Published at 26th of December 2025 7:44 am

Chapter 541: Life Is Not Just About the Optimal Solution, But About Accumulating the Unnecessary as Well

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So this is the inside of the shell, huh?

What awaited after we were sucked through was a starkly white space, surprisingly simple and unadorned. I sheathed the [Dawnbreaker] at my waist, its blade still exposed from the battle. I then returned the [Duskbreaker] which had come through with me, to the [Strangers Box]. Standing next to Tia, I glanced around at our surroundings.

Theres nothing here.

Yeah. Actually, doesnt it feel kind of similar to the place we always returned to?

Ah yeah, youre right.

She was rightthis place resembled the we were so familiar with. Then again, both this space and that world were creations of God, so it wasnt too surprising that theyd share similarities.

Well, at least it doesnt feel like were inside an actual egg, right? Imagine sliding down some endless distance, only to land at the feet of a giant sticking up into the sky or something. That wouldve been a nightmare.

Thats true. Having a solid floor is such a blessing, Tia said, stepping firmly on the ground with genuine appreciation.

The floor felt sturdyfirm yet slightly yielding, offering a reassuring resistance. It didnt seem like it would collapse or break no matter how hard we stepped. Having spent so long on a ship, the contrast was comforting.

So, Ed, we managed to get inside, but what do we do now?

What else? We head to where God is, of course.

Sure, that makes sense. But where exactly is God?

Where?

Her question made me halt and scan the surroundings, but all I saw was a seemingly endless expanse of white. Like the original , it was bright enough that we wouldnt lose track of ourselves, but there were no landmarks or guideposts in sight.

Ah well, I guess we look for them. Alright [Akashic Compass!]

I extended my right hand and attempted to summon my Banishment Skill, as I always did. However, nothing appeared above my handnot the familiar metallic frame nor the reassuring pull of direction. My voice echoed uselessly in the empty space.

Wait, no way. Did I

It hit me. Id left the [Akashic Compass] and [Automapping] with Noah Bryne.

Dammit I messed up, I muttered, cursing under my breath.

Id completely blown it. When we reached the wall, I shouldve taken the time to retrieve those abilities. But back then, in the middle of that intense battle, it wasnt realistic for me to leave my position, head to the control room, and uninstall the skills. They werent combat-essential, so Id put it offand now I was paying the price.

So, what now, Ed?

Well guess we just start walking.

Thats your plan!? Just wander around aimlessly!?

Better than standing around doing nothing. I doubt Gods going to roll out the red carpet and come greet us.

With a shrug, I reached out and took Tias hand. As we took our first step forward, the floor rippled beneath my foot, and a strange image emerged within the circular distortion.

Whoa! What the!?

Ed? Wait is that us?

Within the ripple, I saw an image of myself and Tia walking through a forest. I was carrying a large pack, and my expression was timid and sheepish. Meanwhile, Tia, walking ahead of me, didnt seem to pay me nearly as much attention as she does now.

Is that us from the past? But I dont remember this

Neither do I. Well, it makes sense I wouldnt, but if you dont remember it, then

Its probably from before my first loop. Before I became the me I am now.

With every step we took, the ripples expanded, revealing more scenes like a moving tapestry of forgotten moments. There were glimpses of Gonzo, Alexis, and others I hadnt thought about in a long timebut the way they interacted with me was cold, distant, and far from welcoming.

Ah, look! Youre being yelled at, Ed, Tia said, smirking slightly.

Why am I getting scolded? Oh did I forget to buy something? Hah, what an idiot I was, I said, laughing lightly as though it were someone elses problem.

Even without sound, the familiarity of the people depicted made it easy to imagine their voices.

Oh, so this is the part where they abandoned me. That must mean this is near the beginning, I mused.

Having just read my {Record Of The Heros Story}, I could tell this was one of my earliest loopsbefore Id even been officially banished. For some reason, seeing these memories play out felt so much more visceral than reading them in the chronicle.

Ed you were trying so hard, Tia murmured sympathetically.

Yeah but trying hard only gets you so far. That might work for kids, but an adult whos useless and a burden? No one can protect that. At least you seemed to stick up for me back then.

Well, a little but at this rate

It wasnt enough, huh. Oh, look, Alexis just kicked me, I said nonchalantly.

In the image, Alexis brushed past Tias attempt to mediate and kicked me square in the chest. My pack absorbed some of the blow, but I was still sent flying, grimacing in pain.

And with that, this glimpse of the journey seemed overor so I thought, until I took another step. The next image stopped me in my tracks.

Ed

The scene showed me on my hands and knees, desperately clinging to Alexis. Kicked down repeatedly, I kept crawling back, bruised and bloodied, clinging with trembling hands even as I was struck. Over and over, I refused to quit, no matter how pathetic or hopeless it seemed. Finally, Alexis let out a sigh, turning away in exasperation.

Staggering to my feet, I followed him, Gonzo quietly casting healing magic behind me and Tia physically pushing me onward.

You really gave it your all, Tia said softly, smiling warmly at the memory.

Her gaze, so gentle and understanding, pierced my chest like an arrow. It hurt in a way I couldnt put into words.

When had it started? When had I traded that raw, unrelenting effort for calculated efficiency? After gaining the Banishment Skills, after growing stronger, after embarking on my second loop somewhere along the way, Id begun hunting for correct answers before acting.

I didnt want to fail anymore. I wanted to do everything perfectly, leaving nothing behind. That mindset had grown so strong that Id completely forgotten what it had felt like to give my all without certaintywithout guarantees.

Thats right The future isnt something anyone knows for sure. Theres no such thing as a foolproof plan. Thats why we push forward with everything we have, no matter the uncertainty.

Um Ed? Whats with the sudden revelation?

Nothing Haha, I just realized that wandering aimlessly isnt so bad after all.

Oh? Well yeah, I guess its nice to do that once in a while, Tia said with a chuckle.

With no clear destination, Tia and I walked hand in hand through the white expanse. The ripples beneath our feet brought color to the blank world, painting scenes as we moved. Most of them were far from pleasant.

But I didnt let that bother me.

After all, it was these experiencesthese failuresthat had brought me here. Each misstep had built the foundation I now walked on.

Wonder how long itll take to reach God. Hopefully, this thing doesnt drag on forever, I muttered.

If I had to sit through the entirety of my journey at this pace, even in a montage, it could take thousands of years. I prayed that wouldnt happen.

Ahaha! Look, Ed! Youre blushing while Riel hugs you!

Wait, what? Ah well, I guess that happened at some point, I said, scratching my head.

And now! Canals sitting on youoh no, is that your head!?

That was when she fell off some stairs, and I caught her. Geez.

<>Oh! Oh no! Ed, look! You stumbled into Rains tent while she was changing!

That was because of poorly labeled tentsTia, hold on.

Kyah!?

Without warning, I scooped Tia up in my arms and activated [Hermes Dash]. The scenery around us blurred, rushing past at speeds too fast to make sense of.

Ah! I wanted to see more!

Hah! Im not sticking around for memories like those. Ill blow through them in seconds!

Ed, you jerk!

Even as Tia pouted and tugged at my cheeks, I focused on racing through the white world, determined to leave the embarrassing moments far behind us.

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