I wanted to cry. I didn't want to experience it again. It was bad the first time around, but this time I could have saved him if I had noticed he went into that portal. I could have gone there myself and assisted him. But now he was dead.
'Is there any way I can save you?'
'No. I'm long gone.'
'Do we have to stay here forever?' Kim asked.
'No, you'll be forced out once the Rulers of the Heavenly Domain realize that you're here but you're not dead.'
Kim looked around uncomfortably.
'Are Rulers like... Gods?
'Basically.' Nakatami and I answered simultaneously.
I looked at him, forgetting what was happening. As I remembered, my vision became blurry. Water streamed down my face.
'Please, tell me I can do something, I can't just watch you die.'
'This is the way it ends.' Nakatami said sadly.
If there was a way to save him, he would have told me.
The familiar notification bell rang.
[The Rulers have noticed your arrival. You will be sent back to World 144.]
The scenery changed. I wiped my eyes and the world returned to its original resolution. I was still sad, but I didn't want to show it. My dad always told me to stay strong.
Then, I remembered. The Creator of the Tower had told me that both me and Nakatami were important to the Rulers. What would they think of his death? I got my answer almost straight after.
The notification bell rang again.
[An announcement from the Rulers has arrived. Check your inbox.]
'Inbox!' I cried.
[1 new notification: Announcement from the Rulers. OPEN MESSAGE]
I pressed the open button.
[Dear Users of the Interface System, we Rulers have an announcement to tell you all. The second potential candidate has died and is now here at the Heavenly Domain. We can now learn if he is truly the second reincarnation or not. Please gather here to lend your powers to unlock the Records of God.
Signed, The Leader of the Ruler's Council.
Translated into the language of World 144 by The Developers.]
Candidates? Reincarnation? Record Of God? Developers?
So many questions but no one could answer them. Except for one person...