81 81 "The Emperors War" (1/2)

The next thing I knew, I was there.

In the dark, in an empty space. I was alone in the world.

There's no one else. I'm alone.

Then that man appeared in front of me.

Is he awake? Lily the Beast Hunter.

”...... Emperor Rostam.

This was the first time we had met, but I had heard a lot of rumors about this guy.

A man who lived up to his reputation for intimidation and charisma. I knew immediately that this was the guy.

I'm flattered that you knew me. Then you're a brave beastman. Then you know what I have in store for you, beast and brave?

I've heard that your generative ability is to recreate memories and emotions. Are you going to tamper with my memory and control it?

There were various rumors about the emperor's heroes, good and bad.

Among them, the one that is unique is the ability of the emperor to control the memories and emotions of his opponent.

It is said that the emperor even used this ability to deprive his brother of his right to the throne as a puppet.

Still, more follow him than condemn him, either because the majority of them are already controlled by him or because they are attracted by the charisma of ”he himself”.

It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.

What's so funny?

No, what. I asked if you were going to tamper with my memory earlier.

Just as I was about to ask him again what's so funny about it, a cryptic word came out of Rostam's mouth.

”Aren't you aware of the possibility that your memory has already been tampered with?

”...... huh?

What are you talking about. What's this guy saying?

That's a word so far from reality that you can't help but think so - but.

Why do we believe a memory to be true when it is already there? How can you know it is 'altered' after it has been altered?　Then what does the truth of memory mean to that person?　Even if the truth is true before it was tampered with, if you are what you are after it was tampered with, there is no longer any way to tell which is the truth. That's exactly what you are now.

”...... What are you talking about, ...... you ......?

”For example, yes. Why did you become a brave man?

The question was so sudden and unnecessary to ask, but the moment the question was asked, Lily was confronted with her own sense of discomfort.

When people try to aim for something, their triggers, motivations and emotions should remain in their memory. Then what was the first memory that made you want to become a hero?　Or what do you remember when you became a hero?　I'll say more. How long ago was it that you became aware of you?

It was too improbable a possibility. No, it was a possibility that should not be acknowledged.

If that were true, then it would be a denial of who I am here and now.

I'll say it again. ”I'll say it again: 'Beast Man Warrior' Lily.

But that one word triggers Lily to ”remember”.

You have had your memory tampered with from the beginning.

It was too improbable a sight. No, it was a possibility that we should have recognized somewhere.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

...... Well, I had expected this possibility, but I didn't think you would have your memory tampered with so easily. I'm sad to see you, Lily.

It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of this article.

It's not that. It's just that the person you know is a fake.

”Fake?　What the hell are you talking about?　Lily!　You're having your memory tampered with by that thing!　Wake up!　Remember us!

You can't believe her response to me saying that.

You are the ones who are mistaken. It's just that the lily that was with you was a fake made up by you. I'm here now and I'm the real thing. That's all I need to know.

Fake?　Ever think that Lily is a fake?　What are you talking about, Lily?

Are you sure your memories have been tampered with and made to believe that everything you remember with us is false?

I'm sure you're not going to be able to find a way to make your life easier.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.