It was a strange confrontation.
Olivia couldn’t help but stare blankly at Arrieta, who had gone into the rift with Oz.
Since she was originally the saintess’ escort, it would have been right to accompany her in a place where there was no known danger.
But she couldn’t.
‘It wasn’t my business to intervene.’
I instinctively understood.
That’s why I shouldn’t move, so I thought and acted that way.
That’s why I couldn’t do my duty.
“The door… … .”
the result now. The door that Janus opened begins to close.
It is the power that transcends the world and the world.
There is no way to return unless Janus permits it.
“Sit down for now. Because it seems like it will take a long time. How about playing a game?”
“… … If I win, will you open the door again?”
“yes? Oh, the door will open again later. I just kept it closed because I thought it would cause problems if I kept it open.”
“… … .”
It must be a golden opportunity.
It was as if Oz had been simply excluded from the battlefield.
The world Olivia saw through the rift was a place she had never seen.
There was a difference enough to tell that it was a vaguely different world.
And that must be the power of the key.
The unique power of the key cannot be imitated. If he leaves with the door closed as it is, Janus will be able to easily obtain victory.
That’s why I didn’t understand.
“For you, this must be a golden opportunity. Why?”
“I hate lies. That’s why I don’t want to lie as much as possible.”
“It is a lie.”
“Yeah, that’s a lie. But the truth is that I hate lies. I deceived others, I deceived myself.”
You’ve done the thing you hate the most.
I decided to endure now for the sake of the end. But there was something unacceptable.
“But as far as promises go, I won’t lie even if I die. If I can’t even protect that, everything I do will lose its meaning.”
Lying is easy.
But I can’t say that it’s necessarily bad. Isn’t there such a thing as a white lie in the world?
He did not unconditionally hate the act of deceiving others for the sake of others.
It is also easy to break promises.
But that’s not all.
Even if it’s for someone else. It’s not just fooling one person. It is the worst kind of deception that deceives not only the opponent but also oneself.
If you were going to break it in the first place, you shouldn’t have made a promise from the start.
That’s why the oath is heavy.
So just because it’s easy to break, don’t think it’s easy for yourself.
Janus’ purpose is to change the world. We will destroy the world where lies and deception prevail and create a world where we can face each other with the truth.
“Then I will quietly open the door for now.”
It’s not a lie to say that I sympathize with Oz now. Even though they were hostile, didn’t the opponent push their backs halfway?
So I decided to give it a chance.
It doesn’t take away that opportunity.
“Come on, Chess. Do you know how to do it?”
“I know how to do it. but… … .”
After setting up the chess, Janus asked Olivia.
“Can’t you?”
“… … .”
* * *
I’ve never felt any nostalgia.
When I was thrown into this world, I had no time to think about it.
When I entered ＜Skientia＞, there were many things to think about and many places to put my effort into, so I got used to it in an instant.
Then, how many times have I thought about the original world?
Well… … .
Was it about the moment he fed Stasia with Seonji Haejangguk?
Other than that, only when I realized I forgot my name.
When you are passing by, or when you are faced with a shocking situation.
Other than that time, I’ve never really thought deeply about the world.
“yes… … .”
And the moment I set foot on the modern earth, I vaguely understood it.
“Right.”
Tall buildings, congested roads, cars and buses, and various billboards and banners.
All landscapes I know.
but… … .
There was a huge building that I had never seen before.
There was a car model I didn’t know.
Names that seem unfamiliar and bus routes heading to unknown places.
From advertisements of unknown companies to banners seen for the first time.
The senses fade.
“hahahaha… … .”
Take a step.
They start moving toward a familiar but unfamiliar world. The air covered in soot was familiar yet painful.
“Oz-sama?”
“Fine.”
yes, that’s fine
I was afraid when I didn’t know. I was afraid to face the situation and held my breath.
But what about now?
“I’m OK.”
There was nothing special.
I was just terrified of not knowing anything.
Yes, that’s all.
Even if you say you can’t remember anything about yourself now.
Even if my world no longer counts as my world.
“no problem.”
There is no reason for me to stop.
and one step.
stepping out into the world again.
I feel a sense of heterogeneity in the familiar yet unfamiliar scenery of the world.
Then why don’t you think of it as a tourist? Moving with the feeling that you have arrived in person on a street that you have only seen in pictures for a long time?
“Uh, um. It’s a fun world.”
yes, it will be fun Isn’t tourism originally a heart beating thing?
It is often the case that expectations and reality are different. Wouldn’t it be fun to compare those differences?
It should be.
“Oh, let’s check what’s there?”
and one step.
The moment I was about to step into a world I didn’t know.
“… … I am okay.”
Arrieta stopped me while holding my hand.
She had a stern expression on her face in a somewhat calm posture.
“Really good people don’t repeat the words that they are fine.”
“… … .”
“How about taking a little break? Don’t think about the future.”
“I can’t waste a lot of time on my personal problems… … .”
“Put personal matters first.”
Arrieta frowned as if giving an admonition.
“Just do it this time.”
“… … .”
“I was actually a little overjoyed.”
“What do you mean?”
“Yes, because Oz-sama has been suppressing many things until now. Now that I think you’ve been greedy for yourself, I’m happy.”
Eventually, Arrieta pulled out the hand he was holding and smiled softly.
“So more. If it’s something you have to face while trembling with fear, you should take your time and check it slowly.”
what i have to face
Yes, that’s why I set foot towards this place. Then you need to find the correct answer.
“Now, close your eyes. I will be holding your hand.”
Arrieta is right.
Rather than suppressing the fear, it might be better to close your eyes until it subsides.
As she said, she closed her eyes.
Except for the sound that disturbs my ears, I withheld all the elements that could cause me to feel confused.
The warmth you feel from holding hands.
“It’s only natural that your feet stop in fear.”
and a soft voice.
“And trying to overcome fear is a wonderful thing.”
As I was concentrating on that voice, the noise that was ringing in my ears was within.
“But stepping in the dark is something you have to be careful about.”
has disappeared.
“Don’t be in a hurry to overcome your fear. It’s never too late to take one step at a time slowly and carefully.”
Open your eyes.
I saw Arrieta’s pretty face.
A familiar yet unfamiliar modern landscape caught my eye again.
My ears did not hurt from the various noises that overflowed the streets.
I wasn’t as afraid as before.
“Are you calm?”
“Yes, thanks.”
The wildly beating heart has now returned to its usual rhythm.
“Shall we walk together this time?”
“It would be nice if you would.”
“Then I will.”
Arrieta smiles and moves while holding my hand.
As usual, I hold Arrieta’s hand and walk down the street. But, unlike usual, she didn’t follow me.
Standing next to me together, we started walking side by side.
* * *
The door that Janus opened disappeared.
It was embarrassing, but it’s okay.
At least he doesn’t lie when it comes to promises. In the first place, Janus is a guy who wants to become a god in order to create a world without lies.
When the time comes, the door will open again or he will come to pick you up.
“Oz-sama, I feel a strange gaze. Am I being watched?”
“watch… … will not be.”
It was when I was walking down the street side by side with Arietta.
It was only after I calmed down to a certain extent that I began to notice the situation around me.
Whatever I say, Oz’s appearance is quite handsome.
The same goes for Arrieta. Not only the appearance, but also the atmosphere is divine.
Two people like that are walking around holding hands while wearing clothes that can only be seen as cosplay.
It’s strange that it doesn’t draw attention.
“Wow, great. Are you a celebrity?”
“Life is f*cking unfair.”
envy and envy.
It’s a look I’ve gotten used to.
I couldn’t have imagined that I would receive such attention.
“Hmm, it seems that things that are not human eyes are mixed.”
“I guess so.”
Everyone is busy taking pictures with their smartphones while looking at this side. Rude.
And since there are other things like surveillance cameras running around, it’s only natural to feel a strange stare.
“Where are you going?”
Arrieta standing next to me raises her head slightly and asks.
It’s fresh because it seems like this is the first time I’ve given the side like this.
“There is a destination. But I don’t know if that destination exists.”
the house where I lived.
There is no certainty. The memory is also vague.
The problem is that it is subtly detached from the reality I knew in the first place.
Had a lot of time passed?
Or was he tricked by Janus into coming to a similar but different world?
Neither can be sure. So, you just have to move.
“I wish I had.”
As if cheering, he clenched his fist with one hand and smiled widely.
well, yes he is a cute person
People’s gaze seems to increase.
By the way… … .
“Aren’t you going to ask?”
“Yes, I don’t want to ask.”
“Are not you curious?”
why do i know this place What does this have to do with me?
“I am very curious, but… … . It doesn’t seem like an area where you can reach it at will. Am I wrong?”
“… … you’re right. It’s hard to even talk about this.”
My relationship with Arrieta is more unique than others.
Arrieta must have memories of the original ‘Oz’. And the memories related to ‘me’ now.
Now, it could be said that I am mixed with Oz and half the same person.
But it’s not like I’m not the original me. I don’t have the confidence to explain such a strange situation to Arrieta.
In a way, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that he was deceiving her.
“I think I will have to walk a little bit from now on. Are you okay?”
“Yes, of course. Oz-sama may think of me as a flower in a greenhouse, but even if I look like this, I have quite a bit of stamina.”
Arrieta boasted.
It is an elated expression. However, the words and expressions do not have faith.
In the first place, it would be correct to say that it is not physical strength, but patience.
She doesn’t gain muscle and doesn’t increase her stamina even when she exercises, perhaps because of the excessive divine power.
The only thing that increases is the strength of the soul.
“If you are having a hard time, please tell me.”
“Yes, I will.”
I hold Arrieta’s hand and walk down the street. It would be nice to be able to use magic, but no matter how much it is, it stands out for such a thing on Earth.
It’s already getting people’s attention. How amazing would it be if a person disappeared right in front of your eyes?
It’s the same even if you run away to the alley to avoid their gaze. I don’t know if there are surveillance cameras in the alley.
Surveillance systems in modern society are not lax enough to be ignored.
“It would have been nice if at least I had money… … .”
Then I could have taken a taxi or a bus… … . The money I have is all imperial gold coins.
Gold will be money, but I’m not sure if gold coins without appraisals will be refunded as money.
Even if it was a gold coin in the first place, it would be all the more so since it was not pure gold.
“Well… … .”
If you need money, it would be okay to do things like busking with Arrieta’s songs. I’m sure you will succeed
But it feels like using Arrieta, so I feel guilty.
So what about magic? What about putting on a show on the street for a little while claiming that it’s like magic?
But I don’t know if it’s okay to do things like that without permission.
I can’t help but laugh if I get caught by the police in the middle. Are you an illegal immigrant without an ID?
“Whoa… … Whoa… … .”
As I moved while lost in thought, Arrieta’s position was a little farther back.
It felt like I was dragging her by the hand.
… … A feeling of guilt arises.
“Would you like to rest a little?”
“Ha ha… … no! it’s okay.”
“It was Arrieta who suggested taking the time to check it slowly.”
“Hut!”
Arrieta makes a shocked expression as if she had forgotten.
I think I will shed tears right now at the contradiction created by the current situation that is becoming an obstacle to what I said.
I didn’t mean to bother you.
“Let’s go get some rest.”
I take Arrieta’s hand and head to the nearest bus stop.
I wished I could have directed you to a better place, but there were only about these chairs nearby.
“Whoa… … .”
Seeing her sitting in a chair at the bus stop, I couldn’t be this awkward.
To the point where I’m worried that her pure white habit will get messy.
while she sits and catches her breath. Slowly look at the route map at the bus stop and check the route.
A sense of heterogeneity unfolded again and a noise that began to be heard exceptionally loud. The calmed heart starts beating again.
“Well.”
Moan briefly.
Okay. It is not self-hypnosis. You can really be fine.
No, even if it’s not okay, it doesn’t matter.
Because nothing will change
“Oz-sama?”
“Arrieta.”
A sense of heterogeneity that increases over time.
Confidence that becomes clearer accordingly.
A surprisingly cold heart.
“Can we move soon?”
“Ah yes… … .”
I felt like my false truth was right in front of me.