I followed Miss Chloe to a place that seemed to be like the other side of the Jura Forest.
Chloe: 「Alright. I'm going to teleport us somewhere you might or might not know. So don't be alerted.」
Sariel: 「You know, this could most likely be a trap.」
Chloe: 「Is that not what it's all about? You demons take risks and can never be truly killed.
I get that your concept of death hasn't completely changed, seeing as you were a former human, but it's still worth the shot.
Besides, it hurts that you see me in such a fashion... It looks like I still can't convince you up till now. *Sigh*」
I don't even know what to think now. It's like I'm being naive for trusting her and being rude for not.
Honestly, I think there's a better way to solve problems like these.
Sariel: 「Just know that if this is a trick, your death won't be painless.」
Chloe: 「Hehe. Just like Rimuru-sensei, you're such a worry-wart.」
「Fun fact: This must be the first time our best slime is being mentioned.」
Sariel: 「I'm not being paranoid. Have you ever heard the word "cautious" before? Also, who the heck is Rimuru now?」
Chloe: 「I'll only tell you if you follow me.」
This girl...
Sariel: 「Fine. Tch.」
She smiled giddily, as if it was a rare thing for me to give up easily.
A magic circle was formed below us, and as soon as that happened, we were no longer in the Jura Forest.
Normally, upon my arrival, I would raise my guard up, but seeing the familiar atmosphere, I paused.
Sariel: 「Wait, isn't this the place that vampire demon lord stays at? I mean, demon lord Luminous?」
Chloe: 「Yes, you guessed it.」
Sariel: 「I won't say a thing. Just know that you have a whole lot of explanation to do.」
Hearing me, she nodded firmly. It's good that she understood this.
She led me down a narrow path leading to a big, mysterious door.
「Note: Sorry, guys. I don't know how Luminous' building looks like.
Heck, even the current time building's details are foreign to me, so I can't give a brief and constructive analysis on it.
Sorry to all the detail-loving readers out there.」
It seemed like she was well acquainted with Luminous as she walked like she had been here for years.
No interruption of the sort, and no sign of discomfort or nervousness.
Yep. She has played these games before.
She knocked on the grand door, and as she did so, a lazy voice was heard. Probably Luminous' voice.
Luminous: 「Chloe? Is that you? Have you come for me?」
Chloe: 「Y-Yeah.」
Luminous: 「Ah~, come in.」
.... Why does this feel like an R18 scene?
Ignoring the troubling thought, I focused my attention on Chloe as she pushed the giant door open.
As she did that, she signaled me, hinting for me to follow her lead.
I was hesitant but cooperative.
Following her, I was graced with the sight of a fifteen or sixteen year old-looking girl having an imperfect yet complete beauty, as if she was trapped in the very moment when she matured from a girl to an adult.
Her heterochromatic eyes glisten in deep crimson and light sky blue.
She had a set of pure white fangs and was wearing a Gothic dress.
She had silver hair with a black hair tie adorning her head like a crown.
But apart from her looks, she seemed like a lazy and laid-back individual as I could see her lying lazily on a couch.
But as they say, "appearance is never the final judge."
She turned to look at Chloe with a small and simple smile on her face.
She didn't even seem to acknowledge my presence. How rude.
Luminous: 「How cruel. To leave your old friend alone in search of a man. And here I thought that things were working out.」
Chloe: 「Stop being such a whinny brat Luminous. You know I wouldn't do such a thing. It was by coincidence, perhaps even fate, that I met him today.
This has never happened before. Besides, can you afford to be in that position with Sariel-nii here?」
Alright, it has been confirmed. They both have the oil in the brains.
I did not come here to see a romcom or anything of the sort.
I'm here for business. I can't have myself witness two lovebirds flirting around.
Luminous: 「Sariel-nii? What do you mean?」
Sariel: 「You know, you could flirt around all you like, but not in front of me. I think this is the trap I was talking about. I am now left to defend myself.」
Chloe: 「No! It's not like that! We're not like that! Please stop thinking about us like that!!」
Sariel: 「Right, I definitely believe the words of a strange, mysterious girl I just met by chance. It is truly a very wise decision. I think I deserve an award for that. You've got any?」
Chloe: 「Ouch... you're so cold...」
Alright, this is starting to weird me out. The exchange is weird, the scene is uncomfortable, and the situation is tense.
Luminous: 「Eh?」
And it looks like she's now gaining some sense. Good.
Luminous: 「P-Primordial Silver!?!」
Sariel: 「Geez. Am I such a celebrity? I'm so honored...」
Chloe: 「Sariel-nii, please relax. I promise I'll explain everything, so please don't be so harsh. It hurts...」
Great, now I'm feeling guilty... Since she owes me an explanation, I guess I can treat her with some care.
Sariel: 「*Sigh* Fine. I'll speak more coolly. Let's get this done with, okay?」
Chloe: 「Yes. Thanks for being understanding. I'll handle Luminous.」
Sticking to her word, she handled Luminous. Let's just say it wasn't an easy task.
Questions were thrown like, "Why is he her!?" and, "What does he want from me!?"
But as she said, she handled the matter.
She gave us the privacy we needed to sort out all the many misunderstandings.
Although she grumbled about being asked out of her own room.
I totally get the feeling. When your girlfriend suddenly pulls the "sleep on the couch" card.
Damn, that's something.
Chloe: 「*Sigh* Tha was stressing. Well, let's get back to the matter.」
Sariel: 「Yes. I'll also like to know more about you, Chloe.」
Chloe: 「Hehe. You finally called me Chloe. You've warmed up to me already. Thanks.」
Sariel: 「Hmph! Don't get used to it.」
Kalisha: 「Tsundere found!! All that's left is a yandere.」
We were seated on chairs provided to us by a butler Luminous called Gunther. He was definitely a butler material.
Perhaps I should get a maid of my own?
Kalisha: 「Oh?」
No, no, no! Stop thinking of such silly things!! The idea is appealing, but now is not the time to think of such things....
Without knowing, my mind had drifted to such dangerous thoughts.
Lunax or Norana in a maid costume.... hehe~
Chloe: 「Sariel-nii~ Are you thinking of some degenerate things?」
Without knowing, I had a silly smile plastered on my face.
Sariel: 「A-Ah, right! Back to the topic.」
Thankfully, she ignored my dumbness and moved on to the matter at hand. I owe her one.
Sariel: 「Alright. So the big question is, are you a time traveler, Chloe?」
Chloe: 「E-Eh!?! You knew!?」
So it seems we were right. I never doubted you, Raziel-san!
Kalisha: 「Right....」
Sariel: 「Your reaction says it all. It's a mystery how you are capable of such feats, but I'll let you keep your little secret.」
Chloe: 「Thanks, I guess.」
Sariel: 「But how is the future? Is everything cool? If I were to take a guess, things would be bad considering you had to perform a time travel.」
She nodded her head. I knew that one day, things would get out of hand, but to be this serious?
Damn. I wonder what happened....
Sariel: 「Well, do you mind explaining your connection to me? Calling me "-nii" might have to do with our relationship.」
As I questioned her, I noticed something weird. It seemed as if there was another individual watching us from the sidelines.
「Suggestion. Use the skill 『Soul Appraisal』? [YES]/[NO]?」
Hm... Sure thing!
With my approval, a soul investigation began.
The result was unexpected.
Sariel: 「Eh? What's with the connection of the astral bodies?」
???: 「So you noticed? As expected...」
A sharp and cold reply was given; unlike Chloe's childlike voice, this one was tinged with a cool and cold tone.
Sariel: 「Who's that?」
Chloe: 「Right. That's Hinata. A close friend of mine!」
So, like Raziel-san and Kalisha? But that isn't a skill. That's a soul. Definitely a life-form.
But not a spirit, a human. With a skill holding their existence?
Soul fragments being held by the skill?
Ah, time travel....
Sariel: 「... Things keep getting weird. Trust me when I say you have a shit ton of explanation to give.」
The information I received was rather interesting.
She didn't know how to manipulate infons, so prying into their information was as easy as breathing.
The memories, the experience. Heck, even their skills. Also, another foreign entity is rooted deep within them?
What the hell!?! These guys are suspicious as fuck!
Fighting Veldora? Sealing him? Rimuru? Me!?! Leon!?
Uwawawawah!! Too much! Too much!!
I was calm on the outside, but internally, my mind was in overload.
It doesn't hurt like it is supposed to due to my resistance to spiritual damage, but it was annoying.
Like trying to watch a fly's movement with 100% accuracy, not missing any details.
My mind short-circuited foe a while before Raziel-san's intervention.
「Notice. Disturbance terminated. Information will be analyzed later.」
Ah, that was annoying. But seriously, these guys are gonna drive me crazy.
Although I couldn't see it all, I definitely saw some important scenes.
This issue would be treated later, but for now, let's focus on what's ahead.
Sariel: 「So, there's a guy I'll meet in the future called Rimuru? And also, you're a maiden in love?」
Chloe: 「W-Wah! How did you know!?!」
Sariel: 「You didn't even deny it. Damn, that's one solid love you've got.」
Chloe: 「S-Stop!!」
Sariel: 「Hahaha. Sorry, I couldn't help it. Hehe.」
Honestly, that's pretty cute.
Chloe: 「But how did you know? I've not yet said a word up till now.」
Sariel: 「Ah, sorry again. I interrogated your soul.」
She looked at me with a mildly shocked expression before sighing in defeat.
Chloe: 「At this point, I can't get mad at you.」
I know, right? I'm just that good.
Hinata: 「Although it was a rude thing, I'm sure it settles the whole question-answer case. But how did you do such a thing?
I knew you were strong, but to this level? The last time I saw you, I could swear that you were just as strong as Luminous-sama.
Now, it looks like you're way stronger than that.」
Hm? That's interesting... In the timeline they are talking about, I was not even as strong as Veldora.
How the heck did I survive in that case?!
I guess even in other timelines or worlds, I'm still a miracle worker.
Sariel: 「Well, the normal way of analyzing someone is by releasing off invisible interference waves.
When that is done, the sender of the interference wave absorbs it back, using it to collect the received data.
Since this is done with a skill, it is way easier than attempting to manually absorb the wave.
This, however, can be blocked by an individual's resistance or counteracted by releasing the accurate amounts of disruption waves, thereby interfering with the wave's motion (wavelength).」
Hinata: 「I see... Even till now, it looks like I still learn a lot of things from you. You really have a lot of knowledge on things.」
Hm? Did I teach her something in her timeline?
Perhaps it has to do with that incident with the earth dragon.
That technique she used to defend herself against the earth dragon's final attack was definitely an art I invented.
『Dimension Fault』. An art that envelops the user's body in a spatial distortion by severing the space around them, nullifying all kinds of attacks, including space-severing attacks.
When I didn't have my best barrier skill; that is, the 『Multidimensional Barrier』, I had relied on this art to keep me safe.
At the time of the dragon subjugation, Sage-san had developed this to another extent, creating the barrier skill.
It provides a near absolute defense against physical phenomena, and emission-type attacks seemingly vanish into thin air upon hitting it.
Though its defense against physical, elemental, and emission-type attacks is foolproof, it can not block Spiritron-based attacks completely due to them not following the normal rules of motion and moving through space-time in odd patterns imaginable.
Even spiritual attacks are capable of bypassing the skill's defensive ability.
It had many flaws, and my overprotective partner wanted me to have a flawless defense, so she went out of her way to make the 『Multidimensional Barrier』skill.
Well, she did not actually "make" the skill, but achieved it as she is not capable of making a skill.
Raziel-san can use the data of other skills to achieve a different skill, but the creation of a skill is beyond both our capabilities.
Even just being able to do such a thing is enough to earn us the title of "gods."
Chloe: 「Hehehe. Sariel-nii has always been a good teacher. Even Rimuru-sensei learns a lot from him.
He once showed us a really cool magic I couldn't understand. I always wonder how it works even till now.」
Well, it looks like the future me is doing a good job in being a cool persona to the kids. Nice.
I'm so cool. Who wouldn't want to be the coolest demon?
Sariel: 「Geez guys. You're killing me with the embarrassing comments. But they are well received.」
She smiled as I said so. I have become fond of them already, but I will never admit it openly.
Time passed as the discussion about the future continued.
It turns out that she never met me in her previous time leaps and never told me about the future.
But in this timeline, things occurred differently.
I have made some important deductions from this simple conversation.
One is that in the other timeline, I would never have fought Milim, Veldora, Velzard, or even Asura.
Heck, I might as well stay in hell and accumulate all the power I needed there. This is not just a joke statement but a possible fact.
Considering my strength, fighting them would just be pure suicide, and I'm sure the me of that time would not like to engage in a battle that would only lead to an obvious death.
Even the me of this timeline would not like such a thing.
I might have decided to remain in the underworld to gain more strength that way.
This whole deduction may be flawed in a sense, as it all stems up from an individual's point of view (Hinata's).
I may have been stronger, but she would be unable to understand that.
Besides, that other me may also have the skill 『Existence Concealment』.
All this is just a "what-if" situation being put into thorough consideration.
There may also be the fact that I was never acquainted with Velda, though that is highly unlikely.
He would definitely send Lunax after my ass if I were to refuse his invitation. That's something I can definitely see the asshole doing.
If that's so, then I did engage in the dragon subjugation.
There are a lot of possibilities in this, so I think making baseless deductions would only serve to waste time.
Besides, it wasn't time to go deep into the root of things.
Sariel: 「You know, I've figured out your plan. Such a sly brat. You didn't want to handle the burden alone, so you put the whole thing on me.
By telling me this, you already know that I will handle the rest. Cheeky bastard... *Sigh*
Fine, I'll help out a little. Don't expect much. And here I thought I would gain another century of peace.」
Chloe: 「Really?! Thanks a lot, Sariel-nii. You're the best!!」
She rushed in for another hug. A child in mind but adult in body.
No, that's terribly wrong. She has a childlike personality but an adult's mind.
Hinata also seems pretty chill. Like those cool side characters who always get the job done.
Whilst in her embrace, I decided to tease her a little.
Sariel: 「Oh? So Rimuru isn't the best?」
Chloe: 「Wait! No! It's not like he isn't the best! He—uhh you know... Ah! Yes. He's the one I love, but you're the best! Umu!」
Look at how she's convincing herself with nonsense.
That's one way to put it. I am the best, and he is her lover. At least it's understandable.
Well, it looks like another thing to do has arrived.
I will need to constantly compare myself to the other me to change some things that would lead to a bad ending.
Well, I say that, but a lot of things have already been done to ensure a better outcome.
The other me would surely envy me. I have it all in my hand.
Power, fame, wealth, name it all.
Well, wealth is not something I deem necessary, so don't you dare call me a broke loser.
Kalisha: 「No, no, no! How dare you say such a thing!! You're not a broke loser. You're a poor homeless vagabond!」
That is....
*Sigh*
I don't really have time to whine at this point. It is a painful fact that I will always be bullied by this mass of natural waste.
As I was deep in thought, a mind shattering revelation was released.
Chloe: 「It is not really clear to me, but in the future, you would get really mad and join the enemy's side.
You even threatened to destroy the world. At some point, you got really powerful that your threat was becoming a reality.」
.... What....?
I... joined the enemy? I threatened to destroy the world?
What the hell? How did it all happen?
I don't think I could be enraged to the point of even threatening to destroy the world I once swore to protect.
That's so out of place. I mean, I never take my threats lightly.
Not to talk of me threatening to destroy the world in an enraged state.
Then there's the one about me joining the enemy. Who is my enemy? Twilight? Asura? Feldway, or perhaps the two dragon sisters...?
That's definitely not a good outcome.
Hinata: 「As she said, it's not actually clear. Don't stress about it for now. A time will cone when we will all gather to talk about it.
Instead of worrying about it, think of ways to counter such a fate. That would help better than worrying.」
Huh. She's definitely right. I almost lost my cool there.
Perhaps something might have been the cause of it all.
Like in the other timeline, I wasn't considered a world protector even though I was.
I had no feats to brag about, or I did have some, but they might have been unknown, and I was certainly infamous.
My anger might be the cause of some stupid humans.
If I were to guess, it would be like; "I was the hidden protector of the world, saving the humans from damnation.
But at a certain time, they might have killed someone close or related to me, and I had no way of reviving them.
Due to that fact, I was driven into blind rage and did all those irrational things.
In my time of weakness, the enemy might have landed an irresistible offer, one that would allow me to fulfill my wish.
So, without a second thought, I joined the enemy side.
I somehow got way stronger than I am now, and my words were taken seriously."
That's the only scenario I can think of for now. It's actually a pretty scary future.
The chaos and destruction that would ensue would be cataclysmic.
Just how fucked up was the other timeline. And it seems like my presence only served to aggravate things more.
Chloe: 「I believe in you, Sariel-nii. You can change the future—no, rather, you have already changed the future.
Even before my arrival, I had hope in you. I would normally depend on Rimuru-sensei to do such, but you are another person I look up to.
I don't know what caused such a drastic change, but I can only hope it is for the better.」
Hm. That's right. With the way things started, a future like the one I've been told about has already been ruled out of the infinite possibilities.
So worrying about it now will only serve to demoralize me.
Sariel: 「I get it. I'll focus on what's ahead, instead of worrying about the past or future that isn't even mine.
Thanks, you two, for the word of support. I needed that.」
I smiled at them sincerely. There are other factors all behind my knowledge, but it will all play out at the end of it all.
Sariel: 「But you know, by reverting back time, you indirectly ended the life of billions all for your selfish feelings.」
As I said that, a rare expression could be seen on her face.
An expression of sorrow, pain, confliction, and the most dominant one of them all, guilt.
But they all faded away as she faced me, looking me in the eye as if it were a challenge.
Chloe: 「I... I know it's selfish of me, but I'm willing to pay the price. It's like a trade; killing billions to save tens billions.
I know it sounds stupid, but I know you understand me better than anyone I know.
By doing this, I've ended the possibility of a new generation, but in turn, I am also saving a new possible generation.
There is nothing like molding the future without tainting one's hand. I can accept all the blame, but in the end, I don't regret what I did a bit.」
Sariel: 「Good. That's what I want to hear. You are a true hero in the literal sense, Chloe. You have my utmost respect.」
Chloe: 「Eh? I expected some form of admonition, but this? Was that a test?」
Sariel: 「Yes. And you exceeded all odds. You have my deepest approval. I will do my part, so make sure to do yours, deal?」
As I said that, she began to tear up. Her watery eyes were all but unclear.
I'm sure she has gone through a lot, and she really needed to hear these words from someone.
Watching her friends die over again, she really has suffered.
I understand how it feels as I've also lost some people close to me.
Makime, who I'm sure is dead by now, was one of a kind. A close and true friend in the deepest sense.
I basically spent my whole childhood with her.
She was like my mother, my sister, my best friend, my supporter, my teacher, my everything.
She served all the roles I missed to receive. And yet, I left her to be in solitude. How cruel of me.
She has done a lot of things for me, and I would rather give up my life for her than watch her die.
I do not regret what I did. I know she will never get over me considering how she was so attached to me, but I still do not regret it at all.
Besides, I don't think I can live my life without her.
That departure hurt me than I let off. It still hurts till today, but it's understandable.
There are some things you can really never get rid of, with one of those things being intense emotions.
Even demons are forced to obey that law.
Ignoring that, there's also the blockhead Veldanava.
That guy was just.... amazing. He was a God and, at the same time, a dumb person.
Well, I always say that to look tough, but I really love that guy.
He was like a mentor and a father figure I never had, and yet, he was also my best friend.
He helped me as much as I helped him. I was able to do away with a bit of my sorrow with earth because of him, and yet, we were separated by the strings of fate.
I never even got the chance to speak to him for the last time like I did with Makime.
Yet, his message to me was truly heartbreaking. He had so much trust in me, so much as to place the fate of the world in my hand.
I was a mere human soul in a demon's body, compared to him, who was the God of the universe, but he still trusted me to that extent.
Realizing the truth it too late, I could only mourn in deep sorrow.
My heart sank deeply, but I had to move on.
Just like the old man gave me his word of encouragement, I will give mine.
Sariel: 「There are some things you can't avoid, but that shouldn't hold you down.
Like an old man once said, "Don't stop because life opposes you, but continue because life couldn't kill you."
You are strong, Chloe, and you should remain that way. I will help in the way I can, so promise me you would try your best to save the world.」
At this point, her tears began to run down her cheeks. She began to sob silently, and no one needed to tell me that I had to do something.
This time, I pulled her into my embrace. I won't be able to fully understand how she feels, but I can, at the very least, help her a bit.
Chloe: 「Can I do it? Do you really think I can do it?」
Sariel: 「Yes. So go out there and be the true hero this cruel world needs.」
I wiped the tears off her face with my finger.
She then turned to face me a determined expression.
Chloe: 「Alright then. Your trust is all I need. Thanks a lot. I can see why Alice-chan took a liking to you.」
Alice-who now? The fuck is with all the new characters.
I ignored the thought and let her go.
Sariel: 「Okay. I'm sure Luminous-san would be pretty annoyed with the fact that we sent her out of her own room with the excuse of a private chat.
So I'll be heading out. If there's any other thing you need from me, you could come to the Jura Forest.
That way, we would be able to meet each other without any problem.」
Chloe: 「Alright. Goodbye! And thanks for... everything!!」
I nodded to convey my feelings and teleported my way out of there.
I have just acquired forbidden knowledge. Well, not forbidden, buy necessary information that could help with everything.
I will make sure to use it wisely. As for now, I'll just chill out and rest from such a stressful day.
—————————————————————————————————
「Note: That's the end of the chapter for my lovely readers. I hope you enjoyed today's sequel.
This is how I decided to set Sariel's influence in the alternate timeline. When the time comes to release Chronoa and Grandbell's schemes, I might decide to make a chapter about the alternate timeline.
I can't wait for such a time to come, and I hope that by then, my writing skills will have improved considerably.
Thanks for always reading my story. Please vote for the chapter if you enjoyed it. See ya!!」
「Word Count: 4630」