Part 1 –

“… this is a different realm, isn’t it?”

“It would seem like it. This confirms that everything Black and White said to us was true.”

Uru answered Exrite with a mused face.

The log which they travelled on suddenly became a dilapidated bridge upon entering the [Dimensional Barrier] – a certain type of [Barrier] that none other the Maiden of Realms possessed.

“But this may not be another realm either. If we were able to pass through the barrier, then it might be more akin to [Illusion] magic. Think of it as a bubble – the world is the same inside as it is out, but the membrane shows a different image or reality.”

“I see…” Exrite whispered in awe as she devoured the beautiful yet mysterious scenery ahead.

Uru’s explanation was interesting. If she was correct, then it would mean that a [Dimensional Barrier] was more of an effective [Illusion] magic, since it worked on the physical nature of the world rather than the mind.

However, Exrite slowly scrunched her face when she found a flaw in Uru’s logic.

“Wait, is there a reason why we weren’t sent to the world we were shown?”

Naturally, no matter how thin the membrane of a [Dimensional Barrier] was, it was still connected to another world. She believed that they should have entered that reality instead of phasing through.

“There are countless of reasons. The main two I can think of regards the entry and exit of the Biomech, so she must’ve weakened it considerably. Or, she can’t manifest her power at this scale for whatever reason, not that I’m saying that’s true.” Uru hummed and erected her posture, gladly breathing the same air as the Maiden beside her.

“It should only take the wave of a finger to use magic at this scale for a Maiden.”

“Right… a wave of a finger, huh.” Exrite softly smiled.

The group was mostly silent along their perilous path. Particularly Khaos who couldn’t pry his mouth or eyes even if he wanted to.

The chasm below was so far and deep that one could easily spend a few minutes in free-fall before drowning in the pitch-black waters.

That was if they managed to survive.

Soon, they followed the Biomech off the bridge and orientated themselves on a cracked brick path that was surrounded by emerald trees and various ruins.

From a single glance, they could tell that it came from a time that perhaps predated time itself.

Nothing of their structure or architecture reminded them of anything remotely similar, save for the gears that were carved into them.

It was perplexing.

In the cracks and crevices, hung many strange vegetation and constricting ivy.

Exrite held her breath as an overwhelming air of mystery took her aback.

For a moment, she was reminded of how little she knew of this world.

“Getting cold feet?” Black teased.

“No. It’s nothing. I’m just… amazed that a place like this exists.” Exrite replied with a small smile.

“Yeah. It makes you wonder what else is out there.” Frosty muttered, wielding an uncharacteristic smile. “Let’s go. We can’t keep the Maiden of Realms waiting, can we?”

“That’s a strange face you have there, Frosty. I wouldn’t mind if you were always like that.”

Frosty ignored Black for the most part, drawn in by the surrounding scenery as they slowly followed the Biomech along the path. When her eyes fell forward, she seemingly mellowed alongside Khaos who wore a confident grin.

“Leave them alone, Black. Let them savour this moment.” White said.

Even Uru was seen acting rather strangely. Or rather – appropriately for what was to come. Her pride and honour as a Demon wouldn’t allow her to present herself in a despicable manner in front the Maiden.

So, she held a presenting posture and wielded eyes that only belonged to the beings that stood above all.

For the group who sought to challenge the Maidens – getting this far was nothing short of a miracle.

And soon, the trees engulfed them as strange patches of metallic flowers blossomed underneath their cool shade. In a world where wildlife didn’t exist, only the tapping of their footsteps warded the silence.

Then suddenly, a violin played.

Their ears melted to the gentle harps that lulled them like a Siren’s call. They mellowed to a wonderful sight as their footsteps became drowned by the delightful melody.

At the furthest reaches of the wide path, gathered many Biomech children. They were entranced by a green-haired woman in the centre, who caressed her crystal violin like it was a lover.

Her music demanded the attention of all that existed. The sun shone upon her like a spotlight, and the soft breeze pointed the leaves of the trees in her direction.

Underneath the grand oak tree, the Biomech calmly listened to her song. They were docile and made themselves comfortable; whether they sat, stood or remained prone. Some were even stacked atop each other like dominoes.

They were adorable – but their expressionless faces and empty grey eyes were a polarising contrast.

None dared to speak as they approached the gathering, for they feared to interrupt the woman. From her elegant green hair that matched her splendid dress, to the contrasting shorts and black leggings – one could easily tell that she wasn’t any ordinary being.

No. That wouldn’t be right. To call her something akin to ‘not the ordinary’ would be an insult to the benevolent Maidens.

Uru’s heart wrenched when she realised just who exactly this woman was. Apart from her attire and appearance – her instincts convinced her that she was none other than the Maiden of Realms.

Eventually, they were close enough to see the individual faces of each figure, as well as another woman resting on the ancient bark of the old oak.

Through her silver strands of hair, her eyes were fixed on a certain figure.

And the moment the Maiden of Realms struck the strings of her violin one final time –

Uru threw herself onto her knees in prostrate, forcing the others behind her to freeze in place. The others were tempted to do the same, save for Black and White.

After all, a Maiden was inconceivably beyond that of a King, and merely prostrating themselves in front of such a majestic being alone wouldn’t be enough.

For a moment, Exrite forgot that she too was a Maiden herself. But before they could join Uru –

The Maiden spoke.

“It ends on a fine note. Not too sharp, and not too flat. A perfect way of ending the song for the arrival of our guests.”

Realm Melody – the Maiden of Realms – spoke with closed eyes and a deceptively calm smile.

Her voice carried an authority that none could comprehend, yet it was also kind and gentle.

Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, revealing her emerald eyes that pierced through each of their beings. But upon seeing Exrite’s face, she smirked and studied her from head to toe.

She found multiple discrepancies with her appearance to what she had in mind.

From the thick attire that that did nothing but burden and hide the benevolent body of a Maiden to the weaponry that hung from her back and waist – she could tell that Exrite was naive of the capabilities of her body.

Aside from the handguns – which Melody clearly recognised – she found no reason for Exrite to be holding onto those worthless possessions.

And since Exrite was someone from this world, the knowledge of firearms was next to impossible.

Although…

Her eyes briefly fell onto Black and White.

Bemused and humoured, Melody seemed to confirm something to herself before she spoke again.

“Now – you may scatter, lovely Biomechs.”

By her command, the children slowly began to part ways from her. Their silent patters into the surrounding environment left an open space which led straight to Melody, and cleared the line of sight for the lone Biomech at the oak tree.

And when she finally saw Exrite’s face – the world seemingly paused.

Or rather, she was the one who froze entirely.

After all this time, and after all the years she spent silently waiting for her Creator – the memories of Gaia came surging back as her silver eyes swelled.

She knew that this wasn’t Gaia, because in order to crown the next with their powers – they must die. Who she instead saw was the spiritual successor of her Creator.

However, something felt off about her.

As she carefully studied Exrite – who’s figure was bizarrely familiar and nostalgic – Melody gracefully dropped her instruments into a sudden tear in space.

Wherever they went was a mystery. But one could imagine that it entered a different dimension, perhaps for the sole purpose of storing cumbersome objects.

This was the Maiden of Realms, after all.

Mused by the dumbfounded faces, Melody beacon them to approach with only a slender finger.

“Rise, Demon. I appreciate that at least one of you knows their place in front of a Maiden. Hmph. Maybe you’ve all grown too complacent with the alleged human Exrenity and Maiden of Time.”

Her voice, while sickly sweet and tantalising, held power that was appropriate for her peerless being.

Slowly, Uru reluctantly rose as she obeyed her commands, wielding eyes that never broke away from Melody.

Their footsteps resumed, but at a much more steady pace.

Khaos and Frosty were still baffled by the Maiden, while Exrite recomposed herself and held a strenuous gaze.

“Or, is it your way of telling me that you don’t care that I’m a Maiden, and think you can easily strike me down?”

Tension instantly hung in the air, and upon seeing their reactions, she quietly laughed to herself.

“Relax. I was joking. There wouldn’t be a feasible way to fight me right now anyway~ This isn’t my Domain, nor is this my real body so killing me here won’t do you any good. Not that you could in the first place, especially when you have the Maiden of Time armed with a shabby crossbow and a smith-made sword.”

She casually jabbed.

It seemed like she knew of their plans to defeat her, although her shallow smirk assured them that she didn’t mind. Perhaps that smirk was towards their insignificance – like she was staring at measly insects daring to challenge the faraway sun.

Exrite softly clenched her fists and steeled herself.

“But I guess you were a human once, so using those primitive tools might’ve made sense at one point. Now, with that aside – let’s introduce ourselves, shall we? Why don’t we start with the fabled Maiden of Time?.”

They were now within metres of the Maiden. Once the leading Exrite and Uru came to a stop, the others apart from the Commanders instinctively held their breath.

They were now face to face with a being that surpassed their wildest dreams.

“It’ll be my pleasure. My name is Exrite – the Exrenity and the Maiden of Time.” Exrite proudly introduced herself, only briefly nodding to show her respects. “Please let me make things clear before we continue. We didn’t come here to fight. We came because Black and White informed us that a Biomech the old Maiden of Time created was looking for me. And besides – “

Exrite firmly met with the emerald eyes of the Maiden. From here, it was easy to discern the shape of her irises which were like chiselled crystals.

“We’d be hard pressed to pass a chance to meet with a Maiden.”

A soft chuckle left Melody’s lips.

“Right~ there’s nothing in this world that would ever dare to pass on the honour of meeting us, Exrite. We are beings that stand above all, and all look up to. We are the pillars of Six Point – we are the only reason why this place hasn’t fallen into chaos like the west and northern segments of the continent.”

She briefly brushed over Black and White with a mischievous look, before studying the faces of the others.

“But I find it funny that you, the broken pillar, are seeking to take another one of us down. Not that I mind, however. I’m perfectly fine with watching this imperfect world further crumble.”

The dangerous hiss struck Exrite harder then the others as she second guessed the Maiden’s virtue. Her pristine image of the Maidens being the ones who sought to protect Six Point shattered upon hearing those words.

Even Uru was surprised to some extent, but she hoped that there was a reason behind those words. Or it was simply an attempt to rile them up.

“I think I’ve gone off track. So, let’s resume our introductions~.”

At the snap of her fingers, The crystals that hung by her luscious dress suddenly flashed brighter than the sun. In the moment that they were blinded by the light, the world seemingly obeyed the Maiden as it morphed into a kaleidoscope of a thousand different realities.

From worlds of nothing but barren wastelands and endless oceans to places that were compactly constructed of towering concrete and steel.

Then, amid the flickering images, Black’s eyes suddenly swelled.

“The Colour Plane...”

Melody possessed all of these worlds, and because of her; they were tethered to the fabric of reality. Those that were foolish enough to challenge her wagered their world.

This was the ultimate curse of the Maiden of Realms, and why Black strove to have Exrite and her companions to defeat Melody. Because if she or White lost against her – then they wouldn’t just lose themselves, but their entire world.

“I am Realm Melody – the Maiden of Realms! For the rest of you that stand beside the Maiden of Time, savour my presence to your hearts content! I hope you can entertain me for the following days!”

* * *

“… The Maiden of Time.”

Amid their lengthy introduction, a quiet voice suddenly snatched Exrite’s attention.

A lonely figure behind Melody sat at the base of an ancient oak tree with a face filled with unhinged emotion. With an outstretched hand, she called for Exrite once more.

“You’re… really the Maiden of Time, aren’t you?”

Exrite softly smiled and approached her with quiet footsteps. As she passed Melody’s shoulder, the Maiden glanced back with a gentle smile and hushed the others.

“I am.” Was her simple, yet heartfelt reply.

The Biomech was far different from the others. Her body was matured like an adult’s and she held an air of mystery and sadness that caused Exrite’s smile to lightly dampen.

With each step she took, the more the Biomech would pry herself free from the bark and reach out for Exrite. Fear was intertwined with her outstretched fingers, yearning to touch the flesh of the Maiden as if her life depended on it.

Whjn Exrite finally stopped in front of her – the woman’s hands quickly grasped onto her thick attire like talons. Gently, she levelled herself with the seated Biomech and stared into her reflective eyes with a pleasant face.

She remained there in silence, allowing the Biomech to indulge herself as a soft whisper left her lips.

“Timeless...”

Her voice was strained, and it trembled with emotion.

It was the last name of the old Maiden; the one she so dearly missed.

Her eyes quivered like a damn that barely held on to the torrent of memories and emotion that battered her heart.

Anymore, and it would all come flooding out.

Her cold hands slowly explored Exrite’s body. From the hems of her coat to the shape of her waist; her fingers filled every crevice imaginable. Then, they became flustered pats before she finally clasped Exrite’s face in between her palms.

“Gaia – “

Her voice betrayed her as an intelligible static roused from her parted mouth.

She denied that the person in front of her – whose scent was exactly the same as her beloved Creator – was Gaia herself. No, she was far too tall and grown and matured to be the Gaia she so dearly remembered.

Yet why did a part of her still believe that this was Gaia?

She was lost in Exrite’s eyes.

The ticking of her soft flesh hadn’t changed the slightest.

Yet the person in front of her was undoubtedly someone else.

“Sorry. I’m not Gaia.” Exrite responded to her utter.

Auga’s eyes slowly narrowed.

“Exrite… your name is Exrite...”

She had overheard her name during her introduction earlier.

Her voice was static, and it stung the ears of those who heard as they discretely winced.

But Exrite remained unfazed and simply smiled.

It was a nostalgic smile; one that brought Auga back to the first few days she was created. A time where she spent most of her days with her young Creator.

Reminiscing the past while she stared into Exrite’s contrasting eyes – she felt a thumb brush by her cold cheek and wipe away a tear.

“Ah-!” A meep inadvertently slipped from Exrite when she saw more tears falling from her silver eyes.

She didn’t know what to say to her, nor did she know who exactly this Biomech was.

However – she understood where the tears came from.

And that was all that mattered.

Her eyes grew tender, like a mothers as the Biomech suddenly threw herself onto her. With her face dug into her neck, Exrite gently embraced her and saw the permanent silhouette of her figure embedded into the bark.

“… you’ve been waiting here for all this time, huh...”

She didn’t exactly know for how long – however, it must’ve been over a thousand years according to the imprint she left…

Or far beyond what she could even begin to fathom.

Through the silent tremors and shivers of her body, she delved into thought as the others stared with gentle eyes.

From what she understood – Gaia created the Biomech, and this person in particular was the first. But what she couldn’t understand, was –

If she was waiting here all this time for Gaia… then Gaia must’ve had the intention of returning here one day.

But that wasn’t the case. In fact, it was impossible.

Gaia couldn’t leave the Domain.

So why did she make such a promise; only to damn her living creation to wait here in the ebbs of time?

Then she realised something.

… a reason why I was turned into the Maiden of Time… could this be it?

She sincerely doubted it.

At this point, she was grasping at straws. There was so little she knew of herself and the world that she couldn’t help but to draw such a conclusion…

Yet it wasn’t a far-fetched thought.

Drowning in the thought that both intrigued and infuriated her – she silently endured the coldness of the Biomech for some time.

“That’s a first. I guess that Exrite really is the Maiden of Time if her presence brought Auga to tears.” Melody softly smiled at the sight behind her.

It was both heart-wrenching and pleasant at the same time. There was sadness, because Auga realised that Exrite was the remnants of all that was left of the previous Maiden.

But there was also happiness, because that person was who Gaia chose to be her next of kin.

However…

“Black.” Her stern voice rose the hairs across their bodies in fear. “I know Exrite is a human and the Exrenity – whatever that is – but I still don’t get how or why a human of all things was granted the power of a Maiden, no less from the Maiden of Time herself. Tell me everything you know.”

“I have no clue either. You have a better chance of getting an answer from these guys than us.”

Instantly, Melody’s gaze moved onto Exrite’s companions.

“W-we don’t know either. We’re sorry!” Khaos stiffened when his eyes met with hers.

Frosty also didn’t have an answer, and neither did Uru who uttered:

“I’m deeply sorry for knowing nothing about the Maiden I’ve been watching over.”

It interested Melody to say the least.

Perhaps Exrite did know something but hid it from everyone. But then again, her naivety from her attire alone spoke volumes of what she truly knew about herself.

“Then it all goes back to that damned Maiden of Time, doesn’t it?” She spoke with spite and ridicule.

She utterly despised Gaia. Someone who left their friend alone and incomplete for eons deserved nothing but scorn and disrespect. If she could, she’s strike her down with the weight of countless worlds.

But that alone shouldn’t garner that amount of hatred. Indeed, there was something else that stirred her heart in contempt.

Afterwards, they resumed introducing themselves although in a more suffocating mood.

Melody didn’t know what to make out of this; because it was entirely impossible for anything, let alone a human to inherent the power of a Maiden.

She needed to get to the bottom of this.

But first – she allowed Auga to monopolise the Maiden for the time being. After all, it was Auga who wanted to see the new Maiden of Time.

And besides, Melody wanted nothing other than the best for the lonely Biomech –

The woman who was abandoned since the beginning of time.

* * *

Part 2 –

Hours soon passed in the blink of an eye. The fog-less skies of the island became dark as the sun fell into the horizon. Star began to show themselves, flickering erratically as always among the beautiful, colourful dust in the night sky.

Auga had finally brought herself back together and apologised for her rude behaviour, while smiling at her curious children. Many had gathered during their embrace as they had never seen their mother make such a face.

Nor did they know what the liquid that left her eyes and drenched Exrite’s coat was.

Her coat was laid out in front of a blazing campfire, which was made by Frosty who foraged the tiny forest for firewood. In the centre of the giant bricked pathway, gathered the children who curiously surrounded the dancing flames.

Frosty and Khaos sat in a small grove of them, with one asking Frosty about the dry fruit she nibbled on. The concept of food was foreign to them, since they didn’t need to eat or drink in the first place to survive.

So long as their hearts – which were [Gears] according to Auga – were in tact, then they’d be fine.

It seemed like the Frostbitten siblings were enjoying themselves in the company of the Biomech children. Their laughs and smiles festered sadness in Auga’s chest whenever she saw the stark contrast of them and her children.

They could never show the same level of joy and enthusiasm.

Exrite – who sat beside her with folded legs at the base of the oak tree – moved her gaze back and forth from Auga and the small gathering. As much as she wanted to ask what was on her mind, she kept silent and allowed Auga to delve in thought.

She had only just recovered from her cries. For hours, they were intertwined in a warm embrace, and it they had only recently introduced themselves.

Auga – the Original – was the mother of the Biomech, and the creation of Gaia from so many eons ago. Unlike the emotionless children, she was filled with life and vibrant emotions.

However, many of those emotions had been washed away over the countless of years she spent alone.

And with no one to talk to other than herself; her voice – which was once so clear and beautiful that it would put Sirens to shame – had become nothing but distorted static.

As Black put frankly put it – it was like the static of a ‘radio’, with a high pitch screech of metal against metal.

Surely, one would go deaf if they heard her speak for more than a day.

“No matter how many times I watch my children gather and stare with their empty eyes, I can’t help but to feel like… I failed them.” Auga hoarsely spoke, her eyes becoming sombre at the sight of her emotionless children.

“And I don’t know why. Maybe, sometime in the past I knew. But now – I don’t remember...” She trailed off, her silver hair gently swaying in cool breeze that swept across the island. “All I know is that I’ve been waiting here for Gaia to one day return from her home… I thought she’d come back soon, so I waited. And waited… and waited.”

“Why… did she leave you here all alone?”

“I don’t know. I thought that maybe she hated me because I was imperfect. Look at me, Exrite. I’m more machine than flesh. I’m colder than a starless night, and my systems are composed of only zeroes and ones. I’m not like you or like the Colours or like my children. I am the Original – the Incomplete – the Fractured… the one who remained throughout the ebbs and flow of time waiting for her beloved Creator...”

Her gaze dropped onto her palms as she felt her fingers.

They were as cold as ice.

“For the longest time, I believed that if I changed, then maybe she would return. And throughout the years to come, I tried to sing, I tried my best to create structures and houses for us and the children I created with my granted [Biomechanical] magic. I didn’t want to only be composed of zeroes and ones so I kept on trying and trying but… I never changed. I was still the same as she left me – incomplete and soulless…”

Exrite’s fists clenched.

Her heart painfully mashed at her chest as she stared at the Biomech with sorrowful eyes.

“I forgot how to speak after the eons I spent here in wait. My children never grew past their child-like appearance, nor had they ever showed me a smile… no matter how hard I tried to create them after the image of Gaia – I ended up creating mirrors of my hopeless self…”

Auga slowly turned to Exrite and showed her a pained smile. For an instant, her Eye of Despair flickered with a dangerous warmth.

It fed on Auga’s despair.

However –

The woman gently pushed her face closer to Exrite’s and stared into her eyes with wonder.

Then strangely, her Eye of Hope grew warm...

“That’s why when I saw you, Exrite – everything came back to me all at once. You’re her mirror – but older. The Gaia I knew was only a gifted child who had the world as her oyster. I’m glad that she created me, and I still am… but I’m sad that I only knew that part of my Creator. My family. My friend...”

Exrite didn’t know what to say. Shock and disbelief riddled her face as she found it hard to believe her words…

I look like Gaia? But I’ve seen what Gaia looks like, and I look nothing like her…

“If she were to come back today, then she’d look just like you.”

“… s-sorry. I don’t know what you mean by that. I’ve seen what Gaia looks like, and I’m completely different from her. Auga, are you sure you’re not mistaking something?”

Exrite wanted her thoughts addressed.

But Auga shook her head and softly smiled.

“No one would ever forget the face of their Creator… granted, I’m older than the stars themselves, but I remember everything about Gaia. Her eyes, her face, her hair and her scent are all the same as yours, Exrite. But you’re older, and taller and…”

Auga cupped Exrite’s hands in between hers and held it beside their heads with a bright smile.

“You’re warmer. I’m glad I got to see you – see the person who Gaia passed her legacy onto. I called you here because I wanted to know the person who Gaia chose, and the person who carried her scent… and I’m not disappointed.”

Exrite wanted to hide her face, but Auga’s pleasant stare kept her captive.

She had to endure the faint cramps in the corner of her eyes…

But then…

“I’m happy.”

Those faint words finally pushed her to the edge.

And she cried.

Exrite cried.

With the back of her palm, she furiously wiped away the tears and laughed at herself in shallow chokes.

“A-ahaha. Sorry, sorry. I know I shouldn’t be the one crying… sorry... Auga, you realise that I’m also the Exrenity – and a human on top of that.”

She expected Auga to retract her statement, yet the woman’s smile only grew more tender.

“Then tell me, Exrite – did Gaia grant you her powers?”

It was obvious.

“Of course.”

“Then it’s fine, isn’t it. No… it’s more than fine. She couldn’t have chosen a more perfect next of kin. I believe in every decision my Creator makes, and this was no mistake, Exrite. I’m certain there was a reason behind it.”

“… yeah. I thought so. But I’m lost. I still don’t know why she turned me into the Maiden of Time in the first place...”

“Neither do I. I’m sorry, Exrite. I’m just as clueless as you are. But I believe in her.”

Exrite laughed.

“Aha. Don’t worry about it. So long as I keep moving forward, then I’ll eventually find those answers. Thank you anyway.”

The two resumed a more normal paced chatter, mostly regarding that of her children. Like her, they were incomplete, and therefore couldn’t grow beyond a certain margin, nor could they express any emotions.

Exrite asked why that was the case, and Auga responded with:

“The [Gears] inside of them aren’t enough to drive all of their body systems. Emotion and other things are locked away because once they smile – they’ll undergo something akin to a mana overload… a tiny [Gear] can only do so much.”

“Wait… so you’re not able to create [Gears]?”

“Not at all. If I could create the [Gears], then I wouldn’t have allowed my children to suffer. Only the Maiden of Time can create them, Exrite… only you can.”

Her final words were crystal clear.

It was beautiful.

And saddening.

Exrite was mesmerised, and in an instant, she knew what Auga was trying to ask from her.

Auga stared at her gear-shaped iris and gently tilted her head.

“That eye is proof of your ability to create them.”

Then, her gaze moved off to her children as her grip around Exrite’s hands tightened.

Only the flickering flames and laughter of the Frostbitten reached their ears as they fell silent. The sound of snapping branches and rattling leaves sounded from nearby, but they paid it no heed.

The emotionless faces of the children and their blank eyes filled Auga’s heart with sadness as it always did. But this time – there was a hint of determination and hope.

And after what felt like an hour of idle wait – Auga finally broke the silence with a voice so clear that Exrite felt like she was talking to someone else.

“… Exrite.”

“Yes Auga?”

“I want to ask something selfish. I’ve never asked Gaia for anything but her company, and now that’s she’s gone – I only have my children and Melody… so – “

“I’ll do it.”

Auga’s eyes gently closed when she heard Exrite’s affirmative voice.

She was certain of what Auga wanted.

“I’ll try my best to help them, Auga. But as I am now, I’m a useless Maiden who can’t even properly use [Time] magic, let alone know how to create a [Gear]. I’d probably undergo a mana overload if I even try.”

Exrite laughed at herself in self-ridicule.

But Auga never thought of her as someone pathetic. In fact, she was thankful that Exrite was willing to help.

“It’s only been a month or two since I became the Maiden of Time. Plus, I was a human with a laughably low mana capacity… and I still am. But I’m not complaining.”

“… so you can’t create the [Gears]?”

“I can try, but please don’t expect much from me. Sorry.”

Auga fell silent once again. If Exrite truly was the Maiden of Time – which she already knew she was – then it should’ve been easy to create one, even if it took a tremendous amount of mana and energy.

However – if Exrite trully didn’t know how to create them, then it meant that Gaia had omitted it entirely…

But why?

“Exrite, did Gaia ever tell you how to create them in the first place?”

“Not at all. She only told me what they can do, and my limits on creating them… was she supposed to?”

“She should’ve. If Gaia didn’t tell you at all, then… what happens?”

“Maybe she wanted me to figure it out on my own, like everything else she threw at me. Ahhh... that’s another mystery I won’t be solving any time soon...”

She sighed and stared up into the night sky past the canopy of the oak tree.

“… what to do, I wonder~ hmm… Auga, do I really look like Gaia?”

“If she were older, then she’d look just like you.”

“I’ve met with Gaia before, and she wasn’t a child like you said she was. Her eyes were blue, and she was bit taller than me. If anything, were completely different people.”

“… Exrite, I know my creator’s image like a newborn hatching knows their mother. There’s no way I could be mistaking you for her.”

“… but it makes no sense… why would my Maidenly body take the image of her child-like self? Is it because she gave me her Heart of Time? Or do the Maidens take the image of their predecessors?”

“I wish I knew. All I can imagine is that Gaia forged that body of yours herself when she made you the Maiden of Time. For what reason however, is probably something she also wants you to discover…”

In the midst of their confusion, Auga seemed to enjoy the thought as she reminisced the past.

“But that’s just like Gaia… and I’m glad that you told me that, because now I know that she hadn’t changed a bit since she first created me…”

In the depths of her eyes, the stars above were reflected and shimmered like jewels. The two stared up into the vast night sky as the crackling flames of the campfire played a pleasant ambience.

“Stars are meant to fizzle out and die in a grand explosion of light.”

“A supernova? I think I’ve heard about that once.”

“Mhm. Its beautiful when you get to see it yourself. I’ve been sitting here for so long that I’ve seen them countless of times… the only star I never got to say goodbye to was the one who nurtured me into this life – my dear Gaia.”

Auga wanted to cry. Because in Exrite’s wake as the Maiden of Time, Gaia had been erased from time itself.

“Exrite… when Gaia died, did she say something about me?”

“… eh?”

It took a second for Exrite to realise what Auga had just said as she blurted out a bizarre meep.

“I’m sorry if I’m asking something unreasonable – “

“N-no! Wait, hold on just a second! Gaia isn’t dead, you know that right?”

Exrite scrambled and clutched Gaia’s shoulders in desperation.

Auga returned a baffled yet confused face, which slowly morphed into utter disbelief the longer she realised what Exrite’s words entailed.

“Sorry, I-I didn’t hear you correctly. C-can you please repeat that.”

With a shallow exhale, Exrite sunk her fingers into Auga’s cold flesh and shook her as she yelled out at the top of her lungs.

“Gaia is still alive!”

* * *

Part 3 –

The smell of mould and other foul scents lingered in the air. It seemed like the source came from within the dilapidated hall that the four figures stood in front of.

Just behind the oak tree, stood what remained of a giant hall that Auga had created so long ago. When one would peer inside, they’d imagine it to be more of an auditorium.

A single staircase ran up to a floor many metres above, before branching off into a giant balcony that dangerously sat perched above a mossy lake.

The figures – who were Black, White, Uru and the Maiden of Realms – explored the abandoned structure, with Melody leading the way as if she was touring them.

“Did Auga make this herself?” White asked, impressed by the feat.

“Eons ago. It’s a miracle that it’s even standing. Watch your step, our weight might be too much for this cracked place to handle.” Melody responded promptly as she let them onto the roofless floor above.

“For something that doesn’t move from that tree, this is actually impressive. Now, if only her children could build like this~” Black crudely hummed and knocked on the remnants of a destroyed stone door.

“Hm? Is that how you’re gauging the worth of the Biomech, Black~? While I don’t mind you thinking that way of other inferior species, I’ll remind you that if you so happen to use one of the children in such a way – then your world might end up disappearing~”

Melody’s voice was disturbingly calm. Within it, was a threat that caused Black to click her tongue. She knew that if she made an enemy out of Melody – then her world would undoubtedly be destroyed in the blink of an eye.

The Maiden of Realms was a being known for controlling and managing the worlds outside of Corozin. In history, they were the reason why Heroic otherworlders and technological advances emerged in Corozin.

There was also their peerless task of safeguarding Eastern Six Point from the Gods.

Truly, without the Maiden of Realms – Eastern Six Point would’ve fallen like Western Six Point, where Gods and Overlords ran rampant in their path of absolute domination.

However – Realm Melody was different.

She wasn’t the goody-two-shoes like her grandmother, or the predecessors before her.

No. She was entirely different; with values, beliefs and a vile personality forged at the anvil of time and the at thousands of worlds within her grasp.

Despite her young age as a Maiden, she held perhaps the most experience of all her predecessors.

Because when the Maiden of Time disappeared, so did time itself within her Domain.

Where her grandmother graced the other worlds, she tread over them with no form or guilt or remorse. Perhaps there was a time when she was normal, but as time went on and the visits to the other worlds grew longer and longer –

It became a burden to save them, a hassle to become their Hero, a pain to keep them attached to the fabric of reality if they beared no benefit to her.

But that was a long time ago. Ever since she left her Domain as an after image of herself – she met with Auga in the only clearance within the Shallows.

To say that the Biomech saved her from descending into irreversible madness would be an understatement.

Her time spent in those worlds were far too long to remember or recount, however, it paled in comparison to what Auga went through.

And because of how long she had waited, all of her anger was turned to the Maiden of Time who had damned them both.

Not Exrite – but Gaia.

It was a shame that she was already dead and that she couldn’t personally kill her herself.

“Colour me surprised. I still find it hard to believe that someone like you warmed up to the Biomech.” White spoke with some scorn in her voice.

“Aha. Is that so? I thought you two would get along with them better than me, seeing that you’re practically the same as them with minor differences. Underneath all that flesh, blood and bone – you’re just a weapon; a machine designed to kill. Don’t you forget that, especially you, Blackheart.”

“Hah. I still haven’t forgotten~ a few months here hasn’t softened me the slightest~ but I’m more worried about you, Melody. You weren’t so much of a talker as you were a psychopath.”

“Hmm~ The Tyrant of the Colour Plane’s calling me a psychopath. You’re hilarious.”

The sarcasm in her voice rubbed Black the wrong way, causing her to sigh as they reached the top floor of the auditorium.

Underneath the clear veil of the night sky and exposed to the passing wind, Melody led them to the branching balcony. And there, at the broken ledge she paused, forcing the group to also stop and wonder what she was up to.

In the first place, it was Melody who asked them to follow her here. But they were unaware for what reason. Naturally, they had to oblige by her command. One false move, and they could very well disappear from the face of the world.

Literally.

While that was a very real concern, it didn’t stop the Colours from bantering and borderline insulting the Maiden of Realms.

Uru – who had been silent the entire time – could not voice her displeasure.

“Hmhm~ That’s not a bad view. So, Melody, why’d you bring us here?” Black asked, admiring the green forest below which held a reflective sheen.

They were most likely made of metal, or some other lustrous material.

Melody didn’t answer immediately. For a moment, her gaze was thrown into the depths of the fog beyond the island. And when her eyes slowly shut, she finally spoke.

“Your goal is to defeat me and regain your powers and your world; and mine is to be free from the shackles of my Domain. Our pieces are finally set, and I’m optimistic that everything will go smoothly in the end. With a human mindset, I’m curious as to what Exrite will bring in your favour. A human will only do what a human does, even if it has the absolute authority of a Maiden~”

Her eyes fluttered open as she warmly smiled.

“Now – that brings me to why I brought you all here. I want to know why she’s not trapped inside of her Domain. To be able to freely explore the expanse of Six Point only brings me to believe that she was somehow defeated.”

That was a question reserved for Exrite it seemed, as no one could answer. However – Uru suddenly spoke in the midst of their silence.

“Maiden Realm, Exrite wasn’t defeated in any shape or form. I watched him transform into the Maiden of Time before my eyes in Colight.”

“So you’re saying that he transformed outside of the Domain?”

“Precisely. Although she mentioned meeting with the Maiden of Time while she was unconscious. The only possible conclusion would be that they somehow met during that time, most likely through her mind.”

Naturally, Melody brushed that explanation aside and thought of it as nonsense.

[Mind Altering] magic could not be a plausible explanation, as Exrite needed to physically be within the Maiden of Time’s Domain…

However, the same could be said about herself.

Because of [Realm] magic, she was able to exit her Domain, although only as a fragment of herself. Even with her magic, she could never entirely leave her prison.

Naturally, the only conclusion she arrived at was –

“[Realm] magic… but that’s impossible. Or maybe it was some form of [Soul] magic to bring Exrite’s soul to the Domain. But even then, how did it enter that Realm?”

She was riled with disbelief. But the longer she stared off into the anomalous fog, the more she realised that it wasn’t that far-fetched of a thought.

And her proof was in front of her – or rather, all around her.

It was the Shallows.

The fog wasn’t any ordinary fog. It was a [Dimensional Mist] that spawned from an unknown origin.

It had always perplexed Melody, particularly when she first set foot into the Shallows.

Not because it was there in nature – because realistically, one of her predecessors could have enshrouded the Shallows in this mist.

However, that didn’t explain why she couldn’t control the mist.

Even when she lunged herself up into the foggy canopy, she’d find herself infinitely looping back despite her authority to govern it.

And looking at it now, she realised that the old Maiden of Time must’ve had something to do with it. But how she was able to utilise [Realm] magic was beyond her comprehension.

It would explain how Exrite managed to bypass the ritual of becoming the Maiden of Time within her Domain...

Eventually, Melody grew tired of the silence and yawned, shoving the perplexing thought aside.

Now that the old Maiden of Time was dead, there was no need to further investigate… however, she wondered if Exrite may be able to do the same.

To harness a power that belonged to another Maiden.

Her lips slowly curved into an ecstatic smile before she spoke.

“Interesting. I think I’m going to have fun watching you all grow strong enough to finally face me, including you, Demon of Lust. Throw your values, your honour and pride aside and fight me with all you have when the time comes. For someone that’s closely intertwined with an Overlord, I won’t be expecting anything less.”

Although it pained Uru to hear that – she lowered her head and grinned at the benevolent Maiden.

“It’s just a shame that Black and White are too much of a coward to help you in your struggles.” Melody teasingly hummed. “But then again – who wouldn’t be afraid if their world and entire existence was on the line.”

“Look, was that all you wanted to say?” White sighed, her voice holding a hint of annoyance and scorn.

Melody kept her back to them in silence. Her being engulfed their attention as tension slowly began to swirl around them. And after a long minute, she finally spoke.

“Good luck. I hope you can find the strength to finally free me from my Domain and end our suffering. Now –“

From a tear in space, Melody reached in and plucked her crystal violin along with its glistening bow. With it caressed and primed to play, she turned to the trio with a gentle smile.

“You may leave me alone.”

“… was there a point in calling us here in the first place?” Black wondered in a whisper.

“I just wanted some information. I could’ve asked Exrite herself, but I didn’t want to interrupt Auga.”

Melody seemed satisfied with their brief rendezvous.

“Then we’ll take our leave. Have fun up here~” Black hummed, making her way back down the crumbled staircase.

“Hm. I’m right behind you Black. We’ll talk again if we happen to stumble upon something interesting.”

White promptly followed Black down and away from the auditorium. Their footsteps echoed into obscurity and soon, only the breathing wind and Melody’s soft humming could be heard.

Uru – paying her respects to the Maiden – placed a hand on her chest and bowed before she slowly departed. But as she took her first step into the dark staircase –

“A thousand years can pass, and we’ll still be longing for the future. Even if we’re trapped and every day is still the same, we can’t help but to look forward to what’s to come...”

She paused and stood there, her foot returning to her side.

“That’s the cruel reality of fate. To long for the future is to suffer, and for beings that live on for many thousands of years like us – it’s never worth considering it. Believe me, Maiden Realm; it’ll only leave us disappointed. The world never waits for beings like us.”

“Hmm… it sounds like you’re older than you appear. But I guess that’s normal for a Demon, and if you’re acquainted with the Overlord of Desire, then you’re not any ordinary Demon I assume?”

Uru – with a tinge of melancholy in her eyes – faced Melody and devilishly grinned.

“I wonder~ but in the end, my purpose in front of a Maiden is to submit and devote my wisdom, my strength – my body and soul to them. As a Demon, it is nothing but my pride and honour.”

“As expected… but tell me something, Uru – how long ago did you leave your Raceland?”

“A thousand years ago.”

“Ah. So did you pass through Serzile?”

“The Valley of Wishes? No. A Demon like myself had no business to trespass into the Maiden of Wishes home. Why do you ask?”

“No reason… I was just wondering. Out of all our Domains, the Maiden of Wishes is the most accessible to the world. Apparently, its normal for a band of adventurers to stumble through and personally speak with her.”

She sighed and stroke a string with her glistening bow.

“Now if you’ll excuse me~ I have a date with the moon and the stars tonight.”

“It was my pleasure, Maiden Realm. I’ll see if Exrite needs my company tonight~”

She lapped her lips, causing Melody to awkwardly smile. And with her back turned, she departed at a steady pace while imagining the face of her beloved Maiden.

“… for a Demon, you’re awfully close with the Maiden of Time… I guess there are those types of Demons as well… now, where was I?”

Bathed underneath the lovely spotlight of the moon, she stood perched at the broken balcony and held her violin lovingly.

With her gaze set into the night sky, she smiled and began to play her perfect song.

It was the ambience of the night. The island grew tired as her song lasted into the night. Trees would soon stop wagging their branches and leaves excitedly. The wind would hold its breath and allow her voice to dominate the restful night.

She remained there for an unknown amount of time before her voice faded into the thin, warm air of the night…

I hope this song delighted their little world…

In this place that was secluded from the rest of the world, her songs brought life into this emotionless island. The Children loved it as much as Auga did, and that alone made her happy.

Melody hummed and prepared to play yet another song for the world.

However – as her bow gently struck the strings of her crystal violin;

A distant voice suddenly yelled.

“Gaia is still alive!”

For the first time, her violin screeched.