Chapter 479: Once More

A brave who possessed the System truly deserved to be called a “god”.

He wasn’t like Himekoji.

In this town crafted just for him, existing solely for him, operating by the rhythms of his will, he was the master. All-powerful.

Against such a brave, victory seemed utterly hopeless.

But there was good news too—

Hiratsuka-sensei and Yukinoshita had come here yesterday.

Not because they broke through the barrier. But because the barrier vanished.

Why had the barrier disappeared?

Only one reason was possible: The brave’s injuries were likely far worse than originally thought.

Injuries sustained while protecting Himekoji. Injuries taken defending outsiders. These wounds cost him his absolute control over the town.

Otherwise, Himekoji wouldn’t have been able to meet fellow outsiders like Yukinoshita and Hiratsuka-sensei here.

Therefore, if he didn’t seize this chance to fight now, another might never come.

Himekoji would never retreat because of some nonsense spouted by the System.

If his foe was a god, then he’d defeat that god!

…

“Akito…”

Himekoji’s resolute stride halted abruptly as someone tugged him back. Turning, he saw Rikka, head lowered, nervously clutching his sleeve with both hands.

“What is it?”

His efforts to loosen her grip—both words and actions—failed entirely.

Then, Rikka suddenly lifted her face to look at him.

“I… I want to come too!”

She said it. Even though she trembled. Even though her voice shook with fear.

“You? But…”

Himekoji froze momentarily, then frowned thoughtfully.

Her offer stunned him. Bringing Rikka along hadn’t even crossed his mind.

After all, hadn’t she created “Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye” precisely because she wanted to reject… retreat… escape… deep down?

Yet now…

“I… I want to know what Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye… what she experienced for me… what she endured for me… what she sacrificed for me… I… I want to thank her myself!”

“Is that so?”

Himekoji sighed softly, a reassuring smile spreading across his face. Gently, he covered her hand still clutching his sleeve.

“Akito… am… am I a terrible person?”

“What are you talking about? Both Rikka and Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye are the best.”

With an amused chuckle, Himekoji lightly pinched Rikka’s quiet, childish cheek, then changed the subject.

“Alright, let’s go.”

…

The chapel visited just yesterday.

That same red carpet stretched straight and vivid ahead, from the entrance to the ceremonial stage.

Pure white flower petals scattered its sides.

A huge crystal chandelier glimmered overhead. Towering floor-to-ceiling windows. The boundless, sapphire-blue sea beyond.

Visiting it always stunned instantly—sacred, enchanting, full of promise.

His mind flashed images: Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye in a wedding gown holding a bouquet yesterday… stumbling, cheeks flushed, reaching for his hand… smiling gently, saying she had no regrets left.

Instinctively, Himekoji glanced sideways—

Rikka stood frozen, mouth agape, looking utterly lost.

The same face.

“Fuuu—”

Himekoji exhaled deeply, steadying himself.

That’s when he finally saw him—the brave standing before the massive window beside the ceremonial stage. As if watching the blue sea… or the blue sky… or perhaps nothing at all. His smile was gentle but empty, somehow familiar.

Noticing Himekoji’s stare, Mr. Brave turned. He waved casually, like greeting an old friend missed dearly.

“How are your injuries?”

The concern sounded genuine.

“Thanks to you, I’m perfectly fine. How about yours?”

How bad are your wounds? Though Himekoji’s dark, selfish hope craved answers like “dreadful,” “grave,” or “horrible.”

The brave saved him, sincerely wished him well, yet Himekoji prayed those wounds worsened. Good versus evil. Clear as day.

Braves always symbolized justice and kindness, didn’t they? This one lived up to it.

Roles were assigned long ago: Himekoji took the villain flag from Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye.

Fittingly, perhaps, he made a far better villain.

A born villain, maybe?

May the wounds you got saving me crush you.

That was Himekoji. Bad to the bone.

…

“Me? Of course I’m perfectly fine.”

Disappointingly for Himekoji, Mr. Brave answered lightly, effortlessly.

“Thank you for asking.”

He even added it belatedly, likely flaunting that brave decorum.

Though it felt petty, Himekoji stated bluntly—

“Don’t misunderstand. That was no concern.”

Just pre-battle reconnaissance.

“Oh? Really?”

Mr. Brave chuckled then. Surprisingly, his smile seemed more genuine than before.

“Huh?”

But the very next second, that flawless smile stiffened. A soft gasp escaped him as his gaze locked onto Rikka—half-hidden behind Himekoji, peeking out timidly.

“Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye… has she already…”

He didn’t finish. Everyone understood.

Rikka trembled violently at his words. Himekoji quickly placed a reassuring hand over hers.

He knows already?

Wait!

How could he tell instantly?!

Himekoji’s shock must’ve shown. Mr. Brave addressed it unasked.

“Her gaze holds fear, dislike, resentment, blame, and more, doesn’t it?”

The brave offered a weary, apologetic smile.

“Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye never carried such tangled emotions.”

“I’m sorry.”

This last apology was solely for Rikka, delivered softly.

That difference?

True. Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye had never blamed or resented the brave before Himekoji. She even called him good. Vehemently protested when Himekoji vowed to slay him.

For Rikka, though? Resentment and blame were wholly justified.

This brave killed Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye. Over and over.

Each death likely buried Rikka deeper in guilt… fueling her animosity.

“Troublesome. Without Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye, we can’t proceed with the battle.”

Mr. Brave sighed, a wry, almost helpless smile touching his lips.

…