Everything went according to plan. Saymon clearly underestimated my power and technique. He seemed to believe that I created explosions by controlling my aura, but in reality, my body didn't produce them through aura; it merely served to amplify the explosions that my body naturally generated. By infusing my aura into my blood, I created an explosion that made his face explode.
The plan was daring, but there was no other option for victory. Sacrificing a part of myself in exchange for victory was a choice I willingly made. However, I didn't anticipate how spectacular the result would be. The explosion made Saymon's head burst magnificently, like a spectacle in the sky that everyone could admire.
The explosion hit me too, but thanks to my resilience, I managed to endure it. However, the force of the explosion sent me obliquely flying away. Due to the injury and exhaustion, I couldn't channel explosions as easily as before.
'I will die.'
I kept trying to generate explosions, but I realized I couldn't produce the same amount as before. Soon, I began to fall. It would be comforting if the clouds were tangible, like soft cushions where I could rest when I fell. However, I passed through the clouds like mere veils.
'I'm sorry, Izumi. Our promise… Argh! My consciousness is…'
My eyes closed slowly, and as a result, I lost consciousness.
'Where am I? My body is cold and aching. I can't see anything. Have I died already?'
I lay on the cold, hard ground, feeling the wind blow gently over my body. The sensation was familiar, as if I were experiencing one of the punishments my father used to give me in my childhood. He used to make me lie on my back outdoors as a punishment. The feeling I had now was similar but much more intense.
At that moment, I found myself wondering if this was the afterlife. If it were, I regretted not enjoying life more while I still had it. Deeply regretful for not expressing how much I admired Izumi. If I survived, I wouldn't let this opportunity pass. Even though I felt embarrassed about admitting my feelings, I would try.
Another regret that haunted me was not giving Idalme the chance she deserved. She was incredible, and I had been foolish not to realize it earlier. If there were a way to turn back time, I would definitely change my actions.
And then there was Ui, with her exotic appearance. Her white hair and rosy skin made her unique, except for her black eyes, which added a special touch to her beauty. I found myself lamenting not deepening our connection.
'Is it rosy down there too? Hehe!'
It wasn't possible to discern the size of her breasts precisely due to the way the lightweight armor covered them. However, it was clear that they weren't small. A feeling of envy arose because Izumi had the privilege of enjoying that stunning body, not to mention the incredibly slender and robust legs.
'Sorry, Izumi. For coveting your woman.'
Knowing my death was imminent, I wished to allow myself to imagine a bit of that. Suddenly, a feeling of warmth enveloped my body, and it was incredibly pleasant to feel that comforting sensation. As the warmth spread, my pain gradually decreased.
'Could this be paradise?'
The environment remained shrouded in darkness. With a persistent feeling that maybe I was destined for hell, I ended up considering it might be the most fitting choice. Well, I considered it to be the most fitting choice, so I waited with the expectation that Izumi would join me.
'Wait for me, hell!'
"No! Don't go there, Max."
The voice that reached me belonged to Idalme. Deep down, I wished that hell was a place that allowed their presence, so perhaps I could have a chance to make amends for at least one of my regrets.
My eyes gradually started to open on their own. My vision returned, and I began to observe the surroundings carefully before rising carefully. There was Idalme, radiating an intense brightness that filled the space.
Upon opening my eyes, it seemed that I had left hell and entered heaven itself.
'So, does hell also shine?'
I was aware that this was a trap. It seemed impossible that hell would house someone like Idalme, but the uncontrollable desire spoke louder, prompting me to move toward her.
"Wait for me, Idalme."
"Yes, Max! Come to me!"
She smiled warmly and reached out her hand toward me. A wave of excitement began to grow within me, but I struggled to keep it under control, avoiding it becoming embarrassing. I gently took her hands and, with a smile on my face, I embraced her.
"I'll never leave you again."
"Do you like me that much?"
"Yes."
I began by kissing her neck delicately. Tension and desire had reached their limit, and even though we were in a place that could be considered hell, I was determined to savor every moment.
"Max. Not here."
"Just a little longer."
"Could you do this somewhere else? How embarrassing."
The voice belonged to Ui. And, to my surprise, she was also present in this place. Although I had never considered anything like that, at that moment, I decided to give in to this experience.
"Come, Ui, let's enjoy together."
"What?"
"What?"
I was surprised by their reaction and started to observe the environment more closely. I realized the place was strangely familiar. It was a space that resembled an arena, with windows all around that allowed light to enter. At that moment, it clicked, and I realized I had made a big mistake.
"What? I'm alive?!"
I began to tremble and looked back at Ui.
"Ui, don't tell Izumi, please."
"Don't worry. I'll just say your friend is a traitor."
I went over to Ui and knelt beside her.
"Please, Ui. I'll do anything you want."
"Xixixixixixi! Relax, I won't tell anything."
"Max!" I didn't dare look back, but I had the feeling that Idalme was glaring at me.
"Idalme, I can explain," I said as I looked back.
"Explain what? We're just friends."
That was an aspect of her personality that I was completely unaware of. Her lovely expression, arms crossed, and a pout on her lips took me by surprise. I approached her carefully, letting the softness of my fingers gently caress her head.
"Don't worry about it," I brought my lips close to her ear. "It's only you I want," I whispered softly.
She turned red. But wait. How was it possible that they were alive? Shouldn't they be dead?
"Wait. How did you two survive?"
"Oh, that," Ui said.
"It was thanks to me, insect."