The Gamer's POV

’Uriel’s been regaining her memories too?’

When he heard that, Cedric fell into deep thought. ’I’ve come to understand that the reason for Aika breaking free from the Authority of the God of Unearned Misfortune is Gamer Privileges. Considering that my previous self and Leon planned so many things together, it makes sense that before they destroyed themselves in order to return to the worlds, arrangements must have been made so that both of us would not be under any lingering authority belonging to that God.’

He paused for a beat, then asked internally to confirm, ’Is that right, Gamer Privileges?’

[...]

[Yes. You had requested that I help release both women from their Bondages as soon as I could so that they would cease feeding essence to your sibling.]

When he read that, Cedric almost lost his composure!

’Wait a minute...’

While a few more things now made sense, Cedric was filled with a sense of horror.

’This means all bonds in the world are in a way, his direct subjects of influence. But it seems it not just Bonds. As long as all the circumstances of misfortune that’s happened, including that of unfortunate people forced to bond together exists, that being would continue growing in power.

’Ah. I get it now. I get how that God knew I’m back. Before, he was probably only aware of Leon because his bond kept feeding the God essence. But after I transmigrated and got Aika, he immediately knew that I had returned because our bond too fed him essence. From that moment on, he sought to kill me too. And as long as the bond remains, he’ll always know we are alive, and he’ll always find ways to strike at us. Now, I also understand fully why my other self had asked this of Gamer Privileges, even though breaking the bonds is risky and painful for them at this stage. The sooner they are freed, the sooner we can slip from this God’s clutches entirely!’

While Cedric was drowning in his thoughts, Leon noticed the sudden shift in his expression.

’Does he know something?’ Leon thought, waiting a beat for his brother to speak. When Cedric remained silent, Leon exhaled and pushed forward.

"As for the memories my bond is recovering? Well... it’s just a glimpse of a past life of hers in a very specific realm. The God who ruled that realm was called Aa Mun Ra."

"Aa Mun Ra?" Cedric finally asked, his focus snapping back.

Leon nodded.

"Yes. Apparently, I’ve come to realize that’s what I was called in my previous life. Aa Mun Ra. Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Heh." He let out a light laugh. "Which means the realm Uriel remembered... it belonged to me."

’Aa Mun Ra. Hm... it does have a nice ring to it. Now I’m curious about what my own name was. Aika couldn’t remember it before, but she regained a bit more of her memories after the event at Isola Bella. Has she remembered my name by now? I should ask her later,’ Cedric thought, taking a quiet sip of his coffee.

When he set his cup back down on the saucer, he noticed Leon staring at him with bright, expectant eyes.

He exhaled and leaning back against his chair, began. "From what I know, there was a plague that swept through the worlds, caused by our sibling..."

Cedric then went on to tell him about the plague, what it did to the people, and how bonds were likely humans pulled from the different realms known as the Rings. He finished by explaining that their previous selves had already set contingencies in motion to free their bonds from their sibling’s authority.

"...so I’d say just let it play out. You don’t need to worry, because there’s nothing you can do about whatever she’s facing right now anyway. She’ll likely get better once she has fully broken away from his authority," Cedric concluded, now taking a slow, unbothered drag from his pipe.

***

After a bit more discussion with Leon, Cedric retreated to his suite to rest, having not slept a wink the previous night.

Upon stepping into the spacious room, he found Aika lounging on one of the plush sofas, casually reading a newspaper she had likely picked up earlier from the airship’s lounge.

Instead of heading for his bed, Cedric walked straight over to her sofa. He sank down beside her and leaned over, resting his head comfortably right on her lap while staring up at the ceiling.

Aika lowered the paper slightly, looking down at him with an imperceptible smile, before returning her attention to the news.

After a moment, Cedric asked with droopy eyes, "Do you happen to remember what my name was? I mean... the name of my other self."

Aika was quiet for a moment before letting out a soft, thoughtful hum. "Mm-hm."

"You do?" Cedric lifted his head slightly, peering up into her face.

"Yes. I do." She arched a brow. "You want to know what your name was?"

"Yeah..." he mumbled, resting his head comfortably back against her lap.

Aika’s expression grew distant for a brief moment before she exhaled and met his gaze once more. "I recall him saying his name was... Karmesh. Karmesh Samsara."

’Karmesh Samsara...’

The name echoed in Cedric’s head for a long while.

’So that’s his name, huh.’

After a moment, he closed his eyes, letting the fatigue take over. But just then, Aika spoke again.

"There is something else you need to know."

Cedric kept his eyes shut, humming faintly in response. Then, she added.

"The red bridge for this eclipse matured and opened up in the Empire of Florentia."

Cedric’s eyes snapped open, and he leaned forward, turning to her.

"What?"

Aika nodded, and crumpled the newspaper.

"According to the latest report... it claims there is a high chance that almost everyone who partook in the eclipse is dead."

Cedric’s frown deepened as he recalled his friend.

’Oh no. Audrey...’

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