Endless Debt Chapter 1129 - 127: New Beginnings (Part 2)

~4 minute read · 1,023 words
Previously on Endless Debt...
After returning home, Bologue reflects on his chaotic emotions and the lingering effects of past trauma. He contemplates his feelings for Aimou, attempting to rationalize them through a scientific lens. However, he realizes his deep-seated love for the deceased Adelle creates a conflict, making him resist his feelings for Aimou due to a sense of betrayal.

Adelle had undeniably forged Bologue’s core beliefs and values, becoming an integral thread in the fabric of his personality. However, much like the fleeting nature of his hallucinations and Adelle's own words, she was merely a transient presence. She possessed her own life, her own distinct principles, and thus, could not consume Bologue entirely. Likewise, Bologue could not permit himself to be wholly subsumed by Adelle's influence.

It became clear that Bologue needed to forge his own path, independent of her shadow.

"I cannot remain ensnared by Adelle’s influence any longer... I believe she would not wish for me to be perpetually guided by her memory. She lived a life of remarkable beauty, and the most profound tribute I can offer is to carry forward her values and embrace my own beautiful existence in my unique way."

A mind once clouded by confusion gradually solidified, and Bologue began to discern a viable escape from his self-imposed confinement.

The true barrier that had imprisoned Bologue all along was none other than himself.

Subsequently, Bologue committed a profound passage to paper, a truth he had gleaned from a book.

"The crux is not in evading adversity and the sting of regret, but rather in confronting them with unwavering positivity, steadfastly adhering to one’s chosen course, and living with resolute purpose."

Bologne resolved to continue living.

"What course of action should I pursue next?"

He penned this question with renewed emphasis, encircling it multiple times for clarity.

Leaning back in his chair, having finally grasped the nature of his predicament, Bologue experienced an unexpected sense of liberation. Adelle had set him free, and in turn, Bologue had granted Adelle peace. The moment had arrived to truly commence his life's journey.

Only now did Bologue feel as though he had truly emerged from a suffocating prison.

Beneath a surface of detached logic, a torrent of unnamed emotions began to surface. Bologue surmised these feelings might well be the essence of what humans call love.

Another figure gradually materialized in Bologue’s thoughts. He recalled how he had deliberately pushed Aimou away during his own internal turmoil. He pondered her feelings at that juncture.

Had his indecision instilled anxiety and confusion within Aimou? Had he inadvertently caused her to misinterpret something, thereby drawing her into a perplexing dilemma?

This realization sent a jolt of anxiety through Bologue, akin to an awakening. He perceived multiple relationship complexities only after extricating himself from his mental quagmire.

The physical manifestations intensified, and Bologue felt a distinct pressure in his chest, his heart commencing an accelerated rhythm.

Bologue distinctly remembered Aimou referencing such reactions; she often playfully teased him by monitoring his physiological responses.

She would explain, with a scientific flair, that this was the sympathetic nervous system in action, prompting a faster heartbeat, which in turn led to increased blood circulation and enhanced oxygen delivery.

Furthermore, she noted, the stimulation of the sympathetic nerves also induced vasoconstriction, consequently raising blood pressure.

Bologue was aware of this physiological process; it mirrored the body's response to imminent danger—yet, emotional stimuli could equally trigger such a reaction.

How peculiar,

It seemed that when a person’s emotions were stirred, the body’s primal instinct was to perceive a threat.

Upon further reflection, it wasn't merely a threat; it was akin to encountering another avatar of the Grim Reaper, scythe in hand, poised to claim dominion over one's very being, ensuring complete allegiance thenceforth.

One willingly surrendered to her captivating influence.

Bologue abruptly stood, keenly aware of the frantic surge of hormones. A cascade of questions and anxieties flooded his mind. He had never encountered such a profound emotional upheaval and felt utterly unprepared to navigate or manage these burgeoning feelings.

A sense of timidity and bashfulness even washed over him.

Bologue’s mind replayed numerous memories, both joyful and sorrowful. He recalled how he once perceived Aimou as remarkably similar to himself, prompting him to offer his assistance. He had also endured pain inflicted by Aimou, yet he had also listened intently to her heartfelt confessions. They had supported and rescued one another reciprocally...

Much like the eternal dance between chaos and order, the human psyche possessed the capacity for the most malevolent machinations alongside the tenderest, most unsophisticated sincerity.

"Damn it."

Bologue uttered a soft curse, crumpling a discarded piece of paper and tossing it into the waste bin.

He sank onto the edge of the bed, cradling his head in his hands. After a prolonged period of quiet contemplation, he suddenly rose, exited the bedroom, changed his attire, meticulously adjusted his appearance in the mirror, and then ventured out into the stillness of the night.

Bologue disdained prolonged contemplation; he favored decisive action.

Stepping out onto the street, the crisp, cool air filled his lungs, bringing a measure of clarity. His steps felt strangely light and almost unsteady, as if he were floating rather than walking, yet he moved forward with determined strides.

The city had largely settled into slumber at this hour. Bathed in the ethereal glow of streetlights, the thoroughfares lay deserted. It appeared as though Bologue walked this world entirely alone.

Midway through his journey, Bologue’s thoughts finally coalesced, extricating him from the swirling emotional vortex. He berated himself for his impulsive departure, wondering absently how long the trek would ultimately take.

Bologue pivoted, retrieved the Key of the Crooked Path, and pushed open the door to the Undying Club. Within, the establishment was cloaked in silence, the floor strewn with debris. Serey lay sprawled unconscious amidst the wreckage, the scent of alcohol heavy in the air.Proceeding with great caution over the debris, Bologue had a sudden realization halfway through his journey: a gift was necessary. However, upon surveying the entirety of the Undying Club, nothing of genuine worth presented itself. 'Damn it,' Bologue muttered, attributing the haziness of his thoughts to the pervasive stench of alcohol. Upon exiting the Undying Club, the remainder of the path felt distinctly more familiar. Bologue increased his speed, contemplating the words he would choose when he finally met Aimou.