[Go on.]
[You can hear his true thoughts from before he passed.]
[It's only a mere shadow of his true self, but the thoughts and actions are all true.]
[This is the Aki moments before you awoke in that room.]
I didn't want to accept it, but my mind and heart needed to know...
If what she said, by any chance, was all true, then didn't it mean that Aki suffered so much in silence he wanted to die?
That my stupid choice to keep my distance didn't matter if he was already suffering with such intense pain that death was his only choice?!
[Do not beat yourself up, talk.]
[He just discovered that his mother and father were in an accident, and those so-called 'Heroes' showed him a video of 'You' happily having sex with them.]
[So he had nobody to turn to and came here.]
There was a strange feeling of disbelief, but the breeze on my skin and the dark red sky were like the day we suddenly appeared in the castle...
My feet moved towards him despite the fear of what I may learn.
***
"Akira?"
My voice almost cracked seeing his dark face without any shred of the confidence he has now.
He was still the boy I liked, his eyes sunken and dark from staying up too late now puffy and red as he was likely crying alone up here.
"Eh... R-Rena!?"
The reaction was so amusing he quickly began to act shy, wiping his face and turning around, unlike now, where he lies naked with everything on show...
It was fresh.
It was Aki!
"What's the matter? You are here alone so late..." Maybe her words were false, and he felt like seeing the late afternoon sky.
"Mmmm... I just..." His eyes looked at me, moving from my neck, lips, breasts and lower body. Then, biting his lips, I could even see the muscles in his hands tighten as he dug his nails into his hand.
After that, his face showed reluctance before changing to acceptance.
"Felt like I wanted to return to being a kid again..."
I wanted to move closer, but some watery veil blocked me... His fake, broken smile while looking at me with such a fragile aura.
[You cannot stop the actions he will take... Ask him questions, those of the Aki who is lost forever.]
[Questions you still keep in your chest, not the boring ones you say to avoid the truth.]
This damn goddess was toying with me like a devil, always seeing into my depths and using Aki as a weapon...
I swore to one day slap her face!
My lips trembled, and my legs felt weak as I closed my eyes tight, mimicking the weak and dark Aki, my fingernails pushing into my palms as blood dripped on the stone floor.
"Aki, can I ask you something?"
Unable to see his face or reaction, my eyes clamped shut.
"Nmm... of course."
I know it's stupid, but hearing that woman's words and the things Aki was shown. I needed to hear it from his lips!
"Do you think I am dirty?"
"..."
His answer never came; there was silence as the birds and distant students played loudly as they started to leave.
It was then his voice sounded.
"I don't think... Rena is that kind of girl..."
"But even if she were, I would still like her as much as I do now."
"Rena, in my eyes, could never be dirty."
Hahaha... Is this really how he felt after I left him to be bullied and turned a blind eye for so longer?
No, this cannot be his memory and is more like my selfish delusion, right?
I opened my eyes, hoping to see the figure even if it was my desire; what did that matter after all? Aki never once said I was dirty or disgusting!
He even knows it was my first time.
Then I saw a view that should never have entered my eyes, and the veil disappeared as Aki jumped his fleeting smile before vanishing from my sight...
Rushing forward, I smashed the steel gate, hoping to follow him easily, tearing it apart despite my shoulder screaming in agony.
Only to see him hit the floor... the moment the huge white sigil that wrapped the school flashed and sucked in the people around his body.
Aki died outside our classroom, and I was returned to the darkness where that woman lingered in the creeping shadows.
[My name is Medea, goddess of Death and Rebirth.]
[However... that is only for demons, monsters and dark races.]
[My common name in the Human Kingdoms is Dea, the Evil Goddess of Deceit and Death.]
"..."
"What will happen to someone summoned while dead?"
[Normally, that bitch would discard them like food scraps inedible to eat.]
[Maybe some lesser beings would eat the remains of his soul like a dog or cat does fallen meat.]
Aki was just some scraps; she had no use for him because he was dead. It hurt to know his fate before, but why did he appear when we were summoned?
[I gave him a temporary life to give him a choice.]
[Now I give you one... It's time for you to answer before she notices your absence.]
"..."
[How far are you willing to stay beside your beloved Aki?]
[He cast aside his memories of the past to accept you without worries.]
[What about you?]
Somehow, this woman's voice seemed more animated when speaking about Aki. It wasn't affection or love, but there was something she seemed to feel, maybe even subconsciously, towards him.
I decided to bet on that feeling...
"Anything, if you can fix my body and allow me to support him, I will accept whatever happens!"
[Hahaha! Good, then you will become his Holy Maiden!]
"Eh? Like Shinohara?"
[Shhhh~ remember he cannot know of this fact. He doesn't know about becoming my Hero.]
[A hero with no bindings, no rules or chains to keep his power limited to a controlled level]
[Fufufu~ How exciting the future is, that woman, will she even see it coming?]
My mind was suddenly numb as a strange black aura began to pulsate around me before it entered me through my nose, lips and ears... flooding inside me with darkness and creating a cold and terrifying feeling.
[Do not worry Rena]
[I would never harm only one existence: Aki.]
[Now serve him well as his bitch and wife.]
Her words seemed to be a different language. Only the words Aki and that sentence seemed to soothe my current panic and fear...
⟪Accepted the Goddess of Death and Rebirth Blessing⟫
⟪New Race: Gobella (Goblin Variant) ⟫
⟪New Class: Gobellan Berserker⟫
— Gobella
The Gobella lineage emerges as an extraordinary subvariant of goblins, renowned for their distinctive fusion of raw physical might, unyielding resilience, captivating beauty, and profound devotion.
These goblins have paved a unique path by interweaving their traditional goblin heritage with an unmatched display of strength, allure, and unwavering affection.
The name "Gobella" melds "gob," representing their goblin lineage, with a touch of "Bella," accentuating their exceptional physical and aesthetic qualities.
Gobellas boast a unique physique, defined by sinewy muscles and fluid grace.
Their robust, lithe forms elevate their striking beauty, presenting a spellbinding contrast of power and allure. The eyes of Gobella often aglow with an ethereal gleam, a mirror of their inner strength and fortitude.
Contrary to conventional goblin norms, Gobellas are celebrated for their unshakable endurance and determination.
Thriving amidst challenges, they epitomize resilience in the face of adversity. Proficient as warriors, defenders, and combatants, these goblins excel in gruelling journeys and physical confrontations.
Their enchanting aura extends beyond their appearance, drawing others like moths to a flame, radiating reverence and fascination. Possessing a commanding presence and a voice that resonates with authority, Gobellas naturally assume leadership roles within their communities.
Gobellas have a unique approach to romance and affection, often devoted to a single partner.
Unlike their conventional goblin counterparts, forging deep and lasting bonds, their affectionate nature, combined with their physical and mental strengths, makes them both protectors and companions in relationships.
The Gobella society honours its strengths through physical competitions and tests of mettle.
They perceive beauty as an embodiment of inner resilience, embracing their distinctive duty as protectors of allure, might, and enduring love.