"Oh, of course you can. Your good luck will surely help you at just the right time, a Stellaron and an Emissary...it's that simple, isn't it?" The Phantom shook its head helplessly, sighing, "This way, the Company will gain the qualification to sit at the table. And you will be able to extricate yourself from the endless vortex, achieving the liberation you've yearned for."
"It's not the first time…this is the way you are best at, and most desire. This farce began with a death, and it will end with a death."
As it spoke, the Phantom let out a cold snort: "That's why Diamond chose you."
"All he wants is Penacony, no matter the means, no matter the cost…and it has nothing to do with specific people."
At this, he let out a soft chuckle: "Hahaha, it must be hard, huh?"
Aventurine couldn't help but be very surprised: "You've suddenly become very considerate, had a change of heart?"
The Phantom gently shook its head, explaining calmly, "I was born from your self, after all, so I know very well that it's as hard as climbing to heaven to take back the chips you've thrown out."
"I can't stop what you have to do, and where you have to go…we can't change."
Aventurine sighed: "What's done is done. All we can do is seize every opportunity to win as much as possible, for one more second."
The Phantom nodded in deep agreement: "Yes. It's a pity that people can't always make only correct decisions…Although good luck is always on your side, you always win, you've never lost." However, the topic suddenly shifted, and the Phantom's tone became heavy: "But why you? Why…must it be you?"
A hint of confusion and helplessness was revealed in its eyes.
"If a lucky person's miracle is entirely built upon the misfortune of all those he loves, and even more people…if every rain you bring never symbolizes the Mother God's forgiveness and grace, but meaningless death again and again..."
"…Then how many mistakes did you and I make to be born into this world?" The Phantom's voice gradually lowered.
[Star: Clearly, it's also his own inner turmoil.]
Aventurine was speechless for a while, then slowly, muttering to himself, said: "…Perhaps when I reach that end, our confusion will be answered."
"Hmph… alright. Go on ahead, friend, I'll wait for you in the front (future)." The Phantom's voice carried a hint of helplessness and determination.
"In these last moments, say a proper farewell to this child. Try to…die without regrets." After saying this, he gradually dissipated again.
[Welt: Clearly, he convinced his own heart.]
[March 7th: So, the fractured will caused by harmony recognized Aventurine?]
[Firefly: I rather think that he made peace with himself.]
Aventurine listened to the Phantom's words, a bitter smile on his face. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, then turned his head to look at the child beside him.
The child's eyes were clear and innocent, seemingly unaware of everything. Aventurine gently stroked the child's hair, his eyes full of tenderness. He wanted to tell him so much, but didn't know where to start.
After a moment of silence, Kakavasha suddenly spoke.
"Now…it's just us." Kakavasha said, "Can you take a picture for me? Just as a souvenir."
Aventurine was slightly startled, but quickly nodded, responding softly: "Mm, come on."
Kakavasha slowly walked behind a four-person photo stand. His figure appeared a bit lonely and forlorn, his eyes staring blankly into the distance.
Aventurine took out his phone and took the photo.
Kakavasha in the photo was cute, innocent, and happy—completely different from himself.
After the photo was taken, Kakavasha looked at the photo on the phone, a faint smile on his lips: "That's good, this way, I can see what I look like."
Aventurine looked at Kakavasha gently and said softly: "Next time you take a picture, remember to look at the camera, your expression will be more natural."
"Mm, I will." Kakavasha nodded, indicating understanding, then asked somewhat timidly: "Then…sir, are you going back too?"
Aventurine shook his head, smiling: "I can't leave yet…I still have a performance here."
Kakavasha showed a surprised expression and pressed: "Oh…so you're going on stage soon, right? Then let's go, I'll take you to the main stage."
"Mm." Aventurine nodded.
Kakavasha happily agreed. As he walked with Aventurine, he curiously examined the luxurious and exquisite clothes on the other person, and couldn't help but exclaim: "So you're an actor…no wonder your clothes are so beautiful."
Aventurine felt a bit heavy-hearted hearing this, but still corrected him: "Actually, I'm a…businessman. But I do have a performance."
Kakavasha blinked, asking in confusion: "Are you like the men in black in the sky? But you're not wearing black clothes."
"Only ordinary employees have to wear those clothes. My position…is much higher than theirs."
After hearing this, Kakavasha's eyes sparkled with admiration, and he exclaimed: "So amazing, I hope I can become a beautiful adult like you too."
"You can." Aventurine said firmly, "You will definitely be better and more amazing than me."
The journey continued, and the text that floated up again seemed to represent the current state of mind.
(Go on stage, don't be afraid! Don't look back!)
(There's another person beside you!)
(But who is the person walking beside you?)
(Flowing over the vast plains. Falling into the cracked earth.)
Aventurine looked at these characters, and he seemed to feel that he had shed many burdens, and his body became much lighter.
Finally, he walked behind the curtain. The heavy curtain in front of him seemed to separate two worlds.
"Behind this curtain is the main stage."
"It's almost time to go on stage, are you ready? I wish your performance complete success." Kakavasha instructed.
"Thank you."
Kakavasha seemed to notice that Aventurine's expression still appeared a bit nervous, so he decided to adopt a special way to help him relax:
"Hey, you still look very nervous, so let's do a palm-to-palm prayer. If the Mother God blesses you, you can relax."
Kakavasha was afraid Aventurine wouldn't understand, and explained in a grown-up manner: "Palm-to-palm is a small ritual. We put our palms together and recite a prayer to Mama Fingo, and she will bless us."
"If you don't know how, I can teach you."
Aventurine smiled slightly, his eyes showing tenderness. He gently replied: "It's okay, I know how…"
Of course, I know how.