Author's Note: End of mass update! Sorry, I have been busy with work and I'll be travelling overseas! Hence, see all of you next year c: 

Thank you for always reading and for the constant support! 

The Oracle watched as Tano tripped over the broken branches and Xue tripped over him, causing Tano to be crushed under Xue's weight. Everything happened so quickly, the Oracle found herself blinking rapidly to comprehend the comical scene, her eyes wide in surprise.

"...urgh, Xue."

"Ye-yeah?"

"Will you get off me already?"

The cherry blossoms landed on top of Xue's nose, tickling him. "Ah, right–achoo!"

Tano groaned in return, feeling the impact from Xue's sneezing.

"Why...why are the flowers so potent?!"

"It's made by Sevont, and a prototype, what do you expect?"

"A-achoo!"

"This is why I stay away from anything that he creates."

"Achoo!"

"Stop sneezing on top of me!"

"I'm trying to–achoow!"

The two struggled back and forth, finally getting up after a while. Xue rubbed at his reddened nose, sniffling as a tear escaped his eye.

"Damnit, Oracle," Tano groaned, massaging at his back as he narrowed his eyes. "Couldn't you have helped us–"

"Pfft!"

"Stop laughing–wait," Tano widened his eyes. "You are laughing?"

"Hahaha!"

Even Xue stopped rubbing at his nose, staring at the Oracle in amazement.

She was standing right before them, clutching her stomach and letting out the most joyful laughter. Her entire body shook with mirth and her cheeks tinged red due to the laughter, wearing the biggest grin on her face.

Xue could feel his nose still itching, but his mind was focused on something else entirely.

Her smile.

I...I finally get to see it.

Xue was infatuated at that sight.

He never saw a smile so charming on someone.

"I–I can't–" the Oracle tried to speak in between her laughter, inhaling deeply to stop her laughter. "Hahah!"

She couldn't explain this feeling properly into words.

It was as if something was bubbling within her chest, tickling at her throat and pushing out. Her body felt lighter and her mind was no longer bogged down by those intrusive thoughts. The only thing that occupied her mind was the scene from earlier, replaying over and over.

"Fine, just for this occasion," Tano sighed helplessly, sweeping the cherry blossoms off his robes and hair. "Laugh all you want, Oracle."

"I'm–I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it," Tano glanced over to the stunned Xue, patting him on the shoulder. "Looks like you did it."

"..."

The Oracle approached them slowly, her laughter dying down but the beautiful smile was still adorning her face. She stood face to face with Xue, his eyes never once straying from her as she reached up to his head.

"I know now, this is what it is like."

She plucked the petals off his head, letting them be carried away by the wind as she remained smiling. It was apparent that she was full of joy.

"This is what it's like to smile from the bottom of your heart, isn't it?"

Tano hummed in agreement. "You finally know the meaning of a smile."

Xue nodded dumbly.

"Thank you so much," the Oracle said, her voice filled with emotion. "For letting me experience the luxury of smiling."

Somehow, those words overwhelmed Xue and smacked him hard in the chest. Unable to resist it, he stretched his arms out and pulled the Oracle into an embrace.

"...!" Tano stepped back in shock, and just then, he sensed another presence nearby. "Sevont?"

"You called me here, but why is it such a mess–uumph!"

Tano appeared before Sevont, covering his mouth.

Sevont raised an eyebrow.

Tano gestured towards the couple silently.

"...Xue?" the Oracle called out, not resisting against Xue's soft embrace.

"Why do you view it that way?" Xue asked.

"Isn't a smile precious?" she questioned in bewilderment. "In the memories I have viewed, having emotions seemed to be a blessing and a smile is more than precious."

"You are wrong."

"I see."

"Oracle, it doesn't matter who it is," Xue hugged her tighter, his voice carrying a hint of sadness. "Every living soul has a right to get angry, cry, smile and laugh. It's not supposed to be a luxury or a blessing."

The answer didn't sit well with the Oracle.

If it wasn't a luxury or a blessing, why was she excluded?

Why did the Creator take all of these from her?

She could not understand.

Her eyes could see all the truth, the future and the past of anyone. She was beyond frustrated and could not explain the reason behind such frustration, reaching out to untying her blindfold.

She looked Xue straight in the eye, a desperate look in her mesmerising irises that resembled stars.

"What is it then? What is it supposed to be?"

"To live."

Those two words rendered the Oracle completely speechless.

"I agree~" Tano nodded his head in approval, stepping in beside Xue.

"You don't live for the will of others," Sevont wore a small smile, joining in the conversation. "You live for your own will."

Just like that, the words gripped at her heart and understanding dawned upon her. She glanced down, mumbling to herself.

"Live...for my own? Bu-but how? What does it mean?"

The three of them did not say a word in return, letting the Oracle contemplate herself. After all, this was a question only she could answer herself.

At that moment, Tano couldn't help but notice the position Xue and the Oracle were in, a playful smirk on his lips.

"How sacrilegious, Xue." Tano commented, looking at the arm around the Oracle's waist. "I never knew you were so eager."

His words distracted the Oracle who found her eyes straying down to her waist, seeing Xue's arm wrapped around it. She recalled the memories she viewed among all the living souls she had come across.

"This is one of the many ways to show affection, is it not?"

Xue was caught off guard by the question, almost choking on his saliva. "Wh-what?"

"Affection, and so it means..." the Oracle tilted her head, her expression was filled with curiosity. "Love?"

Tano started to laugh.

Sevont chuckled quietly, giving Xue a knowing glance.

Xue was flustered beyond words, immediately releasing his grip on her waist. He withdrew back so quickly that he stumbled and almost fell.

"Yo-you've got it all wrong, Oracle! It's not that!"

"It's not affection? You do not love me?" she asked, blinking and stepped forward. "What does it mean then?"

Xue was flabbergasted.

Tano and Sevont was enjoying the show, snickering at Xue panicking out of his mind.

"N-no, that's not what I meant! I do not don't love you!" Xue blurted out before he froze, shaking his head. "I-I mean I don't hate you but I don't love you, but uh–ugh."

He sighed, closing his eyes and smacking his hand over his face.

"I give up."

Tano and Sevont gave Xue comforting pats on his back and shoulder, and he shoved them off with an annoyed growl. Meanwhile, the entire time, the Oracle was left confused and by the end, she let out another smile.

That was all they needed today.

To teach her how to smile from her heart.

Just as she learned how to smile, she would eventually learn about the many intricacies of emotions.

***

It was a beautiful world.

Every single year that passed, the Oracle found the world more beautiful, mystifying and precious.

Every single living being was precious.

She felt their emotions, she saw their memories and she could feel their joy.

This world has taught her so many things, so many emotions and much more.

It taught her how to live as herself.

There was nothing she wouldn't give to protect this world that she has come to love and treasure. Thus, again and again, she went against the rules that the Creator has set but her actions were subtle.

"Oracle!"

Xue held her as she stumbled, the blindfold around her eyes dissipating.

They were finished with fixing another anomaly that was discovered by the Creator. Alas, since this anomaly which existence itself brought torment, the group had no choice but to arrive at a grim decision.

They had to wipe their existence from the world.

Thus, they were on their way back to the Heavenly Palace when the Oracle was struck with another summoning.

"The Creator is calling for you yet again?" Xue asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

"It seems so."

"They seem to be calling you more frequently. Why is that?"

"I do not know."

"Oracle, I don't know if this is needed but," Xue frowned, reaching forward as if to give her a hug but he hesitated, putting his hand on her shoulder instead. "Be careful."

"..."

The Oracle couldn't answer for a moment.

Her arms were slightly lifted as if she was preparing to respond to a hug. It left her bewildered and she blinked rapidly, nodding blankly.

Why did she try to hug Xue?

"I will."

Xue gave her an encouraging smile. "I'll wait here until you return."

"You don't need–"

"I want to."

The Oracle felt an itch in her chest, a faint smile on her lips. "Alright."

The next second, she closed her eyes and her soul was carried away to the realm above all. The place where the Creator resided.

***

She didn't have to open her eyes to see who was before her. The looming presence and suffocating atmosphere revealed it all. Their presence was unseen, shielded by the clouds. The Oracle has never once seen their true appearance, and she wished it remained that way indefinitely.

"Creator."

"I am now reassured of this fact, Oracle."

"Yes?"

On the inside, the Oracle knew such a conversation would arrive someday.

The day where the Creator realised the changes in the world weren't what he expected.

"The anomalies weren't erased, but rather, existing and changed. They no longer function as anomalies but as a new species."

"You are right, Creator," she admitted with a bow. "You gave the permission to the Supreme God and the Demon Lord–"

"Impudent little thing!"

The Oracle flinched.

"That was just a matter of formalities, and to ensure the balance in power! No matter what, my words take precedence!"

The Oracle went pale and wanted to lower her head in apology. Just then, she recalled that she was supposed to be someone with no emotions.

She maintained a composed expression, lowering her eyes and faked nonchalance.

"I apologise, Creator. I have committed a grave mistake."

"Rectify it immediately."

"You don't mean..."

"Annihilate them all, Oracle. I have explained the meaning of balance, have I not?"

"I..."

"The resources of a world are finite, and hence, the species living in them have to be controlled. Keep the primary ones and eliminate the ones that have grown apart from their roots," the Creator explained, their voice deep and menacing. "The world itself is the priority rather than those living in it."

The Oracle lowered her head, furrowing her eyebrows in askance.

Aren't those living in this world also part of the world itself?

She couldn't kill off those that she had saved, but neither could she go against the Creator.

"Oracle."

She lifted her head, wiping any trace of emotion from her face.

"Restore balance to this world, according to my vision. That's the purpose for your existence, nothing more and nothing less."

"I will heed your command."

"Good, now go."

***

The Oracle opened her eyes, and she found herself in the gentle embrace of someone familiar. His ash-blonde hair was tousled by the wind as he carried her through the clouds, heading back to the Heavenly Palace.

"How are you feeling, Oracle?"

"Xue..."

He glanced down, observing her and his gentle expression turned into a frown.

"What's wrong?" he asked in concern. "I have never seen you like that before."

"Like..." the Oracle touched her face, trying to fix her expression. "Like what?"

"Troubled. Conflicted." Xue narrowed his eyes, clicking his tongue. "Did the creator say something or do something to you? I heard from our lord and Tano that he isn't easy to talk to."

The Oracle recalled the conversation she shared with the Creator earlier. It wouldn't do anyone good if she were to speak of it, since there was nothing that could stand in the way of the Creator's will.

They had the means to achieve anything they wanted the world to be.

Nothing could stop them.

Thus, the Oracle remembered the memories of those she viewed. In times of trouble and helplessness, reassurance was the only choice.

...along with a smile.

"He did nothing."

The Oracle smiled at him, her voice calm as always.

"He did nothing at all, Xue."

Xue widened his eyes at the sight of her smile, slowly arriving at a stop.

Her smile faltered at Xue's actions and she tilted her head at him, a questioning look in her eyes. They were still surrounded by clouds and were hovering in the air.

"Why...why are you lying?"

"...?!"

The Oracle was shocked at his words. He saw right through her bluff immediately.

"Your smiles may be rare but they are genuine," he stated, his expression appearing sad. "Your smile right now is anything but that."

"Xue..."

"Oracle, I have to ask again," he took a step closer, placing his hand on her cheek. "Are you truly fine?"

At that moment, the tumultuous emotions swirling deep inside her surged forth. The concern for her people and the handsome demon before her, the pain she felt at her helplessness, her conflict over her purpose...

She couldn't hold it back anymore.

Letting out a shaky breath, she lunged forward and pulled Xue into a tight embrace.

"...!" Xue was flabbergasted, stuttering in his words. "Or-Oracle? Wh-what's this?"

She inhaled deeply, bringing her head up with a genuine smile on her lips. "I-I guess, I just wanted to thank you."

"Thank me? What for?"

"For noticing."

"..." Xue hesitated, his expression awkward yet troubled. "You are not going to tell me what the Creator said to you, aren't you?"

"No."

She didn't look at Xue any longer, burying her head into his embrace.

He flinched before he let out a sigh, pausing for a moment before he brought his arms up. He returned the hug with an exasperated smile.

He didn't know how much his words helped her today, but alas, the Oracle could only go against the Creator for so long.

It wasn't long until Xue discovered what exactly had gone wrong.

***

A new species was discovered in one of the continents of the mortal realm. They were children born from the blood of Deoma and humans.

A species that shouldn't exist in the Creator's eyes.

It was a matter that the three rulers of this world needed to oversee. Tano and Sevont naturally came over to seek out the third ruler, the Oracle.

"I will not go."

The two were met with a strange response from the Oracle.

"What do you mean?" Savant questioned.

"You can't possibly say no to this~" Tano raised an eyebrow.

"...this matter can be easily settled by the two of you," the Oracle's voice was heard beyond the door, and she was nonchalant. "Just like we have always done, according to the Creator's will."

The two glanced at each other and Tano shrugged at Sevont. Meanwhile, Sevont deepened his frown and kept his thoughts to himself.

Eventually, the two relented and left.

They would settle the matter amongst themselves, like what the Oracle had said.

Time passed and two new guests arrived at her doorstep. It was a young Valoel with a medium-sized Dada strolling beside him. They were here to visit the Oracle today, their expression filled with glee.

Crash!

A loud noise was heard from beyond the door to the Oracle's room. The two looked at each other before rushing to the door, slamming it open.

They found the Oracle collapsed on the floor with both knees, the blindfold sliding down from her face. The light from outside flooded in, revealing her pallid face, and her beautiful starry-like eyes wide in disbelief.

"Oracle!"

"Grrr!"

The two children rushed to her side, supporting her as they helped her up.

"Is that...how it is?" the Oracle muttered out, her face still as pale. "Is that how it is supposed to be?"

"Oracle? What are you saying?" Valoel asked.

Dada nuzzled his snout against the Oracle's knees covered by her white robe, his eyes reflecting his concern.

The Oracle stood up unsteadily, her eyes unfocused as she looked at the two children merely reaching to her knee.

A spiritual beast born from the powers of the gods and the heavenly forest.

An orphan angel with the lifespan thrice of an average angel.

There will be many abnormalities appearing like that in the near future.

I have to...

Her gaze darkened as she reached her hand out towards them, placing her hands atop their heads.

The two looked up at her in worry.

At that moment, her gaze cleared up and she wore a gentle look on her face.

"Wh-what is it, Oracle?"

"Grr?"

"My dear little ones, remain here where it is safe."

"Safe? You are acting strangely today."

"Grr grrr."

She spun around, her robes fluttering as an unknown power gathered beneath her feet. The Oracle turned her head, glancing at the doorway.

Xue was standing there with a flustered look on his face. He heard of the commotion from further away and still rushed to her side.

"Oracle? Where are you going?" Xue said in confusion and worry. "I heard from my lord and Tano that you didn't follow them–"

"Xue."

That firm tone made him pause, his grey eyes meeting hers.

"I cannot refute his will for balance."

With those words, she disappeared from the spot and her blindfold floated down. Valoel caught it with a bewildered look, glancing at Xue.

Xue surged forward to catch her but he was too late, and Valoel handed over the blindfold to him.

He only stared at the blindfold, dumbfounded.

"Is the Oracle okay?" Valoel asked.

"...no."

He clutched onto her blindfold, a hint of anger in his eyes.

"No, she's clearly not fine."

That's why I will follow her, no matter what.

"The two of you, stay here." Xue warned them before he disappeared into a wisp of black, drifting out the window.

***

《 start 》

If there is no balance in this world, the future will suffer.

There will be no happiness.

There will only be pain and sorrow.

There will only be war.

Yet, you continue to refute me because of petty emotions.

If so, there is another way to achieve that balance.

The ultimate evil against the ultimate good.

With that, the world will come to a reset.

A silence.

...and all will be equal once again.

– The Creator of Balance

《 stop 》