Story Reader / Main Story / 13 Fake Ascension / Story
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I was planning on complaining how hard it was to look for you that day. But, never mind.
How do you feel now?
...Cold...
...Come, keep me company... Shrek...
Is this what a biscuit covered in mud looks like, Bella girl?
...
...I've never missed bantering with you so much, Bella.
You're no longer... you.
Farewell, illusion created by the Red Tide.
He waves his hand, then carefully puts the book that Bella gave him into the inner slot of his backpack and prepares to leave.
...Shrek... You will live.
Let me explore... the unknown.
?!
Farewell.
...Hey.
Trembling, he walks a few steps forward and reaches out a hand to touch the projection that reminds him of Bella.
Even though he is wearing a full set of protective gear, the infection quickly spreads from Shrek's fingertips toward the rest of his body.
...Farewell, Bella.
He absentmindedly withdraws his hand and takes a step back.
...Farewell.
Shrek silently repeats this word in his mind. He takes a few more wobbly steps back and gazes at the Red Tide projection from a distance.
...Farewell. Farewell...
He says it over and over again as if trying to convince himself. By nightfall, the Red Tide projection has retreated underground with the Red Tide itself.
Bella…
Gazing at the empty street, Shrek reaches out a hand toward the receding Red Tide. Eventually, his hand drops down.
...
He staggers a few steps forward then turns around and sees the words that Bella painted on the wall.
Earth has been stricken with innumerable disasters, and time has washed every one of them away. Live for tomorrow, because all will pass.
...Yeah... Disasters will pass, no matter what they are.
With a self-mocking smile he writes another line under the quote.
—"Of course. But where do I find you then?"
There has never been an endless winter on this planet, but when spring comes and the ice melts away, you won't be there to see it with me.
After he writes that line, he stands still in front of it for a long time, but eventually takes out the dagger and scratches off everything after "Of course."
I should keep the quote the way it is. Even if it's a placebo, it'll encourage someone at some point.
Shrek gives himself a shot of serum then picks up his heavy backpack and continues the journey... alone.
