Chapter 67: A Prophecy

It wasn't merely a two dimensional image of the earth that Haru saw from the witch's black magic. He was able to perceive the near past, the current present, and the near future of the world.

And it's almost ending.

Even in the present, the destruction is already starting without anyone realizing it. The people knew about certain situations and events, but they didn't know how it impacts the future.

Such helpless creatures, Haru thought. But if he was part of it, he couldn't help but feel lost.

"What do you think?"

Haru glared at her, "Are you trying to confuse me here?"

"You think I'm lying that this is your world? Why? Can't accept that it's almost ending?"

"No, that's not it. I believe that you're showing me the truth. It just feels kind of unfair right now. If the world really is ending, then what's the point of retrieving memories or even having been granted a wish that everyone covets? None of that matters,"

Shiho smiled. "Well, you're in for a surprise. Why don't we continue playing, then?"

Haru thought of the same. He doesn't have a choice but to either play or agonize the problem in front of him. He needed time to think and information to gain. Haru returned to his seat in front of the checkers board. It was only for a few minutes that he won the game.

It was easy enough, since it didn't seem like the witch was even trying.

Since the game is dependent more on the player's skills rather than luck, Haru had already deduced the witch's intention. He could either win with his own efforts or lose purposely. The choice of retrieving the memories or losing and wishing was entirely still on his choice, not on the game's result or the witch's decision.

When a piece of his memory returned as a result of winning the checkers, he was able to see a familiar image.

His eyes widened as he looked at Shiho with a shocked expression.

"You…"

The witch smiled, as if knowing exactly what he's seeing.

"I've already met you…?" Haru asked.

Shiho only tilted her head and grinned without answering.

Haru returned thinking about his memories.

He saw his younger self doing the same routine at first.

Doing the chores around the orphanage, cleaning the bathrooms, sweeping the hallways, eating, and bathing.

Sometimes, he'd bump into children like him doing work in the kitchen, arranging the beds, mopping the floor, some are helping over the temple, and so on.

Once, Haru saw a strange black tent near their orphanage.