... So, how am I going to explain to them that my Aspect has changed?
See, this simply shouldn't have happened.
... But, on second thought, since when have I cared about what should or shouldn't happen?
Common sense?
Admirable, of course. But in practice... look, I don't make it a point to follow very rigid rules.
And about being mysterious? Hmm... I must admit: that can be a bit arid—even for me.
Ah, wait.
It's better to clarify something before this gets too strange.
If, by any chance, you—dear reader—presumed that I'm speaking directly to you... that's not the case. This isn't a... real dialogue.
I'm not aware of any invisible audience, and I'm definitely not a character in some bored soul's rewritten story.
This is simply my usual way (I suppose... you're probably tired of being reminded of my forgetfulness, aren't you?) of reflecting on something.
... Ah, just one more moment, please—let me finish that text in parentheses:
So I won't go on explaining, again, that much of what I know about myself is just a fanciful reconstruction based on the oneiric (or literary) fragments of which I (the "third Ariandel") am composed.
Ah... "composed" might be a rather strong word...
Since the missing pieces of me still need to be—properly—replaced.
After all, although I can stand by sheer willpower... that persistence is purely driven by momentum.
If I don't fill those voids within me, my resolve will simply decelerate gradually until it ultimately collapses inward...
hmm...
Well.
"Hollow," I suppose...
I've finished, and I thank you for waiting—resuming where we left off:
... I think there is a name for this... "directed internal dialogue"? Or simply "second-person thoughts"?
Be that as it may, the fact is that my thoughts tend to organize themselves as if I were conversing with someone who doesn't actually exist.
And yes, I know how it sounds.
As if I were breaking the fourth wall and suggesting that my entire life is a fanfiction written by some mystical and mysterious entity.
But it's not.
And if it were...
Well, I wouldn't have any way of knowing, would I?
...
Oh, did I forget something?
Well...
If I did, it couldn't have been important.
...
I spoke with Cassia, who had just awakened from a nap. I recounted how the battle had proceeded without major complications—at least from the point of view of mere Sleepers facing an Awakened Monster.
... That is, until a wretched lightning bolt decided to strike me.
It was that dear girl's genuine concern that truly managed to calm my racing heart.
For a moment. I took the opportunity to display the form of my Mantle and explain how these "illusions" of my Legacy functioned: an extension of my Aspect Ability; allowing the structuring of imagination into tangible objects, albeit fleeting and mundane.
As a demonstration, I manifested a bench for us to sit on. And, at some point, I dispersed the protective layers of my armor—retaining only the comfortable and elegant fabric.
When Sunless and Nephis returned from their little private conversation, I announced, without ceremony, the death of my "Other." Frankly, the fellow was so arrogant that he didn't deserve more than a casual mention—like those characters who arrive full of pomp and circumstance, only to vanish after a few chapters.
I then objectively informed them about the manifestation of the [Lyric Soul Manifestation]—yes, it's an illusion, but it still hurts—and I categorized its effects into sub-abilities:
Algid Blade: Allows enhancement of weapons with the soul's frost, granting greater sharpness and piercing power;
Noble Obligation: Bestows remarkable resistance to elemental damage (yes, passive elemental resistance; because traumas exist) and immunity to the soul's own frost;
Frost Curse: The frost inflicts damage upon contact, afflicting the enemy with a curse that induces freezing and gradual deterioration.
At this sudden 'infodump', my companions reacted in their own ways: Nephis, impassive; Cassia, with her lovely smile; and Sunless... too weary of "Ariandel" to offer a noteworthy reaction.
... My friend and I were soon left alone again.
The sky was gray and unwelcoming.
... Soon, I extended my thoughts to the future.
After all, the butterfly effect deserves its due respect.
Never underestimate the -insert creative curse here- that a time traveler, seer, or transmigrator—whatever I am—can wreak on fate.
The Soul Devouring Tree... is there any way to avoid its dangers?
No...
Despite everything, the safest route west still goes in that direction. Besides, the Weaver lineage is essential for Sunless's development. I will not face this world without the protagonist's support.
In Cassia's vision...
the anomalous elements were:
Mist or fog, cold, dark-red roses, and a sublime crystal sword—apparently, the new cause of the Bright Lord's downfall.
What could have altered the vision?
Me, of course.
There is no clear mention of my presence, but I am the only known element capable of changing fate. Therefore, it all happened because of me.
Unfortunately, Sunless's and Nephis's fates surrendering to some strange—and bittersweet—intimate act still remain...
Well, partly, since the vision was split in two, and Cassia saw only one half.
As for the Court's future?
'Song of the Fallen'. The young, beautiful, and reserved girl who, in the future, would become the mysterious and unsettling blind witch... is still a sweet and gentle girl under my protection. And, as long as I can interfere—as I can—she will not follow that fate.
'Changing Star'. To prevent her from enduring a harrowing journey through the desert, and from being even more shaken by the underworld, a sacrifice will be inevitable. Perhaps Caster or some other morally dubious individual will be the ideal candidate. Who knows, maybe I'll freeze him... and use his soul as an energy source to activate the Portal.
'Lost From Light' will never be enslaved. Not while I can prevent it... Even if he is not yet "someone worthy of mention", I am a visionary—I am confident that my current indulgence will turn that selfish, petty, and treacherous fellow into someone i can call brother.
Returning to the here and now, I resumed my conversation with Cassia, introducing new topics:
We talked about music, novels, fencing, dance, and other pastimes; And also... a bit about my First Nightmare—which occurred in the same precinct, and on the same day, when Sunless faced his. I also explained how I believe the Spell to be fair in its own way.
This topic led us to a slightly more emotional moment...
Which made me share my understanding of so-called "luck"—explaining how it truly worked. I admitted, too, that my vision of this disillusioned world might be a bit optimistic—or somewhat naïve.
Cassia remained thoughtful after all that conversation.
...
"Aria..."
The girl hesitated, as if weighing her words, before finally gathering the courage to proceed:
"Are you... an orphan too?"
The direct question surprised me, but I kept my answer flowing, albeit carefully:
"I believe so. That is the most likely origin for me."
She furrowed her brow slightly, confusion making her all the more endearing.
"You believe?"
I sighed, letting a fragment of truth shine through.
"Yes, Cas, I believe... The Awakening left gaps... I can't remember who I was... or the people who were part of my life."
After a brief moment, she spoke:
"If... if you want, I can listen to you whenever you need to talk... Maybe that will help."
I smiled—a smile laden with a mix of emotions I couldn't name.
"I appreciate that. But I don't want to burden anyone with an unsolvable question."
She tilted her head slightly, a subtle, almost encouraging gesture.
"Well, Cas..."
I hesitated for an instant before continuing, my fingers gliding through my hair.
"Are you curious about how I can be... 'functional,' even with this deficiency?"
Her expectant silence was enough for me to carry on:
"I lived dreams. Dreams more real than what should be real... In my Nightmare, I experienced several lives. Like a dream that unravels upon waking, the remnants of those lives form who I am now."
She didn't react immediately, and comfortable silence returned, filling the space between us.
"..."
"..."
Then, as if she had understood something about me, Cassia stood and walked toward me.
She sat down beside me
and...
hugged me.
The sensation... was new and touching, and I didn't know exactly how to describe it... but somehow... it surprised me.
I hesitated...
Not because I wanted to pull away, but... because I wasn't naïve enough not to notice how my heart reacted to her presence—nor to not know where that could lead us... eventually.
Soon, with a slow and respectful movement, I wrapped my arms around her slender waist. My heart beat a little faster, and an imperceptible tremor ran through my body.
Cassia gently pressed her fingers into my shoulder, and I let my head rest softly against hers.
"..."
"..."
After an indefinite time, "I just wanted you to know that you're not alone," she said, pulling back slightly and touching her hair with a shyness reflected in the blush on her cheeks.
"I thank you, my lady, for such touching and delicate kindness," I replied, laughing joyfully.
That response of mine came out somewhat unthinking...