Paintbrush Summoner – 121

Chapter 121 – The Way Things Should Be

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“Hmm…”

Ralph and Stan were also in a square room with no cracks.

Apparently, you were sent to a different room with the person who entered at the same time. It was to be expected, but the problem was that he could not leave the room.

As Ralph crossed his arms and wondered what to do, another Ralph appeared in front of him.

This one was covered in black armor from head to toe. However, his right arm had been transformed into a sword. This other Ralph pointed the sword at Ralph and opened his mouth.

“Human weakling. One who is not a hero. Why do you live in this world?”

He said in a flat voice.

Ralph stood there, quite stunned. But then he quickly raised his own sword, and the blade clashed.

Their power and skill appeared to be the same. Identical.

He swiped the glade away, jumped back, and then raised his sword in front of him. The other did the same.

“I ask you again. Human weakling, swallowed up by jealousy. Why do you live in this world?”

“Why do you ask that?”

Ralph wondered.

There must be a reason that this thing appeared in a room with no exit. The path would surely open if he defeated him, or answered the questions.

However, defeating him would be difficult. Even now, his arms were shaking after trading blows of equal strength.

“What is it to live? I am embodying you, with the same power, form and skills. So, what reason do you have to live? That is what I ask.”

“Who cares!”

Indeed, this stranger was equal to Ralph.

However, they were not completely the same. This was Ralph during the time when he was consumed by hideous jealousy.

When he looked to the side, he saw that Stan had also enlarged and was fighting something. However, he could not see what it was.

Likely, something similar was happening.

“I will ask you again. Human weakling. Why do you live in this world?”

Just then, a different emotion appeared inside of Ralph.

Why of all people, are you asking that?

A dark flame swirled inside of his chest, burning him completely.

“Shut up! I live in order to continue to be enraged! Burning my past self and being sustained by it. I live in order to be angry. In order to repent and feel regret!”

He was aware. Of that feeling that was always inside of him.

But it was not just regret. He knew there was no point in it. But he was angry at the mistakes he could not forget. Even when he looked calm and gentle, there was an anger that would not disappear.

And with that anger, he would continue to reach new heights.

Ralph’s sword blocked the other’s, and then he used the opening to cut deeply in his chest.

It went through its armor and came out the back.

“I see. So you live with anger…”

“Yes. I will never forget you.”
“That is not bad…”

Do your best. Ralph thought he heard the doppelganger say, and then it disappeared into water.

The water then started to rise from around his feet.

“Piro!”

Stan had shrunk down again, and landed on Ralph’s shoulder. Apparently, the bird was also confused over what was happening.

“…Well, it cannot be helped.”

Whatever will be will be. 

Once the water reached the top of his head, he found that he was standing in a different room.

“Good work, Ralph and Stan.”

Menew was leaning against the wall in front of them. He raised one hand in greeting.

“Where are we…?”

“Apparently, it’s the top floor of Caprichio. I don’t really know myself. Just like you, I thought that I was going to drown, and then I was standing here. And then I was watching you two with this child.”

Menew pointed to a strange creature.

Its body was semi-transparent. It had a long head that was curved like a tail on the tip, which had a fin attached.

The head and body were about the same size, but its eyes were large. Also, it had small arms and legs.

Four bowls of water floated around the child, and two of them were glowing.

“Apparently, it was watching us from here.”
“That’s creepy.”

“It won’t talk to me no matter what I say. So I’ve just been waiting.”
“Well, it looks like we have no choice.”

“Yes. But they won’t be long. I think.”

Menew and Ralph looked into the water.

They saw Totto and Mofusen. Sety was in the other bowl.

Totto and Mofusen had serious expressions.

In front of them was the Totto who had just lost his mother, and Mofusen at his prime.

“Weakling child and man who wishes to be wise. Why do you live in this world?”

It said in a plain voice.

Totto held up his knife, while Mofusen went into a defensive stance.

However, he quickly realized that it was pointless.

Even if he attacked Mofusen in his prime, all of his attacks would be parried easily.

“I fight against aging because I want to continue to lie. When I die, my skills will remain. But if I live, new skills will be born. My life is not for me alone. …The longer I live, the more will be saved.”

Totto lowered his knife as well. And then he bit his lip with anger.

“My mother gave her life for me. After that, Mr. Menew and the others helped me…and so I am here today. It wasn’t just because of me!”

Mofusen and Totto both rushed forward and swung their fists at their doppelgangers.

“No matter how sad future events are!”

“No matter how dark the future is!”

“The reason to live is to live in the present!”

“The reason to live is to live in the present!”

The heads of the other Totto and Mofusen’s exploded into water.

And then the room began to flood, and the two appeared in front of Menew and the others.

“Good work, you two.”

Menew said in a casual voice, and Totto and Mofusen laughed with relief. 

Mofusen then looked around and chuckled.

“So, you were watching us.”

“Where are we? And Ms. Sety…”
“I’m right here.”

The moment Totto asked it, Sety and Kanon appeared from behind. Now they were all together again.

Menew was a little disappointed that he didn’t get to watch her, but he quickly switched gears and turned to the child.

“I think it’s time for you to explain this to us?”

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