Buzz—
A blinding light instantly enveloped Little in front of him. The radiance emitted from the enormous head, in the dark night shrouded by black mist, was like a curtain of light tearing through the night, illuminating the surrounding darkness in an instant.
...
In the distance, the Titan Skull, driven madly by fury, inching closer to this location, also caught sight of the surging colossal curtain of light.
It was as dazzling as the sun, as grand as time itself. It was as if they were transported back to the upper world of a sudden, with the sun hanging high and light warmly enveloping them.
The Titan Skull stopped in astonishment. His entire face was illuminated by the grandeur of the light.
Behind him, the Witch God Skull, at the moment the curtain of light appeared, stood there dumbfounded, unable to utter a word.
In the Dark World, there is no blazing light. Only the eternal, unchanging black mist and the lifeless sky. The only light you see is the dim soul lamps flickering in the mist, their light born of suffering fueled by souls and blood. Never before this moment, had there been such sunlight-like radiance, falling upon this pitch-black hell.
But at this moment, they saw it... Light... Blinding, magnificent light! Like time rolling backward, in an instant, amidst the chaos and malice, echoes of nearly forgotten... remnants from their past lives resounded.
Buzz—
After the immense beam of light dispersed in an instant, it transformed into countless points of light that slowly faded away in the air. And within that light, a figure so familiaro dearly missed, and even tear-inducing at the mere thought, appeared before their eyes like an illusion.
"That is..."
The Titan Skull's eyes trembled. His uncontrollable, endless rage collapsed at the moment his gaze met that figure.
"My daughter..."
The Witch God Skull muttered lifelessly.
Unbeknownst when, a line of crystal-clear, murky tears streamed down the grotesquely flesh-torn cheeks, dripping onto the ground. The light faded away. Before the small hill, a pair of crystal-clear, emerald green eyes opened vacantly, like a tranquil pool of water. Atop her head was a large butterfly bow. Her long, smooth golden hair cascaded delicately down her round cheeks, resting on her chest.
Dressed in a snug nightgown embroidered with buds, her slender arms hugged a pillow, sitting bewilderedly with a "w" expression at the front of the hill, gazing blankly at Lynne on the hill, who seemed doll-sized in comparison.
"Huh?"
She looked down in surprise and bewilderment. Gazing at her delicate hands, long, fair legs, and feet.
"It's... it's real..." Little's emerald eyes widened in amazement and joy as she suddenly leapt up, exclaiming excitedly: "I have a body now! This is so magical! Truly magical!!"
Boom—
Her leap nearly toppled the small hill.
Lynne, looking up in astonishment, struggled to keep his balance, gazing at the girl, several meters tall, speechless in front of him.
Is she... The Little from 3000 years ago?
Though gigantic, her body's proportions were unexpectedly perfect and harmonious. And clearly not matured, she really looked no different from a proportionally enlarged human girl. And, she was truly beautiful! Exquisite!
Though youthful, anyone could tell at a glance, what a breathtakingly beautiful girl she would become when she grew up!
A... Golden-haired, blue-eyed loli?!
"Doctor! Doctor!! Doctor!!!"
Little, nearly bursting with joy, quickly sat down with a "w", drawing close to the miniature Lynne on the hill, and said with utmost delight: "That's amazing! You are so amazing! Little really has her own body now!"
She spread her arms wide in a cheer. Then, reaching out, she joyfully scooped up the tiny Lynne, holding him tightly against her chest, cuddling him with her cheek like a beloved doll.
"Wuwuwu—this is incredible. Doctor, you are indeed a super amazing doctor!"
Little was extremely happy.
[Ding! Little's Favorability for you +50]
[Ding! Little's Trust in You +40]
[Ding! Little's Trust in You +50]
[Ding! Little's attitude towards you has changed from "Trust" to "Adoration." You have gained 200 Experience]
[Ding! Your epic achievement "Origin's Close Friend" has successfully advanced to "Origin's Best Friend." You have gained 500 Experience]
[Origin's Best Friend: A second-stage epic achievement. Achieved when an Origin-level being's trust in you exceeds 100, and their favorability for you surpasses 500. Each time trust is gained, there is a small chance to advance. This signifies that you have earned a best friend from the dark world. Permanent attribute boost: All attributes +20, Little's Favorability for you +50.]
[Ding! Adoration unlocked!]
[Introduction: At this crossroads, you must decide whether to continue deepening the friendship and trust or to develop towards a higher aspect.]
Lynne: "???!"
Before Lynne could react, Little, unable to suppress her elation, joyfully extended her tongue and affectionately licked Lynne like a kitten.
Slurp—
Slurp—
"I really like the Doctor! The Doctor is so amazing! Wuwuwu—I really, really like!"
Just after a few licks, Lynne was soaking wet. Obviously, even though she had temporarily reverted to her original form, the habits of Favorability developed as a monster over the years couldn't be changed.
"Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Little, stop licking for now! Listen to me..."
Slurp—
"I'm soaked! Completely drenched! I'm dirty, covered in dust!"
Slurp—Slurp—
"Why is she getting more enthusiastic with licking!!"
Slurp, slurp, slurp—
"......"
In the distance, the Titan Skull and the Witch God Skull stood side by side, staring blankly at the scene. The wounds on their heads from the recent bloody battle were rapidly healing under the curse's influence.
"Is this... our... daughter?" The Witch God Skull muttered.
The Titan Skull, usually enraged, was now unusually devoid of anger, his lips moving slackly as he gazed at the familiar little figure from his memories. In that instant, his tumultuous mind was once again flooded with the scenes from before their defeat.
In the midst of the roaring flames and flying ashes that engulfed his tribe, he watched, with eyes wide open, as his daughter, waking up bewildered in her sleep, had her head severed right in front of him... And he was so close at that time... He had rushed forward in a frenzy, yet still, he couldn't save his daughter's life in that final moment...
At that time, she was so young, completely unrelated to that war. And from that moment, the unquenchable rage turned into a curse that drove him mad for three millennia.
He was mostly in a state of confusion. Because whenever he came to his senses and saw his daughter, still as naive as before, with her pure, happy eyes, he was reminded of that scene, of that blood-red knife descending.
He lived perpetually in the night of that raging battle. Therefore, he neither wanted nor was willing to acknowledge the time that followed, the three millennia of hell, or face the present...
Because in his memory, His daughter was always that little and sensible child who would joyfully pounce on him in the morning, affectionately calling him daddy...
In an instant, tears, hot and mixed with confusion, flowed from his eyes, large as rooms. Even snot trickled down.
"Is it an illusion?"
Yes. It must be an illusion. The confusion brought by the curse must have clouded his mind again. But if he could maintain this vision, he would rather forever forego clarity and live in the curse of this chaos.
Seemingly sensing their presence, the mountain-like little girl holding Lynne twitched her ears and then, with a puzzled look, turned her head towards them.
The moment their eyes met, both the Titan Skull and the Witch God Skull trembled, even holding their breaths. And the next moment, the golden-haired little girl's eyes suddenly brightened.
A sparkle appeared.
"Daddy! Mommy!!"
Little quickly jumped up from the ground, holding Lynne, and joyfully ran towards them with a delighted cheer.
Upon hearing her utter those four words, both the Titan Skull and the Witch God Skull shook uncontrollably, tears and snot streaming down uncontrollably.
"My... daughter..."
The next moment, Little joyfully embraced the two heads, closing her eyes and pressing her cheek against theirs. It was as if they had returned to a time long past, to a distant memory so blurred it was barely recallable. It seemed like such scenes were an everyday occurrence back then. Tranquility, peace, free from worries.
In an instant, feeling the warmth of their daughter's cheek, sensing her real body, both the Titan Skull and the Witch God Skull finally couldn't hold back and burst into uncontrollable sobs. Those were the remnants of the past. The affection was lost to time and curse.
In this hell, in this dark and mysterious world, they had even forgotten their own appearances from life. But why, why did they remember this child in front of them so clearly? So clearly that they couldn't forget, no matter how hard they tried.
Wailing. Crying out loud. Hugging tightly for a long time. Even their words were choked, unable to be spoken.
Meanwhile, Lynne sandwiched in the middle while being held in Little's arms, was somewhat terrified of being crushed by her immense size. Unnoticed by anyone at this moment, as he looked up at the tears streaming down the faces of Little's parents, he felt a sense of comfort in his heart.
Actually, if it weren't for this dark world, in the world they lived in before their deaths, they too were a happy family of three. He hadn't planned any of this, but seeing such an ending, he too felt very happy. He closed his eyes, folding his arms, a small smile unknowingly forming on his lips.
...
Ten minutes later.
Little sat on the ground, blinking her eyes, holding Lynne to her chest. Her long golden hair swayed like a wheat field in autumn's breeze.
"Just like this!" Little lifted Lynne up, happily nuzzling him with her cheek again. "It was the amazing Doctor who gave Little a body, really, it's like a miracle, so incredible!"
[Ding! Little's Favorability for you +1]
[Ding! Little's Adoration for you +1]
Instantly, the Titan Skull's stern gaze fell on Lynne. Meanwhile, the Witch God Skull, still next to Little and wiping her tears, gently combed her long golden hair with her tendrils, as if touching a fragile treasure.
"Is it because of—him?"
The Titan Skull looked serious, his eyes filled with doubt.
Lynne raised his head and coughed, saying, "It's not that incredible, just a natural ability I have to make past things reappear. After understanding Little's situation, I just tried it out casually, and didn't expect it to actually work."
He looked up and saw Little looking down at him with blinking eyes, his face blushed, and he coughed: "Sorry, I didn't expect Little to be so adorable~"
Stare—
Stare—
Lynne instantly felt two terrifying gazes piercing him. He widened his eyes, swallowed, and raised his hands: "I was just saying."
The Titan Skull still looked at him with doubt and disbelief, as this was unimaginable. To him, this guy was just a slightly capable but weak human. Except for charming his daughter, he seemed to have no other merits! But he never imagined that this human had such a bizarre ability.
"Can it—be maintained—permanently?" The Titan Skull identified a crucial point.
Lynne seriously held up a finger, adjusting his cracked monocle, and said: "One hour, that's my current limit."
Even though he had guessed that this ability couldn't possibly be permanent, a whole hour still surprised him. Because in this dark world, they were almost top-tier Origin-level beings.
The Titan Skull asked solemnly, "What is this ability of yours called?"
Lynne, with eyes closed, replied, "Remnants of the Past."
The Titan Skull murmured those four words. Remnants... of the past... Indeed, a fitting name, for a power that allows the dead to momentarily relive their past... right? His gaze towards Lynne became more complex.
"Just an appearance—not actually reverting back—is that right?"
Lynne raised his head to meet his gaze, confirming, "Yes."
A hint of sadness flashed in the Titan Skull's eyes.
Lynne knew what he was thinking. But it was something impossible. Because that would mean reversing time, reversing life and death, something beyond his capabilities. Even if this skill could do it, the cost would be immense.
His [Remnants of the Past] was merely a reenactment of the past. A true illusion. Beneath the facade of the illusion, nothing had changed. Little was still the Headhunter, she was still... beheaded...
Silence fell around them.
Then Lynne suddenly felt Little's hand move, and she placed him in her palm, bringing him close to her face, so close that he could see her lake-like azure eyes. She blinked at Lynne.
"I like you!" She said playfully.
Lynne was initially startled. Then he saw her pure, lively eyes.
Lynne smiled slightly, leaning on her hand, giving her a thumbs-up, showing his white teeth.
"Likewise!"
[Ding! Little's adoration for you +1]
[Ding! Little's adoration for you +1]
[Ding! Little's adoration for you +1]
Lynne: "!!!"
Wait! Wait! Stop! Stop!
Lynne panicked.
"Little, you must understand, when I say likewise, it's the kind of liking that normal friends have, nothing more. Just a pure friendship kind of liking, do you understand?"
Little (ω) looked at Lynne, "Understood!"
Lynne breathed a sigh of relief, "Good."
[Ding! Little's adoration for you +1]
[Ding! Little's adoration for you +1]
Lynne: "!!!"
What's happening?! Why is it increasing even faster?!
(ΩДΩ)!!
Seemingly noticing Lynne's discomfort, Little playfully flashed her white teeth, her eyes sparkling, then immediately hugged him like a doll, happily holding him in her arms.
"I like~~? Mwah~"
...
Buzz—
A blinding light instantly enveloped Little in front of him. The radiance emitted from the enormous head, in the dark night shrouded by black mist, was like a curtain of light tearing through the night, illuminating the surrounding darkness in an instant.
...
In the distance, the Titan Skull, driven madly by fury, inching closer to this location, also caught sight of the surging colossal curtain of light.
It was as dazzling as the sun, as grand as time itself. It was as if they were transported back to the upper world of a sudden, with the sun hanging high and light warmly enveloping them.
The Titan Skull stopped in astonishment. His entire face was illuminated by the grandeur of the light.
Behind him, the Witch God Skull, at the moment the curtain of light appeared, stood there dumbfounded, unable to utter a word.
In the Dark World, there is no blazing light. Only the eternal, unchanging black mist and the lifeless sky. The only light you see is the dim soul lamps flickering in the mist, their light born of suffering fueled by souls and blood. Never before this moment, had there been such sunlight-like radiance, falling upon this pitch-black hell.
But at this moment, they saw it... Light... Blinding, magnificent light! Like time rolling backward, in an instant, amidst the chaos and malice, echoes of nearly forgotten... remnants from their past lives resounded.
Buzz—
After the immense beam of light dispersed in an instant, it transformed into countless points of light that slowly faded away in the air. And within that light, a figure so familiaro dearly missed, and even tear-inducing at the mere thought, appeared before their eyes like an illusion.
"That is..."
The Titan Skull's eyes trembled. His uncontrollable, endless rage collapsed at the moment his gaze met that figure.
"My daughter..."
The Witch God Skull muttered lifelessly.
Unbeknownst when, a line of crystal-clear, murky tears streamed down the grotesquely flesh-torn cheeks, dripping onto the ground. The light faded away. Before the small hill, a pair of crystal-clear, emerald green eyes opened vacantly, like a tranquil pool of water. Atop her head was a large butterfly bow. Her long, smooth golden hair cascaded delicately down her round cheeks, resting on her chest.
Dressed in a snug nightgown embroidered with buds, her slender arms hugged a pillow, sitting bewilderedly with a "w" expression at the front of the hill, gazing blankly at Lynne on the hill, who seemed doll-sized in comparison.
"Huh?"
She looked down in surprise and bewilderment. Gazing at her delicate hands, long, fair legs, and feet.
"It's... it's real..." Little's emerald eyes widened in amazement and joy as she suddenly leapt up, exclaiming excitedly: "I have a body now! This is so magical! Truly magical!!"
Boom—
Her leap nearly toppled the small hill.
Lynne, looking up in astonishment, struggled to keep his balance, gazing at the girl, several meters tall, speechless in front of him.
Is she... The Little from 3000 years ago?
Though gigantic, her body's proportions were unexpectedly perfect and harmonious. And clearly not matured, she really looked no different from a proportionally enlarged human girl. And, she was truly beautiful! Exquisite!
Though youthful, anyone could tell at a glance, what a breathtakingly beautiful girl she would become when she grew up!
A... Golden-haired, blue-eyed loli?!
"Doctor! Doctor!! Doctor!!!"
Little, nearly bursting with joy, quickly sat down with a "w", drawing close to the miniature Lynne on the hill, and said with utmost delight: "That's amazing! You are so amazing! Little really has her own body now!"
She spread her arms wide in a cheer. Then, reaching out, she joyfully scooped up the tiny Lynne, holding him tightly against her chest, cuddling him with her cheek like a beloved doll.
"Wuwuwu—this is incredible. Doctor, you are indeed a super amazing doctor!"
Little was extremely happy.
[Ding! Little's Favorability for you +50]
[Ding! Little's Trust in You +40]
[Ding! Little's Trust in You +50]
[Ding! Little's attitude towards you has changed from "Trust" to "Adoration." You have gained 200 Experience]
[Ding! Your epic achievement "Origin's Close Friend" has successfully advanced to "Origin's Best Friend." You have gained 500 Experience]
[Origin's Best Friend: A second-stage epic achievement. Achieved when an Origin-level being's trust in you exceeds 100, and their favorability for you surpasses 500. Each time trust is gained, there is a small chance to advance. This signifies that you have earned a best friend from the dark world. Permanent attribute boost: All attributes +20, Little's Favorability for you +50.]
[Ding! Adoration unlocked!]
[Introduction: At this crossroads, you must decide whether to continue deepening the friendship and trust or to develop towards a higher aspect.]
Lynne: "???!"
Before Lynne could react, Little, unable to suppress her elation, joyfully extended her tongue and affectionately licked Lynne like a kitten.
Slurp—
Slurp—
"I really like the Doctor! The Doctor is so amazing! Wuwuwu—I really, really like!"
Just after a few licks, Lynne was soaking wet. Obviously, even though she had temporarily reverted to her original form, the habits of Favorability developed as a monster over the years couldn't be changed.
"Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Little, stop licking for now! Listen to me..."
Slurp—
"I'm soaked! Completely drenched! I'm dirty, covered in dust!"
Slurp—Slurp—
"Why is she getting more enthusiastic with licking!!"
Slurp, slurp, slurp—
"......"
In the distance, the Titan Skull and the Witch God Skull stood side by side, staring blankly at the scene. The wounds on their heads from the recent bloody battle were rapidly healing under the curse's influence.
"Is this... our... daughter?" The Witch God Skull muttered.
The Titan Skull, usually enraged, was now unusually devoid of anger, his lips moving slackly as he gazed at the familiar little figure from his memories. In that instant, his tumultuous mind was once again flooded with the scenes from before their defeat.
In the midst of the roaring flames and flying ashes that engulfed his tribe, he watched, with eyes wide open, as his daughter, waking up bewildered in her sleep, had her head severed right in front of him... And he was so close at that time... He had rushed forward in a frenzy, yet still, he couldn't save his daughter's life in that final moment...
At that time, she was so young, completely unrelated to that war. And from that moment, the unquenchable rage turned into a curse that drove him mad for three millennia.
He was mostly in a state of confusion. Because whenever he came to his senses and saw his daughter, still as naive as before, with her pure, happy eyes, he was reminded of that scene, of that blood-red knife descending.
He lived perpetually in the night of that raging battle. Therefore, he neither wanted nor was willing to acknowledge the time that followed, the three millennia of hell, or face the present...
Because in his memory, His daughter was always that little and sensible child who would joyfully pounce on him in the morning, affectionately calling him daddy...
In an instant, tears, hot and mixed with confusion, flowed from his eyes, large as rooms. Even snot trickled down.
"Is it an illusion?"
Yes. It must be an illusion. The confusion brought by the curse must have clouded his mind again. But if he could maintain this vision, he would rather forever forego clarity and live in the curse of this chaos.
Seemingly sensing their presence, the mountain-like little girl holding Lynne twitched her ears and then, with a puzzled look, turned her head towards them.
The moment their eyes met, both the Titan Skull and the Witch God Skull trembled, even holding their breaths. And the next moment, the golden-haired little girl's eyes suddenly brightened.
A sparkle appeared.
"Daddy! Mommy!!"
Little quickly jumped up from the ground, holding Lynne, and joyfully ran towards them with a delighted cheer.
Upon hearing her utter those four words, both the Titan Skull and the Witch God Skull shook uncontrollably, tears and snot streaming down uncontrollably.
"My... daughter..."
The next moment, Little joyfully embraced the two heads, closing her eyes and pressing her cheek against theirs. It was as if they had returned to a time long past, to a distant memory so blurred it was barely recallable. It seemed like such scenes were an everyday occurrence back then. Tranquility, peace, free from worries.
In an instant, feeling the warmth of their daughter's cheek, sensing her real body, both the Titan Skull and the Witch God Skull finally couldn't hold back and burst into uncontrollable sobs. Those were the remnants of the past. The affection was lost to time and curse.
In this hell, in this dark and mysterious world, they had even forgotten their own appearances from life. But why, why did they remember this child in front of them so clearly? So clearly that they couldn't forget, no matter how hard they tried.
Wailing. Crying out loud. Hugging tightly for a long time. Even their words were choked, unable to be spoken.
Meanwhile, Lynne sandwiched in the middle while being held in Little's arms, was somewhat terrified of being crushed by her immense size. Unnoticed by anyone at this moment, as he looked up at the tears streaming down the faces of Little's parents, he felt a sense of comfort in his heart.
Actually, if it weren't for this dark world, in the world they lived in before their deaths, they too were a happy family of three. He hadn't planned any of this, but seeing such an ending, he too felt very happy. He closed his eyes, folding his arms, a small smile unknowingly forming on his lips.
...
Ten minutes later.
Little sat on the ground, blinking her eyes, holding Lynne to her chest. Her long golden hair swayed like a wheat field in autumn's breeze.
"Just like this!" Little lifted Lynne up, happily nuzzling him with her cheek again. "It was the amazing Doctor who gave Little a body, really, it's like a miracle, so incredible!"
[Ding! Little's Favorability for you +1]
[Ding! Little's Adoration for you +1]
Instantly, the Titan Skull's stern gaze fell on Lynne. Meanwhile, the Witch God Skull, still next to Little and wiping her tears, gently combed her long golden hair with her tendrils, as if touching a fragile treasure.
"Is it because of—him?"
The Titan Skull looked serious, his eyes filled with doubt.
Lynne raised his head and coughed, saying, "It's not that incredible, just a natural ability I have to make past things reappear. After understanding Little's situation, I just tried it out casually, and didn't expect it to actually work."
He looked up and saw Little looking down at him with blinking eyes, his face blushed, and he coughed: "Sorry, I didn't expect Little to be so adorable~"
Stare—
Stare—
Lynne instantly felt two terrifying gazes piercing him. He widened his eyes, swallowed, and raised his hands: "I was just saying."
The Titan Skull still looked at him with doubt and disbelief, as this was unimaginable. To him, this guy was just a slightly capable but weak human. Except for charming his daughter, he seemed to have no other merits! But he never imagined that this human had such a bizarre ability.
"Can it—be maintained—permanently?" The Titan Skull identified a crucial point.
Lynne seriously held up a finger, adjusting his cracked monocle, and said: "One hour, that's my current limit."
Even though he had guessed that this ability couldn't possibly be permanent, a whole hour still surprised him. Because in this dark world, they were almost top-tier Origin-level beings.
The Titan Skull asked solemnly, "What is this ability of yours called?"
Lynne, with eyes closed, replied, "Remnants of the Past."
The Titan Skull murmured those four words. Remnants... of the past... Indeed, a fitting name, for a power that allows the dead to momentarily relive their past... right? His gaze towards Lynne became more complex.
"Just an appearance—not actually reverting back—is that right?"
Lynne raised his head to meet his gaze, confirming, "Yes."
A hint of sadness flashed in the Titan Skull's eyes.
Lynne knew what he was thinking. But it was something impossible. Because that would mean reversing time, reversing life and death, something beyond his capabilities. Even if this skill could do it, the cost would be immense.
His [Remnants of the Past] was merely a reenactment of the past. A true illusion. Beneath the facade of the illusion, nothing had changed. Little was still the Headhunter, she was still... beheaded...
Silence fell around them.
Then Lynne suddenly felt Little's hand move, and she placed him in her palm, bringing him close to her face, so close that he could see her lake-like azure eyes. She blinked at Lynne.
"I like you!" She said playfully.
Lynne was initially startled. Then he saw her pure, lively eyes.
Lynne smiled slightly, leaning on her hand, giving her a thumbs-up, showing his white teeth.
"Likewise!"
[Ding! Little's adoration for you +1]
[Ding! Little's adoration for you +1]
[Ding! Little's adoration for you +1]
Lynne: "!!!"
Wait! Wait! Stop! Stop!
Lynne panicked.
"Little, you must understand, when I say likewise, it's the kind of liking that normal friends have, nothing more. Just a pure friendship kind of liking, do you understand?"
Little (ω) looked at Lynne, "Understood!"
Lynne breathed a sigh of relief, "Good."
[Ding! Little's adoration for you +1]
[Ding! Little's adoration for you +1]
Lynne: "!!!"
What's happening?! Why is it increasing even faster?!
(ΩДΩ)!!
Seemingly noticing Lynne's discomfort, Little playfully flashed her white teeth, her eyes sparkling, then immediately hugged him like a doll, happily holding him in her arms.
"I like~~? Mwah~"
...
