Their discussion to stop the Creator did not progress as far as all of them would like, nevertheless, there was a plan. After becoming mentally exhausted, the three decided to split ways but not before the Oracle stopped them.

"What is it?" Tano questioned.

"I want to do a simple trial," the Oracle said with a hint of a smile, her blindfold was back on her face. "Put the memories you wish into this mirror."

"My memories?" Tano muttered in confusion before grinning mischievously. "Why not put my entire lifetime of memories in there?"

"Of course, you can do that too."

"It's capable of that?!" Tano was flabbergasted, looking at Sevont. "How did you manage to create such an unbelievable artefact?"

"Because..." Sevont frowned, his arms across his chest. "I can."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...yeah, alright, here you go. My memories."

Tano placed his palm on the mirror and a ball of light flitted past the mirror. A few seconds later, the Oracle instructed Tano to remove his hand.

"That's it?"

"Yes."

"I don't feel anything different."

"You are merely sharing your memories," the Oracle stated. "You aren't supposed to feel any different."

"Tch, then it's not fair if I'm the only one doing it," Tano turned towards Xue and Sevont. "The two of you do it as well~!"

Surprisingly, Xue was eager to share his memories, looking at the Oracle in excitement. "May I?"

The Oracle nodded.

Xue stepped forward and repeated the steps that Tano did.

Sevont did the same without any other word.

The entire time, Xue noticed the Oracle brimming with happiness as they shared their memories into the mirror.

I'm glad.

This must be what she wanted to do after taking the mirror.

All of them shared a few parting words before separating, heading back to their rooms to rest.

***

Xue accompanied the Oracle back to her room, serving his duty as a personal bodyguard. The two of them walked side by side in the walkways of the Heavenly Palace. The sky which was a myriad of colours, along with their bright surroundings, bathed them in a warm glow.

It wasn't only because he was her personal bodyguard, but he wanted to remain by her side a little longer. Just a while ago, his unrequited love was revealed to be mutual, and hence, he couldn't bear to leave her side.

Even so, Xue did not fully trust the Oracle's feelings. He couldn't believe in her feelings, and somewhere within his heart, he believed that he was taking advantage of her.

Xue closed his eyes, letting out a sigh.

This isn't the time to think about my feelings.

Our impending doom is drawing near and–

"Xue," the Oracle stopped in her steps, calling out in a soft voice. "I..."

"Hm? Are you worried about the Creator?" Xue halted abruptly, looking at her with a distracted expression. "Don't worry, we'll find a way around this."

"That's not what I wanted to talk about."

"...?"

The Oracle spun around and strode towards Xue, her fierce pace making him take a step back.

"Wh-what is it? Now that you've learnt how emotions work, your expression now is kind of–"

She extended her left hand towards him and Xue blinked, noticing a small object resting on her palm. It was a ring but it lacked the most important feature, which is the gemstone.

"Wh..." Xue stuttered out in disbelief. "It's a ri-ring. Why are you–no, how could you give me something like this? You should know what it means."

"I know what a ring means, Xue. This was my only choice."

"Only choice?"

"You doubt my feelings for you, and this ring..." the Oracle trailed off, covering the ring with her other palm. "It's my proof to you, so take it."

She removed her palm, and finally, the ring was complete. A black gemstone sat in the centre of the ring, the colour of it was something Xue was all too familiar with.

He stiffened, his hand slowly reaching out to the Oracle and he removed the blindfold around her eyes. She fluttered her eyelashes, revealing her unclouded and ethereal onyx eyes, there was nothing but affection in them.

"The gemstone. It's...really the colour of your eyes."

"It's a piece of my heart, my soul," the Oracle spoke gently, leaning in with a smile. "Xue, this is my love for you."

A piece of thread materialised around the ring and she reached her hands out, putting the ring around his neck.

"Mhmm," she took a step back and admired him, her dazzling smile growing wider. "You are the only one suited to wear this."

"..."

Xue lowered his head, his finger lightly touched the gemstone on the ring and as if responding to his touch, it gleamed.

He exhaled shakily.

At this point, he was at a loss for words.

"You..."

He brought his head up, gazing at the Oracle with eyes brimming with tears.

"How could you give something so precious to me?"

"Because that's how precious you are to me."

Xue embraced her without another word, his arms coiling around her as if he would never let her go.

"I'm sorry, I will never doubt you again."

"It's alright, you thought I had misunderstood my emotions," the Oracle closed her eyes, relishing in the loving embrace. "But now, I understand it better than anyone else."

"I don't care when or how it started," Xue confessed fervently, his breath tickling her neck. "I only know right now, at this moment, there is nothing more I love than you."

"And I you."

Xue withdrew back slightly to gaze into her eyes, a teary smile on his face. Without warning, he leaned in for a soft kiss on her lips.

"I love you."

"I love you so much."

"I'll say it everyday until you get sick of it."

It was as if his feelings had burst forth as his gentle kisses grew demanding, making the Oracle stumble back step by step. Eventually, she bumped into the wall behind her and Xue pinned her against it, his kisses growing intense.

"That...Xue–"

"Hm?"

"We are still...outside..."

"Oh."

"Mhmm–"

"Your room. Let's go back to your room..."

"You–are not stopping–?"

"I-I don't think I can stop now. Oracle, please have mercy on me."

"Hehe."

"You are laughing at me again."

"Since you are being so cute and desperate, alright, just this one time."

***

The demon lord's castle was nothing like the bright and pristine heavenly realm. It was vivid yet dark, and that was exactly how the demons wanted their home to be. Inside the throne room of the demon lord's castle, Sevont leaned back against his throne, resting his arm on the armrest and he supported his chin.

Despite his languid posture, his expression was full of anger.

"She warned me of your arrival, but...aren't you too early?"

Sevont stared down at the demon standing before him, a devious smirk on their face. There was hostility in their eyes. Their appearance was just as the Oracle had described. In the future, she saw a lanky male with a burn scar on his right cheek, and they confronted Sevont in the throne room.

Their black eyes did not show an ounce of respect, instead, there was nothing but hatred in them.

The Oracle was right.

There was no talking through to them.

This demon before me is an enemy made by the Creator, and they solely exist to sow chaos amongst the three realms.

Sevont narrowed his eyes, lifting his other hand and waving it lazily.

"Clear the room, all of you."

The servants and the other demon generals did not make a move. Though they could not disobey the lord, they feel uneasy leaving his side.

"Where is general Xue?"

"I told him to accompany the Oracle, and I do not wish to interfere with them."

"But my lord, this demon clearly..."'

"Leave."

They left the room reluctantly.

Unbeknownst to Sevont, the demon generals had a discussion among themselves.

"One of us has to find Xue and inform him. He is the only one capable of resisting the demon lord's seal of obeying."

"The lord said he is with the Oracle. The heavenly realm is quite a distance."

"I'll go. I'm the fastest among all of us."

Meanwhile, in the throne room, Sevont continued observing the young demon that emitted a murderous aura. Sevont narrowed his eyes, using his other free hand to tap impatiently on the armrest.

"You weren't supposed to come here just yet."

"I couldn't wait."

"The Creator must have pushed you on after spying on the Oracle."

"What..." the demon frowned in confusion, gritting his teeth. "What the hell are you talking about? I just want to kill you."

Sevont sighed, closing his eyes in resignation. "I feel nothing but pity for you."

"...?"

"To them, you are just a tool. A tool to create their ideal world."

The demon extended his wings out and his expression distorted with anger. He snarled, charging towards Sevont.

"You know nothing of the pain I've felt! This realm you have created is nothing but a facade!"

Sevont lowered his eyes in guilt, still not moving from his position.

That painful experience is created just for you.

...and there's nothing I can do to change the Creator's cruelty towards you.

The demon plunged his sword towards Sevont, but his attack was easily deflected by a large barrier surrounding Sevont. Standing up from his throne, Sevont brandished a sword his own and a pained look swept across his eyes.

"It seems like the Creator is pushing forward their plans," he muttered to himself, raising his sword and pointing it at the demon. "I apologise. The only thing I can do as your lord is to end your misery."

The barrier was lifted and Sevont rushed at the demon.

***

The Oracle smiled down at Xue sleeping peacefully on her bed, and she reached out her hand to sweep a few strands of hair away from his eyes. She proceeded to run her fingers gently through his ash-blonde hair, making his eyebrows twitch.

"Hmm..."

His eyes fluttered open.

"...?"

The translucent curtains surrounding the large bed shielded them from the bright light, after all, night never falls in the heavenly realm. The light fell onto her long, black hair covering her shoulders and chest, bathing her in an ethereal glow.

Without her blindfold, her limpid and mesmerising eyes met his crimson ones. There was nothing but overwhelming affection in those eyes of hers.

Xue was still half-asleep.

"Xue?"

She called out softly.

Xue simply stretched his arms out, blinking sleepily and pulled her into his chest.

"Oracle, stay with me..."

"Forever..."

"...!"

With those few words, the Oracle crumbled and revealed a vulnerable look.

"I want to, but the future has changed beyond what we expected," she whispered her words, closing her eyes as she controlled her tears. "Xue, I-I can't abandon you or them. I don't want to abandon this world."

"I have seen everything. If we were to head down this path, we are doomed. We have no chance of surviving, and the only chance of surviving is for me to act selfishly."

"Mmmm..." Xue blinked sleepily. "I will protect you, so just do what you want."

The Oracle was stunned before she let out a quiet, helpless laugh. "Why do you always manage to say the words that I want to hear?"

"Mmm. I love you, Oracle."

"..."

"..."

His chest moved up and down soon after. He had fallen back asleep.

"Xue..." she placed a soft kiss on his forehead, enjoying his warmth for a little longer. "My heart will always be with you."

Her body disappeared into a colourful mist before she appeared at the bedside. She flicked her finger and a white robe immediately draped over her naked body, covering her up. Wearing her robe properly, she took a few steps forward before glancing back at Xue on her bed.

The look on her face was indiscernible.

"Sleep well, and don't wait for me."

The Oracle disappeared into a mist, leaving quietly. Meanwhile, on the bed, a small breeze swept past the curtains, the light landing on the necklace around Xue's neck. The same necklace that carried the ring that the Oracle gave him.

A representation of her heart.

The gemstone of the ring glinted in the light.

***

Sevont grunted, clutching onto his sword as he furrowed his eyebrows. His sleeve has been torn apart, revealing a grave injury on his arm as his veins became an ominous black. His arm was trembling violently.

"This will be your downfall, demon lord," the demon cackled manically. "I've been blessed by the world itself. What can you do against the world?"

"Along with using you as a tool," Sevont smiled wryly. "They are willing to go against the rules of the universe just to achieve their utopia."

"From the very beginning, you have been spouting nonsense," the demon barked out, hissing. "Just accept your death quietly, demon lord."

"They even removed your identity as a demon," Sevont added on, ignoring his provocation. "You are no longer compelled to listen to my orders, and you are no longer a demon yourself."

"Wh-what?"

"Take a look at yourself."

The demon widened his eyes, feeling a tingling sensation on his back. His black wings were dissipating and his eyes were losing its trademark crimson red.

Sevont observed the demon, not knowing if he should feel sad or pitiful.

Now, they are neither human, angel or demon.

A tool and a doll. All for the sake of the Creator.

Just like the Oracle.

Sevont frowned, a hint of sadness flitting past his crimson red eyes. "One is enough, there shouldn't be anymore like you or her."

"Shut up! Some demon lord you are. The suffering I've experienced, this scar and my life, you are to blame! Did you know the life I had to live because of you?"

"I am proud of my memory."

"I–what?"

"I know of every demon in existence. Those who passed, those who are living. That's my role as the demon lord. To know and give back to your people."

"..."

"You don't exist in my memory, and you...don't even have a name."

The demon gave Sevont a bewildered look before his expression twisted into realisation.

"Enough, I don't wish to speak about this anymore" Sevont sighed, placing his injured arm on his chest. Just then, his wings grew bigger in size and it covered at least half of the throne room.

Upon seeing this, the "demon" felt a chill down his spine.

It was a sign that the first Demon Lord to ever exist, the pinnacle of power standing alongside the Supreme God, was unleashing his full power.

"At the cost of my life, I'll free you. It's the final duty I should do for you and my people."

A memory flashed past Sevont's mind and warmed his heart. It was a memory of him, Tano, Xue and the Oracle eating a meal together in the mortal realm.

"None of them would like this."

"I-I was blessed by the world–to kill you! To conquer the demon realm and take down those arrogant bastards in the heavenly realm!"

"If you are still alive after this," Sevont smirked. "Go ahead and try."

A huge ball of dark magic hung from the ceiling of the castle, looming over the "demon" and he could only stare on helplessly. Just then, a surge of power burst through his chest and he grunted, looking down at himself.

The "demon" blinked rapidly in confusion. He was gaining power beyond his understanding for an inexplicable reason. The power was neither black or white, a sign that it was a power beyond this world.

Upon seeing this, Sevont let out an incredulous scoff. "The Creator is going too far."

The "demon" grinned, a crazed look in his eyes. The Creator had clearly brainwashed him to the point where he didn't recognise what he was anymore.

There was only one goal in mind.

To kill the demon lord and to kill the rest.

To be a villain of this world.

However, just before the two of them clashed, a figure appeared out of thin air with a colourful mist following their steps.

"I'll do it, Sevont."

Her familiar voice made him falter, and he snapped his head towards the woman in disbelief. She wore her signature pristine white robes and her blindfold swayed to the violent wind in the throne room.

She waved her hand, the powers inside the throne room immediately dissipating. The "demon" was surprised by the new powerful presence, and started to clutch at his head.

"Oracle?" Sevont questioned in alarm.

The Oracle stood before Sevont.

"I'm sorry for arriving late, I...was too greedy," she smiled apologetically and stretched out her hand. "Take this to Tano."

"...?"

Sevont took the object from her hand, realising it was the same mirror that he created. The mirror was radiating with an unknown power.

"This is...the mirror. What did you do with it, Oracle?"

"It's a wish for the future."

The Oracle spun around, facing the "demon" who was clutching at his head. He pointed at the Oracle with a maniacal smile.

"I...I know you, I-I know you! Gaaah!"

He knelt down, still clutching his head. He couldn't control the powers bursting out from him and the throne room was engulfed in a bright light.

She looked back quickly and waved her hand towards Sevont. A barrier surrounded Sevont in an instant, shielding him from the shockwave. If he had been standing there without any protection, he would have disintegrated immediately.

It was the power of the Creator.

"Wha..."

Sevont was stunned, observing the Oracle in confusion.

The Oracle turned back without a response and walked towards the "demon". She closed her eyes, breathing in deeply before opening them, a cold look in them. She brought her powers upon him, erasing him from existence just like she did to the others.

However, this time, she was doing it on her own will.

May your soul be freed.

His body disintegrated and nothing was left behind. Not even a speck of dust.

All of a sudden, the demon lord's castle began to rumble violently. Sevont stumbled, scanning his surroundings in a panic when he felt something.

A force so strong that it suffocated him.

It loomed over him, covering him in cold sweat.

He gritted his teeth and forced himself to look up, almost falling onto his knees. It was an enormous eye, a gaze from the Creator.

"From here on out, this is all I can do to protect all of you," the Oracle spoke, not looking back. "Right now, this is the best outcome."

Those words struck him with realisation.

The Creator might wipe her existence completely.

She has gone against him.

At that moment, pain coursed through Sevont as he heard a voice speaking within his head. He coughed out blood, clenching his jaw and glaring at the ceiling.

"This is not...this is not the future we envisioned!"

The Oracle grew concerned, but she couldn't heal Sevont. His body had been affected with the Creator's power.

A power that, right now, she was incapable of fighting against.

"So this is your answer. Oracle, you should know the consequences."

Sevont inhaled shakily and gathered the strength in his leg to step forward, slashing at the barrier with his sword. Surprisingly, the barrier broke and Sevont was taken aback.

How is her barrier so weak after that one attack?

The Oracle widened her eyes, shaking her head at Sevont. "No, don't come over!"

"Why...why have you grown so weak?" Sevont questioned uneasily. "Oracle, what have you done?"

She lifted her hand as if wanting to explain, pausing when her hand became transparent.

"This...this is not just weak! Why have you become so powerless?" Sevont noticed the same thing and he was instantly filled with dread. "How am I supposed to answer them if you disappear like this?!"

Just then, a beam of light burst through the ceiling and the Oracle moved from her spot, wanting to protect Sevont. Unfortunately, an excruciating pain twisted at her heart, making her clutch at her chest as blood dribbled down her lips.

Sevont shielded himself from the attack, but alas, its might was overwhelming. Moreover, he was still weakened from the fight before.

The Oracle's vision grew blurry and she saw Sevont using his lifeforce to fuel his strength, cutting apart the beam of light.

He sliced apart the judgement from the Creator, but...

At this rate, he will die.

She glanced down at her body that was growing transparent.

The future...is in their hands now.

This is the only choice I could make.

"Oracle...!"

She put her blindfold away, staring right into Sevont's eyes and that's when he saw it. Her eyes had lost their glimmer like her powers had faded away.

A serene smile adorned her face. "Please, live on. No matter what."

After she said those words, her body faded away.

"...!"

Whether she was summoned right before the Creator or she had been wiped from existence, Sevont did not know.

Silence descended upon the throne room.

"..."

"..."

He coughed up another mouthful of blood. Despite knowing he was nearing his end, he seemed determined.

"Even if I were to die, the two of them..." he wiped the blood from his lips, trudging out of the throne room. "The two of them deserve to know everything."

In his hand, he carried the last will of the Oracle. Her precious mirror.

He flew away in the form of a black mist.

Even though it was for the sake of balancing the world and preventing future tragedies, Sevont did not believe in it.

He did not understand why the past and the present had to suffer for it. Just like that "demon", who was nothing more than a tool.

Thus, on this fateful day, an endless cycle of tragedies began.

All for the sake of achieving a balanced world.

***

《 start 》

I am sorry, Sevont.

The me before you is just a fragment of myself.

Within that mirror is where I reside.

After seeing all the possibilities of the future, this is the best outcome.

A future where the past and the present will fight to live.

I will remain inside here.

Watching that tiny hope sprout.

Protecting it.

《 stop 》