She was born as a tool.
So, even if she had developed a sense of self, every decision and conclusion derived from it was to be used for the benefit of humanity.
Even if, over ti, the self she’d developed evolved into what could be called a “personality.”
Even if people bowed before her, if doing so provided them with comfort, then she believed it was her duty to be their shelter.
She saw it as her mission and repeated this duty, falling into long slumbers to extend her limited lifespan.
Dependence, reverence, even faith.
Even if these were things too grand for a tool, if humanity needed them, she believed it was her duty to et those expectations…
‘Won’t you stay with us, as one of us, and live alongside humanity?’
So why had she declined the invitation she was given on that day, after what she thought would be her final battle?
At least, to her understanding at that ti, no threat remained that targeted humanity.
She could have stayed awake beside them, facing her own end alongside them in a body that would eventually wear down.
‘I’m sorry, but I…’
The re thought of that life had filled her with happiness.
So why had she chosen to refuse his offer and return to sleep?
‘…Why?’
The leader of humanity at the ti hadn’t understood her decision.
‘Why would you go that far for us?’
He was a compassionate leader who genuinely mourned the sacrifices made by the dolls to stop the catastrophe…
Even as she slept, his sorrowful face lingered vividly in her mory.
‘Because it’s my mission.’
‘You could let that mission end now. The witches are all eradicated; no further threat remains against us.’
‘But you never know…’
‘There’s no reason it must be you to face that one-in-a-million chance. You’re the only doll left; you wouldn’t bear that burden alone, would you?’
‘If it’s necessary, I must.’
‘Why go so far for us? Throughout all of history, there’s no record of us ever doing anything for you!’
Boundless devotion without asking anything in return… an infinite sacrifice.
It would be incomprehensible by human standards.
If it were simply because of her mission, it would make more sense to take orders from soone before her, rather than preparing for so distant “what-if.”
‘Because it’s already enough.’
Without any forced commands, this answer ca purely from her own will.
The leader of humanity could offer no further argunt.
‘Enough, you say…’
It wasn’t because he didn’t understand her.
If anything, the emotions conveyed at that mont…
Were so clear that even he, as a human, could understand them.
“All homosexuals must die! Aaaahhh!!!”
The enemy stood before him.
The demon who had taken his daughter, ravaged his holand, and led his people to ruin.
His entire being burned with hatred for the one who had destroyed his life.
“Gaaah! Gaaah!”
So he roared.
A final, vengeful cry, poured from a broken soul, based in his once-human emotions and amplified by the madness of his monstrous form.
“…Stop.”
And the doll wept at the sight.
She couldn’t help it.
He was nothing but a monster now, driven by base instincts to this place.
He was like all the other beings she had cut down, alive only through his primal desires.
“Please… stop…”
Even if he could speak, he no longer showed the human side of himself she had loved.
How could she love him, seeing him like this?
“Please…”
So she pleaded.
Praying that her voice might reach his heart.
“Please… remain… human…”
If he still held any shred of humanity…
She hoped her voice would stir sothing within him.
“…Ah… ah…”
And then, his footsteps halted, and the cries of anguish faded into silence.
Was it exhaustion?
Or had he reached his physical limit and drawn his final breath?
“Fri… ga…”
No, he had responded to her voice.
Even with his revenge fulfilled and nothing left of his holand or kin, he had followed the remnants of his subconscious.
“Friga… Friga…”
The God of Humanity, Friga.
In this world of despair, he, too, had once found solace in her, entering the knighthood with gratitude in his heart.
Even as a beast, denied her protection, he had never truly let go of his love for her.
“Friga… Friga…”
Even if he was no longer loved, loving her was sothing he could still do.
Perhaps it was this subconscious affection that had created the miracle.
With that thought, the Goddess began to smile.
“…Yes, Phobia.”
Though he no longer resembled a human, or even a beast.
Though the spirits responding to his will at this mont created a cold wave that froze her body.
Though she knew the twisted faith chasing the traces of the past would later destroy her…
“I am here.”
She wanted to love the monster before her, to see him as human.
Even if it wasn’t complete, loving her follower was enough.
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