Chapter 227

――The footage cuts off there.

『I-Is that the end?』

『Yes. My memories become hazy from this point forward…』

Mýrus answers apologetically.

『N-No way…』

Ann inwardly gnashes her teeth, frustrated that things are ending just when they were getting interesting.

『…After this, the Stellar Vein’s followers gradually scattered, taking their time to drift apart. First Yamu left, then Harsha, and finally Agil. Lord Jibru was deeply pained by each follower who departed.』

『…Why?』

After doing such terrible things to Ouronus, she grieves? What is she talking about?
No, more fundamentally—why did they continue staying at the Stellar Vein even after all that happened?
If Ann were in their position, she would surely have left the Stellar Vein immediately, just like Rias and Joker did.

『Ouronus’s ‘Annihilation’ continued affecting Lord Jibru’s memories even after being sealed. No, not just Lord Jibru—probably all the followers who were present at that scene. Interfering with Lord Jibru’s memories must have been incredibly difficult.』

So much so that there was no room to worry about the effects on others.
In other words, everyone present at that scene had their memories altered. And it wasn’t complete—it was an incomplete, patchy erasure of memories.
A patchwork of contradictions trying to make sense.

『Because of that, having her memories stolen in return—what an ironic tale.』

As a result of Jibru’s memories becoming riddled with holes, Ouronus ends up being condemned by Jibru and having his memories stolen.

That’s probably why he remembered nothing about Rias. No, perhaps even that obsessive, almost insane devotion to Jibru might have been influenced by this.

Ouronus had repeatedly called Rias “special.”

When that specialness disappeared from his memories, it’s possible that love was redirected toward Jibru to maintain consistency within his fractured recollections.

But as a result, Jibru ends up defeated by Ouronus in the Imperial Capital—what an ironic story indeed.

Not a single person was saved. A ridiculous, pitiful, utterly unrewarded comedy.

『…You’re quite something, all of you.』

Ann lets slip this observation with maximum irony.
Not just Jibru. The other Stellar Vein followers also had many inconsistent—yes, contradictory—words and actions, but this would explain the reason. They all had missing memories. That’s why they connected in distorted ways, opposed each other, and eventually separated. Little by little, over time.
Mýrus also sighs with something like a bitter smile.

『If only I had done this back then. I’ve thought about it countless times. But even knowing it’s completely meaningless, I couldn’t help but wonder.』

Her voice sounds somehow tired.

『…Why did you show me this?』

『Because I wanted you to know. I wanted you to understand what kind of being you’ll be facing in your final confrontation.』

『What’s that supposed to mean? Are you telling us to save Jibru?』

Unfortunately, that’s impossible, Ann declares firmly. Certainly Jibru is undoubtedly Earth’s mother. But that’s all. Even if something happened, Ann would never stand on Jibru’s side.
Whatever might happen to the Stellar Vein’s followers or Jibru, it doesn’t concern Ann. As long as no harm comes to her beloved master and her precious family (followers), she doesn’t care what happens where.
Rather, they’ve been nothing but trouble.
If she had her way, she’d wish they would all just hurry up and die.

『Hehe, I understand. Including that aspect, you really are so much like me…』

『…Are you mocking me?』

『No. But these memories will surely be useful to you. And if possible, I hope you’ll save Lord Jibru—』

Her vision blurs.
And Ann’s consciousness gets pulled back to reality.

Her consciousness awakens.
As her vision clears, the familiar dungeon scenery spreads before her.
The location is right near the entrance to the depths.

『I’ve returned to reality…』

Just moments ago, she felt like she was floating in zero gravity. She unconsciously loses her balance and leans against the wall.

『—Mother. Mother, about repairs to the middle floor dungeon, I need to consult with you. Mother? Can you hear me, Mother?』

Then telepathic communication arrives from Yan, one of the next-generation queen species.
Only then does Ann remember her actions from just before.

(That’s right. I finished my conversation with Heleb and returned to the dungeon’s depths. After giving instructions to each of the next-generation queen species, I was led by Mýrus’s voice to that white space—)

It feels like she spent quite a long time in that place.

『Yan, can you hear me?』

『Mother. Thank goodness. You usually respond immediately, so I was wondering if something was wrong.』

『…How long was I silent? No, let me change the question. How much time has passed since I gave you all instructions?』

『? Um, about a minute, I think. I headed to the middle floors with the antlings, but there was something I needed to confirm, so I contacted you again. Um, I’m sorry. I’ve caused you unnecessary trouble…』

『No, that’s not the case at all. Tell me what you need.』

『Ah, yes. Actually—』💬 1

While listening to Yan’s telepathic communication, Ann confirms that her premonition was correct.
As Mýrus had said, what happened in that white space really was just an instant in reality.

(Between Heleb’s matter and this experience, there’s really so much to do. But first, I need to get this information to Lord Earth and Elibel…)

Especially regarding Jibru’s memories—that’s top priority.
If Jibru’s memories fully return, that tragedy called a great disaster will repeat itself once again.
If that happens, everything will be over.

『What an incredible memory to be gifted…』

After giving Yan instructions regarding her confirmation, Ann hurries through the Teleportation Gates toward Earth and Elibel.

And then—…

『Whoooooooo! Quickly… I need to get my body back quickly. What should I dooooo? Ah, scary… Jibru is scary…』

『Calm down, partner! In the first place, it’s me who’s supposed to return, not you! Hah, this is a side effect of memory sharing. I was a bit careless. Actually, this is bad… magical power… I’m running out of magical power. Earlier, when I transferred memories, I used quite a bit of magical power… Ah, partner, give me some magical power. Without magical power, this body might die…』

「Foo! Foo! Fubaaaaaaaa! (Hand over Baal! Let me lick himmmmm!)」

「Ah, my body hurts. I got badly injured again restraining Eli…」

≪Report. Una and Dos report that someone is requesting a meeting. Their estimated arrival time is… Confirmation. Can you hear this announcement? Confirmation. Father, can you hear me? Father, can you hear me?≫

『…………』

What jumps into Ann’s view is her beloved master in a flustered panic, Elibel somehow crucified and gagged but desperately shouting something (she understands the meaning but doesn’t want to), Léna-Lloyd inexplicably present, and Gijie making announcements as if nothing unusual is happening.

Seeing this, Ann—

『Lord Earth, Elibel, please calm down. I have urgent information.』

—thinks “Oh, just the usual,” and after calming everyone down, begins telling Earth and the others about the information she just obtained.
People are creatures that adapt.
Even ants and monsters adapt.

For Ann, the scene before her eyes is now nothing more than ordinary daily life.

…Is that really okay?

Also, Sir Schwein’s meeting request from Una and Dos is naturally postponed.


If you enjoy it and wish to see more, please consider giving it a 5-star rating for the series on NU. Click Here.


Check out my Patreon for early access to upcoming updates. Patreon Link


<<                 Table of Contents                 >>