Time has passed quietly ever since Buezirth's call—neither fast nor slow, but it keeps running, like a steady stream. Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, seasons trickle by, and before I can begin to take a step back, to start appreciating the peaceful lives in this world, another year has eclipsed.

''Hah...''

It is yet again another snowy day.

For whatever reason, I can't sleep well recently. There's a nagging feeling that tugs at my consciousness, perhaps my instincts that are speaking to me. As usual, I turn my gaze to the sky, where a giant, gaping rift can be seen.

A year is just enough time for the continent, which has been shaken by numerous incidents, to barely heal, and for life to once again flourish. Gradually, the people's attention returns to what lingers behind.

I read the newspaper occasionally. It's quite interesting to see the wild conspiracies people have regarding the hole in the sky. Many, like me, are fixated on what's beyond it. Many even tried to crawl out of it.

But it doesn't seem as though Neveah plans to fix it anytime soon. In any case, when the final battle ends, and whoever wins, the dome will have to be demolished.

The final battle... it once sounded so inevitable, so looming, yet not a trace of it has appeared. Safety creates complacency. Even in the most vigilant fighters on our side, I can't help but notice a certain ease. Though, I can't really blame them, considering how smoothly things have been in the past year.

If I had to describe it in one word, it would be 'progress.'

Under the nagging Chloe's watch, and mine—partially, at least—everyone has been leveling up diligently. Most of them are sitting on the higher end of level 60s. Looking at my progress when I still had the system, one might say 'only that much?', but that was me—I had cheats given by myself from the future, and there really aren't many 'food' left to hunt anymore.

Besides, I've decided to concentrate on training them in another aspect—non-system skill utilization to bring out the limits of their abilities. Neveah herself said that over-reliance on the system would cause harm. Buezrith can tamper with it at any time she wants.

As a result, they have become significantly stronger than usual. The horror team is now walking calamities of their own, and the girls, especially Claire, can hold their ground against grandmasters.

In a way, this is also a cheat. They do not face risks when hunting since there will always be protection, and their 'digestive process' is made instant and effective thanks to the system.

The more I think about it, the more delighted my mood becomes.

''Oops.''

Noticing the white snow piling up on top of my head, I finally move. A simple teleportation spell, and I arrive at Chloe's room inside the Backrooms. As usual, I push the door and enter naturally.

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Chloe is sprawling on the bed, burying her violet eyes into the pages of a book.

''Quite carefree.'' I remark.

She acknowledges me, then snorts, ''I switched from a DPS role to a support. Of course, I've become less busy.''

Chloe adapts really well to her environment. Ever since seizing back her original body, she hasn't been doing weightlifting or sword training, instead focusing on her support skills.

''Besides, it feels good not being drenched in sweat all the time, you know?'' The girl sighs. ''So? Can I do something for you?''

I sit at the bed, softly leaning on her body, ''I think we need to start making preparations. I can feel her coming.''

''...Really?'' Chloe flinches. ''You're not joking?''

''I'm not. This is a woman's instinct.''

''I'm a woman too, though? You have something special with that bitch, is it? You bastard...''

Chloe playfully pulls my waist, 'locking' me into her arms. At her ever-playful gestures, I smile, ''Who knows? Maybe that's why she hasn't been harassing us since.''

It's the truth that Buezrith could have descended anytime she wanted, and everything would be much easier for her. She said it herself—she wants to win against me at all costs.

So... why?

Maybe she is being overly theatrical, focusing on the thrilling sense of an equal battle between the two forces, so she lets us make progress. However, both me, Chloe, Neveah, and the other anomalous Buezrith, agree that there's perhaps another reason.

At this point, the only thing holding Buezrith back is the will of the world, or the so-called script. By her own theory, her actions are being restricted by a higher power's commands, and violating them might bring terrible consequences. She must have been watching us from the void intently over the past year, waiting patiently for a suitable window to strike, when our strength is barely enough to qualify for the final battle.

And that window... will soon open.

I suspect what she fears is not me or my allies—not so much, at least—but the power of destiny I carry as a 'protagonist' in the script. Maybe that's what will carry us in the end. I'm not sure what Buezrith is scheming, but she must have some way to break out of that.

I need to be careful.

''Hah... alright. So, what do I need to do? Gather everyone?'' Chloe, after playing with my wings for a while, asks.

''Mhm.'' I nod back.

''Aight. It's been a while since we did this. Feels like a party, almost.'' The girl chuckles gently beside my ear. ''Oh, should I prepare a hot pot? Or a barbecue?''

My smile deepens as I take in her positivity, ''Hot pot might be nice.''

Afterward, we remain idle on the bed, chatting for a while before Chloe eventually leaves to get her task done. I also exit the room to find a suitable location for the gathering. Over time, my mastery in controlling the Backrooms' layout has significantly increased. There was a period where I spent weeks designing all sorts of places for everyone.

Since it's all snowy outside... maybe a warm cabin beside a stream and a forest might be nice. It creates a sense of warmth. Though I might have to make the cabin the size of a small mansion to accommodate everyone.

''...Oh, Smiley.''

On the way, I encounter a familiar husky. The guy, as if he can sniff out my scent from across the continent, rushes to me whenever I return to this realm. With a silly smile, panting, he nuzzles at me affectionately.

I can't help but stroke his smooth fur.

''Heheh, shall we go together, then?''

Smiley lets out a high-pitched noise and excitedly takes the lead.

Finding a good, empty spot inside the Backrooms is easier than eating a cake. As the absolute overlord here, I can build the scene in minutes, too. So all that's left is waiting for everyone to arrive.

I set up the entrance properly, equipment ready, and begin to ponder...

There's still quite some time left. Should I check on those new guys? I mean, a whole has passed. It's not strange for me to summon a few other horrors, right?

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