Chapter 55

Those who speak of headcanons as if they’re official

(author: That’s… a machine child!) (tl note: "machine child" is a science fiction coined term that originally means "android". In Nadesico fanfiction, it seems to refer to "humans who have been genetically modified at birth to have an IFS-enhanced constitution.")

 

Raphael was an exceptional angel.

 

She was said to be an exemplary angel with a strong sense of justice, a rational mind constantly seeking the truth, and the ability to wield her power for the people when necessary.

 

However, she had a personality as strong-willed and stubborn as the Ten Archangels of Sefirot.

 

Originally, she served as the chief angel of Archangel of Glory Hod. But when she learned that the Holy Dragon Ein Sof was siding with humans, she voluntarily stepped down from her position and ventured into the human world alone.

 

There, while concealing her identity, she took action to guide the inexperienced humans—so the story goes.

 

To put it in human terms, it was like resigning from an executive position at a prestigious company to start a new business overseas. She was quite rock, it seems.

 

『Raphael was my friend... She visited this island several times. It seems that her decision to go to the human world was influenced, at least in part, by me, who took care of her when she was a child. However, her decision to look after Tsubasa was 100% out of her own goodwill. It seemed she took a liking to him because he struggled to escape from the darkness on his own volition, despite having a deep darkness in his heart...』

 

As Tsubasa himself mentioned, perhaps it is in an angel’s nature to want to guide lost lambs.

 

As such, Raphael-san was by no means a shotacon. Wait, no, meeting an unfamiliar nine-year-old at the dead of night and promising to meet again is a major concern in modern society, but… for the sake of her honor, I’ll defend her.

 

“I see… Perhaps Raphael believed Tsubasa had the potential to become the first human to achieve Fairy Burst.”

 

The activation of a Fairy Burst isn’t something one can achieve merely through physical training and repeated practice.

 

Supernatural abilities are influenced by the state of one’s heart. Therefore, without objectively understanding one's own heart, it is impossible to draw out its true power.

 

『...And that heart is?』

 

"The darkness of the heart."

 

『The darkness in the heart?』

 

Binah showed interest in my statement. Yes, that's a good reaction.

 

In other words, what this means is that… in order to cultivate one’s ability to the level required to activate the "Fairy Burst," one must confront not only the good parts of their heart but also the bad ones, that is to say, the "darkness of the heart."

 

Akatsuki En awakened by confronting and overcoming his thirst for revenge against his father’s enemy.

 

Rikidou Chouta awakened by facing his own weaknesses and accepting them.

 

By citing these two examples of those who attained it, I concluded that the trigger for "Fairy Burst" is an approach to the darkness of their heart.

 

Though, I can’t say for sure whether this is the official setting. This is just my interpretation based on how things were depicted in the story.

 

One of the great things about fanfiction is how a fan’s personal take can be subtly woven into the narrative as if it were the official setting. Everyone knows Black Sarena has a phase transition engine, right?

 

With that in mind, I believed there was a high chance that even in this world, "headcanon that has not been declared official" not explicitly confirmed in official lore might be reflected.

 

『...I see. So it’s a realm that only humans, with their exceptionally much more intense negative emotions than us, can reach, is that what you mean?』

 

"Human strength lies in their imperfection. Emotions are not to be underestimated, Binah. The same goes for you guys. Children of an emotional age develop faster… like Malkuth."

 

Malkuth, the youngest by far among the archangels, is already on par with the other Sefirot in ability. This may particularly be due to her more human-like personality compared to the others.

 

Of course, her own effort is the number one factor, but the strength of emotions also influences the sacred arts derived from the holy beasts, who are the root of supernatural abilities.

 

Well, this is just my consideration, though. I can’t say if it’s the official setting.

 

『Hmm, that's an interesting story… If that’s the case, then Keter, whose negative emotions are the strongest among us, must possess overwhelming power.』

 

"In his case, isn’t his strength simply due to the difference in experience? From my perspective, rather than the darkness of his heart, it seems more like goodwill running wild."

 

『Goodwill... That…?』

 

W-what is it…? Your reaction is like you've seen something unbelievable. It's not that surprising.

 

Hmm, I wonder what's actually the truth.

 

In Keter's case, it feels like he’s grown strong because of an excessively long life and a rampaging sense of justice like, "If I don’t do it, who will?!"

 

Well, I think it doesn’t matter whether the trigger for developing power can comes from the darkness or the light of one’s heart, either extreme is fine. The only difference between good intentions and malice is the direction they take, but the strength of the emotions is similar.

 

What I want to say is that the important thing is to confront your own heart and that the heart is the power that supports supernatural abilities and sacred arts.

 

When I talked about that, Binah nodded thoughtfully, listening with great interest.

 

Her excellent reaction made it easy for me to keep talking. If this theory turns out to be wrong, that’ll be so uncool, but I’m confident in it, and the only one who could possibly prove me wrong is the Holy Dragon, so it should be fine.

 

Well, let's leave that aside for now.

 

"More importantly, about Tsubasa's memories..."

 

『...』

 

Through Binah-sama’s story, who apparently had a personal friendship with her, I’ve come to understand roughly what kind of angel Raphael was. However, the main issue I wanted to ask her about was, of course, Tsubasa.

 

He said that Raphael sealed the memories of the time they spent together from his mind when they parted ways. Apparently, the ones called angels are way too good at being resolute… she did such a cruel thing to him who was left behind.

 

I don’t know her exact intention behind sealing his memories, but it seems that the seal breaking now, after so much time has passed, has only caused him to become more twisted.

 

Right now, it must feel to him as if he was separated from her just yesterday.

 

Emotions that should have been gradually soothed and processed over time have come crashing down on him all at once. There’s no way he could remain composed.

 

...So, the question that comes to mind here is, “Why was the seal broken?”

 

Even I failed to notice that seal, but if someone could perceive it and even break it, there’s no one else but her who could do such a thing.

 

──What do you think about that, suspect Binah?

 

As I maliciously stared at her with that intention, Binah grew visibly flustered again. It was almost as if I could hear gikuu coming from her. (tl note: japanese onomatoepeia that means ‘to be shocked when evidence is presented’)

 

Her reaction probably stemmed from her belief that I was “Daat,” the older sister of the Ten Archangels of Sefirot, but... It was great to see Binah-sama trembling with fear.

 

She had a charm different from Malchut-sama-chan’s. I understood that seeing a cool older sister with chuunibyou trembling like a child induces a sense of gap moe.

 

What's up with you? You’re supposed to be the cool beauty that occasionally smiles, so can’t you differentiate from me!?

 

Fufun, I’m the perfect cheat original protagonist, after all. I have absolutely no weak spot... well, maybe not absolutely none, but regardless of how I'm feeling inside, I don’t let them show in my demeanor!

 

Thanks to Daat, I’ll be spared from the strongest enemy, character overlap, which is more important than anything.

 

She then lowered her eyes, trying not to get scolded by me, and said facing downward,

 

『…I was the one who undid his seal, just as you’ve guessed.』

 

Oh, she admitted it. Good, good.

 

I like honest kids. I’m a liar myself, though.

 

To convey that she spoke well, I gave her a gentle look, and Binah realized I wasn’t truly angry and her mood brightened up with force.

 

It really was a shame she remained hidden behind a veil. Damn you, Keter! What were you thinking, forcing such a cute younger sister to hide her face, and even plucking her wings? When I meet him, I’ll have to lecture him thoroughly. Not a SEKKYOU, but a sermon! This is extremely furious Eight-chan.

 

Well, I'll figure out what to do at that time when the time comes. Right now, the issue is Tsubasa.

 

『As you know, awakening Fairy Burst requires facing one’s own heart. For Tsubasa to awaken his Fairy Burst, it was necessary to break the seal placed on him.』

 

"So, Raphael's seal was an obstacle to his growth?"

 

『Yes, that’s what the Wisdom of Kabbalah seemed to conclude.』

 

"Kyuu?"

 

Why did Kabbalah-chan suddenly come up here…? Wondering that, I turned to the small animal sitting quietly on my shoulder, who tilted her head cutely.

 

Ah, now that you mention it, something about that was said before. Binah misunderstood the origin of Kabbalah-chan’s name, something-somehing about "The Wisdom of Kabbalah."

 

"I see... so that's how it is."

 

While stroking Kabbalah-chan’s head, I nodded, pretending to know, as usual, to match Binah’s tone.

 

At this point, no matter what, I can’t ask, "What is the Wisdom of Kabbalah?" After all, I’m the knowledgeable cheat protagonist.

 

Trusting that Binah-sama, who is good at explaining things, would provide some additional explanation, I refrained from interjecting and waited for her to continue.

 

『The Wisdom of Kabbalah grants those who touch it the knowledge they seek. It seems the roots of the World Tree determined that unlocking his sealed memories was necessary for his awakening.』

 

"The roots of the World Tree... does that mean this was the Sefira's decision?"

 

『That’s what it comes down to. To find out what Tsubasa needed for his awakening, I took him to the roots of the World Tree—to the “Ruins of Kabbalah.” As a result, the Wisdom of Kabbalah released his seal.』

 

Hmm... with all these proper nouns popping up, it’s a bit hard to follow at times.

 

But, I mostly get the nuance.

 

To summarize, there’s a place on this island called the “Ruins of Kabbalah.” If you go there, you can pay your respect to something called the “roots of the World Tree.” And by doing something with that, you can receive the Wisdom of Kabbalah or whatever.

 

I fully got it. For someone like me, thoroughly versed in the fantasy world of Fairy Savers and its setting, I could more or less guess that such convenient things exist in this world.

 

"You make good use of it."

 

『I have a policy of using anything I can. The reason I came to know about you—about Daat, was the Wisdom of Kabbalah taught me.』

 

Hmm, is that so?

 

…Hm?

 

『In order to understand Keter’s thoughts, I wanted to learn about the events that happened in time of creation of Fairy World. Perhaps the roots of the World Tree responded to my wish and taught me about the primordial archangel, Daat.』

 

Houhou.

 

Ah, I see. I now have a general idea of what this so-called "Wisdom of Kabbalah" is.

 

It's that...like Google-sensei.

 

Now that I think about it, she did mention something about a database or something, so there’s no doubt about it.

 

According to her explanation, there’s a system like Google-sensei in these ancient fantasy ruins, and by using it, you can acquire information that would otherwise be unattainable in everyday life.

 

In other words… what the heck. So she’s never actually met "Daat."

 

Ah, thank goodness. Now there’s no risk of her realizing if I expose myself.

 

『You are just as the World Tree told me… so I’m truly glad to have met you.』

 

It seems that Binah-sama didn’t actually meet "Daat," but rather arrived at the legend of the primordial archangel, Daat, who protected the ancient world, through Wisdom of Kabbalah-sensei’s search and perhaps felt admiration.

 

In that case, even if I act as "Daat" in front of her, it shouldn’t get exposed. However, impersonating someone like that is clearly setting up a flag for getting crushed by the real one later.

 

"…I’m not sure if I can meet your expectations."

 

『Even so, I’m glad.』

 

To ensure she doesn’t get angry later when she finds out I’m not Daat, I subtly set up a defensive measure. It’s a swindler-like modus operandi, but the key point is that I never explicitly say anything.

 

However, Binah refuses to back down. What’s with you? You like onee-chan a bit too much.

 

『Humans feel happy when they meet their mothers, don’t they?』

 

"…Mother, huh."

 

Oh… so Daat isn’t a older sister but a mother.

 

…For real? The Ten Archangels of Sefirot are born from the World Tree, right? While it's fine to call the Holy Dragon Ein Sof, who created that system, the father, what’s this about a mother?

 

Not that a feeling of motherly love as an original protagonist is a bad thing, you know? Many popular original protagonists are characters with motherly* temperaments. (tl note: in kansai)

 

But… being seen that way by someone who looks like an adult version of Eight-chan feels, how should I put it… wrong. It’s not good for my mental health.

 

No way, I don’t want some dumb thin book-like relationship. That would make people look at me in a weird way! (tl note: thin book is slang for doujinshi, especially adult ones.)

 

"Well, you're free to think what you want, but... Anyway, could you guide me to the Ruins of Kabbalah? I want to learn about Tsubasa’s past too."

 

『──!』

 

"I’m not familiar with the geography of this island... Is it no good?"

 

『Leave it to me!』

 

In any case, I’m intrigued by the so-called "Wisdom of Kabbalah," which could be described as Fairy World’s version of Google-sensei.

 

When I asked her with a slight feeling of guilt about her treating me like I’m her mother, she surprisingly accepted with pleasure.

 

Her behavior was like that of a pre-teen eldest daughter finally getting attention from her mother after a long time. Damn, she’s cute. Who said there was character overlap? It was me!

 

…What should I do?

 

How am I going to calmly reveal that I’m not Daat? I’m already feeling anxious about it.

 

Oh, right.

 

Earlier, she said, “The Wisdom of Kabbalah bestows the knowledge one desires.”

 

If that’s true, I wonder if while I’m using the Wisdom of Kabbalah to learn about Tsubasa’s past, I can also ask about the story of this body of mine. Once that’s clarified, I could fabricate a decent cover story to convince her.

 

When I do that, I could claim, "Actually, I’m a clone of Daat!" or, "I thought I was Daat until now, but the Wisdom of Kabbalah revealed the truth! I'm just a cyborg made to believe that!" As far as I recall, neither setting would contradict my actions up until now.

 

Fufufu… This is where my meaningful and mysterious play comes in handy. Sure, I was only doing it because it looked cool, but Eight-chan is really amazing for revealing something that was foreshadowed earlier in the story. This is a divine fanfiction desu wa*. (tl note: noble lady speech)

 

『Alright, grab on. We’re jumping now. The Ruins of Kabbalah is just one jump away with teleport!』

 

"Fufu… Thank you. I’m counting on you, Binah."

 

『Teleportation is my specialty. Not as much as you, though… Watch this!』(tl note: binah’s teleportation is written with kanji, unlike Eight's which is written with katakana.)

 

"Yeah, I'm watching, I'm watching."

 

No good*, I can’t help but smile at how she excitedly grabs my hand, looking like a kindergartener going on an outing with her beloved mother. (tl note: in kansai)

 

While she tries to to keep up appearances, and her face is hidden behind a veil, the restless fluttering of her wings makes her look like a child.

 

As she holds my hand, she activates the same power as my Teleportation.

 

In an instant, the view shifted from the throne room to a mystical landscape spread out before our eyes.

 

"So… this is the Ruins of Kabbalah…"

 

──The place was like a beautiful limestone cave, with countless crystal rocks sparkling in all directions.

 

(author: It’s a style that’s going to bluntly explain these difficult to understand proper nouns)

 

(Let me rant for a bit. Everyone in the neighborhood’s so loud with music blaring even at night and when I tried to tell them to quiet down, they tell me I’m just jealous and increased the volume, firecrackers going off even though it’s not even new year’s, and being forced to socialize with family members I don’t even know the names off… I don’t feel like doing anything…)

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