Neron seemed to have it all.
Power, looks, talent... the list went on.
Sure, I was more innovative in many ways, but even without me, Neron seemed to be able to do whatever he desired.
Most of all, even though I had faltered many times, he never seemed to make a mistake. He was always calm, unassuming, and completely dependable.
In addition to his power and love for Magic, Neron was able to balance a life of romance... and he was soon going to get married too.
It made me realize...
... Just how empty I was.
Watching Neron also got me thinking.
'If he could balance all of this alongside having a partner... shouldn't I be able to do the same?'
But, I knew the sad truth, and the difference between me and him.
'Neron has no limits. He can do anything. He can achieve both Magic and Love...'
Only one of the above could be mine. Wasn't that the truth?
****************
"You also want what he has, Jared. That's the truth."
Maybe Aloe was right. She did seem more experienced in that field than I was.
Plus, she had told me about many of her escapades. Since she was pretty, many guys had come after her.
That was why I could take her word for it.
"Even amid so many people, you are lonely... isn't that right, Jared?"
'I... I'm lonely?'
I wasn't sure, but... I did feel empty.
Even with the adventures and discoveries I was having, it all felt meaningless when no one was willing to interact with me.
If it hadn't been for Aloe's company, then, what would I be doing?
The words of Alphonse and Serah echoed in my heart, and it hurt slightly.
But, I couldn't deny it any longer.
"Yeah, you're right..." I smiled sadly.
Aloe Vida was right, and she knew that. Her smile calmed me, and I was grateful we had this conversation.
"... I truly am lonely."
*********************
Aloe and I finally stopped conversing after I was done analyzing the Arcana before us.
It was the genuine thing. That brought relief to my heart, in more ways than one.
'My comrades and I didn't try our hardest in vain.' A tear nearly dropped from my eyes.
I had also analyzed the energy around the Arcana, and while even I couldn't completely decipher it, I knew it wasn't harmful.
"Time to claim our prize."
Now floating in midair, I made my way to the floating card and felt a strange energy envelop me as I drew closer.
Something was unraveling the closer I got to the card, and as I stretched my hand to retrieve it, I could feel my vision getting blank.
Still...
'I'm so close.'
... I kept pushing.
Finally, my hand came into contact with the Arcana, and I was suddenly thrust into a brand new world—at least my mind was.
>FSHUUUUUUUUU<
I felt myself ascend to another plain, feeling lightheaded and somewhat disoriented. My vision was somewhat blurry, but I was in a room of white.
No one was present in the very large expanse except one person.
He stared at me with a somewhat concerned expression, though I couldn't make out his face well.
'W-who's that?!' My thoughts peaked as I felt unfamiliar energy around me.
It didn't feel bad, though. No, it was the opposite, in fact.
Everything around me felt so pleasant.
"You... you're a Singularity, aren't you?" A voice called out to me.
'A Singularity? What's that? Who was this man, and what did he know?'
The conversation I had with Legris suddenly popped into my head and I remembered that the Organization also referred to me as that.
'Is he from the Organization? Did they attack? What's going on?'
"I see. You can't speak well or interact freely here. Your connection to Aether must be very limited. Your soul is in a peculiar shape too. What's this? It's so different... interesting."
'Who is this guy? He's saying stuff I don't understand.'
"Ah, apologies for the delay. My name is Merlin. I'm the leader of the 21 Apostles of Aether. You could also call us the creators of the Arcanas."
'Creator of the Arcanas? I was standing in front of someone like that right now?' Never before had I desired to speak as badly as this moment.
So many questions flooded my mind, but I couldn't speak.
"The one in your possession is the Arcana Of Power, also known as [Strength].
I made it myself as a symbol to define what true power is, and the challenge you encountered is proof that the road to achieving power is impossible and unending."
If he knew it was impossible, why did he create such an elaborate scheme?
"But, I'm glad you were able to reach this point. Neither the weak nor the powerful are worthy to obtain 'Strength'.
Only those who refuse to give up will eventually receive what they seek."
Merlin's smile broadened a bit, and now I saw compassion on his face.
"As much as I would like to stay and speak more, time is up. I left a fraction of my soul behind to speak to you, and the message is almost concluded."
'Wait! I have so many questions!!!' My eyes pleaded as I watched the man with flowing hair slowly vanish.
"Use the Arcana wisely... and moderately. One last thing, though, as both a warning and a request."
Merlin's voice suddenly became stern, and I saw a serious look on his face as it vanished.
"Please... stop Ciel. Whatever you do, make sure the Nether doesn't return. If not..."
I watched him return to particles, but his enduring voice lingered, resonating with my heart.
"... This world will perish."
Instantly, a bright light shone and I found myself sinking back to the ground, utterly confounded by the revelation I received.
'This world... perish...? Nether? Ciel? What is... going on...?'
I closed my eyes and heard my name mentioned a dozen times—it could have been more.
However, as I felt so exhausted that I lost consciousness, Merlin's words still resonated in my heart.
*************
[A/N]
A new mystery appears. Also...
Remember, everyone! Privilege Chapters will be 90 Percent Off from next month! Make sure to take advantage of this limited chance. There'll also be a Mass Release then, so look forward to it.
