Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Twisted Fate (3)

Understanding everything now.

The reason why his ability wasn’t regeneration but rather ‘restoration,’ and why the phenomenon back then wasn’t due to regenerative power but rather an event defying the fate of death.

And that the reason the transcendent being became interested was due to the curiosity sparked by the clash of similar abilities creating an ‘unknown future.’

“So, does that mean he can twist fate like you, Boss?”

“Not to that extent. At best, he possesses a miniature version of my power… He can only control personal fates, not the fate of the world. He might make a stone flying toward him miss its mark, or conversely, guarantee that a stone he throws always hits its target within a certain distance.”

“…What is that? Isn’t that totally broken?”

“Even so, there are clear limitations. He can’t exceed his own abilities, can’t create something from nothing, and his influence is limited to things existing around him. Moreover, even if he can avoid events, he can’t defy the environment. He wouldn’t be able to avoid disasters affecting an unspecified large number of people.”

Of course, even with such limitations, what he could do was still remarkable.

Foreseeing personal events and intentionally causing phenomena that could be called luck.

Even fully returning from death to become ‘immortal.’

“But all of that only becomes meaningful if he has the luxury to accumulate power.”

Yes, unlike what she had taught, his power was currently extremely weak.

Given the detailed explanation, he undoubtedly had the potential to manifest such power.

“If the power must be accumulated… Is it like you, Boss?”

“Yes, just as my power returns as my body grows if I don’t use it, he too can only accumulate power by not using his abilities. And right now, Bread…”

The transcendent being hesitated before continuing.

The smile at the corner of her mouth gradually turned bitter.

Earlier, she had been smiling vividly, recalling past miracles. But now, she even displayed an emotion that could be called ‘suffering.’

“…Bread is constantly draining his power without realizing it. He has been walking the wrong path from the start.”

So human.

An emotion one wouldn’t expect from a transcendent being.

“But he will soon realize it. Even if he doesn’t consciously notice, since his power is based on manipulating fate, he will come to understand it someday.”

That time would come soon.

Understanding the implication, Gray Anatomy swallowed nervously and asked quietly.

“…Where, exactly?”

“It doesn’t have a precise name, but if I had to name it in your terms, it would be called this.”

Her gaze returned to the moon in the sky.

And even further beyond.

A place only those who transcend the physical and mental realms and can interfere with fate itself could entrust their presence.

“Akashic Records.”

A place where the records and wisdom of the entire universe reside.

***

“Looks like we have another guest.”

At some point, he became aware of his surroundings.

The sensation of floating subsided, followed by an unfamiliar voice tickling his ears.

As his mind, which had been agitated by the previous battle, calmed down.

His now wide-opened eyes were met with a place far brighter than the darkness he had been in.

“…Where is this?”

No, it wasn’t just bright; light was emanating from all directions.

Not from a single light source, but from countless points of light against a dark backdrop.

The way each light looked like a star made it seem like he was standing in the middle of the universe.

But what caught his attention more were the massive bookshelves surrounding him.

“Daydreaming in front of others. How rude.”

Just as he was thinking of the odd library, the voice from before whispered into his ear again.

Naturally, his gaze turned forward.

There stood a person amidst the library shelves.

“Who are you?”

No, was he even human?

The person was dressed in a tuxedo and fedora.

His appearance reminded one of a ‘gentleman’ from British culture.

“How do I appear to you?”

But his face wasn’t visible.

His body seemed to be comprised of black lines clumped together… The way those lines moved, almost as if circulating, felt more mysterious than just strange.

“…A gentleman?”

Still, he answered the question, prompting the figure to adjust his tie and speak.

“Then, according to your standard, I am a gentleman.”

“…What do you mean by ‘according to my standard’?”

“Don’t understand?”

The concept of self-introduction was strange enough.

Introducing oneself should be an act of self-presentation.

What the person had done was akin to asking the other party to define him.

“If you don’t understand… let’s use an analogy.”

The figure, still seated, changed the topic.

“Do you think a colorblind person and a person with normal vision see the world the same way?”

“…What?”

“Answer the question. Sometimes, one understands through dialogue.”

The gentleman crossed his legs, waiting for an answer.

Not understanding the intent of the question, he decided to play along to grasp the situation.

“Well, it would be different. If they can’t distinguish colors…”

“Yet, to a third party, they might appear to be seeing the same thing, even if their worlds are entirely different.”

It was an obvious statement.

But it did not take long to grasp its meaning.

“…Are you saying everyone sees the world differently?”

“Quick on the uptake, good. As you said, each sentient being has its own perspectives shaped by their environment, history, and nature.”

The suspicious gentleman seemed satisfied, pushing his fedora down.

“Even if they live in the same world, their experiences differ. You categorize everything with words and share evaluations, but true understanding of a thing is more aligned with personal perception than its name. To you, I appear as a gentleman, probably because that’s how this place reinforces such impressions.”

So, everything in this place, including his appearance, seemed different to each individual based on their experiences.

While philosophical, it implied that this was a world entirely different from his own.

“Indeed, as you guessed, this place is far removed from the planet you inhabit. Only beings transcending the physical and mental realms can enter. Thus, everyone who comes here interprets this space based on their own perception.”

“In other words… even if I see you as a gentleman, others might see you differently?”

“I might appear as a monster, or perhaps an angel or a devil.”

Angel or devil…

It felt religious, but the analogy wasn’t entirely wrong.

It was strange enough that he had suddenly found himself in such a place, especially since he served someone who could be called a ‘god’ by humans.

“Who are you?”

But appearances didn’t reveal everything about a person.

He was still quite confused, having been abruptly brought here.

“Although I don’t have a fixed name…”

Luckily, the figure seemed willing to answer.

“But if I must have a name… call me Laplace.”

“Laplace?”

“In terms of your world, that name fits best.”

Laplace.

That was the name the mysterious librarian gave himself in this unknown place.

It felt familiar… Laplace flower, maybe?

“Now that I’ve answered, it’s my turn.”

As he pondered, the figure uncrossed his legs and stood up, walking towards him.

Click, click.

The sound of shoes echoed, emphasizing his presence.

“Ginger Bread… A being who erased his own name.”

The statement made him flinch involuntarily.

Erasing his original name was something only he and his Boss knew.

The fact that this person also knew meant he was, like Boss, a ‘cosmic being.’

“What brings you here?”

Despite his grandeur, he didn’t seem hostile.

Laplace maintained his gentlemanly demeanor, easing the tension.

“…Came here? Me?”

“Yes, your innate ability opened the way to this place. Did you not wish for something desperately before coming here?”

Rather than coming here, it seemed he had been drawn in response to something he had done.

But all he did before this was fight fiercely, to the point of almost dying…

No, he had actually died.

No matter how resilient his life force, his last memory was of a blow that exceeded his limits.

Yet his consciousness persisted, likely because his gift remained even if his body had perished.

“…Power.”

But whatever the reason, he faced an unprecedented situation.

He couldn’t grasp what this place was, but if the other was benevolent, he might seize an ‘opportunity.’

“I need power.”

“Power, is it?”

Yes, that was all he desired.

To supplement his insufficient power.

“Anything at all?”

And Laplace did not deny his request. In fact, he seemed almost natural.

As if expecting this outcome.

As if he could grant it.

“Are you suggesting a deal with a devil?”

“Rest assured, I will never oppose you. In fact, your visit here permits me to help, within my authority.”

“…That’s kind of you.”

“You have the right to be here. Accommodating you is only natural.”

With that, Laplace stepped towards a section of the library.

“But be cautious. I can offer only minimal help. How you use it and what you pay for it is up to you.”

He picked a book from the shelf and approached.

“…What’s this?”

“Your fate.”

“…What?”

“From your past to your present and your future, it’s all recorded here.”

Interfering with his destiny.

That was the opportunity presented to him, craving power.

An opportunity whose cost was still unknown…

Possibly requiring significant sacrifice.

End of Chapter