Chapter 101

I’m dreaming.

It’s not often that I immediately realize I’m in a dream—but for some reason, I was fully aware that the scene unfolding before my eyes was inside a dream, that the place I was in was indeed a dream world.

A dark room. Strangely, I could recognize only my own form, while everything else around me was shrouded in pitch-black darkness.

But in front of me was a large round table illuminated by light.

The number of chairs… there were many. Clearly more than the number of “Knights of the Round Table.”

A round table lined with empty chairs.

I sat down in the only ornately decorated chair among them.

Strangely, it felt like that seat was meant for me.

“Where… is this place?”

In the darkness. A silent world where only the table and chairs existed.

I kind of liked this eerie stillness. Sure, I also liked the noisy game centers full of arcade sounds, but I equally enjoyed quiet, serene, and solitary environments like this one.

“…What a strange dream.”

“Yes, a strange dream indeed. But… if even a fragment of it remains with you when you wake up, I think I would feel very happy about that.”

Suddenly, a woman’s voice echoed from beyond the darkness.

It sounded somewhat familiar—cool, yet gentle.

Out of the darkness appeared a beautiful elf woman with long silver hair and soft rose-pink eyes.

“…Sheele?”

“Yes, it’s me, Shizuma.”

A dream? Is this… really a dream?

“Sheele, do you think this is a dream?”

“No, not quite. I think this is a place where your heart—your consciousness—has gathered.”

“Such a place actually exists…?”

“It’s a recent development, I believe. Likely a result of your growth. You’ve gotten much stronger just today, it seems.”

“Ah, come to think of it, I haven’t checked my status yet today.”

“I’m sure you’ve become incredibly strong. After all, now we characters can summon the main persona, you, Shizuma.”

Wait, she summoned me? Sheele did?

“You’re wondering why I called you, right?”

“Figured you’d know. Yeah… I’d like to know why. It’s something important, isn’t it?”

It was a strange feeling.

Different from transforming into another persona—this was actually talking to a being I had created, almost like speaking to another person entirely.

“Today… I came to say goodbye.”

“Huh? Goodbye?”

“Remember what I told you before? ‘As long as Shizuma becomes strong enough, I can retain my ego.’ Well, now, even if you transform into me, my consciousness will no longer come to the surface. I can finally become one with everyone else inside of you.”

It was sudden.

Even though I knew it was something Sheele had always wanted—still, I felt… just a little—

“…That’s kind of sad. I won’t be able to perceive you anymore, right?”

“That’s true. But I’m still here. Me, Silent, Same—everyone is inside you, Shizuma.”

“…Melt’s going to be sad. For sure.”

“Mm… yeah, that is unfortunate. We did spend a lot of time together…”

“What am I supposed to say to Melt the next time I take on your form? She’s definitely going to be heartbroken.”

Yes—among all the female personas, it was Sheele who had stayed by Melt’s side the most.

Her disappearance… would definitely make Melt sad.

“Can’t things just stay the same, Sheele?”

“…Thanks to your growing strength, Shizuma, we characters have come to fully understand the ‘stories and origins’ we each carry. And finally, I’ve figured it out—why I alone couldn’t merge with your consciousness like the others could.”

Apparently, my growth had triggered some kind of transformation in all the characters.

“I think… it’s because my story and character settings are based on a real person. So, my personality isn’t fictional—it’s based on an actual human being. And that’s why, fundamentally, I am different. I couldn’t easily dissolve into you like the others.”

“A real… person?”

“Yes. Not the scenario writer, but another woman who worked on the production team. She had a PhD and even a hunting license—a rather unusual person, it seems. Though she was very serious-minded.”

Seriously…? That hunter-scholar combo background was based on a real person’s experiences…?

If her consciousness had a real-world origin, then it made sense that she couldn’t merge smoothly with mine.

“Shizuma, there’s something I must tell you before I go. My disappearance means you’ll have to think and act entirely on your own from now on. But remember—your thoughts, your decisions—they carry parts of us within them. We are literally a part of you now. Don’t forget that.”

“…Got it.”

“And one more thing… Consider relying on him as a last resort. Silent and the others are wary of him, but he’s the only one who seems to prioritize you even just a little.”

“‘Him’?”

“Let’s see… which number was it again? The one you called ‘the third strongest.’ You’ve only heard his voice here so far. But if ever you need a form of violence that isn’t Silent, don’t hesitate to call on him. My guess is… his skills will be useful for your life going forward.”

Him… the third one…

That would be the character I personally labeled as a “dangerous fanatic.”

He’s prioritizing me…? When I need… violence?

“Now then, the dawn is approaching. With this, I will completely dissolve myself into you. Shizuma, from here on out, it will be a time of trials for you. There may be moments when you lose yourself to anger, or when your heart feels like it’s being torn apart. But… it doesn’t matter. Because you are strong. Understand? This world is not Earth. Don’t forget that. You, who have inherited the power of us—the strongest warriors—have no need to be swayed by the idle prattle of mere children. So go on, do your best, trample over them, and make them understand.”

“That’s pretty intense… but okay, I get it. I’m not overthinking it anymore. I’ll just find them, defeat them, capture them, and end it. Watch from within me and rest easy.”

As I said that, I could feel my consciousness pulling away from the round table.

When I came to, I was awake in my bed, in my own room.

A faintly melancholic sound of rain echoed off the roof.

“Doesn’t feel like… a dream.”

She really did come to say goodbye—Sheele.

She had been originally based on a real person… huh. That would explain why her personality was separate from the rest.

Then… maybe even if I become one of the “Top Three,” I won’t be taken over by their personalities…?

No, I shouldn’t let hopeful thinking distract me.

“If the time comes… rely on him, huh.”

I’ll keep it in mind—as one of the options.

…So, Sheele is gone.

The sense of loss is overwhelming, after all.

I guess I had unconsciously relied on her quite a bit.

When I was faced with tough decisions, when I couldn’t make a call on my own, I would often turn to Sheele’s personality.

Even when it came to Melt, I leaned on her.

And now, her personality is gone… no, she just won’t surface anymore. That’s… lonely.

“But enough moping around.”

We said our goodbyes—both of us. That means all that’s left is to act.

With renewed resolve, I headed to the castle in the pouring rain.

When I arrived at the castle, I was guided down a different path than usual and taken to a facility that appeared to be under the jurisdiction of the Knights.

It seemed to be the Knights’ strategy meeting room, and inside were several knights wearing armor similar in design to Cres-san’s, as well as Cress herself.

Of course, Kokuri-san was there as well.

“You’re here, Shizuma. These are the members who’ll be heading to the noble district tonight. Each squad will be positioned to surround the Allheus estate. They’re all skilled enough to handle it, even if monsters show up. Shizuma, how’s your resolve? Have you made progress over the past few days?”

Cres-san asked as soon as she saw me.

It wasn’t so much a test of resolve as it was a final confirmation. She spoke lightly, as though already confident that I was ready.

“Of course. Fortunately, I’ve gathered more than enough power.”

“Hmm… so it seems. The rest of you might have doubts, but keep them to yourselves. I vouch for this young man as a warrior. I guarantee he won’t hinder this mission.”

“Yes!”

With that one statement from Cres-san, the skeptical stares that had been directed at me vanished in an instant.

And as if timing it perfectly, Kokuri-san began explaining the details of the mission.

Though, having heard it yesterday, there wasn’t much new information for me.

“Also, as additional personnel, a few agents from Killcrawler have been dispatched to monitor the Underside. Still, the Underside is an incredibly complex structure, so we can’t call it foolproof. It’s a district even the country hasn’t fully mapped out.”

I can’t believe they really managed to get Killcrawler’s cooperation…

Kokuri-san continued her explanation, confirming each Knight’s role and giving the final time for the mission’s execution.

“Almost no advance intel has been released for this operation. I’m sure you were all confused when you were suddenly summoned here yesterday. But this is a surprise assault. There may be people in the Knight Order colluding with the Allheus family. We had to act swiftly and in secret with only a very small group. It’s a difficult operation, but I pray for your success.”

With those words, the expressions of the gathered elite knights tightened.

The strategy meeting concluded, and we were given some free time until the operation began.

The knights returned to their respective units, and Kokuri-san stepped out briefly before returning with some supplies.

As for Cres-san—well…

“Shizuma, what kind of group is the brigade? What kind of person is Same? How many people are part of it? Besides Same, are there others who’ve settled down in this country?”

They were bombarding me with questions—about the people I knew.

“Uh… they’re people who’ve taken care of me, so I can’t really share too much…”

“Hmm… then at least tell me what kind of person Same is. I still can’t quite grasp him. I know he’s strong and sincere. But sometimes, he’s scary. Yet I also know he’s kind—he used a rare potion on me after our sparring match. But still… he’s scary.”

What!? Crimson Howl traumatized her that much…!?

…I’ll make sure to be gentle next time I’m Same. Super kind.

“He probably just gets really fired up during fights. He’s not a bad person.”

“Is that so…? Maybe you’re right…”

“Hey, mind if I ask something now?”

Just then, Kokuri-san came over carrying the items she had brought earlier.

“You came from another world, right? I was wondering if you recognize any of these items, or know how they’re used in your world?”

Saying that, she opened a small container and laid out a variety of trinkets on the table.

She looked genuinely excited… she must really love this kind of thing.

…A remote control, an old cell phone, a broken computer mouse, some old toys… ah, even adult toys.

Yeah, let’s pretend I didn’t see that.

“Well then, do you recognize anything in here!?”

“Uh, um… let’s see… this one, I guess…”

I chose the cell phone—seemed the safest and most interesting choice among the bunch.

“I think this also exists in this world, but it’s a communication device. You can talk to people with it.”

“Ohhh! This size alone!? Or is this just a part of a larger device?”

“No, it works on its own.”

“Incredible! No transmission cables at all, and yet this compact!? Your world truly possesses astounding wisdom! Do you… perhaps know how it works?”

“Uh… not really, the details are beyond me.”

“Hmm… well, that makes sense. Still, this is a big step forward. Hmmm… I hope one of the people we’re capturing today might know more.”

“Don’t get your hopes up. They’re all kids like me.”

“I see… but it’s still good information. I’ll take my time analyzing everything.”

Saying that, Kokuri-san took the container and walked off, looking satisfied.

She was so calm—even though today, they were about to capture a noble, one of the country’s top figures.

Even though this could spark a war with a neighboring nation.

And still, they all acted so naturally.

It was both reassuring… and a sobering reminder of how deep and unknowable this country truly was.

The sun would be setting soon. I needed to shift my mindset too.

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