SSS-Class Revival Hunter-Chapter 108 - 1DAYS (3)

—That shameless bastard... ...!

Beyond the darkness, a person I didn’t know gritted their teeth. Unlike before, I could understand everything they were saying because they were being translated.

—Easy, kid. I can see some of the fragments from your Padaque years.

But their voices were still unclear, like a song from a broken radio. At one point, the voices seemed to drift away on their own, and then suddenly came from right next to my ears.

—Anger and jealousy aren’t going to help us at all.

—I’ll kill him!

—You’re the Death King, correct? It’s been a long time since we had two meetings because of one person. How long has that been since the Constellation Murderer?”

—The connection between the two is also growing stronger. Is this also a coincidence?

—... This is quite a problem.

All of the small talk and banter ceased when that emotionless voice spoke.

—If the immersion level were one hundred percent, then we could just send you back a day from the butler’s perspective. If it were below ninety percent, then we could do it from yours. But it had to be ninety-nine percent.

I had heard that voice before.

—This is tricky. Whose side should we take?

It belonged to the Tower’s master.

I think, I cautiously ventured, a day should be rewinded from the butler’s perspective.

—Convince us.

First of all, you can see the numbers. An immersion level of ninety-nine percent means that “I” am only one percent and “the butler” is the rest. Since the butler has an overwhelming share of control, the matter should be viewed from his perspective.

—Yes, but Returner’s Clockwork is your Skill. You, the Death King, own it. A Skill can only be used by those who possess it.

It was too dark to see anything, but I could feel a gaze scanning my face.

—Shouldn’t you be the one who regresses?

I hesitated.

—Don’t be too nervous. It’s just a question.

Although the voice sounded kind, it was a considerate gesture that I couldn’t accept. Every word the Tower’s master said made me feel like a long snake was crawling up my neck.

... I think you’re only considering one side of the situation.

—Hmmm?

Please think from the butler’s perspective. The butler and I fought over who would have the body throughout the stage, and I was consumed by the butler. He defeated me fair and square. As a trophy, he took my Skill, so Returner’s Clockwork is now the butler’s Skill.”

—Ohhh...

The serpent-like voice shook for some reason. I realized a moment later that it was laughter.

—You have a point. Yes, it’s just like how you duplicated the Fire Emperor’s Skill. I wondered who would win if two regressors fought each other, but you went back to the point before he had his Returner’s Clockwork. That surprised me. No, all of us, actually.

The Tower’s master, the absolute, sounded perfectly polite and gentle. I could almost believe that that was how they were around everyone. It made me even more uneasy.

—That was incredible. You could have just chosen to run away from the Fire Emperor’s eyes, but you didn’t. Why is that?

Those who had been silent broke their silence to answer the question of the Tower’s master.

—Because he wanted revenge. That bastard never forgot how the Fire Emperor burned him to death even after he died. That’s why he chased the Fire Emperor until he finally killed the bastard. Still, dying 4050 times? You’d be able to kill someone with spite alone.

[The Bystanding Moon of Blind Faith curses you.]

—It’s because of his sense of justice. The Fire Emperor killed many people and would have killed many more. The Death King couldn’t let the killing spree go on. That is what motivated him. Yes, he’s a righteous man.

[The Mirage-Walking Princess blesses you.]

—Yes, that’s right. Sometimes he stabbed himself in the neck out of the desire to get revenge, just as there were times that he did it to carry out justice, the Tower’s master agreed with that serpent-like voice of theirs. However, the desire for revenge and a sense of justice are both common. But what amazes me is...

Someone else completed the sentence.

—...It was the only way to defeat the Fire Emperor completely.

[The Legislator of the Beginning has quietly concluded.]

—Yes. The Tower’s master laughed. Your heart is raw and hot like fire, Death King, but you have a cunning mind. You always seek a way to win a complete victory. That’s why I’m looking forward to hearing your answer. Have you come prepared with logic that will convince us completely?

Everything I had done so far was for this moment. I couldn’t back down here.

Yes, I have.

—Go on.

I... We did nothing wrong, I said toward where the serpent-like voice seemed to coil. This is an error made entirely from the Tower’s end. The problem, to begin with, is that it’s difficult to judge whether to rewind a day around from the butler’s perspective or mine. If the Tower were perfect, we wouldn’t be dealing with this question in the first place.

—Yes, I admit the error. What now?

We’re the victims of the error, so please compensate us. I tried to maintain my confidence as I continued, And if it weren’t for us, you wouldn’t have even known that there was an error, right? Please reward us for our discovery.

After a moment of silence...

—Rude.

[The Void-Dancing God glares at you.]

—Why don’t you change your attitude before I dice up your existence, you bastard?

[The Bystanding Moon of Blind Faith wants to kill you.]

I could sense the boiling anger in those voices.

—Enough.

But when the Tower’s master spoke, everyone else fell silent again.

—Interesting... Yes, it’s interesting that you don’t doubt that I’ll compensate and even reward you for this matter. Why? Why should I do that? I could just turn a blind eye.

I meted out my next words with extreme care.

That’s because... you always wish us luck.

Every time a stage was cleared, Hunters heard a voice.

[Those of you who climb the Tower, may luck be with you.]

That was all—but clearly, someone was rooting for us.

You’re an absolute being, but you don’t mock or despise me and the other Hunters. You don’t press us with a certain task. If Hunters want to stay on the first floor, they can stay there forever. When they want to get to the higher floors, you wish them luck, and just ask them to be careful.

The Tower’s master provided a haven for those who wanted to rest and wished good luck to those who took on the challenge.

That wasn’t all.

The children of the Infernal Mansion. The Demon King who made the red rain. The peony, forever lonely in the snowfield. The heart that repeated the never-ending ten days.

All of the people you allocated a floor of the Tower are lonely and sad. You built the Tower by gathering only those whose lives ended or would end in tragedy. You are kind.

I believed that the Tower’s master was kind.

You never interfere with our fights and murders because you respect our freedom. However, I’m certain that you’ll compensate for any damage caused by the Tower’s errors.

That was the Tower’s responsibility, not ours.

Thank you for building the Tower.

—...

I didn’t get to say this the last time, but I’ve wanted to tell you all along: if the Tower didn’t exist, I would have lived like trash in the outside world anyway. Oh, no, I actually lived like trash even after entering the Tower...

I had lived wrongly, but I was able to turn my life around.

Without you... I wouldn’t have been able to go back over four thousand days on my own. Never. You called that the desire to get revenge and a sense of justice. ... But I only managed to endure that because someone was watching over me. That’s all. I bowed. Thank you.

I bowed deeper. I mean it. Thank you.

There was a long silence.

—Yeah, someone whispered. I like him.

[The Mirage-Walking Princess has a good feeling about you.]

—Me too. It’s been so long since I’ve seen a human come here and express gratitude that I can’t even remember. Oh, has there ever been one? Maybe he’s the first.

[The Primordial Staff has a good feeling about you.]

—... For some reason, kids these days are hostile to us from the start. It’s a cruel world, and they need someone to blame. I think that’s why.

[The Void-Dancing God has a good feeling about you.]

—Ha. They just don’t want to acknowledge superior beings.

The most uptodat𝓮 n𝒐vels are published on freёnovelkiss.com.

[The Bystanding Moon of Blind Faith looks at you with displeasure.]

And then the laughter of the Tower’s master rang out.

—Yeah, he has a certain cute charm. I’m merely a mirror, Death King, if I appear kind, it’s because of your own kindness.

The voice was still like a serpent, but I felt like the Tower’s master was smiling.

—Please state your desired compensation.

I wish to return to twenty-four hours ago from the butler’s perspective.

—And what reward do you wish for?

Lady Silver Lily... My heart raced from tension. Please protect my lover’s memories.

—I see. The Tower’s master giggled. You know, you could ask for an amazing Skill as a reward. After all, you’re receiving a reward for discovering the Tower’s error, so it should be generous. Shall I upgrade your Returner’s Clockwork?

It was a tempting offer.

—You’ll be able to rewind time however you want, not just one day. Or how about upgrading Monster Legion Reincarnation? You’ll be able to command a legion that not only has their memories but also their abilities from before their death.

I don’t need it. I kneeled down. Please.

And I politely placed my forehead on the ground in the direction of the voice. I want to share my life with the person I love.

I felt a very slow caress on my head.

—Death King.

[Ending the meeting.]

—May luck be with you.

[May luck be with you.]

***

[Adjusting your immersion level.]

[Your immersion level is 99%.]

[Rewinding twenty-four hours.]

The first thing I felt when I opened my eyes was the scent of spring flowers wafting in from the window. I was dazed, as if I had been dreaming for a long time.

“Ah.”

A voice that seemed both unfamiliar and familiar came from nearby.

“You’re finally awake, Butler. You had quite a long nap.”

It was Lady Goldencup. She was my master.

“... My lady?”

“Yes, it’s your one and only lady.” Lady Goldencup chuckled.

Was my reaction amusing? She was looking at me with a big smile, her eyes open just slightly.

She was now familiar with life in the capital; anyone who saw her would think she was indeed a noble young lady. There was no trace of the tomboy she had been known as when she was in her homeland. I couldn’t help but feel saddened by that. Of course, she was the same as before. It was just her appearance that had become more elegant than before.

... What was it?

“I got back from the dinner with His Highness, and you were sitting in that chair, sleeping. It’s a little rude to fall asleep on your own before your master returns, but I decided to let that slide because you looked cute when you were asleep.”

“My lady...”

“Huh? You look like you’re about to cry. Did you have a nightmare?”

A nightmare? Was that it? Did I have a nightmare? An inexplicable sense of frustration weighed heavily on my chest. It felt like I had forgotten something very important. The harder I tried to recall it, the further away the memory got. I felt like I was never going to get it back.

To shake off that feeling, I changed the subject.

“Did you... Did you enjoy your dinner with His Highness?”

“Yes, I enjoyed it quite a bit. Hear me out, Butler. His Highness gave me an azure coral ring today!”

Lady Goldencup smiled brightly. Azure coral was the name of a gem. It wasn’t worth much, but it was often used in the southern part of the empire while proposing to a lover.

“We were in the cafeteria, so all of the young ladies and lords were watching us. But he did it anyway! Seriously, His Highness is a fool, but he knows how to please people. I wonder what kind of expression the Lady of Ivansia will make when she hears this news!”

I suddenly couldn’t breathe.

“Lady of Ivansia...”

“Ah, you’re curious too, aren’t you?”

What could it be? What exactly was it? My heart nearly beat out of my throat.

“Raviel...”

Lady Goldencup looked dumbfounded. “Butler, it’s a bit much to address the young lady by her first name... even if there are only the two of us here. Be polite. I sometimes feel like you’re more ignorant of the capital’s etiquette than I am...”

—■■■, ■■ ■ ■■■. ■■. ■■ ■■■ ■ ■■ ■■■■!

[■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■.]

At that moment, my head rang.

“My lady...” In pain, I grabbed my head. “Don’t you hear that?”

“Hear what?” Lady Goldencup tilted her head. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m not really sure either. It sounds like someone is shouting...”

“Oh, Butler. I thought it was a joke at first, but now I’m starting to get worried. Where exactly does it hurt? Do you have a fever? Do you want me to take you to the infirmary?”

“... No. I’m sorry for saying strange things.” I got up from my chair. “I think I have a slight headache. It’s not a cold... I’ll go outside for a bit to get some fresh air. Would that be okay, my lady?”

“Ah, yes, go ahead.” Lady Goldencup looked worried. “Shall I go with you?”

“No. It’s really okay...”

—■Gong■ ■ Fu■■! ■■ ■■! ■ ■■ ■!

“... It’s really okay. Yes. I think it’ll get better after a stroll.”

“Okay, you can go, but don’t stay out too late.”

“I won’t. Thank you.” I left her room and made my way out of the dormitory.

The white magnolias were in full bloom and lit up the night like miniature moons. But even after I went out to the garden, my anxiety didn’t subside.

“It happened when I wasn’t a regressor yet.”

I walked.

“The crown prince and Lady Goldencup saw their love come into bloom.”

I walked like a sleepwalker in a dream.

“I was so angry that I prayed to the sword passed down in my family. I said ‘Please let my love last forever.’ And then, my life became eternal.”

At the end of my aimless walk, to my surprise, there was the huge villa where the heir apparent of the Duke of Ivansia stayed. I had passed by the place before but had never voluntarily gone there. The place had nothing to do with me.

“My heart has been fixed on that day.”

That was how that was supposed to be. Why did I come here?

Let’s go back to where my master is waiting. I should go back, I thought as I tried to turn. I have to go back.

For some reason, I couldn’t. Even though I thought I should go back, I kept walking forward until my hands pushed the iron gate.

I had no problem opening the gate. There were no guards. It was really strange.

Maybe I was still trapped in a dream—that would explain everything, like the fact that I opened the gate with ease and crossed the garden unmolested. My heart ached for no reason at the sight of the blooming cherry trees and magnolias in the garden.

I had never been invited to the heir apparent’s residence, but somehow I knew the place so well that I made my way through the premises quite naturally and found her at the end of the hallway.

“You’re here.”

“I’ll be waiting for you.”

She even gave me a small smile. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

All of this could be explained if I was still trapped in a dream.