Cecilia has amnesia?
Otto frowned and asked inwardly:
"Is this memory loss normal, or did something go wrong?"
[Partial memory extraction phenomenon.]
"Oh, it even has a technical term… so it's considered normal? Could you be more specific?"
[It does not always occur—but it is normal. The cause is deceiving the world.]
"I see…"
Otto understood instantly.
If he wanted to twist history and save Cecilia, he had to deceive the world.
And humans themselves were part of that world.
The Book of Dimensions negated the past, created ambiguous points in history, and pulled a life out of its predetermined death.
This memory extraction was the method of "deceiving" the one being saved—removing her self-perception of having already died.
Her memories were partially reconstructing, which was why the current Cecilia couldn't access much of them.
Following that line of thought, Otto couldn't help but wonder—was historical modification equivalent to fishing someone out of the river of time, or merely a subtle distortion, like changing a few words in a long scroll of history?
So would these changes cause a butterfly effect?
Or did all choices in fate ultimately converge on a fixed ending?
For example, if the future him wanted to resurrect Kallen, then the figure lying in that coffin just now—was it a sleeper, or a corpse?
[Who knows?]
Within the space at his brow, the book returned an answer that sounded like a riddle—and yet not quite a riddle.
Who knows…
On the surface, it was evasive. In reality, it revealed quite a lot.
For instance, the butterfly effect had likely already begun.
For instance, this cheat ability would answer his questions.
—Which immediately reminded Otto of the thoughts he'd had before using it.
After learning the book's limitations, he had instantly considered mastering the rules themselves, then using them to ensure his ability to distort time would no longer be constrained.
Since the book had not refuted this idea nor offered an alternative method for making the future "predictable," it suggested his notion of "controlling the rules" might indeed be correct.
Savoring that thought, Otto asked another question:
"Is the amnesia of those revived permanent, or temporary?"
Raising someone like this over years might be interesting—but his original plan would likely need some adjustments.
[It will recover within seven days.]
Seven days.
Not too long, not too short—just enough to set up an interesting game.
Otto's thoughts spun rapidly as he spoke to Amber:
"Amber, I'll need your help for the next month."
"Bishop… you're planning to…?"
A bad feeling rose in Amber's chest.
She knew this posture all too well, because—
"I'm going to accompany Cecilia while she recovers her memories," Otto said. "So some tasks will have to be handed over to you."
You're slacking off!
Amber protested inwardly—he played Kallen Fantasy even when Cecilia wasn't here!
"I can handle daily work, but Bishop, some matters…"
She tried to negotiate at least a little.
"I'll still set aside time to deal with them," Otto waved a hand. "Don't worry."
So be it.
Amber sighed.
After all, this was Lady Cecilia—the Saint who once made the Bishop pause development of Kallen Fantasy…
The only person for whom he'd prepared a soulium body in Siberia to ensure her safety.
So abandoning work to stay with Cecilia now… was only natural… perfectly natural…
Working a bit harder herself was only right… right…
She finally convinced herself and nodded.
"Then I wish you success in awakening Lady Cecilia soon."
"Let's leave it to fate. And besides—"
Otto stepped forward, taking Cecilia's waist from Amber and drawing her into his arms.
"After listening for so long, my girl… shouldn't you open your eyes now?"
He waved a hand. Amber understood and withdrew into the shadows to prepare clothes.
A newborn beast imprints on the first creature it sees as its parent. Cecilia had only lost her memories, but Otto wouldn't miss any chance to leave a deep impression.
It was calculating—but beneficial to both sides.
The current Otto did not mistreat his own.
…
Cecilia opened her eyes. In her clear pupils was the reflection of Otto Apocalypse.
Who… is he?
Her mind held no memory of his face, no recollection of their past, no understanding of their relationship.
Yet within the fleeting fragments of memory, she could faintly sense his presence—familiar with his voice, drawn to follow his steps.
"Mm…"
Suddenly, a small scene appeared clearly in her mind: a girl laughing on a bustling shopping street, with a blond man behind her carrying bags.
What… is that?
Cecilia froze for a few seconds, then tried to trace the memory's context.
It was futile. Everything before and after remained blank, and the harder she tried, the worse her headache became.
She nearly clawed at her head, wanting to grasp something—yet her innate gentleness restrained her frustration.
"Mmm…"
A soft whimper escaped her, as if trying to release all the pressure into the air.
She wanted to cry, but for some reason no tears came.
Then the arm around her waist tightened slightly. The man supporting her guided her head to rest on his shoulder and said softly:
"Don't be afraid. I'm here. I'll always be here."
He gently patted her back, easing the tension from her body.
Her breathing gradually slowed. Listening to his voice, her restless heart calmed.
"This is…" she finally found her voice, slightly hoarse.
"This is Schicksal, the place you once lived. Welcome back, Cecilia Schariac."
What is Schicksal?
My name… is Cecilia Schariac?
"You may not remember these things yet," the man said gently, "but that's alright. I'll help you adapt to this new world."
"And you are…?"
Gratitude and confusion mingled in Cecilia's beautiful eyes as she asked softly.
She wanted very much to recall his name herself—but clearly couldn't.
Yet her subconscious urged respect; even her address carried honorifics.
"My name is Otto Apocalypse. I'm your friend," he smiled. "Given your condition, there's no need to search for me in your memories for now."
Cecilia nodded slightly—she had indeed been trying to recall scenes with him just moments ago.
"You can call me Brother—that's what you used to call me. Don't rush recovering your memories. I'll help you, slowly."