Klein opened his mouth but couldn't speak. Then, he laughed, though he didn't know why.
"Hahaha, so that's how it is!"
In that moment, Klein felt his Clown potion fully digest. He grasped its true essence: a clown who, despite knowing the future, couldn't fight fate, masking helplessness with a smile.
How ironic.
Looking at Alaric, his voice hoarse, Klein asked, "What's this apocalypse?"
"In about a decade, the world will face an apocalypse. Without the Lord of Mysteries or someone to replace him, 99% of humanity will perish." Alaric said candidly, noting that the 1% might survive if gods fled with their followers.
Klein fell silent, stunned. After a long pause, he asked, "And you?"
"They bet on you. Why are you telling me this?"
Because I'm soft on you, Klein. The Lord of Mysteries must rise, but it doesn't have to be you. You deserve the right to refuse this fate.
Alaric mused internally, then smiled. "I don't want to see another 'me' repeat my mistakes."
"So, I'm giving you a choice, Klein. You can accept this fate... it's not great, but it's not terrible. You'd become one of this world's strongest."
"Or you can reject it. Walk away, and the world's salvation is no longer your burden. Stay in Tingen as a Nighthawk or leave to do whatever you want."
Alaric spoke earnestly, his smile sincere. "I'll handle any trouble from others and find another savior."
"…Is there anyone else who could become the Lord of Mysteries?" Klein asked after a pause.
"There's one other candidate, but they're in bad shape. I can't guarantee they'd succeed, only that it's possible." Alaric said honestly. He was confident he could retrieve Mr. Door, but could they defeat the Celestial Worthy? That was uncertain, given Mr. Door's years of torment.
"Then am I guaranteed to succeed?" Klein asked, genuinely puzzled. Why was an ordinary person like him qualified to be a savior?
"To the Evernight Goddess and others, you're the only choice. They're not sure you'll succeed, but they have no alternatives." Alaric explained. "In the script I foresee, you do temporarily defeat the Celestial Worthy."
"Temporarily?" Klein frowned, confused.
"The Celestial Worthy is unique. No one can permanently defeat him. Even as the protagonist, you only win for a time. In millions of years, he'll triumph." Alaric said slowly.
"That's cheating... like a boss with a locked health bar." Klein quipped, then fell silent again. After a while, he asked, "If the 'Lord of Mysteries' doesn't emerge, will the apocalypse really come?"
"It will." Alaric nodded, adding, "But many will fight it. You don't have to bear the responsibility alone. Even without you, the world might survive."
"That sounds… decent." Klein said, trying to smile but failing. After a long silence, he asked, "Can I have some time alone?"
"Of course. No need to rush your decision. Whatever you choose, I'll support you." Alaric said, standing and heading for the door.
"I thought you hated me." Klein's muffled voice came as Alaric reached the door.
"I hate a little trickster, but not a good kid." Alaric said without turning, smiling. "So, I'll help that good kid choose his own ending."
The door opened and closed, leaving the room quiet with only Klein the cat inside.
He curled into a ball, like a real cat, but the cold coffee table offered no warmth.
So cold.
This world is so damn cold.
Exhausted from the battle and accumulated stress, Klein thought he couldn't sleep, but he drifted off quickly, surprising himself.
After he slept, the door opened again. Alaric stepped in quietly, draping a blanket over Klein and saying gently, "Sleep. You can tackle those complicated choices when you wake."
His hand rested on Klein's head, making a grasping motion. Klein's injuries vanished, transferred to a prepared lab rat.
"No healing skills... such a hassle." Alaric sighed, thinking he'd need to deal with the Church of the Earth Mother for some.
…
Klein didn't know how long he slept.
When he woke, his wounds no longer hurt. Still a cat, he noticed a blanket covering him.
Shaking his head, Klein felt refreshed after the nap. Looking out, he saw darkness beyond the window.
He glanced around, spotting a bowl of cooked chicken breast. Hunger hit, and after a quick look around, he ate it all.
Sated, Klein recalled the pre-sleep conversation, his emotions stirring again. But with his state restored, he didn't risk losing control.
He stared silently at his shadow under the lamplight, wishing he were a real cat, free from these messy burdens.
Suddenly, the door opened. Thinking it was Lucifer, Klein looked up... and froze.
At the door stood a figure so familiar he thought he'd never see them again in this life.
His mother.
***
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