Author's Note: 4k words! It's a long and heavy chapter, so be prepared to set some time aside to digest it!

---

The memories of her time as the Oracle came to an end.

Back to her original body as Cecil Lan, she could only watch as Sevont hobbled his way towards the heavenly realm. The bright and vibrant environment of the heavenly realm was a contrast to the grave situation.

Sevont informed Tano and Xue about the shocking news.

With his dying breath, he left behind his hopes to his dearest friends.

"This is as far as I can go, Tano, Xue."

"Wait–

"Protect this world for me. For us."

Sevont gave Tano the mirror the Oracle had left in his hands. His body dissipated and the mirror in Tano's hands glowed slightly.

The scene changed, and she watched the Oracle speaking to the Creator.

"Have you changed your mind? Will you regret your decision?"

"Never."

Just like that, she was sent to face her punishment and she accepted it willingly. It was inevitable, she knew that she had to face it. There was no outrunning the Creator.

A lifetime of being reborn, going through torment and misery. It was only until she admitted her mistakes and never went against the Creator, that would be the answer to breaking this endless cycle.

The Oracle refused. That wasn't the answer.

She knew she would never change her mind.

"The children of this world will fight back against you, Creator."

"They will not."

"Hm."

The Oracle gave the Creator a cold smile.

She jumped into the void.

...and she watched as Xue clawed his way towards her, jumping into the void without any hesitation.

The ring that she gave Xue, it was a piece of heart. A piece of her that allowed Xue to follow her across time.

Knowing this, the Creator did not stop the hopeless love-struck demon. They knew their plans would come to fruition no matter the interference.

Meanwhile, the Creator realised another presence had slipped in. It was Tano.

"Do you wish to fight against your fate, child?"

Tano clenched his teeth, his voice hoarse as he glared at the enigmatic figure hidden in the thick clouds.

"We decide our own fates, old geezer. You have no right."

"How ignorant."

The Creator sent the same beam of light down on Tano, just like he did with Sevont. Angry tears slid down his face as he conjured his own barrier, despite knowing it was useless against the might of the Creator.

However, even so, Tano wanted to fight back.

Even just a little.

At that moment, two figures appeared by his side and shielded him with a barrier of their own. It was Sevont and the Oracle.

Tano widened his eyes in disbelief, looking down and he realised something glowing within his robes. It was the same mirror that was given to him by Sevont.

He took it out, glancing at his friends standing alongside him. The two of them gave him reassuring smiles.

"...?!"

All of a sudden, Tano disappeared from the spot.

The Creator was stunned but they moved on from the shock quickly. Wherever Tano was, there was no escaping the fate of this world.

No matter how hard they fought back.

However, Cecil knew where Tano had disappeared to.

He was inside the mirror.

She could only watch on helplessly, knowing there was nothing she could do to change the past. Cecil closed her eyes in pain.

***

After opening her eyes, Cecil found herself in a different environment. She was reminded of the scenery she always saw when she meditated, but there was no tree present.

It was just a vast, stark white space.

She took a step forward, and her bare feet sent a ripple across the floor as if she was walking on water.

"..."

Glancing down at herself, she realised she was donning the white robes of the Oracle but without the blindfold around her eyes.

"Where is this...?"

She took a few steps forward.

Plip.

Plip.

Plip.

The crisp sound echoing throughout the quiet space.

She continued walking on without a thought.

All of a sudden, the space was invaded by shadowy hands and within moments, it enshrouded the entire space in an ominous black.

"Oracle, what are you doing inside the mirror? I saw you jumping into..."

Cecil paused, looking to her right.

It was a scene of Tano speaking to the Oracle in bewilderment, and their figures were clearly seen.

Cecil reached out to touch them, and their figures dissipated like mist. She blinked in confusion, removing her hands and their figures returned back to normal.

The conversation between the two continued.

"This mirror is a part of myself. The memories of the world, and to keep the perished souls safe."

"Are you saying..."

"Tano, from now onwards, the power stored within the mirror will be yours."

"What?! What about you? Xue? And Sevont?"

"We will return someday, but if we don't return..."

"You have to return–"

"If we do not return, protect our hopes and dreams, Tano."

"You want me to do this...all alone?"

"...I hope not, but...you might have to."

The conversation ended and the silence returned.

Cecil frowned and took a few steps forward, and this time, another memory played out to her left.

It was Tano burrowing his head into his hands, resting against a table.

"I've spent hundreds of years stuck inside this mirror practicing its powers, and yet, there is no sign of their return."

"With its powers to peer into the future, I have interrupted the old geezer's plan again and again."

"But there is only so much I can do."

"There has to be a way."

"A way to use these powers to travel across dimensions. To find them all."

The scene ended, and once again, Cecil moved on to another one.

This time, it was right in front of her. Tano sat cross-legged on the ground, glancing down at something that she could not see. His hand on his chin.

"Wh-what's this?"

"How did Xue manage to find his way back into this world? But without the Oracle or Sevont?"

"And that red-haired angel...Hana Katae. There's something amiss about her."

"...!"

Tano stood up, his face twisting with anger.

"That old geezer! He tempered with her fate, and not only her, it is everyone related to Xue!"

"Their tragic fate had nothing to do with their existence! It was preplanned!"

"I have to trace it back!"

"Where is it?! Where did that old geezer's tempering start from?!"

Cecil walked on in the darkness, seeing memories of Tano play out before her. It wasn't only his own struggle, but she could see everyone else.

Xue, Hana.

K'xug.

The mortals.

Veau, Zeau and Eona.

They were all interlinked.

Tano collapsed back into his seat in defeat, letting out a laugh of disbelief.

"That...fucking old geezer!"

"He created yet another abomination to start the war between angels and demons. The cycle continued on and on...and on."

"No matter what I do, I can never break that cycle. I can only delay it."

"Even if I can see into the future, what can I do alone? As I hide in here, protecting this small hope?"

Tano rested his forehead against his palm, an anguished look on his face as he clenched his trembling fists.

"These poor children. They can only suffer in the name of balance."

"He plans to create the ultimate good and the ultimate evil. The ultimate good will then wipe the world from existence."

"Balance of the world? That isn't what it is. It is merely a selfish desire to toy with their lives for a perfect vision of the world."

The scene faded away and Cecil breathed in deeply, a sad look in her eyes.

She pushed herself to walk on.

She had to see it to the end.

Tano appeared once more, and this time, surprisingly, he was speaking to Xue in the world itself.

"Who the hell are you?"

"A friend, and listen, I do not have much time before I am discovered. That is why, do not blame me for this, Xue."

"...!"

"If I do not restrain you, I will not be able to say anything before you kill me out of annoyance."

"It doesn't matter. I'll kill anyone in my sight."

"Hana Katae did not betray you, she was controlled. K'xug is alive, but you were purposefully led away from locating him."

Xue did not believe his words, his grey eyes were cold and empty. It was as if he saw Tano as nothing more than another corpse to add to his pile.

He gave Tano a chilling laugh.

"You are just like the rest of them. I'll...make you suffer. Slowly."

"You really are...nothing like the Xue I knew. Here, take a good look at your own memories before you destroy the world."

After viewing his memories, Tano released the restraints around Xue and it was obvious how much shock Xue was in. He collapsed onto the ground with a blank stare, lifting his head up and there was a slight tremor in his words.

"There is no return. Veau and Zeau are already dead. By my hands."

"That is why I chose this point in time to stop you. There is no other choice."

"Where...where is Hana and K'xug right now?"

The scene ended right then and Cecil swivelled her head to her right.

It was the continuation.

"..."

"Believing in her cursed existence, her breaking point was recovering her memories and knowing she played a major role in your downfall."

"You and K'xug were the only friends who stood by her side for the longest time, and the only friends to put up with her."

"After which, her parents who disguised themselves as mortals soon fell into Zeau's trap, and they were killed."

"Unable to accept what she had done to the people she treasured the most, and that her existence itself caused them their deaths. She supposedly betrayed you."

"And now, Hana Katae, she..."

Xue stared blankly at the red-haired angel whose eyes were closed. A pool of blood surrounded her, drenching her white robes and there were still streaks of tears present on her face.

Hana Katae, the angel that caused tragedy to the people she loved everywhere she went. In the end, she found herself all alone, like she expected deep in her heart.

She was deserving of no one because she was a curse.

Even in death, her face did not reflect any hint of peace.

For an eternity, she will live in sorrow. In life and in death.

Xue squeezed his eyes shut and spun around, his eyes bloodshot and his voice slightly hoarse.

"What about K'xug? Where is he now?"

"...follow me."

Cecil crouched down and reached out for the lifeless body of Hana Katae. Her hand passed through Hana's cheek, and she bit on her lower lip, her vision growing blurry.

"Hana..."

Cecil choked out and she inhaled shakily, pushing herself to stand up. She glanced at Hana one last time before stepping forward, and another piece of the past was revealed to her.

"This...this was where K'xug was?"

"He is still here. Alive."

"What?!"

"But barely, Xue."

"Speak to him for the last time, and find out for yourself. Were you truly alone all this time?"

"..."

Xue walked into the cave, and he frowned deeply as he covered his nose.

"Torches powered by dark magic? This was the work of..."

"Veau and Zeau."

"..."

"You are contaminated with dark magic, aren't you? Go on, light them up."

The torch on the wall lit up and Xue walked down, their footsteps resounding throughout the cave.

Just then, the light revealed a figure chained to the wall in the damp cave. An awful stench permeated the air.

"When we first discovered the existence of Deoma, this was not the future we had for any of them."

"They should live freely and proudly."

"Not...not like this."

Tano gazed at the half-angel and half-demon chained to the wall. His haggard face and emaciated body was covered in dried blood. His breathing was weak, and it was obvious he was slowly dying.

Yet, he was still fighting to live.

Tano furrowed his eyebrows, looking on helplessly. There was nothing he could do to save K'xug's life.

Xue froze in place at the horrible sight, his eyes widening.

"Is that you, Xue?"

K'xug croaked out in a feeble voice, and yet, anyone could hear the relief in his words.

"I'm glad they did not take away my vision."

"...K'xug."

"I fell into their trap, and I couldn't escape. I heard everything that happened to you. I don't even dare to ask if you are alright–"

"Be quiet. Tano, release him."

"Of course–hm? What a flimsy seal this is~. Why did they make it so a mortal could break it easily?"

"Veau and Zeau have always been weird and detestful in their tricks."

"Or perhaps, they themselves grew soft."

"..."

Xue supported K'xug who could not even stand on his own feet.

K'xug coughed harshly and blood scattered across the ground.

"Kgh. I don't have much time–"

"Shut up. I will save you."

K'xug laughed lightly, his teeth stained with crimson red.

"How is Hana?"

"...!"

"You know, she didn't hear the words I wanted to say."

"...what do you want to tell her?"

K'xug hesitated before wearing a forlorn smile on his face.

"That I love her too, and I want her to be truly happy. Please, take care of her."

Xue could not bear to tell K'xug the truth, almost choking on his words.

"I...I will."

At that moment, K'xug weakly reached his arm out and gave Xue a hug. However, his strength was fading away and if not for Xue supporting him, K'xug could not even hug him.

His breathing was slowing down.

"I couldn't be there for you when you needed it most. I'm sorry."

"..."

"What a horrible friend I am."

"St-stop talking."

"Find your own true happiness too, Xue. You, of all people, deserve that."

"Don't speak anymore."

"It's a pity I won't be able to see that happen."

"Stop it!"

K'xug patted Xue on the back and smiled once more, closing his eyes. His touch was cold and weak, but to Xue, the pat on his back has never felt so...heavy.

...and just like that, K'xug was stopped moving.

His hand dropped, hanging loosely by his side.

"..."

"..."

Xue clutched onto K'xug and clenched his teeth, his eyes completely bloodshot as a tear slipped out of his eye.

His entire body was trembling, and yet, he did not let out a single noise.

Cecil could only watch the scene, sobbing softly to herself.

"Tano. I'm going to destroy this entire world."

"...what?! But there is still a chance to fight against the Creator!"

"A chance?!"

Xue yelled, placing K'xug's body on the ground gently and turning to look at Tano. His eyes showed a hint of madness.

"I do not care. My friends are dead. And the Oracle? She's gone."

"Every world she has travelled to, along with me, all ended in tragedies. Just like anyone else, she's suffering!"

"I'll destroy this fucking world, so no one...no one has to suffer any longer!"

"Even if you were to destroy this world, the Creator will never stop tormenting the Oracle. You and your friends will not suffer, but the Oracle will continue on. All alone."

"You should know that, Xue. Right now, you are too consumed by your pain."

Those words struck a chord of realisation within Xue, and he began to regain his composure. His desire to destroy the world deflated in an instant.

He could not bear to see the Oracle suffer any longer.

"So what do you suggest I do then?! I...I have lost everything that ever mattered to me! And I cannot do anything, Tano."

"I know, I'm equally powerless. Just like you."

Tano hesitated, and took out the mirror hidden in his robes.

"The Oracle stored her power within this mirror, the power of the Creator. I can even influence time."

Xue paused, looking at Tano.

"You...you can turn back time."

"But the Creator will discover it instantly, and search for the culprit. I can hide within this mirror, but you can't, Xue."

"So what's the point?"

"I have to erase your memories, so you won't be discovered, and then, it depends on how you'll live once more. It's dangerous, but it is the only choice we have."

"No, history will just repeat itself, Tano."

"Don't worry. I found a way to travel across dimensions. Sevont is no longer with us, but I will bring the Oracle back."

"The Creator will discover her presence."

"Only a fragment, and slowly but surely, she'll regain her powers. I know a way to do that."

Xue glanced back at K'xug's lifeless body on the ground, looking at Tano. The madness in his eyes had been quelled, and there was a determined look in his eyes.

"Fine, let's do it. This is only because I trust you, Tano."

Tano was flabbergasted, and soon enough, he recovered. His expression softened and he cleared his throat awkwardly, trying not to feel too emotional.

"It's good to see you again. The loyal demon general, Xue."

"From a demon general to a Supreme God..."

Xue shook his head in disbelief.

"Are you sure this will work, Tano?"

Tano grinned, placing a hand on Xue's shoulder.

"It'll work, because from now onwards, you won't be alone."

Xue widened his eyes in surprise. In his years of living in this wretched world, he finally cracked a bitter smile.

"Yeah. I'm sorry...that it took me this long to realise it. I almost fell for the Creator's trap."

"You aren't entirely to blame. I almost fell for it myself."

The two of them shared smiles.

"We'll meet again, Xue. And hopefully, you won't be the way you are now. It hurts to see you this way."

"If so, you could always help me."

"Help you?"

"Make it so that my soul fragments will shut up this time."

Tano raised an eyebrow.

"They are a part of you. How can I make you shut up? Make friends with yourself instead~"

Xue let out a snort. There was no possible way he could do that.

No matter what, the past could not change. He would have to go through the same suffering, but he knew that this time...

He won't be alone.

"Alright, Tano. Let's go."

Despite those words, Tano did not move from his spot. He wore a troubled look on his face instead.

"Why are you hesitating now?"

"You'll have to suffer again, Xue."

"I know, but it'll be worth it."

"Even so, I...can't bear to throw my friend into that hell yet again."

"This hell will lead to a different ending, won't it? An ending where I can see those I care for, alive and...happy."

For the first time, Xue's words were full of sincerity and gentleness.

Tano heaved a long sigh, and the reluctance was apparent on his face. He witnessed the miserable life his friend led, and it was excruciatingly painful.

...but they all had to push on.

They had to fight for their own happy ending.

"I wish you good luck and happiness, Xue. Truly."

"The same goes for you, Tano. I...I'm glad you are alive all this time."

Tano felt himself tearing up, clenching his jaw. The guilt and shame he felt for not helping his friend earlier came rushing out.

"Why won't you blame me for not appearing earlier? You should have punched me for being too late."

"Why are you simply accepting everything so easily?"

Xue showed him a toothy grin.

"If you did appear earlier, the Creator would have noticed. I'd rather not lose another friend, Tano. Even in my last and worst moment, thank you for being here."

Tano widened his eyes in realisation.

There was no point in arguing now, and Tano knew Xue was right. He too would rather not lose another friend.

Tano couldn't help but show a genuine smile, stepping forward and giving Xue a brief hug.

It was an extremely rare scene.

"Thank you for being my friend as well, Xue."

Cecil watched as the two walked separate ways after that short hug, and the two wore resolute faces.

Xue knelt down on one knee beside K'xug's body. He lowered his head as if praying for K'xug.

"I'll save all of you, without fail."

This time, the tears in her eyes were not because of sadness.

She continued on her journey down the memories of this world.

***

Cecil observed Tano's memories one after another, where he travelled across dimensions using the power of the mirror.

It was all just to find Cecil.

Alas, whenever he found Cecil in another world, she would either be dead or on the verge of dying. Thus, he used another method to locate Cecil without wasting any time.

A book.

He wrote a book about the inevitable future of this world, a book that could be understood in any language and any form.

In the book, he left a fragment of the Oracle that would resonate with any other fragments out there.

"I...I found her. Finally..."

"Finally!"

"...but there is a problem."

"How can I bring her over without raising the suspicions of that old man? And without accidentally triggering her memories?"

"Moreover, her soul needs to be placed in a suitable body where they'll be able to keep in close contact with Xue all the time."

"Ah, I think I found the right person for this~"

Hence, Tano located the original Cecil Lan and approached her in her dreams. In exchange for the luxurious world she imagined herself to be in, where she was loved dearly by everyone, she would switch her soul with the Oracle.

The only flaw would be her average appearance in that world.

...but she wanted everything.

To be the richest, beautiful and most powerful of them all.

Alas, there was no such thing as a perfect world like that.

"What a greedy mortal, ugh."

"Well, as long as nothing happens to the Oracle's soul while she is regaining her strength, it should be fine~"

"Hm, I have to allow her to regain her strength in a way she wouldn't be suspicious of."

"What was it that they called it in her world? A...system?"

Tano grinned to himself, a playful expression on his face.

Despite that, there was something that Cecil could not put her finger on. She was sure there was some other reason the original Cecil Lan was here.

"Tano and his sly ways," a familiar voice said beside Cecil, shaking their head helplessly. "He never changes."

"...!"

Cecil blinked in surprise, looking at the man standing beside her. It was a familiar-looking demon with his signature crimson-red eyes.

The first Demon Lord.

"Sevont?"

"It has been a while, Oracle," Sevont greeted warmly, a smile on his handsome yet devilish face. "You have finally returned."

***

《 start 》

Time has flowed backwards for the world.

The Creator was furious.

Who is that meddling soul?

Reveal yourself.

However, their presence has disappeared.

The Creator deduced that turning back time for this world had consumed their entire lifeforce.

No matter, the future of the world will continue as it is.

Nothing will change.

The world will be reset and balance will be restored.

The Creator withdrew.

The ultimate good will reign over the ultimate evil to restore the world.

Just like that, time resumed in that world.

An ash blonde-haired man fell into the mortal realm, coughing out blood and clawing at the gravel desperately, a blazing fury in his eyes.

Veau, Zeau.

I'll...tear you...into pieces...!

He managed to gather enough strength to push himself up after a while, limping as he clutched at his chest.

All of a sudden, an inexplicable wave of dizziness washed over him and he stumbled.

However, this weakness wasn't due to his soul that was torn apart or his injuries. It was something else entirely.

...?

Wh-what is this?

Something has definitely changed...but what?

Is it Hana?

No, that doesn't sound quite right. Then, what...exactly is this?

Xue gazed up at the clear skies, baffled.

From the mirror dimension, Tano observed Xue. His memories have been completely erased, but he could still sense it.

That fool~

You'll see that change soon enough.

His expression softened and he brought up another person to observe, placing them side by side.

It was Cecil Lan who wore a baffled expression as she stared at herself in the mirror. Her expression mirrored Xue.

This time, I hope your ending will be a happy one.

Tano sighed and clapped his hands together, dispersing the view and he rubbed his hands together eagerly.

He wore a mischievous grin.

But first, let's play a trick on the Oracle~!

《 stop 》