"You are right, all of this was caused by Dottore. What for? Wasn't it to completely corrupt and twist the heart of you, the puppet? If you weren't useful, Dottore might have killed you before.
The truth was like clean sheets of paper laid out before him, yet he hesitated to accept it, unwilling to believe it was real, like a dream too unbelievable to grasp.
'As for the third betrayal you care about, don't you know? That little boy was terminally ill? Why did he die before he could grow up? Have you never considered this question?
He didn't want to betray you; he simply lacked the ability to accompany you further. Think about it, Scarab. In the end, what have you truly done? The betrayals you hold dear are all self-perceived!'
Hearing all this, Scarab clutched his head in pain, collapsing to his knees. Memories resurfaced: the little boy, Dan'ha, and even Yugiri Nagamasa… were all his actions truly meaningful?
For a fleeting, intangible heart, how many wicked deeds had he committed over the past century? He could no longer count. What was the difference between his actions and Dottore's?
'Alright, now it's your turn. I'll tell you what happened over these past hundred years.'
Yuriko, with some interest, raised her head. Her handsome face silently gazed at Lu Ze, a smile appearing on her lips.
He truly never thought he would live to see the day he received answers.
'Not long after your death, the Cataclysm of Khaenri'ah occurred. As the Electro Archon, Beelzebul naturally had to participate in the war. However, by the time her sister arrived, Beelzebul had already fallen in a pool of blood, her breath fading.
The directness of the statement stunned Yuriko. She widened her eyes in disbelief. How was this possible? Given that individual's strength, how could she have died in a foreign land?
'Following that, the Kitsune Saiguu, to resist the Abyss's invasion and purify the defilement, chose to merge with the defilement and vanish from this world.'
Another heavy blow. Yuriko clutched her chest in pain. So much had happened since she left?
'Then… what about Yugiri Chiyo? Don't tell me she also…?'
Lu Ze nodded and said,
'You guessed correctly. During the Cataclysm, she was swallowed by a giant monster. Although she managed to rip through its stomach and escape, she was infected with Abyss. Her mind was gradually controlled by the Abyss, and she subsequently challenged her former friend, Raiden Makoto.'
The outcome was obvious. He had truly experienced Raiden Makoto's might; that Musou Isshin was impossible to resist. How could Chiyo have possibly won?
As expected, Lu Ze announced her fate.
'Because Raiden Makoto harbored some reluctance, she did not kill her. She only severed her right arm and the horns that represented the Oni clan's pride. She was even later known as the demoness Kichou. Though her whereabouts are unknown, her end was tragic.'
The last glimmer of hope in Yuriko's heart gradually extinguished. Her old friends were leaving one after another. What was the point of her returning to this world?
'Thank you for telling me today. It seems I have no regrets and can enter the cycle of reincarnation.'
A look of despair appeared on his face, as if witnessing a family's ruin before his eyes, filling one with hopelessness.
'I haven't finished speaking. Why are you in such a hurry? The nation of Inazuma did not perish, and all your former friends are waiting for your return, Yuriko!'
These words were like a spark, reigniting the flame of hope within him.
'What do you mean? Didn't you say they all…'
Lu Ze smiled and said,
'This is why I sought you out. I accepted Raiden Makoto's commission to resurrect all of you. You are the last one!
Yuriko! Don't enter the cycle of reincarnation again. Return to everyone's side and bring this imperfect story to a perfect conclusion!'
A perfect conclusion… Yuriko was somewhat moved, but she didn't dare to believe his words entirely. What if he was lying?
She needed proof. As long as she could prove they were still alive, she wouldn't enter reincarnation.
'I want proof. You say they are all alive! Can you bring just one person over?'
Yuriko asked cautiously, afraid of him refusing. What then?
'Proof? After you are resurrected and meet them, won't that be proof? Or I can take you to find them now. If I utter half a lie, may lightning strike me!'
Although being struck by lightning might not harm him, it was just an oath, so don't dwell on it!
'Then fine! Take me to see it. Let me see what Inazuma is like now… and how it has changed from a hundred years ago.'
That's more like it. If you agree obediently, everything will be resolved! Why bother with proof? Just don't expect to be inseparable from them later!
Taking out the Soul Chain from his system space, he tossed it gently. The Soul Chain hovered in the air, becoming an item that could temporarily attach a soul.
The appearance of this item made the nearby souls restless. After all, who wouldn't want to go out and see? Lingering here, they all had unfulfilled wishes. Now that an opportunity presented itself, how could they not fight for it?
'Hurry up. If someone else snatches your spot, it will be all for naught.'
Yuriko nodded and voluntarily attached her soul to the Soul Chain. Seeing the opportunity vanish before them, the other souls displayed expressions of disappointment.
'I'll have to trouble you for now. I'll tie you to my waist. That way, you should be able to see the whole picture, right?'
Receiving an affirmative answer, Lu Ze tied the Soul Chain to his waist. Then, he turned around and glanced at Scarab, who was still crouched on the ground.
'So? Have you made up your mind?! Dottore did so much for you, are you really not going to repay him? Even if it's revenge, even if it's to change something.'
Scarab naturally wanted to kill Dottore, to take revenge! Fiercely retaliate! In fact, he might even enjoy the entire process. But he knew.
What were his capabilities? He was absolutely no match for Dottore. To be ranked second meant possessing far superior strength."