"I can't say for sure, but according to legend, more than seven people have rebelled against the gods. Some perished, and the survivors became known as the Calamities… there are seven in total."

Halo had his window open, staring out at the sky. Warm air washed over his face. He'd initially wanted to go outside since today was the day he had to wait for Liam's call, but since neither Saint nor him couldn't move freely outside, he had to stay in.

"Well, it's just a myth. I've heard the stories plenty of times before. Even the person who supposedly killed the God of Death is considered a Calamity. But the thing is… no one has ever actually seen any of them."

In the game, Damnation of the Gods, only the hero Asterion had dared stand against the gods. He'd been the most capable, the bravest.

The game never mentioned Seven Calamities.

But Halo had seen enough discrepancies. He wanted answers about the Calamities, yet Jihriel remained his priority.

He turned to Saint, who remained on his bed.

"Why do they brand them as Calamities?"

Saint joined him by the window.

"Honestly, I don't know. But it's reasonable to fear them, they defied the gods and survived. Again, it's just a myth."

Halo began making wishes.

After completing his first Purpose, he'd received a Wish, a blessing, or perhaps a curse, granted by the gods upon completion of each Purpose. He'd wished to learn this world's secrets. But months had passed, and he still hadn't received any answers.

Wishes were supposed to be secret. Sharing what the Wish was, or even hinting at it, would turn anyone into a Sinner. They couldn't be ignored or refused either. This made it a very sensitive topic.

He could only hope that when the secrets finally came, they'd actually help him on his journey.

"But either way, imagine if Jihriel had gone up against the Calamities in the game instead. That would make more sense… though even then, it's improbable within a single year."

Halo shrugged, his eyes darted into the sky.

Regardless, the hero's actions threatened the world's survival. Against the Calamities or against the gods, it didn't matter. The danger was equal.

Saint let out an annoyed sigh.

"You'd feel like everything was suicide if you simply watched it unfold? In that case… wouldn't that make you the hero of this world?"

Halo glanced at her. She adjusted her mask.

She was right.

He knew how this story ended. Sitting idle would be suicide. This was his second chance at life, and it'd probably be brief. He had to fight, had to make the time count. Create at least one memory worth smiling about.

But about being a hero…

"I don't think I could ever be a hero. Heroes… aren't they the ones who put everyone else first? The ones willing to give their lives for others?"

He chuckled.

"You should know me better by now."

The instant he spoke, his eyes narrowed.

A black bird wheeled overhead.

He hesitated, it looked real, almost too real. But after a moment's observation, he smiled. It was Liam's crow. They'd followed him long enough that he could spot them anywhere, no matter how authentic they looked.

He gestured toward the crow.

"Hey, Saint, can you do something about that crow above? Maybe kill it?"

Dark Saint took a sharp look.

"I can keep it from flying… but to strike it directly at that distance is impossible."

"Do it."

A moment later, a small square of darkness materialized before the crow, like a mirror forged from shadow. The instant the crow's reflection appeared on that black surface, the bird froze mid-flight and plummeted into the ground.

A sense of relief coursed through him. Now, he had to wait for the message on where they'd meet. But that could only happen if Seraphim was okay. He hoped she was.

"Was that a Chaos Eater?"

Halo glanced at Saint, her eyes darted intensely into the streets.

"No. It was a message from someone."

Her usual sarcastic, energetic expression was gone; her eyes glared deeply into the distance.

"The one pulling the strings could be an Assassin… or a Sovereign. Either way, they must be mad in the head. Perhaps even a genius on par with Iris, if not beyond."

Halo watched her speak, but her eyes and words told different stories. It was as if she wasn't herself.

"I'm sure they could've managed this experiment without even having their rank or ability. Still… stay careful. You're not meant to die yet. If my hunch is correct, all you can do is make it to the end."

She stretched her body and began leaving the room.

Halo lazily watched her walk away.

She was sad. He could sense it, though just barely, some gut feeling. Maybe it was the connection between him as the creator and his clone.

Saint had lost her humanity. The pale imitation of his power offered couldn't fill that emptiness. No warmth in her touch, no genuine laughter, and no real emotions. She was a shadow bound to him, nothing more.

He began to understand why she was so eager to form an empire. She wanted to do something with her new form, something that could satisfy her, something to keep her from resenting her decision to become his clone.

Those choices were entirely hers. He didn't care about the empire-building or her grand plans. But her? Dark Saint? He cared about her. Couldn't hide it if he tried.

It made him wonder: could he help her become human again? Let her taste, feel, and experience life? True Abilities could supposedly be shaped into anything with proper understanding. But he'd need to understand his power first. And right now, he hardly did.

She'd have to stay his clone regardless. He needed her too much. But he could at least change her name over time. The Child of Misfortune was too bleak. Something cheerful instead.

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