Outside
A massive black hole has appeared.
Signaling something ominous.
Eyes?
Is this the end? Or a new beginning?
Judgment Day.
This world has reached its end.
Haah ... So sleepy. Good morning.
Yeah, it's probably because I worked too hard yesterday, and for the past two days, I haven't gone to the old house.
Alright, I'd better hurry up, get myself cleaned up, and head to that old house.
"Goodness, the impact of that meteor strike was intense, wasn't it, dear?"
"Yeah, it could destroy an entire region in an instant."
Huh? Is that the news?
Tick...
What's this? Why am I hearing the sound of a ticking clock?
Tick ...
What's actually happening?!
"Eh, Liam, why are you shouting?"
It's nothing, Mom, just a slight headache.
"Goodness, hurry up and take a shower, Liam, and don't forget your breakfast."
Alright, thanks, Mom.
I'd better get cleaned up and ready quickly.
"Goodness, there's something a bit odd about that boy, isn't there, dear?"
"Yeah, he's quite strange, but is it true that our time is running out?"
"Who knows? I just hope nothing major happens."
[At Sacturn 26 Laboratory]
"With the fall of a meteor, we are forced to activate a safety protocol."
"Excuse me, what protocol are you referring to, sir?"
"Alright, Fanny, we will activate the Select Shield protocol to protect Limbara from the impact of the upcoming meteor shower."
"So, more meteors are coming?"
"Yes, activate the Select Shield now!"
"Yes, sir."
The Select Shield is the final safety protocol for the living beings in Limbara, but there's one peculiar question.
Is it just meteors that are coming, or is there some greater entity that will destroy everything directly?
Step! Step! Step!
I need to hurry to the old house.
I quickened my pace, trying to figure out what's really going on.
Ring ... Ring ...
"Yes, this is Lia. Who's this?"
"Mom, has big brother left again?"
"Yes, why? Can't he go to Sacturn 26?"
"It doesn't seem like he told anyone where he was going."
"Goodness, alright, thank you, Mom."
"You're welcome, dear."
Click!
Phew, I just got here.
What's going on with that belt?
Goodness, it looks like someone knocked over all three potion bottles.
And it seems ...
Wait, let me check the kitchen first.
Yup, as I thought, there's a little mouse here.
Come here, little mouse.
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
There you go, you're better off staying here.
I put the mouse in a small cardboard box on the table and let it eat.
It doesn't seem like anything's wrong with the machine, and as for the potions, if they didn't mix, they're probably safe.
Oh, wait, I forgot my promise to Fanny about this Corbanik bottle.
Where's my communication device?
Here it is.
Ring ... Ring ...
Hello, Fanny, sorry, your brother forgot to bring this bottle.
"It's okay, big brother, because the Select Shield protocol has been activated, so I can't leave. You can keep the bottle for yourself."
Sorry again, Fanny, but I can make it there.
"Huh? How?"
Just a sec.
Beep ...
Alright, let's test this machine further.
Oh, right, the button!
[■]
No mistake, it's definitely this one.
I want to go to the Sacturn 26 laboratory right now.
Click!
Zup!
Whoa, it actually worked!
Yes, at least I didn't fail this time.
Time to find Fanny.
Fanny, where are you?
"Where are you, big brother? You said you were coming here."
"There he is!"
Fanny, I'm here.
"Big brother, how did you get here so fast, and how could you even come to a place like this?"
That's not important. Here's the Corbanik bottle I promised.
"Alright, thank you, big brother."
Fanny, can I give you some advice?
"What advice, big brother?"
Get out of here or take cover in a safe bunker.
"What do you mean?"
Just go there while it's still safe.
I have to go again.
Goodbye.
Click!
"Big brother, wait! What do you mean?"
You'll find out soon enough, Fanny.
Zup!
For now, it's time to reread that book.
Considering this machine is working as planned.
Thank you, mysterious person, thanks to your advice, I managed to create this machine.
And it looks like my journey is just beginning.
Fate cannot be prevented.
If fate decrees something to happen, then it must happen.
Huh? This book? Why?
Everything here will end, and you must begin exploring the dimensional corridor of time.
What do you mean?
This world will meet its end, and a new world will be created anew.
Hmm ... Do you mean to say?
The world of Limbara will be destroyed, and they have arrived.
Who?
The outer god who will destroy this world.
Darklypse.
The ou god of destruction.
"SHOOM!"
Is the end finally beginning?
The writing in this book doesn't stop.
I mark him as the beginning.
He also marks the end.
He is the outer god of destruction.
Darklypse.
Destruction itself is Darklypse.
Embark on a time journey now!
What's actually happening?
Don't tell me.
I rushed out of the house and saw a massive storm destroying several residents' homes.
I'll call my family.
"Ring ... Ring ..."
Oh no, they're not answering.
Damn it, is this really the destruction?
I'll call my little sister.
"Ring ... Ring ..."
"Big brother? Can you hear me?"
Yes, Fanny, what's wrong?
"Get to a safe place, big brother. The safety protocol can't hold back the meteors anymore."
"And a huge meteor is heading this way, big brother."
No, it can't be.
"Even our parents have been hit by the massive storm, big brother."
NO!!!
Don't tell me it's because—
"You'd better take shelter in a place that—"
"Connection lost."
Fanny, don't tell me you—
That book.
Destruction is before my eyes, and the outer god Darklypse has been waiting for the right moment.
No, damn you!
Embark on a time journey immediately!
All who dare to challenge fate will be erased.
This is your fate.
You will become the successor of the greatest explorer, Master Zeko.
Fate?
Is this what they call fate?
Haah ... You call this my so-called fate!
"Crkk"
Several window panes and objects fell, shattered by the aura of rage from someone determined to defy fate.
And I am that challenger of fate.
What just happened?
Why did so many glasses and objects fall?
There's no time to waste.
Hey, Snacky, I'm taking you on a time-travel adventure.
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
Alright, I'll take that as a yes.
I changed into the clothes of the legendary Master Zeko.
Yes, it's time to wear this outfit as instructed in his final letter.
"O"
Alright, I will enter the dimensional corridor and explore a new world.
Goodbye.
"Click!"
"Whuup"
Out there, the outer god of destruction, Darklypse, is waiting for his moment to arrive.
[This is the time.]
Destruction.
"GRRRAAK!"
It's here.
"GRRRAAK!"
In my hand!
"BOOOM!"
"DUARR!"
The entire world of Limbara was obliterated in an instant, and the world that once served as a home for experimental creatures was reduced to nothing.
Is this truly the end?
I'm sorry.
Please forgive me, Father, Mother.
I failed to save you.
And Fanny, I'm sorry I didn't have time to tell you what was really going to happen.
Even before that, I didn't know what was actually happening.
P-please forgive me.
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
Yes, even though I've lost my family and my world, at least I still have you, Snacky.
A little mouse that somehow appeared out of nowhere in that old house.
Alright, while waiting to see where this flow of time will take me, I'd better read this book.
Master Zeko's notebook.
[Chapter 3: Outer Space]
Outer space is a realm, the outermost world that cannot be explored by lowly living beings like us.
Outer space is inhabited by divine emissaries from the side of light and monarch creatures from the side of darkness.
They are the ones who have been sustaining life there, but due to significant differences, the two sides constantly vie for power. Since each has their own strengths, their battles seem balanced, though slightly favoring the divine emissaries.
However, their battles, capable of shaking the oldest source of energy, prompted the gods to issue a warning through the fall of a leaf of life from the Tree of Life.
Each time a leaf of life falls, one living being will die and return to the world of souls.
And if a fruit of life from one of the branches falls, another living being will take its place.
This is what is called balance.
Balance? This concept might be something I can explore in more detail.
But does that mean their battles have ended?
No, the answer is unknown.
Because ...
Because what?
Warning! A massive storm lies ahead of you!
A massive storm?
"Grrrr ..."
Thunder? No way there's a massive storm here, right?
Note: If a massive storm appears in this dimensional corridor, it signifies that the Time Calamity is rising again, and this is only the first sign.
Damn it!
"Whoosh ..."
I'd better put this book away first before the massive storm hits us.
Hold on tight, Snacky, because that storm is coming.
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
The storm is coming, Snacky.
Hold on tight!
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
Damn it, the storm is hitting us!
Snacky and I are trying our hardest to withstand the massive storm in this dimensional corridor.
Lightning flashes, fierce winds, and powerful gusts make it feel like we could be tossed away at any moment.
For the first time, I'm terrified of a storm like this because it's not from my world and is far greater than anything I've ever experienced.
"Grrrr ..."
Argh, it hurts!
The lightning struck the belt, which is also the time machine.
N-no, is it going to contract?
[System instability detected.]
[Contraction will occur.]
[Searching for a suitable vessel.]
Don't tell me it's that vessel!
[Vessel found.]
"BZZT!"
[Contraction with the user's body is being processed.]
Argh, damn it, don't tell me it's merging its power with my body!
I feel a fusion happening between my blood's energy and the energy from this machine. Everything is being united into a powerful whole.
Am I becoming the time machine itself?
[Process complete.]
Huh ... Even though it hurt, it doesn't seem to have affected me too much.
What? The storm is gone?
Is that true, Snacky?
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
Good, if that's the case, but this dark hue is still here.
"Anyone who dares to challenge fate will have to deal with me."
Who are you?
"My existence isn't that important for you to know, but be certain that you'll face severe consequences if you defy fate."
"Successor of Master Zeko Deluxe."
You!
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
The storm has passed, and the dark clouds have left this place.
Looks like we're pretty tough, huh, Snacky?
We managed to withstand the shock of a massive storm like that.
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
And this body, I hope it doesn't suffer severe effects from the time machine's contraction.
Alright, let's read this book again.
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
But now, the monarchs and divine emissaries have sent down their fragments to prepare for something massive.
I don't know what they're planning, but the impact will likely be enormous because if they know about the oldest energy, they will try to seize it.
To ascend to an even stronger level of existence, as the primordial light and darkness energy is running low.
They need new, more powerful energy, and they will surely target the oldest energy and the Tree of Life.
I don't know who will stop them, but a great disaster is coming in the future, and I hope you and your friends can prevent it.
This massive disaster involving the divine emissaries and monarchs is far greater than I imagined.
I thought the problem was just about solving mysteries, but with the presence of these two beings, it's undeniable that ...
They will bring destruction due to the great battle that is coming.
That's the light coming out.
We're getting out, Snacky.
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
I can't wait to see the beautiful things from now on.
3
2
1
"Whuup ..."
Yes, we made it out, but ...
This place? What is this place?
The sky and stars? Nebula? Constellations? What is this?
"Whuup ..."
[Wrong destination.]
[Welcome to Limbara B-376 sector.]
Huh, Limbara again? Did I go back to the past?
Why am I in Limbara B-376 sector?
What's actually happening?
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
Wait a second ...
That's me, that's me and Master Zeko.
Why are they there?
Is this an event before the destruction of Limbara?
"Alright, Master Zeko, I'll head into your house."
"Thank you, Liam. You're a good kid."
"You're welcome."
This is the moment I first met Master Zeko.
[Machine Damaged.]
No, the machine is damaged, and I need tools to fix it.
Alright, I'll go down to that old house.
"Ssh ..."
I'd better walk quietly.
I slowly made my way to the old house.
I saw Master Zeko and myself talking about the time machine.
Yes, just like before, we were discussing the time machine and precious moments.
Wait, is that Master Zeko's time machine?
No, there's also the equipment. Alright, I'll take it and return it.
"Y-you have to continue the rest of my struggle …"
"No, Master Zeko!"
"Why, Master? We've only just met."
As I suspected, he's definitely going to bury it in the backyard of this old house.
"Alright, I'll bury it in the backyard of the old house."
While my past self was about to bury Master Zeko's body, I quietly took the equipment.
Alright, I need to hurry and fix this.
I sped up the process of repairing the time machine, and after a few minutes…
A-alright, it looks like it worked.
"It seems I'll look further into that time machine."
I need to get out of here.
I want to leave this place.
"<"
"Click!"
"Whuup."
[Welcome to Limbara B-375 sector.]
Huh? Limbara again?
Wait, this is the time when I was struggling to make the concept of the time machine a reality.
Looks like I'll give him a little hint.
"Ssh ..."
Hey, young man, you seem confused.
"Huh? Who are you? And where are you?"
Above your head.
"Above my head?"
He looks up.
"Who are you?"
Who I am isn't important, but you can't create the time machine by just combining the number 0 and the number 1.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
You have to combine ...
I point with my index and middle fingers, forming the number 2.
"Number 2?"
Yes, that's the result.
Alright, I hope you succeed, and ...
Goodbye.
"O"
"Whuup ..."
"Hey, wait a second!"
Yeah, looks like I'll get out of here.
Huh? What is this place?
Snacky, do you see it?
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
Something bigger seems to be approaching us.
This is outer space, more precisely beyond the world of Limbara.
W-wait, what's that?
"Squeak ... Squeak ..."
A black hole?
Is that the origin of the arrival of the outer god Darklypse?
"Ding!"
This book?
Warning! An outer entity is watching you!
What entity is it referring to?
"You! The one who dares to defy fate, I will kill you!"
That voice is coming from ...
Inside the black hole.
I'm getting out of here.
"[■]"
"Click!"
"Whuup ..."
Huh? This is the Sacturn 26 laboratory, where my sister is.
[Limbara B-375 sector.]
"Somebody, please help me!"
T-that's Fanny.
Calm down, I'll save you.
I slowly approach Fanny and start to calm her down.
Go to the bunker and drink the medicine from that bottle.
"Do I have to?"
Yes, at the very least, if you don't survive, you'll reincarnate.
Hurry and get inside.
"Alright."
Fanny enters the bunker and starts drinking the medicine.
">"
"Click!"
"Whuup ..."
Now I don't know where I'll be taken.
Hey, Snacky, you're asleep.
"Zzzzz."
Oh my gosh.
[Welcome to the world where humans live, Earth 455.]
Earth now, huh?
If I've used the time machine four times, that means I've run out of energy and become a living being like a human.
Did those time jumps have a big impact on me?
I hope not, though I'm still a bit worried about Fanny.
Alright, let's explore this Earth.
And hopefully, nothing happens.
"Good job, Kaito. With this, I've altered your timeline from exploring time 19 times to just 4 times."
"Now it's time for you to take the Heart of Flame."
"Because this story has just begun, and you can call me Master Illustration."