41 Anxiety
<Petra's Point of View>
In my own perspective, I always thought that everything would be fine as long as the core story remained intact. But the glimpses of the future I saw in my dreams changed my naive outlook.
Of course, I felt compelled to do something to change it. Years had passed since I learned about such a world-ending scenario, and I worked tirelessly to find a solution.
Year after year, as the seasons changed, I kept working, researching, and searching for ways to mend the future. However, in the end, I realized that the same end kept repeating itself.
'Ah... Should I give up?' That thought crossed my mind once. After all the effort I put in, I felt tired and wanted to live simply with my family.
What's wrong with loving the side characters in this story? Why do I always have to choose the heroine of the main character? Grayfia is a supporting character, and she's my wife now!
But the uncertain glimpse of the future made me leave Grayfia. My heart broke every time I thought of her waiting for my return alone.
Children? I failed even as a husband! How could I be a role model for my future children if I couldn't even take care of my family properly? I felt disgusted with myself.
After living for so long, for the first time, I felt weak and foolish. I built a tower because I wanted my people to be respected by other races. I didn't want generations of talented individuals like them to be treated unfairly by demons who only sought to elevate their race!
But now, I ask myself, what have I actually done?
I forgot that I could leave a note for Ajuka about the changes in demon egg cells, to facilitate fertilization, but it was postponed due to other tasks.
I left Grayfia during World War II, around 1940, to monitor the movements of the Outer God. However, the real threat was not from the Outer God, but from the invasion of other worlds. I'm not a war general with his tactics, but I could see the picture of the entities' power terrorizing Earth. At least, their power was equivalent to Sirzechs' basic power. Just imagine how terrifying the forces of that level are, along with their leaders. I can't imagine it.
The invasion of other worlds may also be part of the story, but I didn't know the story until the end, because before I was transferred to this world, I only read the novel until the part where the Villain, Cao Cao, invaded the Underworld.
Regret now is meaningless. What I have to do now is strengthen myself to close the rift if those two entities open the connecting space again. I also have to check if the seal placed by Bilbe to contain Trihexa is intact or not.
I stopped writing in my magical book, Akashic Records, in the Alexandria Library created through spatial magic. The library is not on Earth or anywhere in the world because the only way to access it is by using the key gem I currently possess.
At that moment, the Akashic Records book glowed and transformed into a little girl with purple hair and dark green eyes. I ruffled the girl's hair while she looked at me innocently.
"Master... Are you crying?" Akashi-chan asked innocently.
Although my heart was touched seeing Akashi-chan, I remained steadfast. I didn't want her to worry or be confused by my emotions. Quickly, I wiped away my tears and smiled gently at her.
"I'm okay, Akashi-chan. Thank you for always being here," I said calmly, trying to reassure her.
The child immediately responded in her typical way. She jumped into my lap and hugged me tightly. I felt warmed by her innocent gesture, as if she truly were my own child.
In that instant, it felt as if the burden on my shoulders had slightly eased, and a thin smile began to form on my face. Akashi-chan, with her innocence, managed to bring joy into my troubled heart.
...
With a slightly lighter heart after sharing a moment with Akashi-chan, I decided to leave her so she could sleep peacefully. Believing that one day she would wake up and play her role in the destined fate.
Then, my mind drifted back to the two boys I saw in the future glimpses. They are the keys to victory in this story's ending, that's what I believe. I knew I had to find them, guide them, and prepare them for the important roles they would play.
Because I'm not the main character after all.
...
In 1994, as the Cold War between the Soviet Union and America slightly eased, I was in China, gathering some items that could help me ascend to the next level. I was already ranked as the 3rd strongest creature, and I still remember that there were higher ranks.
I felt tired of all this, but there was no turning back. I was too far gone to retreat now, just a little more.
To replenish my energy, I stopped by a seafood restaurant that served fresh seafood dishes. I ordered their specialty dish, and as the food arrived, I was about to start eating when I was disturbed by a scene in front of me.
A woman in shabby clothes was being harassed by two thugs. She pleaded with them, "Please, don't do this... This money is for my mother's medicine!"
I watched the scene with a mix of annoyance and empathy. I knew I shouldn't get involved in the affairs of ordinary humans, but there was something about the woman that made me want to act.
With determined steps, I approached the two thugs. "Stop that," I said firmly.
The two thugs turned around, looking at me with surprise. "Hey, who are you? This is none of your business," one of them said.
I nodded towards the woman. "This may not be my business, but I won't let evil happen right in front of me."
One of the thugs laughed. "Do you think you can stop us? We can handle one man like you without any trouble."
I just smiled. Without saying a word, I launched my surprise attack. In an instant, both thugs fell to the ground, helpless.
The woman stared at me wide-eyed, disbelief evident in her eyes at what she had just witnessed. I simply smiled at her before returning to my seat and continuing my meal, as if nothing had happened. She approached me with hesitant steps, looking embarrassed to say thank you. I glanced at her intently. Despite her shabby appearance like a homeless person, there was a charm about her.
"Um... Can I pay for your meal as a thank you?" the woman asked softly, her face full of hope.
I smiled kindly at her. "No need, it was just a small gesture. However, is there anything I can help you with?"
The woman fell silent for a moment, her eyes radiating deep concern. "I... I'm actually looking for medicine for my mother. She's sick, and I don't know what can ease her pain. I want to pay for a doctor, but..." Her dirty and empty hands depicted her despair.
Paying for a doctor at this time is certainly not easy, especially for someone in dire economic conditions like the woman in front of me. The country is still struggling in its recovery, and healthcare costs are a heavy burden for many people.
Suddenly, without thinking too much, I offered my help. "If you don't mind, I can check on your mother."
The woman was taken aback by my words, then she looked at me with a hopeful gleam in her eyes. "R-really? You're a doctor!?"
I nodded slowly with a smile, making her blush slightly. Well, after all, I am still a young and handsome man even though I'm over 1000 years old.
"After I finish my meal, we'll go see your mother right away..." I said, making her nod eagerly. "It's not right, I let you watch me eat, do you want me to order something for you?"
The woman smiled awkwardly at my offer. "No, no need, Sir. I'm fine," she said hesitantly, trying to conceal her needs and desires.
However, before she could continue her words, her stomach betrayed her wishes. A small sound was heard, and her expression turned embarrassed. I smiled at her reaction, knowing that she was actually very hungry.
"Are you sure?" I asked with a wide smile. "It's not good to let you go hungry, right?" I nodded to the waiter to order extra food, knowing that I couldn't ignore that simple need.
"Oh, by the way, my name is Hiroaki," I said, introducing myself using my original name from my old world.
The woman nodded, showing a small smile. "Um... I'm Lee... Yuzuha Lee," she said, giving her name with hesitation.
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There are 15 continuation chapters available for this story.
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