Chapter 25: Spirit Transformation
For Hoshimiya Mukuro, this was the most important day of her life.
Not long ago, her sister's friend had come to their home.
That person chatted cheerfully with her sister, even suggesting that her sister should cut her hair short...
It was the hair her sister cherished most, yet it seemed less important than that person's casual remark.
Fortunately, the older brother later spoke up for her.
That brother was truly gentle.
Though it was their first meeting, he seemed to see right through her thoughts.
Yet he didn't hurt her—instead, he supported her with great kindness.
He said it was fine for her to keep her long hair even if it made her different from others, that she was wonderful and cute just as she was...
If only that big brother would visit again.
...But just as she returned to her room, a figure appeared before her.
A form entirely covered in static-like pixels, making facial features indistinguishable. Though she could hear its voice and understand its words, the sound was indescribable.
The voice carried a gentle and cheerful tone, evoking an inexplicable sense of trust.
And its first words left her stunned.
"Would you like your family to stay by your side forever~?"
Could such a thing really be possible?
She dreamed of this every day.
Having her sister and parents always with her, watching the starry sky together every night.
But now her sister seemed more interested in making her own friends, and her parents had their own work and responsibilities—they couldn't possibly stay with her all the time...
"If you accept this, you can freely manipulate others' memories of your family, make them forget~ That way, no one will disturb them anymore~"
"..."
Hearing these irresistibly tempting words and seeing the radiant, beautiful jewel before her, Mukuro couldn't help but feel tempted, reaching out to take the gem...
"Then... can I also manipulate Satoru's memories? I want him to stay with me forever too."
But before touching it, Mukuro couldn't resist asking.
She thought it should be possible.
After all, if she could control everyone else, surely she could control Satoru too.
If that were the case, then Satoru would stay with her, her sister, and her parents forever...
"Huh? This..."
But at that moment, the pixelated figure suddenly paused, emitting a surprised sound—clearly not expecting Mukuro to say this.
"Is it not possible?"
"N-No, logically speaking, there should be a chance of success... but I can't guarantee it. After all, Satoru... ahem... that man is rather special."
"Is that so?"
Hearing the "static figure's" explanation, Mukuro couldn't hide her disappointment.
If possible, how she wished she could control Satoru too.
That way, she could be with him forever.
"But don't worry, he's a very gentle man. No matter what you do, he will protect you, care for you. He's kind to everyone, so you needn't worry about him."
"Are you very familiar with Satoru-nii? Who are you?"
At this moment, the "Mosaic" figure continued speaking these words, her voice growing even gentler, which left Mukuro quite bewildered.
"...You can call me 'Phantom'~ Or you can call me the Origin Spirit, since that's what everyone else calls me~ So, do you want this precious orb? Though it might not work on that man, it's effective on everyone else~"
"I-I want it! I want my sister, and Mom and Dad to stay with me forever!"
"Hehe, what a lovely child~ Then I'll give this to you. I believe you'll surely find happiness~"
After receiving her response, "Phantom" chuckled softly and handed the dazzling orb in her hand to Mukuro.
Mukuro nervously accepted it, and immediately felt an infinite radiance burst before her eyes, followed by her body beginning to glow with boundless brilliance...
"Mukuro-chan, that's quite a commotion! Are you alright?"
"Did you trip? This child is unexpectedly lively, isn't she~"
"Sorry, we're coming in."
But just then, three voices suddenly came from the doorway, and the door was pushed open.
There stood Asahi, Mei, and Ayano, all three of them looking inside with curiosity...
However, when they saw Mukuro completely enveloped in infinite starlight, along with the Mosaic figure beside her, all three of them were utterly stunned.
What the...
What's going on here???