Mistress Of The Evil Forest

''...So you're here.''

Not long after departing from the capital, I encounter my future self.

She sits atop a building, peering down at the swarm of people who are trying to clean up the mess Ravenous Moon has caused. Her hair, like a molten universe, her eyes, like bottomless voids, blend into the night, making her presence unusually thin.

If not... it's probably because of the assimilation earlier.

Without saying a word, I settle beside her.

''The mind control just got lifted.'' She remarks. ''Good call back then.''

''Thanks.'' I reply.

As her power envelops mine, her millennia-long memories also flood my mind. Most of them are static, of her drifting across the vast universe, but I have indeed witnessed her failures.

She also lived through this era, fought the same demons, made the same connections as mine, yet one by one, those who are precious to her left. Even re-living those scenes causes a heart-wrenching pain, so I can't imagine how she must have felt.

''Pain dulls with time, but some emotions remain vivid after an eternity.'' Aurora suddenly says, as if reading my mind. ''And precisely those emotions pushed me to this place, at this time, in this reality.''

''...Aren't you afraid of disappearing?'' I ask impulsively. ''I'm fine with being assimilated since it's to protect what I deem important. What about you?''

Like a gentle spring, Aurora smiles at me, ''What's the use in asking that? We're the same person.''

Both of us chuckle at the pointless talk.

Of course, we're the same person. At the end, we'll just be ourselves, so... there should be no regrets, right? Except, she and I experienced vastly different events. It's debatable.

''I hope we succeed. If not... I'm sure you know what to do.'' My future self calmly utters. ''Go back, bring our collective will, and do it all over again.''

''You mean... go back to the past?'' I pause.

Full of composure, Aurora muses, ''Why not? Once you have all of my memories, it shouldn't be too hard. We're lucky this time.'' A hint of melancholy lingers in her eyes. After a brief silence, she elaborates. ''I'm fairly certain we've been through this loop numerous times. The feelings are fragmented, scattered, but I know that 'I' have been repeating this cycle.''

''Did you meet another future self, too?'' I ask in astonishment.

''No. Time traveling defies the universe's rules. Its consequences are unimaginable. Even those versions of ourselves must have gotten obliterated between the planes of realities; barely a will carried through to reach me at that point. That's why I said we're lucky—because I am here as a whole.''

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

''Mhm. If so, the next attempts should be more consistent.'' I nod in agreement. ''Still, it would be nice if we didn't have to go back anymore.''

Aurora seems to have something to say, but ultimately stays put.

As a light breeze blows between us, I can't help but harbor strange feelings. A sense of restlessness, like I'm supposed to be moving forward at all times. A sense of helplessness, like I'm facing an insurmountable wall. A sense of emptiness, like there's no one else but me in this place.

Are these her emotions, too?

In the end, I choose to ignore them, forsake the solemn moment, and ask what I need to ask, ''Tell me. How long until we're fully assimilated? What should I keep in mind when handling your power?''

Aurora keeps her gaze fixed, sighing, ''Another month or two at most. You'll know how to ease the beast's appetite naturally. The same goes for my other abilities. Rather, what you need to do now is prepare to accept the assimilation.''

''Prepare? You mean... to keep my own self?''

Even though she only shrugs at my question, I have long realized this truth. Compared to her, I'm at a disadvantage. If we merged, she'll likely occupy most of 'myself,' while I may as well not exist.

I suppose... while that sounds a bit sad, I already made the decision to accept the outcome, no matter what it is. Still...

While hesitating, I feel a nudge from the side.

''Go.'' Aurora urges. ''Before it's too late, leave unfading marks on your existence, so that you will remember yourself later on.''

Realization dawns the moment I sense the intent of my future self. As expected... I don't want to lose myself at all. Nodding wryly, I take off to the sky once again.

Perhaps... this is the mercy she has for me.

First and foremost, I find my way to Chloe and Nydia, who are working to resolve the crisis in a countryside town. Since the pairing is random, they, who usually bicker, are together in this mission.

By this point, everything is already settling down. The two sit near the center of the outbreak, monitoring the authorities' handling.

''...?!''

''Hyah?!''

Without hesitation, I teleport them into a secluded alley. Both Chloe and Nydia relax upon seeing my face, and they warmly greet me,

''I did as you said,'' Chloe reports.

''I did my best!'' Nydia smiles.

A certain conviction runs through my veins. I reach out to Chloe, taking her by surprise, and pull her toward me. I embrace her slender figure, feeling her warmth, then resolutely steal her lips.

''Mhmp?!''

Chloe initially panics, but soon turns ecstatic and kisses me back passionately. As we part after a long while, her tender eyes staring at me seem to have melted into honey.

Unwilling to let the fire calm down, I turn to Nydia, who looks as if she's going to kill someone.

''Mhm...!!''

I embrace her frozen figure, then kiss her the same way I did with Chloe. The raven girl's stiffness instantly melts as she closes her eyes, her wings tightly embracing me as if unwilling to let go.

In the end, both of them stare at me, dumbfounded.

Having carved this moment into the deepest part of my memories, I take off again. This time, toward Luxia's place.

''Boss? You're here—uh?''

As the pink-haired girl latches onto me, I draw her closer, then press my lips onto her. The saintess immediately adapts, hugging my neck intimately.

Luxia remains dazed afterward, the stars in her eyes turning into hearts.

My next target is Claire, who is still helping the people restlessly. Once she takes a break, I waste no time pulling her into a secluded area.

''A-Aurora? Why are you suddenly—''

The heroine's emerald green eyes widen as I proactively kiss her. A hint of hunger flashes on her reddening face, and she clings to me almost desperately.

''I also love you, Aurora,'' Claire whispers, the strength in her grip only increasing. ''When should we do the wedding, my dear...?''

''...''

It seems this protagonist is a bit aggressive.

It takes me a while to escape her clutches, but once I am done with those four, I also visit Sierra, Scarlett, and Amelia. Since these three are not as romantically involved with me as the others, I only give them each a kiss on the cheek.

On the way back, I try to burn what happens in this evening into my mind, hoping these memories will keep me 'alive' when the time comes.