It was visible that Lumi's body was changing, growing, and getting replaced by Frostbane's as she continued.
"The past users saw me as a tool… but you were the first one who took care of me, kept renewing me, applying oil on me with a soft cotton cloth after every battle we fought, talking with me about your secrets which you never shared with others… Your smile! Your kindness! The selflessness hidden in you was what drew me toward you… and even now…" Frostbane said, caressing Void's cheek. Her hands were trembling as if she were threatened by someone or something.
"And maybe the thought of being your trusted companion made me feel good, but the day Lumi entered the realm, she took control over me, over everything I used to handle. I was just there observing her… Seeing her serve you, protect you… while I was just getting pushed away from you…" she shivered.
"I was scared of losing you… of disappearing completely… I got possessive. I wanted to get you back, and slowly as you started spending time with her, I saw that… this girl surely had feelings for you… she wasn't fully aware of her identity either… so I decided to take control over her and fight you… not to kill you, but to break this girl completely and take my place back…" Lumi put her head down, unable to meet Void's eyes, ashamed of her actions.
"I'm the only one who can serve Void… he was born for me… and here, absolutely no one except that other idiot knows the reality of Void… that's right! He's mine even if others claim to be with him… I hold control over him, as for this brat… huh!"
"I was impressed by the way she took control over the blade from me and perfectly enchanted the spells. Moreover, I'm thankful to her that she gave me a chance to take control over your body until you could get hold of your thoughts back! But I don't want to disappear… I… want to stay with you… And I don't want this brat to go either… Please forgive me… I didn't mean what I did… it's ju—"
Void took Frostbane, who was in Lumi's body, into his embrace while Vexia wiped her tears, a relieved smile on her face.
"Shh… Frostbane… you had your own reason… I don't know if this is the right thing to do or not, but it's better if you talk with Lumi first… and about forgiving you…"
Void pulled back, meeting her eyes, and said, "I was always indebted to you since the day you chose me, making me who I am today!" With that, Void stood up as all the other students began disappearing.
"So don't ever think I'll let you go like this. Settle the matter quickly; I might need your help soon!" Void said as he walked toward where the top 50 students were gathered, with Vexia following behind him as she was one of them.
Meanwhile, Lumi and Frostbane both returned to the realm of Void as he sent them back…
"I am sorry for playing with your mind… and as punishment, please… end me here and take control over me. This way, you'll be able to switch between human and blade form at your will. You'll have life… a purpose…" Frostbane said, walking toward Lumi, who was holding a blade.
"I'm thankful that my last master let me feel warmth even though he cursed me with his love… A-at least now I can die peacefully," Frostbane said as she walked closer, opening her arms to embrace her death with all her pleasure.
"I'm sorry, Void… My feelings are a curse you gave me… though it was the most pleasant time I had with you. All this time I saw you grow, become stronger, twist the fate written for you. I did wish to stay beside you and make the dream you once saw…
But I guess this is the end for me as my duty is to stay devoted and loyal to my master… and I've failed in that… I'm sorry, Void… my master, my love. You have my blessings!
Go… and survive all your death flags! Maybe somewhere in my next life… If I get a chance to meet you again, to be something more and understand these feelings better… as for now farewell my love…"
"Hey! Eliza, do you have any idea where Void is…?" Samuel asked, having somehow entered the top 50. Not just him—Eliza, Celine, Lora, Merry, Sophie, and Echidna, whom we recently met, had also arrived in the top 50.
"I don't know, Mr… I mean, Samuel… Sir Middletown managed to keep himself on top, though he first dropped to the 100th rank, but during the very last moment, he reached 4th rank, dominating everyone and keeping his promise!" Eliza replied, sheathing her sword.
"That's certainly true! Sadly, we weren't able to have our duel!" Celine said, crossing her arms below her ample, rounded bosom, one hand resting on her cheek. Her voice was calm, yet there was a hint of bitter sadness.
"I… don't know what happened further… Mr. Void, I… would have given a ride to you too… just how bold Vexia looked when she pulled him… and just how happy Void looked as he rode on her back," Sophie muttered, biting her nails.
"I did see some of his glances as he was riding that unicorn… as philanderous as ever!" a male
"Look who's talking about being philanderous… Aelius Maynard! At least he keeps his promises, not like you, running away after licking over one product!" A male
"Are you done already…? Please keep your mind straight; we still have a big competition left!" A
"That… that's right… we shouldn't… I mean, we should focus on fighting!" An
"Ahh! Don't teach me, you pathetic!! Where is that brat? Is he scared of fighting me or what?" a
"Heheh… I don't think so, Gallus! Don't say such a thing about the man whom you admire! I know you're his secret fan, you even got two fiancées too, and I know how you were cheering him during the duel!" A male
"Brother, don't tease him. Void has many different things aside from him being philan— I mean, aside from his charm!" A
"Aren't you too happy to see him in the top list at the last moment? Do you know what happened and how he got there?" A
"Yo… sorry for being late… I'm sorry, I realized I got a sprain and Vexia was helping me with healing it, hehe!" Void entered, riding on Vexia's back (actual horse riding).