Red, gray, purple. A static ring.

The world is blurring.

''...''

Feeling a breeze, I finally snap out of it. Realizing that I am standing amidst the cultists' scattered corpses, I let out a sigh. Without a complicated thought, I turn around and leave the scene.

Lately, I've been having these strange moments.

I would zone out unexpectedly, not particularly distracted, but nonetheless dazed. I know there isn't something wrong with my body or my soul. Rather, I sense the disruptions from deep within my sea of power, like a distant siren lulling me in.

A few weeks have passed since the last incident.

I've been roaming the continent, eliminating the last traces of Ravenous Moon while Neveah finishes synchronizing the new computer units to the system. It's probably not right to say this, but it has been quite peaceful.

No demons descended. Politics is at a stalemate. Even the cult is strangely passive.

I feel like I am walking on a perfectly smooth road paved by somebody. A sense of unease tugs at me. Even then, I don't know any other way forward.

''Phew...''

Back at Zircon, everything is still going on as usual.

The number of monsters wandering the forests has significantly increased. Broadly speaking, it isn't too different from the original version, just that I now control most of the ecosystem.

Now then... what should I do next?

Everybody is busy with their own preparations for the fights ahead, and I can't exactly go bother for nothing either. Except, there is someone I can talk to right now.

Having decided on the destination, I leisurely proceed. In the deepest part of West Zircon lies a lair for the snowy owl family. It is protected quite heavily, but those with clearance can freely visit.

''Hello.''

As soon as I show my face, some five or six fluff balls the size of an adult human trot toward me, coo-ing. These little guys have been growing so fast recently, no longer the waist-sized plushies they used to be.

But I should be glad that they're eating so well.

Peeking past the bunch, I spot the giant owl mama, who's tucking in her newborns, who have hatched from eggs some time ago. The sight is peaceful enough, but I soon spot a human figure perched lazily on a nearby tree.

Her pitch-black eyes seem to have grown a tender glint as she closely monitors the owls. A faint smile lingers on her lips.

Aurora sits calmly, her hair blending with the darkness, legs swaying. Somehow, coupled with the breezy dress she wears today, her presence feels so thin.

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''Sorry, I have to go now.'' I pat the owls one last time before blinking toward the familiar girl.

In half a heartbeat, I now sit beside her.

''Don't you have better things to do?'' I initiate the conversation with myself. ''Instead of loitering around like this.''

''Like what? Stealing experience points from other people?'' Aurora chuckles. ''I'll pass. I'm about to disappear anyway. Might as well spend the last days living the life I want.''

I stare at her side profile, wordless. Indeed, the deadline she has predicted is approaching.

The world is correcting itself. In people's minds, 'we' are rapidly becoming one. At this point, some don't even remember the dark-haired Aurora anymore. And while that sounds sad... I can't say my situation is much better.

Since my 'hometown' is this world line, perhaps my presence is more well-preserved, but my consciousness is barely holding together Aurora's enormous void. Still, I believe I can push through it and grow stronger.

As for her, who has thrown away everything to swim back here...

''I say, people die twice. Once when their physical body ceases to live, once when their name is spoken for the last time.'' I muse to myself. ''Even though you're me, and I am you, we are somewhat different from one another.''

Aurora keeps her face straight as she listens. Somehow, even at that deadpan expression, I still feel the immense loneliness in her heart, one mixed with a touch of helplessness.

''...So when you and I inevitably become one, I'll make sure to remember your name, so that you'd never have to die.''

Only a few seconds after I finish that sentence, do I realize how absurd it sounds. Remember her? I'm not even sure if the assimilated 'us' will be either of us, or an entirely new person. Maybe she'd have to remember me instead.

Aurora turns to me, amused, ''I'll leave it to you, then. When we fully assimilate, I'll live in your heart forever.''

Suddenly, she leans forward, putting herself awfully close to me. Rather than getting flustered by her smile, I am taken aback, ''...Right now?''

The link between us has grown stronger. Rather, it can be said that our existence is closer. I can sense her location, trace her memories, and... decipher her intents.

''Why don't you spend some time saying goodbye to everyone?'' I can't help but suggest. ''Going alone like this... not ideal, is it?''

Aurora calmly shakes her head, ''No need. I've already done what I wanted to. I don't like saying goodbyes. That's an admission that I will forever disappear.''

''But it's different, isn't it?'' She says.

Facing her resolution, I am utterly speechless. It isn't courage. She has simply done everything she could, nothing more, nothing less—no regrets.

By that question at the end, I know she still longs for a life. What living creature doesn't want to live?

Yet, she jumped straight into the river, unafraid, all to create a brighter future, even if her existence is destined to be forever lost between the rifts of time.

No one can help her but me. No one can help me... but myself.

Feeling a burst of motivation, I grasp her hands, ''You're right. Like the countless versions of ourselves who have also tried to swim against the current, you will never be forgotten. I'll never let it happen.''

Aurora's calm eyes gently stir. Her gaze sticks to me, unmoving. In the end, she chuckles, ''I feel like I had this conversation before.''

''Maybe you also made this promise with another us?'' I speculate.

''Probably.''

The weaving light of the Aurora Borealis pierces through the tree's sparse leaves, softly landing onto us. Aurora smiles meaningfully, then pulls me into a hug.

''...I'll leave everything to you.'' She whispers. ''We can do this.''

''Mhm.''

I firmly nod as her dull warmth spreads. Then... the world abruptly goes silent.

The rustlings of branches, the whistlings of wind, the faint electrical currents of the Dome, the little owls' chirps—everything is replaced by a constant ring.

Once again, the world around me begins to overlap, melts, then rewinds as though a tape. Momentarily, I can't feel my senses.

''...''

My gaze unknowingly lands on the streaks of light across the sky, of them lazily blinking. I stare blankly at the sight, unsure what to make of it.

One by one, the sounds pour back into my ears as I regain touch with reality.

But... the person hugging me is nowhere to be seen.

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