Chapter 20: A Truth Exposed

The chapter begins with Sumato unconscious. Naomi, visibly panicking, tries to slap him awake.

“What if my ability purified him completely? It might’ve left him an empty shell…”

Viera gently lifts Sumato onto her back.

“Netsuka said Amelia and Quiera are downstairs. Maybe they can help.”

Naomi nods, and the three begin heading down the staircase.

Inside Sumato’s Mind

Sumato’s eyes open to a vast, dark plain. The fog is dense, and the floor beneath his feet feels like wet roof tiles after rain. He walks forward, coughing lightly as the mist thickens. Then, in the distance, he sees someone. Or something.

A hooded figure in a ragged cloak turns toward him.

“Welcome, Sumato. To your subconscious.”

Sumato stops. The voice sounds familiar. Too familiar.

“That’s my voice…”

The figure nods.

“You’ve always used your voice to depict me. Or did you not realize who’s been strapped to the side of your waist this entire time?”

Sumato’s eyes widen with understanding.

“You’re... Sermonta?”

“In the flesh,” the figure replies.

Sumato steps closer, still cautious.

“So what are you here for?”

Sermonta gives a dry chuckle.

“I’ve always admired your calm. You don’t flinch at the strange or grotesque. It took a while to get to you but this state you're in now was perfect to talk to you. I came to tell you that, while your prophecy is true, the entity still lies. He twists details to entertain himself.”

Sumato grabs Sermonta by the shoulder.

“So he lied about when I’m going to die?”

“Partially, yes. He said you’d die by the waxing of the moon. What he didn’t tell you is that it will be the final waxing of the moon.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Sumato sighs and steps back.

“That helps... a little. But it doesn’t fix anything right now.”

“No. But it means you can prepare instead of living in fear every time the moon changes.”

Sumato folds his arms.

“Then answer the real questions. What are you? Why now? Who’s trying to kill me?”

Sermonta stays silent for a long moment. Then he speaks softly.

“It’s time for you to return. But I’ll leave something behind. My wisdom and my ability.”

Sumato narrows his eyes.

“Fine. Go ahead.”

“My wisdom: your sister is still alive.”

Sumato freezes. His body shakes with rage. He grabs Sermonta’s cloak and pulls him close.

“Where is she? How do you know? Where can I find her?!”

Sermonta gently places a hand on Sumato’s forehead. A light flares, the same color as Sumato’s Uproar ability.

“Our new ability is Seibetsu. It separates Shinen from others. It’s weak but nearly invisible, which makes it perfect for someone like you.”

Sumato isn’t listening.

“Don’t dodge the question! Where is she?”

Sermonta lowers his head and, without answering, blasts Sumato back.

Back in Reality

Sumato’s eyes snap open.

Naomi gasps and rushes to pull him off Viera’s back.

“Sumato! You’re alright!”

Viera offers a weak smile.

“Looks like we’re both back. Sorry for attacking you earlier.”

Sumato smiles lightly.

“No problem. You were possessed. I get it.”

“Sleeping Beauty was about to explode if you didn’t wake up,” Netsuka adds, nodding at Viera.

Viera speeds up to hide her embarrassment but ends up tripping on the stairs. Everyone laughs as she scowls.

“Good to have you back,” Netsuka says.

Sumato nods as he helps Viera up.

“So what now?”

Netsuka explains that during the purification, Viera sensed the main Shivos body flinch. The theory is that purifying the remaining girls will weaken it even more.

Sumato nods.

He turns to Naomi.

“Your ability. It seems a little too... perfect for this.”

Naomi shrugs.

“I’m not supposed to use it often. The higher-ups made me keep it secret, even in combat. They only allow it when there’s no other option. And I can’t use it more than twice a week. It damages my Shinen core if I push it.”

Sumato listens, then silently draws his sword.

“I’ll find you, Chizuna. No matter what.”

At the Basement Door

Viera reaches the bottom of the stairs and stops. Her hand hovers near the handle, but she hesitates. The memory of being controlled gnaws at her. Her breath catches.

Naomi steps beside her and rests a hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t worry. None of us blame you. We all saw how hard you were trying to fight back. You don’t have to carry that alone. We’re with you.”

Viera closes her eyes and nods.

Together, they push the doors open.

The final confrontation begins.