secretcalzonewinnersuitcase

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

The End of D: The Last Judgement

0 - Zero.

And yet, even so, I—

—I still dragged my blood-soaked body like a ragged mop. Whose blood was it? Mine? Someone else’s? I couldn’t remember. One thing was certain: I had wrecked myself to the point where dying now wouldn’t even be surprising.

My consciousness felt like it might shatter at any moment, but I clung to it with a fading will. I had come this far. And since I made it this far, I had to see it through. My legs, too damaged to even crawl properly, left a pathetic trail of smeared red footprints on the carpet.

And there you were—aiming a gun at me. You, the very reason I lived. Your face was shrouded in backlight from the moonlight seeping through the window behind you, but I could see your hands trembling.

"Why... Just why..."

That voice is thick with resentment. Or was it betrayal? Sadness? It was getting harder to tell. I was nearing my limit too. Honestly, it's a miracle I made it this far. Darkness crept into my vision, heralding the end. I wished I could see your face more clearly, but it was fine. Even if I wanted to see you—what did it matter now?

"...I won't comment, ■■."

I laughed. The chilling clink of metal parts interlocking cut through the darkness of the room. The unmistakable click of a bullet being loaded. Soon, that bullet would pierce my skull. That sharp crack would be the final declaration of my end.

"Just one last thing..."

Even in this darkness pierced only by crimson moonlight, I managed to speak.

Please, just...

Don’t forgive me.

A faint click echoed in the dark.

0.5 seconds passed.

Silence.

And that was my end.

---

「 ...I have to get out of here...」

A figure who looks like a boy stands motionless in what must be their room, murmuring to themself. Their voice was oddly certain, almost suspiciously so. Their clothing—a white shirt with a dark overcoat—meets this cult’s dress code, yet, there was no sign that they felt at home in this place. The room contains only a bandage-littered bed, the sharp scent of disinfectant hanging around a medicine cabinet, a desk and chair, and a lone clock on the wall (which didn’t even work). Even the few personal items scattered on the furniture are sparse.

They swallowed their usual dose of medication without a sip of water. The bitter taste sliding down their throat was familiar. Then, they planted both hands on the desk and lowered their head. Scattered haphazardly beneath their hands were scraps of paper. Something had been scribbled on them—hastily scrawled in an almost illegible hand. Every movement smudged graphite across their skin. They didn’t bother brushing it off, just stared at it in frustration. Beneath their disheveled hair, their shadowed face held only irritation, unease, and an inexplicable longing. A complete mess.

「I have to get out... I have to get out... I have to get out.」

They combed through their memories, trying to recall why they had to escape. Right—this place is insane. There’s nothing normal here—everyone’s crazy. How did they even end up in a place like this? Kidnapped? Whatever the reason, if they stayed here any longer, even the last scrap of their mind would rot away. They had to escape from these cult freaks and take back their life—that’s the conclusion they came to.

「No matter what it takes, I will get out. You think I can’t do it?」

...They kept repeating it—I will escape. At first, it was a whisper. Then it was gritted through clenched teeth. By the end, it was nearly a soliloquy. They crushed the paper beneath their palm into a tight ball. The pencil marks blurred and smudged. A tear of unknown origin slipped down their cheek and evaporated before it could fall—but after that, they remained dry. Utterly dry.

—The story of Cultist D’s escape from the cult, towards the beginning.

(*Original link: https://www.postype.com/@nueul-monodrama/post/15284528

There are pictures in the link, but I don't have permission to post pictures, so if you want to see them, click on the link.

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Nina

"To the prince, I may be nothing more than a fleeting 'bubble'.

Even so, I’ll raise my voice... and let it cross this distant sea."

A young girl living in a small seaside village.

She sings unspoken longings to a prince from a distant foreign land.

But behind the mask lies ♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥.

Inspired by「The Little Mermaid」

Gender: Female

Origin: Podel, the Southern Nation

Birthday: October 14, GE 1899

Age: 15

Height: 149 cm

Hair Color: A deep sea blue that melts into the ocean

Eye Color: A soaring blue, like it’s flying into the sky

First-Person Pronoun: Watashi

Likes: Stories from foreign lands

Dislikes: Her own cowardice

Hobby: Collecting knives

(*Original link: https://royal-scandal.com/character/nina/

There are pictures in the link, but I don't have permission to post pictures, so if you want to see them, click on the link.

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Alam Galland

“If any 'wish' can be granted by magic... is that so?

Then show me—

a tale of One Thousand and One Nights.”

A merchant from Podel, the Southern Nation.

A kind-hearted young man who crosses seas of sand, dreaming of a Thousand and One Nights.

But behind the mask, he would even use his lover—if it meant gaining power.

Inspired by「Aladdin and the Magic Lamp」

Gender: Male

Origin: Podel, the Southern Nation

Birthday: April 4, GE 1890

Age: 24

Height: 178 cm

Hair Color: A deep black that cradles the moonlit night

Eye Color: A hidden black, like secrets buried in the desert

First-Person Pronoun: Boku

Likes: Adventure

Dislikes: Authority

Hobby: Polishing lamps

(*Original link: https://royal-scandal.com/character/alam/

There are pictures in the link, but I don't have permission to post pictures, so if you want to see them, click on the link.

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Olivia de Villeneuve

"Never showing anger—living with purity, grace, and elegance...

That is what it means to be a 'beauty'."

A noble lady and regular guest at Bar Masquerade.

Her graceful demeanor and refined manners speak of an aristocratic upbringing.

But behind the mask, she struggles to suppress a fierce anger.

Inspired by「Beauty and the Beast」

Gender: Female

Origin: Amor, the Western Nation

Birthday: November 28, GE 1889

Age: 25

Height: 162 cm

Hair Color: A lustrous black that flatters a true beauty

Eye Color: Crimson, concealing the beast within

First-Person Pronoun: Watakushi

Likes: Theater

Dislikes: Violence

Hobby: Caring for her dresses

(*Original link: https://royal-scandal.com/character/olivia/

There are pictures in the link, but I don't have permission to post pictures, so if you want to see them, click on the link.

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Albert Charles Philip/Arthur Grimm II

“I want you to wear this 'glass slipper'.

Tonight... will you come to my ball?”

A prince of Amor, the Western Nation.

Gifted in both intellect and combat, he carries the nation’s future and its hopes upon his shoulders.

But behind the mask lies ♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦.

Inspired by「Cinderella」

Gender: Male

Origin: Amor, the Western Nation

Birthday: February 24, GE 1890

Age: 24

Height: 176 cm

Hair Color: A regal silver passed down through the royal bloodline

Eye Color: A crystal-clear blue, purer than glass

First-Person Pronoun: Boku

Likes: Chelsea

Dislikes: Corrupt traditions

Hobby: Night outings

(*Original link: https://royal-scandal.com/character/albert/

There are pictures in the link, but I don't have permission to post pictures, so if you want to see them, click on the link.

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Rosetta Leroux

“You’d love me no matter what—even as a ‘phantom,’ wouldn’t you?

...Hm? Oh, I get it.”

The White Songstress of Bar Masquerade

With her delicate and pure appearance, she captivates every man who lays eyes on her.

Yet behind the mask lies a deep-seated hatred of men, so intense it makes her sick— a result of past abuse.

Inspired by「The Phantom of the Opera」

Gender: Female

Origin: Amor, the Western Nation

Birthday: May 6, GE 1892

Age: 22

Height: 154 cm

Hair Color: A mesmerizing gold that enchants all

Eye Color: A beloved shade of blue, meant to be adored

First-Person Pronoun: Atashi

Likes: Mama

Dislikes: Men (especially the silent type)

Hobby: Making costumes

(*Original link: https://royal-scandal.com/character/rosetta/

There are pictures in the link, but I don't have permission to post pictures, so if you want to see them, click on the link.

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Lewis Andersen

"Welcome. The usual, is it?

Ah, if it’s a ‘match’ you’re after... Here you go."

The bartender of Bar Masquerade.

Each night, guests flock to the bar just for a chance to talk with him.

But behind the mask lies ♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦.

Inspired by 「The Little Match Girl」

Gender: Male

Origin: Unknown (Amor, the Western Nation?)

Birthday: April 2, GE 1892?

Age: 22

Height: 182 cm

Hair Color: A radiant gold that lights the way

Eye Color: A rare and mysterious violet

First-Person Pronoun: Watashi (but ore in his natural state)

Likes: Being busy with work

Dislikes: Chocolate

Hobby: Composing music

(*Original link: https://royal-scandal.com/character/lewis/

There are pictures in the link, but I don't have permission to post pictures, so if you want to see them, click on the link.

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

The Religion of Loneliness by Syudou

*Description:

“I’m syudou. This song is about how unhappiness can be addictive.”

*Lyrics:

I'm not unhappy at all

And I'm not so foolish as to not realize that

Even if I plug up my heart

I won't feel the subtle pain or bitterness

No matter what I do, no matter what happens

I’m still fulfilled, that much hasn’t changed

But my thoughts spiral alone at night, feeling like they’re about to burst

A super-average, stable mindset

Coming from a self-proclaimed mentally unstable person (lolol)

My healthy life expectancy and my mental disorders

Are all thanks to you

I'm not lonely!

Not lonely at all!

Even if I understand, my hunger for love never fades

I want to be deceived by you!

I want to be completely deceived!

Even if what I believed in and loved turns out to be a lie

Let’s live on purely and righteously

I don’t want to blame anyone

But taking all the burden myself is too much

Morning and night, twice a day

It seems foolish to think that would save me

I swear I’m done, I swear I won’t do this again

Yet before I know it, I’m clinging to you once more.

"It’s still better than dying, right?"

But even as I say it, my face carries the shadow of death

This ever-cheerful, innocent fool

Will never understand me, no matter what

An old man's perspective and arbitrary opinions

Are just pure madness.

I am not normal!

Not normal at all!

Even though I know that, I can never blend in with ordinary life

I really want to be swept away!

I want to be swept away!

So I don’t miss the last train to a happy ending

I’ll run with nothing but the clothes on my back.

That simple, clear blueprint

I’m still chasing it

It’s something that won’t be scorned by innocent hearts

I want to live in such a way, but...

Sleeping at night, waking up in the morning, repeating that cycle

I once had dreams and hopes, but before I knew it, all I had was this

But if I could dedicate everything to just one thing

How much would that mean?

Oh world, laugh your heart out at this spineless person

I am not lonely

Not lonely at all, so why?

R.I.P.

I am not lonely!

Not lonely at all!

And yet, this hunger for love never fades.

I want to be deceived by you!

I want to be completely deceived!

Even if the chains binding me to society fall apart

Let’s have fun as we fall together

(*Original song: https://youtu.be/EP_3-Qkrq60?si=xllakBjvploJx-27

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Tot Musica by Ado

ᚷᚨᚺ ᛉᚨᚾ ᛏᚨᚲ ᚷᚨᚺ ᛉᚨᚾ ᛏᚨᛏ ᛏᚨᛏ ᛒᚱᚨᚲ(gah zan tak gah zan tat tat brak)

ᚷᚨᚺ ᛉᚨᚾ ᛏᚨᚲ ᚷᚨᚺ ᛉᚨᚾ ᛏᚨᛏ ᛏᚨᛏ ᛒᚱᚨᚲ(gah zan tak gah zan tat tat brak)

Rain strikes my heart, wandering aimlessly

Overflowing with wishes and tears that never dry up

I unleash the words that weave a curse

ᛗᛁᛖ ᚾᛖᚷ ᛟᚾ ᚷᛁᛖᚲ ᚷᛁᛖᚲ(mie neg on geik geik)

ᚾᚨᚺ ᛈᚺᚨᛋ ᛏᛖᛉᛉᛖ ᛚᚨᚺ(nah phas tezze lah)

Whoa, hey, whoa

A hymn of salvation that defies even death

The savior that was sought

Lost in the midst of prayers

I only wish for a future where the sea is calm

That arrogant and impudent wailing

To grief without inertia, grant oblivion

Now, let us put an end to this era of chaos

Come forth, unrestrained! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

If you're absolutely, unconditionally angry, singing the song

Even if it's insults and curses, singing the song

A Big Bang of all things, with deep affection

Rage, gather, sing the hymn of destruction

ᛗᛁᛖ ᚾᛖᚷ ᛟᚾ ᚷᛁᛖᚲ ᚷᛁᛖᚲ(mie neg on geik geik)

ᚾᚨᚺ ᛈᚺᚨᛋ ᛏᛖᛉᛉᛖ ᛚᚨᚺ(nah phas tezze lah)

Whoa, hey, whoa

Take hold of the freedom we vowed and rejoice

The prostrated savior

At the end of escape, longing for hope

Clad in the light that must not be forgotten

Play until your body gives out

Worship the dream and revere the reality

The light that reveals all things

Come forth, unrestrained! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

That arrogant and impudent wailing

Forget even the lingering echoes of encouragement

Now, let us put an end to this era of chaos

Come forth, unrestrained! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!

If you're absolutely, unconditionally angry, singing the song

Even if it's a stream of curses, singing the song

A Big Bang of all things, with deep affection

Rage, gather, sing the hymn of destruction

Whoa-ah, ah

ᚷᚨᚺ ᛉᚨᚾ ᛏᚨᚲ ᚷᚨᚺ ᛉᚨᚾ ᛏᚨᛏ ᛏᚨᛏ ᛒᚱᚨᚲ(gah zan tak gah zan tat tat brak)

ᚷᚨᚺ ᛉᚨᚾ ᛏᚨᚲ ᚷᚨᚺ ᛉᚨᚾ ᛏᚨᛏ ᛏᚨᛏ ᛒᚱᚨᚲ(gah zan tak gah zan tat tat brak)

(*Original song: https://youtu.be/V9_ZpqfqHFI?si=om3d5kJuUgggFoRm

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Backlight by Ado

My wretched memories pierce me with pain

This helpless grudge I bore for him alone

Now I've left it far behind

You fools don’t really understand

What it means to truly hurt alone

So just for now, unbind your heart

Anger, rise up now!

Blast those villains away

This is love’s own punishment

I won’t grow drowsy, no more, no more

I won’t feel sorrow, no more, no more

Yes, anger, now

Kick those evildoers aside

This is love’s fierce judgment

I won’t grow drowsy, no more, no more

I won’t feel lonely, no more, no more

Backlit by the blaze (na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na)

(Na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na)

(Na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na)

That woeful end, wrapped in beauty’s shroud

Dyed in a 「red」 so near to body-heat

It painted every corner

Even through scattered sight you’d sense its grace

The light behind you, blazing 「red」

Has stolen all your gaze

My tangled heart has come undone

I grasp this truth, even now

Its threads have all unraveled

My words spill out in hurried rush

Anger, rise again!

Blast those villains away

This is love’s own punishment

I won’t grow drowsy, no more, no more

I won’t feel sorrow, no more, no more

Yes, anger, now

Kick those evildoers aside

This is love’s fierce judgment

I won’t grow drowsy, no more, no more

I won’t feel lonely, no more, no more

Backlit by the blaze (na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na)

(Na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na)

(Na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na)

My angry pleas that once I cried aloud

Have crumbled down and worn me to the bone

Yet even now I’m trapped in this regret

Ah, the countless words I’ve thrown your way

If these words reach you, and you truly understand

You'll feel how cruel these dreams can be

Now, anger once more!

Blast those villains away

This is love’s own punishment

I won’t grow drowsy, no more, no more.

I won’t feel sorrow, no more, no more.

Yes, anger, come

Kick those evildoers aside

This is love’s fierce judgment

I won’t grow sleepy, no more, no more

I won’t feel lonely, no more, no more

Backlit by the blaze (na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na)

(Na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na)

(Na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na)

(*Original song: https://youtu.be/gt-v_YCkaMY?si=iK7ZCDxVwsSgeqRI

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Chelsea Carrol

"Welcome to Bar Masquerade.

This is a 'Wonderland' where you can dream the most enchanting dreams."

The Red Songstress of Bar Masquerade.

When her voice rings out, the stage transforms into the grandest of shows.

But behind the mask, she can no longer tell dreams from reality—and trusts nothing.

Inspired by「Alice in Wonderland」

Gender: Female

Origin: Amor, the Western Nation

Birthday: January 27, GE 1890

Age: 24

Height: 166 cm

Hair Color: A delicate pink that even cherry blossoms envy

Eye Color: A bold and innocent gold

First-Person Pronoun: Watashi

Likes: Chocolate

Dislikes: Dreams

Hobby: Touring patisseries

(*Original link: https://royal-scandal.com/character/chelsea/

There are pictures in the link, but I don't have permission to post pictures, so if you want to see them, click on the link.

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Sven Collodi

“...So what if I’m just a silent 'puppet'?”

The engineer of Bar Masquerade.

The silent backstage crew is what lets the spotlight shine.

But behind his mask, he harbors a quiet wish—to die alone.

Inspired by「The Adventures of Pinocchio」

Gender: Male

Origin: Riquesa, the Northern Nation

Birthday: November 24, GE 1891

Age: 23

Height: 189cm

Hair Color: A lifeless green, devoid of breath

Eye Color: A dull gray—like a star that failed to shine

First-Person Pronoun: Ore

Likes: Dolls

Dislikes: Living humans (especially noisy women)

Hobby: Disassembly

(*Original link: https://royal-scandal.com/character/sven/

There are pictures in the link, but I don't have permission to post pictures, so if you want to see them, click on the link.

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Random thought:

I'd love to see Asha asking, "Mom, what would you do if I turned into a cockroach?" and Daphne being caught off guard by the sudden question.

Asha would be deeply contemplating all sorts of profound philosophical implications, calculating what kind of answer he’d get while being genuinely curious, and his mother will be completely dumbfounded, thinking, “How do I answer this on a kid’s level...?"

And it would be nice if she answered something like, "I don't really like cockroaches, but... i just want you to be happy no matter what you look like. So, I’ll make sure no one ever hurts you."

Then Asha, having learned those words... later looks at a mentally broken Aruell and says something like... "I love happy Aruell, sad Aruell—any Aruell, so I really hope you’ll be happy. I wish I could grow up a little faster so I could protect you." He comforts them... but to Aruell, those words must feel strangely bittersweet...

"No matter how Aruell lived in the past, the Aruell standing here now is the result of that life. You shouldn’t deny all those traces and end up hating yourself. That would be too painful. So embrace yourself, just as you are. Shall I be the first to hug you?"

Even though Asha doesn’t know everything Aruell has been through, he somehow manages to say the most penetrating words.

In many ways, Asha was a kid who really didn't fit in with the Victory Church. For a kid, he was too mature, warm-hearted, and had a relatively healthy way of thinking.

For Aruell, what must it feel like to face a cold machine with a completely different, immature personality that only imitates the outward appearance of the child he used to be like?

Although they might have complaints, they doesn’t reject the fake. After all, how could they be cold to someone with that child’s face?

Asha isn't perfect either... If he had a flaw... it’s his lack of emotional expression. (He feels emotions deeply, but his reactions are subdued.) He almost never laughed brightly or cried freely. He suppresses or refines almost all of his emotional expressions, so he seems indifferent to joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure. But fortunately, he has his own outlet (e.g. writing a diary).

Because he’s so smart, he dabbles in all sorts of knowledge, which often leads him to think... 'Humans are so foolish... Humans are just specks of dust in the universe... Humans are insignificant... Humans are so weak...' This frequently puts him into a melancholic vibe... Although he seems cheerful, he’s not actually a high-energy child.

That said, give him some snacks and the gloomy mode goes away for now.

(*Original link: https://x.com/Null_Hutsori/status/1645830144400175110

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

Reasons why the Victory Church is evil...

Heresy Trials

She says, “Among you, the one with the least sin will be spared". While saying so, she forces several suspected heretics into a chessboard-like arena and urges them to kill each other. Victory is a virtue, and defeat is a sin; if you want to prove your faith, then demonstrate that virtue with your own body.

Most of the time, people fight to avoid being the loser and end up turning the judgment platform into a bloody battlefield. If someone manages to survive, the cult leader smiles and says: "You have proven yourself well. You endured. I acknowledge your faith. You, I will meet you again without a single sin later".

And then dozens of black spears come flying. They pierce through the last remaining person. The cult leader then pours a red baptism over their blood-soaked head.

"Amen, My Victory."

Conclusion: All executed.

It's a bittersweet part when you think about where this ironically cruel method of execution originated.

(*Original link: https://x.com/Null_Hutsori/status/1601638648264683522

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

The Church of Victory itself is quite... malicious and harsh towards its priests and believers... It lures in those blinded by resentment and fury with sweet words, only to throw them into an endless chain of despair. Only the cult leader knows the reasons behind these actions.

(*Original link: https://x.com/Null_Hutsori/status/1601641049872420864

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

I'm tired, so I'm thinking about the old evil idea to have a kiss exchange during the Victory Church baptism.

But in my opinion, they are more likely to use water mixed with a few drops of the cult leader’s blood, imagining her brushing her blood-stained fingers against a new initiate’s cheek...

But actually, in their initiation ritual, they must spill their own blood... They make cuts on their bodies with a knife and swear an oath with their blood... Yes... that’s how it works...

Still, wouldn’t a kiss-exchange baptism be kind of cool... Just picturing a crazy dominant cult leader holding holy water in her mouth and passing it through a kiss feels so sacrilegious yet divine, thrilling yet twisted... (Alert: problematic thoughts detected!)

They are reborn through the love of the cult leader... Is this what you call love...

Still, even if a kiss-like ritual were part of the initiation, i wouldn’t want it to feel like:

"Whoa, this is amazing! This is divine grace! Woohoo!"

Instead, it should feel like:

'I? Receiving this from her? Is it okay to receive this? Am I going to die soon? Excuse me, cult leader?" But they can’t even dare to ask, that’s the vibe I want.

"Oh, wow, I get to touch this beautiful girl like this, I feel so excited!" << No, definitely not. Instead: "Oh sht, this is bad..." Freezing up on contact and surrender the body to the sensation of (tension or fear) << Yes, this.

Of course, I’m just the kind of otaku who thrives on this type of tension. Overpowering, dominant, and terrifyingly beautiful girls are the best.

(*Original link: https://x.com/Null_Hutsori/status/1623709242149707777

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)

[secretcalzonewinnersuitcase]

>>The world of the unconsciousness

In the place where the Victory Church is located, a realm where fragments of the minds of people living in this world float about like stars and threads in a chaotic manner. The number of floating objects drifting in this space is more than double the number of people, but this realm is several hundred times more vast, making it unlikely for them to collide, and it is so dark that even if they do meet, it is difficult to observe.

Ordinary people cannot perceive this space. It is, quite literally, the realm of the unconscious. Even if they encounter it under special circumstances, it is easily dismissed as a dream. Even if they experience it under special circumstances, it is easy to dismiss it as a dream. Usually, the opportunity to experience this realm arises from a strong and shocking experience akin to 'standing on the boundary of life and death,' when the soul is separated from the body and the physical form suffers great harm.

If one is granted access by some 'transcendent being' that defies human common sense, such cases are exceedingly rare, so let’s skip that. There are also 'wanderers' who wander here forever due to such coincidences. (A vegetative state is a typical example.) They spend a long time ruminating on solitude in a dark place and eventually disappear, leaving behind a 'star'.

Another object floating in this place, aside from stars, is 'threads'. The 'threads' are connected to the minds of people living in the present world. Similar to how aquatic plants sway lightly and faintly as they rise to the surface, these threads can be gently grasped and ridden down. If you hold the end of the thread and carefully ride it down, it may one day reach the heart of the person in question.

That person is like a thread. It doesn't mean that humanity is literally made of silk threads, but since it is akin to mental lifespan, it may be similar. As people live their lives, they leave behind 'threads' in this place. The time they have lived, their emotions, experiences, and so on are woven together, gradually lengthening the threads. Therefore, it is easier to find the ends of the threads for older individuals.

If someone wishes to continue living happily, they can draw their threads closer to the present world and rewind the threads. However, if they are in despair and no longer wish to live, the threads will helplessly unravel in this place that resembles the afterlife.

Those who have managed to protect their threads until the end have a higher chance of being reborn as complete threads after death, if all the threads have unraveled to the point where they cannot be rewound, they become completely tangled, making rebirth difficult. Even if they are born with some semblance of a thread, the tangled nature of their existence means they cannot untangle properly, resulting in a distorted being.

This is merely a hypothesis based on shallow facts, observed and experienced by someone who existed in this world. Perhaps there are even more undiscovered truths. This place is akin to another universe.

When a person dies, they become a star. Even if they are reborn to live a completely new life, the 'star' remains as a trace of their past.

It’s quite a fairy-tale-like sentence, but did this wanderer truly catch their first star with nothing but the innocence of a child? Perhaps they were already going mad from long solitude. How did they even become a wanderer in the first place?

Eventually, that place became the biggest ‘star’ that served as a guide for all wanderers. That place is the ‘site of the Victory Church’.

>>Victory Church

No matter where you are in the world of the unconscious, if you can reach the only materialized land that appears as a bright dot anywhere in the unconscious world, you can reach it. It is like a mobile city, so it is not strange to exist anywhere and at any time.

The city is filled with buildings of a chaotic mix of medieval and modern architecture, but it is hard to find any residents walking around the streets. There is a strong sense of emptiness in the city. In the center stands a noticeably large cathedral.

There seems to be no daytime, the chilly weather usually continues through the fall and winter nights. It rains and snows occasionally, and in rare cases, severe cold occurs.

If you are looking for someone, you have to go inside the cathedral, but the main door of the cathedral is always open, so it is not difficult to get in. However, if you wish to live there, you must go through a difficult admission process.

If a wanderer with loosely unraveled threads reaches this place, the cult leader will sever everything that connects them to the present world. Although it takes the form of an oath, its purpose is to ensnare and foster blind devotion to the religion.

What this church does is simple. They descend along the threads to kill and ruin the individuals, mercilessly tugging on the threads, or tying them up... such chaotic acts.

To put it bluntly, their goal is to disturb and manipulate people's hearts, to control them, leading them to kill one another and ultimately bring about destruction and the end.

'Then we will win against them.'

This is the ultimate goal of most 'ordinary believers', but it seems that the thoughts of the priests and the cult leader differ somewhat. Many priests believe that the cult leader already has other goals.

The cult leader and the initial members contributed to shaping the city and cathedral through special measures from the leader. As they began to take an interest in or even worship 'a certain being' around the cult leader, the group gradually took on the appearance of a religious organization.

While most factions were established and responsible priests were appointed, the Spade faction remained vacant for a long time without an Ace priest. The Spade office clearly existed, and its living quarters were set up, but no one was seen and access was prohibited. During this vacancy, Aruell took on some of the duties of the Spade faction.

And when D appeared, the cult leader immediately appointed them as the Ace priest of Spade. Even Jack and Queen don't know the exact reason for this.

⚠️Occasionally, abandoned stars and severed threads may cluster together to form a 'cocoon,' and it is unknown what kind of being may be born from it, so be sure to remove them as soon as you find them to eliminate any potential risks.

Anyway, just know that they’re engaging in cult-like nonsense against this background.

A caterpillar grew up and became a chrysalis, then split its shell and became a butterfly.

One day, the butterfly thought:

'What if what I shed wasn’t just a simple shell, but perhaps I left behind an important part of myself and lost it? Will the caterpillar me still be there?'

The butterfly's thoughts did not last long.

This was because its beautifully transformed wings got caught in a spider's web.

(*Original link: https://x.com/Null_Hutsori/status/1726231039331430802

*Disclaimer: The English translation belongs to me.)