The room was still, bathed in the dim glow of the setting sun. Shadows stretched across the floor, elongating like silent witnesses to Joey's final moments in this world. He sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his open palms, as if trying to memorize the weight of this life before it slipped away.
A soft chime echoed in his ears.
System Alert:
Mission Status: Complete. Evaluating the success of the mission.
The system's voice was steady, almost indifferent, but Joey could hear the finality in its tone. He took a slow breath, bracing himself for the words that followed.
System Evaluation:
Mission Objective: Make Rael happy and ensure he moves forward in life, free from the burdens of the past.
Success Criteria: Emotional growth and stability for the target character, Rael.
Status: Mission Successful.
Analysis: Rael has achieved a state of emotional clarity. He has begun to open up to the people around him and has gained confidence in his own path forward. However, his memories of heartbreak prevent him from seeking love. Even so, he is a winner in life.
Conclusion: The mission was executed with precision, though a slight deviation occurred.
Next step: Transition to the next world or take a short rest.
Joey let the words sink in. A success. He had done everything right. Rael was happier now, wasn't he? Then why did it feel like something was missing?
A deep, dull ache settled in his chest, something he couldn't quite explain. He had always known this would be temporary. He had prepared himself for the inevitable farewell. But as he lay back against the pillow, he found himself whispering to the empty room:
"I wish I could have stayed."
His eyelids felt heavy. The exhaustion of his mission pulled him under like an unseen tide. His breathing evened out, and soon, the world around him faded into darkness.
A figure stepped out from the shadows, the glow of the system screen casting a faint blue light across his sharp features. He was tall, his dark hair falling slightly over his forehead, his gaze locked onto the sleeping boy. His expression was unreadable—cold, distant, and yet... something flickered in his dark eyes.
A screen floated before him.
Erase host's memory of the first world?
[Yes] [No]
His long fingers hovered over the controls. A moment of hesitation. Then, with decisive ease, he tapped Yes.
A soft hum filled the air as a faint golden light lifted from Joey's body—memories, emotions, fleeting traces of his time with Rael. They twisted and curled like smoke, disappearing into the system's hand. The figure tilted his head slightly, watching the light dissolve as he absorbed it into himself.
If anyone were watching, they would notice the resemblance.
Rael.
But not quite.
He gave Joey one last glance before stepping back into the shadows.