The battle between the false god created by human hands and the
ancient hero that still exists in the present day remains only in the
memory of one girl who witnessed it up close, and is never known by
anyone else.
Two weeks have passed since the battle, and on the artificial island
with only one building on it, Alicia was sitting on a wooden bench,
gazing at the starry sky.
The huge walls that surrounded Makina's house had all been destroyed
because they were in the way, so they could see the stars more clearly
than before.
As Alicia sat in that place, Makina came up to her with two mugs in her
hands.
[Here, Alicia.]
[Hmm? Thanks~~]
When Alicia thanked her for the mug of hot milk, Makina smiled and sat
down next to Alicia.
Their life on the artificial island has returned to the way it was before
the artificial god appeared… but yes, that's only on the surface…
The artificial god has certainly disappeared and Makina is now a free
woman. However, that doesn't mean that nothing has changed. No,
perhaps… there may be things that will change now.
[…Hey, Alicia. There's something I need to talk to you about.]
[Unnn?]
[I should have told you about this sooner, but I'm pretty confused about
this myself, so it took me a while to gather my thoughts.]
[Fumu.]
After seeing Alicia nodding her head, Makina took the mug in both
hands, took a sip, and slowly looked up at the twinkling starry sky, she
continued.
[…Having been captured by the core of that artificial god and being in
contact with powerful magic power… and I've understood something.
I'm talking about "my true power".]
[True power?]
[Unnn. My power wasn't clairvoyance… No, it's more accurate to say
that clairvoyance was only a small part of my power.]
While inside the core of an artificial god, having touched great magic
power… the magic power of a being who had once been called a god,
even though it was imperfect, Makina's body had undergone changes.
No, perhaps, it would be more apt to say that she realized her true
power, which she hadn't known until now, and awakened it.
[…The true power that I hold… is "omniscience"… If I wanted to know
something, I could know about anything. It was a divine power that was
far beyond the reach of a human.]
[Heehhh~~ Is that so?]
[Unnn… wait, unnn?]
[Speaking of which, I'd like some teacakes. Don't you think that some
bitter cookies go with hot milk? Errr, I think I have some stored away
somewhere…]
[…A- Arehh? D- Did I make a mistake in explaining it? S- Sorry, Alicia, I'll
say it again.]
[Unnn?]
When Makina spoke, looking like she had made up her mind, Alicia just
nodded her head, looking the same as usual. On the contrary, she
shifted to another topic, as if to say that she wasn't so interested.
Confused by Alicia's unexpected reaction, Makina decided to tell her the
same thing again.
[…The true power that I hold… is omniscience.]
[Didn't you say that earlier?]
[I- I guess so.]
[Unnn.]
[…No, ehhhhh!?]
[Whoa!? What's up with the sudden shouting?]
When Makina told her about this again with a serious expression on her
face, Alicia's reaction was as weak as ever.
[No, no, I just said something pretty serious, you know!? Isn't your
reaction too light!? Isn't this where you should be a little more
surprised!?]
[U- Unnn? I should be more surprised… Alright. Well then, take three
please.]
[Eh? Take three? U- Unnn…]
And for some reason, when Makina was asked to do a take three, even
though she was feeling really confused, she dutifully said it again.
[…T- The true power that I hold… is omniscience.]
[OH MY JESUS, UNBELIEVABLE!… omnomnom… HOW COULD THIS
BE!? THIS IS TOO UNREAL!]
[Could you stop sounding like you're reading in monotone!? Heck,
you're even eating a cookie while saying your line!!! Eeehhhh! What the
heck is with your reaction!? I had a hard time deciding whether to talk
about this or not, you know!?]
[No, even if you say that… Even if Makina's power is actually
omniscience, it's not like that changes anything. No matter what kind of
power you have, Makina is still my best friend.]
[Fghh… S- Saying such a cool line here… is cheating.]
Makina's true power being omniscience certainly may be quite
tremendous. However, that doesn't mean that their relationship will
change because of it, and Alicia herself has powers far beyond her own
so far, it didn't bother her that much.
[…Haahh… I was so nervous that I feel at a disadvantage here. Well, I
guess that certainly is like you, Alicia.]
[I'll just take that as a compliment. So, what did you want to talk
about?]
[…No, well, about that… I guess this is what I really want to talk about
to you.]
As soon as she said that, Makina looked straight into Alicia's eyes and
began to speak with a serious expression on her face. There was no
unreliability on her face, and she seemed to have a firm will.
[…Hey, Alicia. I've found something I want to do.]
[Something you want to do?]
The words Makina said may have been a response to when Alice once
asked her if she wanted to run away, telling her "she doesn't even have
anything she wanted to do"… She had no reason to leave the island back
then, having no purpose, but now, she had found her answer.
[Unnn. The world certainly is filled with suffering, sorrow and pain. But,
as Alicia showed me, there is also hope. Lots of emotions shape the
world. And to such a wonderful world… I thought I wanted to also
"create" such a world.]
[Creating a world, the conversation suddenly turned big.]
Creating a world. It would have been something that would be laughed
at as ridiculous. But Alicia didn't laugh at her words. Caught by the core
of the artificial god, she had read the negative emotions of the world,
but she had also found her own wish. There was no reason to laugh at
that.
[…I want to be a "god". Whether it's their joy, sorrow, pain or anger… I
want to be a god who can affirm all of them and love them for what they
are…]
[...…]
What had Makina learned and thought in the two weeks since she had
awakened to the tremendous power of omniscience? Alicia, who
doesn't have omniscience, doesn't know.
The only thing that she is certain… is that "becoming a god" is the
future and goal that Makina wished for the first time in her life.
[Is it possible?]
[I dunno, that's not for me to decide. If Makina has the answer in your
mind, all I have to do is cheer for you to do your best.]
[Unnn. Thanks, Alicia.]
That's why, Alicia affirmed her dream. The result of her dearest best
friend's wish… Even though she was quite clear "about what her words
meant", she still pushed her back forward.
[…However, is it possible for you to become a god just by wanting to?]
[I understood how to do it with my omniscience. It's just that I needed
something. And that is… something Alicia possesses.]
[Fumu.]
[…That's why, please, Alicia. Will you give me… the "Great Evil god's
Core" that you hold? Ah, no, I don't mind if you just lend it to me, okay?]
Listening to the words Makina quietly said, a serious expression…
didn't appear on Alicia's face, and digging into an empty space, she
pulled out what looked like a large crystal ball.
With the recovery of the last 20% of the shards used on the artificial
god, Alicia held the Great Evil god's core in its complete form…
[Alright, here.]
[Unnn, I know it's not something you can just easily part with! That also
holds Alicia's precious memor——— Eeeeehhhhh!?]
[You sure scream a lot today~~]
[Of course, I will scream! Why did you nonchalantly take it out!? What
about the nervousness I'm feeling when I'm asking this to you!?]
[No, I mean, to me, this is just a crystal ball with a large amount of
magic power in it, so I don't really need it.]
[…What is this? Even though this is just going according to what I wish,
but my heart doesn't really feel content…]
With a complicated expression on her face, Makina received the Great
Evil god's core from Alicia.
[So, how do you become a god?]
[Errr, I'm going to reproduce the Great Evil God's core inside my body
while analyzing it with my omniscience. Ahh, but I'm going to
reproduce it for my own use, so it might not be quite the same as
duplicating it.]
[…Will it be ready soon?]
[About a month.]
[I see.]
[…Unnn.]
The atmosphere between Alicia and Makina turned somewhat somber.
They understood, for it is something obvious… Makina, saying that she
would "create a world", meant that the two of them would part ways.
Alicia continues to search for something in this world, and Makina tries
to create a new world… The two of them couldn't walk the same path.
The both of them felt that the time to say goodbye was approaching, but
they didn't say anything about it. However, the month that had passed
since they had talked about it seemed to have gone by faster than ever.
Exactly one month later, they were sitting on a bench, looking up at the
same starry sky.
[You know, even if you say that you've become a God, I don't feel like
you've changed much.]
[Fufufu, that's true. My standing right now is just on the level of
someone "who just rejected humanity". I guess the only thing that's
changed is that I've become immortal? I can't use most of my abilities as
a God yet.]
After exchanging such words with wry smiles on their faces, Alicia's
expression turned serious as she asked.
[…Are you going to leave this world?]
[Unnn. I can't create a new world if I stay in this one after all… it may
have a different form, but I'm now a traveler just like you, Alicia.]
[I think the scale is quite different though… Well, I guess we are the
same in that both of us are traveling.]
[Unnn. I think I will try to travel around various worlds first. Then, after
I do that and finished mastering my powers as a God, I'll try to build my
own world.]
[Sounds like a solid approach. The interesting times would be short
though…]
When Makina told her that she will hone her power as a god as she
travels around the world, Makina responded to her words with a kind
smile on her face.
As if she's holding dear the time that they have left to spend together…
[Fufufu, you're right. So, one day, I'd like Alicia to see the world I've
created.]
[That would be… if I'm still alive by then.]
When she heard Alicia's words, Makina slowly got up from the bench.
Then, with a lonely look on her face, she turned to Alicia and slowly
spoke to her.
[…I'd like to always keep talking to you like this, but I don't think that
would be possible, right?]
[…Well, I guess so.]
[That's why, I think it's time I get going.]
[Unnn…"Rejected".]
[Alicia, you should also take care of your———– Eh?]
Makina told Alicia that it was time for her to leave this world, but the
words Alicia said… was an unexpected refusal. After a moment of shock
at the unexpected words, slightly confused, Makina spoke.
[A- Arehh? This is strange… Isn't this the situation where we're going to
do that? Weren't we supposed to have a touching goodbye or something
here?]
[That might be so. However, I reject it! Makina still has some unfinished
business!!!]
[Eh? I- Is that so!?]
[That's right! In the first place, it's ridiculous for you to think of going
around various worlds to build your one, when "you don't even know
this world very well"!]
When she saw Alicia pointing at her with such force that it felt like it
made a sound effect, a puzzled look appeared on Makina's face. And at
the same time, the thought "Ahh, I'm going to be pushed around like
this" popped out of her mind.
[H- However, I have my omniscience.]
[Haahhh… This is why naive island girls are no good. Bear this in mind,
okay!? "Knowledge without experience is meaningless"!]
[W- What should I do… You're very persuasive… Errr, in short… What
are we going to do? Heck, what are you planning to make me do?]
[Unnn, that's why, I announced the start of "Doki! Round-the World Trip
for two"!]
[Eeehhhh!? I- I see, so that's what you're talking about… Is it too greedy
of me to ask you to not just brush aside the determination and
resolution of the solemn me?]
[Makina would also have a nip slip event of her own!!!]
[Like hell, there is! There won't be such a thing!!!]
The parting of the two girls, Alicia and Makina, is a future that will
definitely come. But at least, their parting isn't today.
When Alicia declared something out of the blue, Makina was a little
taken aback, but smiled gently, as if to say "It can't be helped".
[Then, with that decided, let's immediately depart~~]
[You're doing things all of a sudden again. Well, I don't really have any
luggage to prepare, so it's fine———– wait, arehh? Hey, Alicia? What
are you doing? Why are you suddenly carrying me?]
[I'm thinking of moving immediately.]
[…That's weird. This doesn't look like we're going to move at all.]
As soon as the decision was made, Alicia lifted Makina up. Moreover, it's
not in a princess carry, as Alicia carried Makina like a sack on her
shoulder… Even in this state, it certainly would be easy for Alicia to
carry Makina. However, being in that situation filled Makina's heart
with anxiety.
That was because Alicia's current smile… looked like she was about to
pull off some prank.
[Well, you see, Makina can't use your divine power at all yet, so I
thought I'd carry you here.]
[U- Unnn, that's right. I'm not going to argue with you about that… but
you see, is it just my imagination? "You're not planning to throw me,
right"? It was just my imagination, right?]
[I've enclosed you in a barrier, so it's alright.]
[I don't see anything alright with that though!? Hey, what's going to
happen to me now?]
[…Can't you just look at your fate with your omniscience?]
[I don't want to look at it. I don't want to see it. I have a bad feeling
about it. I have a reeeeeally bad feeling about this…]
[Well, whether you see it or not, it's not like the result would change.]
After exchanging these words, Alicia held Makina up her shoulder aloft.
Seeing this, Makina looked as if she had given up for a moment before
she inhaled and prepared to scream.
[Makina, launch!]
[…ALICIA… YOU IDIOOOOOOOOT!!!]
As Makina was thrown with tremendous force into the night sky, Alicia
ran after her.
In addition, as a side note, a man in the distant future will be
transported just like this.
On the deck of a luxury cruise ship going through the night sea, Makina
could be seen leaning against the fence, breathing hard, with Alicia
smiling from behind.
[Well~~ It sure is nice traveling by boat at night.]
[…I have a lot of things I'd like to complain about… but for the time
being, please explain where we're going and other stuff I need to know.]
[For the time being, we're heading for Asia… more accurately, to Japan,
the country I was originally planning to visit.]
[Japan? What kind of country is that?]
[It's a small country, but it's a nice place. Errr, I think I have a guidebook
here…]
She wanted to complain about the fact that she was on a ship before she
knew it, but it was obvious that Alicia would just brush it off again. She
had already given up on that aspect after a few months of living with
Alicia, so she decided to put that aside and just decided to ask about the
place they're going to visit.
Pulling a guidebook out of nowhere, Alicia then spread it out in front of
Makina and pointed.
[It's autumn now, so the scenery over there is beautiful and there are
many delicious foods.]
[Heehhh… It does look like a beautiful place.]
[My recommendation would be their onsen. There's nothing like taking
a bath while looking at the beautiful scenery!]
[Fufufu, I see… I'm looking forward to it then.]
[Well, leave the sightseeing to the travel expert, Alicia-chan!]
[Unnn, I'm counting on you… but get a hold of your jokes, okay?]
[…Let's keep a positive view about the future and say I'll do my best.]
[That doesn't really sound reassuring.]
As they exchanged casual conversation, the two of them had natural
smiles on their faces. It was unknown whether one should say they
have good chemistry or not, but they felt that they could enjoy being
with each other even when they weren't doing anything special.
After chatting like that for a while, as if she suddenly had an idea, Alicia
smiled and suggested.
[Alright, Makina! Let's go to the onboard casino!]
[Again with the sudden stuff…]
[Despite appearances, I'm actually a pretty good gambler.]
[Despite appearances, you say… Well, that aside, Alicia certainly looked
like you'd be good at gambling.]
[Well, it has been my strong point back in the day. If you want, how
about we play a game?]
[…Alicia, you do understand what you're saying, right? I'm omniscient,
you know? Isn't that quite a reckless challenge you're doing?]
Receiving Alicia's provocative smile, Makina answered with confidence.
Even though she answered like that, Makina is completely new to
gambling.
[Then, the loser will face a punishment game. Ahh, but no roulettes.
Winning 36 times in a row might make people suspect cheating.]
[Fufufu, alright. If I lose, I'll do whatever one thing Alicia says!]
[That's a lot of confidence for someone who never gambled before.]
[…Fufun, even if it's Alicia… There's no way you can beat the omniscient
me!]
And then, a few hours later… in one of the top-quality, spacious rooms
of the cruise ship, Makina was shaking with a blushing red face. She was
currently wearing a bunny suit instead of her usual dress, and was
being photographed by Alicia, who looked like she was really having
fun.
[Unnn, unnn, it looks good on you. Yes, look this way~~]
[…Why… Why did I lose?… Even though… I'm omniscient…]
[No, no, it was a good game. It was a really close match~~ Yes, then
please wear this uniform next~~]
[Rather, Alicia, isn't it strange!? Fundamentally, you're too lucky!? Is it
possible for a royal straight flush to happen so quickly!?]
[Well~~ I guess I'm quite lucky? I've always had very good luck, so I'm
glad that this casino offers different payouts depending on the game. If
it wasn't for that, I'd have lost.]
[…Fghhh… That's cheating. I was using my omniscience to choose the
best moves… Even in blackjack, I would only get perfect 21s…]
[…The cheating one is that omniscience of yours. Well, come on, since
Makina was the one who suggested it, the "wear various costumes and
have a photo session" will still continue~~]
[Since when is this going to continue!? Geez, I feel like my face is going
to burst into flames, you know!?]
[About 40 more outfits, I think.]
[40!?]
Makina : [Speaking of which, that technique used in the last chapter…
It's quite rare for Alice to use a technique with a name, isn't it?]
? ? ? : [There's actually a small hidden story behind it, but that
technique "Pierce Hope" had been renamed to "Pierce Death" in the
Extra Chapter: The Visitor's Beginnings. This is also a metaphor for
Alice… Alicia's change in her mentality from "having hope for the
future" to "clinging on the past and wishing for death".]
(T/N: The technique names are actually in engrish, with a small
description beside it in Japanese. Don't see the need to include it. Also
changed c765's "Fierce Hope" to "Pierce Hope" because of this.)
Makina : [Heehhh… Such backstories are kind of interesting… Also, I
like that technique. It's like you're gathering the light of hope for a
strike, that sounds really cool!]
? ? ? : [Eh? Ahh, errr, isn't it!!!? You're right! That technique is a superadvanced technique that uses complex skills.]
Makina : [… That is a curious reaction… Let's check with my
omniscience———- Eh? That technique is just "throwing a knife filled
with magic power" and the reason why it looked like you were
gathering the light of hope is that Alice's magic power during
Ἑκατόγχειρες's Ultimate Battle Form is magic power of hope!?]
? ? ? : [...]
Makina : [...…]
? ? ? : [Let me explain! Pierce Hope and Pierce Death is… in short, an
"all-out knife throw"! Though to be honest, "I can do the same thing by
picking up some random rock and throwing it at people".]
Makina : [… What is this… This kinda feels like when I saw what's inside
the mascot costumes of amusement parks… Just knowing it destroyed
my dreams… This is something I want to know…]