Published at 26th of December 2025 7:44 am

Chapter 549: "One Heart"

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Allen!? Whats wrong, Allen!

I quickly leapt to my feet and ran to Allen. When I gently shook his shoulders, the black color in his hair and eyes slowly faded away, returning to their original white. At the same time, he looked up at me.

Onee-chan?

Thats right! Allen, are you okay? Does anything hurt or feel strange?

Im okay Are you okay, Onee-chan?

Im fine Allen, you saved me, didnt you? Thank you.

I pulled the slightly tilting Allen into a soft embrace.

What Allen had just used was undoubtedly the Power of the End. Of course, I already knew Allen possessed that power, but I never imagined he could wield it intentionally. More importantly, the Power of the End wasnt some invincible ability where simply using it results in an opponents death.

Even though Ed had used it freely in recent times, I knew that back in the day, every time he used it, he suffered great pain and injury.

Thats why I was especially worried, but Allen seemed fine.

Could it be that his body was different from a normal humans? Or perhaps its because he was originally a god?

I had no answers to these questions, but for now, knowing Allen was alright brought a sense of relief to my heart. However, that didnt mean all the issues were solved. In fact, I felt like the real difficulties were only beginning.

Tia, what was that just now? Who exactly is this child? Alexis asked, suspicion clear in his voice as he addressed me while I held Allen.

And it wasnt just Alexis.

Wait, Alexis. Dont approach them carelessly, Gonzo said, stepping forward as if to shield Alexis. His eyes now observed us with caution, so unlike the way he had looked at us just moments earlierwhen he had considered us as comrades.

I apologize, Tia. I dont think you or Allen are villains, nor do I believe you mean to harm us intentionally. But Ive been entrusted with Alexiss well-being by his majesty, and I must act accordingly.

Its alright, I understand, I replied calmly.

The logical part of me knew that their response was justified. Anyone would fear an unknown power, especially when wielded by a young child who couldnt even fully care for himself. It was only natural to be wary. After all, children can wield power without malicious intent, sometimes without even realizing it.

Furthermore, Alexis was the prince of a great kingdom. While this world without a Demon King was far more peaceful and safe than the one I once knew, Alexis likely still carried some kind of trump card in case of emergencies.

But against the power Allen had shown, I doubted there would have even been time to use it.

This wasnt their fault.

I understood that, but still a faint loneliness swept through me like a chilling breeze.

Im sorry. I wish I could explain more, but I dont know anything either. I had no idea Allen could do something like that, I admitted.

I see, Gonzo said, nodding.

It was the truthI knew nothing. I had only met Allen shortly before I met Gonzo and the others. I might have known what kind of existence Allen was, but I was still just beginning to learn who Allen himself was. I had no way of explaining this sudden event.

Onee-chan, whats wrong?

Allen, who I had been holding the entire time, gently turned his face toward me and asked. I did my best to stay calm and respond to him softly.

Its nothing. Gonzo and the others were just a bit surprised by the power you used to save me, Allen.

Did I do something bad?

Not at all. You saved me, Allen, and thats a wonderful thing, I assured him.

As I spoke, I saw a faint flicker of emotion in Allens otherwise expressionless eyes.

Pulling him closer into my embrace, I made it clear: Allen had done nothing wrong. He wasnt at fault for anything. Not one thing. But at the same time, neither were Gonzo or Alexis. No one here was in the wrong, and yet that was what made it so painful.

I had always known that an issue like this might arise someday.

After all, a god had become human, so it was only natural to assume he might possess some extraordinary powers.

But I never imagined it would happen so soon. I had assumedno, I had hopedthat it would only come after Allen had grown more, after our bond had deepened.

I had believed that, if that were the case, we could overcome it together. That no matter how cold the storm, the two of us could warm each other and move forward. But to face this so soon, before Allen had even grown enough to have all his figurative feathers

Wow, youre amazing!

The tense atmosphere was shattered in an instant by Rouge, who had been quietly observing until now. Unconcerned by Alexiss and Gonzos caution, she strode toward us with a broad grin. Before I could react, she peeled Allen out of my arms and placed him in front of her.

Ah! H-Hey, Rouge!?

Allen, I cant believe you could do something so incredible! Hehe, I knew my intuition was spot on!

Rouge onee-chan?

With power like that, lets see rather than just a caretaker, maybe I should call you a proper attendant? Yes, that sounds much more distinguished. If thats the case, Ill be drilling proper etiquette into you from now on, even stricter than before!

Hey, Rouge! What are you even saying!? That guy has some incomprehensible power that can turn a Noble Grizzly into dust in an instant!

Alexis raised his voice in protest at Rouges suggestion. But the one being spoken to, Rouge, turned her mocking gaze toward him as if she found his concern laughable.

Haah, this is why I cant stand commoners. Listen up, Allen. Most commoners admire strong powers, but when they encounter something too strong for them to comprehend, they become afraid of it. Thats why you need to first learn how to hold back so you dont scare the commoners.

Afraid? Rouge onee-chan, youre not scared?

Me? Theres no way a genius like me would ever be scared! Im nothing like a certain small-minded prince over there, not even close!

Guh

Alexis groaned in frustration, biting back his retort as Rouges sidelong glance pierced him. Watching their interaction unfold, I found myself unable to hold back my laughter.

Pfft kuh hahaha ahahaha!

H-Hey, Tia!? Whats so funny all of a sudden? Dont tell me youve completely lost it, too?

How rude! I havent lost it at all! I just feel like I really need a good laugh. Ahahaha!

Eh?

As Rouge looked at me, perplexed, I clutched my stomach, unable to stop laughing. It was absurd, really. How arrogant had I been, thinking I could handle everything all by myself?

Its true that I was the one who had promised to stay with Allen no matter what. But that didnt mean I was the only person who could be by his side. There were people who fear Allens power, sure, but there are also people like Rouge who accept it without hesitation. Realizing something so simple just now made me laugh at myself so hard I couldnt stop.

Hey, Rouge, Ive been meaning to tell you for a while youre actually a really great person, arent you?

Wha!? Whats with you all of a sudden? Youre creeping me out!

Do you really have to say it like that!? I was just trying to give you a compliment!

Being complimented by you of all people makes my skin crawl! Anyway, forget about that and deal with that corpse already! Or hey, Allen, maybe you could give it a go as part of your practice holding back?

Me?

Wait, wait! Dont just make Allen try something like that without knowing how it might affect him!

What are you so worried about? You wont know unless he tries, right? Besides, with Gonzo here, even if anything goes wrong, hell be able to handle it. Right, Gono?

Uh!? W-Well, yeah. I can handle it if its just some minor aftereffects

See? So, Allen, wanna give it a try?

Rouge turned to Allen, ignoring the flustered Gonzo, and asked the question directly. Allen hesitated for a moment, then turned to look at me.

Um onee-chan?

Ah well, lets see. If it looks like youre okay and you feel like trying, then

I see. Then maybe Ill give it a shot.

Thats my attendant for you!

Hey, dont just decide that Allen is your attendant!

Whats your problem? Stop trying to hog my Allen all to yourself!

Your Allen? Whats that supposed to mean?

Enough! Were still in the forest, you know! If you keep making such a racket, youll attract magical beasts!

This was the usual atmosphere, the usual dynamic. Rouge and I bickering, Gonzo stepping in to scold usit was the same as always. The everyday life I thought I had lost forever had returned so effortlessly. That simple fact made me happier than anything else

This is all your fault!

No, this is your fault!

Honestly, you two are just

Onee-chan, you can do it!

And so, giving myself over to the joy of the moment, I continued our playful argument until I was completely satisfied.

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