Chapter 1345: Reminiscence
Chapter 1345: Reminiscence
Alice took a deep breath before turning her gaze toward the window.
"Souta is alive... That’s good."
She murmured softly, a faint smile appearing on her face. Knowing that he was still alive brought her some much-needed relief.
Still, there was more to the news than just Souta’s survival.
From what she had heard, the Dragon Council seemed to be doing remarkably well. They had fought against both the Gluttony Army and the Council of High Worlds, two formidable forces that ordinary people wouldn’t dare provoke.
Yet, what concerned Alice the most was the involvement of higher entities in the conflict.
The situation had escalated far beyond what she could have imagined. She couldn’t understand what had happened in the Great Shen Empire, much less what Souta was trying to accomplish by involving himself in such a dangerous battle.
What exactly was he planning?
Alice lowered her eyes, her expression turning contemplative.
She knew Souta well enough to understand that he wouldn’t take such risks without a reason. Whatever he was pursuing, it was probably something important.
Even so, she couldn’t help worrying about him.
"Honestly, what are you doing over there...?" she whispered, her voice carrying a mixture of relief and exasperation.
The Blood Lightning Monster had made an appearance in the Immortal Land. He had fought against powerful enemies, and his current whereabouts remained unknown.
Still, Alice knew that Souta wouldn’t disappear just like that. No matter how dangerous the situation became, she believed he would find a way to survive. Sooner or later, he would make another appearance.
"Souta is alive... Isabella and the others should be alive too."
She could only hope for the best. With the information available to her, there was no way to find out what had truly happened in the Great Shen Empire.
"Also, it seems that the Dark Oculus in the Giza Continent are doing well. The legion has become quite famous across different nations... I wonder how they’re doing right now."
Alice’s thoughts drifted to the past.
She missed those days when everything had been so simple for them.
Back then, they would attend school together at the beginning of each day. It had become such a familiar routine that she had never given it much thought. Whenever she entered the classroom, he would already be there, sitting in his seat with a cup of coffee.
It was such an ordinary sight.
Yet, looking back now, she realized how precious those moments had been.
Who could have imagined that such simple days could bring so much happiness?
When Souta invited her to join their adventurer group, she had simply thought, ’Why not give it a try?’
She joined without expecting much, but who could have imagined that she would grow so attached to them?
Souta, Lumilia, Lynn, Bryan, Yujin, and Brando had all become her friends.
They would attend school together and go on missions during the weekends. Almost every day, they were together, sharing countless moments that seemed ordinary at the time.
Now, those memories had become some of her most precious treasures.
’Bryan, you’re always causing trouble. It’s funny how simple-minded you can be, but I know you’ll use that strength of yours to protect the others.’
’Lumilia, how are things with your father? Have you two reconciled yet? I’m sure you’re still working hard, just like you always do. Keep striving forward. You know, I actually wanted to follow in your footsteps. I wanted to break free from my family, too.’
’Lynn, what about you? I know you’re still insecure about yourself, but you’re a wonderful person. I’m sure you’ll find the courage to hold your head high someday. Ehe, I know you always want to talk to Souta. I can see you sneaking glances at him all the time. You should be more confident in yourself!’
’Brando, you’ve already become a great shielder. I know your dream is to become someone who can protect your friends from harm. I’m sure you’ll achieve it someday. Keep protecting everyone, okay?’
’Yujin, you’re always so quiet. A man of few words, huh? But I know how talkative you can be around your friends. And when they’re in danger, you’re always ready to put your life on the line for them.’
Her thoughts gradually returned to the person who occupied the deepest corner of her heart.
’Lastly, Souta...’
A faint smile appeared on her face.
’You always have that stoic expression or that wicked grin of yours. Ehe, it’s funny, especially when you make that face while holding a cup of coffee.’
She paused, remembering those familiar scenes. For a moment, she could almost picture him sitting in the classroom, casually sipping his coffee as though nothing in the world could bother him.
’When Saya helped me connect to your mind, I finally understood why you always acted that way.’
Her smile gradually faded.
’I know you’re doing your best, so please, learn to forgive yourself. Don’t blame yourself for what happened. You tried to protect me from my father’s subordinates, and you did everything you could to save the people of Astros. You shouldn’t have to carry all that guilt alone.’
She lowered her head, her fingers tightening around the railing.
’If anything, I should be the one taking the blame. I’m the one who brought that disaster upon your people.’
Her voice would have trembled if she had spoken those words aloud.
’But... I’m already satisfied.’
She closed her eyes, recalling the news she had received about him.
’I’m satisfied knowing that you’re still alive. And when I heard that you were willing to fight the entire world for me...’
Her lips curved into a bittersweet smile.
’...I couldn’t have asked for anything more.’
For a long time, Alice remained silent, allowing the memories to wash over her.
She remembered their laughter, their adventures, and the countless ordinary days they had spent together. Back then, she had never imagined that those simple moments would become memories she could only revisit in her mind.
Now, she could no longer be with them.
She couldn’t sit beside Lumilia in the classroom, see Lynn stuttering in front of Souta, watch Bryan get himself into trouble, or see Brando and Yujin protect their friends.
And she couldn’t sit beside Souta, either.
The days they had shared were now far behind her, separated by a distance she couldn’t easily cross.
Yet, even in this unfamiliar place, surrounded by people who called her Princess, Alice couldn’t bring herself to forget those precious days.
After all, they were the ones who had taught her what it meant to be happy.
Suddenly, a knock echoed through the room.
Alice turned her head, but before she could say anything, a voice came from the other side of the door.
"Princess, it’s time."
Alice’s body trembled for a brief moment when she heard those words. Her fingers tightened, and a flicker of reluctance crossed her face. However, she quickly regained her composure and took a deep breath.
"I know," she replied softly.
She rose from her seat and walked toward the door.
When she opened it, an old man was standing outside. He had gleaming goat-like eyes, a pair of red horns protruding from his head, and two pairs of arms. A full suit of silver-colored plate armor covered his body, while a pair of black wings extended from his back.
’A Tenth Shackle Realm expert...’
Alice could sense the immense energy concealed within the old man’s body. Despite his seemingly composed demeanor, the sheer presence he exuded was enough to make her instinctively wary.
The Heavenly Demon Palace, established by her father, was home to numerous powerhouses. It was one of the four great powers of the Demon’s Land, a place where strength and authority reigned supreme.
And now, she was about to meet the one who stood at its very peak.
The old man led Alice through the palace corridors toward the throne room where the Great Demon Emperor resided. With every step, the uneasiness in her heart grew heavier.
When they finally arrived, she stopped before the enormous doors.
Her heart began to pound wildly.
She knew what awaited her beyond those doors. She had known it for a long time, yet that didn’t make facing it any easier.
The old man stopped beside the entrance and stepped aside, leaving her to enter alone.
Alice stood motionless for a moment, staring at the towering doors. She drew a deep breath, trying to steady her trembling heart, before placing her hand against the cold surface.
As she pushed the doors open, a wave of complicated emotions surged through her chest.
’I hope I don’t forget any of you...’
Her thoughts drifted toward the people she had left behind, the friends who had given her so many precious memories.
’Souta, don’t die.’
The doors slowly closed behind her.
Alice raised her head and looked straight ahead, her gaze settling on the demon seated upon the throne.
The Great Demon Emperor.
Lucifer.
His imposing figure commanded the entire throne room, and his presence alone was enough to make the atmosphere feel suffocating.
Then, his voice rang out, breaking the silence.
"Now that you’re here, let’s begin."
His eyes settled on Alice.
"The Project Satan Lilith."