Chapter 35: An Ending

When Haru returned, he immediately went to the central tent to meet with Alicia, leaving Ali waiting outside. She flinched at his entrance and he calmly sat beside her.

"Are you eating your meals properly?" He gently asked.

"Camille's been checking up on me every minute," She told him. "Anyway, were you done with my request already?"

Haru nodded, "There are a few things I'd like to discuss. For now, is it okay if we meet with Camille?"

Alicia looked back at the stage, sighed, and then finally agreed to go with him. Alicia, Haru, and Ali waited for the young lady in the tent where Haru stayed. Soon, Camille came inside and greeted them.

"Ugh! I still can't find Mr. Wang!" She stomped her foot. "Where in this world would he even go?!"

"D-Don't stress yourself with it, Camille," Haru appeased. "I told you, he can handle himself. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"But we don't have a clue where he frequents. It's only a matter of time before we could open up the portal and leave this world. What do we do then? Are we just gonna have to leave an old man behind?"

"That's right," Alicia was clearly worried too. "It's particularly worrisome, since he's been showing us that he might commit suicide and that he doesn't care about his health."

They remained silent for a while, pondering what to do, but obviously couldn't come up with a solution other than continuing the search for him. Soon, they began discussing what Haru intended to say. First, he told them about the world's name—that it's called the Tale Park World.

He lied about finding another piece of the devil's journal somewhere between the borders of the portal between Castellia Fort and Tale Park World.

"Unfortunately, if we all leave Tale Park, we won't be able to use its amenities anymore. That includes the illusion at the stage of the central circus tent," Haru began explaining. "That's why I have a suggestion. While we go and figure out the portals to the succeeding worlds, you should stay here in Tale Park, Alicia."

"Since Alicia stays in Tale Park while we proceed to different worlds, then we could still use the amenities if we return?"

"That's most likely not the case. If we return, we might not be able to use it anymore since we left the Tale Park, but I'm sure Alicia could continue using it since she stayed and hasn't proceeded to the other world yet. Of course, I'm not sure of this either. We might still be able to use the amenities, but we definitely can't risk having Alicia leave the Tale Park."

"Then how would I know that the portals are unlocked and that we'll be able to return back to our original world?" Alicia asked.

"We can just return here to the Tale Park. One thing's for sure is that the world doesn't completely disappear even if it doesn't have any population in it. At most, its colors just become dull and it looks like it's thinning, but we could still return and access it."

"But what if we can't interact with Alicia anymore once we return?"

'That won't happen,' Haru thought to himself. 'I read the devil's journal and it clearly said that interaction is possible. But… I can't tell them that or they'll suspect me.'

"I-It's… okay, I t-think," A tiny voice raised. It was Ali. "It will be a-alright."

They stared at the little boy in shock, hearing him asserting his opinion. Ali bowed down, uncomfortable with their stares.

"Then we should trust Ali, right?" Alicia cheerfully replied. "I'll go with it. I realize that all I'm asking you kids is a bit selfish, so I'll put up with the risks and the uncertainties. Ali's right, I will be okay."

Camille and Haru looked at each other, feeling hesitant until they eventually gave up. When Alicia returned to the central tent, the memories began flowing in their minds once again.