❝ The truth behind the story.❞
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Chapter 26
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Asuto approached them and asked, "Nosaka.. Haizaki.. is that's kind of soccer fun?"
"What?"
Asuto intentionally grabbed Nosaka and Haizaki's shirts, saying, "Soccer isn't played to make someone lose. We play to connect our emotions and feelings. So, let's go play some soccer!"
They each went their own way.
Akane casually leans against the railings, surprising Haizaki with her unexpected presence,"Ryouhei!"
"Akane?!? You recognized me?"
"I'll explain it after the game... Aside from that, I wanted to see you play soccer for whatever reason." As she felt guilty, tears streamed down her cheeks
"Well, Akane, I must say I'm relieved to see you in good health now." A smile spread across his face, "As you can see, I'm the devil of the field."
You stood there, resembling the emoji from your keyboard, observing as they repeated the action once more in the anime. You blinked, your mind momentarily distracted.
"Oh, is that your girlfriend, Haizaki-san?"
And with that, he firmly grasped your head once more.
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"It's the football finals, the last stage of the match, the second half is about to start now. Which team will win at the top of the football frontliner?"
The game continued with the team engaged in a lively back-and-forth, with no goals being scored. As everyone strategized, you remained motionless on the field, seemingly like a statue. However, that all changed when the ball finally came your way. Your gaze quickly shifted towards the ball at your feet.
As you glance over your shoulder, you are met with the sight of Zhao Jinyun wearing a sly smirk.
You expressed remorse to Goujin for inadvertently taking the spotlight away from him in the final minute when he was supposed to score.
As you sprinted, your hair danced freely in the air, flowing with the breeze. Nosaka approached you and prevented you from moving forward. As you take a step back, you gracefully perform a cartwheel. As your right palm makes contact with the grass, the ball is propelled upwards, tracing the path of your feet. In a sudden burst of speed, you effortlessly pass through your opponent.
They were weak as you opponent, you couldn't help but to feel bored. You passed with every each of them till you came face to face with their goalkeeper Nishikage.
The opponent's lack of strength left you feeling quite bored. You successfully navigated past each opponent until you found yourself in a one-on-one situation with their goalkeeper, Nishikage.
A mysterious fog materialized out of nowhere. The atmosphere was dense, obscuring all visibility.
"Fudou,"
"Yeah?"
"We didn't encounter any of Nozomi's powerful moves firsthand. So, we didn't really impart any knowledge to her, did we?"
The mysterious mist started to spread, crackling with an increasing intensity. With a quick and precise movement, the ball effortlessly pierced through the air, parting the mist as it soared towards its destination. A surge of energy crackled through the goal, marking a triumphant score.
"So how come she has one if we all see her everyday just to practice?"
The atmosphere was filled with an eerie stillness as they witnessed a move of unparalleled precision and power. Never before have they witnessed such an awe-inspiring force.
"Goal!"
The stadium exudes an overwhelming sense of joy. The Inakuni emerged victorious while Outei Tsukinomiya suffered defeat.
You felt someone hug you from behind. Closing your eyes, it felts so warm, it feels familiar.
A warm embrace enveloped you unexpectedly. As you close your eyes, a comforting warmth envelops you, evoking a sense of familiarity.
"You did well." The voice of a man, it sounds incredibly familiar, and it certainly was. It belonged to your brother.
You glanced behind you, only to find an empty space.
You briefly shut your eyes before making your way towards your team.
"Wah, you're so cool, Mui!"
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"Congratulations on your victory! Nozomi-san, you have demonstrated the truth of your confident assertion in the past."
Nosaka approached you on the sideline of the field, wearing a smile, "However, I was intrigued to know how you perceive soccer."
Their interaction quickly grabbed the interest of Haizaki and a handful of keen observers, especially those who were within earshot and could clearly hear their conversation.
"It lacks excitement."
You gazed up at the sky, captivated by the sight of a fluffy cloud. "While it's a refreshing experience for me, it can also be quite exhausting. However, I must express my gratitude for today, as I discovered it to be rather uninteresting. Nonetheless, I have managed to achieve something that I have been longing for."
"And that is an unequivocal answer."
A delicate butterfly gently perches upon your nose, as if drawn to your presence. "You all possess unique motivations for engaging in sports, and it is evident that soccer holds a special place in your hearts, it seemed to convey. I appreciate everyone's decision and find it to be quite reasonable."
"Even in defeat, you have still achieved victory."
"And that victory, it will stay there," You aimed directly at his chest.
"Congratulations, Nosaka-san."
The words were spoken by you. It seemed uncomfortable for you to speak to it in that manner, and it surprised some how you expressed those words, considering you're not typically a very talkative person.
You approached Asuto and Haizaki, acknowledging their achievement, "You both performed admirably, Asuto-san, Haizaki-san."
Haizaki scoffed as you walked past him to meet Akane, while Asuto offered his congratulations.
Meanwhile, Haizaki and a particular person, referred to as Anna the manager, overheard your explanation of soccer. Impressing others with the impression that you are truly exceptional.
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You settle down next to Ootani, taking a moment to relax. You rest your cheeks on your palm, with your elbow resting on your lap.
"Unequivocal answer."
It was a remarkable presence. An exploration into the nature of time. A world characterized by the coexistence of two distinct realities.
There is a distinction between fictional and non-fictional works, as each exists within its own unique reality.
After the match concluded, a hushed voice reached her ears. A soft murmur reveals the profound reality that lies beyond our mere existence. Every single thing, and every single worry.
Nozomi Fuyumi, your mother and Yukio's, was doing well under the care of the caregiver. She was still searching for her daughter, but she was managing fine. As a result of the car accident, her head was injured, leading to memory loss. The only memories she can recall are from the past when her children were young.
It's comforting to know that your loved one is in good health, even if you can't be there with them.
Nozomi Yukio, your very own brother. Lost his life in the tragic accident while attempting to find you. He was the reason why Haruna was tormenting you.
He provided you with a purpose to continue living. Long after his passing, you carried the weight of guilt upon your shoulders. However, you gradually began to find solace and embrace the healing process, particularly when you sensed his ethereal presence. You were well aware that he would always be by your side. You have reached the initial stage of beginning to progress forward.
Haruna Ayaka, who was never your friend to begin with, had suddenly appeared in the same world as you. Hold the strongest disdain for your brother.
You vividly recall the way she initiated everything, in your quest for the truth. At the start, she formed a friendship with you in order to discover her true purpose.
Haruna had a typical childhood filled with the warmth of her parents' love. However, things took a turn when her father lost his job. As a result, their relationship began to strain and eventually led to her parents' divorce. Her mother's reasoning was that if her father couldn't provide for the family, they would struggle to survive.
Her father lost his job due to Nozomi Yukio's promotion. Nozomi is known for being a highly dedicated and diligent employee. Haruna is aware of this because her father frequently discussed it after her mother left. It's rather funny from her perspective, why did her mother abandon her with her father? Is she being dishonest about her reasons for the divorce in order to attract a new partner? Humorous.
During her childhood, she stumbled upon the surname "Nozomi" and made the assumption that you were acquainted with Yukio. At the perfect moment, she inquired about your familiarity with him, to which you responded by revealing that you are his sibling.
"Would you like to become friends?" Haruna's face adorned with a beaming smile
A surge of anger fills your being as the truth suddenly becomes clear.
Hajime Mira, a woman who shares a connection with you and your brother. In the previous chapter, upon careful observation, there was a picture that evoked memories. By examining the chapters, one could uncover hidden clues. In the picture, she is seen with Yukio, her boyfriend, while you are in the middle. Following Yukio's passing, she secluded herself in grief. Unexpectedly, she found herself standing in the middle of the street, where she encountered Hikkiri. A young girl was fixated on her, observing the spot where she had arrived.
Now you understand why she was so worried at the hospital. She was someone dear to you, someone you cherished.
Not only that but,
This world has a certain purpose, a purpose that has yet to reveal its true nature.
All you know is once you've entered this world, there's no going back.
Now you know the truth behind the story.
You felt your eyelids grow heavy, and then everything went dark.
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A gentle breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it the soothing sounds of nature.
The tranquil melody of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere that enveloped my senses.
The rhythmic lullaby of distant waves crashing.
Captivated by the mesmerizing sight of numerous billowing clouds gracefully adorning the vast expanse of the sky. Each cloud seemed to possess its own unique shape and form, as if an artist had meticulously crafted them with delicate strokes of a celestial brush. Some clouds resembled cotton candy. In the heart of an untouched meadow, bathed in the golden rays of the sun, a young maiden reclined upon the lush emerald blades of grass.
The maiden, with her flowing locks of black-silver hair cascading around her delicate features, embodied the ethereal beauty of this untouched world. Her presence, like a whisper carried by the wind, added a touch of magic to the already enchanting landscape. At the endless expanse of her attire was a delightful combination of both elegance and simplicity, as the fabric gracefully embraced her figure with a flawless fit.
As she lay in the midst of nature's serene embrace, a profound sense of tranquility washed over her. The gentle caress of the wind, as it playfully danced through the air, brought forth a refreshing cold breeze that delicately brushed against her bare face. In that moment, she found solace in the harmonious symphony of stillness and movement, as if the very essence of the world had conspired to create a perfect sanctuary for her weary soul.
With a delicate flutter, her long lashes gracefully parted, revealing the captivating depths of her eyes. There, within the depths of her gaze, lay a vast expanse of darkness, as if a bottomless abyss of never-ending nightmares had taken residence within her being. It was as if her eyes were windows into something of perpetual terror, where the shadows danced with malevolence and the echoes of her deepest fears.
Nozomi Kamui suddenly found herself in an unfamiliar and isolated place. This place was a haven of tranquility and serenity, far removed from the chaos of everyday life. She inhaled deeply, reassuring herself that everything would be alright.
Out of nowhere, she was bombarded by a cacophony of voices. It was a confrontational encounter, as she turned around to face the most unpleasant person she had ever met.
"Hi there." You greeted Haruna, with a calm but insincere tone.
"You fcking bitch where the hell am I?" She forcefully grabbed your collar, causing you pain.
But a sudden, dark shadow gripped her feet. Her eyes were filled with pure terror as she actually let go of you, "You again?!"
You took a sharp breath, perspiration trickling down your brow. You gazed upon the entity that had taken control of her.
Black silhouette.
With a sudden realization, you realize that it has been quite some time since you last went into the state of Black space, and the answer to your question becomes clear. From her earlier reaction, it was clear that she had encountered the black entity and spent a significant amount of time in Black space, which had left her with a deep sense of horror and haunting nightmares.
The psyche of the chosen is capable of containing all headspace. Each of them may choose to remain, remain in pairs, or leave in unison.
Only black space can be found in Haruna.
You have three, yet there is an absence of blank space for a considerable amount of time.
What does it mean though?
It signifies, through existence. The entity represented a reflection of your innermost thoughts. It was indeed the individual's all along. But why is it that the vast emptiness engulfs you too? A feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness. And yours is Isolation.
During times of isolation, it's important to reflect on why there may be a void in your life. Perhaps there is something you're hesitant to embrace or a situation you're struggling to let go of. That wasn't the case for Haruna. She bears no responsibility for her actions and refuses to acknowledge the harm she caused. That's why Haruna's mind had a void, while yours was free from any limitations.
Negative emotions belong in the black space.
Between the lines, there's a gray space for emptiness.
The truth is the sole reason why White Space even exists.
"Fck fck!" She struggled to speak as numerous black hands pulled her feet downward.
You were positioned in her path as she bellowed at you. "What are you not doing anything? HELP ME!"
Apologizing and acknowledging her mistakes seemed to be the only viable option for her life. Reveal every detail, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Reflect on her actions and acknowledge any wrongdoing.
With your eyes closed, you knelt down. "I am no God, Haruna."
"There is nothing I can do but stare. I am not the source of your desperation; on the contrary, I am the consequence of it. Although neither of you nor I know precisely what happened, one thing is certain: while you do not, I do know the truth."
"I don't know what will happen to us in this place,"
"The only thing I am aware of is that the reason we are here is because of your foolishness. We suddenly found ourselves in a different universe, one that we were not meant to live in. I am not always the main character in the stories. I am aware that you have also endured suffering, but of course, someone heard it or someone observed our action together and set things right by forcing us to confront each other in order to put things right. Because of your idiocy, instead of fixing the problem, you made it worse by playing fire to fire."
While Haruna remained unmoving in her position, the entity vanished. You have known the whole time; you are aware of the facts.
The idyllic scene started to disintegrate before their eyes. You just stood there looking intently into her eyes. No. Not only the eyes. You're staring at her entire existence.
"I am no God, capable of being angry with you, nor am I a Supreme Being with the ability to grant forgiveness."
Haruna was suddenly flooded with a vivid recollection of Nozomi's past.
Everything began to grow.
"Everything will work out fine."
"But not all things are going to turn out well."
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Her pupils were dilated and she wore a grin that seemed forced. Any words that sounded like the alphabet were altered so that the song could be sung.
She returned to a time when Nozomi was no longer present, delving into the past. Her family was there, living happily, but the never-ending repercussions haunt Haruna Ayaka in her dreams.
That was the truth, yet it was beyond her ability to judge.
The price she paid for getting what she desired was having to deal with something she despised having.
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You woke up to find the people still there, celebrating the victory. You could sense the joy radiating from everyone around you, and it felt strangely familiar. Rising cautiously on your seat, Inakuni's gaze—with the exception of Haizaki—immediately focused on you. They stood in a line, acknowledging each other with nods, before gracefully bowing.
"Thank you so much, Nozomi-san!"
"Thank you, Mui!"
There was evident confusion on your face as you furrowed your brow and blinked inquisitively. "Who are you?" you asked.
This marks the end of the Ares No Tenbin Arc.
Yet we all knew that this was only the beginning of the journey.
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Details
—The storyline that Haruna played a part in had reached its conclusion. The reason for this is that I do not want this book to center completely on her as being the main plot.
—Only Akio and Asuto were the only ones calling you nicknames without formalities.
—Nozomi's personality gradually changed because of her forgotten past. But bluntness will stay.
—When you asked Haizaki if Akane was his girlfriend, he contemplated for a second before being annoyed at you.
Do you wish to proceed to the
Orion Kokuin Arc?
—Yes
—Yes