Everyone looks so happy. What a relief.
Wonder why…
Mash and co. are chatting away.
"Grandpa, they're lively."
"Kids should be. But… how'd you get stronger?"
"Huh? Stronger again? No way."
"Fine, still human."
"Stronger = quitting humanity!?"
"I'm quitting humanity, Grandpa!"
"What influenced you…?"
Grandpa's worried about Mash quitting humanity. But Mash is Mash, even if he does. That said…
"The Tales Saga Chronicle Game Dev made is amazing."
"Really? Two must be great too—they worked hard, without my power, on their own."
"You didn't do nothing."
"Grandpa's rubbing shoulders or carrying cream puffs counts."
"Even small help contributes big sometimes."
Mash sits beside Grandpa for a chat.
"How was Tales Saga Chronicle, Grandpa?"
"Hm… Story's tough, gameplay's solid. Too many instant deaths, though."
"Uh-huh."
"But impressive for kids. Heartwarming."
"It's Game Dev's effort crystallized."
"Effort… Haha, if I'd tried, maybe things'd differ…"
Grandpa grew up denied, efforts ignored. He quit trying. That's why he pushed Mash hard—resulting in current Mash.
"They're amazing."
"Praise them more."
"Art and systems are top-notch."
"More."
"Story starts confusing but gets fun once you get it."
"Overall rating."
"A masterpiece… to me."
"Tell them that."
Bang!
"Grandpa!!"
"You were listening?"
"Docs ready, came back… heard you say that."
"Thanks, Grandpa! We'll keep going!"
"Masterpiece… hehe…"
Game Dev beams at the praise. Alice wakes.
"…Slept? Momoi and co. are happy."
"Alice-chan! Grandpa called Tales Saga Chronicle a masterpiece!"
"Really! It's a masterpiece! It taught Alice games!"
"Fan too, happy to hear that."
"Thanks, Grandpa."
"No problem—keep at it?" Smile.
"Yeah!!"
Game Dev calls him "Grandpa Regro" forever.
Flash.
"Grandpa's body's glowing!?"
"Like before… you're going back."
"Seems so…"
"No way!?"
"Wanted to show our script…"
"Game too… wanted you to play…"
"Wanted more talks…"
"…Sad."
"Ugh, don't cry—heart hurts."
Grandpa grips his gifted cane, thanking them.
"Thanks for the cane. Treasure it."
"Of course. If you return, visit—we'll have better inventions."
"Looking forward. Thanks, you two."
"Us too! Phenomenon's intriguing."
"Sample time."
"Scary!"
He nods to Maid Club and Yuuka.
"Yuuka-chan, keep helping Mash. Maid Club, be nice."
"Leave it to me! I'll help extra for you!"
"Got debts to Sensei… I'll protect till paid."
"Reliable."
Finally, Game Dev, holding back tears.
"Grandpa Regro…"
"Sorry, short farewell."
"No whining—don't wanna trouble you. But—it's lonely."
"Grandpa, refusal! That's—"
"Above!"
"Above!?"
Grandpa smiles.
"Games say 'till we meet again,' right? Not goodbye forever… See you, Alice-chan."
Grandpa grins; Alice smiles through tears.
"Grandpa."
"Hm?"
"Suddenly here, but you fit right in."
"Friends made too."
"Then good… Mash, any regrets?"
"…No, lots of friends."
"Grandkids for you."
"Haha."
Light intensifies, Grandpa fading. Last shout:
"Everyone—ask for help when troubled!!"
He vanishes.
"Alice… knows. This feeling… very sad."
"Me too… lonely."
In their minds:
"Keep going~"
Imaginary Grandpa appears.
Magic World, Burnedead Home
"…Narkos!" Whoosh!
BOOM!
"…My body's safe for now."
---------------------------------------------
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