"You could call it the path of complete devotion, with not a shred of personal benefit."
Byerley wasn't exaggerating, but even with a straightforward description, the difference between those two paths remained vast.
"So, sister Byerley, why did you and the others choose the path of an Anchored God back then?"
Hearing Nearl's question, Byerley actually looked rather proud.
She smoothed a hand through her long hair, the other resting on her waist.
"Isn't it obvious? Because I love this world, I love all the life upon it. That's why my sisters and I didn't want them to exist like puppets in our palms."
"This kind of equality, regardless of status, is the greatest gift we could give them."
"Well, not that we can't interfere using our powers if we really wanted to, but at least it wouldn't be like the Free Gods, who could reshape the world on a mere whim."
"So, Nearl, little Rea, are you truly certain you want to choose the path your sister took? There will be no reward, right until the very end. No matter how tenderly you care for it, the world will eventually meet its demise."
"Will we die too?"
Platinum suddenly popped in. She had also briefly returned to the state of the Three Goddesses.
After all, this matter concerned the future; it couldn't be treated lightly.
"Of course not! You'll be fully formed deities, you won't die from that. It's just that after the world is destroyed, you'll gain nothing. Accompanying a world from birth to death... all you'll receive during that time are personal, internal experiences."
"That's enough for us."
Without waiting for further persuasion from Goddess Byerley, Nearl and Platinum exchanged a glance and made their decision.
"I was granted a second life here. I received care, friendship, familial love, a body free to move, a beautiful life I never dared to dream of. So, if I can do something for this place, I am more than willing."
"Just this once, I agree with this woman."
Platinum leaned slightly, resting her weight against Nearl's back.
The two of them, light and shadow as one, had never truly been at odds, and it was the same for this decision about the future.
Faced with two pairs of resolute eyes before her, Byerley could only let out a final sigh.
The path of an Anchored God truly wasn't a good choice. She sincerely didn't want these girls she saw as younger sisters to walk this road.
But in her heart, she understood. Nearl and Centaurea would absolutely choose this path.
Because that was their nature—to cherish bonds, to value others.
Whether it was Nearl or Platinum, they were both like that.
"Ah well, since you've made up your minds, I won't say any more. Nearl, Rea, prepare to synchronize your realms with ours, and step together into this world."
"Understood."
No more words were needed. Using one's realm was as natural as moving an arm. With a single thought, all the steps were completed. All that remained was to wait.
Yet, while operating at full capacity, the separated two unconsciously merged. The original version of a certain person made her first appearance.
Her eyes opened. Her aura was no different from what Ardan would later witness.
"Sister."
She nodded to Byerley in greeting. Compared to Nearl's sharpness, she seemed gentle.
Compared to Platinum's lazy indifference, she appeared warm and approachable.
"Ah, it's the complete state... Hmm..."
"No need to fuss over a name. This state is only momentary. I will separate again soon."
Seeing through her sister's hesitation, she stepped forward softly to help.
"Even if you say that, I still need something to call you. Let me think..."
Byerley pinched a lock of her own hair, rubbing it thoughtfully as she stared at this sister who should have been the Fourth Goddess.
"Inky Centaurea, golden Nearl... Right, combining them. For now, shall I call you... Umbra Light?"
"That's fine, if it makes it easier for you, sister."
"Mmm. It's a shame, though. You're the true personality, after all. Isn't it painful to keep yourself split in two?"
"Not at all. Different encounters, different lives, experiencing two futures simultaneously... I take more pleasure in this than you might imagine, sister."
Byerley had nothing more to say then. Because, ultimately, she still hoped Umbra Light would split apart.
It wasn't about closeness or affection.
It was simply that having two little sisters was better than having one!
"The fusion has already begun. There's little left for me to do here. Sister, it's time to say goodbye."
"Wait!"
Byerley's words halted Umbra Light's steps.
"The realm merging with the world will bring new rules. The eldest sister chose to give the Uma Musume new physical constitutions. The second sister chose to grant them a path of sublimation. I chose to bestow upon them fates from other worlds. And you, little sister?"
"What new rule do you intend to add?"
"Sister, you know my answer."
With light, nimble steps, the departing Umbra Light did not look back, only leaving behind her gentle, delicate voice.
"I hate hospitals the most."
--+--
"It's a good thing that merged state vanished an instant after returning to the mortal realm. Otherwise, I don't know what I might have done."
Nearl lightly touched her chest. Now, she could feel herself connected to this very world, yet she could gain nothing from it.
Instead, there was an illusion of being constantly drained.
"Nearl, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing. Perhaps I'm just a bit more tired than I thought."
Facing Ardan's inquiry, Nearl told a half-truth to brush it off.
"Is that so? I didn't feel particularly exhausted myself, but your condition seems quite different from mine. Maybe you did expend a lot of energy. You should head back and rest early."
Two soft arms tightly encircled Nearl's own. Ardan, thinking Nearl was feeling faint, supported her.
"Mister Kazumi has already gone into seclusion to rush the finishing touches on the racing outfit. His efficiency is remarkable even compared to past generations. One week will definitely be enough. Don't worry."
"Mhm. When the time comes, if my racing outfit turns out ugly, Ardan, please be merciful with your words."
"How could it be? What determines beauty isn't the clothes, but the person wearing them. As long as Nearl doesn't wear something filthy or ragged, there's no way it could be as you say."
--+--
Hokkaido, the countryside.
"Master! Master, wake up!"
Special Week held Platinum in her arms, shaking her gently from time to time.
"You were just supervising my training, why did you suddenly collapse?"
"Calm down, calm down. If I don't stay calm, how can I save Master?"
She rubbed her eyes hard with her sleeve. The edges of Special Week's eyes seemed to sparkle with a flickering light.
"A doctor, I need to find a doctor. But the nearest clinic is five kilometers away... Can I make it?"
Slap! Slap!
She slapped her own cheeks hard, the tender skin turning slightly red.
"It's not a question of 'can I.' I have to make it!"
Without further thought, she bent down, hoisted Platinum onto her back, crossed Platinum's arms over her own chest, and reached back to secure her legs.
"Let's go."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.