Countless fragments of memories passed through his eyes, memories from a first-person perspective.
One after another again and again and again and again and again. For hundreds or maybe thousands of times, he could see himself punching a hole through his own body. It was inside the Soul sanctum, in the secondary aspect chamber. He was seeing things from the perspective of the Demon Phantom he had fought countless times. From the very beginning. He would continue to lose indefinitely. Every time, the phantom would punch a hole in Axel’s chest.
Every time, the demon phantom would continue to kill Axel. As Axel’s eyes would close, he would whisper something into his ear. Different content repeatedly multiple times. It was like a hidden encoded command, something Axel would do when the moment was right, without even realizing it.
Axel’s runic eyes shimmered in golden light unknown to anyone. For a moment, the runic eyes took on a reddish hue. Slowly, as the memories of it all settled in his mind, he reeled in understanding, in pain, in struggle, in sadness, as the hazy picture he never knew existed started to clear. He muttered in his mind with a difficult smile, ’So, that’s how it is. That’s the path I have chosen to take. I always thought it was .... and this is why I hate this disgusting world so damn much.’
It was at this moment that a notification of the prime nexus sounded in his ears, and an utterly intolerable alien voice whispered into his ears. The words of it shook his very bones, for reasons he did not know.
[The night when the final calamity is about to descend, the three moons each shall show their true colors; the purple moon shall also show its true, unquestionable might. The hateful purple light, which will corrode everything, even the three moons, will not be able to stop it.]
With an immense will of effort, he barely controlled his spiraling emotions. A great sense of unease took over him as he listened to the words that seemed to have been injected right into his own mind. But in the very next moment. He forgot everything that was said to him. As if it were sealed by the very being that said it in the first place.
He frowned at himself, the lingering feeling of unease remaining within him even now. But again, the strange force took over and erased that feeling as well. This happened a few times until he had absolutely no recollection of what had just happened, an alarming factor unknown to even himself. For origınal chapters go to 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚫𝙣𝙚𝙩
So, with an empty mind, he smiled, still gazing at the purple moon, the redness in the runic pattern of his eyes receding slowly as he looked away. The words of the professor echoed in his mind more strongly than ever. She was right. He should really enjoy himself. For one last time, because after this, he might never get another chance.
Professor Regina disappeared from the setup alongside the illusions, and the stage also transformed into something new. An academy staff member got up to the stage, set up a small firework, lit it up, and it shot towards the sky. It was strange to see a firework so similar to those on Earth. He was sure it was operated mainly by magic rather than scientific studies.
The fireworks shot up almost 500 meters high in the sky. Dwarfing a bit towards the three white moons that were near each other. Then it exploded in a predetermined pattern, into an extensive and colorful pattern of humongous fire flowers. With the three bright moons shining right behind it. It took everyone’s breath away.
Every single student cheered with joy and pure excitement. They shouted their lungs out. The festive atmosphere once again captured everyone’s emotions. Though the history revealed by the professors’ illustrated show was truly awe-inspiring. It didn’t affect their current lives much. The students could only lose themselves in the moment and enjoy. Even in their own states or homes, those from prestigious families had to maintain a certain decorum and attitude. Responsibilities were always on their shoulder.
The life of nobility and riches also came with its own difficulties that they could never truly express or forget, leaving them with a burden that made it hard to be a normal human and experience the present moment. Axel only smiled wistfully at that sight. The four of them enjoyed the small festival and spent more time hanging around together, visiting the remaining stalls.
When almost one hour had passed since sunset, Vyra exclaimed out of nowhere, remembering something she had nearly forgotten, "Everyone, let’s go to the Dance Hall."
Axel frowned, "What dance hall?"
Of course, he knew what she was talking about. The next primary focus of the festival was a formal dance between male and female students. Most of the students will attend it without a doubt. But there should still be more than an hour till that begins, not to mention he had no intention of going into that dance. It was pretty evident that Lumina would ask him for a dance, and if he agreed. Yeah, he would rather not see Sophia go on a killing spree.
Vyra explained further about the luxurious royal ball of the academy, which would only be used for very special occasions, and only once a year. A formal dance ceremony will be held, in which most of the students will definitely participate. Most of the students had already prepared a formal dress for the occasion, having it ready within their tool space.
But none of the four among them had such a dress ready for themselves. Axel didn’t care, Heinz didn’t know. Vyra knew but was unsure of what kind of dress to pick. At the same time, Lumina didn’t know if she would even dance because she wouldn’t dance with anyone except Axel.
Vyra and Heinz were both quite eager to go to the dance. Lumina was the same. But it seems she was hesitating about whether to ask Axel about it or not. Axel stated with no delay, avoiding the unlikely scenario, which he would rather not see unfold right in front of his eyes,
"Sorry, I won’t dance, guys. I don’t like these things. But I can go there and be a spectator and enjoy the show, I guess."
Vyra nodded in understanding. She did, in fact, expect that Axel himself would not agree to dance, especially given the complicated love triangle between Lumina, Axel, and Sophia. Lumina didn’t show any obvious signs of disappointment, but Vyra knew she was indeed a bit hurt by the statement.