Chapter 21: Hero

Haaah... Haaah...

How is this possible...

Roaar!

What on earth did you do?!

Since when did you gain the power to control Nightmares?

Unless...

L-Leader...

Heh, did you turn yourself into the Nightmare Lord just to defeat me?

But you, a monster who has lost their sanity, can never defeat me!

You can still maintain your sanity even as the Nightmare Lord?!

Leader, your rapid growth really makes me see you in a whole new light.

Heh, it seems the Special Lens has brought you an unknown power... Are you trying to harness your rage?

As expected of the Leader...

Attacks like this are completely meaningless, Leader.

You're about to be crushed by your own rage. Show me whatever other tricks you have left...

It's useless. No matter how many Dream channels you open, it won't make a difference...

Why doesn't anyone agree with me? I only wanted to fulfill mine and his wish...

Bearing the darkness to protect others.

I have heard those words far too many times!

Facts have proven that "he" was wrong, and so are you!

Let's bring an end to all this...

You are far too... careless, you idiot!!

It's so hot... The fire...

Where is this...? My... Ugh, my head hurts so much!

You've finally arrived here.

Who's speaking?!

I am you, the painful memories trapped within the fire.

My... memories...

How do I get out of here? That dummy still needs me.

This is a cage you built for yourself. Accept "me", and you shall break it.

Are you willing to accept "me" and remember everything? To recall that painful past?

Of course... These are my memories to begin with!

Choosing to reclaim yourself even at the cost of devastating grief... You people never cease to surprise me...

I'm sorry, Mr. Berial.

I will always stand by this dummy's side, even if my opponent is you.

Phew... Looking away during a battle is a big no-no, Leader!

I'm here too!

How could the Muscipula Squad be complete without the great hero, Nina?!

!!!

So the Dream channels you opened were actually for...!

Hehehe, it's all thanks to the Leader this time as well!

It doesn't matter how many more of you show up. I only need to strip away your memories and pain once again...

If you keep talking like that, Mr. Berial, I'm going to get really angry!

Even the most heart-wrenching despair is a precious memory that belongs to us.

It is those memories that make up who I am today!

You are still so naive...

Your self-righteous hope is nothing but an illusion.

The people you choose to protect now might eventually become the blade that stabs your chest...

I understand, Mr. Berial.

But even so, that is still my choice!

...

Very well...

Then, let us settle this with power...

So fast!

Watch me!

Sakura Shower!

Mr. Berial... You have never asked anyone whether they actually want to cast aside their pain and memories...

When facing trauma, many choose to flee, but there will always be those who choose to stand strong!

If there were no pain, how could we ever truly feel joy?

If we picked out all the bitter chocolates, we might never taste the sweetness again!

What a beautiful dream that is...

But it must be so exhausting. Those who can hold fast to this creed are truly magnificent heroes!

It's just that light and shadow can never be separated. We are strong because of pain, and we only learn to cherish because of loss...

So for the sake of a bright future, one must also learn to accept and embrace their dark past...

Leader...

Berial, after I leave, I'm entrusting SEED to you...

...You know I won't agree to that.

Do you still insist on... building a Utopia?

If only such a land truly existed...

There will be. A place with no fear or pain, where everyone can fully enjoy joy and contentment.

Heh... That sounds like a beautiful trap...

A beautiful trap... is it...

...This is...

Heh... It has completely withered.

If you take good care of it, it will bloom again~

Anna...

Is it raining?

... Perhaps, those are the tears of those that have re-gained their sadness.

Whether a trap or a beautiful dream, it has ended in tatters...

Mr. Berial, are you crying?

Really?

Oh, they were my tears... They're so warm.

You haven't changed one bit. Insisting on being yourself, even if you end up battered and bruised...

Heh, and you're as naive as ever...

I almost completely forgot...

Leader, there's an anonymous thank you letter for you! "From one who enjoys an ending..." Does that ring a bell?

Leader, Victoria! We have a mission for today! Let's head out!

Humph, make sure you command us well today, idiot!

Mr. Berial said he wanted to see the world, and Anna went on a journey with him.

I wonder where they are now!

We will meet again someday.

Come on, Leader! A new mission awaits us!