Mizuki's Troubles

In truth, Mizuki could have completely ignored it; the Church of the Deep meant nothing to him. But he always felt that certain things needed to be resolved, so he brought Amaia here to answer her questions, bringing all the grievances to a conclusion. That would be enough.

Are you one too?

"I'm a little different. At first, I was just an ordinary Aegir. Later, things changed a little. Two people placed unconditional trust in me, and countless others were willing to become my steps toward the future."

As Mizuki spoke, the rain stopped, and the sun quickly shone on the two of them again. Mizuki basked in the sunlight, while Amaia hid slightly in the shadows.

"Perhaps this staircase is not yet completed, and I am just another step on it, but that doesn't matter."

Amaia couldn't understand what Mizuki meant by those words, but after this Seaborn spirit acknowledged Cicero's theory, the last shred of faith in her heart vanished.

"You don't hate humans, let alone despise them. You just think that human virtues are all hypocritical. In comparison, Seaborn seems exceptionally pure and focused, putting everything into the continuation of the Brood, whether it's his own death and sacrifice, or his continuous evolution and reproduction."

"Among the people in the Church of the Deep, you must be one of the more contradictory ones."

They don't worship the power of the Seaborn, nor do they want to rely on the Seaborn to change anything. They simply no longer have any hope for humanity. Sacrifice and dedication, humility and courage—in Amaia's eyes, these are all labeled as hypocrisy.

Sacrifice and dedication stem from being morally coerced by others; humility and courage are for building one's own reputation. She links utilitarianism with virtue, thus seeing only grayness in the world.

"May I know how Seaborn views the Church of the Deep?"

"Well, at first there was confusion; the Brood couldn't understand why Aegir would approach them not for the purpose of protecting their territory or hunting. Then came acceptance; they called you 'phosphorus-free brethren.' But most of the Church of the Deep probably didn't understand one thing."

Mizuki closed the umbrella; for him, accessing Seaborn's the Brood collection of memories was no longer difficult.

In the past, he could only maintain his own personality, and actively getting involved in the thoughts of the Brood would be extremely dangerous. But now, with Exusiai and Doctor. as his anchors, he doesn't need to worry about that.

"Your actions are meaningless to the Seaborn the Brood."

"Seaborn calls you phosphorus-free brethren because of your actions, but this is not to thank you for what you have done. Seaborn does not care about or pay attention to your selfishness. The Brood exists only to perpetuate itself."

"Ultimately, your worship of Seaborn's power and mindset, leading you to choose to betray your own race, is something Seaborn would never do."

Amaia let out a soft breath. She suddenly realized that what Mizuki had told her wasn't particularly surprising. If it weren't for the fact that the Church of the Deep still couldn't establish an effective communication channel with the Brood entire Seaborn, she could have asked any Seaborn about these things.

However, the Church of the Deep never considered starting a relationship with the Seaborn through equal communication. Some who worship the Seaborn see themselves as their servants and take pride in becoming Seaborn.

There are also some ambitious individuals who attempt to convert the Seaborn into their own, even going to great lengths to categorize Seaborn into different levels and then evolve them towards the higher levels they desire.

So, in the eyes of this Seaborn spirit, was everything just so ridiculous?

"Were those Sea Siren... messengers from the past?"

"Yes, they evolved from the Seaborn. When creating the Seaborn, the creators of the Old Civilization copied a portion of their own personality and placed it into the Seaborn's thought process."

"... for survival."

"It seems you've already guessed to some extent that Seaborn is indeed not the perfect creation you imagined."

Mizuki nodded slightly, watching the figure slowly approaching from not far away.

"Seaborn himself was merely a life form created by the Old Civilization to prolong its own existence. The Primordial Seaborn always remembered that emotion called sadness, a sadness that you cannot understand."

At the very end of civilization, all efforts are in vain, and no amount of sacrifice can reverse the situation. Failure is inevitable, and everything cherished will be lost. That sorrow is etched in the hearts of the Seaborn.

The Church of the Deep could not understand this feeling, and therefore could not truly integrate into Seaborn. Mizuki did not like the people in front of her; they all had their own ulterior motives and mostly only wanted to use Seaborn as a tool.

"Every story should have an ending. I have answered your question. Now let the story of the Church of the Deep come to a close."

Amaia seemed to sense something. She turned around and saw Specter, dressed in a new uniform, walking towards her with a brand-new circular saw.

"Laurentina, it's been a long time."

"It really has been a long time, Amaia. Can you guess how many days and nights I've longed to dance with you again?"

Specter gently twirled the circular saw in his hand, then straightened his new clothes slightly.

This new uniform was made by Gladiia based on her previous uniform as Abyssal Hunters. As for the weapon, since they couldn't make Aegir's materials, they had to make do with Terra's alloy, but it still works.

Amaia remembers that she was wearing the same outfit when she first encountered the Specter. If she had been facing the Specter at its peak, no one would have dared to approach without at least a dozen deep-sea bishops.

Now, Specter has invited her to dance, but after the dance, only one person is destined to remain standing there.

Mizuki certainly wouldn't interfere with Specter's revenge, nor did he mind Specter's bloodthirsty side; all he wanted to do was watch this story come to a conclusion.

If he really had any gratitude towards Amaia, it was probably for her bringing Specter to his side. Although it caused quite a bit of trouble, Mizuki did indeed like Specter quite a bit.

A mischievous and playful older sister who is also gentle and considerate at times, with white hair and red eyes—who wouldn't love her? He and the Doctor, for one, both adore her.

With Specter around, the chances of the harem going to fall apart are reduced by more than half.

However, Specter had said she hoped Mizuki would just watch from the sidelines, and she would handle the rest herself; this was her revenge.

Chapter 181 Mizuki's Troubles

Amaia died, accepting her deserved death with equanimity, only offering a token resistance to the Specter's attack.

She was probably heartbroken; whether it was Seaborn or the Church of the Deep, her faith had no place to belong anymore.

"That's exactly what happened to you."

Looking at Amaia with her eyes completely closed, Specter didn't feel any satisfaction. Logically speaking, no amount of Specter would be excessive for the enemy who caused her personality split and constant suffering, but she was surprisingly unwilling to do so.

"I never expected you to still have a warm heart."

Specter casually tossed the chainsaw aside, wiped the blood from his face, and then lunged at Mizuki.

"Mizuki!"

A beautiful, madwoman with a face covered in blood and clothes stained with blood lunged at him, which was somewhat frightening.

However, Mizuki didn't find it scary; she simply opened her arms and was then pounced on by the Specter, landing on the beach.

He knew that Specter wasn't happy about her successful revenge; she was just bored. Amaia wasn't exactly a good prey. But Specter knew very well that Mizuki wanted him to settle this score, and Amaia had been led there by him.

Thanks!

"You're welcome. Is this all you need?"

Mizuki had expected Specter and Amaia to have more of a conversation, but she didn't expect them to be so direct and straightforward, which saved her a lot of trouble.

"Yes, that's enough. There wasn't much to say between her and me anyway."

Specter gently poked Mizuki's cheek; she was growing to like this little jellyfish more and more.

"It's just like she stepped on my foot, and I slapped her back."

(You almost wanted to throw a circular saw in her face.)

Mizuki was somewhat at a loss for words regarding Specter's casualness. He had planned to secretly intervene if Specter was no match for Amaia, but he hadn't expected the opponent to be so decisive and direct. This was a death wish, not a duel.

"I was thinking of making fun of her, but then I felt there was no need to waste my breath on anything other than you."

Mizuki felt as if Specter had just run over her face in an SUV, and she wondered, somewhat annoyed, why this seemingly cunning older sister would act so strangely when she was alone with her.

"Her faith has crumbled; there is no greater sorrow than a broken heart. Perhaps dying at your hands is the end that suits her."

Tentacles appeared from all around, carrying Amaia's body away to be buried in the sea. As a small token of gratitude for their past cooperation, the Brood didn't seem to care about the Church of the Deep's intentions, but this was a manifestation of their humanity.

Since Amaia once regarded Seaborn as the perfect being in her heart, then let her be buried in the sea. Mizuki wouldn't do anything to desecrate a corpse, and he wasn't that hungry either.

"Let's not talk about her anymore, let's just pretend she's gone. By the way, you haven't met our captain yet, have you?"

Specter picked up Mizuki. To be honest, she felt that Mizuki would be better in his boy form on ordinary days. He would be easier to hold and more comfortable. His teenage form didn't have that kind of excitement, although it could provide a lot of excitement at certain times.

"Not yet. I only heard from Dr. Kal'tsit that you were supposed to meet Lady Gladiia that night, but you and Skadi ruined it."

"I see... So tell me, what time did the captain overhear outside that night?"

"Well, judging from the fact Laurentina you weren't hit, it shouldn't have been too long."

Mizuki always guessed correctly, and Specter chuckled as he pinched his waist.

"You've taken so many benefits, and you still dare to tease me, huh?"

"Who told you to get blood on me, sister?"

"You got Jellyfish-chan all over me before."

Carrying Mizuki, they headed towards Rhodes Island's office. Circular Saw was taken away by tentacles to help clean it, Specter gently bit Mizuki's earlobe.

"Let me tell you, our captain is a real beauty, and she's 1.8 meters tall. Although she really hates Seaborn... but, I'll be your wingman, maybe I can win her over."

Mizuki was slightly taken aback. Even with his brain, which was connected to Seaborn the Brood of Sea of Life and could predict the future, it was almost shut down by Specter's words.

He had always known that Specter was just as enthusiastic as Doctor. Agasa about expanding his backyard, but this was a bit too much of a fuss.

For Mizuki, there is really no need to increase the number of family members at present. He can certainly support it physically, but he is only one person. If there are too many girls in the future, time allocation will become a problem.

"I'll take your silence as a yes, but you should at least tone down your Seaborn aura."

The aura of the Seaborn on Mizuki is very faint, almost non-existent. It can only be barely sensed when they are close together like this. However, the Abyssal Hunters have undergone modifications related to the Seaborn and are themselves evolving towards the Seaborn, so they have a stronger ability to sense Mizuki.

"There's nothing we can do about it. Although the rest of the body consists of cellular mutations, the heart is still the Primordial Seaborn's, unless..."

She only said "unless," and then Mizuki seemed to realize something and didn't say anything more. Specter also knew this might be difficult, so she didn't say anything more either.

However, she really wanted to help Mizuki win over Gladiia. Two of the three sisters were already with Mizuki, and it wouldn't be right to lose one. But Gladiia was proud and somewhat stubborn, so it would take some extraordinary methods to win her over.

Neither a hard approach nor a soft approach is appropriate; a combination of both is necessary for a healthy approach!

(I remember that Mizuki's blood seemed to have some kind of effect.)

Specter pondered, as did Mizuki, who had been bitten by her. Of course, this had nothing to do with the Church of the Deep, which was about to be completely destroyed, but rather with Gladiia, or rather, Aegir.

As for Aegir, Mizuki didn't know the level of technology of this country, but Kal'tsit had said that the countries on the Terra continent were almost like primitive people compared to Aegir. Skadi and Specter also often confirmed this to Mizuki. At least in the beginning, Kal'tsit intended to unite with Aegir as Terra's ally to deal with the impending disasters.

However, Aegir was too powerful, and this power brought arrogance. They never connected with the development of land-based nations, and after the Seaborn entered a state of rampage and struggle, they lost all means of contacting the outside world.

If she Gladiia directly, she will definitely ask for the unsealing of Aegir, Mizuki is considering how to refuse.

The Seaborn the Brood has discussed the Aegir issue many times. Mizuki has remained indifferent, but neither the Seaborn nor the Sea Siren is willing to lift the blockade on Aegir.

Unlike Iberia, who are now only concerned with protecting their own small territory, the Aegir are obsessed with completely eradicating the Seaborn, as they pose a real threat to the survival of the Seaborn the Brood.

Another thing to be aware of is Sami to the north. Miss Doctor is planning to pass through Bolivar. Before that, Mizuki had already begun preparing for war, and there was also that dream from a while ago... He glanced at his hand.

He is Mizuki, and he will always be Mizuki.

[Isn't the sea beautiful, Mizuki?]

[The Sea of Solaris... Yes, perhaps we can give it a try. If we succeed, then no matter how many times we fail, each failure is accumulating strength for the success to come.]

"Mizuki, are you still blaming yourself for what happened before?"

A hand gently stroked Mizuki's head; even through the soft hat, Mizuki could still feel the person's tenderness.

He liked that person very much; that person was the key anchor that kept him human. As long as that person was there, he would not lose his self-awareness.

"I'm sorry, Doctor, but you and Dr. Kal'tsit are the ones who are most heartbroken... I..."

Mizuki wanted to comfort the person in front of him, but instead he was comforted by the other person. He didn't know what to do, because he could clearly feel the Doctor's emotions: grief over the loss of someone he cherished, anger at his own powerlessness, and worry for him.

"It's alright, it was my mistake. Amiya placing her crown on your head is a sign of her trust in you. You must believe in yourself."

"... I will try my best."

He said this, then looked at the empty corridor behind the Doctor, a place that should have been bustling with activity.

Looking back, the sun and moon had collapsed, and black mist obscured everything. Only the Deep Blue Sea of Life struggled to hold on, but it had only just been born and was destined to be unable to resist such collapse and erosion. The Mizuki was also too weak, and even with support from the Immaterium, it could not hold on for long.

But he always persevered, trying to find a way out for those behind him.

"Doctor, no matter what happens, I will not let you die before me."

This was the vow he made, and the words that maintained a sliver of humanity in that long-lost moment.

In the Warp, where no life could exist, something opened its eyes, or more accurately, reawakened the functions called "perception" and "vision".

He was recognized, and thus He also knew His next destination. The Warp could not reach it, but that didn't matter; He could go there on His own, without having to wait for the door to open.

He murmured, calling out in a language no one could understand in this the Warp; if translated into language that ordinary people could comprehend, it would be—"Doctor."

"What's wrong?"

Coming to his senses, Magellan looked at Typhon beside him.

"Nothing, I just saw you spacing out again. By the way, Mai-Mai, you've been spacing out a lot lately."

Typhon held two flatbreads with meat in them. Knowing that disaster was imminent, the entire Sami region began preparing for war. In addition, Columbia had already received relevant information, so the supplies here, as the first line of defense, were sure to be plentiful.

"Are you hallucinating again?"

"Hmm, just like before, I always hear a familiar voice, but I just can't remember who it is."

Magellan scratched her head. Ever since a while, she had been experiencing various auditory hallucinations, both day and night, even when she was trying to sleep.

"That's strange. Even my usual methods couldn't block out that sound, and you haven't had any problems other than auditory hallucinations for so long."