Chapter 173
Even now, ORT is still reviewing Favia's memories, because he cannot understand why Favia, also Star, can reignite.
Under normal circumstances, even though he was already dead, in the fleeting moment before his consciousness vanished and his body was slowly falling into fragments, ORT clearly saw with his own eyes the appearance of the Star that had killed him.
How can one surpass their own past failures, and even surpass the once-faded Supernova?
Is it merely because of breaking through limits and burning out 4.6 billion years?
Such insignificant years, so...
This is... how...
"So beautiful..."
In the silent, imperceptible transition, it uttered this mechanical sigh—perhaps for the first time.
Although one can never learn culture, one should at least possess the ability to imitate the behaviors of creatures one has already preyed upon.
"Sun..."
These final whispers were carried away by the wind, never reaching Favia's ears, and then there was no more sound.
"... Is it beautiful..."
Favia, who heard ORT murmur "beautiful" but didn't know what he meant, couldn't help but smile.
The Star Eater, summoned by Planet but arriving at the wrong time, has met its end.
When the crimson sky above, symbolizing the protection and blockade of Pluto (UO), dissipated, the cracked dome was revealed, and the once terrifying Crystal Valley on the ground rapidly faded away, marking the end of the alien landscape representing destruction.
At the very end of the only exit from this Otherworld, the towering tree withered, and the Sun died down.
Favia knew she was about to disappear.
But as long as that world—where people can continue—that's enough.
But--
"... It should be able to hold on a little longer, right?"
We must return to the place of our birth, for it was promised.
"I should go back... Someone is waiting for me, I can't break my promise."
Without realizing it, a smile naturally appeared on his face, and he couldn't help but shake his head as he walked step by step towards the exit.
The Himalayas, 1891.
Two humans who should have been dead are here.
One of them was Helena Blavatsky, the Magecraft and founder of Theosophy, who supposedly passed away in a deep sleep somewhere in London on a certain day in May.
One of them is Sherlock Holmes, the detective who is supposed to meet his death at a waterfall somewhere in Switzerland on a certain day in April.
"To pursue the evil left behind by Moriarty...?"
Under the clear, azure sky, Helena, who at first glance appeared to be only around fifteen years old but was actually over sixty, used Magecraft to make herself look like a young girl, yet her eyes held the composure of a sage who had lived through many years.
"Indeed, the scenery seen from the Himalayas Mountains, which can be described as the end of the world, is so beautiful that Watson might be quite envious. However, he might also complain that the scene is too much like a fantasy story and lacks a sense of reality."
"That's what the detective, who should have died, said," his eyes, brimming with reason and Wisdom, followed the Himalayas Mountains with unwavering gentleness.
However, he clearly changed the subject and didn't deliberately talk about Moriarty.
Helena naturally noticed this, and then asked, seemingly casually:
What kind of person was Moriarty?
It is evil, the Napoleon of Crime, an undeniable sin.
Originally, if Sherlock Holmes hadn't yet had his final showdown with that criminal genius at the Reichenbach Falls, he would have said exactly that.
However, on that day in Reinbach, Sherlock Holmes felt as if he were meeting this 'Napoleon of Crime' for the first time.
"At this age, I still can't escape the delusion that 'only I am special.' This confidence is actually unfounded; it's just the lingering influence of past glories. Even now, ignoring my current insurmountable disadvantage, I just keep deceiving myself."
One day I will succeed and be able to break free from my previous meaningless life.
As people get older, their dreams of success become increasingly inflated, and those who are driven to the brink of despair are more likely to become obsessed with turning adversity into victory.
However, this is precisely where the incurable nature of humanity lies...
Moriarty, who tricked Watson into leaving Sherlock Holmes' side, boasted so much to the detective.
"I thought you were going to give a detailed account of how you evaded the England Police and learned our whereabouts."
Sherlock Holmes said calmly.
"Well, of course I've had that thought, but that kind of thing isn't really important, at least not now, is it?"
The old man bowed gracefully and said.
"Yes, the thought of eliminating all the harm caused by your existence excites me greatly, James Moriarty."
"It is an honor to be cornered by you and to have a final battle with you, Sherlock Holmes."
Thus, "The Final Problem" came to an end, with the two combatants ultimately falling down the waterfall together.
"It looks like it's over."
As Sherlock Holmes fell down the waterfall, he calmly addressed Moriarty, showing little panic, for it was merely a necessary tactic.
What truly ended was the evil known as James Moriarty.
However, to his surprise, Moriarty showed a rather indifferent expression, not explaining what he had done, but rather reminiscing about the past.
"Yes, it would be much easier if we could let go of it; I've always known that."
If you don't force yourself to let go, you'll only encounter all sorts of bitterness and hardship, which I've already experienced firsthand.
I was unable to help Babbage complete his research, and Babbage passed away with regrets.
However, the thought of 'thankfully I didn't give up' flashed through my mind more than once or twice.
It is because of our perseverance that others will succeed over us.
Yes, I think it's fine this way, I'm already very satisfied... Nevertheless, I still have to shout something—"
This was the first time Sherlock Holmes had ever seen Moriarty with this expression.
Next, Moriarty suddenly gritted his teeth:
"Faria! You bastard! What an evil plan that's been going on for decades! You knew all along that things would turn out exactly as you planned, didn't you? It's certainly been very pleasant, and the failure to get what you wanted was also quite pleasant..."
But this wasn't my design! If I ever get the chance, I'll make sure you witness my truly evil plan!
This was the last time Charlotte saw the Napoleon of Crime.
It is evil, yet it also resembles a child searching for something.
Therefore, to Helena's question, he replied as follows:
"That's interesting. I guess this is what they call fate, him and me."
The two came to the Himalayas by chance, partly because there are still many unknown Hidden Realm there.
This was actually very good for Helena, who was escaping the Association's pursuit. However, the Association's influence was everywhere, and Helena, who had faked her death and escaped, had already been targeted. Therefore, not long after, somewhere in the Himalayas, seven Magecraft dressed in all-black winter suits blocked their way.
For Sherlock Holmes, breaking through this encirclement would not be difficult; as long as the two of them used their full strength, they could undoubtedly solve the problem easily.
However, Helena didn't want to do that; she didn't want to kill anyone.
"I'm already an old woman. Although I have no children or grandchildren, if I did, I'd be about their age now, wouldn't I? I don't think it's right for me to take their lives. Because I'm already dead."
I respect your decision. Please stay there and don't move.
Sherlock Holmes agreed, allowing Helena to cover herself, and then he defeated the seven men, who fled one by one in a panic.
However, in that very moment when the last person escaped, the instant Helena opened her eyes, something entered the corner of her vision.
Pink...
What is it?
Unconsciously, she uttered words, and her focused attention, which she had been maintaining to remain invisible, was interrupted, revealing her figure.
Helena Blavatsky!
Six people had already escaped from the Cave, and the black-clad Assassin appearing at the edge of her line of sight must be the seventh. In other words, this Assassin had bypassed Sherlock Holmes and come right up to her. But even if Helena didn't want to kill anyone, she had no choice now, or she would die.
Then, Helena saw the Assassin's eyes—eyes as beautiful as polished Obsidian.
"I will never forget Helena's teachings."
Helena could almost hear the voice of the young Assassin.
The child he once taught has come to kill him.
She immediately understood the Magecraft Formula and all the amulets he was using: physical enhancement, magic to calm the Divine Envoy, and the Magecraft Hashish used by the Assassin Order as recorded in "The Travels of Marco Polo" and "The Count of Count of Monte Cristo" to keep Assassin calm. So that's how it is.
Helena, having given up resistance, was about to die, as she should have.
"Oh dear, I never expected to meet such a lovely lady. I have no choice but to make my move, but don't fall in love with me at first sight!"
"Oh, Dad, really, you're so old, don't you feel ashamed? It wouldn't be good if Grandpa saw you like that."
When Helena opened her eyes again, the Assassin had been knocked to the ground, and in front of her stood an old man with silver hair and Pink-Haired Girl.
The reason she exclaimed in surprise and thus gave away her location was because of this Pink-Haired Girl.
"Are you alright... Hai--"
When Sherlock Holmes arrived and saw the two men's faces clearly, even the usually composed Holmes was slightly taken aback.
"... You're not dead?"
"Of course! You're fine, so how could I be? Don't you agree, Detective?"
Moriarty twisted his waist and said with a smug look on his face.
"... It seems I was presumptuous."
Helena then learned the identities of the two men through Sherlock Holmes's introduction: James Moriarty and his daughter Frankenstein.
"Because Grandpa said that if Dad suddenly wanted to go out and do something by himself, I had to secretly follow him, otherwise something might happen. So that day at the Reichenbach Falls, after Dad and Sherlock Holmes fell in together, I watched Sherlock Holmes disappear in a flash, leaving Dad struggling desperately in the water. To teach him a lesson, I made him stay with me for a few minutes."
"Don't say that, Fran, or I'm going to cry!"
"I see. So why did you come to the Himalayas?"
Ignoring Moriarty's antics, Sherlock Holmes continued his questioning.
"Dad said he wanted to see what you were up to by faking your death, Sherlock Holmes, so he came," Fran replied with utmost seriousness, then bowed in apology. "But don't worry, from today onwards, Dad and I will leave here; we're going to Antarctica."
"Yeah, it's not like we're the ones who will die, so it's okay!"
Moriarty stroked his chin and said.
"Okay, may I ask one last question?"
"Please speak."
"Miss Frankenstein, who is this... Grandpa you're talking about?"
This topic greatly intrigued Sherlock Holmes, especially considering Moriarty's previous remarks, which made him even more concerned.
After all, he really couldn't imagine that the Napoleon of Crime would show such an expression.
"Grandpa is still Grandpa."
"That's Fran's Grandpa, I don't know him."
Unlike Fran's joy, Moriarty also suddenly pouted.
"If Dad doesn't recognize him, then he's not my dad. I recognize Grandpa."
"No, Fran, I was wrong! Don't abandon your father!" Moriarty suddenly grabbed Fran's hand, looking as if he might burst into tears at any moment. "I admit it, I admit it, okay? I was such a bastard before. Fran is the most adorable girl. My daughter is my most precious treasure. Please, little Fran, don't forget your father!"
Seeing Moriarty's expression, Helena couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Just as Sherlock Holmes said, Mr. Moriarty, you are quite amusing."
"Oh, really? I never expected that taciturn Sherlock Holmes to say that about me." Moriarty suddenly stood up, laughing, and said, "This gives me a new perspective on you."
... What I find interesting isn't him as he is now.
However, Sherlock Holmes did not speak, but simply shook his head helplessly.