Chapter 1571: Chapter 1571

"In summary, my older sister defeated the Original Nightmare Curse and the Living Nightmare Dimension, absorbing their powers," Arthur explained clearly. "This included entities known as Divine Thrones, absolute authorities over a world's elemental forces that can elevate someone to the status of a god governing that realm. This world possessed only one Divine Throne, currently held by our sister, Amelia. I believe that clarifies the situation."

"EEEH?" Sofia exclaimed in disbelief. "You're truly a goddess now? What…"

"You're abandoning your world? Take responsibility!" Emily shouted.

"Hold on, please calm down!" I urged. "Don't make such claims. I didn't choose to become a goddess. I planned to distribute the Authority among you girls, as you're the ones I trust most."

"…Wait, what? Truly?" Emily gasped. "I'll become a goddess?"

"That sounds rather daunting…" Sofia murmured. "Can I even decline such an offer?"

"You absolutely shouldn't, Sofia! This is the opportunity of a lifetime!" her father encouraged enthusiastically. "Become a goddess, Sofia! It's your destiny!"

"Eeeh? Didn't you promise you'd change?" Sofia cried, noticing her father revert to his former self unexpectedly.

"Alright, everyone, let's pause and calm down," I said firmly. "I can divide this throne into five fragments, but it depends on your willingness to accept them. These fragments allow you to influence and protect the world, as I did by sealing the Field Dungeons and Gates to prevent their emergence. You can also alter the climate, create monsters, and modify rules, primarily those tied to the tower. You may expel players who enter, though a divided throne will be less potent, which might balance its power more effectively." ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel(ꜰ)ire.net

"Eeeh…" Sofia muttered. "It still sounds formidable…"

"I ask only one thing," I continued. "Never misuse this power, understood? Avoid using it for selfish purposes. Well, perhaps minor selfish acts are acceptable, but nothing malevolent, nothing that would harm the innocent. That's my intent."

"Understood…" Emily nodded. "Why would I ever do that? I aspire to be a hero and perhaps a rock band singer. Can I use the power to enhance my singing?"

"Absolutely not, you'll need to achieve that yourself," I replied, rolling my eyes. "But pursue it, Emily. Your singing is exceptional."

"Heheh, thank you," Emily giggled, blushing. "I'll strive to balance it with my role as a Dream Warrior from now on…"

"Now, what's our next step?" I asked. "Do you girls want this responsibility? Martina?"

"Me too?" Martina asked, surprised. "But…"

"I trust you, and you're Sofia's closest friend," I assured her. "I know you'll manage it well."

"…Thank you, Maria," Martina sighed. "I wish we could have spent more time together. I consider you a dear friend."

"I feel the same!" I nodded. "We've already shared plenty of time together…"

It had been some time since that initial week. Although we devoted most of it to rebuilding and aiding others, those days were cherished, concluding with joyful gatherings where we ate, laughed, and conversed.

I'll always treasure those days we spent together…

"Don't worry, Martina. I'll assist you however I can," Sofia said, patting her shoulders. "I'll accept a fragment, not because of my father, but because I want to share that responsibility."

"Excellent, that secures three fragments. For the fourth, Amelia," I said, "I want you to take one as well, to keep you engaged. Spend time with my friends. You need it."

"Maria? Me?" Amelia gasped. "But…"

"No objections!" I insisted. "You must distract yourself from negative thoughts. Those led to your past actions. You need redemption, as you've acknowledged, correct?"

"I… I did…" Amelia nodded. "Alright, I understand. I'll accept it."

"Then there's one final fragment…" Nyx said, rubbing her chin. "Who should receive it?"

"I wonder who could take it?" I mused. "Certainly not an annoying cat."

"I'm not an annoying cat!" the cat protested, growling angrily.

"Wait, what? I thought all Nightmare Demons were gone. Where did you come from?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Those bound by your contract didn't vanish," Beatriz explained. "We've become akin to the spirits of your world, Yggdrasil. You must give it to me! I'm staying here, Maria. This is my world."

"Oh?" I questioned. "Are you certain? You don't want to explore other worlds?"

"I don't care!" she retorted angrily. "I assisted you greatly, and you promised I could do as I pleased!"

"Alright, fair enough," I sighed. "I did promise that. But care for the other Nightmare Demons, Magnus and his family. They're a collective as Legion, but individually, they're unique…"

"It'll be the last community of Nightmare Demons…" Beatriz sighed. "I could use that power to build them a shelter in the Hollow Earth, perhaps sealing the exit for safety…"

"Really? No more eating humans?" Sofia asked.

"Ugh, I'm not that barbaric! I've changed…" Beatriz sighed. "My contract with Maria has taught me much. My hunger for humans has vanished. It was satisfied earlier with her 'Mana,' but after the Nightmare Curse and Dimension perished, it faded entirely. I felt hollow briefly, but then I tried Nightmare Beast meat and found it delicious. I also ate Nightmare Veggies and Fruits from the islands I visited earlier and, well, I thought, why not build a farm down there with the survivors?"

"Hmmm…" Emily squinted. "Can we trust her with such power, though?"

"Don't worry. She and the others remain my contracted spirits and cannot act against me," I reassured. "She's essentially compelled to act honorably."

"Woah… I'd gladly take the fourth piece myself, but it'll be useless if I'm traveling to other worlds, right?" Alma mused.

"Indeed," I nodded. "It would be somewhat ineffective. That's why it's better assigned to someone staying here, though I'd have gladly offered it to you otherwise."

"I know…" Alma nodded. "That means a lot already. A Nightmare Demon holding a fragment feels fitting. They're sentient beings of this world, like us, aren't they? Those who survived deserve a second chance, especially your contracted spirits. I felt bad learning they were gone, but I'm relieved you're still here, Beatriz!"

"Hmph…" Beatriz crossed her arms, shifting into her Nightmare Demon form. "Don't misunderstand, this doesn't mean we're friends, okay? Humans and Nightmare Demons will NEVER get along!"

"Sure, we'll see about that," I chuckled. "For now, it's settled."

With a single thought…