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Chapter 103 - Expose Myself First! - 103

After all, the future is constantly changing.

That's what the real Kiana herself said.

But now, the video claims… what Aponia sees is real, inevitable, and unchangeable.

Even every possible variable is already within her sight.

"How utterly terrifying that must be!"

And at the same time…

"How utterly hopeless!"

If you knew the outcome of everything from the start…

If you knew, no matter what you did, whether it would work or not…

What would you do? If it works, go for it? If it doesn't, just don't bother?

Sounds simple enough.

But is it really that easy?!

If you foresaw something bound to happen—a tragedy—and you couldn't accept that outcome…

You'd want to change it.

But no matter what you try, whether you act or not, the result remains the same. The tragedy still occurs.

What would you do?

That would be pure agony, a relentless torment.

As everyone listened to the chibi Kiana and Miss Yuzu on the screen continue to illustrate with anecdotes, sharing those so-called amusing stories from the past, many felt a chill run down their spines.

Put yourself in Aponia's shoes.

If you were in her position, possessing her abilities…

Would it truly be a blessing?

"No wonder Miss Aponia is different from ordinary people. Maybe it's because of this? Having seen so much, she appears so tranquil…"

Someone who knew Aponia whispered to the person beside them.

Because often, you could sense it.

The strangeness about Aponia didn't require careful observation; even a brief encounter made it unmistakably clear.

How to put it?

Many people didn't like Aponia for that.

They didn't want to get close to her.

[In fact, back when she was in Sundown Alley, many found her terrifying.]

[Probably for this very reason.]

On the screen, the chibi Kiana smiled faintly.

[She can see your fate, your future. It's like she knows you deeply without you even realizing it—perhaps even better than you know yourself.]

[Her serene gaze is different from ordinary gentleness.]

[It might seem like she's looking at you, but in truth, she's seeing your future, your entirety.]

She tilted her head slightly.

[Just imagine…]

[A person who sees right through you from start to finish. In front of her, you're laid bare, with nothing to hide, completely exposed…]

[How would that make you feel?]

Miss Vtuber said earnestly,

[I think I might not necessarily hate her, but I'd keep my distance.]

Many in the real world nodded in agreement, considering the idea.

They couldn't help but click their tongues softly.

[In fact, your desire to stay away from her already shows that you're afraid of her.]

The chibi Kiana spoke unhurriedly, her voice gentle, as if weaving a tale.

[Humans instinctively fear the unknown, and they fear what they cannot comprehend.]

[Even if you don't know the truth about Aponia, just meeting her gaze… you'd feel a dread that seeps into your soul, a warning from deep within.]

Miss VTuber nodded.

Then, remembering something, she played another clip on the screen—this time, an old recording.

The format was dated, the resolution poor, almost distorted.

[Some who'd seen Aponia in the past said her eyes were more frightening than anything. Just locking eyes with her felt like losing all courage.]

In Aponia's vicinity, Elysia suddenly leaned in, standing face-to-face with her, so close their breaths nearly mingled.

Elysia rose slightly on her toes, wide eyes peering intently into Aponia's.

Aponia simply gazed back calmly, seeming to understand yet unbothered.

"What's this all about? Such beautiful eyes… how could they be scary?"

Elysia pouted, grumbling like a little girl.

Hearing this, Eden, Kevin, and the others around them chuckled.

Meanwhile, in the video, the chibi Kiana explained further.

[Actually, in daily life, Aponia is very gentle, and her eyes are truly kind.]

[It's just that, when meeting someone new, she often checks their future out of habit.]

[It's like a fortune-teller's occupational hazard.]

[In that state…]

[It's as if she's a higher-dimensional being.]

[Like a cold, ruthless creator looking down on toys she's casually molded.]

[You instinctively sense a gap in existence itself.]

[That's a big reason why people feel that way.]

She paused suddenly, then laughed.

[As for the other reason… well, that's just rumors snowballing.]

[And after she became an Aeon, whether people visited her in person or merely saw a portrait…they all felt this Aeon was icy, fearsome. They spoke of commandments and rules, imagining her as a saint overlooking all, judging everything, like a Sword of Damocles hanging overhead.]

[It's only natural they'd be afraid.]

They say the divine watches from just above.

If you've done nothing wrong, you fear no knocks at the door.

Though commandments aren't exactly about judgment, they're not unrelated to it either.

As the two on screen chatted, they revealed that the followers of the Aeons, especially the factions, each had their own traits, often reflecting the Aeon's path.

And the Aeon's path itself embodies their will.

While girls like Aponia or Mobius… became Aeons only because Kiana elevated them, the conditions for becoming an Aeon in the future weren't so strict, and no predecessors stood in their way.

As long as one's will remained firm and unyielding, it was actually quite achievable.

So, Aponia's faction mostly consisted of ascetic types.

Even if they had their own goals, self-discipline and restraint were non-negotiable.

"I see…"

Some analysts or encyclopedia editors silently took notes. Next to Aponia's name, they even scribbled the word 'Bodhisattva.'

Even if they didn't fully grasp each Aeon's pursuit, based on simple profiles, they could draw rough parallels for reference.

For instance, Mobius was likened to an aloof scientist.

Eden, to a wealthy socialite.

Sakura, to a samurai.

Rin, to a dreamy girl.

"Thinking about it now… someone like Aponia, with her figure and beauty, the very picture of a nurturing 'madame' type, remaining untouched and even shrouded in mystery in a place like Sundown Alley…"

"It must've been because of this ability, right?"

In the real world, a citizen voiced this realization, drawing looks of sudden understanding and agreement from others.

Then, someone even sighed with a hint of regret.

"If I'd known such a beauty was in Sundown Alley, I'd have gone to see for myself."

"…"

"Get out!"

"How dare you covet the young lady's wife?! You've got a death wish, huh?!"

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