Wuthering Waves: Dying Makes Me Stronger Chapter 89 89: What I'm Going To Tell Today Is The Story Of

"..."

Carlotta hugged her knees, enduring the discomfort brought by the dicinal mist, hiding behind the broken wall of the stage just as Aeron had arranged.

But compared to the physical discomfort, the wounds inflicted on her heart were clearly more profound.

The words Aeron had spoken at that mont still echoed in her ears, along with those icy eyes...

"Don't get in my way here."

Those words pierced Carlotta's heart like a knife, and she unconsciously tightened her grip around her knees.

Why… How could he… say such hurtful things so easily?

Did he have to trample so thoroughly on the trust she had painstakingly opened up to him, right in front of everyone?

Huh?

Her heart questioned, tears welling up in her eyes, but Carlotta forced them back.

Or perhaps, from the very beginning, Aeron's encounter with Carlotta, his offer of help to Montelli, and even everything they had experienced together were nothing more than pawns in his plan to achieve his goals.

Even if… even if it was all a calculated script, did it have to be done this way?

Resentnt, anger, and a bitter ache intertwined, almost suffocating Carlotta.

She was Montelli's Second Young Lady, the one poised to take charge of the family. Countless eyes in Ragunna might still be watching this chaos.

She couldn't… couldn't show even a hint of weakness because of that selfish, cunning liar who used people and discarded them.

"Miss Carlotta…" Roccia stayed quietly by her side, gently patting her back in an attempt to offer so comfort, though it was clearly of limited effect.

And just then, that familiar voice drifted over to her.

"Huh? Crying for real?"

"Eek!"

When she felt that familiar touch on her shoulder, her body's conditioned response made Carlotta montarily lose her composure, letting out an involuntary squeak.

As she turned her head, she saw Aeron—who should have been at the center of the stage—standing beside her now, completely unscathed.

"What's with that noise…"

".....!"

How dare you show your face again?!

Aeron's sudden appearance left Carlotta unable to utter even such a simple retort, only managing a short, breathy sound.

"What did I do?"

"Drop dead, you idiot!"

"Haven't I died already?"

"....?"

Hearing Aeron's words, Carlotta finally cald down a little, only then realizing that the wounds on his body had vanished, and his severed left hand had been reattached.

Looking at Aeron, Carlotta recalled how he had done the sa thing before at Uncle Capollo's auction.

She had wanted to curse at him so more, but to her sha, the mont she saw Aeron beside her, she couldn't help feeling a trace of… relief.

Carlotta took a deep breath, wiped the tears from her eyes with her hand, and looked at Aeron before her.

"…Playing tricks again."

Carlotta's voice still carried a hint of a lingering nasal tone, but she had managed to regain her usual calm, though the faint redness at the corners of her eyes betrayed her earlier emotions.

"At the very least, the effect is remarkable."

Aeron smiled nonchalantly, flexing his newly restored left hand.

He had finally forced Phrolova into this state after much difficulty. It was ti to wrap things up—no need to hold back any longer.

"Ahem... By the way, did you even find ti to change your clothes?"

Carlotta feigned a cough, trying to mask her unease. She glanced at Aeron's attire—spotlessly white, and oddly enough, it suited him strangely well?

"Doesn't it feel sacred?"

"...It's just arrogance, that's all."

"Seems you lack appreciation, Second Young Lady."

His unyielding attitude rekindled the anger Carlotta had barely suppressed.

But before she could retort, Roccia, holding her massive treasure chest, had already crept over silently. She looked up at Aeron and gently tugged at the pristine, unstained hem of his new clothes.

"Mr. Aeron," Roccia's voice remained flat, but her large eyes were filled with undeniable insistence, "Are you really alright? Does the wound still hurt?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine. Ah, Roccia still cares about ."

Aeron looked down at Roccia, his expression softening slightly as he reached out to ruffle her hair... The chest beside her bounced a few tis, but Aeron decided to ignore it—who could bla him after it had slapped him earlier?

"...What do you an by that?"

But it seed his remark had offended soone nearby.

"Nothing much. I'm just here to take you all to get ready for the entrance."

"Entrance? What are you ta—"

Before Carlotta could finish, her words were cut off by a brilliant light erupting in the distance, shooting straight into the sky.

It tore through the crimson-tinged sky of Ragunna, scattering warm particles of light.

The radiance not only dispelled the stifling sensation of the dicinal mist, but Carlotta also felt the previously stagnant Resonance Power within her begin to flow smoothly again. The weakness in her limbs rapidly faded.

"What is this—?"

"Seems she's making good progress."

Unlike Carlotta's shock, Aeron's tone was remarkably relaxed, filled with a sense of hard-won relief.

Then, he turned to Carlotta and extended his hand, wearing that all-too-familiar, love-hate-inducing smile that suggested he had everything under control.

"Let's go, Roccia, Second Young Lady."

"What are we going to—"

"To talk about the 'King,' of course."

Before Carlotta could respond, Aeron took her and Roccia by the hand and led them out from behind the broken wall.

"That is—"

At the sight before her, Carlotta was montarily speechless.

Golden radiance spread out in ripples, centered around the sacred sword held by the Rover.

She stood at the center of the stage, the once-elegant yet restrained Bloodpact's Pledge in her hand now utterly transford. The blade flowed with liquid golden light, exuding an aura of reassurance and an irresistible, commanding authority.

"Seems the timing is just right." Cantarella's elegant figure appeared quietly beside Aeron, her umbrella-tap lightly touching the ground. Her violet eyes held a knowing smile.

"That new 'skin' of yours is far more pleasing to the eye than the previous set. I quite like it~"

"You flatter , but for now, please leave the stage to ."

Then, Zani had silently taken her place at his other side, her massive shield-sword planted firmly on the ground. Her crimson gaze swept over Aeron as she remarked coolly, "Next ti you pull a 'death fake-out,' give us so warning."

"Don't worry, I'm not going to die."

Before Aeron finished speaking, Ciaccona arrived supporting Cartethyia.

"Partner! I knew you'd have a backup plan! This is just too cool!"

"It's nothing special."

Cartethyia looked at Aeron, her lips trembling slightly before she finally whispered, "...I'm sorry."

"It's alright, Little Carte. You did well."

Aeron released Carlotta and Roccia's hands, patted Cartethyia's head, then scanned the assembled crowd before settling his gaze on the Rover.

"...?"

Eh, what's this?

But like everyone else present, the Rover was completely bewildered.

—But what's with this outfit?

As the Rover started to look down, the crown that had sohow appeared on her head nearly tumbled to the ground.

Simultaneously, she noticed her originally all-black traveler's(?) attire had transford under the glow of the sword in her hand—now a white-based gown with golden trim, her previously practical short skirt replaced by voluminous layers, complete with an inexplicable cape flowing behind her...

...This feels a bit awkward.

Then, the Rover looked at the Bloodpact's Pledge she'd picked up earlier—its form had completely changed.

A golden blade with broad, sharp edges, intricate patterns covering its surface... and the profound resonant connection she'd established with it.

Finally, her eyes t Aeron's.

"...Did you arrange this too?"

"Do you like the design?"

"It's not very practical for movent."

"Don't question ani logic!"

Moreover, Aeron had specifically chosen this outfit for the Rover for a reason.

The primary reason was the remarkable identity he was about to bestow upon her, while the secondary reason was... it appealed to Aeron's personal tastes.

Just then, the citizens of Ragunna began gathering, drawn by the Rover's radiance, their voices rising from all directions.

"Golden rain falls from the sky!"

"Oh my heavens, Lady Rover!"

"Holy crap, those rumors about that priest playing multiple fields were true!"

Confusion, astonishnt, reverence, and a spark of hope rekindled in desperate hearts—all these emotions intertwined and surged through the crowd.

Though there were so discordant voices mixed in... it didn't matter!

What Aeron wanted was for all eyes to converge at this mont on the figure standing center stage, bathed in holy light, the sacred sword gleaming in her hands.

"...This farce should end now."

Phrolova's icy voice shattered the brief mont. Seated atop a hovering ring with Hecate guarding her side, the crimson glow in her right eye grew more nacing.

Her gaze remained locked intensely on Aeron, as if nothing else in the world existed.

"I thought you would run away... but it seems you're even more foolish than I anticipated."

"Or perhaps, I possess absolute certainty of victory."

"...Hah."

Ignoring Aeron's arrogant deanor, Phrolova turned her gaze to the Rover standing protectively before him.

"Hand him over. Otherwise, I won't mind making this city 'sacrifice itself' for his script."

The Rover stepped forward, holy sword held horizontally before them, golden eyes calm and unruffled: "I said I choose the third path."

Phrolova didn't respond, only chuckled lightly as she raised her baton. The remaining crimson Resonance Power began gathering recklessly, and Hecate emitted a sharp shriek as the dark red curtain covering the entire sky began pressing down upon Ragunna.

Watching Phrolova completely fix her attention on him, Aeron couldn't help but let a smile creep across his lips.

At last, the law of victory had been written!

"Rejoice, people of Ragunna!"

Aeron suddenly turned, sweeping his robes dramatically as he shouted to all of Ragunna.

"Behold the one who gathers all of Ragunna's buried truths, bears the true will of the Sentinels, bridges past and future, the newly descended 'Laurel'—the sole savior of the tower—"

His arm swung dramatically toward the Rover behind him, his voice rising sharply:

"It is none other than this one who holds the holy sword, bringing you light and order!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the stunned faces in the crowd, a nearly sinister curve forming at the corner of his mouth as he continued:

"See clearly, people of Ragunna! Not that decaying Order perched high in the church, ruling you with lies and fear!"

His finger pointed unceremoniously at the livid Phrolova in the distance, and the crimson-shrouded sky behind her.

"Nor those villains conspiring with the abyss, attempting to drag Ragunna into silence!"

"Look well—the true hope, the true legacy, the true future—"

"This wandering righteous one, she hears the cries of the abandoned, faces the ancient dragon's fury, cuts through Threnodian's mist, and has witnessed the truth Fisalia protected."

"...Huh?"

Hearing Aeron's words, the Rover who had been solemnly preparing for battle turned in confusion.

Since when... had she been bestowed with so many titles?

Aeron paid no heed to her questioning look and continued:

"And now, standing here representing the will of the Blessed Maiden and the Sentinels, she has co to lead Rinascita Tower to witness the new dawn!"

"People, offer thunderous cheers for the benevolent and virtuous new ruler!!"

"Huh?!"

The Rover whirled around, golden pupils filled with disbelief and silent accusations of "what nonsense are you spouting?"

"Pfft—" Ciaccona was the first to burst out laughing, but was imdiately silenced by Cartethyia covering her mouth, the latter's face full of concern and helplessness.

Carlotta facepald, feeling that her earlier touched and reassured feelings had been wasted, yet seeing the gradually kindled, nearly fanatical flas of hope in the people's eyes, she had to admit that although shaless, this move was remarkably effective.

Cantarella's athyst eyes shimred with flowing light: "Hehe~ What a splendid coronation ceremony, worthy of the one I've set my sights on."

Zani's expression remained impassive—she knew she'd have her hands full later anyway.

Roccia hugged a box and whispered to Pero, "Mr. Aeron is working very hard."

"Pero!" (Special Translation: Lol.)

Before the echoes of Aeron's earth-shattering "coronation declaration" had faded, Ragunna erupted with a surge of noise more overwhelming than any before.

Hope and fanaticism intertwined, celebrating the birth of their "king."

In response to everyone's expectations, the radiant holy sword in Rover's hands began to emanate a powerful yet docile force.

She then looked up at Phrolova's icy expression in the sky.

"Is this the path he laid out for you?" Phrolova's voice was hushed, carrying a suppressed intensity that seed capable of freezing even herself. "A sword, a spectacle, a few inflammatory words... and you beco a hero?"

"I chose this path myself," Rover replied calmly, gripping the sword hilt with both hands. "The sword is rely a tool."

"Hah... a tool." A faint smirk tugged at Phrolova's lips, but her baton abruptly slashed downward. "How long can a throne built on lies endure?"

Hecate shrieked as she dove, unleashing countless sharp blades of other shore flowers like a torrential downpour. Simultaneously, the remnants of the crimson curtain in the sky twisted into chains, shooting toward Rover from all directions.

Rover didn't move. She simply channeled more Resonance Power into the holy sword.

Hum—

The sword's radiance surged again, and a massive, solid-looking blade of pure light instantly materialized and extended.

She stepped forward, sweeping the sword horizontally—the crimson flower blades shattered upon contact, and the encroaching dark-red chains snapped link by link.

With each step, Rover's gown and cape billowed in the light, and the holy sword in her hand grew ever more brilliant.

"You," Phrolova's voice was soft yet clear in Rover's ears, "would rather play along with that clown and see this farce through to the end... than rember the promise between us?"

Rover didn't answer imdiately, as if seeing fragnted, distant mories through Phrolova. Finally, she shook her head, her tone unwavering and resolute: "I told you, I trust him."

"Why?"

"Because I know he isn't the type to trample on others' sincerity for victory... and that's why you failed."

Upon hearing this, Phrolova's heart sank. She seed to understand sothing, slowly closed her eyes, and when she reopened them, the last traces of emotion vanished, leaving only a chilling calm.

"...Hah. Then use your 'trust' to bring this farce of his to an end."

Phrolova fell silent. She raised her nearly shattered baton overhead, and crimson Resonance Power began to burn like blood.

Centered on her, dark-red ripples no longer spread but instead seeped into the surrounding "reality" like thick ink dispersing in clear water.

The sky, sea, and even the air itself began to be engulfed and consud by a spreading, thickening dark-red "boundary."

And Rover simply raised the brilliantly radiant holy sword high toward the devouring crimson expanse.

From the very beginning, this sword had whispered its na to the Rover, and all she needed to do was answer its call. All her focus condensed into the simplest of actions—raising the sword, then swinging it down.

"Excalibur!"

At first, it was just a single spark of pure golden light bursting from the tip of the blade. The next mont, that spark expanded and stretched into a magnificent pillar of light connecting heaven and earth, surging forward!

The pillar of light pierced effortlessly through layers of crimson, striking the dim figure of Phrolova at its core. And so, light devoured the night.

Brighter and purer than the clearest daylight, the radiance swelled and spread from the point of impact, instantly sweeping across Ragunna's night sky. Darkness was utterly banished, clouds turned transparent, and every corner of the city was bathed in this sacred, warm golden glow, bright as polar day.

And Phrolova could only watch as the brilliant daylight before her eyes plunged into the sea.

...I failed.

This thought surfaced clearly in her consciousness. The symphony she had poured her entire being into composing had finally reached its irrevocable finale with the last note.

The Rover had succeeded. With that sword, with the "trust" given by that person, she had cleanly and decisively drawn the curtain on this conflict.

How... absurd.

An emotion even Phrolova herself couldn't identify rose from the icy depths of her awareness. She had once believed only the Rover could understand the loneliness in her lody. She had waited so long for an echo, for proof that she wasn't utterly alone in this world.

Yet in the end, it was that sudden, nonsensical chatterbox who stood by the Rover's side and received that unreserved "belief."

Her body continued to sink, the deeper waters growing colder and darker. Her immortality allowed her to linger suspended at the edge of life and death. This gave her ti to think, to ponder that question—

Why... him?

At last, Ragunna's Carnevale ca to a close.

The tide of light persisted for several breaths before gradually receding. The night sky reappeared, the starlight and moonlight seeming clearer and brighter than ever. The sea breeze carried a faint salty scent, dispersing the last traces of oppression.

Ragunna stood silent and still, as if the all-consuming crimson and the brilliance that had illuminated the world were rely a collective dream.

What followed were the cheers of the people and the sound of laughter drifting from Carlotta and the others.

The Rover breathed lightly, the holy sword in her hand now dimd, having returned to the form of the Bloodpact's Pledge. Only a trace of gentle warmth remained on the blade, and her attire had reverted to its original state.

It was over.

Her tense nerves relaxed slightly, and the Rover instinctively turned to search the crowd for the one who had pushed her into this position, wanting to ask him what all of this truly ant...

But the Rover couldn't find Aeron anywhere.

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