The Root does not possess a personality.
No—that statement isn't entirely accurate. To this day, no one knows whether the Root has a personality or not. Human understanding of the Root is limited to the fact that it is the origin of all causes and the end of all effects. Beyond that, nothing is certain. Whether the Root has a will cannot be proven—nor disproven.
But one thing is undeniable:
The Root is omnipotent.
And because it is omnipotent, it can choose to have a personality.
"I could have communicated directly with your mind, but I thought you'd prefer this method. So, I simulated this persona for you. Of course, if you don't like it, I can switch to someone else."
As soon as the words were spoken, without any visible movement, the figure of 「Aoko」 shifted into another strikingly similar form.
Dressed in a casual white shirt and black trousers, with the same curvaceous figure—it was unmistakably Aozaki Touko.
This wasn't a simple transformation.
Rather, it was as if a visual signal had been directly implanted into Roy's brain, creating the illusion of change.
"...I understand."
Roy adjusted his glasses with a finger.
Even he found it strange—what was happening before him defied all logic, yet he felt eerily calm.
"So, you're the one who called me here?"
"Correct."
「Touko」 nodded frankly.
"Earlier, you said you wished everything that happened here was just a dream. Does that mean your experiences within me have been… burdensome?"
"Isn't it obvious?!"
Roy bared his teeth, removing his glasses as his expression darkened.
"You're omnipotent, aren't you? Then you must know exactly what I've been through—what I've been thinking all these years!"
"I can see you, but I cannot see through you."
「Touko」 spread her hands helplessly, feigning innocence.
"You were never originally a resident of my world. Your 'cause' does not lie within me, and thus, neither does your 'effect.' If it did, I wouldn't have needed to go through such lengths to nurture you."
So that was it.
That made sense.
Of course, the omnipotent Root would know he wasn't a native of this world.
"You call my past experiences… nurturing?"
Roy glared at 「Touko」, his gaze practically murderous.
"I know what you want to say."
「Touko」 sighed softly.
"You're right. From the moment you were reborn as a homunculus in this world, I've been watching you. And I've been orchestrating everything behind the scenes."
"It was I who had Aozaki Aoko save you. I who sent Jeanne to rescue you in your dreams. Going further back—I was the one who ensured Uemon Ji's Mystic Eye research succeeded. And of course, it was I who reshaped this world into the experimental stage it is now."
"Ah, yes. Jeanne was also my doing. I sent her to test your heart. The protection that allowed you to resist hypnotic brainwashing? That was me. Though, regrettably, after meeting you, she began doubting her mission… and ended up shielding you wholeheartedly instead."
"And naturally, when her role was complete, I was the one who returned her to the Throne of Heroes."
Roy's fist lashed out—
And passed straight through 「Touko's」 body as if she were a mirage.
Not even a ripple.
"Let me hit you once , and I'll feel a lot better!"
Roy snarled.
"Perhaps someday, I'll let you. As many times as you like."
「Touko」 chuckled, entirely unbothered.
"But to avoid misunderstandings, I should clarify—while I have been manipulating events since your rebirth, your arrival in this world and your incarnation as a homunculus were not my doing. At most, I simply… stood by and watched."
In other words—
His transmigration wasn't the Root's work.
He had simply ended up in the Type-Moon world by chance, reborn as a homunculus, and then walked a path under the Root's gaze.
An existence like the Root had no reason to lie.
Assuming, of course, that human concepts like "personality" even applied to It.
"So you call this… nurturing ?"
"Then let me ask you—do you think the 'you' who first arrived here was fit for the task?"
"...You could stand to be more direct."
Roy clicked his tongue in disgust.
"Very well. The 'you' who first arrived was essentially useless —incapable of enduring pain, devoid of lofty ideals, lacking the will to act. You needed to be reforged."
「Touko」 nodded matter-of-factly, listing his shortcomings without hesitation.
To be fair—
Wasn't that just… normal human standards?
"Average person = Useless?"
Fine. You're the almighty Root. You get the final say!
"And throughout your 'tempering,' I never interfered. I only ensured you survived . Everything you've gained—you earned through your own suffering and perseverance."
「Touko」 paused, then added—
"Even so, I doubt that's enough to appease you. Nor do I wish for you to shoulder your duty while resenting me. Plus, there's the matter of your physical limitations… So, as compensation—or a gift—I've already given you something."
To the Root, It had merely used Uemon's cruelty as a whetstone to sharpen Roy.
But to Roy, it had been a hell that reshaped his entire existence.
Compensation?
What compensation?
Roy's interest was piqued.
Though the past had been unbearable, what was done couldn't be undone. The Roy of now was reborn—far stronger, in every sense, than the person he had been. Dwelling on pain was pointless. Moving forward was all that mattered.
And more importantly—
This was a gift from the Root itself!
It had to be good!
"As for what exactly it is… you'll see when you return and inspect your body. I'm sure you'll be satisfied."
「Touko」 clearly had no intention of explaining further, swiftly changing the subject.
"Now then—let's discuss the 'duty' I mentioned earlier. Do you have any guesses as to what it might be?"
"...I have some ideas."
Roy's mood soured again.
「Touko」 didn't press. Instead, It smiled expectantly, urging him to voice his thoughts.
With a click of his tongue, Roy began piecing it together.
"The refugees—Utaha and the others. That artificial island in the Pacific. The Demon King and the Twelve Demon Moons hiding in Misaki City. None of them belong in this world, do they?"
「Touko's」 smile deepened. A silent encouragement to continue.
"I'm guessing… you brought them here."
Another nod.
"You reshaped this world into what it is now to… reduce the Earth's population. And then, you'll keep pulling in more people from other worlds. In fact, you'll probably bring in even more after this."
"Perfect!"
「Touko」 clapped enthusiastically, beaming with delight.
"Ah, I knew you'd figure it out!"
***
Hey readers!
Want to read ahead? 📖 Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.
🔹patreon.com/aarvan🔹