Oka~y, remember when I said it was the end of Act 0? Ye~ah...

Consider this an Epilogue.

A sea of blood and I am standing on it.

Countless people looking at me from within.

Most of their faces are blurred… Are those people I killed?

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Is this a dream?

It must be.

Am I feeling guilty?

I am.

Not all people I killed were brainwashed.

I found that out soon after the start of my slaughter.

But they were just soldiers.

They knew nothing.

However, they thought they were doing something necessary for their Kingdom. They never questioned orders given. They didn’t spare anyone either.

But those above them did not care about the well-being of people.

They treated them as tools to be used and disposed of.

It could be said that I saved them.

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Right?

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“Who cares? Why are you asking such stupid questions?”

Huh?

A voice?

Who’s that?

“My name is Mixen.”

Same as mine?

“No, idiot! I am you!”

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Ah! This is a dream, right.

“Yeah, yeah, a dream, sure. Why do you care about all those low-lives? They are just humans. Do you think you’re a saint or a hero? We kill, that’s just our nature. Learn to enjoy it!”

That’s… wrong.

“Why? You killed so many already! Have you not felt thrilled even once?”

No.

I never liked what I did.

Just did it cause I had to do it.

“Huh? Re~ally now? Well… We will wait and see.”

I won’t start liking it.

“Ye~ah. You won’t, you won’t.”

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Why am I so annoying?

“You should ask that yourself! Ahahaha, get it? Ahahaha.”

Can you just shut up?

Why is this dream not ending?

“Ha~ you’re no fun. Oh, well. See you soon.”

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“Mix! You’re awake!”

When Mixen opened his eyes, he saw his father looming over him.

“...Is it training time already?”

Still not fully awake, he answered while rubbing his eyes.

“Huh? No, it’s afternoon… Wait! How are you feeling? Are you okay? Let me get Mary.”

Mixen slowly remembered the situation he was in.

After a few minutes, Michael returned with Mary.

“... Quicker than I expected… How are you feeling?”

“I feel good… How long did I sleep?”

“Three days.”

“...Only that much?”

“I was surprised too… I guess you knew what you were doing.”

“Obviously.”

“...Can I be informed too?”

Mixen and Mary both knew what they were talking about, Michael on the other hand had no idea.

“Remember I told you that he will be okay as long as you give him enough time to rest?”

“Yes, you told me that he’s not in a coma and just sleeping due to exhaustion.”

“I forgot to mention that it was caused by the lack of sleep. It is not rare to see somebody sleeping for a week if they overuse a certain potion… I thought you used it much more though? How long did you not sleep properly?”

Mixen looked a bit guilty and scratched the back of his head.

“...About 2 years?”

Both Michael and Mary frowned upon hearing that.

“So… From the beginning?”

It was Misha who said that.

Cogs in Mixen’s brain started moving and he understood that reliving his journey all over again won’t be necessary.

“... Did Mary tell you?”

“Mostly, yes. Your disciples were bragging a lot too… But I have a question.”

“Yes?”

After saying that, many possible questions came to MIxen’s mind.

One among them caused Mixen to feel a bit uneasy.

‘Did Mary mention that the hood was fake?’ 

“How are you feeling?”

It was the only thing that was important for Michael.

Well-being of his son.

It was an unexpected question for Mixen.

After all, he answered a similar one a few minutes earlier.

But he quickly got the meaning behind it.

“I’m… okay.”

Mixen couldn’t look into his father’s eyes while saying it, so his head tilted down.

Michael noticed that and came closer to Mixen.

He placed his hand on Mixen’s shoulder.

“You did your best. I’m proud of you.”

Misha wanted to ask Mixen not to do something so dangerous again… But he would do the same thing for his son. And Michael was glad to know that his son loved him as much as he did.

An unexpected wave of emotions filled Mixen.

It was something he never felt before…

‘But I like it.’

“And… I’m sorry.”

“What? Why?”

“If not for my weakness… You wouldn’t need to go through that…”

Over the span of three days when Mixen was sleeping, Michael thought about many things.

About how proud he is for his son, who fulfilled his revenge…

And about how guilty he is for making his son go through such an awful experience.

“No, Father, no need for that. You’re not to blame. If I knew I was fighting my family, I would probably lose too… Uncle Alex was brainwashed, so it was not a fair fight for you… But… Why have I never heard that I had an uncle?”

“That… Before, it was hard for me to talk about my life to anyone… Do you want to hear it now?”

Mixen got excited and nodded.

“Thank you, Dad.”

Mixen opened his eyes wide for a moment.

He surprised himself.

The word “Dad” reminded him of some bad memories, so he unconsciously avoided using it… Until this point.

“Oh? I don’t think you ever called me like that. It was always Father of Papa… Have you finally found the middle ground?”

Mixen noticed that his father was smiling.

It was rare for him to smile.

But this smile was wider and brighter than he ever saw on his father’s face.

It felt weird seeing it…

‘Didn’t his way of speaking change too?’

Mixen noticed his father’s change… Although he didn’t think it was all that bad.

Mixen smiled in return.

“I just forgot it exists.”

“Hahaha.”

‘I hope I will hear him laugh more often from now on… And I need to warn Mary to keep her mouth shut.’

What Mixen did not know, is that the spell that Mary cast on Michael fixed not only his traumas from being tortured but from losing Susen and being mistreated in his childhood as well.

At this moment somebody else ran into the room.

“Brooother!”

While screaming that, a little girl with brown hair jumped on the bed.

“Lara! Mixen is still recovering.”

“It’s okay. Hi Lara.”

“Brother! Let’s go and play! Uncle Misha is so~ boring to play with!”

“Guh!”

Michael was hurt to hear such words from his niece… But could not refute them.

“Did Marta and Barry not play with you?”

‘Should I punish them with more training?’

“They did, but… They train so much… I want to play more!”

“...You picked up some goods kids, Mixen. But… Did you teach that boy, Barry, our swordsmanship?”

“... I should have not?”

“No, it’s okay. It’s a shame for such good swordsmanship to disappear. So it’s for the better, besides, I think he has talent… Maybe even more than you.”

‘I knew that. That style didn’t fit me in the first place. I rarely used it on the battlefield…’

A silent snicker was heard behind the door.

‘This little rascal.’

“...Barry, I think I will need to check up on your progress, don’t you think?”

“M-Master! Y-You’re awake! I’m so glad to see you’re up!”

“Master, should I beat him up?”

“Use him for target practice, Marta.”

“Roger that!”

“What!? No! Wait!”

*Boom*

A hole was formed in the wall behind Barry.

“And make him fix it after.”

“I did nothing wrong!”

Barry was screaming that as he was evading dozens of small wind slashes.

Mixen thought that living like this feels heavenly after what he went through.

‘But I can’t stay here for long.’

Mixen looked at Mary.

“I will get to it soon… I need to apologize to some people first.”

“Hm? Ah… I understand. Thank you.”

“...Mix?”

“Dad, I want to return to the city of Ganesh to visit Master… Will you stay here with Lara?”

“Oh, No, I thought of going there with Lara anyway… Did you know that she has A-ranked Water Affinity?”

‘I knew… does he…?’

“... You want to enrol her into the academy?”

“Yes, she’s too energetic. I can’t handle all of her by myself.”

“I see, Can you start packing right now?”

“Right now? Why?”

“I don’t want to stretch this out.”

“Sure. Lara, let’s go.”

“We’re going on a trip! Yey!”

Michael and Lara left the room.

“Luthor!”

“Yes, Master?”

“Are you three busy?”

“The Resistance did not ask us for any help in recent days. And I don’t think they will, everything is going smoothly for them. Why?”

“I have something for you three to do. You need some experience anyway. Go and find Hero’s party. Make friends and protect them while I’m gone.”

“... Aren’t they stronger than us?”

“That is not what I meant. They are stupid… Some of them are. So they can be ambushed or fooled. I want you to prevent that. I know your capabilities, and I taught you personally… It will be a great experience for you. The Hero won’t let you die.”

“Understood.”

After Luthor left, Mary turned to Mixen.

“Thank you, but aren’t they just kids?”

“They are stronger than you think… And they need actual fights to grow… Luthor has Aura and my Stealth Technique too… No assassin will get past him.”

“Then I can rest assured. I will leave my children in your care.”

Mary slightly bowed.

“No need for that, I am thankful for what you did… But please don’t tell anyone anything.”

“Contract still bounds me… But can I tell it to Natan?”

“...Okay.”

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.

The next day I hired a carriage to get us to the City of Magic.

I could fly us there… but I decided not to.

Although it will take us about a month to get there… I will treat it as a vacation.

It was fun playing games with Lara and Father.

After we came to our destination, Lara begged us to show her around the city.

I had things to do, so Father was forced to do it… Does he even know this city well?

After a few minutes of walking, I stepped into a familiar building.

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*Ding-Ding*

‘Those bells sound great after so much time…’

“Welcome… Lad, If you’re searching for a naughty book, look in another place.”

Theo took a glimpse at a teenager that entered his library.

As usual, he was taking a nap at the counter.

Mixen did not reply and stepped closer.

“Hm? What? Are you interested in normal books? That’s surprising. Do you not have friends or something? Or are you new in town? Anyway, what are you looking for? I’ll help out.”

Theo finally opened his eyes and looked straight at a boy next to him.

“...Long time no see, Master.”

Theo opened his eyes wide.

“Y-You-!”

He masterly jumped over the counter, as if age did not affect his muscles at all.

He raised his hand and…

*Thump*

…hit Mixen on the head.

‘Ouch.’

“-Idiot disciple! Why did you have to leave at exactly that day!?”

“... I’m sorry.”

Mixen bowed.

At this moment Theo could see a bit under his shirt… He saw countless scars…

Immediately after he cooled down.

“... Did you succeed?”

It took a moment for Mixen to understand what his Master meant.

He figured that Theodore knows more than Mixen told him.

However, Mixen did not care and just smiled.

“Yes!”

Mixen’s smile was similar to that, that he always gave to his Master… 

Yet, Theo thought it was different… He did not know why it seemed like that…

“Glad to hear that… And I’m glad you’re okay… How is your progress?”

“I mastered the sixth circle. I wouldn’t dare to explore the seventh circle by myself, so I did some progress with remembering the spells of other elements. I know most of the fifth circled spells of each element.”

“Oh, wow, that’s a lot… Was it even useful?”

“A lot, actually.”

‘I killed one titled mage after all. If not for me predicting his spells, I wouldn’t be able to evade them.’

“That’s good… Are you busy right now?”

“Not really, why?”

“Then come with me. It won’t take long if we fly there.”

“Huh? W-Wait! Master!”

Theo did not wait for Mixen, took something from his room and left the library.

Mixen followed along.

They flew for a few hours.

Theo did not answer any of Mixen’s questions saying it was punishment for leaving for so long.

After coming to their destination, Mixen noticed it was not that far from his first house… Just a few more hours of flight.

It was a village.

Similar to the one where Naty lived, but a bit bigger.

When they landed, Mixen noticed someone approaching them at high speed.

It was so fast, that Mixen acted on instinct.

When he drew his new sword, there was a big wave of Killing Intent coming their way.

*Boom*

Mixen blocked the attack.

The impact was so strong that nearby trees started wavering.

“Why do you-! Huh?”

Killing Intent suddenly disappeared.

“Chief! What is the meaning of this!?”

“Hah? Theo? Ah! So it was you who flew in here?”

“Yes! Why did you attack us!?”

“Well, I just saw this guy drawing a sword, so… Who is he anyway?”

“He’s my disciple!”

“Mmm? That praised disciple? Isn’t he a swordsman?”

“He’s… a magic swordsman…”

“Ah, I see. Boy, what is your name?”

“...Mixen.”

The chief changed his attitude when he was talking to Mixen.

He sounded cold and serious.

“Mixen, listen here. Be very careful with your answer. Where did you get that-... Did you say Mixen?”

“...Yes?”

Something clicked inside the chief’s brain and he started laughing.

“Ho…hohohoho! I see! Good job, boy! Just how small the world is! Theo! Did you come to visit Wilhelm again?”

“Yeah?”

“Then I won’t hold you! Hohoho!”

Like that chief left.

Mixen was bemused, so he asked.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“...Probably got crazy because of his age… Let’s go.”

They went to a certain house, that looked like a pharmacy.

“Welcome… Theo?”

“Hi, Wilhelm.”

“Did you come to discuss it again?”

“No. We’re ready.”

After those words, Theodore pointed at Mixen.

“H-Hello.”

“Ah, I understand, did you bring the potions?”

“Yes, they’re here.”

He showed him two small boxes.

“Can I finally know why I’m here?”

“...Fine. Do you remember the times when I asked you for samples of your blood?”

“Yes?”

‘It was long ago, but Master said it was for some sort of potion that would help me.’

“With that, I created a potion to… Make our blood mix together.”

“Hm? Why?”

“To make a successful eye transplantation.”

“What!? M-Master?”

Mixen could not understand what’s this was all about.

“You remember that I have special eyes, right?”

“Y-Yes.”

“I want you to have them.”

“... I don’t understand…”

“Theo, don’t be a wuss, just tell him properly.”

“Grrr, don’t intrude, Wilhelm…”

Theo deeply sighed and looked at Mixen.

“Listen… You remember that I don’t have kids, right?”

“... I do.”

“And… Remember when you asked me why I got into alchemy?”

‘I remember Master making the same face that Father sometimes did, so I did not ask him of that again.’

“... I do.”

“Those are connected… I’m infertile.”

“Oh…”

“When my wife was still alive, I was trying to fix it… but was too late… She died from old age…”

Mixen frowned for a moment and then got confused.

‘Isn’t Master in his fifties?’

“Master… how long were you together?”

“For about twenty years, why?”

Mixen noticed that his master did not like speaking about her, but wasn’t too sad either…

Wilhelm noticed the expression that the boy did and laughed.

“Ahaha, boy! This old pervert liked older women! They had a gap of over twenty years! Ahaha!”

‘Oh, that explains things.’

“Why are you laughing! We loved each other!”

“Ha~. I know, I know. Sorry.”

“*Cough* Anyway… As I was saying… I had no children. And I am currently the last of the Miller Family.”

‘Come to think of it… If Master was a noble, why does he run an old library?’

“I did not want our power to be lost… So that’s when I remembered the existence of transplantation. I knew it was possible if some criteria are met, it was possible. So I thought of finding a successor.”

‘A… Successor?’

“...But I couldn’t even find a disciple… Until I met you… You know the rest.”

“...Master… I don’t want you to lose your sight.”

Mixen had a very concerned expression.

*Thump*

“Idiot! We will be exchanging eyes! Are you blind?”

“Ah! I see!”

After hearing that, Mixen’s mood improved.

“Good, Mixen, drink this. Wilhelm is a great doctor, he will take care of it in no time.”

Without delay, Mixen drank the potion and Theo followed.

“I have everything ready, follow me to the-... Did you say Mixen?”

“Yes? That’s my name.”

It was the second time someone recognized his name, and Mixen did not know how to feel about it.

“... Zyckor?”

Immediately Mixen took a defensive stance, however didn’t act.

“Master? Did you-”

“I would never. Wilhelm, do you know Zyckor family?”

“...Not only did I know his family. I was the first person to hold this boy!”

“Huh?”

Mixen remembers what Valeria told him a long time ago.

She did not mention the doctor’s name… It appears that it was Wilhelm.

Mixen dropped his guard and bowed.

“Thank you for taking care of my mother.”

“Ha~, no need. How is your father?... Is he still at it?”

Everyone in the room understood what it meant.

“Nah~,” 

Mixen waved his hand.

“He lost an arm, and I was forced to take over the family business, hahaha.”

Over the month that it took to get to the city, Mixen tried overcoming his guilt.

It wasn’t big, but the voice in his dreams keep reminding him that he had it.

So he started cracking jokes to Lara and his father about it.

It was mostly dark humour, but they seemed to like it.

However, Wilhelm and Theodore did not get the joke.

“*Cough* It’s all good now… Let’s start already.”

“...Yeah.”

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The surgery went without any problems.

After a few hours, I could already open my eyes.

It did not feel all that different, The colours were a bit different and my eye colour itself became blue… I’ll need to buy some lenses… I don’t like how this looks… Maybe I’m just uncomfortable?

I asked the master how did he see mana, and he told me to focus some of my mana on my eyes.

As I did that, a whole new world opened for me.

Although it was similar to my Sixth Sense in some way… With this, I could actually see mana, not just feel it.

Before, I could just tell the colours of people’s mana… Now I can actually see it.

However, If I put in too much mana, I start seeing mana essence, and as a result, I could see almost nothing in front of me. Like walking in dense fog.

After we returned to the city, I told Master about Marta and introduced him to Lara.

Although Lara is not a Wind user, I’m sure Master Theo could still help her with her training.

I won’t be able to look over her, so I asked Master to make sure she’s not slacking off.

Master got a bit worried when he heard I will be leaving soon, but I reassured him that it was not another trip.

Next, I visited professor Henry. I felt guilty for using his kindness before, so I left him a little present and an apology letter. 

I also visited AL.

He was in a huge luxurious opera house. He was surprised to see me.

And even more surprised to see me without a mask.

I didn’t see the reason to hide my face anymore.

I doubt the King of Stupid Kingdom will look for me.

As long as I don’t mention my last name it should be alright.

AL was steadily progressing towards his goal.

I asked him if I could help him in any way if that won’t take too long.

He told me that they have enough hands.

AL also gave me a password that could get me into any of his establishments as a VIP.

When he mentioned that they started competing with the All-Seeing Eye, I told him a bunch of blackmail I remembered from the old days. I also asked him to help out “The Resistance” in the Kingdom of Lead. He did not ask further and nodded.

I handed him over a Magic Letter and told him to call me if it was important or urgent.

After I left, I went to the last person, Valeria.

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.

I left her for last because knew she was the most troublesome.

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Mixen did not use Loki’s Gift, because he wanted to enter normally.

Walking inside the academy felt nostalgic.

He knew that Naty and Leon left university long ago, so there was no one who could recognize him.

While some gave him some weird gazes, it did not bother him.

He found familiar mana inside the office of the Director of the noble part of the University.

When he came there, a secretary blocked his path.

He said that they were busy and should not be disturbed, but Mixen knew they were drinking tea.

Mixen tried bribing him, but that didn’t work, it seems that AL worked well.

‘Wait… Isn’t he…’

“Are you from… Rockhard family?”

“Yes, why?”

At this moment Mixen smiled… 

Secretary felt goosebumps go all over him when looking at this devilish smile.

Mixen came closer to him and whispered something.

He lightly hit the shocked teen on the shoulder and went ahead.

Mixen was not stopped this time.

*Knock* *Knock-Knock*

Mixen knocked on the door.

“Didn’t I tell you not to bother us?”

An elderly voice was heard from within.

“Can I talk to Valeria?”

“Hmm? Valeria? Did your mother not teach you any manners?”

Because of his words, Mixen got agitated but decided to keep his cool.

“...Please don’t speak ill of my mother. Can I finally come in?”

“No. I will reprimand Oscar later. You should leave.”

Mixen’s patience grew dim.

“... I need to talk to miss Valeria, not you mister Director.”

“*Sigh* Just let him in.”

A weak woman’s voice was heard.

It was so quiet that Mixen would not hear it if not for his good hearing.

“Valeria… I can’t let such an imbecile ruin your mood even further…”

He did not intend Mixen to hear it, however, he did and his patience ended.

“Old man! Just open the door!”

“Ha!? That’s it, tell me your name! I will expel you this instant!”

“I was expelled long ago!”

“You!”

Loud footsteps could be heard coming to the door.

*Click*

The door opened and Killing Intent could be felt.

It was the last drop for Mixen and he aimed his Killing Intent at the person in front of him.

The Director was by no means a regular person, he was a seasoned veteran, who was through many battles…

However, he did a major mistake.

He looked Mixen in the eyes.

Mixen was pissed at this point.

That in combination with his Killing Intent made the Director shiver.

“W-What… are you?”

Mixen was not in the mood to answer his questions.

“Step aside.”

And the Director did.

He felt that he’ll die if he won’t do that.

Mixen took a few steps toward Valeria.

She was looking in the opposite direction, at the window.

In her hand was a bottle of alcohol, probably a strong one.

It was almost empty.

“...What do you want?”

Without looking at him, she asked.

“I came to apologize.”

“You’re forgiven. Go away.”

He could tell that she did not drink for fun this time.

“...Why are you feeling down?”

“Why do care?”

“Can’t I?”

“*Sigh* If that will make you leave me alone… My only disciple went on a very dangerous journey and my dear friend and his son are probably dead…”

Although she did not cry, Mixen could feel the pain in her words.

He felt touched… and guilty.

“... I’m okay. Father lost an arm, but is still alive.”

“...Yeah, that would be great…”

She just gulped down the rest of the bottle and stood up to take another.

On her way back to her seat, she looked at Mixen and stopped.

*Crash*

The bottle was dropped and broken.

“M-Mixen?”

“Hi?”

Valeria ran up to him and hugged him.

“You idiot! You know just how worried we were?”

‘We? Master seemed ok though?’

Because of one thing or another, Mixen liked hugs… He liked this hug at first too… But it became tighter… and tighter.

‘I can’t breathe!’

Valeria is a strong woman… And right now, she’s drunk too.

“Va-valeria! i can’t breathe…”

“Oh, sorry… What you said before… Is that true?”

“About Father? Yes.”

“... Is he in the city?”

“...Yes. Why?”

Mixen had a hunch why she wanted to meet him.

“I want to say hi.”

She showed a smile. A smile that could be easily seen through.

‘I will pray for your well-being, Father.’

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After all was settled, I was talking with Father who had a red slap mark on his cheek.

Valeria was playing with Lara in the other room.

I told Father that I will soon go.

When Valeria heard that, she rushed to me with anger, but I assured her that it was not for revenge purposes.

She didn’t believe me, but when I told her that I wanted to meet Naty and Leon, she believed me.

Lara was the only one who didn’t want me to go.

It was hard saying no to her, but as I can travel half a continent in a day, I assured her that I will come and play from time to time.

She still didn’t want to let me go, so I took my ultimate weapon from my ring… sweets.

After successfully bribing my sister, I said goodbye to Father and Valeria and left.

I knew that I could come back quickly, so I didn’t feel bad about leaving.

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.

While flying over countless people, I got a bit too excited while thinking about events to come.

I also remember a dialogue I had not too long ago.

I started having peculiar dreams where I’m talking to myself.

It feels a bit similar to the dialogue I had with that God…

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Greatest wish, huh?

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Everything that happened to me was not what I wished for…

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But it is finally here.

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And I have a very good feeling about this story.