Part 1 –

The [Gears].

A limitless source of mana?

A physical magical circle?

A heart to give life to creatures?

The substance that runs through my veins?

What exactly are they?

Gaia described them as “the embodiment of everything and nothing.”

That they could only be created by the one who holds the Heart of Time.

But I feel like there’s much more to it than just that.

There’s so much I don’t know and so much I need to know.

Yet no one seems to know the answer…

No.

‘She’ knows everything I seek to understand.

But she won’t give me the answers.

So I’m left alone in the dark once again.

Wondering where to go next.

Wondering how much I don’t know.

Wondering when I’ll find these answers...

… and a place I can call ‘home’...

I need to find Gaia… but…

Where is she?

* * *

Exrite’s mind was filled with those thoughts as she wandered the forbidden dreamscape.

It was serene as always, and she found herself drowning into the wonderful scenery both near and far.

The [Gears] that scattered the beautiful sky were like a flock of migrating birds, and the ankle-deep ocean she tread reflected the world above with stunning perfection.

It was pristine as far as the eye could see.

But Exrite wasn’t here to sight-see, and soon, she no was longer drawn to her surroundings.

She remained steadfast on her directionless voyage as her steady pace quickly became strides. Her face was riddled with desperation as she wandered the soundless world in search for Gaia.

At the request of an utterly shocked Auga; she was tasked on asking why Gaia hadn’t come back over the countless of years.

It was her simple, yet heartfelt wish.

There was no way that Exrite could possibly turn her down.

Not someone who had suffered for so long.

However, that wasn’t the only reason why she sought after Gaia.

She had an assortment of questions for Gaia. But given how fast time moves in this world it was best if she kept it to a minimum. There were two things she wanted to know:

Everything regarding the [Gears] and;

What Gaia’s purpose was in the Shallows.

With the latter; she’d at least find a clue on where to head next. Now that they were in the Shallows – one of the few Forsaken Regions of Six Point – she wanted to prolong their stay.

If there was a place she was going to find answers, it would be the Shallows. In addition, her exposure to stronger monsters and creatures would boost her strength and sharpen her prowess – although not by much as a Maiden, considering she could obliterate them with high-tiered magic.

But as a human; then that was an entirely different story – that was if her firearms were taken out of the equation.

While she would have loved to delve longer into the thought; she was short on time.

It had been more than ten minutes since she arrived, and Gaia was still nowhere to be seen. It was a concern because the last time she was here in this body; two days had passed in the span of only an hour.

“Gaia! Where are you!?” She yelled.

But only a resounding echo replied.

Desperation riddled her being as she strode into the unknown. The ripples that spawned from the soles of her boots were like violent waves across the endless sea.

She soon began to run.

She didn’t care where her legs took her, or how the loud splashes drenched her trousers from knee-down.

All she wanted was to find Gaia.

But how?

There was no way to tell how much time had passed, so she mentally counted the seconds. A minute. Two. Three. They all felt like hours on end.

She eventually came to breaking halt and scoured every direction with a thrusting twirl.

“Dammit...” She growled and squinted, trying to find something – anything that could lead her to Gaia.

But no matter how far she looked, there was nothing but the endless sea and the wispy sky.

Her teeth clenched as she took a brief moment to evaluate what was going on. The last time she was here, she was met with Gaia almost immediately as if the woman was expecting her.

She expected that it would be the same – but that was far from it.

Annoyed, she sighed as the water’s surface slowly settled. There, a reflection of herself stared back at her with a kind smile – which was far from the scowl she wore in reality.

Exrite didn’t notice it immediately. The last thing on her mind was to settle down and check her own reflection, like what she did the first time she arrived in the Domain.

But unlike then; she didn’t have the luxury of time on her side.

So when she finally looked down at the near perfect image –

She couldn’t help but to wryly smile in self ridicule.

Ah… that’s right. It was this thing that helped me find Gaia in the first place.

Perhaps if she wasn’t so constrained on time, she would’ve realised sooner. Exrite only had herself to blame for wasting so much time.

It pointed off to what she could only consider ‘east’ with a vivid smile.

She looked off into that direction with hopeful eyes. Despite it being more of the same scenery, she had no doubts that it would lead to Gaia.

After a brief thanks, Exrite promptly launched herself into a full sprint. The splashes and the wind were far harsher than before, battering her face as her entire pants became soaked.

Now that she was certain of Gaia’s whereabouts, it was only a matter of how quickly she could get there. Once again, she counted the fleeting seconds like her life depended on it.

She could not afford to waste any more time.

It wasn’t long before the world ahead began to change grotesquely. Unlike the serene dreamscape she left behind, this place was more of a nightmare. The skies were dark, almost pulsating with crimson streaks of light, and the once blue sea became blacker than tar.

At the peak of the silent thunder, she spotted a few crimson [Gears] floating in the sky.

Exrite wondered what tthat place ahead was, or if it was even part of the Domain of Time. But those thoughts didn’t stop her from approaching the bizarre anomaly.

However, she had no intention of plunging herself headfirst into it. To blindly enter the unknown was reserved for the insane.

So, when she was around a hundred meters away, she dug her feet into the sea and skidded to a grinding halt. She needed to evaluate what that darkness was before entering.

While she didn’t doubt the reflection’s guidance, she still couldn’t help but to feel some sort of… malevolence from inside there. Out of everything she’d seen within the Domain of Time – this was a jarring contrast.

Yet again, more questions piled up.

“… is Gaia in there?” She asked herself.

“Hm? But I’m right here, am I not?”

“– Gaia!?”

The unexpected voice from behind caused Exrite to swiftly turn on her heels and face the benevolent woman. From her smiling face to her hands that were pleasantly held behind her back; Gaia seemed more than happy to see Exrite here again.

“You’re finally back, Maiden of Time! You didn’t come to visit the last time you transformed, so I was worried that something might have happened to your heart. I’m glad to see you again.”

“Oh… so that’s why I wasn’t able to come here the last time I died. Aha. That makes more sense.” Exrite chuckled. “Yeah. I’m glad to see you as well Gaia.”

Gaia seemed rather surprised by Exrite’s appearance. She seemed slightly more… matured in many ways than one. Not by her physique however, but as a person.

She half expected her to stare at her with nothing but contempt, but this was surprisingly not the case. Instead, she was able to smile gratefully, even in front of the one who had condemned her to suffer at the hands those she once loved.

“I hope you’ve been having fun as the Maiden of Time. I’d also love to hear about your progress thus far. It gets lonely here, so I wouldn’t mind if you stay for a while.”

If it were anyone other than Exrite, they’d agree in a heartbeat. However, Exrite’s priorities laid with the Biomech who patiently waited for Gaia’s response.

She was not going to allow Auga to wait any longer.

“As much as I’d love to tell you everything – I don’t have much time. Someone’s waiting for me out there… someone I think you knew from long, long ago.”

Gaia didn’t respond. Or rather – she briefly looked into the darkness behind Exrite and warmly smiled.

“I’m sorry Gaia, but I only came to ask questions...”

“That’s fine. But I can’t promise you answers.”

“I thought so…” Exrite tried to hide her disappointment with a smile.

In the silence that suddenly engulfed them, Exrite held her breath and stared into the dark brown and blue eyes of the woman that were entranced by the world behind her.

No. The world didn’t seem to reflect in her eyes. Instead, it was as if she was staring into the distant past…

With that alone, she realised that Gaia must’ve remembered something… or that particular someone.

After a long exhale, Exrite decided to ask her upfront with a stern voice.

“Gaia. Do you remember Auga?”

She didn’t respond. Her focus was entirely set somewhere else, or maybe she ignored it. Although –

Gaia’s eyes softly mellowed.

“… Exrite, where did you hear that name from?”

“Ah! F-from Auga herself. We’re in the Biomechanical Gardens right now! And she was there. Waiting for you... All this time… All alone at the base of that oak tree.”

Gaia’s gaze moved off into the distance aside.

“Auga...”

There, she found a small collection of half-buried [Gears] which teetered at the boundaries of the darkness. In the centre of them, resided a giant [Gear] which tilted diagonally. It spanned more than tens of metres in diameter, and easily dwarfed the surrounding [Gears].

When Exrite followed her gaze, the first thought that came to her mind was graveyard, given how the silver [Gears] appeared like tombstones. Given the nature of this world however, she found it hard to believe that it was the case.

More than anything, she imagined a gathering of some sort. Like the middle [Gear] was a mother surrounded by her children…

… just like Auga.

“She wants to know why you left her there. You told her to wait but... you never came back. Gaia. Did you hate Auga for being ‘incomplete?’”

“… That’s not something I can tell you –“

“Gaia –!”

“– But for Auga’s sake, tell her I’m sorry. Because if I fixed her then I would’ve lost my most precious friend.”

Her hands clenched into balls and for the first time, Exrite saw regret harboured on her face.

Even after all these years spent apart, Gaia remembered Auga like the rhythm of her heart. She was, after all, the Original; the very first thing she had ever created.

“That’s it…? Only a sorry…?”

Exrite couldn’t help but to feel infuriated.

After everything Auga had been through – after all the stars she had watched come and go, and all of the children she had lost – how could Gaia be so insensitive?

It was like the time she told her to tell the Children of Balance she said “Hi.”

But Exrite wanted to believe that there was far more to it.

Because there was no one in this world who would make such a face if that “Sorry” didn’t encapsulate every ounce of regret she felt.

And for that alone, she reluctantly managed to unwind herself.

“My apology is only for now. Exrite. To be honest with you; I want to go back there and to talk to her. To show her how much I’ve grown. To see all the children, and to hear that voice that tried to sing so many times… but I can’t. It’s too late for me now… I’m no longer the Maiden of Time.”

Gaia’s voice was sombre and beautiful. So much so, that Exrite’s anger was seemingly replaced with a gentle smile.

“But that doesn’t mean that she can’t be ‘complete’ again. I’m sorry, but can you please listen to another one of my selfish wishes –?”

“I’ll do it.”

Exrite sternly intervened.

She already knew what Gaia wanted to say, and found herself trying to hold back a small laugh. Just like how Auga wanted her to help her children, she imagined that Gaia would want her to do the same.

The saying; “Creations take on the image of their Creators” resounded in her mind like the soothing chime of a bell.

“So long as you point me in the right direction, then I’ll do it.”

Gaia froze for a moment before mellowing in relief.

“I see. I really am glad for choosing you, Exrite. But please don’t think that it’s as simple as replacing their hearts with new [Gears].”

“A-ah. About that – I don’t know how to create them in the first place.”

“That’s fine. You weren’t supposed to. Not yet at least.”

“Not even what they’re able to do?”

“Everything you know so far about them is satisfactory. Everything else will come in due time.”

“So I’m left alone in the dark, huh...”

“I’m sorry. But I want you to experience it yourself. After all, knowledge pales in comparison to experience.”

Gaia smiled and turned to Exrite, who slowly did the same with a vibrant smile.

“But there’s one thing I can tell you, Exrite. Tinkering with life isn’t as simple as replacing their parts. You can’t replace someone’s heart and expect that to be the extent of it. Our parts are us, and what makes us whole.”

She began, then pointed at Exrite’s crimson eye.

“You should know this, Exrite. For every body part that you had replaced, a certain ritual or magic was needed in order for it to be a part of you.”

Indeed. For her eyes; the Gods and Gaia needed to finish it off with magic, and for her Heart…

– Wait.

“… then what about my heart?”

Once again, Gaia only smiled pleasantly at her.

“In due time… right...”

Exrite couldn’t help but to hopelessly sigh.

She hated being left in the dark like this, but what could she do?

Or rather, what did she know as a human compared to a being who had existed since the beginning of time?

This was a question and a realisation she would have to keep close at all times. For all she knew, it could lead to the answer as to why Gaia chose her in the first place.

“For the [Gears], a certain type of magic is required for it to be compatible with the Biomech, or anything that has [Gears] coursing through them like yourself. It is the [Biomechancial] magic – a magic that allows for the creation of the Biomech, whether they’re machine, flesh or both.”

Exrite was left in awe.

Amazing. A magic that allowed for the creation of life. Although; she wondered how it would work. While she understood the anatomy of creatures – particularly humans – she didn’t know how it would work in practice.

“You can expect Auga to grant you the magic but… no, it’s better and easier if you ask her yourself. You’ll end up there in the end anyway.”

“… ‘there?’.”

“Past the fog beyond the Biomechanical Gardens, you’ll find yourself at the steps of my old home.”

Exrite was bemused, almost shocked to hear that their goal was to visit the old Maiden of Time’s home. However, what surprised her the most was that Gaia had given her clear directions this time.

Seeing Exrite’s excited face, Gaia couldn’t help but to smile. But in the depths of her eyes, there was one lingering fear that remained.

One that could steer everything she had worked for into the mud.

Now that Exrite could die; the risk was far greater than the reward.

But even so, their goal in the end was far more monumental than any stepping stone or trail she could ever hope to throw at Exrite.

She had to take that risk, no matter the cost.

“There, you’ll find everything you need to know about the [Gears]. About the [Biomechanical] magic. About the Shallows and the Biomech, and maybe even yourself. Exrite. This is a trail that I want you to embark. In order to gain those answers, you need to prove yourself as the Maiden of Time and the Exrenity.”

The gear-like hems of her blue dress fluttered as she took a step back and stood dignified in front of Exrite. In the silence that entranced them, Exrite’s gaze softly moved down onto their calm reflections below.

“Then… if all the answers are in the Shallows – then what was your purpose there?”

She only answered with a silent hum.

Figures. It looks like nothing’s going to get answered until I reach her ‘home’.

Exrite studied their reflections with a slightly dejected look.

From their faces to their physiques; they were entirely different people.

We’re different… so why did Auga say that I look just like her? I get that Gaia had grown from the child she was so long ago, but that was still her… Unless Gaia changed along the way or… is this body’s appearance Hers? Was this passed onto me because of her Heart?”

There were so many question, but there were no answers. No matter how much she wanted to ask Gaia these – she had to refrain. There was no point in asking something that would only garner silence, a smile and a simple:

“In due time.”

It annoyed her. It was infuriating. But there was nothing she could do.

Exrite was nothing in comparison to Gaia.

She was only a tiny cog in the grand scheme of things.

“Exrite.”

“Yes?”

“I want to ask you something, and I want you to answer me honestly.”

“… yeah. I’m listening.”

“How much do you believe in the strength of your companions?”

It was obvious, and the answer arrived faster than she could smile.

“With everything I have. Without them, I wouldn’t be here in the first place. Frosty, Khaos, Uru, Black and White – the odds of us failing is virtually non-existent.”

Her words were absolute, and she believed it from the bottom of her heart. They were all striving for a goal of their own, and she’d be hard pressed to believe that they’d turn back on it in the midst of hardship.

Frosty and Khaos sought after the Maiden of Wisdom.

Uru strove for revenge against the ‘friends’ who had wronged her.

Black and White wanted to save their world and to regain their powers…

And as for herself; she just wanted to find a place to call ‘home’.

It was a far-reaching dream at worse and optimistic at best.

But even so – it was her ultimate goal, apart from defeating the Maidens and figuring out why she was made the Maiden of Time.

Gaia shut her eyes and tilted her head slightly, seemingly satisfied with Exrite’s answer. And the warm face Exrite made only assured her of Exrite’s companions.

“I’ve always believed in you, Exrite. But please beware that you’re still susceptible to death. Not even I can save you from death, nor can your Heart.”

A magical circle suddenly illuminated from underneath Exrite, causing the girl to jolt in surprise.

There was still so much she needed to ask.

But her time here was long overdue.

“I’m sorry, Exrite. I know you’re still lost, and there’s so much you want to understand. But please believe in me, like how I believe in you. When the time comes, you’ll understand why you became both the Maiden of Time and the Exrenity. So please – keep pushing forward!”

As the lights grew brighter and brighter, Exrite couldn’t help but to feel somewhat… satisfied.

It was the first time Gaia had pointed her in a direction, and the first time she realised how close she was to finding her answers.

Would it answer everything?

Most definitely not.

But she was happy regardless.

Because it was something.

It was a glimmer of light in the dark.

And that light was her fingertips. All she needed to do now was to reach out for it.

“Gaia. Thank you… thank you so much.”

“No Exrite. I should be the one thanking you.” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “After everything I’ve put you through, you’re still pushing through with unwavering conviction.”

“And this is far from the end, isn’t it?” Exrite laughed.

Gaia could only smile in return.

“Goodbye, Exrite. Please don’t come back too quickly.”

“I won’t. See you, Gaia!”

As the light suddenly engulfed Exrite and her surroundings, her presence disappeared entirely. When Gaia opened her eyes; only the gentle ripples of where the girl once stood remained.

The world seemingly froze as she stood there with her hands held behind her back. She whistled and hummed, her eyes shifting from the colony of [Gears] in the distance to the dark void in front of her.

“I wonder what would’ve happened if I didn’t arrive on time.”

Whatever resided within that dark storm; was nothing short of pure malevolence and despair. If one were to venture in, they would undoubtedly be lost in a sea of frozen time and anguish.

Once again, her eyes moved onto the [Gears].

And there, they softened.

“I’m sorry, Auga… you were so close to falling into despair.”

She silently mourned, her gaze fixed on the darkness that was so close to infecting the giant [Gear] and it’s children.

From the bottom of her heart – she was sorry.

* * *

Part 2 –

A day had passed since Exrite entered the Domain of Time.

Nothing out of the ordinary had occurred during Exrite’s long rest, apart from being surrounded by the blank faces of the Biomech children and Auga.

She was perplexed to say the least when she saw Exrite’s appearance, but quickly realised that he too was the human Exrenity.

As confusing as it was to her; she managed to digest the fact and accept that Exrite was still the Maiden of Time regardless.

After all, it was Gaia who had chosen him.

Melody strangely accepted the fact almost immediately, although she wondered why a human of all things was given the power of a Maiden. It was simple gripe, although she realised it could lead to rather interesting turns of events.

As soon as Exrite had awoken, he explained everything he could to Auga in great depth. From Gaia’s apology which caused her to weep once again, to the goal she had set for them.

Gaia wanted Exrite to help her, but he couldn’t create the [Gears], nor did he have the [Biomechanical] magic.

It was odd for the Biomech mother to hear that.

Auga was convinced that Gaia would tell him how to create it, and was dumbstruck to hear that he wouldn’t know until he reached her ‘home’.

The two conversed for hours into the night, and Black strangely joined in at the mention of the [Biomechanical] magic.

Since Exrite couldn’t create the [Gears], Auga reluctantly withheld from granting her the magic – no thanks to Black who tired to convince Auga to hand it over.

Therefore, until he could return with the [Gears] from Gaia’s home, she’d be more than willing to grant him and only him the [Biomechanical] magic.

Black was rather disappointed. She thought of Auga as nothing but an ungrateful machine, but was at least pleased that Exrite was guaranteed to harness the magic.

That aside – Auga warned them about her Creator’s home.

That place was Gaia’s last known whereabouts, and whatever happened there was entirely a mystery to her; for she had waited here in the Biomechanical Gardens ever since her promised return.

When asked about a ‘trial’, Auga simply tilted her head in confusion. She didn’t know of anything but the fact that Gaia’s home was somewhere past the fog.

It was concerning. They would have to blindly venture through, and they didn’t think for a second that it would be easy like their trek through the Shallows.

However – they weren’t any ordinary party to begin with.

* * *

As the campfire crackled and lulled the children to sleep, Exrite took a moment to observe the crowded pathway.

There, she saw the faces of Khaos and Frosty, both smiling in their sleep as tiny hands clung onto their clothes.

“Good thing he took off his armour before going to sleep.” Exrite gently whispered.

He stood at the base of the oak tree, holding back a shiver to the cold winds that blew across the island. His coat – which had been left in front of the fire to dry since yesterday – was now a cosy blanket for the Biomech.

His attire was nothing more than a black shirt with a few leather pads and bulky trousers. The majority of the bulk came from even more leather pads which were fitted underneath.

To see the Biomech children toss and turn, grumble and even at times smile in their sleep was heartwarming. No frozen air, or winter breeze could ever dream to extinguish the warmth in his heart.

Auga softly snoozed off before he knew it. She leaned comfortably on the tree with a gentle grin on her face. Time and time again, she’d utter Gaia’s name and break into a warm smile.

He stood there for some time, entranced by the sight. The more he watched Auga’s children, the more he realised that they did indeed carry emotion and a personality…

But they just couldn’t express it.

What he saw were children trapped within an incomplete body.

To call them ‘corporeal’ was far from true, because they were still living creatures deep down.

Exrite fell solemn as his past came back to haunt him. There was a time when he was just like them; trapped and unable to express anything, no matter how hard he tried.

Apart from the feeling of encroaching despair, grief, agony and anguish.

No one could hear his cries within his cell, and if they could, then it was either ignored or it fuelled further cruelty.

To be battered, scorched, liquefied, torn, electrocuted –

It was nothing short of a miracle that he came out…

… Unscathed?

He wanted to laugh, but ended up shaking his head to rid himself of the memory. To leave behind the past wasn’t easy. As much as he wanted to leave it all behind, he simply couldn’t.

The Eye of Despair made it impossible to forget those years, and when he tried to find a silver lining in it all –

He silently laughed.

“Experience.”

How could a single word carry so much meaning?

He thought about it as he watched the sleeping faces of his friends.

The crackling of the campfire, the long breeze and their quiet snores filled the night as he silently stood there with his back against the oak tree. He was like a guard, and where he stood was where Melody would during their rest.

Then, from somewhere within the forest behind, sounded the faint harps of a violin.

It was Melody.

He was immediately drawn to the beautiful song, and before he knew it, his legs moved on their own. Like the lull of a Siren, it brought him through countless of short, lustrous trees.

They shimmered underneath the moonlight, appearing almost as glowing snow-capped trees. He passed an abandoned structure that looked like it would crumble at any moment, and a shallow lake that had its surface covered in a thick blanket of moss.

The song grew louder as he approached the source. Then, after passing an assortment of metallic trees – he eventually found a clearing at the edge of the island.

Melody stood there at the very edge, fearlessly staring up at the moon with shimmering eyes as she caressed her instrument like a lover.

Every gentle stroke of her crystal bow was perfect.

And as she stood there with the background of the crowded night sky – Exrite instinctively stopped in place and devoured the sight.

It was mesmerising – truly befitting of the Maiden of Realms.

He took a step back on instinct, fearing that he’d disturb her. However, the moment the grass scrunched underneath his boots; Melody immediately stopped her song and hummed.

“Hmm? You’re not asleep, Exrite?”

How she knew it was him was beyond his comprehension.

“No. I couldn’t even if I tried. And you, Realm?”

“Call me Melody. Realm doesn’t have a nice ring to it like Melody does, don’t you think?” She chuckled and dropped her crystal instruments into a tear in space. “Now, why am I awake? Well, there’s countless of reasons. For now, let’s just say that this body doesn’t need sleep.”

Her voice was teasing, and far too casual to be coming out of a Maiden’s mouth. Once again, Exrite’s depiction of the Maiden’s being nothing but benevolent beings shattered.

But that didn’t detract from the fact that she was indeed a Maiden.

“That aside, what brings you out here? Did you have business with me, or did my song lure you?”

“It was your violin. Sorry if I intruded –“

“Don’t apologise. First and foremost, drop your serious tone and relax. I don’t bite. We’re both Maidens, aren’t we?”

Melody spun around and crudely smiled at Exrite with folded arms.

“Yeah... yeah. A Maiden… So, that’s your original body, huh. Not bad for a human. But I guess that’s to be expected with someone who has virtually no mana capacity.”

She shrugged.

As most powerful magic users did, Melody possessed an innate ability to observe the mana flow within living beings. Even Uru – who discretely tested Melody at one point by concealing her mana reserves – was easily unveiled.

Melody was deceptively powerful. Even outside of her Domain and possesing external body – her power was second to none.

“Hmm~ Well, you came at a good time anyway. Let’s talk, Exrite. If you’re not going to sleep, then you might as well keep me company.”

And just like that, Exrite found himself seated beside the Maiden of Realm on an old, fallen log. He was bemused and impassioned; that he was so close to another Maiden other than Gaia.

Yet he couldn’t shake off a strange, awkward tension.

He was a human at heart, so sitting side-to-side with something unfathomably powerful was daunting. Although… he also found it rather calming.

They were enemies; or soon be.

But now – just for now – they were acquaintances seated at the side of a chasm and underneath an umbrella of stars and cosmic dust.

It was surreal.

“How is it, Exrite? Feeling honoured that you’re able to bathe underneath the same showering stars as a Maiden like myself?”

“Is that a trick question?” Exrite gently chuckled, already finding Melody’s quirks. “I feel like if I said yes, then you’d get mad at me.”

“Aha. Of course I would. You’re quick to understand someone’s humour for a human.” She laughed and folded her legs. “Not that I give damn about it. Honestly, you could be a Kobold or some deformed Beastkin and I still wouldn’t bat an eye. I just find it weird as to why you in particular were made to be the Maiden of Time – ah, whoops~”

Those last words slipped by her tongue. But whether that was intentional or not was a mystery, considering Melody’s personality.

“Hm… That was supposed to come after we get comfortable with each other. But I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask now. So, Exrite – let me interrogate you for a bit~”

While they were around two metres apart, Melody seemed to nearly close to the gap as she mischievously crawled closer to him.

“S-sure… but so long as you’ll let me ask you one in return.”

“Why not~ it seems fair. Although if you were someone else, let’s say that Overlord’s pet for example; then I might’ve gotten a bit mad there.”

The hairs of his body suddenly stood on all ends.

“I’m just joking. I usually get all sorts of reactions whenever I tell Otherworlders something similar along those lines. Sometimes they just laugh, and I kinda join them as well before they suddenly realise that half of their body mysterious vanished into another dimension~”

He gulped, a crystal bead of sweat dripping down his forehead.

“Again, I’m just kidding. Anyway, I’m getting side tracked. So –”

A loud click came from her fingers, and at once – the soft breeze seemingly disappeared. It seemed like she had erected some sort of [Barrier] around them.

At first glance, Exrite assumed it was a [Dimensional Barrier], but upon closer inspection, she could actually see the translucent dome surrounding them. If anything, it was a [Physical Barrier], most likely to prevent the exit and entry of sound.

“– Let’s begin, shall we?”

* * *

“First thing’s first – I want to know how you were able to enter the Domain of Time without physically going there.” She asked with a stern voice, a hand clutched tightly against the bark by Exrite’s side.

Her presence was intimidating, and those sincere yet deadly emerald eyes pierced straight through his being.

He steeled himself before he answered her with utmost honesty.

“Melody, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“– Huh?”

“I mean – I only know that it occurs under certain circumstances. I don’t know how or why I’m sent there when I change between bodies.”

Impossible. Melody couldn’t believe what she heard. At first, she thought Exrite was hiding it from her, but she soon realised that wasn’t the case.

“Wait – so you’re telling me, the Maiden of Realms, that you don’t know how you’re entering the Domain of Time?”

“If anything, I think it might have something to do with my heart. Sorry, but I’m just as clueless as you are.”

“You don’t know if it’s [Realm] magic? [Soul]? [Mind-Altering]? Did the old Maiden of Time even bother to tell you anything!?”

Her voice grew sharp as annoyance riddled her face. She loomed closer to Exrite threateningly, her nails digging into the thick bark of the fallen log.

However, Exrite didn’t seem fazed by this. Rather, he couldn’t help but to wryly smile at those words.

Melody was right – Gaia hadn’t told Exrite anything. He only knew that his heart allowed him to enter the Domain of Time. Its mechanics were beyond a mystery, and if he remembered correctly, even Gaia was unaware of the Heart’s ability to place its possessor into the perspective of a person’s past.

“If I had to put a finger on it, I’d say it could be a combination of [Realm] and [Soul] magic. I’m not sure how or why, but it’s the only thing I can think of. Sorry. Gaia never told me anything.”

Not that he knew, of course. But considering that his body would be left in this world while he was in the Domain of Time, it wasn’t as far-fetched as he imagined.

However, there was one major issue.

Gaia was the Maiden of Time.

It would be impossible for her to use [Realm] magic, let alone infuse it with her crystal heart.

Melody remained silent for the longest time. Her eyes were glued to Exrite’s almost like how a predator would look upon prey. If anyone else was in his place they’d undoubtedly fizzle into the thin air by merely her dominating presence alone.

“Hahh… I thought so.”

She broke into a loud sigh as she reeled herself back with a long, outreaching stretch. It seemed like she reached a conclusive answer, and when her gaze fell onto the foggy distance beyond the chasm – she couldn’t help but to groan.

“I guess it’s only fair to believe that Gaia somehow used [Realm] magic. Tch. And she even kept you in the dark about it.”

“Wait – I was just speculating. A-are you sure? She was the Maiden of Time, wasn’t she?”

Despite his raised concerns and logic that defied Melody’s claims – she pointed off into the Shallows with a single finger and hummed:

“I’m certain now. The fog of the Shallows isn’t any ordinary fog. It’s [Dimensional Mist]; a magic derived straight from mine. You can’t exit or enter the Shallows from the foggy canopy, and far above the clearing here in the Biomechanical Gardens – there’s a [Barrier] that not even I can break through.”

She retraced her hand and placed it firmly beside Exrite.

“A [Barrier]…?” He could barely hide his confusion.

There shouldn’t be a reason for a [Barrier] of any sort to be up there, unless it was for the purpose of containing the Shallows, or – to hide something. While Exrite was aware of Gaia’s tinkering in the Shallows, he didn’t know the extent of it.

Why was there a [Barrer]?

What purpose did the [Dimensional Mist] have?

No matter how hard they both tried to imagine the reason, they couldn’t come up with a sound explanation. One train of thought would lead to another, only to branch out indefinitely.

“Just another reason to despise that forgotten Maiden, I suppose. She abandoned the world, destroyed the balance between the Maidens, and left behind the being she hand-crafted to rot in the ebbs of time.”

The bark split in her furious grip. Suddenly, the air around her turned to ice as Exrite froze and watched the woman’s face morph into a terrifying scowl.

“What’s worse is that she didn’t tell you anything, and expects you to somehow figure out what your purpose as a Maiden of Time is. Tch. I bet she’s having fun watching you struggle, Exrite. I can’t imagine anything else.”

Still riled with anger, she placed a hand on Exrite’s shoulder. To her surprise, a surge of warmth suddenly enveloped her, immediately causing her to mellow slightly.

Or rather, she wasn’t surprised at all. She knew that her anger would dispel upon touching the Maiden of Time. But she didn’t expect it to feel so… soothing.

The longer she had her hand on him, the more her thoughts would fade away.

Before she knew it; she was softly smiling again.

“You might be right.” Exrite began, his eyes moving off to the chasm below. “After everything Gaia had put me through – I’d believe you. But I can’t. It’s too late to keep on blaming someone when I’m already this far. And besides –”

He returned to her with a soft smile of his own.

“I would have never met them in the first place. If I said ‘what if things were different’; then wouldn’t it mean that I regret meeting with Khaos? With Frosty? With Uru and the Commanders? Wouldn’t that be sad?” Exrite spoke with a hearty voice, making himself loud and clear.

Melody didn’t understand that train of thought. To be content with the present, despite carrying all of one’s burdens was unfathomable. Especially for someone like herself who carried the weight of hundreds of different worlds.

She would rather sever all of her attachments for a chance of redemption – a chance to prevent her countless of years spent in the worlds that were tethered to her reality.

“Plus – who would come to try and free you, Melody?”

“Hundreds of thousands of others. I’m sure there’s an Otherworlder out there that’s trying to extract revenge on me for destroying their world before their very eyes; or some stray Frostbitten. Hmph. Even an honour-less Demon would suffice.”

She crudely spoke, her haughty voice marking the return of a more casual mood.

“But you’re right. They wouldn’t even make it past the front doors of my Domain. You’ve got an interesting perspective, Exrite. Humans are always like that; driven by emotion and events, whether big or small. I’ve seen many succumb to suffering, and many more who find themselves stuck in the past. You’re lucky you even made it this far.”

“Mhm. And I only have my friends to thank.”

“Your friends, you say...”

Melody slowly moved her eyes to the colourful night sky. Her soft smile slightly dampened, and her eyes gently narrowed. Like a mother, she hummed at the stars before she brought her attention to Exrite.

“That aside – don’t you have a question for me?”

“I have two questions, if you don’t mind.”

He asked about the Maidens and their whereabouts. It was the most appropriate question he could ask, since he had no clue where the Domains of the Maidens resided.

And thankfully, Melody was more than willing to share her knowledge – however, not all of their locations were known, even to a Maiden like herself.

Apart from the Maiden of Time, there were:

The Maiden of Realms, who resided within the Hearts of the Realms – deep within the Depths.

The Maiden of Wishes, who resided in Serzile, the Valley of Wishes – sandwiched between the regions of Demora and Vevillen.

The Maiden of Wisdom, who slumbered somewhere within Western Six Point.

The Maiden of Space, who remained somewhere in Northern Six Point, and finally;

The Maiden of Judgement, who stood at the Mantle of Judgement – located at the centre of Six Point; where the cracks that split the continent into thirds collided.

It was both spectacular and daunting for Exrite. The path was laid out so clearly, but he had no way of knowing how to embark it. For a while, he was drowned in a sea of thought as he thanked Melody from the bottom of his heart.

Khaos and Frosty’s goal was to meet with the Maiden of Wisdom, but her location was far from where they were. Not only that, but it was impossible to pass through the chasm that split Six Point into North, East and West.

Like the oceans that surrounded Six Point, none had ever been able to traverse from either side. Not even the Gods or the Maidens had that kind of privilege.

But Exrite wondered about that. Surely, there was a way to traverse the chasm. However, now wasn’t the time to dwindle in the distant future – not when he had Gaia’s trial just over the horizon.

“Say… why do you hate Gaia so much?”

“The same reason as you. Gaia’s departure brought me nothing but suffering. What felt like minutes in the other worlds quickly became hours, then years – to centuries. In the short time span that I’ve been the Maiden of Realms, I’ve already accumulated the lifespan of my grandmother…”

Melody’s fingers dug into Exrite’s shoulder as she stared up into the night sky.

“And after those hundreds of years, I’d awake in my Domain only to realise that only a single day had passed. It was an unfair lapse of time. I though I had been gone for so long, but I was still there, almost frozen in the passage of time.”

In the span of only a day, Melody had experienced the life of over a hundred years. Then it happened over, and over again for the next few months until she had well over a thousand years of experience.

There was a time when Melody was more gentle, and there were times when that side would arise – most notably with Auga. But because of the extended length and the disparity of time in Six Point and those worlds – she was nearly driven insane.

“Whenever I sleep, I drift off into those worlds and wake up the next day faintly remembering the faces that surround me. You asked why I was awake; that’s my answer. I’ll end up in some other world, and destroy it in order to free myself.”

Her hand glided against the cosmos above.

“What about you, Exrite? You mentioned that you couldn’t sleep either. Did Gaia curse you as well?”

“I’m just… afraid, really.” He slowly began. “The Heart of Time lets me see people’s past or snapshots of it. I’m not sure about the conditions or how it works, but… I know for a fact that if I sleep, then I’ll be watching the stars through Auga’s eyes.”

It was a terrifying thought. How long would he spend in that dream? In that moment, he was able to empathise with Melody as he softly smiled.

“That’s ‘Timeless’ for you.”

“Timeless?”

“It’s just a term I use to call the… dreams. Courtesy of that damned Maiden. Anyway –” She patted his shoulder as she turned to face him. “Good to know that I’m not the only one suffering. Kinda reassuring, isn’t it?”

She softly laughed.

“After you defeat me – well, that’s if you can – I think you’ll make for a great accomplice to help me strike Gaia down once and for all.”

“Aha. I don’t know about that –”

“Well, it’s far away into the future so maybe you’ll need time to consider it. Exrite, do you really think I’ll take no for an answer?”

“Another one of your trick questions?”

“Hm~ I wonder.” She hummed teasingly.

With the moon beginning its descent, the two continued to converse within their little bubble. From the topic of the Maidens, to Melody’s joking remarks of how she annihilated races – it was a rather pleasant night, and Exrite found himself further bewildered by Melody’s crude elegance.

For some reason, he was thankful that Melody wasn’t as how he imagined her to be. Perhaps it was because of how easy it made it to speak with her.

He wanted to say something, but he also didn’t want to disturb the words that gushed from Melody’s mouth as she retold one of her first visits to the distant worlds and realms.

Outside of their bubble were the prying eyes of the Colours and a Demon. Hidden amongst the hardened leaves, they wondered what Exrite and Melody were up to.

They could see their mouths move, but they couldn’t hear anything. Uru was the first to notice the [Barrier], and figured that Melody had caught onto their antics.

It seemed like only Khaos and Frosty would come out well-rested for the monumental day ahead of them.

Tomorrow; Exrite planned to head into the fog past the island in search for Gaia’s home. He didn’t know what to expect, however;

He did not plan to falter.

The answers were finally within reach.