Demi-human Girls Completion Manual Chapter 1353 - 27: Question_3
Previously on Demi-human Girls Completion Manual...
"She wishes for both of us to aid this world, but... this path demands far too great a sacrifice, a price I cannot bear to pay."
"You're unaware, but even the True God is helpless against such a prophecy. I stand only at the Eighteenth Rank, and you've just reached the Mythical Rank; our powers are exceedingly limited. Yet, I understand the principle of averting disaster, a lesson you yourself imparted. Therefore, even if you refuse to extricate yourself from this 'doomsday vortex masquerading as sweetness,' I must unbind you, nail by nail, and carry you away. Do you comprehend?"
Helair nibbled on Fisher’s earlobe, earnestly attempting to convince him.
"Consequently, the purpose of those two Demons aligns with my own. Fisher, heed my words, remain within the Dragon Court and do nothing; you are incapable of decisive action anyway. Entrust everything to me, will you? The Dragon Queen possesses a key related to the world's prophecy of doom. Allow me to eliminate her. Even if it merely postpones the arrival of destruction, we can seize the opportunity to flee this place, unburdened by anything..."
Fisher's expression grew progressively grave. Upon hearing Helair’s declaration, he grasped that acquiring the Demi-human Girls Completion Manual and uncovering the prophecy of the world's end was no mere coincidence. Gui had long set her sights on him, orchestrating his ascent to the Mythical Rank and even arranging for Helair’s survival after the Holy Land's collapse and the demise of myth, all to enlist her aid in resolving the prophecy of the world’s end.
However, Helair’s ultimate concern lay with him; she refused to let him face peril. Thus, she shifted her strategy mid-course, intending first to eliminate those connected to the prophecy before rescuing him from its clutches.
"So, the 'game' you spoke of, after meeting Gui and then informing me... it meant I should relinquish all I possess in exchange for three gifts or boons, correct?"
Helair simply gazed at Fisher and stated,
"No, it was before I encountered you that I met Gui. Prior to our meeting, Gui unveiled fate to me, revealing the true essence of chaos, and granted me glimpses into secrets from another world and the Transferee. Hence, when we first met... But you know, I genuinely don't put much stock in fate; I place greater faith in myself. Still, I must admit, leading you on has been quite amusing."
It wasn't surprising, then, that she had used the non-existent "Cupid" within the Holy Land to tease him; could it have been a concept originating from another realm?
Yet, Fisher harbored no intention of playing along with Helair’s game. He finally understood why Helair and Gui had inexplicably shown him favor from the outset. While this might not have been the direct catalyst for Helair’s relationship with him, the opportunity had certainly been provided...
The central question remained: Was he truly, as Gui claimed, the key to resolving the world’s prophecy of doom?
Was it simply because, guided by the Demi-human Girls Completion Manual, he had discovered these Ladies who symbolized the apocalypse's power and forged bonds with them?
But Fisher consistently felt they weren't inherently the key to the apocalypse. He recalled Helair’s earlier words, where she mentioned Rafael possessing "key attributes to the prophecy of the world's end." This, he presumed, was why Helair intended to eliminate Rafael...
"Helair, what exactly did you mean by ‘key attributes to the prophecy of the world’s end’ just now?"
Helair appeared momentarily taken aback by his question. Without providing an immediate answer, she furrowed her brow slightly and asked Fisher,
"Could it be that even after I laid bare the stakes, you still refuse to withdraw?"
"If I were truly capable of letting go, I wouldn't have plunged into the chaotic sea of the Ideal Country to rescue you back then."
Helair receded slightly into the shadows until darkness obscured half her face, leaving only faint outlines visible.
"...You are correct. That is precisely who you are, and it explains why you cling so fiercely to them. Hah, Gui places her faith in you, but I do not trust her. Rafael is destined to fall, though not by my hand. Those two Demons will not heed my command; after millennia of confinement, their craving for freedom is insatiable. You witnessed the Ideal Country incident; you understand the connection between Demons and chaos. The world’s prophecy of doom originates from chaos, and Rafael’s secret to initiating the prophecy serves as their key to liberation..."
Emerging from the shadows, her enigmatic, smiling visage reappeared.
Immediately afterward, she addressed Fisher once more,
"I've already told you, even if this world perishes, you will remain unharmed... Once Rafael is eliminated, I shall return to retrieve you."
"Rafael will not die."
Fisher met her gaze with unwavering certainty. She, however, no longer seemed inclined to pursue the discussion. With an indifferent yawn, she remarked,
"Hehe, go ahead and try... but I must depart now. Will you bestow a kiss upon me before I leave?"
Her words sealed Fisher’s response, and he looked at her with a sense of helplessness. Even though he recognized the vast chasm between them, no hostility could be detected. It was similar to when Emhardt had cautioned Fisher numerous times previously; he still found himself unable to challenge her upon their reunion.
During their time in the Holy Land, she had left a profound mark on him. As she herself stated, Fisher was inclined to believe her actions stemmed from a desire for his well-being, though certainly not for the welfare of the women he knew.
Therefore, their safety was a responsibility he had to bear himself.
He let out a sigh and moved forward, slowly drawing nearer to her face, which was obscured by the encroaching darkness. Yet, before their lips could meet, he posed a question, “Wait, are you inhabiting that Demon Servant’s body?”
“Do you have an obsession with cleanliness?”
Helair offered a slight smile, then gently shook her head and replied, “Nope…”
“If you have indeed been observing me, then all those actions I’ve taken, particularly at night, you…”
Helair regarded him with a feigned smile, her form gradually receding into the shadows. “I’m departing now, my dear.”
“Smack…”
But before she could fully disappear, Fisher planted a kiss upon her, halting her descent.
Closing his eyes, he pressed his lips against her slightly cool ones. They parted after a considerable interval. Helair had shown no reluctance, gracefully accepting his unspoken need.
As they separated once more, Helair delicately touched her lips, savoring the lingering taste. “Not bad. It feels just like ten thousand years ago… However, my earlier declaration remains unchanged.”
“I understand.”
“Gui believes you can resolve the prophecy of world-ending chaos, yet you ultimately plunge deeper into it yourself. For ten millennia, I was tainted by chaos, falling from Angel to Demon. How could I not grasp what that entails? This path is akin to fanning the flames, a pursuit of self-destruction.”
“But perhaps, only chaos can quell chaos?”
“Is that your conviction?”
“That is my conviction.”
Helair cast a glance at him, her expression slowly unfolding into a smile once more. She let out a laugh and declared, “Very well, proceed with your attempt. I shall await you at the precipice of your failure, then I will escort you away…”
“If that day ever arrives.”
Helair offered no retort to his statement. Perhaps irritated by him, she submerged herself into the darkness without a backward glance, ensuring Fisher saw no trace of her disappointment.
Gazing at her retreating form, Fisher couldn't refrain from asking, “If I need to reach you, how should I go about it?”
“Try calling me ‘dear’.”
“Seriously? Is it truly that simple?”
“It’s a jest. I will not see you until you falter, nor will I be constantly watching you. I have other matters to attend to.”
“….”
In an instant, the surrounding darkness vanished like a receding tide, revealing two Demon Servants lying prone on the dimly lit shipyard floor, utterly unconscious. The shipyard was enveloped in an unsettling silence, with only Fisher remaining, his gaze fixed on the spot where Helair had dematerialized, lost in contemplation of something profound and unknown.