Chapter 366: Penacony Arc 『 Part Sixty-One 』, The Devil in Velvet part 5
「 "You had no desire to kill Stelle. You only did what you did to drive me and the Memokeeper away... but why?"
"..." Sam remained silent.
Acheron offered a slight conjecture: "Was it the 'Slave to Destiny' who commanded it?"
"You know Elio."
"I assumed such matters would be written within your script."
"My script has always consisted of but a few lines. Anything beyond that is unnecessary, unwanted," Sam replied tonelessly. "He knows my nature: There is but a single destiny, from which no one can escape... And until then, I hold the privilege of choice. However, you appear to be ignorant of this, so it's time for me to inquire: Who exactly are you?"
Acheron closed her eyes. "Perhaps not your enemy."
"That's not what I asked."
Acheron shook her head. "I don't deserve your curiosity. Loners wandering the cosmos always have their secrets. Take me. I've also been wanted by the IPC, so it's little wonder I know something about the Stellaron Hunters... that's all." She turned her gaze toward Sam. "…Perhaps I can assist you." 」
「 ..... 」
〜Bleach World〜
Katakura Town—
"I have a feeling—if Acheron had truly intended to draw her blade, Sam would likely be dead by now."
"I suspect your feeling is correct."
"Tch, you of all people…"
Yoruichi cast a languid glance at Kisuke Urahara, who was lounging on the sofa beside her.
"Don't tell me you haven't sensed it? When Acheron is with Stelle, she speaks in those half-intelligible riddles. But the moment she's away from her, or when someone else is around, her speech becomes… well, how should I put it? Rather shrewd?"
In any case, it was a staggering contrast to the directionally challenged persona she initially presented.
Taking the initiative to cooperate or extend an invitation was something that would feel perfectly natural coming from Aventurine or Sparkle. But coming from Acheron… it carried a strange sense of dissonance.
"You shouldn't assume she lacks wit just because her combat prowess is overwhelming,"
Urahara said, adjusting his hat as a playful smirk danced on his lips.
"She is a lone traveler of the cosmos, after all. She's seen every manner of demon and ghost. If one possessed only brawn and no brain, even an Emanator would find themselves in dire straits, wouldn't they? And what truly surprised me was that she was once an IPC fugitive? The Corporation actually dared to put a bounty on an Emanator?!"
"…They likely didn't know her true identity,"
Yoruichi scoffed.
"If they knew she was an Emanator, even if they didn't enshrine her, they would have at least offered her incredibly lavish terms—much as they do for Herta."
Kisuke Urahara's gaze returned to the celestial screen, his expression uncharacteristically serious.
"Still, if Acheron is already this powerful, what does she stand to gain by seeking cooperation with the Stellaron Hunters? Another bounty from the IPC? …If Stelle finds out she's making backroom deals with the Stellaron Hunters, I fear their already fragile bond of trust will utterly collapse."
—
「 "What reason would you have for doing that?" Sam questioned.
Acheron: "I tend to forget things — which is why, rather than memories, I'm accustomed to using my emotions to capture what I normally wouldn't otherwise. So..... I know who is inside that cold armor."
"..." Sam fell silent once more.
"Well? Are you willing to step out of the armor and speak?"
"The time is not yet right." Sam shook his head. "I require no assistance, but I can offer a suggestion. It would be better for us both."
"If your goal is the 'Watchmaker's Legacy,' then investigate the Family. They have not only covered up the existence of 'Death,' but have also buried the past and the truth of the Dreamscape."
Acheron nodded. "I am already doing so."
"—Furthermore, the Astral Express is not your enemy," Sam continued.
"That, I also know… I simply never expected to hear it from your lips. What follows? Stelle was taken by Black Swan. Do you intend to find her?"
"There is no longer a need… I may as well tell you, Elio gave me but a single directive—' Get all of the Astral Express to track down the grand legacy.' I attempted to settle this through simpler means, but the result is as you see: I stand here confronting you. I have failed. The script cannot be defied."
"'The so-called impossible is merely something that has yet to happen'… Very well. Before we part, may I ask one more question?" Acheron said. "Is there anything else in your 'script' about me? I'd like to know what kind of footnote 'I' get to leave in that future foreseen by destiny?"
Sam was silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "Regrettably, there is not a single word."
Acheron let out a soft sigh. "…I am not surprised." 」
「 ..... 」
〜Shingeki No Kyojin World〜
"Something's not right…"
In the barracks, Armin lay on his bed, meticulously scrutinizing the exchange between Acheron and Sam. He felt an underlying inconsistency.
"What's wrong?"
Jean poked his head down from the top bunk, curious.
"Acheron is an Emanator. Even if she has no personal interest in the legacy, her influence should be paramount… she should be a variable that shifts the entire board! How could Sam's script fail to mention her entirely?"
"Why is that impossible? Maybe she just doesn't want to get involved. Maybe she just wants a quiet vacation in Penacony,"
Jean replied, not quite grasping the issue.
"Whether she acts or not isn't entirely up to her. Someone that powerful—even if she just stands still in Penacony—other factions will try to recruit her or interfere with her. Assuming there are no other Emanators in Penacony, or that a Star God doesn't personally intervene… it means whichever side Acheron chooses could sweep everyone else off the table with overwhelming force. And yet, she doesn't appear in Elio's prophecy… Is she truly that inconsequential? Or does Penacony harbor many other Emanators with hidden identities who haven't revealed themselves yet, making Acheron unremarkable among them?"
If it were the former, Armin couldn't fathom it. But if it were the latter, the implications for Penacony were terrifying.
—
「 Having spoken, Acheron turned to depart.
"Hang on..." Sam suddenly called out to her. He spoke each word with sudden, solemn gravity: "I don't."
Acheron turned her head slightly. "Don't what?"
"Your initial question—'Do you still have dreams about everyone who died because of you?'" Sam said. "I don't. Never have."
"I was born without the ability to "dream." I live for this cold harsh reality, for a little light, and to burn... to keep on burning, until I turn to ash. Sam looked up. "So, I really envy you."
"Is that so…" Acheron's eyes cast downward. She turned away, her voice faint. "Then you are already living in the waking world." 」
「 ..... 」