell me. I hate riddles."
Arius picked her up and sat her in his arms.
"Do you remember talking to me a year ago about how you could no longer tolerate living here because you were unable to interact with other people?"
Azula said, "Yes."
"Well, actually, I have decided that we are going to move to Earth, to the place where we conduct our business, my sweet."
Azula was delighted.
"Really?"
Arius said, "Yes. And there is something else."
Arius lifted Azula into the air, making her float. She became frightened by the height.
"We are going to live the way you wanted—as a normal family.
"From now on, there will be no enemy for us to fight, no revenge for us to pursue, and no power for us to seek.
"I thought about what you told me, and I finally realized that we need to think about ourselves and our children for a while.
"So from now on, we will live a normal life as ordinary humans, and we will forget the past."
Azula was overjoyed. She hugged Arius tightly.
"I knew you would understand. This is the best decision we will ever make."
Arius said, "I agree with you."
He then lowered her and said, "I will show you our new home. As for this house, it will be a place where we spend our vacations."
Arius took the two children and Azula to Earth. This time, he took them by car rather than flying or teleporting.
After several hours, they arrived at the house in Canada.
It was located in an upscale neighborhood. It was not too large and not too small.
When Azula saw it, she was amazed. Even the children were impressed.
Arius said, "I bought this house a few months ago. I chose it exactly the way you like, my darling."
Arius said, "Go inside and look around the house. I have some quick work to take care of."
Arius called Clinton, who moved to the planet to manage the business with him there permanently.
Clinton said, "I have a house in the neighboring neighborhood."
Arius said, "Take this phone. This will be for communication between you and me.
"Phones have evolved since the past. When I was six years old, phones still worked with buttons like this, but now they have screens."
Clinton said, "I know this type of device. I once sold a planet where they had these kinds of devices, but they are considered outdated by their standards now."
Arius said, "Good. I am counting on you."
Clinton left in his car.
Arius then headed toward the house to begin a new chapter, free from problems and complications that would never benefit him.