While the Ruler of Death is most likely dead, ironically enough, his servants are still alive. That is almost a certainty, for they exist within the boundary of time and space unlike their master. Therefore, when I reset the timeline, they have been brought back from the dead along with everyone else.
But of course, I will make sure that they rejoin their master in death as painfully as possible.
The Ruler of Death might be the mastermind, they are directly responsible for the untold deaths and sufferings of countless beings, including myself. Humanity was just the latest amongst the long list of sentient life they had twisted beyond recognition.
"Is that why I have not found your body either?" I question. I had returned to that dimension in search for what remains of Alex, but despite ripping that place apart, no traces of Alex could be found.
Alex shakes his head. "No. I made sure that when I am dead, I stay dead… looks like I have failed. Good thing too because that would suck so bad."
I chuckle. "Yeah, it would. But don't worry, Alex. This time around, things will be different."
Alex eyes me before pointing at the Runic Stigma on his arm. "Different like this? Seriously man. Why not just teach me magic directly instead of going around in circle? Also, why are you being so mean to Alice? Without her, you wouldn't know how Runes work."
That just isn't true, as Alice is not a unique existence. Without her, I would still be able to learn about Runes. Just a lot later than I should have, and maybe, she would not have perished the way she did. It was unavoidable.
"I have my reasons," I answer simply. "And I think it is better for Alice to remain uninvolved. I still –
"Zander… She is already involved," Alex interjects and points at his head. "Even if everything has been undone, I can still remember. I can still feel it. I have lived it. It is not just a memory. Just because this whole shit got reset, it doesn't mean that we all have another chance. People are still going to die, and you should know this better than me."
I stare at him before nodding in understanding. He is right, as this is not exactly a second chance. It is just a continuation of the battle that have been rages across the cosmos. Even if the Ruler of Death is dead, the other Rulers are still alive, and they certainly remember what have happened.
They might not understand how time has been reset, but they will make sure that the one responsible pay dearly for it.
"Then what are you suggesting, Alex? Should I awaken her as well?" I question. "She might not survive the trauma like you have, and you should seriously take a rest. You deserve it after everything you had been through."
"I can rest when I am dead… again," Alex snorts. "My level is fucking 1. Fuck! Fucking level 1! Shit! And yes, I think you should awaken Alice, as having a Runemaster around just make things easier."
If it is only that easy. I have noticed that the sand within the Hourglass has descended even faster than before. It has started the moment I awaken Alex, and therefore, it cannot be a coincidence.
"Not right now, Alex," I response and wonder if Alex can awaken Alice instead. It is a worth a shot. "Sit down, so I can explain a few things to you. Just a few things since there so much shit that had happened after you die. Shits that you wouldn't believe."