Chapter 44: So Much I Want to Convey
With the complete annihilation of Ainika, the One Who Loathes All Life, the very space he had created began to collapse.
As I looked around, I noticed that most of the castle walls had already vanished, revealing a distorted expanse beyond. The thought of being swallowed by such a void sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt a cold sweat trickle down my back.
This is bad! Really bad!
I need to escape from here quickly! Just as I was panicking, a beautiful voice, like the sound of rolling bells, calmed my racing heart.
“Ichi, you did well.”
Sena touched my back, leaning against me, her presence a comforting weight that acknowledged my efforts.
“To strive tirelessly to save someone without seeking anything in return—it’s easy to say, but few can truly do it. Yet, you accomplished it. You saved everyone.”
Each of Sena’s words seeped into my heart.
“Ichi, I am proud of you.”
Her words struck me deeply. I felt tears welling up. Just hearing that made all my struggles worthwhile. I turned to her, desperately trying to hold back my tears.
“Sena, thank you. But it was because you were there that I could overcome the crisis.”
She shook her head gently.
“What I did was merely give you a little push. You acted according to your own will to resolve the issues. That’s how we ended up in this situation.”
“Sena…”
Her name slipped from my lips naturally, filled with all my emotions. She had always been there to support me, even when I hesitated to join the fight over the Sealed Domain. And once again, when I was on the brink of giving up, it was Sena who saved me and encouraged me to rise again.
She always believed in me. Yet, she never coddled me. I admired her for that—
“This place has reached its limit. Ichi, it’s time to go.”
Just like when she first appeared, Sena drew the scarlet blade—Scarlet Fan—and traced a vertical rectangle in the air. Leaving behind the space that had nearly returned to nothingness, we stepped into the gaping void. According to Sena, our destination was the plains where we had fought the Three-Headed Dragon, and we had a little time before we returned there.
“Hey—”
I had already decided what I wanted to say to Sena when I saw her again.
When I was dragged into that space earlier, and when I fought against Ainika, believing it was impossible to return alive, I had many regrets.
Feelings must be conveyed while there’s still time. If they are important, even more so. There are no guarantees that I will remain safe in the future. If I were to die without expressing these feelings, I would regret it endlessly. Sena tilted her head slightly at my call.
“What is it?”
Though I had prepared myself, the moment came, and nerves made it hard to find the words. Still, I managed to weave my thoughts into speech.
“I’ve been thinking about you ever since we were apart.”
Sena listened intently. As I gazed at her familiar face, I realized my heart was racing uncontrollably.
“Thank you for saving me when I was on the brink of death.”
It was Sena who had rescued me when I had recklessly consumed poisonous mushrooms and wandered near death.
“Thank you for staying by my side without asking anything until I could stand again.”
Every time memories of the past resurfaced, I felt an overwhelming urge to scream, but it was Sena who remained by my side without prying. That warm, comforting space reignited the fire in my heart.
“Thank you for encouraging and supporting me when I was lost or about to give up.”
Because of that, I was able to stand here now.
“Sena.”
“Yes?”
“I—”
Just as I was about to finish my sentence, the space twisted violently, and we were abruptly expelled into the outside world. The scenery that greeted us was familiar—the plains where we had fought the Three-Headed Dragon. And there, I heard a voice.
“Woooooah! We’re back!!”
It was unmistakably Sensei’s voice. How many times had I been interrupted at this moment…? But it wasn’t just her rushing towards us. Following Sensei were Orphe, Pul-san, and Ange, who all gasped and changed their expressions upon seeing me.
This is it…
I would be engulfed by their concern and lose my chance to speak… But this time, I absolutely wouldn’t let that happen. So I—
“I want everyone to hear this too!!”
I steeled myself.
“Sena—I love you.”
At my confession, Sena’s eyes widened, and she covered her mouth with both hands.
“If possible, please stay by my side from now on.”
Tears welled up in Sena’s eyes.
“Ichi, I like you too.”
It seemed she was carefully choosing her words, as if to ensure she wouldn’t let anything precious slip away.
“You have a place to return to, and someday you will leave this world.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
“So, Ichi, please give me this time until then.”
Her words surpassed my declaration of love, almost resembling a proposal. I felt tears rolling down my own cheeks, but I forgot to wipe them away and managed to respond.
“Gladly.”
At my reply, Sena leaped into my arms. I held her tightly, vowing never to let her go.