"I-I don't understand."
Aether was practically the god of all that existed in this whole tree of reality. If I were to use a word to coin it, it would be a multiverse.
She knew of past events and occurrences that would take place in the future. The branching timelines and alternate realities were all within her scope.
She saw everything!
"Yet you don't know his identity? What does that mean?"
"It is exactly as I have said. I bear the records of all that has existed and should exist in this tree of existence. It is both puzzling and perplexing that the one called Legris Damien is not a part of that. Though, there appears to be a plausible reason."
From what she said, I was already getting to the same conclusion.
"He's not from this tree of existence, is he?"
"Correct. He most likely originates from the tree of Nether. As a result, he is not within my scope of existence."
Aether knew Nether because of their conflicting relationship. However, it was understandable that she wouldn't know the people who dwelled within his reality.
"Do you remember when I spoke about an anomaly occurring with Neron? How he suddenly reached a point that even I could not handle? I believe it is related to Legris Damien."
My eyes widened as I took in this information. If she was right, then Legris was far more dangerous than I initially thought.
"He managed to disturb the natural order of things and it's somewhat because of him that Neron's path became so murky?"
"Indeed. I can only comprehend occurrences and characters within my tree of existence. Once corruption sets in, my senses are unable to perceive them and my power fails. Legris must have interfered with the natural order of things. The how and why is beyond me."
Aether appeared distraught—like how anyone would be if they had a little insect constantly pestering them while being unable to detect or stop it.
Legris had become a plague that continued to fester as a result of his anomalous existence in her world.
"But how did he manage to get here? The Nether required all the Arcanas to breach this place, didn't he? So how did Legris achieve it?" I muttered, rubbing my chin in confusion.
I knew Aether also had no clue, but it was something very curious indeed. I couldn't shake off the feeling that it was something close, yet far from my comprehension.
"Lewis Griffith, be cautious around him. If he was able to corrupt Neron, then surely the danger he poses still exists." Aether gave me a word of caution, and I heeded.
Though, a question constantly pressed me.
"If Neron erased the previous timeline, doesn't that mean everything is reset? Doesn't that include Legris Damien's memories? If we calculate that, then—"
"I'm afraid your reasoning is false. Neron only affects the time in this tree of existence. Time functions differently in the Nether World. It also has different sets of principles for its inhabitants." Aether interrupted my reasoning.
"Primordial entities like me, who exist beyond concepts like time, are not subject to it. The Nether is another exception to this law—though, he currently does not possess his full authority now that he has crossed over."
According to what Aether told me, she and the Nether were not subject to the laws in their respective realms. However, the way it applied to people like Legris astounded me.
"Neron reset everything in this world's timeline, but that has no effect on a being that is originally not from this world. Legris Damien's memories were most definitely not erased."
"If that's the case, then why would Neron let him be? Why can't Neron kill Legris and get it over with? Why would Neron erase his own memories?"
Aether shook her head slowly, smiling at me softly.
"You have killed him before, haven't you? Yet Legris always seems to appear. Neron also destroyed him in the future timeline. Yet, he never seems to completely vanish. Somehow, Legris has attained something akin to perpetual immortality."
Even when he was killed, he returned. If someone as powerful as Neron couldn't kill him, then I was beginning to get scared.
"You don't need to fret, Lewis. It is not your burden to worry about Legris Damien. That duty has already been assumed by Neron. Your duty is more immediate." Aether interrupted my thoughts with her soothing tone.
"I see. The Nether, huh? I have to defeat him. That's why I'm here."
"Indeed."
"H-how…?"
The answer still eluded me. If Neron was certain I could defeat that monster, surely he had a way to execute it. Currently, I was nowhere close to that monstrous entity in power, or anything else.
"By becoming a vessel."
"H-huh?"
"Become my vessel. Just as the Nether has a vessel that allows him to manifest himself in this reality, I can select an avatar to represent me and utilize my power."
I understood instantly. So this was what the plan had been all along. Using Aether to fight Nether. There was one issue, though.
"Can I handle the power?"
| сom "It seems you understand the implications." Aether answered.
Of course, I did. Even the Nether's vessel—the Cult Leader—had to absorb all the Arcanas to become the perfect host. And despite that, his body seemed barely able to contain the Nether's power. It seemed like it kept acclimating as time passed.
"I have had two vessels throughout existence—Merlin and Neron. Neron was able to contain my power, thanks to his temporal loophole and Magic prowess at the time, and he was also able to reverse the state of this world. It was at the cost of everything, but that was his desire."
"What about Merlin?" I asked with my brows furrowed.
"Merlin was a completely different case. It will do you no good to compare yourself to him." Aether sighed. "In the end, this task is up to you."
Silence pervaded the hall, and it seemed Aether awaited my response.
"What will your decision be, Lewis Griffith?"
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[A/N]
The moment of truth approaches and the end draws near.
What will become of Lewis/Jared? And how will his choice affect all of existence?
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