Sometime later, in the world of death…
Nedo's curiosity broke the silence. "And… what did he do next?"
The demon's smile was slow, almost cruel. "He returned death to his beloved. But she… never knew who he was."
Nedo's lips curled in disdain. "What a stupid act."
"But he fulfilled his wish before he died," the demon said softly, as if savoring the irony.
Nedo said nothing. The silence stretched.
"You need to live a life that leaves no regrets before you die," the demon continued. "Humans cling to what they have… refusing to sacrifice, even when it costs them everything."
"But I don't know what I should sacrifice," Nedo whispered. "The only thing I know… is FREE WILL."
The demon's eyes glimmered. "Then it's time to wake up from this dream… and make your choice."
Nedo froze. "What…?"
His eyes slowly opened. The world felt real: the wind of the beach brushing his face, the sand cool beneath him, the calm rhythm of the waves. Everything was normal… and yet… someone's touch lingered, gentle and warm. His head was resting on a girl's lap. When their eyes met, she smiled — softly, intimately.
Nedo tried to move, to escape that strange comfort, but the girl's hand pressed against him, holding him firmly. She was small, but impossibly strong.
"Why are you looking at me like that, my love?" she asked, her voice tender, teasing.
Nedo froze. [What the hell is she talking about?]
He tried to remember… anything. But the more he struggled, the sharper the pain in his head became.
"Oh… it seems you don't remember me," the girl said, a faint smile playing on her lips. "That's… good. It means I get to make new memories with you."
Nedo's mind raced. [This girl… I've never met her, yet somehow she's been following me, waiting for the right moment. What does she want? And… why does she seem happy that I don't remember her?]
A shiver ran down his spine. The world felt both safe and terrifying all at once. Something told him… this was only the beginning.