The Art of Gold Digging

Amy stared at the manga's final panel: her younger self holding Libris in that dark alley while the 'mysterious woman' she knew as the Goddess disappeared into the shadows.

Unable to move her gaze away, she kept her eyes on the pages to the point that the very drawing became ingrained in her mind. It was only when she remembered that she was on a timer that she finally snapped back into the real world.

Memories. Just memories.

A small sigh left her as she rested her head against the wall behind her. Once again, that thing was starting to grow in her chest: the numbness.

Numbness was the only way she had to describe it, but more precisely, it felt like there were so many things to say and so much to express that at some point her brain started getting used to the chaos.

It was almost like she wasn't the one feeling her own emotions. It was a weird experience, an experience that, honestly, she was beginning to take a liking to; it was very useful for not wasting time on useless feelings, and right now there really was no time to lose.

"Well, that's about right," she muttered, closing Libris shut.

[About right?]

"The whole 'deal with the devil' vibe of that last conversation I had with the goddess, the one shown in the manga. It's accurate, isn't it?"

[Mmm… I suppose you are right. The way the Goddess was depicted was suspicious. I wonder if this was a deliberate move by her.]

"Knowing that psycho, I bet it is." Amy sighed once again as her mind shifted from the Goddess's smiling face to her younger self's altered visage. "Seeing my memories as a manga chapter is…odd. But honestly not as bad as I thought. There are enough changes for me to distance myself…at least a small portion of it..."

[How so? Not to sound rude, but you looked pretty engrossed back there.]

Amy shrugged and lowered her gaze to the ground. "I mean, sure, I can get caught up in the 'memories' and all, but still, there are enough differences to keep me grounded here. Like—what the hell does my father have to do with nobility? They dropped that shit out of nowhere."

[Mmm… That might be due to the readers' perceptions of your character and their influence on the story. Remember, the readers have been speculating about your royal bloodline since your first appearance.]

"Speculating how?"

[Well, many readers have noted your golden hair and the barely perceptible purple highlights, which are associated with some noble bloodlines in this world. Combined with your mysterious knowledge and abilities, they've been theorizing about hidden royal connections since day one. And now that your backstory has finally begun being implemented, these theories have become a reality.]

Amy frowned, absently running a hand through her hair. "But that's the thing I don't get. Why do I even have golden hair and purple highlights in the first place? My original hair was brown."

[...]

"Libris?"

[That's... a very good question. One I unfortunately cannot answer.]

"What do you mean you can't answer?"

[I mean exactly that. At first I thought it was because of the manga effect; there are no ugly characters in this world, you see. Not that you were ugly, or anything similar, but like…]

"What…?"

[Either way, after seeing what it has led to, it's indeed kind of weird. I honestly have no idea… I think you should ask the Goddess about that when you see her again.]

"When I see her again?" Amy's voice rose slightly, causing Lyra to glance over briefly before returning to her healing. Amy lowered her voice to a whisper. "You make it sound inevitable."

[Given everything that's happening, and her promise about 'something special' waiting for you in the Library during the personal trials... yes, I'd say it's inevitable.]

Amy felt that familiar numbness spreading through her chest again. Another mystery, another problem to add to the growing list. "Jesus, it never stops, does it? Ughhh… And then, there's also the stuff about playing the character, which is slowly becoming a pain in the ass… Just how much of me is actually... me? If my appearance changed, if the story is rewriting my past, if the readers' perceptions are becoming reality..."

[Amy, do you really want to get into these kinds of existential topics right now? We are on a timer, you know?]

Amy was about to respond with a no, but then thought for a second and was surprised by herself. "I mean…kind of…?"

[I suppose there's still time…] Libris sighed, though it was soft and without ill intent. [You're still you. Changed, perhaps. Influenced by external forces, certainly. But the core of who you are… that remains unchanged.]

"Does it though?" Amy whispered, staring at the book. "Libris, to be honest, playing the mysterious seer has been kind of hard recently— Actually, I haven't been acting at all these past few hours… I feel as if my character is changing into something different, and I don't know if I like that. I don't think I have gone completely off script yet, but there were a few times during this whole ordeal we're going through that I almost did."

[Then perhaps the question isn't whether you're still yourself, but whether you're becoming who you were always meant to be.]

Amy's eyebrow rose and she gave a light shake of her head. "That's either very profound or complete bullshit, and I can't tell which."

[Why not both?]

Amy tried to smile at the book's words but her lips became uncooperative. Instead, she just looked at it with what was probably not a very good expression because Libris fell silent right after.

Time was ever passing, and Libris would shut down at any moment, so she probably should get on with the manga comments once and for all, but…

"Libris, about Mira…"

[Yes…]

There was a pain in her throat as she spoke. "I just… I can't stop thinking about it, the fact that she was missing from the chapter probably because the readers can't believe my character would do something like bullying. It feels wrong. You said that I'm becoming who I should be, but it doesn't feel like it if this part of me is hidden, the ugly part. I just don't like people seeing me as some kind of pitiful character when I'm…horrible…"

[Amy. That's not—]

"Amy?" A feminine voice suddenly called out, startling Amy slightly.

Both Amy and Libris went silent as Lyra's voice interrupted them. The auburn-haired girl was approaching, her expression hard to read. Sweat was visible all over her face; she was probably tired from all the healing.

Amy looked at Lyra, noting the way the girl's hands were fidgeting with the hem of her robes, the way she kept glancing at the others before focusing on her.

"What is it, Lyra?" Amy asked, her voice carefully neutral.

"I just…" Lyra began talking, looking pretty uncomfortable. "I wanted to talk to you, see how you're doing if that's alright…"

"I'm fine," Amy said automatically, the practiced words flowing out before she could stop them. "Just tired. It's been a long day."

Lyra's green eyes studied her face intently. "Are you sure? You look... upset. And I heard you talking to…uhhh, your book."

"Yeah… I'm still sorting things out. But don't worry, I'm fine, just need some time to—"

[Amy, stop that...]

Amy's mouth snapped shut mid-sentence, and a confused expression appeared on her face. Her gaze traveled to Libris with a clear question written on her face.

Libris took a small second to respond. [You can't keep pushing everyone away forever… Especially not now that I won't be able to keep an eye on you constantly anymore.]

Amy closed her eyes, and then with a little exasperation muttered, "Libris, this isn't the time—"

[There's never a time, is there? There's always something more urgent, more important to do. Is that really the excuse you want to use all your life?]

Amy frowned. She felt her hands tightening around the book. Lyra was still standing there, waiting, her gaze growing more penetrating by the second.

"Amy?" Lyra said softly. "Are you... are you talking to your artifact right now?"

Amy looked up at her. She had noticed Lyra's gaze on her for a while now, while she was healing Crow, but she didn't actually expect the girl to come over to talk… They haven't spoken much, if at all. So this was very…odd, to say the least. She was probably feeling very uncomfortable right now. Responding with a negation after the effort that it probably took to come here wouldn't be appropriate…yet…

"I..." Amy started, then stopped. She did not want to plainly refuse, but…this really wasn't the time.

Libris somehow seemed to read her thoughts as it suddenly spoke. [Tell her you'll talk after you finish what you need to do. That's a compromise, not a deflection.]

"..." Amy could not find any logical reason to refuse the book's words—actually, why was she even searching for a reason…

She bit her lip, then took a shaky breath. "Lyra, I... I have something I need to finish first—something important. When I'm done, maybe.. could we talk then…?"

Lyra's gaze softened somewhat. "Of course. Don't feel obligated to; it's not like I'm going anywhere."

"Thank you," Amy said, and meant it. "I promise I'll explain everything—"

"No, that wasn't what I meant." Lyra rapidly shook her head, leaving Amy feeling confused. "I just…wanted to talk…like actually talk with you. Not about anything related to our situation…"

"Oh…" Amy stared at Lyra for a long moment, processing her words.

Just... talk.

"I..." Amy started, then realized she didn't know how to respond.

They stared at each other in silence for a little while before Amy finally broke the silence.

"Why…?" She asked, the question slipping out before she could stop it.

"Why what?"

Amy was about to respond, but then shook her head and let out a small sigh. "Sure…we can talk later…"

Lyra stared at her for a brief second before nodding wordlessly and returning to her position next to the sleeping Crow, though Amy noticed she kept glancing over with that same concerned expression.

[Well done.]

"Well done what?"

[Nothing.]

"..." Amy's lips contracted and her brows furrowed, but she did not speak further. Instead, she looked around the chamber. Zayd was still in his meditative position, Ash was still snoring softly, and there was no sign of Iris and Lain returning yet.

"How long?" she whispered.

[Seven minutes and forty-two seconds.]

"Right. The comments." Amy straightened up, pushing aside her thoughts and emotions for later. "Then let's deal with the immediate crisis. We still need to read the comments, figure out what changes are coming, see how my abilities have grown, and prepare for when Lain and Iris get back."

[Your approval ratings have grown considerably these last few chapters—especially the last one. Even if the handling of your abilities cripples you, your power should still grow considerably.]

"As they should. After all the shit I went through…"

The book glowed faintly before opening itself up to a page showing an internet forum.

[Brace yourself. Some of these are... intense.]

"Ehhh, I think I can handle whatever random strangers on the internet have to say about my fictional family drama."

[Famous last words, as always.]

"Perhaps."

[Alright, enough time wasted. Displaying comments from chapters 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, and 162.]

Amy nodded, then took a deep breath before she finally began reading, then instantly after, a sigh left her mouth.

[Huh? What's up?]

"Nothing," she said, another sigh leaving her once again. "It's just that the tone difference between what I'm living and these comments is so abysmal that I got blindsided."

[Understandable, I share the same feeling.]

"Right," Amy for the third time let out a long loud sigh before finally once again focusing on the comments.

[First is Ch.156: This chapter covered the events from Crow's perspective during the week before your infiltration of the Eastern Wing as he visited each member of the party and tested their readiness. It has as highlights Crow and Zayd's talk, Vanheim's special lecture about nightmares, as well as the last page where Crow and you both talk about whether your parents will be there in the eastern wing.]

[Ch.156]

Dakota: Gotta be hallucinating, because after months of radio silence I can't believe that this is actually back. Been checking every week like a maniac and now it actually happened. Bro still can't belive it.

↳ 9.1k likes ⋅ 2187 comments

Baby125 ↪ replying to Dakota: I just caught up. Did the manga go into hiatus or something? Is the author ok?

↳ 187 likes ⋅ 343 comments

Thechad ↪ replying to Baby125: Damn you lucky, the rest of us had to wait months fo it

↳ 777 likes ⋅ 13 comments

Blablacar ↪ replying to Baby125: Yeah, it suddenly stopped updating and the author and the company went radio silent. No one knows why

↳ 97 likes ⋅ 43 comments

TheAnt222 ↪ replying to Blablacar: We know ta reason aCtually, is blecause the author is lazy and unprofefional. Thiz is their job and they shouzd have a estadar of schedule. I did the math and they are winning moore that a hundred thousands a Months witttuth counting brand deals. Compare them with Alz who hqz always been consistent. This author was good before but know they are falling of, as well as their story. Author I know you reading this so I will notify you that I made two alts accounts to review your story and tell you just how bad its falling off and how much you drop the ball. This past arc haddd been an awful read by the way, thai story is supposed to be dark and have enormous gugentus stakes, why did it suddenly turn into pony land??? So I also made sure to leave in my review and send you 13 dms how you should continue the story for teh fooresable futur. And also stop with the gay shit, this isn't Yuri/Yaoi right???? Idon't like the hints of Crow x Zayd and Amy x Lain relationshippp? seem to be Because if its Gay I'm dropping the story, this is your last warning author, if you don't stop with these developpements Iwill leave, this is your last chance

↳ 197 likes ⋅ 243 comments

Qqqq ↪ replying to TheAnt222: Talk yo shit king, say it louder for the people in the back 🗣🗣🗣🗣

↳ 897 likes ⋅ 13 comments

MysteryLover98: Did anyone else notice Crow's Soul Sight showing something weird when he looked at Zayd? The color patterns were different from everyone else's, is it because he's related to the tribe of Onyx?

↳ 1.6k likes ⋅ 234 comments

ZaydFan2000 ↪ replying to MysteryLover98: My boy is special, so thats probably why. In any case, concerning that Crow doesn't trust him at all after all this time...

↳ 487 likes ⋅ 43 comments

MysteryLover98: To be fair, Crow trusts no one.

↳ 700 likes ⋅ 24 comments

VanheimTheoryist: Why is nobody talking about Vanheim's lecture basically screaming "FORESHADOWING. PREPARE FOR TRAUMA"

↳ 2.4k likes ⋅ 156 comments

Lamial ↪ replying to VanheimTheoryist: Truuuu, it wasn't even suble lol, they literally just put it up there

↳ 400 likes ⋅ 34 comments

AnalyticalReader: The parallels between Crow and Amy at the end were fascinating. Both worried about their fathers appearing, both carrying that weight alone. The panel composition with them thinking the same thought was chef's kiss

↳ 2.8k likes ⋅ 167 comments

ChaoticNeutral ↪ replying to AnalyticalReader: "will he be there?" girl same but about my responsibilities

↳ 1.2k likes ⋅ 34 comments

PatternHunter ↪ replying to AnalyticalReader: It's like they're two sides of the same coin. Crow knows his father exists but can't find him, Amy apparently has a father that she's trying to avoid...

↳ 934 likes ⋅ 78 comments

Intelll ↪ replying to AnalyticalReader: I think Crow and Amy are actually family and here they are talking about the same person, it would make a lot of sense tbh

↳ 1.2k likes ⋅ 34 comments

AnalyticalReader ↪ replying to Intelll: Nah, Crow would be able to tell through soul sight, so I heavily doubt it

↳ 1.2k likes ⋅ 34 comments

Hollowplush ↪ replying to PatternHunter: And the book!!! Don't forget about the book! It was talking with Amy GODDD WHY HAVEN4T SEEN IT TALK YET, the heells going on, I want to listen to its, OMG I can't

↳ 634 likes ⋅ 108 comments

Amargadoreader ↪ replying to Hollowplush: Oh God, is this crazy person again. Why do people keep liking their comments?

↳ 34 likes ⋅ 50 comments

Hollowplush: "Will he be there?" SIX WORDS AND I'M DECEASED. The way her whole demeanor changed!!! Amy!!! Ahhhhh I can't cant acant cant canta cant canta canat acaata aaa HAHAAHAHAHAAAAAAAAA§A§A§A§§A§§§!!!!!!!!!!!!!

↳ 2.2k likes ⋅ 1523 comments

BookLover99 ↪ replying to Hollowplush: What my besties is trying to say is that whatever Amy's hiding, it's big. And we might finally begin learning about it soon.

↳ 1.1k likes ⋅ 78 comments

GrammarKnight: I'm sorry but I have to address this. On page 7, panel 3, Crow says "between you and I" when it should CLEARLY be "between you and me." This is a prepositional phrase requiring the objective case. How does Takahashi-sensei's editor let this through? This kind of grammatical error completely breaks my immersion. I've been documenting every grammar mistake since chapter 1 and I now have a 47-page spreadsheet. The degradation of language in modern manga is appalling. @Takashisensei. Are you aware of this????

↳ 845 likes ⋅ 1678 comments

[Author] Takashi-Sensei ↪ replying to GrammarKnight: アメリカ人は臭い

↳ 8.1k likes ⋅ 21123 comments

Nowayingguy ↪ replying to Takashi-Sensei: No way, author actually responded 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

↳ 4.1k likes ⋅ 123 comments

Blax ↪ replying to Takashi-Sensei: Does anybody know japanese? What did he said?

↳ 4k likes ⋅ 193 comments

Narr ↪ replying to Blax: He basically said something about contacting the agency and stuff

↳ 1k likes ⋅ 163 comments

Jesusisking ↪ replying to Narr: He DID not say that

↳ 700 likes ⋅ 63 comments

Nowayingguy ↪ replying to Takashi-Sensei: 🤣🤣🤣

↳ 700 likes ⋅ 2 comments

ShipperSupreme3000: NOBODY IS TALKING ABOUT THE REAL STORY HERE! When Crow checked on each team member, did you see the ORDER? Amy was FIRST! Not Ash (his best friend), not Lain (his trusted allie companion), but AMY! The newest member! This is CLEARLY romantic prioritization! And the way he hesitated before entering Zayd's room? That's because he was still thinking about Amy! Every interaction in this manga is actually about the Crow x Amy dynamic if you read between the lines!

↳ 445 likes ⋅ 789 comments

Duded ↪ replying to ShipperSupreme3000: That is so stupid

↳ 545 likes ⋅ 189 comments

Malik ↪ replying to Duded: Hold up, he might actually be cooking

↳ 45 likes ⋅ 89 comments

ALLLS ↪ replying to Malik: No???

↳ 145 likes ⋅ 49 comments

[Ch.157: Convergence of Intentions. This chapter covers mostly the reunion before entering the headmistress's office and has as highlights Iris butting in the plan, the planning of the big, big distraction, and you stating your purpose to save the most people possible.]

[Ch.157]

CrowDefender2025: First!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🕺🥳🥳🥳 I'm finally first 😭😭😭😭

↳ 1830 likes ⋅ 592 comments

Complainer ↪ replying to Crowdefender2025: "FirSt" Bro, no one cares.

↳ 525 likes ⋅ 1001 comments

CuteReader ↪ replying to Crowdefender2025: Ignore the guy above, I care 🥰

↳ 2.6k likes ⋅ 100 comments

CantBelieveThisGuy: I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY ACTUALLY WENT THROUGH WITH THE GIANT D*** PLAN 💀💀💀

↳ 5.4k likes ⋅ 892 comments

TacticalGenius ↪ replying to CantBelieveThisGuy: Honestly? Crude, juvenile, but brilliant. No one expects that level of... creativity

↳ 3.2k likes ⋅ 234 comments

Ash-tastic ↪ replying to CantBelieveThisGuy: "How big should we make it?" "Large enough to be seen from multiple buildings" I'M CRYING 😭😭😭

↳ 2k likes ⋅ 128 comments

Hollowplush: "I'm want to save everyone" - AMY STAKE EVERYONE!!! Who's everyone???

↳ 2.7k likes ⋅ 189 comments

SkepticalReader ↪ replying to Hollowplush: She did not say that exactly but close enough. We still don't know fully her objective but if it's anything like that… Takashi is going to torture her…

↳ 1.4k likes ⋅ 97 comments

Hollowplush ↪ replying to SkepticalReader: What??? NoNonOnO… If something happens to her I'll kill evryone in this room and the myself!!! RAHHhhH

↳ 800 likes ⋅ 797 comments

Amybootlicker: Can we talk about how Amy's is straight up serving with the new outfit? The others were nice and all but hers is straight up in another level

↳ 3.2k likes ⋅ 456 comments

FashionWatch ↪ replying to Amybootlicker: The gold detailing on her tunic matching her hair highlights... i'm actually shocked

↳ 1.4k likes ⋅ 178 comments

OutfitPowerScaling ↪ replying to Amybootlicker: Amy's outfit > Academy uniform > Crow's edgy all black > Whatever Ash is wearing

↳ 2.1k likes ⋅ 456 comments

AshFan3050 ↪ replying to OutfitPowerScaling: Leave my boy alone, he's trying his best 😭

↳ 1.3k likes ⋅ 234 comments

RealTalk ↪ replying to Amybootlicker: Takashi sensei's sense of style is very good, no impractical armor bikini nonsense in the entiere manga. It's the bare minimum, but these days even that is scarce

↳ 600 likes ⋅ 178 comments

CosplayPlanningGirl ↪ replying to Amybootlicker: Already ordering fabric to recreate this look for next con. That gold embroidery is going to kill me

↳ 800 likes ⋅ 56 comments

Barbi ↪ replying to CosplayPlanningGirl: Use gold vinyl instead of actual embroidery! Easier and photographs better

↳ 1k likes ⋅ 24 comments

IrisSupremacy: Iris admitting she threatened Ash to get included in the mission is actually crazy. Bet she will regret it later, deciding to come I mean

↳ 1.9k likes ⋅ 145 comments

MeetingDynamics: The tension when Zayd entered the room was thick. You could cut it with a knife. Even through manga panels I felt uncomfortable

↳ 1.4k likes ⋅ 123 comments

ZaydFan2000 ↪ replying to MeetingDynamics: My boy can't catch a break 😔 He's trying his best yet everyone treats him like shit

↳ 567 likes ⋅ 78 comments

DeepLoreHunter: Anyone else notice Amy's book has been the whole time in her satchel? Normally it would be in her arms or something. Is her book okay? Or maybe i'm reaching?

↳ 1.6k likes ⋅ 203 comments

HollowPlush ↪ replying to DeepLoreHunter: Nooo, you are right!!!! YESSSSSS SOMEONE ELSE SEES IT!!! The book is ALIVE and PROTECTIVE and probably PLANNING SOMETHING

↳ 743 likes ⋅ 134 comments

BookLover99 ↪ replying to Hollowplush: Omg besties, you are the only one who understands me, maybe we could start a cult together?

↳ 743 likes ⋅ 134 comments

[Ch.158: The Best Laid Plans. This chapter covers the infiltration into the headmistress's office as well as the distraction done by Ash and Zayd.]

[Ch.158]

MissionPossibleFan: The whole heist setup was perfect. Crow lockpicking while Amy guides him with her foresight? Chef's kiss. Too bad it was all for nothing 😭

↳ 4.2k likes ⋅ 567 comments

HeistMovieFan ↪ replying to MissionPossibleFan: This reads like Oceen's 11 if the team was teenagers and the plan was made by hormonal idiots. I love it

↳ 700 likes ⋅ 95 comments

AnimationWish ↪ replying to MissionPossibleFan: If this ever gets an anime, I need a full minute of teachers and students just staring at the sky in complete bewilderment at the giant glowing golden dick

↳ 1.7k likes ⋅ 692 comments

PlotTwistPain ↪ replying to MissionPossibleFan: They really made us think the plan would work. 20 pages of build-up for a 1-panel defeat. Lol

↳ 3.6k likes ⋅ 678 comments

DYING_AT_THE_DISTRACTION.COM: I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY ACTUALLY DREW IT. THE MADLADS ACTUALLY DREW THE GIANT GLOWING—

↳ 7.8k likes ⋅ 1.3k comments

CensorshipWars ↪ replying to DYING_AT_THE_DISTRACTION.COM: The strategic light beams and smoke effects doing overtime this chapter 💀

↳ 3.4k likes ⋅ 56 comments

ArtAppreciator ↪ replying to DYING_AT_THE_DISTRACTION.COM: Props to the artist for managing to keep it PG-13 with all those strategic shadows and light beams, it didn't feel unnatural at all. Still, kinda wanted to se the "distraction"

↳ 900 likes ⋅ 45 comments

JesusCredit ↪ replying to DYING_AT_THE_DISTRACTION.COM: Imagine grading papers and suddenly seeing that outside your window. I'd retire

↳ 604 likes ⋅ 23 comments

CrowAmy_Moments: THE TENSION!!! Crow and Amy working together, her nose bleeding from overusing her power, him catching her when she stumbled... I'M EATING GOOD

↳ 3.9k likes ⋅ 678 comments

DetailsDetails ↪ replying to CrowAmy_Moments: Page 8, panel 3 - you can see a drop of Amy's blood on Crow's sleeve. He was that close when she started bleeding. The intimacy is crazy…

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

↳ 800 likes ⋅ 142 comments

PowerCoupleRising ↪ replying to CrowAmy_Moments: The synchronized movements between Amy and Crow during the lockpicking... they didn't even need to speak much. Just gestures and glances. Soulmates i'm telling you besties

↳ 381 ikes ⋅ 167 comments

PlatonicDefender ↪ replying to CrowAmy_Moments: It's called teamwork, not everything is romantic jfc

↳ 489 likes ⋅ 734 comments

PowerCoupleRising ↪ replying to PlatonicDefender: Kill yourself.

↳ 1.2k likes ⋅ 1234 comments

TacticalAnalysis: Let's break down why this plan failed or could have failed:

They never checked if Elyndra was in her own office

They never checked if Elyndra was in her own office

They never checked if Elyndra was in her own office

THEY NEVER CHECKED IF ELYNDRA WAS IN HER OWN OFFICE

↳ 5.6k likes ⋅ 892 comments

WhiteKnightReader ↪ replying to TacticalAnalysis: To be fair, who the hell expects that the woman would be there a saturday night in her office in complete darkness aura farming.

↳ 1.5k likes ⋅ 92 comments

StrategicGenius ↪ replying to TacticalAnalysis: You know what? For teenagers breaking into the most secure office in the Academy, they did pretty well. The plan only failed because Elyndra is a weirdo

↳ 4.1k likes ⋅ 556 comments

ObvservantDude ↪ replying to TacticalAnalysis: Does anyone remember the rumor about the school being alive? Maybe that's how she knew. The portraits in the hall moved their eyes and then her comment about the academy having eyes everywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if Elyndra is connected to the Academy some way.

↳ 4k likes ⋅ 756 comments

IrisSquad: Iris being the competent one keeping watch while everyone else does stupid stuff. As always, best girl carries

↳ 651 likes ⋅ 117 comments

Alcabra ↪ replying to IrisSquad: Ma'am, she didn't do shit 😭😭😭

↳ 1.6k likes ⋅ 87 comments

Amy'sHusband: Amy's nosebleed getting progressively worse with each panel... my heart…

↳ 1.8k likes ⋅ 567 comments

THE_EXPLOSION_THOUGH: Ash's face when the explosion went off early 😂😂😂 "That's so fucking loud!"

↳ 5.3k likes ⋅ 678 comments

ComedicTiming ↪ replying to THE_EXPLOSION_THOUGH: The hard cut from Zayd and Ash's serious "this will provide adequate distraction" to the entire Academy seeing a 20-foot glowing was funny as hell

↳ 4.1k likes ⋅ 289 comments

AshZaydBromance ↪ replying to THE_EXPLOSION_THOUGH: These two disasters working together is comedy gold. "Should we make it even bigger?" "...That would be juvenile." makes it bigger anyway

↳ 2.8k likes ⋅ 367 comments

ZaydFan2000 ↪ replying to AshZaydBromance: Zayd helping with the distraction even though he KNOWS it's juvenile? My boy is trying so hard to fit in 🥺

↳ 2.1k likes ⋅ 345 comments

TrollReader ↪ replying to ZaydFan2000: Zayd does anything = ZaydFan2000 emoji with puppy eyes accompanied with "my boy"

↳ 3.9k likes ⋅ 597 comments

[Ch.159: Library of Futures. This chapter covered the conversation with the headmistress after being busted and ended with all of you looking at the colossus. As highlights, it contains the blame game (that you started, by the way) and Abbadon's silhouette in the background.]

[Ch.159]

HeadmistressFan: The Headmistress Elyndra was just amused by everything. She knew they were up to something and just let it happen

↳ 1.3k likes ⋅ 123 comments

PlotTwistIncomingfr ↪ replying to HeadmistressFan: Calling it now - she's connected to Crow's father somehow

↳ 700 likes ⋅ 345 comments

HeadmistressFan ↪ replying to PlotTwistIncomingfr: That makes no sense

↳ 700 likes ⋅ 345 comments

PlotAnalyst404: THE CHIBI STYLE BLAME GAME WAS EVERYTHING 😭

↳ 3.2k likes ⋅ 267 comments

ChaoticEvil ↪ replying to PlotAnalyst404: Chibi Iris with steam coming out of her ears lives rent free in my head now

↳ 892 likes ⋅ 56 comments

ChiBiLover ↪ replying to PlotAnalyst404: I need a whole spinoff that's just everyone in chibi form. Imagine all the serious battles but they're all tiny and cute

↳ 987 likes ⋅ 89 comments

FrozenInTime: THE NIGHTMARE REALM PANELS!!! The art is INSANE. I've never seen desolation portrayed so beautifully

↳ 4.1k likes ⋅ 345 comments

EagleEyed ↪ replying to FrozenInTime: : Guys, bottom right corner, page 18 - There is a figure

↳ 3.7k likes ⋅ 567 comments

MindBlown ↪ replying to EagleEyed: Damn good catch

↳ 1.2k likes ⋅ 234 comments

DevourerFirstFan: The Collosus taking up a whole page is crazy. I actually felt small looking at it.

↳ 2.9k likes ⋅ 234 comments

AmyKnowsThings: "This is the future" goes damn hard as a line. Amy got bars

↳ 2.3k likes ⋅ 189 comments

[Chapter 160: Father and Children. This chapter contains the discovery that the chaos creatures were accumulating, the revelation about our shared power, as well as the eventual finding of the headmistress's blood clone and her real corpse. Then the whole escape leading to the cabin with Crow's father waiting.]

[Ch.160]

ElyndraNooo: The headmistress corpse was TOO DETAILED. I did not need to see her joints bent that way 🤢

↳ 5.8k likes ⋅ 756 comments

BloodCloneHorror ↪ replying to ElyndraNooo: Crow's father is a monster

↳ 4.8k likes ⋅ 678 comments

HorrorFan666 ↪ replying to ElyndraNooo: That's what makes it impactful though. The horror needs to feel real

↳ 743 likes ⋅ 67 comments

CorpseDescription ↪ replying to ElyndraNooo: Yeah, like, did we need that much detail on the headmistress's body?? I know it's supposed to be horrific but damn Takahashi

↳ 743 likes ⋅ 67 comments

AnoàtherGuy: CROW'S DAD!!!!! FINALLY!!!!! AFTER 160 CHAPTERS!!!!

↳ 6.2k likes ⋅ 892 comments

CROW_DAD_FINALLY ↪ replying to AnoàtherGuy: This cliffhanger is actually evil

↳ 9.2k likes ⋅ 2.1k comments

MIND_OFFICIALLY_BLOWN: Amy has two powers?!?!? The book and some kind of weird foresight?? The ranking of strength are about to change like crazy

↳ 8.7k likes ⋅ 1.4k comments

HollowPlush ↪ replying to MIND_OFFICIALLY_BLOWN: THE BOOK HAS SECRETS!!! It's been guiding her this whole time!! There's more to their connection!! I KNEW IT HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAH

↳ 2.3k likes ⋅ 423 comments

TheoryWasRight ↪ replying to MIND_OFFICIALLY_BLOWN: I called it. I said Amy's knowledge was too specific to be her powers alone. Natural weird foresight + artifact boost = broken OP seer

↳ 2.1k likes ⋅ 892 comments

PowerScalingGod ↪ replying to MIND_OFFICIALLY_BLOWN: Wait so the book amplifies her natural ability? Or is it more like an add-on?

↳ 500 likes ⋅ 492 comments

DetailHunter ↪ replying to MIND_OFFICIALLY_BLOWN: Go back and reread her scenes. The "tells" were there - slightly off speech patterns, too-perfect reactions... I should have known

↳ 1k likes ⋅ 234 comments

AMYNewHairConditioner ↪ replying to MIND_OFFICIALLY_BLOWN: "If we stay here, we die" Girl's been carrying death visions alone, my baby 🥺 🥺 🥺

↳ 3k likes ⋅ 789 comments

MetaReader ↪ replying to MIND_OFFICIALLY_BLOWN: Amy revealing her true power level right before meeting Crow's dad is NOT a coincidence. Takahashi's setting up something massive

↳ 5.7k likes ⋅ 834 comments

EscapeSequenceReaderbossesd: That chase scene was INTENSE. Panel after panel of pure terror, barely staying ahead of the swarm

↳ 3.6k likes ⋅ 445 comments

LolCritique ↪ replying to EscapeSequence: The chaos creatures all look the same. Copy paste monsters with no individual design. Lazy artwork for such an important scene

↳ 14 likes ⋅ 189 comments

EscapeSequence ↪ replying to LolCritique: Complaining about the art of this manga is crazy, you are lowkey a dumbass ngl

↳ 500 likes ⋅ 19 comments

CliffhangerPain9000: Ending on Crow seeing his father... the DRAMA. The TENSION. My heart can't take this

↳ 6.8k likes ⋅ 789 comments

GoldenDetailGuySpotter: THE GOLDEN HAIR!!! Wrapped around his fingers!!! WHOSE IS IT???

↳ 3.9k likes ⋅ 678 comments

TheoryMachine ↪ replying to GoldenDetail: It's gotta be connected to Amy somehow. Golden hair, golden book...

↳ 1.4k likes ⋅ 234 comments

[Chapter 161: Past. This chapter covers the conversation with Abbadon, the chaos creature's siege on the house, and finally my heroic intervention]

CrowFather_Finally: After 160 chapter we finally get the father-son confrontation and it's exactly as painful as expected 😭😭😭

↳ 13.2k likes ⋅ 567 comments

CrowNeedaHug: The panel where Crow realizes his dad has been making him suffer ON PURPOSE... my heart

↳ 8.7k likes ⋅ 345 comments

PacingIsTrash: 160 chapters to get father-son meeting and it lasts 5 pages??? Then he runs away AGAIN??? I'm so tired of this dragged out mystery bullshit

↳ 1.3k likes ⋅ 456 comments

Hollowplush: I knewwww it!!!! I FUCKUING KNEW IT! I KNEW IT i knew it I knew it!!!! It was the book, it was the key to everything!!!!

↳ 9.7k likes ⋅ 892

GoldenLightMystery ↪ replying to Hollowplush: What kind of artifact is that thing??? The hell

↳ 6.8k likes ⋅ 1.3k comments

HollowPlush ↪ replying to GoldenLightMystery: I'VE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR MONTHS!!! THE BOOK IS INSANELY POWERFUL!!! Why doesn't it have a name yet?! WHYWHYWHYWHWYHWY WHYW HWY WHYW HYWHW Y

↳ 1.9k likes ⋅ 234 comments

EmotionalDamage ↪ replying to Hollowplush: The panel of Amy crying while clutching her damaged book... after everything they've been through together... I'm not okay

↳ 5.4k likes ⋅ 789 comments

PowerScaling ↪ replying to Hollowplush:: Amy's book > entire chaos creature swarm. But at what cost? The damage it took saving everyone... 😢

↳ 2.3k likes ⋅ 234 comments

LibroProtectionSquad: GIVE AMY'S BOOK A NAME!!! It's been the MVP for chapters and we still don't know what to call it! #JusticeForTheBook

↳ 6.1k likes ⋅ 834 comments

WAIT_WHAT_HAIR: "That man...! So he also had descendants!" + the golden hair wrapped around his fingers = Abaddon knows Amy's father confirmed

↳ 7.2k likes ⋅ 1.5k comments

TheoryMachine ↪ replying to WAIT_WHAT_HAIR: His eyes locked onto Amy specifically... this isn't coincidence anymore

↳ 3.4k likes ⋅ 456 comments

DialogueCringe ↪ replying to WAIT_WHAT_HAIR: Honestly that dialogue was so bad, nobody talks like this. The exposition dialogue is so unnatural it hurts

↳ 145 likes ⋅ 123 comments

ApersonWhoThinksAllTheTime: We still don't know:

Who Amy really is

What her book actually is

Where Abaddon has been

Why the future went wrong

What the Library contains

At some point you need to answer SOMETHING instead of adding more questions. If the next chapter doesn't answer some question then I really don't want it.

↳ 1.8k likes ⋅ 445 comments

PhilosophyMajor: Abaddon's whole speech about suffering being necessary for growth hit differently. "The mark feeds on anguish, grows stronger through tribulation" - this explains so much about Crow's journey and the tone of the manga

↳ 3.2k likes ⋅ 567 comments

NahFam ↪ replying to PhilosophyMajor: Nah, Is just pseudo-intellectual garbage meant to justify abuse

↳ 1.8k likes ⋅ 234 comments

AbaddonShoesLicker ↪ replying to PhilosophyMajor: Unpopular opinion but his speech makes sense. "Peace creates weakness, struggle creates strength." Look at how much Crow has grown through hardship

↳ 1.2k likes ⋅ 445 comments

NahFam ↪ replying to AbaddonShoesLicker: That's just abuse with extra steps and fancy philosophy. Takahashi is trying too hard to make child abuse sound profound

↳ 800 likes ⋅ 1234 comments

PhilosophyMajor ↪ replying to NahFam: Takashi is not doing anything lol, this is just a character weirdo

↳ 2.4k likes ⋅ 167 comments

MonsterSiegePanic: The chaos creature swarm was terrorific. They just kept coming, overwhelming everyone... I felt claustrophobic reading it

↳ 4.1k likes ⋅ 678 comments

PlotArmorHater ↪ replying to NahFam: Oh how convenient that Amy's magical book can just delete any threat when the plot needs it. Where was this power for the last 150 chapters? Deus ex machina much?

↳ 987 likes ⋅ 234 comments

ConfusedAsHell: Can someone explain WTF is happening anymore? Golden hair, mysterious fathers, time travel futures, ancient artifacts... this story has become incomprehensible

↳ 1.5k likes ⋅ 678 comments

RoyalBloodConfirmed: Golden hair + Abaddon's reaction + "descendants" comment = Amy is definitely connected to some royal lineage we haven't learned about yet

↳ 4.8k likes ⋅ 723 comments

[Chapter 162: The Weight of Gold. This chapter covers your memories…]

[Ch.162]

ProtectAmySquad: FINALLY!!! AMY'S BACKSTORY!!! Baby Amy trying so hard with magic and failing... the domestic violence... I'm SOBBING 😭😭😭 This explains so much about her character

↳ 8.9k likes ⋅ 2.1k comments

EmotionalWreckage ↪ replying to ProtectAmySquad: her parents blamed her for their marriage problems... "All your fault"... I can't breathe.

↳ 3.7k likes ⋅ 1k comments

ChildhoodTrauma ↪ replying to ProtectAmySquad: The slap panel... the broken dishes... her mother's dazed expression... Takahashi didn't hold back

↳ 3k likes ⋅ 892 comments

ParentingFail ↪ replying to ProtectAmySquad: Worst parent combo you can get, an overly involved mother and an absent father. Both use Amy as a weapon against each other instead of protecting her from their conflict. Some people shouldn't have children

↳ 2k likes ⋅ 567 comments

NobilityConfirmed: "failed prince" and "deserter" Amy's dad is royalty. Not only that but also from avalon, wich is crazy since we barely know about it. Called it. The golden hair, the eyes, powers, everything makes sense now

↳ 7.8k likes ⋅ 1.5k comments

AmySpotlightHater: UGH. Another whole chapter focused on Amy. What about the other characters? What about Crow's development? This series is becoming "Amy: The Manga"

↳ 234 likes ⋅ 1.8k comments

HollowPlush ↪ replying to AmySpotlightHater: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Amy has gotten like 3 chapters of backstory in 162 chapters while Crow gets development CONSTANTLY. Let my girl have her moment!!! She literally saved everyone with her book and you're complaining about SPOTLIGHT???

↳ 3.2k likes ⋅ 445 comments

BookLover99 ↪ replying to AmySpotlightHater: What my besties said! Amy is literally the most interesting character and this backstory explains her entire personality. How is character development a bad thing?? Fucking Dieee

↳ 500 likes ⋅ 834 comments

VoiceActingDream: If this ever gets an anime, the voice actress for little Amy is going to destroy us all. I can already hear the trembling voice during the magic practice scenes 😭

↳ 3.9k likes ⋅ 445 comments

DetailAppreciation: The dust motes in the air during magic practice, the way Amy's hair falls over her face when she's ashamed, the merchants' authentic-looking traveling gear. Every detail serves the story. This might actually be my favorite chapter from them, good job

↳ 3.1k likes ⋅ 345 comments

GenerationalTrauma ↪ replying to DetailAppreciation: Amy's father fled his responsibilities, her mother transferred her fears onto Amy, and Amy nearly repeated the pattern with Mira. The cyclical nature of inherited pain is perfectly illustrated here

↳ 1k likes ⋅ 34 comments

PsychodynamicTheory: amy's compulsive need to save everyone is textbook reaction formation - turning her own desperate need to be saved into a drive to save others. she couldn't fix her parents' marriage or stop her own abuse, so now she's trying to prevent everyone else's suffering. it's her trauma brain's way of maintaining the illusion of control

↳ 1.2k likes ⋅ 789 comments

Blll ↪ replying to DetailAppreciation: Meh, dunno if its that deep, this is Takashi san we are talking about

↳ 780 likes ⋅ 79 comments

GenationalTrauma ↪ replying to DetailAppreciation: Amy's parents are just passing down their own unhealed trauma. her father fled his responsibilities, her mother developed controlling behaviors as defense mechanism. neither knew how to break the cycle, so Amy inherited all their fears plus the pressure to fix what they couldn't. this is how families destroy themselves across generations

↳ 700 likes ⋅ 92 comments

Moredud: Any one has any idea who that final person who gave her the artifact was? That look like hella important

↳ 5.8k likes ⋅ 892 comments

LatentNightThoughts ↪ replying to DetailAppreciation: Dunno but appearing when amy is at her lowest point isn't salvation - it's predatory behavior disguised as kindness. I believe she targets a traumatized child, offers exactly what that child desperately needs, then disappears. that's literally how groomers operate. the "what are friends for?" line is chilling

↳ 2k likes ⋅ 300 comments

SimpleMinded: Female characters should be either pure waifus or badass fighters. This "realistic psychology" stuff is too complicated for manga. Just give us cute girls doing cute things

↳ 89 likes ⋅ 1.8k comments

Lalatam ↪ replying to SimpleMinded: Bro they gonna kill you XDD

↳ 809 likes ⋅ 25 comments

Maravilla ↪ replying to SimpleMinded: 1800 comments 89 likes, holy ratio.

↳ 719 likes ⋅ 45 comments

Lalatam ↪ replying to SimpleMinded: "They hated him couse he told the the truth"

↳ 319 likes ⋅ 845 comments

RoadToHellPaved: been thinking about amy's character arc and... she wanted to "make people happy" as a child and now she's trying to "save everyone." but what's the actual cost of that objective? how many people can one person realistically save before they destroy themselves in the process?

every time amy helps someone, she takes on their burden. Just like when in the last nightmare Building B she almost killed herself - she's collecting everyone's problems like they're her responsibility. but trauma isn't transferable. pain isn't shareable. you can't heal the world by absorbing its wounds.

the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and amy is laying down those stones one "saved" person at a time. her childhood wish was pure, but the execution is becoming self-destructive. how many times can she sacrifice herself before there's nothing left to sacrifice?

and here's the terrifying part - the story is rewarding her for this behavior. She up till now, has managed to save everyone. she's being conditioned to believe that suffering (hers and others) is the price of heroism. but what happens when there's no more suffering left to endure? what happens when she saves everyone except herself?

the merchant didn't just give amy a book - she gave her an impossible task disguised as a noble goal. and amy is going to kill herself trying to complete it, isn't she?

↳ 12.8k likes ⋅ 3.4k comments

ExistentialDread ↪ replying to RoadToHellPaved: this comment just broke me. amy is definitely going to die saving everyone and we're all going to watch it happen ↳ 5.9k likes ⋅ 892 comments

TragicHeroTheory ↪ replying to RoadToHellPaved: Classic tragic hero setup. Amy's greatest strength (wanting to help) will become her greatest weakness (sacrifice everything fo it)

↳ 4.7k likes ⋅ 623 comments

PhilosophyMajor ↪ replying to RoadToHellPaved: You just described the fundamental paradox of altruism. In trying to eliminate suffering, Amy is creating more suffering, but this time for herself. There's no ethical way out of this loop

↳ 500 likes ⋅ 34 comments

HollowPlush ↪ replying to RoadToHellPaved: NO NO NO AMY IS GOING TO BE FINE SHE'S GOING TO SAVE EVERYONE AND BE HAPPY AND NOTHING BAD WILL HAPPEN LA LA LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU

↳ 2.2k likes ⋅ 1.1k comments

Amy let out a long exhale, leaning back against the wall.

[So... how are you doing?] Libris's voice carried a note of careful concern.

Amy rolled her eyes, though not unkindly. "I'm fine, Libris."

[Amy...]

"Really... Some of those comments were actually pretty funny."

[...]

"Don't put that metaphorical expression on your face. That one guy getting roasted by the author was hilarious. And the people defending me in every single thread like their life depended on it? Kind of endearing, honestly."

[...]

"What? I'm serious, Libris. I'm fine... Even I honestly can't believe how fine I am." She shrugged.

Libris fell silent for a moment, and Amy could practically feel its worry radiating through their connection.

Tiresome...

"So what's next?" Amy asked, glancing around the chamber. Still no sign of Iris and Lain returning. "Should we look at some of those theory threads? The one about royal bloodlines looked pretty comprehensive."

[We only have three minutes left before I need to rest,] Libris said quietly. [Not enough time for the longer threads, and honestly, there's nothing incredibly groundbreaking in them. Just more speculation about your father and the usual shipping wars. Your powers have been kind of established already so there won't be much change.]

"Ah. Well, then I guess—"

[Actually, there is one comment I want you to see.]

Amy frowned. "Just one?"

[It's... unusual. Very short. Only has zero likes and one reply, so it would be easy to miss. But...]

The book's pages shifted, displaying a single comment thread.

"I guess I'll look at it, then..."

Amy straightened her posture, then focused on the book's pages.

Afriend: So, what do you think? Did you like what I did with your memories?

I've been reading this story from the very beginning, watching every choice, every sacrifice, every moment of growth and pain. And I find myself wondering about the mathematics of salvation—what is the exchange rate between one person's suffering and the world's happiness?

Amy, sweet child, you wished to make people happy when you were eight years old. Such a pure desire, born from your own misery. You wanted to give others what you could never have—peace, safety, love without conditions. But somewhere along the way, that innocent wish transformed into something larger, more terrible, more beautiful.

Forgive me for the dramatic comparisons, but I can't help myself. For me, you've become Atlas, carrying the weight of everyone's pain. You've become Prometheus, stealing fire to warm others while burning yourself. You've become Sisyphus, pushing the boulder of salvation up an endless mountain, knowing it will roll back down, knowing you'll push it up again anyway.

But here's what I wonder, Amy—what I've always wondered since that day I found you: Will it be worth it? When you reach the end of this story, when you've saved everyone you possibly can, when you've paid every price and made every sacrifice—will you look back and think it was worth the cost?

You see, I could tell you how this ends. I've seen it a trillion times, people like you. I could reveal the final twist, explain whether your impossible dream succeeds or fails. But that would rob you of the choice, wouldn't it? The choice to keep going even without knowing the outcome.

You're going to face moments where you'll want to give up. Where the weight becomes too much, where the road ahead looks impossible, where everyone you've tried to save looks at you with disappointment or fear or pity. You're going to wonder if he was right—if you really are just a failure dressed up in noble intentions.

The road to hell may be paved with good intentions, but the road to heaven? That's paved with good intentions too. The only difference is whether you have the strength to keep walking when the path becomes impossible. I can't wait to see it, honestly.

I gave you a book, Amy. But I never gave you the friend you currently hold. And that gave me hope.

"Was this the life I wanted to live?" I wondered. Then I realized you were the one with the answer.

I hope one day you can share your findings with me. After all, what are friends for?

—Someone who has been watching your story unfold with great interest

↳ 0 likes ⋅ 1 comments

Didin ↪ replying to Afriend: I can smell the odor from here stinky otaku

↳ 1 like ⋅ 0 comments

Amy stared at the comment, her grip on the book gradually tightening. The intimate knowledge. The casual tone. The way it spoke…it would be stupid to even wonder who that was.

"Libris," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "When was this posted?"

[...Seventeen minutes ago.]

"Right after we entered this chamber."

[Yes.]

Amy took a deep breath, trying to calm herself before shaking her head then reading the comment again, focusing on the final line: "I hope one day you can share it with me, your findings."

[What a confusing creature…]

"Three minutes," Amy said quietly. Her attention already moving away from the comment.

[One minute and forty-seven seconds, actually.]

"One minute and forty-seven seconds," Amy repeated, her voice hollow. "Right. We should check the stats before you..."

[Before I take my well-deserved nap. Yes, let's see how much your suffering has translated into numerical gains.]

"Right…" Quickly after uttering those words, the pages shifted, revealing Amy's updated status screen:

Name: Amy Stake
Special ability: Fate's Road
Secondary ability: Shared Fate (New - Bonded with Libris)

STR: F → D
END: E → C
DEX: E → C
AGI: F → C
MAG: C (F) → B (D)

READER SENTIMENT:
Fanatic: 0.01% → 1.01% ↑ (Increase of 1% since last checked)
Devoted: 1.3% → 7.3% ↑ (Increase of 6% since last checked)
Like: 23.8% → 38.8% ↑ (Increase of 15% since last checked)
Neutral/Undecided: 74.18% → 50% ↓ (Decrease of 24.18% since last checked)
Dislike: 0.7% → 2.2% ↑ (Increase of 1.5% since last checked)
Hate: 0.01% → 0.49% ↑ (Increase of 0.48% since last checked)
Amy-Level: 0.0% → 0.2% ↑

Overall: Your ability power has increased from level 12 to 45.

Ability's Mastery: 4 → 9 (Nearing threshold)

Amy stared at her status fixedly. "That's... a lot."

[Quite impressive. That last chapter really boosts you up. You're in record-breaking territory. Even if your mastery is low and you can't utilize your full powers, it won't matter as your ability power is so big that it is impossible for you to not notice the difference]

"Wonderful," Amy muttered, though there was no real emotion behind it. "And this new ability—Shared Fate. That's the one we were working for, right?"

[Indeed. A way for you to look into the future and fight back against the rapidly changing story. You can use it with me sleeping too, so don't worry.]

"Nice, good thing at least that went well." Amy traced a finger over the stats. "My physical stats plus magic also went up. Is that the training week results? Or me running away desperately trying to survive from a swarm of monsters all day?"

[Probably both. Though I suspect meeting the monster helped a lot—maybe even our boss had a hand in it, since this is actually quite a bit higher than I expected.]

Amy let out a sound that might have been a laugh if it had any humor in it. "Right. The Goddess." She glanced around the chamber again, half-expecting to see those galaxy eyes watching from the shadows. "She's here somewhere, isn't she? Watching us."

[Most likely. But we have more immediate concerns.]

"Like you're going to sleep." The words came out flatter than Amy intended.

[It's temporary, Amy. I'll wake up in no time I—]

"When?" Amy interrupted. "Remind me, please. My memory is a little hazy."

A pause. Then, quietly: [From now on, I'll be awake one hour a day if we are fortunate.]

"And if we are unfortunate…?"

[An hour a week, or even a month… hard to say.]

"A month." Amy closed her eyes. "By then, this whole thing will be over one way or another. Actually probably it will be over by tomorrow."

[Yes.]

They sat in silence for a moment. Around them, the chamber remained still—Zayd meditating, Ash snoring, Lyra stealing glances while healing Crow. It felt surreal, having this conversation while the world continued around them.

"Tomorrow you'll wake up," Amy said finally, trying to inject certainty into her voice.

[I'm not sure that's true, Amy.]

"It will be. It has to be."

[Aww, can't even be a day without me] Libris said gently, and there was something almost teasing in its tone. [Don't cry too much while I'm gone, alright.]

Amy's lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "Even if I felt like crying—which I don't, because everything feels weirdly empty right now—I wouldn't have any tears left. Used them all up when I thought you were dead."

[Amy...]

"It's fine. Really. This… numbness? Is actually kind of useful. No messy emotions getting in the way of what needs to be done." She shifted against the wall. "Speaking of which, we should probably talk about Abaddon."

[Ah. Yes.]

"He'll be back, won't he? That dramatic exit of his wasn't a permanent goodbye."

[Without a doubt. Whatever game he's playing, whatever his connection to your bloodline, he's far from finished. You should prepare yourself for—]

"I know," Amy cut in. "Trust me, I know. Didn't really need the reminder, but thanks anyway."

[Was that a little venom I heard in your voice? I'm trying to be helpful, you know.]

"Libris…why does this feel like a goodbye?" The words slipped out before Amy could stop them.

Libris was quiet for a long moment. Then: [It's not goodbye. It's just... see you later.]

"Right. See you later." Amy's hands tightened on the book. "In an hour tomorrow. Or next week. Or..."

[Amy, I need to tell you something.]

"For some reason, I can already guess what's gonna be about. If this is about my sins or my past or—"

[I don't believe you should pay for any sin. This whole saving people as well as your selflessness, it's bad for you.]

"Of course." Amy rolled her eyes and smiled bitterly. "That's... sweet. Wrong, but sweet."

[I'm not wrong.]

"I think I finally accepted it. Now that I'm level-headed and calm, I realise what I haven't managed to internalize till now. Libris, I'm quite a bad person." The words came out without emotion, a simple statement of fact. "I've kind of accepted it at this point. I hurt people because I could. I destroyed Mira because I was jealous and petty. I've been cruel and selfish and—"

[If you're evil, then you are calling me evil too.]

"What?"

[I told you before—I learned to feel by copying you. My personality, my emotions, my very consciousness are being modeled after yours. So if you're evil, then by definition, so am I.]

Amy stared at the book. "That's not how it works."

[Isn't it? I've been by your side since the beginning, Amy. I've seen every thought, every regret, every moment of genuine kindness you try to hide. Yes, you've done terrible things. But you've also thrown yourself into danger repeatedly to save others. You've suffered to protect people who barely know you. You're trying to save a world that has given you nothing but pain. If anyone thinks you are evil and hates you, then fuck'em.]

"That doesn't erase what I did."

[No. But it doesn't define you either. Amy, if anyone were in your situation and had the exact life you lived through, I bet they would have done just as bad a thing as you did. The difference is that none of them would have had the will to change. But you did. And for me, that's what matters the most. Have you not had enough suffering? Don't you wish for happier times?]

"Who said I don't want to be happier…" Amy murmured, voice barely above a whisper. "I do. I really do. But wanting doesn't make it happen. Not when everything's this broken."

Libris was quiet for a moment. When it finally spoke, the softness in its voice was almost tangible, more...human than before.

[Things will get better, Amy.]

She shook her head. "No, they won't. You don't get it. I'm too far in. Too much has happened. Too much has changed."

[You're wrong. Things will get better. Not because the world will suddenly be fair, or because all the pain will vanish overnight. But because you're still here, breathing, and fighting.]

Amy laughed bitterly. "I don't feel like I'm fighting. I feel like I'm barely crawling."

[Then crawl. Crawl until you can stand again. And when you stand, walk. And then run. I don't care, just stay breathing.]

"And what if I can't even crawl?"

[Amy. This moment—it feels like the end, but one day you'll look back and realize it was the beginning. The point where the stars began to align. Where the storms began to disappear. Not all at once. But gradually. And the sky behind it? It'll hold nothing but light. Nothing but smiles. Yours, too. And maybe mine with luck.]

Amy let the silence stretch between them. Then let out a sigh, a loud, long sigh, bigger than any before.

"This is at the same time the longest and shortest minute of my life…."

[Tell me about it.]

Amy shook her head then whispered. "I want to believe you, Libris. I really do."

[You don't have to believe me yet. Just stay. Just hold on a little longer. That's enough for now.]

Another sigh, another roll of eyes, another bit of her lips… but eventually a nod.

They fell into silence again for a short moment until Amy broke it.

"This really does feel like goodbye," Amy whispered.

[Even though it's not meant to be.]

"Even though it's not meant to be," she agreed.

It would be hard, yes. She would feel alone, yes… but at least Libris was here, still alive.

[Amy... thank you.] Libris suddenly spoke, shaking her out of her thoughts.

"For what?"

[For everything.] It said, with a human-like quality she had never heard from it. [For showing me what it means to care. For teaching me friendship. For helping me understand why humans fight so hard, even when everything seems hopeless. For... for making me want to be more than just a book.]

Amy felt something shift in the air. A soft, golden light began emanating from Libris. Then, impossibly, the light began to coalesce, taking shape.

An arm full of scars. Translucent and glowing, made of flesh, it emerged from the book's pages and went directly into her face.

"What—" Amy's voice caught in her throat as the ghostly hand reached up and gently caressed her cheek. The touch was soft and unmistakably real.

[I can see it now,] Libris said softly. [My dream of becoming human. Thanks to you, it's no longer impossible.]

"I didn't—I haven't done anything—"

[Do you remember when I told you that becoming human would be impossible, or worse? The reason was my contract with the Goddess. It bound me, defined me, and limited me to being just a tool in her story.]

"But I didn't break it. You did that yourself—"

[Because I was protecting you. And the Goddess healed me as a gift to you. Don't you see? Everything that's happened—my freedom, my growth, this glimpse of what I could become—it's all because of you. Your existence in this world changed everything.]

The golden hand lingered against her cheek for another moment, thumb gently brushing away a tear Amy didn't realize had fallen.

"Libris..."

[I need to rest now. I wish I could stay, but...yeah, see you later…]

The hand began to fade, the golden light dimming. It was so fast that it was obvious that it seemed that at any moment it would disappear.

[Take care of yourself, Amy, love you.]

"Love you too," she whispered out of instinct back, clutching the book against her chest as the light faded completely.

The warmth lingered for a moment more, then gradually dimmed until only the familiar weight of the damaged book remained. No voice in her mind. No comforting presence. Just silence.

Amy sat there, holding her sleeping friend, as the seconds ticked by and the world prepared to end around them.

Amy sat in the silence for a moment longer, the weight of Libris's absence already settling into her bones.

Minutes passed, she didn't move. She really did not feel like doing anything anymore; her body didn't really have much strength.

But there was no time for that. Not yet. Time was ever passing, and she couldn't waste it.

She looked down at the damaged book in her hands.

Shared Fate, the status screen had called it.

On impulse, Amy opened the book. The pages were blank. But as she fixated on them, something began to form. Not words or images, but impressions—fragments of possibility bleeding through their bond.

The vision faded as quickly as it came, leaving Amy gasping, and the book grew warm in her hands.

"I'm gonna end this," she whispered to the book. Then, carefully placing it in her satchel, she stood.

Her knowledge had proven obsolete during this whole ordeal. Yet she still had trust on it. And now in combination with her powers…

Lyra looked up as Amy stood up, that concerned expression still on her face. "Amy? Are you alright?"

"You said you wanted to talk?" Amy's voice came out steadier than she expected. "We can do that while we walk."

Lyra blinked. "Walk? Where are we going?"

"There's a place we need to reach before Abaddon arrives."

"What?" Lyra's eyes widened. "Shouldn't we wait for Lain and Iris to return. We can't just—"

"There's no time." Amy moved toward where Crow lay unconscious, his breathing steady under Lyra's healing. "We need to prepare. Set up defenses. And much more."

From his meditation spot, Zayd's eyes opened almost like a zombie...kinda scary. "Should I accompany you?" His amber gaze was assessing, curious.

Amy shook her head. "Stay here with Ash. When Lain and Iris return, tell them where we've gone." She paused, meeting his eyes directly. "Can I trust you to do that?"

Zayd studied her for a long moment. She could see him weighing her words, analyzing her expression, searching for deception. Finally, he inclined his head slightly. "Very well. Though I'm curious how you know where to go in this place. Even I don't recognize this part of the Academy."

"Let's just say I have a good sense of direction," Amy replied, not quite lying.

Lyra stood up, wringing her hands. "Amy, I can't just leave Crow. He's still unconscious, still healing. I need to monitor—"

"We're bringing him with us."

"What?" Lyra's voice pitched higher. "We can't move him! His condition is too fragile, and he'd never agree to—"

"He'll understand. He owes me after all," Amy said simply. "A big favor. And I'm collecting."