After saying goodbye to Morgan for quite some time, Iver still felt somewhat dazed.
Perhaps it was because he had fused with the Shepherd's remnant. Winter Angel's fate resonated with him—the Snake Tails who were destined never to become "Iver" and were instead consumed to maintain Ring Angel's sanity. Was that not also a kind of "Butterfly Molt"?
But Iver couldn't be like some hot-blooded protagonist and shout without a care in the world, "No matter what, I won't let her die!"
Because Iver knew that if it came down to it, he could sacrifice even himself without hesitation.
Just like the former "Taboo," who turned his students and lover into "amber."
And besides Winter Angel, how many people, gods, and other beings were such "fuses"?
On another world line, Isabel, who became the Queen of Flowers, was one. Sherlock, who "disappeared" while investigating, was one. Yanis, who lost control while attempting to contain Amber Angel, was one. Besides them, there was Bishop Mathers, who became a fallen paladin; his older brother Edward, who fused with the Demon Dragon's heart; and Hai Na, who became "Nameless"...
...Even "Iver" himself was one of them.
The meaning of their existence was to sacrifice themselves. Everything they did was to provide a margin for error when the savior failed.
The reason Iver could change their fates was simply because he had won.
He had replaced their sacrifices and completed the things they were supposed to accomplish. Thus, they had survived.
"...I see."
Iver let out a soft breath.
In that case, all I need to do is win.
The truth about Winter Angel filled Iver with resolve.
He said goodbye to Morgan with Isabel and headed for the Sea of Sorrow.
After leaving the cottage, the presence of that twisted sun immediately grew