Is That My Alter Ego

Chapter 150 – Ending

The most intense and passionate night of my life had passed. I fell asleep without realizing it.

When my body reached its limit, Eriel used her healing magic, and even that was repeated until I was exhausted, but eventually, I recovered my strength with Royu’s power… However, when the number of times exceeded 50, my eyes grew dark, and I was overcome with drowsiness, unable to resist.

And when my fatigue disappeared, I slept for a long time, finally opening my eyes. I could hear the birds chirping in my ear and feel the cold air on my body.

“Good morning, Venice.”

As I slowly sat up, rubbing my eyes, Royu’s voice came from above me.

The direction of the sound was… right above me. I was startled and turned around to see Royu kneeling down, looking at me.

It seemed that I had slept with my head on Royu’s knee instead of a pillow, judging by the indentation on her thigh. It was surprisingly soft and comfortable…

I was worried that Royu might be uncomfortable or in pain, but she suddenly licked her lips and narrowed her eyes, so I quickly averted my gaze.

“Good morning.”

“Commander… Good morning, sir!”

“Gggguu… Good morning.”

The others also looked at me and smiled, exchanging morning greetings.

…Of course, since we had done it all night without even taking a break, everyone was only covered with a single large blanket, so I hastily averted my gaze.

Yesterday, I had been so out of my mind that I didn’t even feel embarrassed, but now that I was back to my normal self, I couldn’t bear to face them.

“Everyone… Good morning…”

And… If I showed any signs of weakness, it would probably start all over again from morning, so I greeted them with a smile while secretly singing the national anthem in my heart and quickly got dressed.

The girls looked at me with a mixture of disappointment and amusement, but they couldn’t help but change their clothes as well. By the way, thanks to the artifact and Eriel’s magic, we didn’t need to wash up.

*

After getting dressed, we all had a meal together. The time had already passed noon, so it was neither breakfast nor lunch.

Anyway, Royu made a special dish using the ingredients stocked up at home, and we all shared it together. It was mysterious yet addictive, and everyone praised it, scraping the bottom of their bowls clean.

Hehehe…

And now. I feel the cold winter wind and air against my skin, gazing at the horizon that stretches endlessly before me.

The place where everything began, and where everything came to an end—a beautiful cliff. This cliff remains unchanged.

…Perhaps it is due to what they often call the sage time, or maybe it is simply because I am entranced by this serene and beautiful sight, but… I find myself lost in contemplation.

Indeed… when I think back, it has been a long time, yet in the grand scheme, it was a brief span filled with countless experiences.

Suddenly cast away from the game I enjoyed with Royu, I continued my existence as a doppelgänger, unaware of the reasons behind it.

…Of course, it wasn’t truly the ability of a doppelgänger; the status window had deceived me from the start, but still.

Memories begin to surface, vivid as if they happened just yesterday. The emotions and sensations I felt then come rushing back.

…I remember the first me. The moment I began my journey as the leader of the Skar Mercenary Company.

I headed towards the Skar Mercenary Company without understanding why, recalling the day I started to mend the disarray of a company that was a complete mess at first glance.

After finishing our first request in a hollow manner, we surged forward, only to face the chilling encounter with the four-star monster, Nependes.

I remember the day I sought mithril with Selis, equipped ourselves with fine gear… and the day I fell victim to a poison trap.

And in the royal commission bestowed upon us, I met a dragon, marking the end of my first venture.

The memories from the scorching and intense south… and though it started off rocky, Selis, whom I love dearly, is by my side.

Indeed… it has been a tumultuous life. An experience that lasted only a few months, yet so intense that I can never forget those memories.

And to the one who had given up, a second life was granted. I still remember the cold that felt as if it would freeze my entire being the moment I opened my eyes.

I recall the heartbeat when I encountered Ariel in the cave I entered to escape the cold, defeating a dark sorcerer using dark magic.

As Ariel’s dedicated butler and a member of the Night Ravens, I dealt with many dark sorcerers. Though it was an act of killing humans, they were beings that could not even be called human, so I felt no guilt.

The sweet pancakes. Meeting Pria and Kale at the academy. And… the dark sorcerers I crossed paths with.

I made the decision to protect those I loved and cherished, ultimately succeeding in safeguarding everyone, yet I could not protect myself.

…But I have no regrets. Even if I could turn back time, I would make the same choice.

The cold of the ever-chilly north. Yet I remember the precious ones and warm memories that could melt even that biting cold.

Our chance encounter led Ariel and me from master and servant to a genuine love for one another. The one who was always cold… can now smile warmly.

The last life was… so desperately yearned for me. As my heart slowly crumbled and rotted away, the ‘doppelgänger’ was the lifeline that would save me.

Waking up in the mansion of the east, I remember the shock at my own appearance… the awkward first meeting with Kali.

I see the oppressed and discriminated beastfolk of the lower tiers. Yet the hearts of the upper-tier residents had long since crumbled.

As I gazed upon that pitiful sight… I remember the surge of determination to help them.

I held consultations, met with Hudi and Rania… and rescued Kali’s only family, Kalea.

The happy smile Kali wore that day. I still cannot forget that smile.

Strolling through the night market together, I was lost in childhood memories. I witnessed the breathtaking dance of the meteor shower, so beautiful that it was unforgettable.

Though I had been kidnapped at one point… ultimately, it became an opportunity to grow closer to Kali, and I consider it a good experience.

And… from the very beginning, we were deceived by Ronan. No, I was killed by Lugal.

Yet… I could still help Kaliman, whose heart was crumbling. I had no regrets.

Everyone struggled, but it was precisely because of that that I remember the days in the East, where we could push forward. And… in the end, I was able to connect with my beloved Kali.

And behind it all… because of a heart that had been shattered beyond repair, I almost made a terrible choice, but it was those women who saved me.

I recall those days when we were all saved, thanks to the revelation of the status window and the unimaginable help from Royu.

“…Ha.”

Indeed… there were many things to bear. So many sorrowful, desperate, and mournful events. My heart was torn, I wanted to scream, and the desire to give up everything was overwhelming, but…

Those women who were saved by me. And I, who was saved because of them.

And because of the happy days spent with everyone, filled with laughter and devoid of regrets even upon reflection, perhaps that is why we were able to live.

“…”

The sun was gradually setting. The sunset scattered its red hues beautifully across the horizon, and above it, stars began to twinkle one by one, adorning the sky.

…I had seen this beautiful sight since the first time I came here, a vision that would never be forgotten.

Tightly—

I clasped hands with them. Since there weren’t enough hands… I pulled them in for a close embrace.

When I first arrived here, when I beheld this beautiful scene for the first time, I was alone. I was lonely, despairing, and hope was a mere illusion.

But… now, the ones I love so dearly, those who are far more beautiful than this breathtaking view, are by my side.

We gaze at the setting sun. We behold the enchanting spectacle that begins to reveal itself, as if to bless us.

In a radiant smile, where not even a pinch of despair or sorrow exists.

And… though it may be too late. I muster the courage to speak to the ones I love so much.

“Everyone… will you marry me?”

There was no hint of anxiety. In their eyes, which widened in surprise at my voice, tears of joy began to well.

As the sun sets, I send away all the bad memories and emotions that I had yet to shake off.

We… shared a kiss sweeter than any memory or feeling.

With this writing, I conclude… my long, long story.

Just as I, and we, were able to be saved and live on. I wish for happiness and joy to accompany you as well.

That’s my doppelgänger, you know? The end.