What Universe is This Again?

XLII

a/n: we're nearing the end kekekekeke

"Did you ever consider what makes humans the best?"

Raon once asked Athanasia about that.

"He gave us a haven when the rest of the world rejected us."

She once had a dream. The imperial capital was on fire, burning away until nothing left but black ash. It was simply the entire Obelian Empire was in flames.

If Dad were to wake up—would it change everything?

No, she shouldn't think like that.

Even if the world were to perish, at least save Ayhan.

"Even if a deity has given his confirmation about using the branch. I still don't know whether giving you this is the right call." Lucas frankly said towards her.

She already that that if she made one wrong move, she may never be able to return.

She simply met his gaze and smiled at him.

She knew that coming into direct contact with the world tree is the equivalent of throwing her consciousness into the essence of the world tree itself. It's no surprise as the God of Death told them that Ayhan had already acquired an immortal soul after he stabbed himself witht he world tree branch from his other world.

The vast power of the world tree is not something a mere human could contain.

In some way or another, she'll be bound by some kind of curse the way Ayhan or Claude ended with.

"Speak your name."

Lucas held her hand and seriously stared at her.

"Athanasia." a brilliant light shone in between them.

"Remember it well."

Lucas solemnly said.

"Your mana. Your soul. Remember who you are."

Soon her world spun round and round. She could hear the screams and loud voices calling. She could hear everyone's voice, calling, crying in anger.

The voice of the people, the voice of the knights and the thunderous roars along with the laughter of evil man dancing in the heart of a burning city.

"Speak your name."

She opened her eyes and uttered.

"I... am... Athanasia..."

The screams continued, but she couldn't hear the voice she wanted to hear.

"Athanasia de Alger Obelia."

A bright light shone upon her and dragged her back to consciousness.

She sees a woman with the same face as her, with familiar reddish pink eyes just like Yhannie's.

She stared at her, surprised, and soon she was lifted off her feet, hearing the laughter echoing like the gentle breeze of a calm afternoon.

"M.... Mom?"

She remembered the day when Ayhan told her to smudge paint on her face and stamp it on a paper. She knew she was pretty but the woman in front of her was like a goddess that has descended from the sky.

Ayhan did say she was beautiful.

But that scummy little brother didn't tell her the detail at all! He's so useless when it comes to description!

The lady immediately smooched her with kisses. Her laughter echoed brightly, excited at the prospect of finally meeting her daughter.

"You're so lovely!" the woman in front of her, Dianna, smiled brightly at her. "While my baby boy took after His Majesty, a baby girl is just really adorable!"