Monochrome world. On the endlessly extending gray land, the battle between me and Totmusica finally came to an end. If it weren't for the pseudo Uta World within our souls, it would have been a battle on a scale that could have destroyed the world ten times over.
Totmusica was truly strong. Even facing me at my full power, it didn't retreat an inch and fought for a considerable amount of time.
However, in the end, I secured victory. I hold Totmusica's neck, whose mask and body are full of cracks, and the skeletons that were floating in the air all drop to the ground as Totmusica slumps.
"...Did you feel relieved after letting out everything and fighting with all your might, Totmusica...? I did too. It was my first time going all out like this."
Totmusica remains silent in response to me holding its neck. It no longer has the strength to fight, and if I apply a little more force with the hand holding its neck, Totmusica's body will shatter.
Looking at me with a cracked mask, Totmusica seemed to be accepting its defeat.
"I intended to destroy you like this and assimilate your power into my soul... but, I wonder? I feel a little regretful now."
Having fought with Totmusica, pouring out all our emotions against each other, I felt something akin to sentimentality. I felt that it would be a shame to erase it just like this.
So, the original plan changes slightly... I tell Totmusica.
"Totmusica... come with me. You've been sealed away for a long time, and you probably don't know the world, right? If you absolutely want to destroy the world, that's a different story, but if not... let's go together. I'll show you the world."
After listening to my words in silence, Totmusica nods after some thought. Then, its mask splits vertically, and from within, a sinister black sphere emitting a malevolent aura appears.
This is essentially Totmusica's core... something like its soul. Offering it means that Totomusica has accepted my proposal.
Reaching out to the sphere filled with deep resentment, I feel a sensation of consciousness rapidly surfacing.
***
Before I knew it, the sky had been dyed a madder red, and the sea stretching before me as I sat amidst the debris was also colored by the evening sun.
Considering the time I came to Elegia, several hours had passed... no, wait? I feel like the battle in the pseudo-world lasted much longer.
Taking out a clock from my pocket to check the date... a whole day had passed. It seems that I enjoyed the battle with Totmusica so much that I fought at full power for over a day.
I look at my right hand with a wry smile. The sheet music of Totmusica that I should have been holding is gone, and instead, the mask is clenched in my hand.
A mask that resembles Totmusica's face... only the mouth has changed into the shape of a smile. Come to think of it, CP agents sometimes wear masks during their activities, but I didn't have my own mask.
Slowly, I put on the mask and gaze at the sunset through its eyes.
"...Hey, Totmusica. I think there are two possible outcomes that await me. One is to despair at not obtaining what I desire, no matter how much I struggle or how many possibilities I explore, and to bring about the destruction of this world."
In my head, I understand it. Even if I were to explore every possibility, I know that the ordinary happiness I once wished for will never return to my hands... but still, for now, I can dream.
I can still hope that there might be a faint possibility. However, if I were to lose that hope and despair at the world, then I would probably destroy the world out of resentment.
"The other outcome is... due to the compensation of what I lost and the memories of a previous life that I hold sacred, the happiness I gain in this world surpasses what I had in the past, and this world becomes more important to me than the previous one... a future where my thirst is finally quenched. I probably await one of these two futures."
I also sense the possibility here. At first, I had no intention of cherishing anything other than myself. But still, there are beings towards whom my feelings have gradually shifted. The things I have gained in this world are gradually taking up a larger space in my heart.
So, perhaps someday, there might be a future where my thirst is quenched... it's a possibility.
"... Totmusica, if the time comes when I decide to destroy the world, and if you share the same sentiment, let's destroy the world together. If at that time you feel something for this world, you can stand in my way. Or if there comes a time when I cherish this world, and you have gained something too, let's continue to watch over the world together. On the other hand, if at that time, you still wish to destroy the world... then I will finish you off for good."
Saying this, I remove the mask and smile while holding it up to the sunset.
"Just with that, there are four possible futures for you. It's fine to have more than me... well, both you and I still have so many things we don't know, haven't seen, and haven't experienced. It's too early to despair at the world... so let's stay together for a while."
In response to my words, the left eye of the mask blinks red, and after seeing that, I smile faintly and press the mask against my chest.
The mask seems to be absorbed into my body as I slowly stand up from the debris.
I can understand it instinctively. It's like marking a point on a map...
Immediately after thinking that, I find myself standing on the roof of Elegia Castle. I see, this is the instantaneous movement... I need to get used to this sensation quickly. But more importantly...
"...Kukuku, hahaha! Ahahahaha!!"
Laughter spills out. I feel so refreshed. This is the first time I've felt like this since my evolution through body modification.
Perhaps it was because I gained Totmusica's magical power, or perhaps it was due to the fusion with Totmusica, transforming my soul into something that is neither Spandum nor Totomusica... the reason is uncertain, but there's one thing I am sure of.
My shackles... are now released.
Thoughts flow through my mind like a swift current. Ideas that I had never thought of before keep coming to me... I take out a communicator and make a call.
And just with one ring, Pochi answers... come to think of it, this guy always picks up with just one ring...
"Yes. What's up, Captain?"
"Pochi, inform Lucci and the others. With the information from you guys and other CPs, I've found the location of Pluto's blueprints. In five days, I'll go to the site directly and resolve this matter... oh, and make an appointment with the Five Elders for the day before that, there are some permissions I want to obtain."
"Understood... Captain, you seem to be in a very good mood."
"Yeah, I feel so refreshed after a long time. I think I can understand the feelings of those who shout about freedom."
Pochi noticed even though I tried to keep my voice as usual. Well, Pochi would notice...
"...Pochi, for now, I'm planning to return home. Prepare a meal for me."
"Do you have any specific preferences?"
"Just leave it to... no, cook something you're good at."
"Understood."
"Then, talk to you later."
After saying that, I end the call. I can't help but let out a small smile. Come to think of it, Pochi was the reason... the reason why I started to believe that there might be not just one but two possible futures for me...
Whether it leads to despair or whether I start to feel a glimmer of hope in the end... well, I still don't know which path it will be, but I'll keep my expectations high.
Before my eyes, the madder red sea, dyed by the sunset, seemed more beautiful than any sunset I had ever seen before.
***
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