Yarin's POV:
I was shocked and took several steps back, even falling from the platform in my haste.
Ignoring the pain, I scrambled back onto the platform, carefully examining the sleeping boy. A strange sense of familiarity overwhelmed me.
He looked so much like me.
How could there be someone in the world who looked so similar to me? I was certain I didn't have any blood-related siblings.
Even though I had caused quite a commotion, the sleeping boy remained undisturbed. His complexion was rosy, and his chest rose and fell rhythmically, as if deeply lost in a sweet dream.
Two items lay beside the boy's pillow: a small harp with strings woven from gold and silver threads and a shiny silver ornament.
These items were incredibly familiar to me.
The silver ornament gleamed brightly in the dim environment, as if urging me to pick it up. I couldn't resist and retrieved it. It shone even more brilliantly in my hand.
For some reason, a sudden urge filled me. It was time to return it to where it belonged; it had been away for too long.
So, I picked up the small harp and gently placed the silver ornament back into the hole in the harp's body.
The moment the silver ornament merged with the small harp, the instrument began to play soft, enchanting music as if it had come back to life. Those strings made of gold and silver shouldn't have been able to produce such a beautiful sound, but this was the goddess's instrument. Shouldn't it naturally create divine music?
As the music flowed, firefly-like dots of light gradually converged from all directions. The surroundings darkened except for the space under the curtain, which shone as brightly as day under the illumination of the dots of light.
The small harp hung in the air above the sleeping boy's head. He remained asleep, completely unaffected by the light or the music.
I seemed to understand who he was.
"Although I don't know what happened, so much time has passed..." I murmured in astonishment, gazing at the peaceful sleeper.
"Although I always wanted to grow up quickly, skipping so many years all at once... It feels like I've missed out on a lot of life.
"Moreover, I must be too old for middle school now, right? I mean, I look so much older... Gee, it's a shame. I haven't made many friends yet. Speaking of which, I've been dealing with various troubles ever since I entered middle school. Oh no, I hope I haven't become the new school bully in my classmates' eyes; that wouldn't be good for our family's reputation..."
My soliloquy went unanswered. Only the small harp continued to play its melodious music in the air.
As the last dot of light floated into the curtain, everything outside faded to black. Everything beyond the curtain had vanished, like a dream collapsing with a resounding crash or dust melting like snow. Here, there was nothing left except for us.
Me, and... 'Me'.
The music of the small harp quickened, seemingly urging me to take the next step.
I reached out into the air but hesitated. What if this wasn't just a dream? What would I face
when I woke up, skipping over so many years in the world?
Mom, Dad, Hale, Cynthia, and all my friends... They must have changed so much, right?
I, who missed these years, could I keep up with them?
And... Lily.
How had she been living all these years? She was a strong and independent girl, probably very happy after breaking free from our family's shackles.
Did she try to contact me? If she did, would she be disappointed not to receive a response? Goddess, I swear it wasn't my intention to neglect her!
I wish her happiness, especially not to be sad because of me!
But however much I hesitated, I had to face reality. I couldn't stay in this dream forever, especially considering it was no longer just a dream. The space outside the curtain had collapsed, and I had no choice.
"Well, I'll trust it," I said. "Clearly, the goddess wouldn't harm me. As long as this isn't some illusion created by Azazel, that old trickster is good at making these chaotic things happen."
Of course, there was a possibility. The goddess had mentioned that Azazel's situation was similar to hers, and he was on the brink of death. Yet, he wasn't a god who could accept death quietly. So, it wouldn't be surprising if he caused some chaotic incidents.
But I believed that the gift left by the goddess couldn't be duplicated. She might have left, but that didn't mean external gods could trample on her authority.
I no longer hesitated, reaching out and grabbing the small harp. In an instant, a bright light bloomed, and I felt my body suddenly pulled, uncontrollably leaning forward. I was about to collide with the sleeping boy.
Instinctively, I closed my eyes, waiting for the impending impact and pain. But all I felt was a sensation as light and soft as foam, along with the warm embrace of a hot bath.
Accompanying this sense of relief was an overwhelming exhaustion. I didn't resist it and gently succumbed to the drowsiness, closing my eyes.