Chapter 308: Why Is My Time the Only One That’s Messed Up (3)

Epherene dropped onto the publishing company's basement floor, her thoughts momentarily blank.

Of course, it was because of the past she had just witnessed that Epherene, without a word, picked up the pocket watch.

Click—

With a sound, the past replayed, and Deculein and the director of the publishing company reappeared.

—

... Might I, perhaps, dare to ask your reasoning, sir? Forgive my audacity, but this is the first time the Floating Island has sent someone directly that leaves me no recourse but to inquire in this manner...

—

Even such a disturbing forbidden book might yet prove useful to a certain individual.

Epherene knew who the

certain individual

Deculein spoke of was—and the

certain individual

could be none other than that

certain individual

.

—

... One day, she will come and steal it again on her own.

Epherene caught Deculein’s muttered words, markedly different from when he ignored her research and dismissed it as arrogance, as she looked at his face slowly then more intently and saw a smile touch his features.

However, the past soon faded away, crumbling like a sandcastle.

... It doesn't matter,

Epherene thought.

Epherene once more took hold of the pocket watch.

Click—

At that moment, time rewound.

—

Even such a disturbing forbidden book might yet prove useful to a certain individual.

It was Deculein who said that it would prove helpful.

—

... One day, she will come and steal it again on her own.

Epherene found herself letting out a dry chuckle, for she was, in fact, stealing exactly as Deculein had predicted. The past crumbled once more, and again Epherene clutched the pocket watch.

Click—

—

Even such a disturbing forbidden book might yet prove useful to a certain individual. ... One day, she will come and steal it again on her own.

Click—

—

Even such a disturbing forbidden book... she will come and steal it again on her own...

Click—

—

She will come and steal it again on her own...

Epherene repeatedly watched the same scene from the past dozens of times, until she had exhausted all her mana.

“... Why?” Epherene muttered, slumping down, nearly exhausted and in a daze.

Epherene still found it difficult to comprehend.

What made Deculein act that way, and why did he risk so much to leave this forbidden book for me?

"You said it was foolish research."

Calling it foolish research, saying it would bring shame upon the Mage Tower of the Empire’s reputation, then despising and ignoring it...

“... Do you not hate me?” Epherene asked in a trembling voice, alone in a place where none remained, with time itself holding its breath in the sheer nothingness.

“I’m surprised.”

Epherene murmured to herself, recalling that day at the Mage Tower and reliving the words she had spoken to Deculein during the Personnel Committee hearing—words that accused him of plagiarism, denounced him as a plagiarist professor, and brought up her father...

"I wanted you to hate me."

I even stole all your laboratory's equipment and facilities, and I only caused trouble while by your side...

Epherene lowered her head and stared at the manuscripts scattered across the ground.

Tick, tock—

At that moment, the pocket watch moved, and Epherene turned her eyes towards it.

"Did you show it to me?"

Tick, tock—

Tick, tock—

Tick, tock—

Epherene gripped the pocket watch, which merely ticked without answering, and stood up from her seat.

"Then, to the..”

Mage Tower.

Before Epherene could even finish her words, the location changed entirely, shifting from the publishing company's basement to the Mage Tower's corridor in an instant.

~

Tick, tock—

Before Epherene could even flinch, the pocket watch began its ticking.

—

Was it really necessary to expel her? Might it not have just opened a can of worms?

From somewhere, Louina's voice came, and Epherene turned to look.

—

... Was it not too excessive a measure?

Louina and Deculein were two individuals conversing on the Mage Tower's 77th floor, looking down from the window.

—

I could not allow her to remain here as she was.

At Deculein's words, Louina's brow furrowed, and Epherene slowly approached the corridor where they stood.

—

Why?

Louina asked, and Deculein answered.

—

Because it is dangerous.

Dangerous.

Epherene now realized the meaning of danger from Deculein's perspective, understanding it as she looked at the person he was watching.

—

... Dangerous?

Below the window, a mage was being expelled from the Mage Tower with boxes dangling from her by

Telekinesis

, her back alone enough to identify her as Epherene, while Deculein watched her.

—

Epherene rushed headlong. Though her work may find recognition someday, the Floating Island cannot condone it at this time. The responsibility to issue punishment falls to me.

—

Is it not better to offer protection?

Louina asked, but Deculein shook his head.

—

Rather, it would be more dangerous for her to be associated with me. Epherene alone—a mere childish mage—could be ignored by the Floating Island. But should I cover for her...

—

That there is a distinct risk that the Floating Island, mistaking Yukline for the mastermind, would escalate it into a major incident?

Deculein did not specifically answer Louina, and Louina, understanding his silence, shrugged before changing the subject.

—

Hmm... That matter aside, what of your reputation, Professor? The child, after all, has ignited a considerable conflagration.

Louina's question made Epherene's chest tighten. Because of Epherene's words at the Personnel Committee at that time, Deculein had been subjected for a while to insults, being called a plagiarist professor. Meanwhile, the Mage Tower's internal factions, led by Relin and Siare, had fractured.

—

I am unconcerned.

However, Deculein spoke, his face indicating, strangely enough, that he found Epherene rather proud.

—

... Really?

—

It is indeed correct, for now, that our estrangement appears as it does. Epherene will continue her magic on her own even without me, for she possesses such talent...

~

... With that scene being the last, Epherene returned once more to the stopped present.

"I see," Epherene muttered, nodding.

No matter what strange things I did, even acting spitefully just to be hated, stealing equipment and facilities, and behaving like a scoundrel—Deculein remained the same.

Because I published my thesis in a rush, Deculein was concerned for my safety, worrying that the Floating Island would notice it and that the Purger would come for me. Deculein himself wanted to protect me before the Floating Island could act...

Tick, tock—

Once again, the scenery changed with a ticking sound.

~

This time, it was the near past—no, it was merely a few days ago.

—

... Shh. It is the Purger.

The moment Epherene was eating with Sylvia in the Mage Tower dining hall, the Purger entered and came close enough that it seemed he was able to strangle Epherene...

—

That is enough. Under whose authority are you conducting arbitrary inspections of the Mage Tower's mages?

Deculein’s voice was heard, as he restrained the Purgers.

—

I recall that I never granted permission for such a haphazard approach. Treating all mages of the Mage Tower as criminals is unacceptable.

The Purgers retreated due to Deculein's admonishment as Chairman, and Deculein left the dining hall after telling them to continue eating.

—

... You may resume your meal.

—

... Phew.

The Epherene of the past could be seen, sighing in relief and then shoveling food into her mouth once more.

“That foolish...”

The Epherene of the present frowned as she watched her past self. However, she was curious about what happened next.

Why did the pocket watch specifically show this scene to me?

Epherene ran in the direction Deculein had left.

—

Ethereal Deculein, Epherene's mana can be sensed here.

Not long after, in the Mage Tower lobby, the Purgers were protesting to Deculein, their furious blue eyes glaring wide.

—

I believe I have already stated that the Mage Tower falls under my authority. Furthermore, Epherene's mana is far more familiar to me than to any of you. If Epherene were here, it is impossible that I would be unaware.

However, Deculein on the other hand remained resolute.

Grit—

As the Purger gritted their teeth, Deculein’s eyes darkened, becoming even more terrifying—like those of a ferocious beast.

—

It is a principle that organizations of the Floating Island cannot exercise authority within the Mage Tower. The Mage Tower belongs to the Empire, and the Floating Island is merely an outside entity.

—

You are a mage, Ethereal Deculein.

—

Hmph, how foolish. I am, first and foremost, a noble rather than a mage. You often mistakenly believe that a noble’s authority cannot reach you, but that is only true when you are in the sky.

Deculein pushed the Purger agent's shoulder with his index finger, and a broad smile spread across his face.

—

Even that privilege—your ability to reside perpetually in the proud skies—is owed entirely to our silent acquiescence.

—

... Ethereal Deculein.

—

Close your mouth. Your unauthorized intrusion into the Mage Tower is, in itself, an act of considerable leniency on my part.

The Purger remained silent.

—

I will not repeat myself. Begone, before my tolerance and patience are exhausted.

Without another glance at Deculein, the Purgers turned their backs. Those who had lost the power game walked out, leaving the Mage Tower.

—

... Pardon me, Chairman.

At that moment, a Mage Tower employee hesitantly approached and called Deculein.

—

Throughout the Mage Tower, crystal orbs are positioned to monitor its interior. Upon viewing them, Epherene was—

—

Dispose of it.

—

... Pardon me?

At Deculein's instruction to dispose of it, the engineer's eyes widened, while Deculein spoke, looking down in a threatening manner.

—

I command immediate disposal. It will not do for the Mage Tower to submit to the likes of the Floating Island.

—

Oh, yes, Chairman! Understood!

... Up to this point, it was understandable given Deculein’s personality, for even the Floating Island’s interference with the Mage Tower was an act that Deculein’s exceptional pride and ego could not tolerate.

However...

Deculein's next action was somewhat strange as he let out a sigh and then took out the Wood Steel from his robe.

Humm— Humm—

Deculein, upon seeing the Wood Steel resonate as if searching for its sibling, glanced toward the dining hall.

—

You are in there, Epherene.

Watching Deculein speak those words, Epherene remained silent and expressionless while merely standing and looking at him.

—

... Foolish child.

Deculein chuckled, then closed the dining hall door while pretending not to notice and left the Mage Tower, his disappearing back the last sight before the past faded.

Tick, tock—

The pocket watch ticked, but there were no further replays of the past.

~

Tick, tock—

Epherene looked around and realized she was in the Mage Tower, having somehow teleported from Hadecaine to the Mage Tower of the Empire for reasons unknown.

“... Distortion.”

Epherene seemed to understand it for some reason—the time distortion phenomenon.

"If time itself were my talent..."

Time and space are interrelated through speed. However, in this world where speed has stopped, the duration to travel any distance is now under my control. For example, I can change the time it takes to walk from the desert to the Empire, all according to my desire. Why? Because time is my talent,

Epherene thought.

“Did it take three months last time?” Epherene muttered, a smile gracing her lips as she manifested mana. “A single step is all it takes.”

The moment Epherene took a single step forward...

~

Epherene was in the desert once more.

"...

Heh

," Epherene murmured, a confident chuckle escaping her.

Epherene's two years of bitter suffering were regrettable—no, rather, it was precisely because of that suffering that she had come to understand.

"Yes, I believe I can do it now."

A method to make stopped time move. My understanding of that magic is now clear.

“But... before doing that.”

Epherene relocated herself again through space, ascending to the Chairman's office in the Mage Tower as she merely closed and opened her eyes. There she was, in the Chairman's office.

“... Professor.”

On the uppermost floor of the Mage Tower, Deculein was frozen in place, seated at his office table reading a book.

"I'll be back soon," Epherene said, looking at Deculein.

***

Epherene was walking, holding the pocket watch in her hand.

I no longer counted the days. There was no need, for I was soon to become Time itself,

Epherene thought.

"The magic circle is all drawn..." Epherene muttered.

Anyway, the magic circle to move stopped time is already complete, and it spans the entire continent. In fact, I drew the magic circle all the way to the continent’s fringes with my mana. In this stopped world, mana stones are merely bricks, so there was no other choice. To manifest a spell of similar power without mana stones, the magic circle had to be immense.

"Back to the desert, then."

~

The center of the magic circle was the desert, and Epherene arrived in the underground Ages without moving her feet.

“

Hoo.

”

Epherene stood upon the magic circle drawn in the middle of the Sanctuary, preparing herself for the spell's activation.

"Whether it will work or not, I cannot say..."

My comprehension of time is more certain than it has ever been. I've read all three of Caasi's manuscripts and understood them completely.

“

Hooo.

”

The moment Epherene took a deep breath, a sound echoed through the air...

Thud— Thud— Thud—

Epherene startled at the sound of footsteps she had not heard for several years.

“Can it be?” Epherene murmured, her heart pounding and her eyes widening, before she turned to look behind her.

There is no way, is it Professor Deculein?!

Epherene thought.

"Long time no see."

However, the one who spoke to her was not Deculein, and it was as if the person she desired had appeared. Epherene’s face hardened instantly, and she rose to her feet, watching him cautiously.

“Hello?”

Quay, the last follower, offered a smile as he looked at Epherene.

"Epherene Luna. The Falling Moon. The child born from a meteor. You definitely live up to that name," Quay concluded.

"You're moving?" Epherene said.

"Yes, because I am going to become a God. However, I, too, awakened only recently," Quay replied, clapping as if in appreciation as he approached Epherene. "You are really exceptional. Your very birth managed to keep even me frozen for a long time."

“... What are you talking about, suddenly appearing out of nowhere?” Epherene said, charging mana throughout her body.

However, since Epherene had no intention to kill, Quay asked with confidence, “Epherene, do you believe this occurred because of your mistake—the moment where time has stopped?”

A mistake. Can time really stop with just a single mistake from a mage?

Epherene thought.

It was a truth Epherene naturally questioned, yet pushed aside to concentrate on finding a solution.

"No. It wasn't a mistake, Epherene. Your talent has blossomed," Quay added, shaking his head.

“... What?”

"More to the point, this magic circle is exceptionally well drawn," Quay said, crouching down and pointing to various parts of the magic circle. "Here. And here. And there."

Quay pointed here and there with his finger, leaping like a frog.

Epherene found such behavior from Quay ridiculous.

“What are you doing?” Epherene asked.

"

Hmm.

This spell should be enough to make time flow again. But you, in turn, will become a fragmented presence."

Fragmented presence. What is that supposed to mean?

Epherene thought.

"Epherene, now you cannot be subjected to any passage of time. That is what happens when you become superior to time," Quay continued, as he spoke to a confused Epherene.

Epherene remained silent.

"Precisely, from the moment you took Sophien's regression until the day you continue to live, you will be cast away in time."

Epherene somehow found the term cast away easy to understand, especially as Sylvia's declaration that there were two of her surfaced in her thoughts.

"If you activate that spell, you won't be able to stay in the same timeline for long. One day might be today, the next morning, you could wake up and find yourself three days in the past. Or tomorrow could come, and you'll be a year behind—that's how it'll be," Quay added, standing as he brushed dust from his pants.

Then Quay continued, "But will you be alright with that? That won't be a human life."

Epherene remained silent.

“If you're not alright with that, take my hand,” Quay concluded while extending his hand. Epherene's eyes narrowed, and he chuckled before adding, “It doesn't have to be now. One day, when you become so distressed that you cannot live, take my hand then. I am a God, after all. I can grant you anything you wish.”

"... I don't believe in God," Epherene replied.

"Yes, I know. Most atheists are like that,” Quay said, withdrawing his hand and shrugging. “They don't believe in God but in themselves, do they? I find that foolish, but... you can believe in me. You, your life, will be more distressed than any human being’s."

"That's wrong. I don't even believe in myself."

"... That is somewhat strange," Quay replied, his eyes narrowing. "You don't even believe in yourself?"

"Yes. I don't believe in myself either. I've been too foolish so far to go easy on myself," Epherene said, nodding before preparing her magic once more.

Fragmented presence and being cast away in time were concepts she wouldn't have understood before, but Epherene now understood them instantly, feeling as if she knew his meaning with absolute certainty.

"Then whom do you believe?" Quay asked.

Psssssst—

Epherene's ashen mana rose like dust.

"I believe in Deculein," Epherene replied.

It was Epherene's short but resolute statement.

I believe in my only mentor, the Professor, who stands in my mind like a mighty pillar, providing support to me.

"Therefore, if you want to speak such words to me, go and persuade Deculein first," Epherene concluded, offering a smile to Quay, who seemed to be at a loss for words. "Then I, too, will consider it."

Quay nodded with a slightly distorted expression.

He probably knows he can't do it himself, doesn't he?

Epherene thought.

Epherene chuckled to herself and manifested her magic.

Craaaaaaaaack—!

At that moment, with a sound like tree roots being ripped from the earth, mana originating from Epherene's heart throbbed and soared, spreading throughout the entire world...

***

Screeeech—!

The cylinder, which held Yulie, opened.

“

Woah!

”

“

Wow!

”

Idnik and Allen looked into the opening.

Fwoooosh...

Mana smoke overflowed from inside, while sweat beaded on the tightly clenched hands of the two.

"... H-Hey! Can you hear me?!" Idnik asked.

"Excuse me? Can you hear us?" Allen asked, a moment late in his turn.

Swish—!

At that moment, a pristine pale hand shot out, clamping tight onto the edge of the cylinder.

“

Woah!

”

“

Ahh!

”

Allen and Idnik were startled, almost to the point of toppling over.

Whooooosh—

From the swirling smoke that shrouded everything from view, a woman pulled herself out of the cylinder.

“

Ugh...

”

The woman pressed her temples as if suffering from a severe headache, her face one she had seen before but now far more vibrant, with cheeks rounded by baby fat.

“

Oh, oh...

”

It was Yulie, much younger than she was at present.

"... It worked, Epherene!"

“Miss Epherene!”

Idnik and Allen were the first to call Epherene's name. However, Yulie seemed unaware of who Epherene was and instead eyed the pair with suspicion, then took a taekwondo stance.

"

Hahaha.

Look at her. How adorable! Hey, Epherene! Hurry up and come see! It’s Yulie, even younger than you are!" Idnik shouted.

"... What are you people even talking about?" Yulie asked.

Idnik, adoring Yulie, called out to Epherene, while Allen, with a bright smile, checked Yulie from head to toe. Yulie, full of confusion and uncertainty, remained guarded... but Epherene’s response, which should have brought the greatest happiness, was nowhere to be heard.