บท 59: Chapter 97&98
Chapter 97: The Nightmare's Curtain Call
Such resolve is indeed worthy of praise.
Even without Nakahara Chuuya Yokohama's strongest weapon the remaining gifted individuals united together still make a formidable force, not to be taken lightly.
However, regardless of how they struggle, in the end, they can only accompany Yokohama to its doom.
Once Tokisaki Kurumi decides to get serious, eliminating these ability users would only require a bit more effort.
Still, there's no real need for her to go that far. Her main mission has already been completed; she can return to the settlement space at any time and leave this world.
The reason she's stayed, waiting for Yokohama's protectors to come to her, is merely to complete a side mission to defeat Nakahara Chuuya and leave this performance with a perfect ending.
Now, it's time for the curtain to fall on the stage.
Facing the ability users gathered below her throne, Kurumi shifts her thoughts, and the vines coiled around her body disintegrate into sawdust under the pulse of her spiritual energy.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I genuinely admire your willingness to sacrifice for your homeland."
Kurumi rises from the throne.
As she leaves, the vines lose their connection to her and their ability to sustain the City of Devouring Time, causing the scarlet domain shrouding Yokohama to vanish. Warm sunlight returns, breathing life into the city.
However, Yokohama's ability users remain tense, their nerves tighter than ever. Just as they brace for the final showdown, a sly smile appears on Kurumi's face.
"Before we fight, why don't we discuss a deal?"
"There's nothing to discuss, Nightmare. You must answer for the damage done to Yokohama," Sakaguchi Ango declares, unwilling to compromise.
"It's time to restore peace to this city," Fukuzawa Yukichi says firmly.
"Miss Tokisaki, I wouldn't make a deal with you twice," Ogai Mori chuckles, shaking his head.
"We've waited long for this chance. Do you think we'll let you leave now?" the Eyepatch One scoffs.
"Today is the day of reckoning!" the Bandaged One shouts.
"Don't rush. At least hear my proposal first, won't you?"
A massive clock's shadow appears behind Kurumi, radiating an ancient, heavy aura. With dual pistols in hand, she regards the gathered ability-users with a charming smile.
"As you know, I need to absorb a large amount of time to activate the Twelfth Bullet and return to the past to complete something. Right now, I've gathered 99% of the time required."
"Then it seems we're not too late," Dazai Osamu remarks. "At least we can save the remaining 1%."
"That's what my proposal is about," Kurumi replies. "If you refuse, I will continue absorbing time from others. But if you agree, I promise to stop absorbing any more time."
"How will you make up the final 1%?"
"With my own life," Kurumi smiles. "Don't worry; I live much longer than ordinary people. Even if I use part of it, the remainder will be enough for the battle with the Phantom."
A stunned silence falls over them. Some are shocked that the cold blooded Nightmare would sacrifice herself; others are puzzled by her choice. A few seem to understand her reasons.
No matter how one sees it, they cannot refuse this deal.
Everyone here knows her aim is to go back in time to kill the Phantom. If she succeeds, the world will reset, and everything happening now in Yokohama will never occur in the new world. If she fails and the Phantom kills her, then Yokohama and its ability-users suffer no loss.
Agreeing to this deal means they avoid risking their lives and can save the remaining 1% of lives. Meanwhile, the Nightmare Tokisaki Kurumi will disappear forever.
No matter the outcome, they will benefit.
If they stubbornly choose to fight Kurumi, they will likely lose their lives. In that battle, Kurumi will need to absorb even more time.
Accepting the deal is the best choice for everyone.
"Miss Tokisaki," Ogai Mori sighs, looking resigned. "You always make the most tempting offers."
Clearly, the Port Mafia's boss intends to accept the deal. He, more than anyone, knows how troublesome her abilities can be. He would rather avoid becoming her enemy if possible.
Fukuzawa Yukichi and the head of the Special Ability Department exchange uncertain glances.
"Dazai, Ranpo, what do you think?" Fukuzawa asks.
"Accept, boss," Rampo Edogawa replies. "I know it's unfair to the people who died, but for Yokohama's future, this is the best choice in a worst case scenario."
"Well… this deal doesn't harm us at all," Dazai Osamu admits, scratching his head.
"Although I tried to sound cool earlier, if we fought her, we'd definitely lose."
"Knowing when to stop… is that it."
With the two great minds of the Detective Agency in agreement, even Fukuzawa, despite his reluctance, must consider the bigger picture.
As for Sakaguchi Ango? The Japanese government has never taken a stand, which, given the city destroying threat, implies they do not wish to make an enemy of Tokisaki Kurumi.
Now, with this mutually beneficial proposal, Ango has even less reason to refuse.
The three major organizations in Yokohama nod in agreement. They accept the deal. Both the Eyepatch One and the Bandaged One silently approve, realizing, like Ranpo said, that this is the best option in a terrible situation.
"Now, I have one last gift and a minor request."
With a slight gesture, figures emerge from the shadow space. To everyone's surprise, they aren't Nightmare's clones but members of the Guild. Other than Lovecraft the monster, James, executed by Koyo Ozaki, and John, who was let go, all other Guild ability users are present.
Some are bound, others unconscious, and a few remain still, paralyzed by fear.
"These Guild members should be of interest to the government, whether you choose to recruit them or use them as diplomatic hostages."
With a slight smile, Kurumi tosses a detective novel to Sakaguchi Ango. "Besides Mr. Nakahara, here's Edgar as well. Consider them both gifts to you."
"A valuable gift indeed," Ango says, adjusting his glasses. "And what do you want in return?"
"I have a subordinate named Izumi Kyouka, formerly an assassin with the Port Mafia. You know of her?"
"Ah, the infamous Thirty Five Slasher, a familiar face on the wanted list." Ango raises an eyebrow. "I haven't heard about her in a while; I assume she's been under your command."
"I want you to rescind her wanted status and give her a new identity so she can live a normal life."
"Hmph..."
"Not agreeable?"
"No, I'm just surprised your request is so modest."
"Then I'll take that as a yes."
"I'll arrange a new future for the girl. Rest assured."
"Thank you," Kurumi sighs with relief. "Now, even if I fail to kill the Phantom, Kyouka can live a normal life."
Silence falls once again. None of them expected that Kurumi's final wish would be a way out for her subordinate.
Such a gesture seems entirely out of character for the Nightmare they know.
Among them, one person alone begins to understand why she acts this way.
"Maybe she really is... a kind person."
Even after witnessing Kurumi's countless crimes against the people of Yokohama, Atsushi Nakajima cannot shake the thought. In the endless darkness of the Nightmare, a glimmer of Tokisaki Kurumi's kindness still shines through.
"Well then, everyone, this is probably our last meeting."
The girl gives a genuine smile, raises her flintlock pistol to her temple, and says, "The story of Tokisaki Kurumi ends here."
[Confirm return to settlement space]
Bang!
With a gunshot, her body slowly fades, becoming transparent, losing its form. Like embers flickering in the forest, her light merges into the space, carried away by the wind.
She's gone.
The girl known as Tokisaki Kurumi, the entity called Nightmare, disappears from their sight.
It's like waking up from a dream.
As Kurumi vanishes, her remaining clones begin to disappear as well.
Lost in Yokohama, guarding John, or loafing at the entertainment venue, they all see the same system notification the moment Kurumi chooses to leave.
[Roleplay complete]
Soon, they vanish like bubbles, leaving no trace behind.
"The main body is gone, so there's no reason for us clones to exist."
Amid the crowd, the Eyepatch One's body starts to fade.
Watching her hands disappear, she feels no shock or fear, only the calmness of acceptance.
"Thank you for your dedication and service. The Special Ability Department will always remember you," Sakaguchi Ango says, finally setting aside his vigilance, bowing respectfully.
The Eyepatch One tries to speak but can't. Her final expression is a smile.
"Wait, does this mean... you're going to disappear too?"
Realizing something, Atsushi Nakajima turns, wide eyed, toward the Bandaged One.
The Armed Detective Agency members noticed as well, their expressions turning somber.
Despite the short time spent together, they had all grown fond of the silly, innocent "Bandage Three." She had even become an accepted member of the agency, so the news of her impending disappearance stirred a sense of reluctance among them.
"You'll always be one of us," Fukuzawa Yukichi said seriously.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of your kitten,"
Dazai Osamu reassured, patting her shoulder.
"We'll burn snacks for you every year," Edogawa Ranpo added.
"What a pity, finally a girl joined us," lamented Yosano Akiko.
Watching the members' heartfelt farewells, and with so much information flashing on the system screen before her, "Bandage Three" was momentarily stunned.
"Roleplay… ended?" Seeing the system's words, a switch flipped in her mind, and her previously dazed eyes cleared.
With the system's help, a long-suppressed personality re emerged within her. Finally, she recalled her true self.
"Ah… so, with the main body gone… I… I'll be disappearing too."
Closing her eyes, "Bandage Three" took a deep breath and shouted to the sky, "My mission is complete—!"
Finally! No more acting like a delusional middle schooler! No more pretending to be clueless every day! No more anxiety about her cover being blown!
She spread her arms wide, embracing the sunlight, awaiting the gods to take her from this world as a saint finds redemption.
However, after a long wait even as sweat began to bead on her forehead under the sun she was still there, solid and very much intact.
Dazai squinted and remarked, "Maybe there's a delay. Just wait a bit longer."
"Right." She closed her eyes and resumed her sun embracing pose. Yet even as the others began to feel hot from standing under the sun, "Bandage Three" remained grounded.
"What… what's going on?" she stammered nervously, swallowing hard. "Could it be that I'm the only one left behind?"
Just as she began doubting her fate, the system screen reappeared before her eyes.
[Due to a change in the timeline, Izumi Kyouka has departed from the main storyline. You will serve as her replacement within the Armed Detective Agency, helping them through the upcoming challenges.]
[You are now an independent Nightmare clone, with all abilities retained.]
[Please continue your roleplay during this period.]
Understanding the system's message, "Bandage Three" sank to her knees, struck as if by a bolt of lightning.
"Nooooooo—!"
Her wailing cry echoed across all of Yokohama.
Chapter 98: Settlement and New Beginnings
[Welcome to the Settlement Space]
[Starting Role Evaluation]
[Role score ranges from D to S. The higher the score, the higher the quality of spirit abilities obtained]
[Overall role score for this session: A]
[Congratulations, host! You have obtained the spirit ability of Tokisaki Kurumi: Bullet No. 6]
[Confirmation of Side Quest 1 completion.
Quest progress: Joined Yokohama's Three Major Organizations]
[Quest Status: Perfectly Accomplished]
[Reward Item Card: Spirit Rebirth Coupon]
[Confirmation of Side Quest 2 completion. Quest progress: Defeated ten members of the Guild]
[Quest Status: Imperfect Completion]
[Reward Item Card: Tokisaki Kurumi Experience Coupon (Ten Minutes)]
[Confirmation of Side Quest 3 completion. Quest progress: No one detected the traveler's identity]
[Quest Status: Perfectly Accomplished]
[Reward Item Card: Identity Forgery Coupon]
[Confirmation of Random Task 1 completion. Defeated Chuuya Nakahara]
[Reward Item Card: Sub-Spirit Summoning Coupon]
When Tokisaki Kurumi opened her eyes again, the trees and the espers of Yokohama were nowhere to be found.
Instead, a vast, white space stretched endlessly around her, empty of any buildings or life. This was the Settlement Space a transition point meant solely for post-mission settlement, with no need for decoration.
Here, she felt the true end of her role-playing.
"At last, I've finished acting as a spirit."
Using John's "Grapes of Wrath" grafting ability combined with her own City of Devouring Time, the main quest had been accomplished without suspense.
However, contrary to appearances, she hadn't harmed a single Yokohama citizen during the chaos.
Kurumi had adjusted the absorption rate of time herself, setting it to its lowest after expanding the domain city wide.
From the moment City of Devouring Time appeared until it vanished, the average lifespan of Yokohama's citizens had only decreased by a month or two.
Most of those who had fainted were elderly or young children, unable to withstand the mental erosion. Before long, they would wake up, as if they'd just experienced a nightmare.
Thus, Tokisaki Kurumi had succeeded in her final plan without harming the innocent, maintaining her character portrayal perfectly.
As she looked at the words displayed by the system, excitement filled her heart. Her efforts hadn't been in vain, and her portrayal rating wasn't low!
Although it didn't reach the highest S grade, which was a bit disappointing, this was only her first time acting as a spirit.
Given her incomplete portrayal and the imperfect use of the angel Zafkiel, reaching A grade was already a pleasant surprise.
Fortunately, the ability she obtained wasn't useless but one of Zafkiel's most practical abilities, Bullet No. 6. She hadn't forgotten the agreement with the system before crossing worlds: as long as she role-played well as a spirit, she would gain a corresponding spirit ability after completing the main quest.
Upon finishing all roles and returning to her original world, she'd be able to use these abilities.
This promise was her reason for agreeing to role play.
And Bullet No. 6, relative to Kurumi's other abilities, was one of the most useful, frequently used by the original Tokisaki Kurumi.
It allowed her consciousness to transfer back to her past self. While similar to Bullet No. 12, which also returned to the past, the mechanics were different.
Bullet No. 6 only transferred her consciousness, while Bullet No. 12 could take her entire body back in time. Additionally, Bullet No. 6 could only take her back a few days, while Bullet No. 12 could go back several years or even decades.
Despite its limitations, Bullet No. 6 was still an excellent ability.
Though she had coveted the City of Devouring Time ability the most as it would grant her virtual immortality such an ability would likely require an S-grade role score.
Given this, obtaining Bullet No. 6 with an A-grade rating was a good outcome.
"Wait a second."
Suddenly remembering something, Kurumi's face showed a hint of confusion. "Using Bullet No. 6 consumes time. But without the City of Devouring Time to absorb time from others, wouldn't using Zafkiel's abilities drain my own lifespan?"
As this thought crossed her mind, her expression grew troubled. Except for Bullets No. 11 and 12, all other abilities required time to use, and the higher the number, the greater the time cost. Bullet No. 6, though moderate, still consumed an amount no ordinary human could bear.
"System, after I return, how many times can I use Bullet No. 6 with my current lifespan?"
[Once]
"…"
Kurumi pressed a hand to her forehead, barely restraining her urge to curse.
Only once. At that rate, the value was worse than Shadow Space. Shadow Space didn't require any time consumption, could be used anytime, and even served as a storage space.
"Sigh, well, at least I can use it once. If I'd drawn Bullet No. 9 or 10, I might not have been able to use it at all."
Taking a long, calming breath, she shook off the disappointing news and focused on the rewards from completing side quests.
The rewards for side quests were all item cards, usable only during spirit role playing and not in her original world.
The reward for perfectly completing Side Quest 1 was a Spirit Rebirth Coupon.
According to the system, it allowed her to descend into another world and, if the chosen spirit didn't suit the situation, to select any previously played spirit for a second portrayal.
This was a particularly valuable item card. If she ever crossed into a high magic world but was assigned a weaker spirit, she could choose a previously played, stronger spirit.
As expected, the reward for perfect completion was excellent quality.
The reward for incompletely accomplishing Side Quest 2 was a Tokisaki Kurumi Experience Coupon, allowing her to transform back into Tokisaki Kurumi while playing another spirit role, but only for ten minutes. In emergencies, this would be an excellent safety fallback, given Kurumi's strong combat and escape abilities.
Unfortunately, Lovecraft's combat prowess was too overwhelming to defeat, preventing her from perfectly accomplishing Side Quest 2. Had she done so, the experience duration might have been longer.
The reward for accomplishing Side Quest 3 was an Identity Forgery Coupon, a card enabling her to blend into the world as a native by implanting a fabricated life story into her mind and affecting the memories of other natives.
This ability to influence an entire world's perception would be very useful in worlds where identity was challenging to acquire.
The reward for completing a random task, a Sub-Spirit Summoning Coupon, allowed her to summon a sub-spirit as a partner to accompany her on her adventures.
Although sub-spirits lacked high combat power, having a companion was still better than facing everything alone.
Compared to the side quest rewards, the random task reward was a bit lackluster but still worth having.
[The second crossing will begin shortly. Please prepare yourself, host.]
After Kurumi familiarized herself with her item cards' effects and took a brief rest, the system's prompt appeared before her eyes.
Though she had just finished playing one role, she didn't mind; the Settlement Space was devoid of distractions, so she was ready to leave at any time.
"Alright, let's begin the second role play."
Feeling a bit excited, she gazed at the large door that appeared before her and stepped through it.
"Now, for a brand-new story."
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